Incredible moth

Karan Fairchild

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May 31, 2015, 10:36:27 PM5/31/15

to mid-vall...@googlegroups.com

Hi All-

This moth showed up in our yard today, sitting on an iris blade (in plain
sight, fortunately!). Any ideas? Thanks so much!

Karan Fairchild 6 mi SW Philomath

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Lisa Millbank

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May 31, 2015, 11:04:34 PM5/31/15

to Karan Fairchild, Mid-Valley Nature

Hi Karan,

It's really unique with that scalloped edge on its forewings. I wonder if it had just recently emerged.

I think it's the Blinded Sphinx, Paonias excaecata. See http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Paonias-excaecata. Looks like its host plants include hawthorns, cottonwoods, serviceberry, oceanspray, cherry, oaks and willows, so I guess they could turn up just about anywhere.

Lisa Millbank

www.neighborhood-naturalist.com

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Karan Fairchild

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May 31, 2015, 11:16:45 PM5/31/15

to Lisa Millbank, Mid-Valley Nature

Thank you, Lisa! It sure does look like this species. I had the impression it might’ve been newly emerged. We’ve never seen one before!

Karan

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