Canadian Geese at Dawn
Rustic Sphinx Moth (Manduca rustica)
If you have ever wondered what hornworms (often called tomato worms) turn into, this giant Rustic Sphinx Moth (Manduca rustica) is one example. They also turn into the common Sphinx Moth or what is often called the Hummingbird Moth. The big boy was born in the catio this morning, so it’s a Euinox Rustic Sphinx Moth. Laurie saw the kitties looking interested as the moth crawled across the floor (wings not dry enough for it to fly). She snatched it up and put it outside the catio, out of reach of the cats.
Rustic Sphinx Moth on my hand for scale. It was about 3 inches long.
Spunk trying on his Equinox Wings.
Loki started celebrating Equinox with a bit of catermortis. Silver and Glenda are in the background.
Marble Hot & Fresh in Fall colors in Minutes.
A big hand blessing the beginning of Autumn at Dawn.
Off Center & Not Even 
❤️ Hermoso 😍
Feliz domingo 🌈🌅
Hope no humans were hurt in the taking of bat cat photo 😉
All are safe. Thanks, Couriers.
Now that is one Equinox party!
Happy Autumn to all the company!
ps Huge Moth!
Reall cool huge moth. Thanks, Marina.
That’s an impressive moth, never seen it before – thanks for sharing.
That’s the first time we have seen it, also. We get lots of the regular Sphinx moths. Thanks Rudi.
looks like a wonderful Spring Equinox and everyone is having fun, Tim!💕
Thanks, Cindy.
Always, Tim💞
Haha… Spunk is looking wonderful with his Equinox Wings! He’s ready to act in the next Batman movie…
He wants to star as Batcat with Sloberin, Jake the dog, as his sidekick. Batcat and Sloberin has a nice ring to it. Thanks, Herman.
Happy Equinox to yah all. Marble has the ‘this is exhausting’ look.
She had a “Stop pestering me, stupid paparazzo!” look. Thanks, Shey.
Patacatzos, or is it Cataratzos.? Who knows but yeah the look was epic.
Then there’s the Catirati who rule the world.
Yeah……..
Beautiful photograph at a wonderful time of the year….
Thanks, Janet.
Amazing shots every one, Tim. Just to show my ignorance of nature… what do moths live on? Cheers!
Moths live on nectar from flowers. Thanks, Inchie.
Well blow me, I’ve never known that, Tim.
Thanks.
Some moths eat wool and fabric.
I remember the mothballs now you mention it, Tim.
That’s a strikingly patterned moth!
It was gorgeous. Thanks, Liz.
You’re welcome, Tim.
I had no idea a tomato worm turned into a moth!!! Wow! It’s beautiful. Also, your cats are soooooo cute!!! Love the wings on Spunk. And that cloud formation definitely looks like a hand – I’m still amazed at the skies of New Mexico!
We have the best skies out here. Sphinx moths, former known as tomato worms, and are really cool moths. Thanks, Samantha.
I enjoyed your photo selections. Spunk and the kitties are always a treat. The Sphinx moths are beautiful. I’ve seen the occasional Hummingbird moths here, but have never been bothered by tomato horn worms in the garden. We saw a lot of those back east.
I love the big hand in the sky, Tim! The Painter waving hello at you down there. 🙂
Thanks, Lavinia. I thought the hand in the sky was a nice blessing for Equinox.
What a spectacular Equinox Party you have given us.
That moth is a beauty. Thank goodness Laurie spotted it before the cats did – methinks that could have been a sad story.
The clouds do look like a giant hand!
Thanks, Dale. Luck moth.
Very lucky and pretty moth.
I just love the patterns in the moth! 😍
It has wonderful patterns. Much like your paintings. Thanks, Tiffany.
…. and a big hand 👏 for this post, Tim!
The kitties make this post. The sphinx moth is quite special. Still, it’s sending scary shivers to my shoulders.
Of course Spunkie-Poo 💋 has outdone the moth at its own game. Bunco for Spunko! (Poo 💋) xo
It was a super sweet moth. Spunk does not like being shown up by a stinking insect. Thanks, Resa.
Lol!
I have learned something new about tomato worms. I hope Marble sat in the hot and fresh box after you had finished the pizza (or whatever other food was meant to be enjoyed hot and fresh and free of car hair)
Your comment was thrown in the spammer yet again. That was a sourdough bread box Marble was being hot and fresh in. Thanks, JYP.
Ha ha love Herman’s comment! He’s pretty famous already right! That moth is huge ..
Thanks, Julie.
It’s a hard life for some. 🐈😻 That last pic of the clouds is incredible. Happy Equinox!
Thanks, Miriam.
Love the cat shots – especially the winged one as it made me laugh. Cool moth, not sure I have seen one of those before. I think I would have remembered it if I did as big as it is.
Spunk is silly. Usually you get normal Sphynx Moths from tomato worms. Not sure what difference in tomato worms get the black moths.