(Almost Dead) Lunar Moth

I hope I am this beautiful when I am almost dead.

XOxoxo

Large Brown Fuzzy 'Owl Eye' Moth

HOw beautiful is this moth? I know I have said everything tiny (aka little bugs & baby animals) is cute, but when things that are usually tiny are really big, they are freakin' amazin'!

Ya'll might remember those feathery antennae from the Guessing Game the other day! Do ya still think it's a male lunar moth?

The false 'eyes' on the wings are for protection from predators - to trick them into thinking there are some big eyes staring back at them and they might actually be the prey instead. Pretty cool trick... :)

Xoxoxo

Owl Eye Moth

One of my favorite features in nature is bio mimicry for self preservation and survival. I absolutely am amazed by the moths and butterflies that have the fake "eyes" on them to scare off predators, it creates a presence as strong as the creatures they imitate and their shape shifting illusionary skillz rock.

I mean, holy cow, look at that fury little bear of a face with the tiniest 'nose' and biggest black eyes - if it hadn't been bad for it I would have kissed it. Just like the Lunar Moth, this type of moth vibrated really hard for a little while before actually taking flight. (Anyone who knows the scientific name for this moth, it would be much appreciated- I would love to find out more about it's habitat and lifestyle!)

BONUS PIC: Lookin' like a brown hairy turd...what a fuzz muffin!

XOXooooo

North American Moth (Grey, Black and White)

Anyone know the scientific name of this little fighter pilot? Fantastic markings, big wings, fuzzy helmet head (perfect circle on top) and a good disposition. :)

xoxo

Newborn Moth or Deformed Moth?

Today my kitty "Toots" found this moth and brought it right up to me, luckily holding it only by it's legs from her teeth. I immediately could tell it was a moth but when she dropped it in my hands it had tiny little wings impossible to fly with. Within 3 minutes it looked as though those wings were getting bigger (or my imagination was) which lead me to believe this moth was newly born, did seem damp bodied, and was having a terrible stressful start to life. It's so huge and beautiful (and hopefully not deformed), is there an entomologist out there who can identify this American Moth - I know it is common over here on the eastern side of the US. (I don't have my butterfly & moth identification books anymore...and right now I wish I did)!

Aside from satisfying my inner scientist... isn't he/she so perty?