Large Silk Moths have been declining in population because of habitat loss and the use of pesticides. Mostly active at night, they are beautiful and under-appreciated part of Ontario wildlife.
Female and Male (Cecropia Male on the right with the feathery antenna)
Thanks to moth kits from Tim Dyson, some beauties just hatched out!
Io Moth (Female)
Emerging from their cocoons are: Polyphemus, Promethea, Io, Cecropia and Luna moths. You can tell the difference between males and female silk moths because males have very feathery antennae. They used this to pick up the pheromones or the scent released by a female. They can detect a female up to 3 kilometers away!
Promethea Moth
To order your own moth kit contact Tim Dyson at mothydyson@gmail.com
Luna Moth
