Luna moth

[BowhunterNJ]

Had this luna moth swing by my house tonight...man these things are big! First time I've ever seen one!

 

[Rusty]

 

[NJfarmgirl]

Those things are awesome!  Isn't that supposed to mean good luck, something?  Or maybe it's just that people are lucky to see them since they only live for like a week!  Craziness.  Saw one once at a playground when I was younger.  I thought it was some weird bug from Africa that was gonna eat me. LOL

 

Saw this two years ago while running at the park... Thought it was a luna moth caterpillar at first...but it's not.  It's green, with yellow horns, white spots on the side, and it's hairy (ewww).  Name the caterpillar! 

[LittleM]

Nice pics, both of you.  Not sure about the caterpillar species..............  I don't do bugs!

[Rusty]

I'm not much of a bug guy either but I'll guess a silk moth ???

[NJfarmgirl]

Lol...I'm not a bug person either but find them fascinating and end up taking pix of them more than anything it seems. The luna moth pic you took is so cool (I like how it's almost flourescent)

 

This catterpillar is an imperial moth...which I think is some type of silk moth. I don't think I've ever actually seen the moth itself before? http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eacles_imperialis

 

A hundred years ago (before camera phones were a thing) I also saw a Prometheus Moth caterpillar at Rutgers Gardens in the pine forest area. http://www.artflakes.com/en/products/prometheus-moth-caterpillar-callosamia-promethea-eastern-us

 

If you haven't been to the gardens...I suggest taking a hike through. All sorts of interesting stuff there!

[Haskell_Hunter]

Here's a great activity for all you buggies:  http://www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/bug-fest/

 

http://www.ansp.org/get-involved/programs/festivals/bug-fest/

 

I highly recommend attending, and if you have kids it's all the better.  The part I strongly recommend trying is eating bugs.  They usually have a gourmet bug chef there, and you'd be surprised how awesome maggot chutney tastes!  Keep a keen eye and ear out for the dragonflies, they are the "lobsters" of the bug world.

 

Seriously, take a day and check it out with the family or friends.  Guaranteed good time!

[MRMCR]

I know some people can get a rash from touching caterpillars so be careful........