Inflation

As noted in the previous post, upon emergence Luna Moths look for a safe place to perch and inflate their wings. In our aquarium/nursery that place is at the top of a stick.

And once this one made it to the top is stayed for thirty-two minutes transforming as ...

... the wings are taking on the characteristic green color ...

... the upper wing fills out ...

... followed in turn by the under wing ...

... becoming this:

~~~~~~~~~~

This is National Moth Week, and we attended a mothing event at Franklin Parker Preserve last night. We met a teacher there who remarked how she enjoyed events like the moth night because it helps rekindle her child like sense of wonder with the world.

Watching the process of egg to moth certainly sparks that wonder in me. And I hope I was able to successfully share it with you.