Witch Moth

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A couple of nights ago, I was outside and enjoying the on shore breeze when a huge black moth flapped over my knees.  It looked like a bat.  I was hoping he would land on me and he did, sitting on the toe of my boot in all his velvet glory.  He had faint orange stripes on his wings.  Then he flew off.  This is one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen.  


La mariposa de muerte, the butterfly of death.  This is the black witch moth, known to the Aztec.  They are huge and lovely.  Judging from the Spanish, there are superstitions about this insecto volador.  Mine was about four inches in wingspan.


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