Knowledgebase
Giant Leopard Moth #677961
Asked December 04, 2020, 9:44 AM EST
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do. After these hatch from the pupa they need to spread their wings before they dry. If this one didn't do that then its wing may have dried incorrectly and it may not be able to fly. As for what to do with it, you can keep it in the creature/pet keeper until it dies, if you want, since it's winter. The moths only live as adults for about 6-10 days.
This is one of the reasons we ask for people to leave nature outside. This moth overwinters outside as a pupa. The cold weather keeps it in a hibernation state. When they come inside a warm home, it triggers the insect to pupate into an adult and the natural timing is off. We do understand and appreciate your curiosity and desire to do the right thing. In the future, these are best left outdoors.
Christa
From: Ask Extension
To: Lori Landsburg
Sent: Fri, Dec 4, 2020 4:35 pm
Subject: Re: Giant Leopard Moth (#0002775)