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Giant Leopard Moth
Hypercompe scribonia
29.1945, -82.1305
Field Notes
Description:
Approx. 3.5" long when extended. Fat as my index finger. Covered in bunches of 1/2" long black prickly hairs. Does not sting . Resembles an all- black "wooly bear", but much larger. Skin is black, with deep red bands between segments, clearly seen if it curls up it really stretches out.
Habitat:
As often seems to be the case, my front porch ! Surrounded by an overgrown thicket composed of turkey oak, cabbage palm (aka Sabal palm, Sabal palmetto), grasses, Florida Gren-eyes.
Notes:
I read that they will eat "sunflowers"... I'm assuming they mean Helianthus species. In PA they'd eat dandelion and plantain weeds.
Any knowledgable Floridians care to chip in?
I'd love to have it here at the science center for the kids to see.... ESP if I can get it to metamorphose ....
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