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Giant Leopard Moth

This giant leopard moth was presumably hiding from many songbirds behind a tub of water on the wall of the garage.

“Seems to be uncommon everywhere in its range” per Birds & Blooms: “This strikingly patterned creature is a giant leopard moth (Hypercompe scribonia). A member of the tiger moth group, it’s widespread from the eastern United States (and a little of southeastern Canada) south through Mexico and Central America to northwestern South America. However, it seems to be uncommon everywhere in its range, so it’s always a treat to see one. Giant leopard larvae, which are spiny with black-and-orange markings, feed on the leaves of a wide variety of plants.”

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