This is a cecropia moth. They are very rare. My friends and i caught one once when i was a child, but that was long ago. This is only the second time in my life i've been able to look at one of these creatures up close. This one just came out of its cocoon, so it couldn't fly yet, otherwise it probably would have flown away. I did touch its abdomen briefly to see how soft it was, but otherwise left it alone except for taking lots of pictures.
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This is right outside the door to the apartment building on the wall separating the door from the driveway. I was surprised no one bothered the moth. The last time i checked on it was about 20:00, shortly before dusk. The moth was still fine. I think this species is nocturnal, so it was probably waiting for dark to try flying.
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This picture shows the wing colors nicely.
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This shot's a bit closer, but slightly overexposed.
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The legs on the moth look more like those on a hermit crab!
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This is the cocoon the moth came from. It is about 3 3/4 inches (9.5 cm) long (not including the little stick poking out of the right side).
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I didn't bring a ruler with me, but i think the moth's wingspan is about 6 inches (15 cm).
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Here's a size comparison with my hand.
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