Observation date: June 14, 2011
Date notes: Captured the catepillar on or around 6/1
Submitted by: azquinn
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: My wife found the caterpillar walking across our patio, and we decided to keep it in a large vase, and get it some food. We have several trees in the backyard, but for some reason the only leaves it seemed to eat were those from our oleander tree. It has a pretty hardy apetite, and we watched is spin a sort of hammock to support his body from the leaves to the side of the vase. Once it finished the hammock its body began to change, it became shiny, and banded, then ultimately a shiny dark green color that faded to look more chalky green. My wife was concerned that some of the caterpillars body seemed to be hanging out of the cocoon, but after finding the pictures here, I see that is normal. It emerged today around 10 am, and my wife was excited that it was such a stunning looking moth, and tasked me with finding out what type it was. I don't know anything about insects, but I believe it is a 8197 Apentesis Virgo ( Virgin Tiger Moth ) with one exception...there doesn't appear to have been any sightings where we live. We live in Gilbert Arizona. Could this be another species? or a first tiem sighting perhaps?
Status: Resident
Verified by: kellyrichers
Verified date: August 18, 2011
Coordinator notes: None.
