Hummingbird and Butterfly Gardening: Anyone know this cat?, 1 by DiOhio

DiOhio wrote:
Yes, it's true. Giant Silk moths don't have mouths (or proboscis) so they can't feed. Their only purpose is to mate.....carry on the species and then die. Isn't that sad. But fortunately the larvae eat enough to give the adult sufficient energy to mate and live for a week or so.

I get a lot of Giant Silk moths at my porch lights. Also I can always count on finding a Luna moth hiding under a canna leaf during the day. But just try turning on the porch lights for a few hours and then go check it out ! Unbelievable. I have even turned on a "trouble light" and set it on a flannel sheet on the hood of my car and pretty soon the moths come flying in. They love black lights too, but a mercury vapor light is supposed to be the best to attract them.
Another thing that I think really attracts them is Oriental Lilies. This summer I added dozens to my gardens, and this summer I had a record count of moth species.
And I think Redbud is one of the best trees you could ever add to your yard. Not only are the blossoms beautiful in the spring, but the heart-shaped foliage is pretty all summer. And it serves as host plant to many moth species. Last year I had over a dozen different caterpillar species on one little 10' redbud next to the Oriental Lilies !!
Oh gosh, now you got me started on moths !
Sorry for running on........
Here is a pic of what the IO looks like when he's not flashing his big eyespots.