May 22nd. First male Cecropia Moth emerged, offspring of last year's pair.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Me holding male moth that emerged several days later.

 

May 30th. I was lucky enough to notice the second female moth just after it emerged from its cocoon. This photo was taken at 11:04 A.M.

 

The wings have already begun to expand, stretching slightly longer than the abdomen.

 

At this stage, the wings are crumpled and soft.

 

 

 

The body and legs have velvet-like "fur."

 

At 11:19, the wings are much larger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11:23. Still a little rumply.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1:13 P.M. Fully expanded and somewhat stiff, the moth's wings are still not flight ready.

 

 

 

Click here to see the caterpillars of this generation in 2008.