Moths

Who thinks about moths other than worrying about them making holes in our favorite old sweaters but moths are actually fascinating creatures.

Like the title of that famous jazz tune “Some fly by Night”, moths make night time a friendly place by their presence.

Last fall, on a daily sojourn along the rugged path, we espied a cocoon and then a second cocoon.  Compared to other cocoons, they were large, and crisp dried leaves had been incorporated into the outer covering of the larva’s spun material.  Secured to the branches of small shrubs about 3 to 4 feet from the ground, they were remarkably well camouflaged.   

We wished the sleeping beauties well and looked forward to seeing them in their winged form.

From those cocoons would emerge the Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus) and like the title of Al Jerreau’s famous jazz piece “Some Fly by Night” this species of Lepidoptera  most certainly does just that. 

Though they fly by night moths are drawn to the flame or porch light as the case may be.

I am not certain as to whether this fellow emerged from one of the cocoons we saw last fall or if he hails from another location, but I am pleased to make his acquaintance as a newly emerged moth.

The Polyphemus moth was named after the all seeing one eyed giant of Greek mythology.  The early lepidopterists were impressed by the large eye spots, usually half hidden on his hind wings.  They are indeed striking with concentric rings of brilliant colour, but the eyespots on the forewings are rather amazing too, the centers of which are transparent.

Their status is rated by the scientists as “generally common” but I am sure most will agree they are anything but common.  Should a Polyphemus moth be sighted at your next star party, (celestial stars, that is), guess who shines brightest?