Columbia Silkmoth (Glover's subspecies)

As Kristen Heimerl and I drove into Summerhaven near the top of Mt Lemmon here in SE Arizona, I noticed something in the road. It was still quite early in the morning on a weekday, so it was quiet in this sometimes busy spot by the main parking area. I drove around this interesting looking object, parked, and we went back to take a look. To my absolute delight, it turned out to be this stunning moth, a Columbia Silkmoth.

This is the Glover’s Silkmoth subspecies (Hyalophora columbia gloveri) which was once considered a separate species. Not only was it gorgeous, it was also HUGE. This one had a wingspan of about four inches. Check out those antennae!

Columbia Silkmoth (Glover’s Silkmoth subspecies)

Columbia Silkmoth (Glover’s Silkmoth subspecies)

Columbia Silkmoth (Glover’s Silkmoth subspecies)

Columbia Silkmoth (Glover’s Silkmoth subspecies)

I moved it out of the road and hopefully to safety, and we continued on our way. I’ve long wanted to see a silkmoth and I can now say that it’s a creature that doesn’t disappoint!