Magnificent Pandora Sphinx Moth (By: Michele Babcock-Nice)

Pandora Sphinx Moth, Snellville, Georgia, September 4, 2015

I have been remiss in publishing this for awhile now.  On September 4, there was a beautiful Pandora Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha pandorus) resting on an azalea bush outside my home.  It was quite large, and I expect that it was probably a female.  I photographed it and left it where it was, with my family also viewing and enjoying its beauty.  I have had the pleasure of seeing these moths here in the South, having seen many in past years in North Carolina.  They are truly gorgeous!

“Luna Moth Delight” (By: Michele Babcock-Nice)

Luna Moth Beneath Leaf Camouflage, Georgia, USA, Summer 2010

Throughout my life, I have had the great pleasure of seeing, observing, photographing, and even collecting several Luna Moths. Luna Moths, or Actias luna, are giant silkworm moths that belong to the family, Saturniidae.  Their wingspan is generally about 4.5″ in length, so they are very large, appearing as kites in flight.

These moths are so amazing and beautiful…in their coloring and wing structure.  With their coloring reminiscent of evening moonlight – the aura of light surrounding the moon – they get their name, Luna, which means “moon.”  And, the tails on the hind wings of these fabulous delights are very long, flowing, and beautiful, as well! 

In the picture above that I photographed in the summer of 2010, my mom located this Luna Moth, roosting in a tree in the backyard.  She cut the branch of the tree – with the Luna Moth still resting on it – and brought it in the house for all to enjoy.  We observed and enjoyed it’s awesome beauty, and then, released it that night when it became active, after flying about inside the enclosed porch.