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Photo.Keely | all galleries >> Travel >> Africa > Giant Comet Moth (Argema mittrei) caterpillar
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20-NOV-2016 Dick Keely

Giant Comet Moth (Argema mittrei) caterpillar

Andasibe, Madagascar

Also known as Madagascan Moon Moth, it is native to the rain forests of Madagascar.
The male has a wingspan of 20 cm and a tail span of 15 cm, making it one of the world's largest silk moths.
The female lays from 120-170 eggs, and after hatching the larvae feed on Eugenia and Weinmannia leaves for ~2 months before pupating.
The cocoon has numerous holes to keep the pupa from drowning in the daily rains of its natural habitat.
The adult moth cannot feed and only lives for 4 to 5 days.
Although endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, the Comet moth is being successfully bred in captivity.
Reference: Wikipedia

Nikon D800E ,AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
1/320s f/11.0 at 300.0mm iso2200 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time20-Nov-2016 09:17:37
MakeNikon
ModelNIKON D800E
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length300 mm
Exposure Time1/323 sec
Aperturef/11
ISO Equivalent2200
Exposure Bias
White Balance
Metering Mode
JPEG Quality
Exposure Program
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium original auto
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laine24-Feb-2017 23:30
Excellent details...a super looking caterpillar V
Frank Brault24-Feb-2017 20:01
A fabulous macro. Very interesting information. V
Martin Lamoon24-Feb-2017 18:10
Fantastic photograph.
v
Graeme24-Feb-2017 15:56
Superb close up details and vibrant colours, Dick.V!
Walter Otto Koenig24-Feb-2017 14:51
Amazing to see this. Thank you for including the information. "V"
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