Please Identify This Moth?

[pearceshaun]

Hi,

I came home the other evening to find what I think was a huge moth in my hallway. Can anybody identify the moth / insect from my picture below:



Many Thanks,

Shaun.

[Jenny W]

Well it ain't British for sure! Looks to be a Saturniid of some description, but I have very little knowledge of foreign wildlife I'm afraid. Someone will come along who knows it.

[charlieb]

Where was this found? It's Hyalophora cecropia, a North American species.

[pearceshaun]

Hi,

Thanks for the quick reply. I found this moth laying in my hallway in South London, certainly nowhere near North America. Have these moths been known to populate the UK?

I have a feeling my cat brought the Moth into our house whilst we were out, I just let it out into our back garden.

Thanks,

Shaun.

[charlieb]

Originally Posted by pearceshaun

Have these moths been known to populate the UK?

No

It's an escapee from a private collection or butterfly house, have a look at this link: Cecropia Silkmoth