Tag Archives: Wild Lilac

Rich Dong recently photographed a Ceanothus Silkmoth.

As did John Sheafe. These large moths can measure up to five inches wingtip to wingtip.

I've often wondered if Nike got their idea for their swoosh from the markings on this moth. Below is a photo of Ceanothus in bloom, this photo taken by Bob Rutemoeller.

Thanks to Rich, Bob and John for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

Another sunny, breezy (perhaps windy by afternoon!) day today.

Spring doesn't know...

Bob Rutemoeller and Sandy Hughes both noticed this big moth resting at the Gualala Post Office. It's a Western Cecropia, or Giant Silkmoth.

Harm Wilkinson photographed a Ceanothus Moth just a block or two away.

They each have the distinctive white markings on their wings, but the colors are different and the markings on the bottom of their wings is different. Still, at first glance, I would have thought Bob's moth was a Ceanothus. We are seeing wild lilac, Ceanothus, in bloom right now, which always attracts Ceanothus Moths. They are quite large and exciting to see. The Giant Silkmoth is a rarer sighting for us.

Thanks to Bob and Harm for allowing me to share their photos with you here.