how big is it?

It was huge. Maybe as long as my index finger?

Lisa

Likely a sphinx moth, the 5-spotted hawkmoth. The caterpillar is known as a tomato hornworm.

Thank you, Larry!

I have been fascinated with the moths this year. They have some beautiful patterns...and they seem to find my garage wall fascinating!

Lisa

I found him dead on top of my lawnmower last evening. I saved him for a teacher friend to use in her science class.

Lisa

Lisa, it is a very dry year, both for butterflies and the drought we are in, which I suspect is a main reason for the lack of leps.

I've been putting out lots of rotting fruit, so I do have large numbers of Hackberry Emperors, a few Tawnies, and an occasional Red Admiral. Always have Cabbage Whites, lots of Reakirt's Blues and Gray Hairstreaks. Lately, a Wild Indigo Duskywing has been hanging around, but no eggs yet, so I suspect it is a male waiting for a female to show up.

I do have some Black Swallowtail cats, but very few compared to other years. I doubt our passion vines will get any action this year. Hopefully, we will get some very soon since the Monarch migration will be under way, and other butterflies will be flying South for the winter.

Susan

Susan, I know, there has been very little action. I see just a few butterflies now and then, especially the cabbage whites and a number of the Reakirt's Blues, but on the whole, very few. I can't say I blame them, it is too hot and dry for me too! I'm trying to keep everything watered for the few I'm sure I'm just not seeing.

I guess my vines will have another year to establish their root systems! That certainly will help next year!