It's a male polyphemus moth - just beautiful!!

Sherry

Thank you for the id Sherry. I agree-it is spectacular.

wow, never seen one of those in Minnesota before. Too bad they're nocturnal...

Moths would appear to be "attacking" lights, but of course they don't and this one was not trying to extinguish your floodlight. There are only theories and guesses why some moths are attracted to lights.

The forewings on that poly are odd. The top of the forewing is curved more than I'm used to seeing.

KC

I thought so too but it sure is gorgeous. I am glad to know it can fly though. That was my first thought. I think Cynthia moths have wings that are shaped a bit like that but I may be mistaken as it has been many years since I have seen one of those beauties. Murray

Could have been an emergence problem--cramped space, etc, the wings are rumpled as well as overly curved.

Just gorgeous dandy!! Thanks so much for sharing him with us!! Wow.~~Angie

For comparison, here is a picture of the "typical" Polyphemus.

Bob

{{gwi:494581}}

I have a pic of the anti-monster poly. She eclosed yesterday (Tuesday). She has to be the smallest poly I've ever seen. I'm guessing I raised her on the maple in my front yard since the cats on that tree don't get very big. The male moth in the picture is either her brother or a close cousin. Notice how different their coloring is. Male was probably raised on Norway maple.

{{gwi:494583}}

The link below is a pic of them with a half dollar so you can tell how big they are.

KC

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:494576}}

I would have splurged and used a dollar bill;>)