Cottonwood Dagger Moth

At the weekend this splendid and rather large (the wingspan is 40–50 mm) moth appeared on the deck and was being attacked by a Chipping Sparrow. So large is the moth that even if the sparrow had won the battle it would have not been able to eat it … which is perhaps why a friend came to assist. In moving to get the camera I disturbed the birds and they flew away leaving the moth still alive but less than happy with life. Later in the day it expired.