We saw a Luna Moth on the side of the trail at Blue Run Park. Someone had spotted it and was standing next to it when we hurried along to see. I knew it was a Luna Moth when I saw it. But I was surprised to learn some interesting facts about it when I did an online search.
Luna Moths are not rare but are rarely seen by humans. They are nocturnal. And they only live in their adult form for 7 to 10 days. The adults have vestigial mouthparts and no digestive system. The don't eat at all during this one week of life. They use energy stored up as caterpillars. Isn't that amazing?
And how neat to get to see one up close. It's considered a mega-moth and was as big as my hand outstretched.
Right now Florida would be considered 'buggy' and we are seeing lots of dragonflies!
They are real beauties too.
My husband took the photos below and they really stood out, almost looking 3D!
(these were taken at Felburn Park on the Gulf Coast)
Another mosaic, a water lily with an insect on it and blue dragonflies.
Lion's Ear
I found a whole bed of these Lion's ear plants near the Pruitt trailhead, Halpata Tastanaki Preserve.
I found the ID HERE.
We looked straight up above this trail at Blue Run Park and saw this beautiful spider web.
We can always marvel at nature's beauty if we just take the time to observe!
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34 comments:
...you captured some fabulous stuff.
that moth is amazing, great shots of it. I have only seen one, that was years ago in our garage on the wall. your flowers are amazing today. love that lions ear
I like the photo of the moth and the other nature photos. It's wonderful you and your husband go on these hikes. I hope you have a nice week and happy hiking Diane.
Great photos!
I love the Dragonfly photos
Have a blessed day!
What a great series of photographs!
The Luna is a gorgeous moth. Nice find!
Of course, you know I love all those dragons.
Enjoy the new week!
I've never heard of a moth with no tummy - fascinating! It is large and majestic. You were in the right place at the right time and took beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing!
I have never seen a luna moth! I love dragonflies. You guys got some great pictures!
Amazing, Diane! I love seeing your dragon flies, but the Luna is spectacular. We don't have the Luna here. My daughter always wanted one for her entomology collections. We do have giant moths here, but like the Luna they are really seen because they are night fliers, too. Isn't it amazing all of the difference varieties? and a spider web in the sky to boot.
Wow dear Diane, that really does look like a special moth! Was it still alive? It looks so pretty and delicate, but you can't tell from the photos if it has moved...
Your other sightings were great too, the dragonflies, the little grasshopper in the water lily, the pretty Lion's Ear plants and the beautiful spider web. A wonderful excursion!
Thank you very much for your compliment on my "Tropic Exotic Post" :-) <3 I'm glad you enjoyed it. Today I even linked a second posting on Mosaic Monday - also a trip to a nature reserve / bird park (part of my Mallorca travel report) - maybe this is of interest to you too.
Hugs from here,
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2022/08/mallorca-reisebericht-teil-4-tag-9.html
That was quite a find. It is just stunning and the dragonflies are pretty too.
That was most interesting about the Luna Moth. I saw one once sitting on the side of my friend's red garage... the contrast was startling.
Nice photos
Luna moths not eating is like mayflies.
Hello,
The Luba Moth is a great find, a real beauty! Great collection of dragonflies. Beautiful mosaics and photos. Take care, enjoy your new week!
That moth is so beautiful -- and I loved seeing the results from both cameras. You do wonderful images of very small things!
I've seen only a few luna moths over the years, they are so beautiful to behold! They look magical.
Fabulous shots. Interesting facts about the moth. Rather said that it will only live 7 to 10 days.
That Lion's Ear is a rather fascinating looking plant.
What great photographs these are.
All the best Jan
What a beauty the luna moth is...seems they should have a longer life!
Good research! I like to see what I can find about such critters.
The moth sure is pretty and all your photos are amazing.
I love seeing all the wonderful things you see on your hikes. I can look at them as long as I want and not worry about them jumping on me. ewee LOL. Blessings, xoxo, love, Susie
Very enjoyable ramble today! Thank you
Awesome photos and interesting information! I want to see one of those huge moths now! And yes, there is so much beauty all around us. We just have to pay attention!! xo
Diane - I did not know those facts about the Luna Moth. Was this one still alive? The second dragonfly you show is my favorite. Florescent green! And the lion's ear plant is new to me - well done to identify it. Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday!
What a special Luna Moth this is, I have never seen this species before.
I really like the dragonflies.
Greetings Irma
Luna Moths may be rare in many locations but it is certainly not true in southern Ontario, especially in an area known as The Bruce. A friend of mine was camping there a couple of years ago and had a hard time getting them all out of his tent before zipping it up for the night. It is by any standard a beautiful creature.
What an ethereal creature. I have never seen a Luna moth.
WOW!!! I have been blessed by seeing a Luna Moth twice. Thank you for sharing the fun facts.
oh a luna moth... love
I love your photos of the Luna Moth. Beautiful!!
i left a comment here the other day, often my comments disappear!! the luna moth is both cool looking and interesting!! we have a lot of the cobwebs forming these days, the hubs tells me they are "free decorations for halloween"!!
The Luna Moth almost looks like a leaf blending in with nature. What a great dragonfly photo. They always make me smile. That's a cool photo of the insect hiding inside the water lily. The Lion's Ear plant is so unusual. Have never seen that before. And that is ONE HUGE spider web. I often think of all the detail that goes in it. : )
~Sheri
Tuviste mucha suerte con ver la mariposa y demás insectos. Besos.
Hello dear blogfriend... I'm sorry for my late comment to your love Post.
Your captures are amazing.
Thank you for sharing, I enjoyed it so much. Most of the people love butterflies ... of course. I prefer dragonflies. They are perfect.
Wish you a very good time.
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