Observation date: May 20, 2022
Submitted by: fluffymothlover69
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I was laying in the yard next to a lilac bush while my chickens came to look for snacks around me. I saw something flopping around in the grass and thought it might be a giant June bug so I jokingly told my chickens to get it. When they looked at it and seemed largely uninterested, I went to take a closer look. To my marvel, it flopped right into my hand, and embraced my middle fingertip. It tucked its feelers in and sat very still for a very long time - about 20 minutes. During this time I noticed it's right wing was a little crumpled, I could not tell if it was at the beginning of its life or its end. Its face was a little smushy looking. It's body eventually began to vibrate very fast for about a minute, I tried to put it on some leaves next to where I was sitting, but it would not let go. I passed it to my colleague who was sitting with me and it vibrated on her finger for another 30 seconds or so before it took flight and off it went. From what I saw, it's wing was still crumpled when it took off but it had no difficulty flying.
Weather conditions: hot day about 75 degrees, overcast, threat of rain but it never came.
Status: Resident
Verified by: Sue Gregoire
Verified date: May 21, 2022
Coordinator notes: Great story. Your moth will be OK. They can fly well with a little damage like this.
