It was a really cool night :0) maybe in the 50’s, so this morning when I opened the kitchen door to let Cocoa out, I saw something I have never seen together before – a huge Dobson fly and a luna moth. The Dobson fly had to be 5″ long, and the luna moth about the same.
The fly is quite a shock to see – all black with lacy wings and very large pincer-like mouth parts. Apparently not dangerous as adults, but the larva (Helgramite) can nip you. They are favorites of fishermen as bait. The luna moth (this is the 2nd one I’ve seen since we’ve moved here) is a pale lime green with dots on the wings. A huge beautiful moth and well named. I flicked the Dobson fly off the screen. Cocoa was very good and obeyed me when I told her NO – she loves to eat insects and chases them. I’ve had to stop her from eating Monarch butterflies as well (she can eat all the mosquitoes she wants!!!). Both the luna moth and Dobson fly must have been attracted to the outside light which is automatic on/off at dusk and dawn. I left the luna moth near the light – when it warms up enough it’ll take off and I hope make more luna moths. They’re so big, I imagine they don’t last long in flight – tasty treat for birds.
Amazing Insects
July 13, 2008 by terrelevin
