Identify Leopard Moth

I recently found this gorgeous moth on my deck. It was approximately 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. Can you tell me what it is and give me more information about this beauty?

—JAngie Cox, Birdsboro, Pennsylvania

Tom: The pretty visitor you found is a giant leopard moth, which is fairly common throughout the eastern United States from Canada to Florida. As caterpillars, the giant leopard feeds on a variety of plants, including dandelions, sunflowers, violets, willows, maples, cherry, oranges and even bananas in the South.