Tag: Cocoon

Photograph – Morning Walk & Winter Sky

On By TimelessladyIn Photographs13 Comments

Winter walks always find me looking up. There is much to see in the trees hidden in Spring, Summer, and Autumn.

Polyphemus Moth Cocoon

Last Quarter Moon, glowing in the morning sky, framed by woodland trees.

Bird’s nest. What a perfect display of avian construction skills. It is still holding on after months of heavy rains and winds. The nest reminds me to visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. If you don’t have a bird feeder at home, you can tune into theirs through YouTube. I enjoy watching the Panama Live Cam at this time of year.

Phascination – Cocoons

On By TimelessladyIn Phascination2 Comments

I’ve had this cocoon hanging on a shelf for many months. I’ve become so used to its presence it has been nearly forgotten, until last night…

Yes, the photograph tells the story, a moth was born, a very large moth. I was dozing, almost dreaming, when the sound of beating wings filled the room. Our television was still on, and I think the light drew the newly emerged moth. At first we thought it was a bat, the moth was that large. We quickly grabbed a towel to throw over it. Thankfully, it dawned on me that the moth had left it’s cocoon. The moth landed on the floor, and I placed my hand beneath it’s feet. It climbed aboard, I cupped my other hand over it, and we let it escape into the night through our bedroom window.

I think it was a Polyphemus Moth. My only regret is I was not aware the moth was emerging and missed watching the birth. He or she is out there in the night now, meeting other moths and doing what moths do.

Perspective – Finding the Good

On By TimelessladyIn PerspectiveLeave a comment

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

I’ve always been fascinated with the larger moth species. I have read about them to the point where I can recognize certain species. Problem is they are night flyers, so I have seen one only if it has become trapped in a screened in porch or is no longer alive.

I have found perfectly dried specimens in the woods and fields near my home. On a hike I almost stepped on a perfectly preserved Polyphemus Moth, and on another occasion an Imperial Moth.

Many moths use the leaves of trees as part of their cocoons. They are much easier to spot in the winter months when the branches are bare. In the past I have found many empty cocoons scattered upon the ground, but yesterday I found a cocoon that was still intact and housing an occupant.

I am re-inspired, and maybe this spring I will brave the other night insects, mosquitoes, slugs and other “icky” bugs, and sit outdoors in the dark with a white sheet and flashlight.  Perhaps I’ll get lucky and find a Luna Moth, a large green moth with feather-like antennae.

Yesterday I found the cocoon because I knew what I was looking for. It is the same with the good things in life…if you know what you are looking for, and search diligently, you will find it.

“But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29