this large and beautiful moth emerges from a cacoon in summer..it starts its life as an egg attatched to gum leaves and grows into a large green caterpillar which eats the gum leaves..the caterpillar spins a cacoon reinforced with bark and emerges as this moth...the moth doesnt eat and relies on nourishment when a caterpillar...they only have a lifespan of a couple of weeks and spend their time flying around looking for a nice leaf on which to lay their eggs..and so the cycle continues....came across this happy fellow on a morning walk...
Lovely close up and such a pretty color. Interesting story about the Emperor Gum Moth. Sounds like you have a short span of time to get a picture of one each year.
So beautiful ... especially for a moth. I find the pattern so interesting. Almost look like eyes...but be to scare off predators? Great shot and commentary.
What a lovely moth & interesting story, sounds like you know your moth's or else you are a friend of Google. Top portion of wing, left & right, looks like a bee on each a big bumble bee.
Such a beautiful shot, love the rich colours on it's wings. Thanks for the commentary as well, I expect the cocoon is hard to spot with bark and bits woven into it.
