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Original poster

This just flew into my head and scared the hell out of me!

20 replies

Blackbutler86 · 21/04/2022 21:54

So just standing in the kitchen with the dogs, back doors wide open when something flys into my head and falls flapping to the ground. Not ashamed to say I screamed for a second. Dogs all ran at it so I told them to leave it to inspect wtf it was (thought it might be a bat) and it’s the biggest effing moth I have ever seen in my life 😦! Pictures do not do it justice, it is massive! Please excuse my dry eczema hands. Unfortunately it’s got damaged wings and can’t fly properly so I’ve popped it in a box with some twigs and looking to see if I can care for it until it passes away as apparently they don’t live long. It will just get eaten by a dog or cat if I put it outside 😔

This just flew into my head and scared the hell out of me!
This just flew into my head and scared the hell out of me!
OP posts:
Kat1953 · 21/04/2022 21:57

Sex crazed moth. Little early I think this year. Happened to me as well before shudder

Hawkmoth · 21/04/2022 21:58

It's a female Emperor Moth. It doesn't particularly need to fly. Put it on a bush fairly high up and it will attract a male (red orange) and then lay eggs. Heather or Bramble would be ideal.

Maydaysoonenough · 21/04/2022 22:00

We had 1 in our loft bedroom years ago. Fantastic!

Original poster
Blackbutler86 · 21/04/2022 22:02

Hawkmoth · 21/04/2022 21:58

It's a female Emperor Moth. It doesn't particularly need to fly. Put it on a bush fairly high up and it will attract a male (red orange) and then lay eggs. Heather or Bramble would be ideal.

Oh thanks for this! I googled and found out it was an emperor moth. I will trek to the end of the garden as it backs onto allotments and put it out there. It’s extremely beautiful to look at.

OP posts:
MuttsNutts · 21/04/2022 22:03

I agree with PP who said to put it back outside.

If I were a moth I’d rather see out my short time on the planet as nature intended rather than shut in a box.

Original poster
Blackbutler86 · 21/04/2022 22:03

Kat1953 · 21/04/2022 21:59

😂so I’m not the only one.

OP posts:
Original poster
Blackbutler86 · 21/04/2022 22:06

MuttsNutts · 21/04/2022 22:03

I agree with PP who said to put it back outside.

If I were a moth I’d rather see out my short time on the planet as nature intended rather than shut in a box.

Grabbing a coat and torch now to take it to the end of the garden right out the way of the dogs to set her free in some bushes. Hopefully despite not being able to fly she can crawl about in the greenery 🙂

OP posts:
Squiff70 · 21/04/2022 22:11

I'd have screamed as well! Gorgeous moth though. What incredible markings! Definitely doing the right thing putting her back outside where she has the opportunity to reproduce. Good call.

BlackeyedSusan · 21/04/2022 22:12

lucky it was only your head. I had a big fuck off moth the size of a stealth bomber fly into my eye.

The neighbours' hearing has only just recovered.

Hawkmoth · 21/04/2022 22:15

If you had a net cage you could hang it put on your washing line and wait for the males to come. They are gorgeous creatures and you are very lucky to see one.

I raised some from caterpillars a while back and loved it.

MuttsNutts · 21/04/2022 22:15

Blackbutler86 · 21/04/2022 22:06

Grabbing a coat and torch now to take it to the end of the garden right out the way of the dogs to set her free in some bushes. Hopefully despite not being able to fly she can crawl about in the greenery 🙂

Show quote history

😇

UnusualHobby · 21/04/2022 23:35

@Hawkmoth you'd get on with my DH, he's totally obsessed with moths & butterflies. He raised some Atlas Moths years ago; beautiful but very short-lived. 😟

SushiShopSearch · 21/04/2022 23:38

wow, so beautiful. What did your head do to attract it?

SunflowerSmith · 21/04/2022 23:42

Omg, I hate moths, they are on a par with house spiders, glad you didn't kill it though and that it gets a chance to have a night of passion, although I hope the babies never make their way to anywhere near me.

Celendine · 21/04/2022 23:55

It's amazing. Hope your head is OK I'd have screamed too !

dipdye · 21/04/2022 23:58

The horror!

TheChippendenSpook · 21/04/2022 23:58

That's terrifying and hideous in equal measure!

LowbrowVictoriana · 21/04/2022 23:59

Beautiful creature.

LittleEsme · 22/04/2022 00:01

What a pic!
Absolutely beautiful

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