Documenting the Craziness of Our Awesome Life!
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Cecropia Moth (Silkmoth) Discovery

I went to Tim Horton’s today for coffee and tea and found this little beauty sitting on the ledge when I walked out.   

I wasn’t too sure if it was able to fly as it looked a bit unstable and wobbly on its feet. It’s wings looked good so I was optimistic.   

I came home to sure everyone and Momma went to the interwebs to see if we could figure out what it was.

After a short search Momma and Medea were pretty sure that it was a Cecropia Moth (or Silkmoth). Ontario Moths — http://www.backyardnature.net/n/a/moo/

A kindergarten teacher on Twitter helped us to confirm and sent a cool link to learn more.

Momma also found this cool video that we watched showing how silk is harvested from the cocoons.

I took Medea back to see the moth and we weren’t too sure that sitting on a ledge was such a smart place for a little moth to be (even though it looked like she laid some eggs on the side of the wall). We thought we would take it to the lovely ravine area that is full of various plants and butterflies. When we tried to move it onto a cardboard sleeve it was clear that it had some issues – likely a broken leg and that missing antennae which was probably throwing off its (we’re assuming ‘her’) balance.   

We were, however, fortunate to have a look at its wing span and markings as it opened its wings for us.  

Medea went in to get a cup to help move the poor thing. 

Video

 
 I tried a little bit more and, to my surprise, it flew away just before Medea came back out. So, it looks like it’s okay – or at least it can fly.

Quite an interesting find for the day!  

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