What is it, Friend or Foe, bug or Moth, I.D. Please

[ctb]

Help., this guy I believe is sleeping, 4 p.m. here, on the side of my screen room, those front prones look like pinchers. Taking his picture didn't seem to faze him. He is black and silver about 2" long, and narrow. Pinchers and legs seem a little hairy or fuzzy. Help

[opaline]

fern moth! but not 100% because it appears a little skinny as opposed to plump body.

[ctb]

is it chewing on my catasetum leaves? I don't have any ferns, what's it eat?

[zainal abidin]

It's a moth, don't worry, it's doesn't chew your Catasetum leaves only looking for honey / nectar or something sweet.

[ctb]

Thank-you, I was worried as its getting dark and I do have a few nice round holes in a Catasetum that I have been blaming on a grasshopper. I'll go back to hunting for that grasshopper. Thanks for the quick response.

[zainal abidin]

Thank-you, I was worried as its getting dark and I do have a few nice round holes in a Catasetum that I have been blaming on a grasshopper. I'll go back to hunting for that grasshopper. Thanks for the quick response.

Grasshopper is the culprit, you are welcome.

[kiwiorchids]

It's a moth, don't worry, it's doesn't chew your Catasetum leaves only looking for honey / nectar or something sweet.

Thank-you, I was worried as its getting dark and I do have a few nice round holes in a Catasetum that I have been blaming on a grasshopper. I'll go back to hunting for that grasshopper. Thanks for the quick response.

You should plant some nectar rich flowering plants around the place to attract more beautiful species like this

[opaline]

The moth wont eat any leaves, as said above they just after a nectar source. Their larvae ( caterpillas ) obviously will eat leaves but if you dont have ferns then enjoy your guest. I love allsorts of wildlife visiting my garden except spidermite and slugs ofcourse. We have a native butterfly called a cabbage white and most brassias species (not orchids but sprouts cabbage cauli kale etc) are food for the babies. However we have nasturtians growing for their hot warm colours and edible use in salads and the larvae of the cabbage white love these to death aswell so nothing is ever that straight forward with the diversity of plants we all introduce to our gardens. Not aware of Catasetums having any natural predators from moth/butterfly larvae group. They are loved by mites though so keep an eye on the underside. I hope your Ctsm survives the unwanted attention of that grasshopper.