Daily Farm Photo: 8/18/06

A Most Extraordinary Hug

When I stepped out the front door this morning, I had a sudden urge to detour around to the garden before heading down to the barn. The morning light was beautiful, and I thought I might find a photo. Okay, busted. I was mainly going to see if anything in the garden had been ravaged during the night. I only gave the garden a cursory glance, though, because my attention was drawn to something much more interesting.

I have seen these beautiful Luna moths before, but never two at once--and never intertwined. They are large, with wings that span four inches across. They stayed like that for several minutes while I stared, fascinated. Four hours later, they were still there. I lightly tickled each one with a blade of grass, just enough to see if they were alive--yes. I suppose they may have been busy making more moths (I know nothing of moth mating habits). I do know that pressed together, holding tightly to each other's little legs, it was quite a romantic scene--and a glorious morning surprise.

I am thrilled the photos I took came out. Click here if you would like to see the rest of them.

A year of Daily Photos ago: Baaaaaa!