Polyphemus Moth

"Literature and butterflies are the two sweetest passions known to man."

-Vladimir Nabokov

I saved this back this moth from my weekly butterfly postings, because of all the butterflies and moths I photographed at the Conservatory of Flowers, this is the one which fascinated me the most. It was the largest of the display, with a wingspan of nearly 6 inches. Unfortunately, they didn't get many of the larvae of this type, so there was only a few to be seen. This girl is a little wing damaged, she had probably emerged just after my visit the week before. I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to see her "birth," as I had been watching her chrysalis with a good amount of anticipation.

The exhibit also had Luna moths, but they were early on in the exhibit, around late March,which was before I got a chance to go. I bet you are wondering how I know for sure that this is a female? Simple, the males have a feathery antenna as opposed to the smooth, stick-like ones on the female. :) I learned so much about them this past two seasons, cross your fingers for me that the conservatory will bring them back next year. :) I promise to take lots and lots of pictures. :)

My good friend Steven, has been posting an amazing series on his AOL journal, chronicling the life of a Monarch. He started with a caterpiller, and will take us on the journey, as it becomes a beautiful Monarch butterfly. If you haven't been by, you must drop by and see for yourself... it's awesome! :) The series begins here, and as of yesterday's posting he was on day 16!

-OndineMonet
Polyphemus Moth (Female) Antheraea polyphemus
Conservatory of Flowers
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, Ca
October, 2006
Afternoon