I have seen these big beautiful Moths many times over the years, but didn't usually have a camera. On this day I did (last summer I think). They seem pretty hesitant to fly during the daytime, which means they can be observed up close. The coloration is striking, along with the size. The wingspan is up to 7 inches. Up close it looks as soft and fuzzy as a kitten.
The caterpillar of the Imperial Moth, is also huge and striking. Still soft, and fuzzy, but certainly not kitten cuddly.
Different instars are different colors. The one I photographed is probably the fifth, and final one. (It is fully grown.) This caterpillar is beautiful, but also a bit SCARY looking. When I touched it, it started tossing its upper body, and head, violently back and forth, as if to say...
It scared me!
Later, Cy
