Two days ago I was walking downstairs with my bike and I nearly stepped on a big moth - about half the size of my hand. It was motionless, with it's head against the wall on the fifth step from the bottom. When I arrived back from the cycle ride, it was still in exactly the same position. Same thing when I went to work and returned the next day. So this morning, as I went by, I put my shoe against a wing, and the moth flicked it's feathery wing uncomfortably. I let it be. When I arrived back from work, the moth was still in exactly the same position.
I slipped a finger against it, and sure enough, the fellow was still alive. It quickly climbed over my fingers. It felt spidery, but we all know that moths suck nectar out of flowers. Us 21st century humans are such crybabies.
I turned the insect over and examined it closely. A very velvety back, mottled dark brown with some bright purple-red spots on its shoulders. Between its two big round compound eyes (nice compound eyes, not icky like a flies) I noticed what looked like a bald spot.
I could be wrong, but I have a feeling this fella knocked himself out over the course of an evening. See, where the steps are is also below a light that I leave on through the night. I have a feeling the moth swirled around this distraction all night and completely messed up its sensors, never mind concussed itself a few times.
I know it sounds silly, but part of me felt really sorry for it. You know, it had been suffering on a step, head against the wall for at least 3 days. Do you know how kak that must feel. I dare you to sit on the floor, and not move a finger, with your head against a wall, for 72 hours.
I took a couple of photos of the moth. In all this time the moth barely moved. I could feel its feet clutching my fingers more tightly sometimes when I moved. I had the idea to photograph the moth with one of those low energy light bulbs - as if to say, these bulbs are so good for the environment, even moths like 'em. The awful irony is that it was a bulb just like the prop that I'd screwed in above the front door, and probably caused this guy permanent damage.
After the shoot I took the moth outside and onto a flower. An hour or so later and it has moved slightly (it was fairly awkwardly perched on the flower to start off with). I know for a fact that the creeper that grows on my wall has a bunch of lizards nesting in it, and possibly the same field mouse I have seen scurrying around. And then there are birds. I don't think it's prospects are so great - for survival I mean. And I feel bad about it.
It occurred to me, when I was eating dinner, that it has been quite a long time since I paid any attention to a fellow Earth creature (other than a human being). Too long I fear.
Why Insects Can't Fly Straight at Night
Internal guidance system can't distinguish between distant stars and nearby artificial light
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