Although less conspicuous than butterflies, these frequently overlooked insects display a remarkable diversity in size, patterns, and colors. Some serve essential roles as nighttime pollinators and are a crucial food source for larger creatures.
“I would rather live in a world where my life is surrounded by mystery than live in a world so small that my mind could comprehend it.” ~Harry Emerson Fosdick
Note: Credit goes to my husband for the Luna moth photo.
With the arrival of cooler autumn weather, the familiar chirps, rattles, ticks, clicks and buzzes of the insects have grown quiet. For some, the sound lacked harmony, but for others, it struck a peaceful chord.
“Music is in all growing things;
And underneath the silky wings
Of smallest insects there is stirred
A pulse of air that must be heard;
Earth’s silence lives, and throbs, and sings.”
~George Parsons Lathrop
A few of the “winged things” that I have taken photos of during the summer.
“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” ~Leonardo da Vinci
As you drive along the country roads of West Tennessee in the late summer and autumn, you are likely to see a burst of pale bluish-purple wildflowers growing along the way. The Mistflower grows in clusters, and its fluffy-looking flowers are magnets for butterflies, moths and other insects which are attracted to its nectar.
“There are many things in life that will catch you eye, but only a few will catch your heart. Pursue these.” ~Michael Nolan
“But the good deed, through the ages, Living in historic pages, Brighter grows and gleams immortal, Unconsumed by moth or rust.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I spotted several of these moths fluttering among the partridge peas on our country road. They were such small, light colored moths that I wasn’t sure they would photograph well, but was pleasantly surprised at the detail the camera was able to pick up.
“The beauty of life is in small details, not in big events.” ~Jim Jarmusch
I found these little caterpillars while I was cutting back some blackberry bushes. They seemed to be enjoying the sunshine and each other’s company. I believe the gray one is a Banded Tussock Moth Caterpillar and the yellow one is an American Dagger Moth Caterpillar.
“Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.” ~Izaak Walton
walking on a country road 