What in the world is this?

[crimbfighter]

I came across this crazy looking bug today. It's quite bizarre. It appears flightless, but has these cool protrusions out the side that seem to mimic wings, and it's covered with what look like feathers. Any ideas? Found in the upper midwest, USA.

 

[snowbear118 49]

bug or critter -- take your pick.

Give me a few minutes to research.

 

[snowbear118 49]

And we have a winner: Himmelman's Plume Moth.
Himmelman s Plume Moth - Scientific Name Classification Taxonomy North American Reach and Size

 

[crimbfighter]

And we have a winner: Himmelman's Plume Moth.
Himmelman s Plume Moth - Scientific Name Classification Taxonomy North American Reach and Size

Haha! Well played! Who'd a thought it's a moth!

 

[snowbear118 49]

I though of some variation of a walking stick since it looks like a bramble.

 

[crimbfighter]

I though of some variation of a walking stick since it looks like a bramble.

That was one of my initial thoughts.. I like how the article mentioned they are often mistaken for dead vegitation, because that's actually what I thought it was when I first saw it.