• Jun. 25, 2009 - Pachysphinx modesta

Yesterday, we opened our front door and saw this.  My oldest son was completely amazed that such an incredible creature existed.  According to the University of Colorado's website on moths and butterflies, this lovely creature is Pachysphinx modesta or more commonly known as the Big Poplar Sphinx Moth.  The picture here doesn't demonstrate how huge it is.  It is the biggest moth I have ever seen.  The caterpillars feed on cottonwood leaves (our neighbor has a very large cottonwood tree next door).  This moth is on the Colorado Natural Heritage Program's "special concern list".  We were truly blessed and very lucky to have discovered this waiting for us to discover it literally on our front door.  The beauty in Colorado isn't only found in the Rocky Mountains! We found an amazing website that has an occurrence map of butterflies and moths in our county.  To found out what is fluttering around where you live check out Butterflies and Moths of North America

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