#saturnidae

[wizardhecker]

A couple of saturnidaes found at a gas station in Tightsqueeze, VA. A delightful surprise that morning.

Imperial moth, and rosy maple moth

[pallanophblargh]

I’m so blessed to meet this little lady, the first of my 7 cecropia caterpillars from last summer to emerge. I wasn’t counting on her to come so early! I’m hoping to find her a mate, but I don’t know how good her odds are in this neck of the woods. I found her mother in the suburbs about 5-7 miles from here, so I don’t know how many cecropia find their way close to the urban (but still residential) core.

For those wondering: she is every bit as soft as she looks and she sounds like a bird when she beats her wings. Also she has a strong smell; kinda like musty chocolate and old leaves.

If I am fortunate to get fertilized eggs out of this group, I would love to raise the next generation of caterpillars. They have brought me so much joy and I missed them so much during their long pupation.

[onenicebugperday]

found this super cool imperial moth (i think) on my porch!! I haven’t seen one here before but they are native! (american southeast) please enjoy the large and majestic man

Yup, definitely an imperial moth. Large and lovely!

[tapacamino]

I found this handsome boy (an Emperor moth) out on the moor today.

[kndll-art]

saturn-idae

270x215m / watercolour

instagram

[icelogged]

[mothsperhour]

Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) ♂

My heart melts every time I see one of my huge moths clean their antennae like a cat washing their face. 

[colossalsummer]

Caterpillars are raised for their fat, silk, and urticating hairs. During the spring and summer, they’re kept in barns stocked with fresh leaves. In the winter, their eggs and cocoons are counted and stored.

Once the moths selected to transform into adults reproduce and die, their wings are made into cloaks to help shepherds stay warm and dry through the cold months. Shepherds can also glide with these cloaks by jumping from a high place or getting a running start and tucking their legs. The eyespots also provide an extra layer of defense from the wasps and birds they have to fend off year-round.

Shepherds use crooks to safely move their stock and climb around. Most sheperds cover their mouths and noses when working to avoid developing allergies or breathing irritating particles. The antennae headpiece is traditional. 

IDK what this lady’s name is but I think about her all the time. Her sweater is made of caterpillar silk.

Also, a bonus weevil shaman mask.