Fast forward several hours...
I just finished watching my latest Netflix arrival and went to deposit it in the box. It was dark as I stepped outside and walked to the end of my driveway. As I pulled open the front, I saw something white, and black, and spotted all over. What the hell?
I ran inside and quickly returned with a flashlight, camera, and cell phone. Then I started playing paparazzi with the weirdness inside my box. After sending some grainy photos to both my parents and asking what it is, I benefited from the natural paranoia of the unknown...
"Looks like a hognose or a horned viper"
"Probably a biter"
"Corn snake"
"I'd leave it alone"
In their defense, the picture I took made it look like a snake curled up on itself seeking a warm place for the evening.
Is it a moth? Moths have fuzzy antennae, right? Cicada? Has the right body for it but not the right eyes. Butterfly? No, body is too thick.
After further investigation and better photos, I discovered (with the help of my mother) that it is a Great Leopard Moth. I have seen very few moths in my lifetime but after seeing this one, all I can say is that moths get overshadowed by butterflies.
Fast forward again, another 20 minutes...
Upon returning from a relaxing walk around the neighborhood, I ran into the house and get my flashlight once more. The moth was no longer residing in the mailbox and I was determined to find it.
I heard some rustling in the middle of the yard and apprehensively turned my beam of light in that general direction. The rustling was loud. I silently prayed it wasn't a rabid opossum or a giant spider. My imagination gets the better of me at times. I saw a flash of white. Was it a rat?
No. I was able to catch one more glimpse of this beautiful moth and assured myself that its wings were sound and not deformed.
Best travels little one for the few days/nights you are alive. Please die where I can find you.
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