Natural Pest Eliminators or Flesh-Hungry Savages?


Pest control was one of the reasons I chose to raise chickens, right? I didn't realize the carnage I'd release on the neighborhood insect population ;(




One-Eyed Sphinx Moth

I live in Lower West Michigan and recently found this beautiful moth near the chicken coop.  I never knew how quickly the innocent-looking hellions would tear this winged beauty apart.  Let me just say, it would have rivaled any of the bloodiest horror flicks circa the 1980's.

Who knows how long this beauty measuring approximately 2.5" from tip of wing to tip of wing, but they can get as big as nearly 4"! Which I'm sure my ladies would have rejoiced if I can presented a larger treat :)

For those of you who enjoy details, they go by the scientific name Smerinthus cerisyi, but I like the One-Eyed Sphinx name better...reminds me of Cleopatra's exotic beauty. I can see the eye pattern at a 20's style masked gala, can't you?




Horn worm Caterpillar = Sphinx Moth

 

So what did my flock consume, and ultimately what I and my family will be consuming, when they ate it? Basically nothing but juicy sawdust! ;) The favorite meal of the caterpillar is Willow and Poplar trees!

I have noticed the very heavy mosquito population that Michigan is experiencing this Summer has been greatly reduced around the chicken coop, so there's a plus to their blood lust :) Good for the entire neighborhood if you ask me, but I might be a tad bit bias!

Check us out this Friday when the chicks stretch their wings in free air for the first time!!! Should be interesting I think! 

Thanks again for sharing and commenting on this subject and future posts!

Sarah of Simply Creative by Lily C!