Looks like a Space Shuttle, Flies like a Moth

At stairway running speeds, it looks like a miniature, totally-pimped-out, late-great NASA Space Shuttle.

by Bob Kerstetter

We were running up steps in the Hyde Park section of Cincinnati and saw this moth, unlike any we had ever seen.

Hyde Park Cincinnati Stairs—Hiding Place of Mysterious Moth

At stairway running speeds, it looks like a totally-pimped-out, late-great NASA Space Shuttle. Its yellow and black attire takes us down two steps, then on to our knees for a close-up. Sadly, lacking booster rockets and an orange tank packed with explosive gas, it under qualifies as a space craft. Out comes the $55 Saigon Snapper.

Cheese! A photo zips at the speed of light to cousin Ron, who identifies Ohio insects and twists off their heads. Okay, slightly overstated. Ron actually helps Buckeye farmers manage bugs more or less organically, hand picking only when necessary.

Anyway entomologist cuz Ron says:

“Bob, I’ve not been able to find out what it is yet, but it’s giving me something to do.”

A couple days later the truth arrives:

“The first moth you sent is Haploa clymene, aka, Clymene Moth. It feeds on various trees. You can find more about it here. It also mentions it can be found around Dallas. Maybe you brought this one with you!”

Thanks, Ron.

The first moth? Hum? While there must be another insect, here is the Clymene Moth from Hyde Park, Cincinnati, Ohio:

Clymene Moth, Like a Space Shuttle