Luna Moth

One of my most favorite discoveries here in Maine is the existence of the Luna Moth. I have heard the name, but thought such things lived in some jungle somewhere in the world. Well, apparently I am much less intelligent that I am credited for, because they live in most of the eastern sea board of the U.S.

Anyway, every year I have a few "signs of summer" that I look forward to seeing. The first is the arrival of the fireflies. Shortly after the fireflies start up their nocturnal dance, the Luna Moth undergoes transformation into an incredibly beautiful green moth that is about the size of my outstretched palm.

After I discovered their existence, I talked to people in the area, but few knew what I was talking about. Those that did had only seen dead ones. Turns out they are called the Luna Moth because they are nocturnal (like most moths). Because I am somewhat of a night-owl, I end up finding them flying around the garage late at night while I am out working.

This beauty visited up during the summer of 2007. It arrived much earlier in the evening than others I have seen. The early arrival gave Gracie the chance to come out and hold it for some photo ops. We gently handled the moth, took some photos, then set it back on the Rhododendron flower. But, then like a dumb moth, this thing circled my garage light until I turned it off and went in the house. I guess beautiful things are not always necessarily too bright, except of course in my case! :)