Last week during Harvest Moon, I found this big fat Luna Moth caterpillar—also known as a Moon Moth—in my garden. He was the first of his kind I’d ever seen–and apparently I was the first of my kind he’d ever seen (he thoroughly explored my hand). When I found him, Luna was working his way up one of my new Moonshadow plants. I transferred him to a bigger bush, and am still looking for the beautiful winged version of him.
So, what did all this moonishness mean? Probably nothing, but I found it amusing. And, no, I didn’t dance by moonlight or sacrifice anything. However…
Speaking of moonlight, this coming Monday (“Moon Day” in Old English) is the start of our Autumnal Equinox, the day when the moon gets equal time with the sun—before initiating those cool, moony Autumn nights to come.
So don’t moon around. Spread your wings…
Luna Moth in its final (imago) form
Mitch Teemley 
Reblogged this on Blue Dragon Journal.
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New starts? Full moon moving onto a new path???
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I love butterflies/moths. I’ve only seen a luna moth twice. Never a caterpillar. A student living with me found a dead luna moth and brought it home for me. I have it on display.
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I haven’t seen an imago (winged version) of a Luna Moth, but would love to. They’re such works of art!
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I love those autumn evenings, sweater cool and lit only by the moon.
Of course in a perfect world, there would be a bonfire and the code of a
lingering firefly.
“Mooning Around” poem sets me to soaring.
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I’ve never seen one before. Thank you Mitch. How lucky you are. 🌺🌸
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It has been a big Butterfly season here on MD’s Eastern Shore. I’ve seen a few of these Moon Moths already this year. I had a plant box, 4×8 above ground, waist-high that I did not plant. Onion sets were in last year and I just let it go. Well. the onions came back in an act of vengeance, I let it go, gorgeous deep blue flowers abounded and the butterflies were plentiful. An old friend in Camden, ME posted this Friday the 13th snapshot of facebook. Like me, an old retired CT Trooper and a professional photographer. It’s worth a look. Let us see what this quarter brings. I always enjoy your Blogs, Mitch. Semper Fi
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Unfortunately your Fb link got yanked, Rooster (something to do with privacy settings). Would love to have seen it.
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I have seen them they are brown not green and as big as my index finger.
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According to what I’ve read, they turn browner when they’re getting ready to build their cocoon. And, yes, they’re surprisingly big, aren’t, aren’t they?!
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Yes they are, very beautiful in that mode too!
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Such a beautiful creature. I love caterpillars and of course what they become later. You both were really lucky meeting each other.
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Well, I don’t know if he feels that way, but I sure do. Thanks, Erika.
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Yes, at least one of you does 😄
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Oh, when we will eventually be butterflies!!!!
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So jealous! I have been looking for one of those guys for years!
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Aw, sorry if I took yours, Heather. ;>) Seriously, I’m sure yours is just waiting to meet you.
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Lol!
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Reblogged this on dreamweaver333.
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I’m honored.
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You haven’t lost your childlike imagination and curiosity, Mitch. That’s what makes you such a great writer.
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Aw, thank you, brother. Love your writing, too, as you know.
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So I’ve heard!
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It is so great that you had this experience. Here in Texas, we have the Monarchs, and they are a marvel to observe. Many many of them.
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That’s amazing. I love seeing what they morph into and this is one I’ve never seen in real life. Thanks for sharing, Mitch.
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Mitch, how wonderfully shared. As always! You have this unbelievably awesome gift of helping us realize that there’s just really more to see, explore, and embrace in life. How I love looking at life through your eyes! ❤️💚💜💙💛
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Aw, thank you, YBP. Honestly, this was such a wisp of a post, just what was on my mind at the moment. Have a wonderful autumn.
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Oh I enjoy two seasons over here….. and yet I love autumn whenever our family enjoys the gorgeous tints and hues during our travels! ❤️ So, yes, I will definitely have a vicariously wonderful autumn! 🍂💛🍂💛🍂💛
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I understand. I grew up in SoCal and never lived in a 4 season climate until we moved to Ohio. Where do you live?
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Oh I love SoCal! ❤️ I live in sunny Philippines so I love our tropical climate over here with breathtaking beaches ….. 🌴 🏖 🐠
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This reminded me of one of my favorite children’s picture books: Stella Luna. Do you know it? I loved teaching children about caterpillars and butterflies, having them in the classroom and watching the metamorphosis. Fascinating! Isn’t nature wonderful?
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It is indeed, Jan. No, I know about Stella Luna, but don’t think I’ve read it.
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It’s available on Amazon books… and is a delightful read.
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Very cool!
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