THE CASE OF THE ODD LEAF

07/18/22...On the morning walk, the dogs and I passed the Locust trees from about 15 ft (5M) as usual. I happened to see a kind of bright yellow spot against the bark of the tree about 8" from the ground. Seeing yellow leaves in mid July is not unusual...especially when it's been dry like it has...but this one looked a bit different...I couldn't make out any detail and I didn't have my glasses with me. Up to the tree I went. There was this large yellow Moth with purplish, mauve markings. It’s wingspan had to have been at least 6". I have seen these moths before, but did not know their name. So I hit the internet...this is an Imperial Moth...quite common and far ranging.

 

Some factoids I learned from the internet about the Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis):

 

1) This is probably a female, given it's size and bright yellow color.

 

2) The adult moth lives for only a week or so.

 

3) The moths do not eat, they emerge, mate, lay eggs and die.

 

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Walter C Snyder

Done