foster(ing) a bug

i just started working at a butterfly biosphere and today i encountered THIS funky little guy

it’s the most beautiful butterfly i’ve ever seen in my life i love him so much but i’ve got NO CLUE what he is!!! there were no signs!!!

I got in one (1) night's moth-ing before the weather turned again, but fingers crossed for tomorrow 💖🦋

Until we're past the gales, here's some super-cute moths from previous years to remind you that:

- moths are beautiful

- they pollinate ur plants at night

- their caterpillars are essential food for baby birds

- they're a crucial part of many ecosystems, with life cycles connected to those of trees and wildflowers, birds, and lots of other invertebrates

The moths in the pics are: small emerald, blood vein, small blood vein, tree lichen beauty, box tree moth, orange swift, scorched wing, riband wave & willow beauty, brimstone moth.

Orange Lappet Moths (Alompra roepkei), male and female, family Lasiocampidae, MCM Nature Discovery Villa, Fraser's Hill, Malaysia

Just a lil guy!!!! 🥺🪲

Isopod Kickstarter | Etsy

this guy :)

BotD 6 - 03/27/24

Am I late this time? No way!!! This is the Gaudy Sphinx Moth!

These fluttery fellas are anything but gaudy, bearing beautiful emerald coloring. As with most Hawkmoths, these moths have a splash of red lining their underwings. That, along with their sharp, angular wings make these moths an absolutely stunning species! These moths can usually be found in North, Central, and South America, but commonly fly long distances, and can occasionally be found in strange places. The larvae of this species have distinct eyespots, meant to resemble that of snake eyes. Their disproportionately large, shiny "eyes" make them look almost like a Pokémon in their larval state. Truly an amazing creature!