This beautiful day-flying moth is not rare and during this time of the year, many can be seen migrating.
But they never sit still! Well, at least not where we live. But yesterday one took shelter from an incoming tropical shower. It landed on a bush in the garden. Can you spot it?
This moth is a migrating species. Around October many of those moths are flying northwards, often along rivers. I’ve seen many of those moths crossing the Commewijne River flying low over the water.
I could not find out why they migrate around this time of the year. But my guess is that they migrate to breed.
I was very pleased that I was finally able to take a few photographs. It was on my wish list for a long time. Look at the beautiful details of its wings.
They are a big species of moths. They almost look like little birds when they fly through the sky with their long tails.
They rest during the night. They hide in trees. I’ve seen one going in to a tree just before nighttime. I was surprised because there were many birds in that tree as well. But apparently these moths are toxic and fear no predators. Their bright colours signal their toxicity.
- Green-banded Urania
- Urania leilus LINNAEUS, 1758
- Superfamily - GEOMETROIDEA
- Superfamily - URANIOIDEA
- Family - URANIIDAE
- subfamily - URANIINAE
Believe it or not but you can buy dead ones on Amazon. I was very surprised but there's a whole butterfly trade online. I rather have them alive in our garden.
Much love,
Gardenbsquared
PS
This is my latest gif btw. Feel free to use it.
