It’s called Yamamayuga (ヤママユガ ) or Antheraea yamamai and it had a nice 15cm wingspan and some stout fluffy legs.  I’d never had the opportunity to study one of these before so I have to thank my cat for delivering it to us in one piece.  It was quivering slightly as Eri put it on her hand.

I really like large moths because they are completely harmless and they feel nice when they flutter next to your skin.

Moths are superior to butterflies because they are more substantial and less fragile.  They also have more attractive antennae and eyes, and being crepsular they have a mystique that butterflies don’t have.

This moth used to be bred and reared extensively in Japan for silk.  I don’t think it is still such a widespread practice.  The silk is slightly green.

This moth had beautiful eyes on the wings; two of the eyes are transparent.  Wonderful.

Last night, as I grilled some fish, a yamamayuga was busy flying around the little hanging bulb just above my head.  It seems to be the time for them at the moment.  I wonder what they taste like..