Saw this little guy on my driveway yesterday. He's just started spreading his wings. Since he no longer eats (does any damage to plants), I wish him the best.
Ooh, what a beautiful moth. I particularly like the second shot.
that is a beauty,new to me too
Moths and butterflies usually hang inverted just after eclosure from their chrysalis or cocoon. This is to allow gravity to pull their wings straight-down, before they stiffen. I doubt if this fellow's wings will fully extend, and I already see an unnatural curve in each.
From your Exif info, you have decent macro equipment. Your Canon 100mm macro lens will allow you to get closer. At Minimum Focusing Distance (MFD), you can capture 1:1, true macro-photography.
Thanks for everyones response. I wish I had taken the time to stabilize the camera and get closer but at my age, you don't think you have the time. I went out to feed my feral cat in the garage today and the little orange dude came flying in to visit. Guess he's doing well.
I love these moths. Very colorful...
And apparently friendly as well. One landed on my hand last night and spent about 5 minutes walking up my arm and around my shoulder and chest.
What a fantastic series. I'm so glad you caught it and took these marvelous photos of the process.
It is of interest to note that although these are not giant moths, they are in the family Saturniidae and so their relatives are the largest moths in the U.S. and the world for that matter.
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