help to identify a large moth

[ChrisR]

I think you are doing the right thing - just try a variety of common hedgerow shrub leaves (but not poisonous stuff like laurel) so - Oak, Hawthorn, Privet etc. Keep them fairly dry and don't let water build up on the food or in the terrarium because this will promote disease and fungus.

It's actually good that you decided to hang on to it because re-releasing this kind of non-native insect is actually illegal. I doubt the police would be knocking at your door but as a general rule you're not allowed to release into the wild any non-native animal or plant so if you find a moth like this you should just enjoy them as a pet or take them to a butterfly farm etc.

[fotowalker]

Originally Posted by sallyf

hi
we have found a large moth that has a wing span of 17cm. Does anyone have any idea what it is as we can't find any information. We are located in the midlands area.
thanks
sally

It is a Tussore Silkmoth. I fed my larva on oak leaves. Larva are now about 3" long. I am hope they will pupate into cocoons soon. Roger

[N_I_B_S]

Originally Posted by sallyf

hi
we have found a large moth that has a wing span of 17cm. Does anyone have any idea what it is as we can't find any information. We are located in the midlands area.
thanks
sally

Thats absolutely wonderful i love butterflies and moths... and you say it was wild? what plants are near you? urban /country? thanks ,.. heres an atlas moth largest in the world but only lives for three weeks max :0(