What on Earth is this thing?

[davidjearly]

Please advise. It's about 2.5 inches in diameter. I've never seen anything like it.

I'm in Scotland, UK if that helps.

 

[BoyBach]

Is it a moth?

 

[davidjearly]

That's what I first thought, but (on proper measurement) this things is actually 3 inches from front to back.

I have never seen a moth like that in my life.

 

[BoyBach]

Is it a Giant Moth!?

 

[davidjearly]

A giant killer moth?

 

[BoyBach]

A Giant Killer Moth With Frickin' Laser Beams?

Run away, man! Run away!

 

[davidjearly]

Oh don't worry, I am gone and all windows are locked!!!

Any moth experts?

 

[Queso]

You might find this site useful.

 

[davidjearly]

One of these bad boys perhaps?

http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=638

Although that doesn't look half as big as the one in my building does in real life!

 

[BoyBach]

By jove, I think I might have found it!

http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=28&bf=1981

 

[davidjearly]

I think we have a winner...

http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=28&bf=1981

 

[davidjearly]

Haha nice find Boy Bach! I got there just seconds after you.

 

[BoyBach]

I can't believe that I've just been browsing ukmoths.org.uk on a friday night comparing size and times of the year that species fly!

 

[davidjearly]

Yeah, sorry about that...

Still thanks for helping me identify this horrific looking creature.

 

[BoyBach]

That's OK. It's much more interesting than watching Jonathan bloody Ross on the TV!

 

[abijnk]

Hate to burst your bubble, but that is actually a baby Giant Moon Moth. Keep it, love it, and then get a custom saddle and ride that sucker!!!

For those of you who don't get the reference... LINK

 

[MattG]

If I had found that thing in my house, it'd be stuck to the bottom of my shoe right about now...ick *shudder*

 

[Abstract]

I think we have a winner...

http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=28&bf=1981

Is that hair? Ewww.....

 

[MrSmith]

I think it's a Laothoe populi.

Edit: I see you already found it.

^utter bulshit

 

[SkyBell]

There's "giant" moths like that in south Texas here...you never completely get used to turning on the porch light, and a moth the size of a bird flies right in front of you.

 

[0098386]

Yea we used to have a few of them, up near Scotland come to think of it! Years back we used to go on caravan holidays and tour the UK over Summer. Only beef was that there was a light outside the caravan door so if you ever needed to go to the toilet; put light on, run outside to the loo, get back to discover an army of insects have invaded the light, try to get back in without having the bugs follow.
NOT FUN.