A very common moth throughout eastern North America and north to southern Canada. They range west to southern Arizona and south to Central America, at least as far as Costa Rica. Larvae feed on a wide variety of host plants -- over 100 recorded plant genera in North America -- , including such diverse plants as azaleas, blackberry, clover, cotton, current, hackberry, hibiscus, mesquite, palms, rear, redbud, roses and willows. (University of Florida "Featured Creature")
Prominent eye spots on hind wings are distinctive and found on both males and females. Males are usually yellow while females are a rusty red color.
(Previous post includes photos of female, eggs and caterpillars.)
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7 comments:
These are so beautiful. I've never seen one in "real" life, but maybe someday!
You certainly nailed this photo wind or no wind.
beautiful! i don't think i've ever seen one.
Would you look at that! Marvelous! I've never had the pleasure of meeting one of these beauties! ~karen
How lovely--and strange! I have seen only a few before--in Missouri, I think. Thank you for posting this and the previous post's photos. I'm learning as well as enjoying your posts.
Kay
That's fabulous! I've never seen one.
Beautiful moth! I've never seen this one before. Thanks for including the link to the additional photos.
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