Mighty Moths by the Sydenham!

On June 24th, some moth enthusiasts spent the night at the Sydenham Nature Reserve. Through a bit of research, it was discovered that many of the larger moths start flying at 2:00 a.m. which meant it was going to be a late night! I consider myself to be a moth enthusiast but I am also an enthusiast of a good night's sleep. Although I did not attend, my camera went on the trip and these photos were taken by Deryl.

Upon its arrival, a Cecropia Moth swept its way up and down the sheet, knocking off 50% of the other insects. Wing Span 110-150 mm

Beautiful Luna Moth! Wing Span 75-150 mm

Promethea Moth: Wing Span 75-95 mm

Waved Sphinx: Wing Span 45-60 mm

Walnut Sphinx: Wing Span 30-40 mm 

Giant Leopard Moth

Banded Tussock Moth (on left) with a Straight-lined Plagodis.

Beautiful Wood-nymph

Blinded Sphinx: Wing Span 35-50 mm

The species name for this Looper Moth is a mystery. Deryl commented that it has more bristles than the power head of our old vacuum cleaner.

Painted Lichen Moth

Rose Hooktip: Wing Span 25-35 mm

Rosy Maple Moth 

Virgin Tiger Moth 

White-fringed Emerald: Wing Span 20-25 mm

A smug-looking Gray Treefrog had to be evicted from the sheet before it had a chance to sample the smorgasbord of moths.