Eight-spotted Forester Moth

While out for my morning hikes through Wilkin's Walk, I really do try to take everything in.  I'm constantly scanning the landscape from the path beneath my feet to the sky above for anything interesting to photograph.  On this day, I was fortunate enough to notice a beautiful moth on the path.  Actually, the lucky one was the moth because I almost stepped on it.  I wouldn't have been happy about that! 

Not knowing how cooperative it would be, I took a few shots for identification purposes, and then I attempted to pick it up.  Turned out that this moth was in a photogenic mood.  I love it when they cooperate!

Don't forget.... you can click on the picture to view me LARGE!

Juicy Tidbits

• Found in the Eastern part of the U.S., Texas and Florida, as well as some parts of Canada
• Found along woodland egdes, in vineyards and in cities
• The adults fly in bright daylight, and this moth is often confused for a butterfly
• Wingspan is about 30 to 37 mm 

To learn more about this beautiful moth, check out the following sites:

http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Alypia-octomaculata:  Butterflies and Moths of North America

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alypia_octomaculata:  Wikipedia