I saw the moth in the water bucket when I walked into the pasture this morning. I was sure it was dead. After I opened the gate for the animals and mucked out the barn, I went back to take a picture of it.
As I did, I saw that what I thought was a white moth, had soft shades of sage speckled with white.
When I scooped her out of the water, she surprised me again as she lifted one of her legs. Slowly, she shook off another leg and soon was standing on my finger. Next one wing fluttered then the other as she dried herself off.
Soon her little legs were gripping my finger and when I tried to put her on a leaf she walked down my finger to my hand. I imagine she was taking in the heat from my body, warming up after spending all that time in the water.
Knowing I had some time, I got my macro lens and took some pictures.
It was only when I looked at my photos that I saw her big green eyes, furry legs, and feathery antennas.
Eventually, the moth walked off my hand and onto an iris in my garden. She still wasn’t flying but was well camouflaged and the sun even came out for a while to warm her up.
Sooo beautiful! Like it’s made of silk. Spectacular photos! You should post on the iNaturalist app. INaturalist.org You are definitely a citizen scientist. What kind of moth is it, do you think?
I’ll check ot INatralist.org Amy, I’m not aware of it. I don’t know what kind of moth it is, but I’m sure there’s an app for that too! 🙂
Maria, I never ever thought I’d be thinking of a moth as beautiful, but this baby is gorgeous! I love her wings and the inquisitive look she seems to be giving you. You really have an amazing way with nature and you definitely saved her life after a cold night in a bucket of water. 🙂
Ah, Fran, that makes me very glad to hear. I love when I can see the beauty in something for the first time.
Amazing photos, love that macro lens! Thanks for saving her . . . 🙂
That lens has opened up new worlds to me Judy.
you rescued a faery!
Awww…
looks like a White-Fringed Emerald Moth (Nemoria mimosaria). Know nothing about moths, just found pictures. Such beautiful subtle coloring. Great photos Maria.
Ah thanks Sharon. It really is so subtle. I hope it gets warm tomorrow and will get to fly away, or do what ever it is moths do. 🙂
What Do Moths Do?
I searched for: What do moths do? Because I really don’t know…
Moths are primarily nocturnal and search for food at night. Moths have a similar life cycle as butterflies. They start their lives as caterpillars before forming a cocoon and turning into an adult moth with the ability to fly. One of the biggest contributions of moths is that their discarded cocoons are used to make silk. Moths are also very important pollinators. Because they have hairy bodies, they pick up pollen on any flower that they land on. Moths are also an invaluable part of the food chain, serving as a source of food for a wide variety of animals. Not only do animals eat moths, but their early caterpillar form is fair game too. These flying insects are also masters of disguise. Some species of moths have evolved to look like predators such as wasps while others can easily blend in with their natural surroundings. Moths also have one of the longest lifespans of insects. Certain moth species can live up to three years if they escape being eaten by predators.
Thanks you Sharon! All of this I did not know, and now I do. I appreciate your doing the research. 🙂