Bradford P. Ward  -  Children's Book Author
  • Welcome
    • From the Author
  • Parents and Teachers
    • Pre-Reading Activities
    • S.T.E.M. Activity Ideas and S.T.E.M. Education >
      • S.T.E.M. Activities to Complement Cockroach of Meadowfield >
        • Stop Motion Animation
        • Design an Insect Trap
        • Making Bug Robots
        • Pollination Project
    • Reading Activities for: 'A Pilgrimage of Pests' >
      • The Brownings
      • The Great Cold
      • The Warming Times
    • Reading Activities for: "The Great Cicada Ball" >
      • Deadlines
      • The Gates Open
      • The Finale
    • Reading Activities for "Heroes of Meadowfield" >
      • Search Parties
      • The Loomers
      • Revolution
    • The Moth Catcher: Cryptic Coloration
    • Metamorphosis Activity
    • Insect Picture Library
    • Mapping Meadowfield
  • Young Reader Pages
    • A Pilgrimage of Pests >
      • Worker 1200
      • Cockroach
      • Silverfish
      • Praying Mantis
      • Old Yellow Fat
      • Stinkbug
      • Acorn Weevil
      • Grand-Daddy Long Legs
      • Book Louse
      • Glowworm
    • The Great Cicada Ball >
      • Water Strider
      • Gypsy Moth Caterpillar
      • Stag Beetle
      • Robber Fly
      • Luna Moth
      • Goliath Beetle
      • Earwig
      • Periodical Cicada
      • Dung Beetle
      • Ra
    • Heroes of Meadowfield >
      • Queen Bee
      • Forager Bee
      • Scout Bee
      • Cicada Killer Wasp
      • Bombardier Beetle
      • The Hive
    • Bug Games to Play
  • Brad's Blog
  • Featured Stuff
    • Sweet potato Bob
    • Sweet Potato Bob's Garden Tips

Luna Moth

Lunas are among the largest and most beautiful moths in North America. It is quite uncommon to see an adult. They have no mouth parts, so they only live for about seven days. The long "tails" are thought to make vibrating sounds in flight, which confuses their natural enemy, the bat. As a result the bat attacks often fail.  Luna is Latin for moon; appropriate since the moth may use the light of the moon for guidance at night.

-
    artwork by Bradford P Ward
Picture
Folklore describes the Luna as a symbol of rebirth, heightened perception, a search for truth and knowledge—a sense of seeing the light. 

When he finds himself hopelessly lost in the dark forest, Cockroach encounters an enchanting group of Luna moths. He is spellbound by their beauty. Before helping Cockroach find his way home, the moths deliver a cryptic message—one he doesn't understand.

                                        Through the greenery
                                      For a moment, Life rises
                                          Stolen on the Wind.

Read The Great Cicada Ball, right up to the exciting finish, to find out the significance of the Luna's words.  

A timelapse video of a Luna moth emerging out of its pupa and filling out its beautiful lime green wings. 
Back To Great Cicada Homepage
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.