Mothra has Landed

RobStanley

RobStanley

Joined
Dec 27, 2006
Messages
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We had a few enormous moths buzz our house last night. One was still sitting on the wall this morning so I thought I'd get a couple of pics. These things are huge, like a small bird!!! Not sure what they are, but from a quick search they appear to be some kind of Hawk Moth...

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And for a size comparision...

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You'll need the TG to do battle with this one. Bug spray just won't cut it ;)
Big ass Hawk moth.
 
Wow, that is stunning, Rob. Beautiful photos.

It is one of the large hawkmoths, almost certainly a Daphnis and I would go with Daphnis placida as most likely. But I am no expert and other possibilities would be protrudens, then less likely (to me at least) dohertyi or moorei. The size makes me lean towards protrudens but the markings seem more like placida. Anyway, a beautiful big hawkmoth, a known pollinator for some Austrailan native plants so probably doing good work for you.
 
We have had several of those same moths here in Texas. They freak my daughter out, especially if she thinks someone...not saying who...might have put one in her room.
 
sandgrouper said:
Wow, that is stunning, Rob. Beautiful photos.

It is one of the large hawkmoths, almost certainly a Daphnis and I would go with Daphnis placida as most likely. But I am no expert and other possibilities would be protrudens, then less likely (to me at least) dohertyi or moorei. The size makes me lean towards protrudens but the markings seem more like placida. Anyway, a beautiful big hawkmoth, a known pollinator for some Austrailan native plants so probably doing good work for you.
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Thanks mate! Good info. I'll look them up. Beautiful delicate creatures they are. Good to know they're helping our native flora.
 
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OK if post a pic of a flying frickin turtle I am never coming to Australia.

most the worlds deadliest snakes
the worlds most venomous spiders
Croc's
Bird sized moths
Summer is winter, winter is summer
Keith Urban....................................................................................well at least you have AC-DC & Dead Kelly :)
 
cricketdave said:
We have had several of those same moths here in Texas. They freak my daughter out, especially if she thinks someone...not saying who...might have put one in her room.
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hahahahaha! If I had a kids I would do exactly the same thing. :D
 
Holy crap! :eek:
I think if that thing decides YOU are on the menu you'll need at least a Mistress if not somthin' bigger! ;)

Awesome pix Rob!!!!!
 
David Brown said:
OK if post a pic of a flying frickin turtle I am never coming to Australia.

most the worlds deadliest snakes
the worlds most venomous spiders
Croc's
Bird sized moths
Summer is winter, winter is summer
Keith Urban....................................................................................well at least you have AC-DC & Dead Kelly :)
Click to expand...


hahaha yes, Keith Urban, easily one of the most toxic creatures Oz has ever produced.

Don't forget the sharks and the jellyfish too.

Lucky for us the venom of these moths isn't deadly. Well, not always.
 
sandgrouper said:
Wow, that is stunning, Rob. Beautiful photos.

It is one of the large hawkmoths, almost certainly a Daphnis and I would go with Daphnis placida as most likely. But I am no expert and other possibilities would be protrudens, then less likely (to me at least) dohertyi or moorei. The size makes me lean towards protrudens but the markings seem more like placida. Anyway, a beautiful big hawkmoth, a known pollinator for some Austrailan native plants so probably doing good work for you.
Click to expand...

Yeah, thats exactly what I was gonna say. LOL

If you arent a moth expert you are the closest I have come to encountering one.

Garth
 
Oh my gosh. . . . I really hope we don't ever get those around here and if we do, I am never around! :eek:
 
Most definitely! We are all excited to see everyone again. It's been too long ;)
 
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