I’m a budding lepidopterist!

Butterflies get all of the glory. They are always seen for their beauty, their gracefulness, and their gentleness. This is completely and utterly unfair, and people should start paying greater attention to the true beauties in the lepidoptera order: moths.

Most people only see the annoying ones that flutter around the oustide lights at night. I, too, only thought of moths as annoying creatures that were more or less spider food. Living in the country changed all of that, though. Walking through my backyard yields all kinds of crazy insects, and going through my garden is like taking a safari. That being said, I think I missed my calling as an entymologist (philisophical theories of God’s will notwithstanding). I still didn’t think highly of moths, however, until the past few months.

I’m going to avoid going “crocodile hunter” on you, but just take a look at these beauts!

Aren’t they gorgeous? Just look at the coloration! Stand back, I’m going to wrestle one to the ground! (end Australian accent)

Sure, they still are attracted to the light on my porch, but I have never seen moths like this. They are absolutely incredible. From the beautifully camoflauged to the just plain beautiful, I was captivated with the first one I saw (which was the one on the right) and I have been keeping an eye out ever since. In fact, if I leave the light on outside, I look forward to going out in the morning and seeing what new moths have stumbled upon my doorstep. Wow, that was incredibly geeky of me.

Moths are just another example of God’s hidden treasures and nature’s hidden glory that are there for all to see, yet so many pass up. Beauty can be found in unexpected places, and I never expected to fall in love with moths. Yet here I am, being all giddy at the sight of a few winged bugs.

So, be kind to your moth friends out there, and stay on the lookout for some spectacular ones! And, even if you still don’t like moths, trust me. It’s a lot nicer than having a cicada staring at you in the morning.