An 8x12 inch fine art nature photography print of a Privet Hawk Moth in Guam showing product dimensions and clean white margins.

Sweet Chocolate Moth | Barrigada Sentinel

8" x 12" / Standard
$45.00
$45.00
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An 8x12 inch fine art nature photography print of a Privet Hawk Moth in Guam showing product dimensions and clean white margins.
  • An 8x12 inch fine art nature photography print of a Privet Hawk Moth in Guam showing product dimensions and clean white margins.
  • Macro photograph of a large brown Privet Hawk Moth resting on a textured wall in Barrigada Guam.
  • close-up detail shot highlighting the intricate brown wing patterns and fuzzy thorax of a large Psilogramma menephon hawk moth.
  • A framed macro wildlife photograph of a large hawk moth in Guam displayed on a living room wall above a couch to show scale.
Sweet Chocolate Moth | Barrigada Sentinel

Sweet Chocolate Moth | Barrigada Sentinel

$45.00
$45.00
Size
Print Finish

The Story behind the Lens

Discovered resting quietly on a column at the Reserve Center in Barrigada following a meeting, this impressive subject is Psilogramma menephon, commonly known as the Privet Hawk Moth or Large Brown Hawk Moth. Endearingly dubbed "Sweet Chocolate" after a fellow photographer’s nickname for the species, this substantial moth boasts a remarkable wingspan ranging from 3.25 to 5.5 inches (8.2 to 13.8 cm). This macro portrait captures a spontaneous, intimate encounter with one of Guam’s fascinating nocturnal insects resting in the warm light of the built environment.

The Composition

This macro portrait emphasizes the intricate textures and earthy tones of the moth’s camouflage. Positioned vertically against the textured surface of the concrete column, the moth's swept-back wings display a rich tapestry of woody browns, deep charcoals, and warm chocolate hues. The soft, directional illumination highlights the fine, velvety scales along its thorax and abdomen, turning an everyday urban encounter into a striking study of natural geometry.

Fine Art Quality

To ensure the subtle brown gradients, fine scale details, and warm textural tones translate perfectly from the lens to your walls, I personally print each piece using the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100. I’ve selected three professional paper stocks to showcase the unique light and details of this photograph:

  • Artisan Textured (Palo Duro Etching 315): My top recommendation for this piece. Adds a rich, museum-quality depth to the moth's velvety scales and the rough surface of the column, giving the macro portrait a classic, tactile fine art finish.
  • Vibrant Metallic (Polar Luster Metallic 255): Enhances the warm, chocolate tones with a subtle sheen that reflects light across the rich wing patterns under direct room lighting.
  • Standard Matte (Polar Matte 230): A clean, glare-free finish that delivers exceptional contrast and sharpness, keeping every subtle line in the wing patterns crisp and refined.

Available Sizes & Presentation

Offered in a 2:3 vertical aspect ratio to preserve the natural scale and alignment of the subject:

  • 8" x 12" (Desktop/Small Wall)
  • 12" x 18" (Standard Gallery)
  • 17" x 22" (Master Print) Includes Free Domestic Shipping.

The Artist’s Signature: Every print features a symmetrical 1-inch white border for safe handling and framing. I hand-title and sign each piece in graphite on the lower margin:

  • Bottom Left: Sweet Chocolate Moth
  • Bottom Right: TPegg | 12 July 2024

Artist’s Note

"Some of the most memorable wildlife encounters happen when you least expect them. Stepping out of a meeting at the Reserve Center in Barrigada, I noticed this massive Hawk Moth resting calmly on a concrete column. With a wingspan reaching over five inches, its presence was incredible. I loved how the rich, chocolate-colored patterns on its wings contrasted with the simple texture of the building—a quick reminder that incredible natural beauty is always waiting nearby if you keep your eyes open."

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