A giant moth was discovered in Chernobyl: wingspan reaches 10 centimeters.

The poplar sphinx moth, one of the largest moths in the Ukrainian fauna, was spotted in the Chernobyl zone. Its wingspan can reach 10 centimeters.

This is reported by the press service of the Chernobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve on its Facebook page.

Interesting facts about the poplar sphinx moth

'Its brown-gray color with indistinct lines and spots perfectly camouflages it among the bark and fallen leaves. When at rest, it sits with its wings drooping down and looks like a withered poplar leaf — try to find it!', the message states.

It is noted that the moth got its name not by chance: its caterpillar feeds on the leaves of poplar, aspen, and sometimes willow.

'The caterpillar has a bright green color and a characteristic horn at its rear end. By early August, adult caterpillars can already be found, which will soon stop feeding, descend into the litter, and pupate. The pupae winter in the soil, and in spring, new moths emerge from them', the reserve notes.

Interestingly, adult sphinx moths do not feed at all and have no proboscis. They accumulate all their 'energy reserve' at the caterpillar stage.