Elizabeth Barrette (ysabetwordsmith) wrote,
Elizabeth Barrette
ysabetwordsmith
  • Mood: excited

Luna Moth

This evening, I saw ...



... this awesome luna moth clinging to a bush in our yard. I am immensely flattered: these are rare, lovely creatures and fussy about where they live. Also rather fey. This is only the second live one I've seen; the other was years ago, on a trip far to the south of here. It's like going outside to find the moon come down to Earth, with wings of smooth green cheese.
Tags: illinois, nature, photography, wildlife
Subscribe

  • Post a new comment

    Error

    switch
    default userpic

    Your IP address will be recorded 

    When you submit the form an invisible reCAPTCHA check will be performed.
    You must follow the Privacy Policy and Google Terms of use.
    Help
  • 22 comments
...go 2 levels up... Expand
rhodielady_47

Re: Thank you!

rhodielady_47

June 7 2011, 18:00:35 UTC 10 years ago

Love those Luna moths.
(Note to self: Find out what the host plants of these moths are.)
:)

ysabetwordsmith

Re: Thank you!

ysabetwordsmith

June 7 2011, 18:05:26 UTC 10 years ago

Just click the link. They're listed. Luna moths lay eggs on black walnut but lots of other host plants for adults and larvae are possible. I expect the moth I photographed was attracted to our walnut trees.
rhodielady_47

Re: Thank you!

rhodielady_47

June 7 2011, 18:21:24 UTC 10 years ago

Black walnut! Who woulda thunk it???
We've got gobs of black walnut in the woods around us.
What a pity black walnut is the "Archie Bunker" of the forest thanks to it releasing toxins into the soil.
:}
ysabetwordsmith

Re: Thank you!

ysabetwordsmith

June 7 2011, 19:22:09 UTC 10 years ago

Black walnuts just don't like to be crowded, and are a bit picky about who they snuggle up with. As long as you give them space, or make sure they have their favorite neighbors in a tighter grouping, they're fine. You can find guilds for them in permaculture.