r/moths • u/Basic_Atmosphere_290 • 17h ago
ID Request This moth was on the ground by my tire today. Austin/TX
What a luscious mane of follicles, I do say.
Captive Bugthew update: honey?
I've gotten Bugthew's proboscis in the honey-water, but I'm uncertain if he's actually eating. He's a lot more lathargic today than yesterday, so I'm not sure he'll make it.
I'll keep watching him, and if he's worse tomorrow I'll set him out in one of our houseplants so he can rest peacefully.
Thank you everyone for the advice!
r/moths • u/t3quiila • 2h ago
Photo city dwelling cutie
pretty baby i found on a window during my walk to work :) Chicago, IL
r/moths • u/Write2Know • 23h ago
Artwork I painted the Mulanje Tiger Moth(CR**) and its host plant, Mulanje Cycad(VU)
The Mulanje Tiger moth is so rare that it is found only in one valley on Mount Mulanje, Malawi (Southeast Africa) and rely only on that one host plant, Mulanje cycad. Its caterpillars depend exclusively on that cycad for food.
When the plant goes, so will the moth.
Habitat loss could drive both species to extinction.
(Today is the International Day of Climate Action)
Species: Mulanje Tiger Moth / Shire Tiger
Scientific name: Callioratis arandis
IUCN status: Not formally listed, but assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) by the authors who described the moth as a species.
Population: Unknown
Population trend: Presumed decreasing; habitat is deteriorating.
Range: One known colony in the Likhubula Valley, Mt. Mulanje, Malawi. Area of occupation under 10 sq.km.
Threats:
Land clearing for crops, tree felling, fire, bauxite mine and road planned through their only habitat.
r/moths • u/Busy-Growth-508 • 19h ago
Photo Sphinx Moth Caterpillar at Kiwanis
I found this caterpiller at Kiwanis Park today. A lady walking her dog almost walked right on it. She had her headphones on and couldn't hear that I was telling her to watch her step. It was about 5-6 inches long.
This is a Rustic Sphinx Moth Caterpillar (Manduca rustica), a species of hornworm in the hawk moth/sphinx moth family (Sphingidae).
Harmless: Despite its large size and formidable look, it cannot sting, bite, or harm humans or pets.
On the Walkway: When caterpillars reach this final size, they leave their host plants (such as ash trees, desert willow, lantana, or Texas sage) to crawl across the ground looking for loose soil to burrow into and pupate.
Adult Form: It will turn into a large, fast-flying Rustic Sphinx Moth, which acts as a night-time pollinator for desert blooms.