A Pandora Sphinx moth (Eumorpha pandorus) was spotted in the parking garage at The Beacon of Groveton, Fairfax County, Virginia USA.
20 SEP 2018 | Fairfax County, VA | Pandora Sphinx moth
The BugGuide Info page for Pandora Sphinx remarks that it is “An extra-spectacular sphinx moth.” I agree. One look at the full-size version of the preceding photo and I think you will too.
The Backstory
I noticed the moth when I entered the parking garage for the building where I live. The moth was perched on a cinder block wall, near a large security light. I was completely exhausted after a long day of photowalking at Huntley Meadows Park — my camera and external flash unit were in a backpack for camera gear and I was reluctant to unpack and set up to shoot photos of the moth. I took a second, longer look at the moth and knew it would be worth the effort. As it turns out, I was right — this is the best photo I shot all day, and one of my Top 10 Photos for 2018.
Editor’s Notes
Eumorpha pandorus is a new species for my life list of butterflies and moths. Sincere thanks to Sue and John Gregoire, Kestrel Haven Migration Observatory, for help in identifying this spectacular beauty.
Copyright © 2018 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Eumorpha pandorus, Kestrel Haven Migration Observatory, Pandora Sphinx moth
walter sanford's photoblog 
December 24, 2018 at 4:03 am |
[…] This beauty was my reward after a long, mostly unproductive photowalk at Huntley Meadows Park. Posted on 24 September 2018. […]
January 2, 2019 at 4:01 am |
[…] 20 SEP 2018 | Fairfax County, VA | Pandora Sphinx moth […]
July 21, 2022 at 2:49 am |
I saw this last night fit the first evrr time in my life. Stunning. And so is you photo. Thank you so much Walter.