Mothwoman
On Saturday some friends and I went to Daan Viljoen game reserve just outside Windhoek, for the weekend. We spent the afternoon walking in the hills, wandering past impassive wildebeest, and scattering kudu and klipspringer into the scrub. I was slightly nervous about leopards, but fortunately for all you lucky, lucky people, I did not get eaten on this occasion.
When it got dark, we all got fairly drunk. To my delight, and my friends’ bemusement, I discovered that if I put my hands up to the light, moths would land softly on my fingers, seemingly content to stay there while I looked into their tiny, disgruntled-kitten faces.
They were completely enchanting.
And apologies, I know I promised photos of moths, but there is only one… It’s pretty though. Out of curiosity – does anyone know what type of moth this is? They come in cream, too.
January 31st, 2007 at 8:13 pm
That IS beautiful!
THAT is beautiful!
that is BEAUTIFUL!
(just experimenting with different emphases)
January 31st, 2007 at 11:42 pm
I have no idea what that moth is, but I found some other very pretty ones on the internet while unsuccessfully trying to figure it out. For example, check out the otherworldly creatures at http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/sample7.htm. (The caterpillars are kinda ewwy, though, I’d say–at least when they are piled up as in the photo on that page.)
I have been wondering since your last post what we could possibly do to cheer you up, Rachie. I’ve come up with nothing. But now I think we know the what if not the how: you need some pet moths.
It actually would be pretty magical to have one of those caterpillars and watch it transform, wouldn’t it?
January 31st, 2007 at 11:54 pm
Sorry to double-comment, but I went back to that page and actually read it, and now I know the how, too! All you have to do is look for frass . . .
(I had to look that up, “frass.”)
February 1st, 2007 at 11:07 am
Martin – it works every way!
Heather – urgh – those caterpillars look like mopane worms (a local delicacy). The moths are pretty though. Mind you, I have so many damn insects in my house, that I’m sure my houses is pretty much carpeted with moth poop. I must sweep the floor again soon. Thanks for the cheering up though!
February 3rd, 2007 at 12:25 am
I don’t know what that moth is, but I know the man who does: John Banks. He is an expert on butterflies and I made website for him on cinebutterflies.com. Email him and mention my name – he will tell you!
February 5th, 2007 at 9:24 am
fine beast, with or without a name..
November 13th, 2008 at 1:13 am
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