They Only Live For A Week

     What a thrill to see a Luna Moth! Not only did I see one, I got the pleasure of seeing two. They must have arrived at night and were attracted to the deck light. They stayed long enough for me to snap quite a few shots. I was able to persuade my kids to take a gander at them. Up close and personal is how my camera lens became. I wanted to share a few of the pictures with you.
                                                                         

     The above photo shows a picture of an eyespot. Aren't the colors absolutely beautiful? According to animals.pawnation.com, the purpose of the eyespot is to encourage predators to concentrate on their wings instead of their whole bodies. They "not only look like eyes, but look like moons." This is probably how they got their name, since Luna (a Latin word) means moon.

     Because there were two of them, I had to research to find out which was the male and which the female. Most websites concluded that the male's antenna is thicker than the female's.

Underside of Female Luna Moth
                                                                                                                                                                       

Male Luna Moth

     According to fcps.edu, people rarely see Luna Moths, mostly because they fly late at night and it is a treat to see one, because they are very beautiful insects. I truly believe this! They are "considered an endangered species in some areas." "Humans have caused Luna Moths to become endangered by pollution and loss of habitat." Well, they have a place to live here if they want it and will be very welcomed.
     I was curious about how long these moths would stay on the screen since they are supposed to only live one week. I am so thankful they arrived here. I believe it is probably because of all the sweetgum trees. Their predators are owls and bats.
     Unfortunately a couple of hours later, after getting their picture made, a familiar bird that I call "Tweety," that hangs around the light to eat smaller moths, came and scared the female away. I saw her fly up and over the roof. I hope she made it safely to hide under the leaves in a tree. The male must be asleep because he is still on the screen at this time.

     Here they are when I first spotted them: separated but still close by to each other. I like how they could see each other from where they were resting. 
     I guess we are that way with some people we know; separated by distance, miles, circumstances, etc. but still remaining close. But we must remember we are only on this earth a short time.

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die...Ecclesiastes 3:1-8