The other night we had an unexpected visitor. It was late...around 11:oo or 11:30 p.m. I had been working out in the Nest. That old Navy man was watching tv. Just as I turned out all the lights in the Nest and locked the door, something caught my eye out by our yard light near the garage. It looked white and was there on the ground between the light and one of our shrubs. I, with my excellent vision, thought it was a piece of paper, so I went over to pick it up and throw it away.
As I bent down to pick it up....it moved and startled me. So, I carefully took another look. It was a creature! I had never seen anything like it before and didn't want to touch it...so I went to get that Navy guy! "What could I possibly want to show him at that hour of the night?" he said. "Just come on," I said. So, out we go. And, to my amazement, he knew what it was...a Luna Moth.
He picked it up and it crawled around on his hand, not at all trying to fly away. It was beautiful! I ran and got my camera. I had the flash on, so the moth looks white, but it wasn't white as you can see in the other photos without the flash. It was a very pale green...just gorgeous and HUGE! So, we visited it for a while, then left it where we found it.
I looked it up on Google. And, here is what I found out:
"Luna Moths are members of the Saturniidae family, also known as the "Giant Silkworm Moths." They are huge moths, with a wingspan of four and a half inches. They have a white body, pinkish legs and huge pale green wings. The hindwings have eyespots and long tails.
They fly, only at night in Spring and early Summer. Adult Luna Moths don't eat; in fact, they don't even have a mouth. They only live for about a week and their only purpose is to mate.
Luna Moths were once very common, but are now considered an endangered species in some areas. People rarely see Luna Moths, mostly because they fly late at night. It is a treat to see one because they are beautiful insects. Humans have caused Luna Moths to become endangered by pollution and loss of habitat."
Well. That late night visit was even more special than I originally thought. They only live a week and this one was right in my yard....and I just "happened" to look it's way. Wow! So glad I thought to get the camera....so I can remember and you can see it too. Take care. pat
9 comments:
Wow Pat, how special was that, thank you for sharing the photo's.
Lizzie
XXX
Oh! You are so lucky to have seen one. What a wonderful experience.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing
A Luna Moth is so big, wonderful. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Wow Pat. that was fun!! How lucky you were to see her. I had no idea. Thank you for sharing her with us.
What a beautiful creature! She must have been attracted to your lights in the Nest, you're so lucky to get such a special visitor. Thanks for showing us the photos Pat,
Hooroo,
Christine.
What a kodak moment!
Now, why do I get the feeling you may be embroidering one of these lovely creatures soon? You, of all people, could do it justice!
Sherry in Little Rock
Hi Pat... Long time since I've been around the block... glad I stopped by on this one! An experience of a lifetime to share together!!! I knew it was a Luna Moth, but you and the ONM have educated me about its rarity. Thanks.
I also enjoy seeing your self portrait quilt... You and your beautiful grey cat are peaceful partners in paradise, aren't you?!
Post a Comment