Actias luna Female

This reared female, from summer '07, is 'calling' a mate (releasing pheromones that attract males). She has been delayed 4 and a half days because of cold weather. Ordinarily, calling occurs within 12 hours of emergence (eclosion) and lasts for 36-48 hours only. After that, if no mate is acquired, non-fertile eggs are laid. Moth rearers may use this temperature control (refrigeration) to keep early emergers fresh until suitable mates have eclosed.
One fresh wild male had arrived at time of shooting (6AM of the 10th) and was put in the large cage with her, along with another wild male captured 8 miles to the south around 7:30AM. It was not evident whether she accepted either one - at least I witnessed no coupling.