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Photo#4623
Cecropia Moth - Hyalophora cecropia

Cecropia Moth - Hyalophora cecropia
Minnesota Zoo
I have been told this is a moth, but then told it is a butterfly. Would someone clear this up for me once and for all? :) I think they are quite beautiful...

Distinguising moths from butterflies
One way to distinguish a moth from a butterfly is to examine the antennae. Butterfly antennae are usually slender with a club at the end. Moth antennae vary from slender to wide and feathery as seen here, but never have clubs at the end.

Definitely a Moth
A Cecropia Moth, Hyalophora cecropia. This is one we don't have a photo of yet and your photo shows the underside and body markings very well. I'll create a guide page and move this photo to the guide.

 
Thank you
Thank you so much. Your information is not only helpful but also very interesting.

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