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Saturday, August 25, 2012

Moth, unique view

When I was in the sixth grade, I went to summer camp for a week with my class -- it was the highlight of the school year for us. Being with my classmates around the clock for a few days gave me a chance to know many of them better, like it or not. One of the memories that has stuck with me happened one night in the cabin, when Patrick -- a big, loud, tough kid who could sometimes be a bully -- started yelling and jumping around. He was on one of the top bunks (of course) and was standing up, arms thrashing, completely freaking out, oblivious to the ceiling inches above his head and the edge of the bed which promised a late-night trip to some country hospital at best. I seem to remember him yelling "get it off, GET IT OFF!", but that could just be time aging the story for me.


After a few frantic seconds, the episode was over, and Patrick -- in a weak moment -- admitted to us all that he was terrified of moths. You should have thought of that before choosing the top bunk right next to the bare lightbulb tough guy. Patrick, I hope you've overcome this fear, or that you're not reading today.


***


As I walked back into my office yesterday, I noticed a small moth had landed on the outside of the window, giving me a rare vantage point.  Luckily my camera was at hand, with macro lens already attached, so I made the most of this opportunity:



I love looking at butterflies and moths (well, most insects really) up-close, as you get to see hidden details.



I'm not going to even attempt to identify this species, as it doesn't have anything too remarkable about it, and looking at dozens of images of seemingly identical drab brown insects is just not my thing. Plus I'm looking at it from below, with light shining through the wings. They just don't picture that in any identification guides.


So I'll forego the research and just enjoy the view.

I guess I can understand how somebody could not want these fluttering pollinators climbing on them, but there are much worse insects to find climbing on your bunk, right?


Does anybody (besides Patrick) have a fear of moths or butterflies?

.

2 comments:

  1. I had the same pleasure a while ago: moth on the window. I photographed the moth inside and out. Last week I saw an enormous caterpillar walking on the terrace. It was really monstrous and dangerous looking, much worse than the moth that will come from it but... I had to take pictures anyway. Like you, I like to watch and zoom in on insects of any kind. Didn't post about it yet though.
    Bye,
    Marian

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  2. I've had two cool moth experiences. One was camping as a kid, when we had a moth the size of a sparrow land on our picnic table while we were playing cards by the light of the coleman lantern. I have no idea what it was, I just know it was enormous.

    The other was a few years ago when I thought I saw a hummingbird at my planter box one evening and realized it was actually a moth that looked and acted exactly like a hummingbird. You'll be surprised to learn that it's called a hummingbird moth! Very cool! So no. No moth hater here!

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