BudOhio wrote:
This was an early visitor for these parts, especially with the erratic weather we've had lately. The Luna Moth could be the poster child for the term "ephemeral". The adult moth lives only for an average of 7-10 days, in which time the female mates at night, lays eggs and then finds a nice, quiet place to spend her final hours. They don't eat anything as they don't have mouths or any other means to ingest food or nectar.
I think the coloring and markings of this moth make it the most striking North American species I've ever seen. I was somewhat in awe when I found it today, as I've never seen one in the daylight before. It has an almost mystical, surreal look to it.

Nature is so cool!
Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 and K10D. Natural light.

[Nels]

nice capture!

[roentarre]

This is beautiful!

[Donald]

Luna Moth - is there a better name in the animal kingdom?

[aabram]

Spectacular sight indeed. Btw, is that the same guy on both pics or did you find two of them?

[xs400]

Beautiful - wonderful colors. Well done.

[J.Scott]

WOW! I love the first shot - nice contrast.

[Tom Lusk]

I run across these about once every two years, but have never gotten such good photos as you have here.

Well done!

[joele]

what an amazing moth... good work capturing that...

[vievetrick]

Great shot.

[Mile High]

Wow!!! Great pics of a beautiful insect.

[daacon]

great shot and colors - the first shot brings to mind his defensive camouflage is a green ghost that belongs in a Pac man game

[Matthew Roberts]

Makes me think of those Lunesta commercials. :ugh:

The second one is beautiful, with the way the moth is at an angle to all the other elements of the photo. And how its shade of green is just a little bit different.

[AmdamJayne]

Your shots are just beautiful. I confess I didn't know of this moth nor the info you shared - I'm so glad you did! I would frame and display these .. cheers, AJ

[xfraser]

I've never heard about nor seen these moths. Absolutely gorgeous photos! Thank you so much for sharing them.

Carol