Callosamia securifera?

[Rev. Redmond Farrier]

I think I am getting the hang of the Callosamia moths but I wanted to check here just to make sure. I caught two of these tonight along with another Eacles imperialis. The new Eacles is much larger than my other one and has a different coloration.

The moths in question are the Callosamia. This one is quite worn. The other is in better condition.

If it is securifera, then I am quite pleased to find it. It is not unheard of to find them this far inland, but they are a bit more rare here than near the coast and in Florida. We had a lot of wind blowing in from the tropical storm down in the Gulf and I was hoping it would blow a treat for me up this way.

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[Rev. Redmond Farrier]

No takers? I would really like to be sure before I print out the labels.

[oehlkew]

Hi Reverend,
As far as I know, the males of Callosamia securifera are completely diurnal and do not fly at night and would not be attracted to lights. Female Callosamia secruifera are occasionally taken at lights.
Both males and females of Callosamia angulifera fly at night and both genders are taken at lights.
Callosamia promethea males are also diurnal and do not fly at night.
Hence, by process of elimination, assuming you attracted these males at lights, the male depicted is Callosamia angulifera. It is quite difficult to distinguish between angulifera and secrufera males, but the darker subterminal area of the hindwing in your specimen is also more characteristic of angulifera, so I would classify them as angulifera.
You are correct that securifera are sometimes observed inland, and you are not out of their range. You can actually expect to encounter all three Callosamia species in your area with females of all species responding to lights, but only angulifera males responding to lights.
Bill Oehlke
PS: I have sent you a personal message.

[Rev. Redmond Farrier]

Thank you very much for the help. I was hoping that it was a securifera, but I am happy to have the male angulifera. I thought I had the hang of identifying these guys, but I guess I still have a ways to go. lol