Upon my last great move, I had to get rid of a lot of books. One of the few books I kept was A Pocket Guide to Butterflies & Moths. The illustrations provided colorful, calming inspiration but I was also interested in learning just a bit of the science behind these winged insects that had captured my attention since childhood.
Here in Somerville, in this house with so many windows and so few screens, many a winged creature has made an appearance, from bumblebees and wasps to lady bugs and dragonflies. No butterflies that I can remember, but across all the seasons, many a moth has visited and some have never left. Usually, I find them nestled next to light sources, curled with proverbial charred wings next to light bulbs and candlewicks. The one in this series of images I found on a book shelf. He was dry at the time and near no lamp.
I held him in my hand and wondered what had happened. As I held him close, I could see the beauty of his form and so decided to try to capture what I saw before me.
A bit macabre perhaps but I think I learned some things about form, function, patterns and even color that I continue to muddle through.
Words + Images 
Beautiful.
Thank you 😉
Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 13:26:05 +0000 To: cynthiastaples@hotmail.com
WOW!
I’m glad you enjoyed it 😉
Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 13:28:24 +0000 To: cynthiastaples@hotmail.com
The variations in color aren’t so visible to us when they’re alive and moving. Oddly, it reminds me of studying Shakespeare and the endless conflict between academics and actors. Some academics feel that you miss the poetry and the writing if you watch it performed instead of read it, and the actors basically say it’s the difference between a dead thing and a living moth. They’re right, of course, but these are still gorgeous.
I, too, have had an interest in insects since early childhood, and as I’ve aged studied them more intently. Thank you, Cynthia, not only for the beautiful photos but your writing about them as well.
I’m glad you enjoyed both. 😉
Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 13:54:35 +0000 To: cynthiastaples@hotmail.com
Loved this Cynthia – thank you!
You’re welcome! 😉
Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 18:33:49 +0000 To: cynthiastaples@hotmail.com