Something wonderful!

This afternoon I went outside to do some chores and instead I found a wonderful sight! I ran inside to get my camera but I needn't of rushed because it is still there now - 2 hours later.




I looked in my 'bug book' (an encyclopedia of Japanese insects) and found this is a kind of moth called オナガミズアオ (onagamizuao). At first it was hard to tell because there is another moth almost identical (オオミズアオ) but my moth has more yellow fluffy parts on his/her bottom wings. The moths in the book look very pale blue-green but my moth is still yellow-green becaue the wings aren't dry yet. I guess it is about 10cm across the wing span.

Anyway, it is wonderful - I have never seen such a beautiful moth before. Have you?

PS. I found out this is called a 'Luna Moth' in English. Do you know that 'luna' means 'moon'? It seems these moths are common in the USA, but it is difficult to find one.