This is a close-up - about as macro as I could get - of a male Luna moth that hid under the railing of my deck protected from both the wind and rain.
They are amazing moths. As Luna moths go, this one was on the small side at about 4 inches across. I have seen bigger ones that must have been 7 inches wide.
Here is some info from Wikipedia on them.
"Typically, it has a wingspan of roughly 114 mm (4.5 in), but can exceed 178 mm (7.0 in), making it one of the larger moths in North America. Luna moths are not rare, but are rarely seen due to their very brief (7–10 day) adult lives and nocturnal flying time. As with all giant silk moths, the adults do not eat, and thus are not seen visiting flowers."
Thought I would get this in at the last minute for the Black & White challenge which is macro. May get two more entries in yet if I get time to post them ... you all will be tired of my b&w by the end of the night!
