Thanks guys! I think it is H. gallii. There is another photo of the top of the wings that I didn't post because it's kind of fuzzy, but from what you can see of the wings it looks just like the picture on the link. That is a great website! And it's a pretty moth. The caterpillar is so interesting-looking. I wonder what they have used as a host plant here. Coincidentally, I started some Epilobium angustifolium from seed, but the plants are small because they're still in 16 oz cups waiting to be planted out. From what I understand this is an aggressive spreader and their bed isn't prepped yet.

I read this post back in November and had disregarded it. However, after reading that inane response to larry_Gene's reply I must say I am disgusted by that person's inexcusable forum behavior. I am impressed that those who replied did not lower their standards and even addressed this person as "Mr" when he posted spam and then had the audacity to disrepect our forum leaders and forum members who are truly interested in moths (LG...thanks for the grins about a boxing forum - that was funny!) As for the one that started this post - he can count on several more people that will never bother to check out his landscaping business after that horrid display. ~ Cat

Anygreen, thanks for your response. I may have to resort to that, but it will be my last choice. I raise butterflies and moths (not THIS moth, but Sphinx species), and I don't want to risk it. That leads me to think of the effect it could have on the night-flying sphinx. I may have to stop growing the Salvias most affected. Anyway, thanks so much! Susan

Back when I was a kid, I raised a lot of butterflies and moths from caterpillars , and this was always a favorite, but not completely for the obvious reason, its beauty. I don't remember how I found out, but the caterpillar somehow manages to shed its stinging spines when it spins its cocoon and pupates, and the spines become incorporated in the cocoon. If the empty cocoon, or several of them, is carefully rubbed to a coarse powder, then spread on an unsuspecting person's socks, t-shirt or - you get the idea - that person will itch severely for quite a while. Of course, I could never advocate a nasty prank of this sort - only a reminiscence. Tucker