Black Witch Moth

[the_hefay]

I saw this moth clinging to the outside of the house. My guess is it's 5-6 inches across. With the help of whatsthatbug.com it was identified as a Black Witch Moth which migrates north when the rainy season starts in Mexico. The migratory patterns are not as consistent as the Monarch but they have been seen 2000 miles east of Brazil and have also flown to all the islands of Hawaii. It seems to be a warm/tropical weather moth. However, occasionally, for reasons yet unknown, it flies further north. The tattered wings on this one bare witness to the grueling journey it must have made. Even if it started in Texas, that would still be over 1000 miles as the crow flies and possibly quite a bit more as the moth flies. I've yet to see a moth or butterfly that can fly a straight line.

[sury]

Interesting story, Jeff. Amazing migratory pattern.

Sury

[Dusty]

Hmmmm. That little thing flies over 1000 miles, my kids think going out back to the garden to pick tomatoes is too much!

Dusty

[the_hefay]

[Birma]

That's an epic flight for a moth, even a really big one!

I amazed that moths and butterflies fly anywhere by design as their flight appears so erratic.