Moth ID?

[Doodlebird]

It's been raining a lot recently and I found this moth with soaked wings outside. I live in southern Michigan and I'm curious what kind she is because I've never seen one like her before. She has spikes on her back legs, and her face looks like a bats face. She's currently on my arm, so I can grab more photos if needed. Thanks!

 

[Westicles]

It's been raining a lot recently and I found this moth with soaked wings outside. I live in southern Michigan and I'm curious what kind she is because I've never seen one like her before. She has spikes on her back legs, and her face looks like a bats face. She's currently on my arm, so I can grab more photos if needed. Thanks! View attachment 389400 View attachment 389401 View attachment 389402

Not sure, but Google has a pretty reliable insect identifier app. Had to use it several times!

 

[Doodlebird]

Not sure, but Google has a pretty reliable insect identifier app. Had to use it several times!

Thanks! Google said it was a lesser yellow underwing. Hopefully she flies away at something point, but if not I might pin her.

 

[Westicles]

Thanks! Google said it was a lesser yellow underwing. Hopefully she flies away at something point, but if not I might pin her.

Gotcha. Way back when I used to have an awesome insect collection. Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, and Hemiptera are my faves!

 

[Doodlebird]

Update: She flew a little bit! She's still hanging onto me, but I got to see her beautiful wings

 

[Poonjab]

Mothra

 

[Westicles]

Update: She flew a little bit! She's still hanging onto me, but I got to see her beautiful wings View attachment 389405

Down here in Mississippi, the luna moths and sphinx species are some of the most beautiful in my opinion. But, it's always nice to see some from other areas!

 

[Doodlebird]

Down here in Mississippi, the luna moths and sphinx species are some of the most beautiful in my opinion. But, it's always nice to see some from other areas!

Those are really pretty! I've only seen the small moths that you find in your lawn, so I was surprised to find this absolute unit of a moth out and about

 

[Westicles]

Those are really pretty! I've only seen the small moths that you find in your lawn, so I was surprised to find this absolute unit of a moth out and about

Have you ever seen a large luna? They take up a whole hand! Lol

 

[Doodlebird]

Have you ever seen a large luna? They take up a whole hand! Lol

I've seen them at our local botanical gardens! They have a beautiful indoor butterfly garden with a few luna moths. Maybe one day I'll spot one in the wild.

 

[Westicles]

I've seen them at our local botanical gardens! They have a beautiful indoor butterfly garden with a few luna moths. Maybe one day I'll spot one in the wild.

Are you into other insect species apart from moths?

 

[Doodlebird]

Are you into other insect species apart from moths?

Yep! I've kept some crickets, butterflies and beetles, but I enjoy admiring them all

 

[Westicles]

Yep! I've kept some crickets, butterflied and beetles, but I enjoy admiring them all

Cool. Do you guys up north have the famous giant water bug( Belostomatid)? Aka, the toe biter?

 

[Doodlebird]

Cool. Do you guys up north have the famous giant water bug( Belostomatid)? Aka, the toe biter?

Yep! I've seen a couple. In the sand dunes near lake Michigan there are lots of small ponds, and there are all kinds of water bugs, frogs and mammals that live in them, toe biters included.

 

[Westicles]

Yep! I've seen a couple. In the sand dunes near lake Michigan there are lots of small ponds, and there are all kinds of water bugs, frogs and mammals that live in them, toe biters included.

Wasn't sure if they were a southern species or not. Anyhow, those guys and wheel bugs are hands down the most impressive insects in my opinion!!

 

[Doodlebird]

Wasn't sure if they were a southern species or not. Anyhow, those guys and wheel bugs are hands down the most impressive insects in my opinion!!

They are amazing! Wheel bugs are really interesting looking, I've actually been debating whether or not to try my hand at keeping them.

 

[Westicles]

They are amazing! Wheel bugs are really interesting looking, I've actually been debating whether or not to try my hand at keeping them.

Don't know anything about keeping them, but I know their bites are notorious for being painful!!!!!! Proceed with caution

 

[Doodlebird]

Don't know anything about keeping them, but I know their bites are notorious for being painful!!!!!! Proceed with caution

Haha yeah that's what makes me nervous. I also don't know if I can make a large enough enclosure for them to thrive while still hiding them from my parents.

 

[jc55]

Have you ever seen a large luna? They take up a whole hand! Lol

Sounds like a big moth.I am in Mississippi as well and have not seen any yet but will look forward to the day i do.

 

[Doodlebird]

Update II: I'm pretty sure Mothra has separation anxiety because she won't leave. I set up an apartment for her, but she's slowing down a lot and refuses so eat so I'm not sure how long she will survive. If she ends up dying I'll probably pin her because she's very pretty. Good night peeps!