Giant Silk Moth {Cyclops Polyphemus}

I went outside Saturday morning to take some instagram pics of the first cosmo blooming in my cut flower garden and as I was walking into the house I noticed this Giant Silk Moth on our deck. I was quite startled I have never seen one before and I was taken back by it’s size.

It’s wing span is as large as my hand. Isn’t it a beauty, the detail in the spots is amazing. There’s eye like markings on the back wings that have this dusty lavender color that could never be done any place other than nature. I quickly grabbed my big girl camera and snapped a few shots before it was gone. 

Of course I had to google it to learn what it was and here is what Wikipedia had to say:   Giant Silk Moth. It’s a tan colored moth, with an average wingspan of (6 inches). The most notable feature of the moth is its large, purplish eyespots on its two hindwings. The eye spots are where it gets its name – from the Greek myth of the Cyclops Polyphemus. The species is widespread in continental North America, with local populations found throughout subarctic Canada and the US. 

After doing a little research I believe this one is a female. No matter boy or girl I think it is beautiful and a wonderful surprise to find.