What is it?

By MDC | May 1, 2026
From Xplor: May/June 2026
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  • I fly under cover of night,
  • With wings that are spotted and white.
  • Bats give me a terrible fright,
  • So I dive before one takes a bite.
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Great Leopard Moth
Credit
MDC
Right to Use
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Giant Leopard Moth

Although they’re found statewide, you might have a hard time spotting a giant leopard moth. These stunning, white-winged beauties are strictly nocturnal. During the day, their leopard-like spots help them hide from hungry birds. When they fly at night, ears at the base of each hind wing help them hear the calls of hungry bats. If a leopard moth detects a bat on its tail, it folds its wings and tumbles straight down to avoid being eaten.

Also In This Issue

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Eastern Hellbender
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Lots of critters lay eggs. But what do mom and pop — or, in some cases, other animals — do with the eggs after they’re laid? It depends …

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Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar
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Some are huge. Some are hairy. Some are spiky. Some look scary. Some are pretty. Some are not. Some, literally, look like snot. Welcome to the wild world of caterpillars.

This Issue's Staff

Artist – Matt Byrde
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Art Director – Ben Nickelson
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Marcia Hale
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber