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Post by Rev. Redmond Farrier on Jun 18, 2012 23:00:13 GMT -8
I was returning to my house from my mv setup feeling rather disappointed that I had not added to my collection and when I got to my porch, I noticed my dog looking at something by my door. This guy was waiting on me by my front door! I had no idea that such a creature even existed in this area! Upon researching this lovely moth, I found that it is even more astonishing as a caterpillar. I thought that the Hickory Horned Devil that I had seen spoken of around these forums was some exotic creature from a far off land, not something in my own backyard! Needless to say, my mood changed from disappointment to joy, though I was mildly irritated that my expensive bulb bought specifically to draw in interesting insects yielded nothing, when a simple cheap porch light pulled this in.  Attachments:
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ckswank
Full Member
Posts: 239
Country: USA
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Post by ckswank on Jun 24, 2012 20:30:09 GMT -8
Always nice to find something unexpected! Nice specimen.
Charlie
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Post by papilio28570 on Jun 24, 2012 20:49:31 GMT -8
I remember first seeing this moth on my porch as well when I was around 15 years old...about 50 years ago. What a heart pounding exhilarating rush I had to see such a magnificent creature. It was a huge female. Also memorable was a distinct odor the moth gave off. I smell that same scent now and again when out in the woods collecting, but I can never locate the moth.
The caterpillar is astonishingly huge and beautiful. It would be a terribly frightening creature if you didn't know what it was. It feeds on sweetgum, walnut and hickory, but I have never known it to be a common species.
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Post by papilio28570 on Jun 24, 2012 20:51:10 GMT -8
You should remount the moth though. Get the bottom of the fore wings set at a right angle to the body.
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Post by Rev. Redmond Farrier on Jun 24, 2012 21:48:02 GMT -8
Yeah, my spreading skills leave a lot to be desired.  The more I fuss with them to get it right though, the more I end up damaging my specimens. With a bit more practice, I should be able to go back and fix some of my more messy spreading jobs. Oh, and tonight was another good night.  I just got this Eacles imperialis off of my sheet a few moments ago! Attachments:
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The more I fuss with them to get it right though, the more I end up damaging my specimens. With a bit more practice, I should be able to go back and fix some of my more messy spreading jobs.
