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Photo#1420675
Moth - Prionoxystus robiniae - female

Moth - Prionoxystus robiniae - Female
Holly Lake Ranch, Wood County, Texas, USA
May 17, 2017
Size: 45 mm
When living, this insect was never observed with its wings spread. They were always held close to the body. I believe that the black pattern on the head has some ID significance. This is a two exposure vertical panorama shot under studio conditions. I believe this to be a female, and she had just finished depositing her eggs.

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

James is correct. The black patch is on the thorax and this is where the scales have been rubbed off. You should be able to see that, if you look closely.

At first glance
I would be surprised if this is not a species of carpenterworm moth, family Cossidae.

If the moth is not too rigid, you may find use in spreading the wings and photographing the hindwings. Some Cossid species have important colouration or pattern that you wouldn't be able to guess with the wings shut. For instance:



If you can't pry them apart, some of the pattern could be seen just from turning the moth over.

 
Moth ID
Thank you for the information sir. I'll investigate further and see if I can spread the wings.

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