Moth TALES

Readers share cool snapshots of these mysterious fliers

EACH YEAR, I TRY TO show my young grandson something new in nature. One day we were blessed to find this rarely seen example of a North American giant silk moth: a polyphemus! This beautiful male was ready to go a-courtin'. Adults have no mouths to eat with, so they have less than two weeks to find a mate and set the next generation on its journey. Tim Bosley SOUTH LYON, MI

I WAS OVERWHELMED with gratitude when I came across a white-lined sphinx moth drinking nectar from a zinnia bloom. I followed it from flower to flower for about 20 minutes before it finally had enough. What a wonderful experience! Michelle Maynard CASPER, WY