This is a Polyphemus moth I raised from a caterpillar. I found it on a oak tree while gathering leaves for some other caterpillars. I took it to school at the beginning of the school year, and it hatched seven months later. When it emerged from its silky cocoon, it had a 5 - 5 1/2 inch wingspan, which is what makes this moth species  the second largest in North America. As you can see its also very beautiful, with is gorgeous spots and stripes.It was amazing to watch it fly away into the blue,and, just before it left, it stopped, turned around, and hovered 30 feet away, and seemed to say goodbye. It was amazing.