Then I think it would be 7769. I just wanted to make sure that this was seen as appropriate before simply moving it in. Was also noticing that this one had mostly pinned specimens for pictures. If you would like, I have other pictures of this and other individuals from OK from other angles. I just don't know if this would be helpful, or would just clutter things up.

btw - This is a nice pic of a living gloveri - if not one of the best on the site! I wish there were more.
And if you have additional images of Hyalophora from Oklahoma, they would be very useful!

In this case you were able to get a really nice pic of a living moth, but often times the diagnostic physical characters may be obscured by specimen condition or even the position of a living individual (wings closed, etc.).

There has been some debate about adding pinned material, of which I have been very guilty. Although some may be disturbed by the practice, most mounted specimens have been identified and data taken + such images better exhibit the characters needed for comparison and detailed explanation of variations seen across a species range (easy to compare) aiding others in recognition and identification. Unfortunately, "in situ" pic's are often difficult to assign for many taxa, incl. a few of the Hyalophora,... esp. those on the periphery of the ranges.

Case in point, the cecropia moth is widespread and living material is often traded among hobbyists. There was commentary that this species was not differnetiated geographically, so release was not an issue. Although the cecropia moth often appears to be the "same" across the range, there are subtle differences among the populations. There is increased concern regarding introductions, crosses and release of traded material due to the effects these practices might have on local populations (USDA & USFWS).

(All species within this group readily interbreed and usually produce interfertile progeny thus potentially contaminating gene pools.)

I'm always learning new things when I come here--and also at MPG. Thank you, Bill, for taking the time to explain the issues.

I also was thinking 7769... if we're wrong, I hope someone will pitch in and explain. From my perspective, additional pix wouldn't help clarify for me. I'm rusty as it's been a few months since i've been actively hunting moths on BG; some I still know on sight, but silk moths aren't my specialty.