LUNA

Luna moth.

A Luna moth alights on the side of a brick building in this photo by Houston Steve.

When I was a young Snot-Nose, I used to collect butterflies. We had a large hydrangea in the back of the house behind the garage that attracted butterflies in vast numbers, so much so that we called it the “Butterfly Bush.” Hummingbirds, bees, pretty much anything that liked sweet nectar - all gathered there during those lazy, hot summer days. It was Long Island in the fifties, a good time to be a Suburban Kid.

But big moths were another story. We never saw those...until we moved to Georgia. Once in a while, a humongous Cecropia moth, or a Polyphemus, huge as a bat, would be attracted by the side entrance light.

The Luna moth is the largest of these. They’re not rare, but you don’t see them too often as they only live about a week as adults. This one is a real beauty.

For other Beauteous Fauna, stop by the Friday Ark, captained by the Modulator on its 195th voyage.

There’s more! This Sunday, the 222nd Carnival of the Cats will be hosted by the Mind of Mog, one of my favorite catbloggers. Be sure to stop by and visit all the friendly felines!