Library Moths

At least once a year we find some kind of moth or bug outside the Library, or on the building itself, that we find to be amazingly beautiful and in need of identification. This year it is this guy:



We have identified it as a Giant Leopard Moth (or Eyed Tiger Moth), and its scientific name is Hypercompe scribonia. Barbara discovered it on the bricks outside the front door. We moved it under a bush, but we're a bit doubtful about its survival after last week's heat.

Eyewitness Handbooks: Butterflies and Moths by David Carter [595.78 CAR] contains information about 500+ butterflies and moths, so, I was sure I'd find the Library moth in that volume--and I did. I also found an awesome website, Butterflies and Moths of North America, which has lots of information.

To see some of the other creatures we've had at the library, click here and here.