November 2, 2018
This moth was fluttering along the edge of a dirt road so I stopped to check.
I thought it was going to be another White-lined Sphinx but it was
something new, a giant silk moth and a species I've never seen.
It is a Calleta Silkmoth, Eupackardia calleta. In Arizona this moth is supposed to
appear only during the monsoon season but I guess the rain in October
brought some out. Tonight I'm going blacklighting to see if there are
more. Probably about 4 inches wingspan.
A short distance down the road and there was a Desert Blond Tarantula crossing the road.
A Tail-less Whip Scorpion. A new species for me too.
At the golf course, a number of Lawrence's Goldfinches have moved in, the first
time this species has been around here for two years. When they do
move in, it is usually in good numbers. They should find plenty to eat this winter.
Back to Winter in Arizona 2018-19 or www.wildphotosphotography.com