COMET MOTH
The Comet moth (Argema mittrei), a large silk moth, is found only in the wild in certain parts of Madagascar but is able to be breed in captivity. In Madagascar are a few breeding areas and there are a few zoos that attempt breeding too. Some of them are quite successful.
The Madagascan Moon Moth or Comet Moth is one of the world’s biggest, the male has a wing span of twenty centimetres and a tail span of fifteen centimetres. As a Moth they only live for 4 or 5 days and they are only fertile the first day after getting out of the cocoon. The cocoon has holes in it to keep the future moth from drowning in it’s rainforest climate.
As a caterpillar they feed on eucalyptus leaves (only fresh ones, which makes it harder to breed them in captivity) and grow to a reasonable size before getting in the cocoon. They stay in there for about two to six months depending on the climate.
This particular type of moth only lives in Madagascar of the south coast of Africa. It is an endangered species.
COMET MOTH belongs to the following groups:
Yellow Gallery, ! 100% !, All Around the Styles, Birds and Creatures of Flight, Butterflies, Skippers, Moths, & Other Winged Insects (2 a Day), Creative, Talented, and Unknown, Dutch Touch, European Everyday Life (add the place!), Everyday Life, Insects, Bugs and Creepy Crawlies (2 A Day), Mixed Media, Rural Around The Globe, Safe Haven, The Addicted Photographerâ–º2 Per Dayâ—„, The Scavenger Hunt, The true beauty, Top Shelf Wildlife & Nature Art, TPW (3 PER DAY ONLY), Vibrant and Vivid Color and Who are YOU to Judge? Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters
Nancy Stafford
beautiful photograph of the moth
JOHAN (photowa... replied
THANKS NANCY I WAS SO EXITED THIS MORNING TO SEE THIS MOTH IN THE BUTTERFLY VALLEY I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A BEAUTY
THIS ONE MADE MY WEEKEND
Kate Adams
Beautiful Johan!! also like your post edit,,very interesting:)
JOHAN (photowa... replied
THANKS KATE I WAS SO EXITED TO SEE THIS RARE MOTH I WAS LUCKY THIS MORNING MY ORIGINAL PLANS WARE TO GO SOMEWHERE ELLS FOR A PHOTO SHOOT BUT CHANGED MY PLANS
LUCKY ME
Avril Brand
Beeldskone vlindertjie… gorgeous photo, Johan.. drukkies vir jou!
Renee Dawson
What a MAGNIFICENT moth Johan. Do you know how excited I would be if we had these in Canada!
Simon Whittaker
Another great shot. Well done.
Pamela B
Simply beautiful! I’ve never seen one in real life:)
It’s wings are captivating!
Joseph Rieg
Absolutely fabulous shot, Johan.
Woodyk2
Nice capture and colour.
Beve Brown-Clark
Fantastic perspective!! Love the colors and details!!
Clive
You’ve done it again…..* * * * * five star
SandraRos
Dit is PRAGTIG ! Baie baie wel gedaan my vriend. I think this is going to be another feature ! Thank you for the interesting info on this moth
LYN EVANS
What a stunning capture.
Jason Burris
beautiful shot. Love the vivid colors.
Holly Werner
Great shot.
jesika
Stunning image of a beautiful moth
j
Carla Jandelle...
love his tails! these and the Atlas moths are just amazing creatures!
AnnDixon
This is fabulous, what an amazing looking creature, well captured,
Erik Schlogl
Beautiful creature – excellent capture!
DutchLumix
Hoi Johan ik las dat artis, blijdorp, en een vlinderhuis in zeeland met een project bezig zijn tot behoud van deze mooie nachtvlinder.
Mooie foto weer hoor top gedaan
Kind Regards,
Erik
Amsterdam, The Netherlands