Last month I told you about the Mourning Cloak Butterfly. My best friend, Mary, watches and documents the behavior of a lot of butterflies.
What I have just recently learned, though, is that she is also a moth watcher!
I had always thought of moths as those drab little things that hang around the front porch light, fluttering about and smashing themselves against the bulb. Mary has taught me that moths are actually very fascinating little insects.
For example, you may have already known this, but I didn’t: most moths don’t have mouths and don’t eat! They just live for a few days and die. I was amazed to learn that. I’d never heard of a creature that didn’t take in nutrition.
Mary has also taught me that moths—like butterflies—have some amazing markings and shapes. To me, the most amazing moth is the Hummingbird Moth, which looks like, yes, a hummingbird.
Mary has photographed dozens of moths. Pictured here are the ones I find most fascinating.
Check out the Nessus Sphinx Moth, which appears to have two red eyes on its back. I bet that scares away predators!
The aptly (if maybe yuckily) named Bird Poop Moth has, well, two trails that make you understand how it is so named.
The Rosy Maple Moth is just adorable, with her pink and yellow wings.
The Curled Leaf Moth is distinctive. When I tell you that Mary calls it “Moth Vader,” I’m sure you will understand why!
The Blinded Sphinx Moth seems to have beautiful blue eyes.
The Luna Moth is just a gorgeous green that reminds me of the first blades of spring grass.
And, finally, the Hummingbird Moth, which needs no explanation!
Did you know there were so many types of interesting moths? Are you Team Butterfly or Team Moth? I had no idea the insect world was so fascinating.
Next month I have a special newsletter coming in which I will talk about how my publisher has planned promotional activities for THE DEADLY HOURS while we are all in restricted movement due to COVID.
It’s really quite fascinating and I look forward to sharing it with you.