Hyalophora gloveri in Southeast Idaho? - Hyalophora columbia

Moved-Hyalophora columbia gloveri

… Ryan St Laurent, 27 May, 2014 - 7:33pm

how about Glover's silkmoth?

Same genus as the Cecropia, but a western species found in Idaho.

… metrioptera, 27 May, 2014 - 5:02pm

In Southern Idaho?

Thanks!

I did find a range for the Glover's, but it appears to be in Northern Idaho. I'm in Southeast Idaho, and I can't find a range for it, here. Of course, just like birds, some range maps could be out of date, so I don't think I've made an irregular sighting. :-) But I've lived here all my life, and this is the first time I've seen this moth. Gorgeous creature.

… LoriCorbett, 27 May, 2014 - 6:04pm

Hyalophora species

Lori,

I agree, your moth looks like a "gloveri." Ryan is great with moth id's.

But on a side note to help you out, Idaho is an epicenter of Hyalophora interspecies crosses (euryalus group x the gloveri group). depending on which part of the state and the isolation or barriers presented by topography, many specimens present characters suggestive of gloveri, euryalus, "kasloensis," and intermediate characteristics among those listed.

As far as I know, kasloensis and intermediate populations occur to the north and west (regions between Washington & Montana) while gloveri and gloveri-dominant populations seem to occur along the south, southeast, and east central ("Great Basin" types). Around Boise, is yet another complex of gloveri x euryalus that seem to be their own subset = Idaho group

Keep in mind, the dynamics of phenotypes (physical traits) within and among populations are subject to variation and several populations remain a bit confusing geographically.

… Bill Reynolds, 28 May, 2014 - 11:27am

I had no idea

I had no idea there is so much variation! I'm a sculptor - birds from wood - and do a lot of bird watching and photography for my reference. I know there are a few avian hybrids, but I had no idea that moths/butterflies hybridize. It makes perfect sense, though. I'm just stunned that I've never seen one of these - it's all about what you train your eyes to look for, I guess.

This is a magnificent moth. Given its size, I may train it to catch mice. :-P

Thank you so much for all your help and the great info!

… LoriCorbett, 28 May, 2014 - 12:06pm

range maps

Our data map shows them as being over most of the west. The records we have from Idaho are from Butte, Gem, and Bingham counties.

The experts will let you know if I'm right or not.
Edit: As Ryan did, one minute before I posted this :)

… metrioptera, 27 May, 2014 - 7:34pm

Thank you

Thanks so much for the link! Looks like my image was added to the sightings list, too. Cool.

… LoriCorbett, 27 May, 2014 - 7:42pm