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Interlude with a Sleepy Little Moth

July 27, 2018 By Talya Tate Boerner 9 Comments

A Polyphemus Moth Came to VisitA few days ago, a sleepy little moth hitched a ride on John’s tennis shoe and came home with us after our morning walk. Actually, he wasn’t all that little. At first, he looked like a brittle brown leaf. Then, a butterfly? When I got a closer look, I knew he was a moth of some sort.

He clung there, exhausted.

We moved him onto the back of our wicker sofa on the porch. He fully spread his wings as though wanting to make sure we noticed his incredible markings.

So lethargic. I thought he was injured.

I think he’s sick, I said.

Immediately, as one does, I mentally prepared to care for him for the remainder of its life. Habitat. Food source. In a split second, these thoughts flashed through my mind.

We moved him to the lantana plant beside the back door because what moth wouldn’t prefer to be outside?

Next, I consulted the almighty Googler and learned ours is a Polyphemus moth belonging to the Saturniidae Family of giant silkworm and royal moths. This guy has a massive wingspan – about five inches – and large, feather-like antennae.

Note the eye-like spots on the wings. Smaller “eyes” on the forewings and large “eyes” on the hindwing deter predators. This particular moth is also known as a Cyclops Moth, named after the cyclops Polyphemus, son of Poseidon. Love me some Greek mythology…

Polyphemus Moth

Here’s where the sad part of the story comes…

An adult moth only lives 5 to 6 days. After the caterpillar stage, the adult moth has only one goal—to mate during summer—and he has to be quick about it. Once he transforms from caterpillar to moth, he has no digestive system and never eats again. The process of starving is rapid.

Polyphemus Moth

Our moth came to us at the end of his short life and brought wonder and beauty even in death. He never moved from his spot in the lantana.

Later, I gently picked him up and held him in my hand. Feather-light. Oh, so delicate, his wings fine as dust. Tiny picnic ants had already begun to claim him. I laid him back among the lantana leaves. He’s still there. A reminder of life’s beauty and fragility.

Days later, our interlude with the sleepy little moth still tugs on my heartstrings. Life is such a balancing act, fleeting and struggle-filled and braided around the beautiful bits.

Polyphemus Moth

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

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https://gracegritsgarden.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_3006.mp4

Enya cover – May It Be

 

Filed Under: Nature & Seasons Tagged With: miracle of nature, moth, nature

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Comments

  1. Colene says

    July 27, 2018 at 8:22 am

    Wow, just wow!

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      July 27, 2018 at 1:31 pm

      Cool, right?

      Reply
      • Colene Chebuhar says

        July 27, 2018 at 5:29 pm

        Right! Have you seen a Hummingbird Moth? They are pretty cool too.

        Reply
        • Talya Tate Boerner says

          July 28, 2018 at 7:37 am

          No but I’m on the lookout for one!

          Reply
  2. Cathyv says

    July 27, 2018 at 8:36 am

    Who knew! Thank you.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      July 27, 2018 at 1:31 pm

      ☺

      Reply
  3. Barbara Tate says

    July 27, 2018 at 6:13 pm

    Beautiful story, but sad.

    Reply
  4. Arkansas Patti says

    July 28, 2018 at 3:17 pm

    You certainly are a gentle soul You have changed my mind though about coming back as a Polyphemus moth:)
    Really enjoyed you story in Front Porch.

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      July 28, 2018 at 7:21 pm

      The older I get, the more I worry over critters. Thanks for reading Front Porch!

      Reply

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Talya Tate Boerner


Hi! I'm Talya. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (Now Available!)

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