Framed Madagascan Sunset Moth Verso Display

Common Name: Madagascan Sunset Moth Scientific Name: Chrysiridia rhipheus (formerly Urania rhipheus) Locality: Madagascar Glass Window: 99% UV-blocking conservation glass Frame Size: 6″ × 6″ × 1.25″ Madagascar seems like a pretty cool place. About 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth, it’s the only natural home of lemurs, it has its own DreamWorks movie, and it’s where these rainbows with wings roam. The Madagascan Sunset Moth is something truly special, and it’s easy to see why. Its wings shimmer in greens, blues, oranges, reds, and purples, almost like a stained-glass mosaic. Fun fact: they don’t actually have any pigments. Instead, their wings are covered in microscopic scales that bend light (structural coloration), creating that dazzling effect. Unlike most moths, the Sunset Moth is diurnal (active during the day), which is why it’s often mistaken for a butterfly. That’s a pretty understandable mix-up considering everything else about it. And if that wasn’t cool enough, their larvae feed on poisonous Omphalea plants, making the moths toxic to predators. These flying light shows are full of surprises, and during this class, we’ll explore them together. If you couldn’t tell, we’re really excited about this one.