For one student of entomology, a routine moment outside their workplace turned into a memorable wildlife sighting.
What happened?
The poster shared a video and an image of a stunning giant silk moth resting on a wall, writing: "Not the best quality, but this is my favorite moth (even got it tattooed after studying entomology)."
(Click here to watch the video if it doesn't appear.)
The OP added that "Went outside my job, looked over at the wall and screamed with excitement because this is the first time I've seen one in person," the poster wrote. "My coworker took the picture and video. ... Wish we could have done it more justice. Absolutely beautiful!"
Even in the quick snapshot taken at work, the moth's large size and striking wing patterns stood out.
What are people saying?
The post drew almost entirely enthusiastic replies.
TCD Picks » EDF Spotlight
💡EDF's Vital Signs newsletter delivers stories about game-changing solutions close to home and around the world
One wrote, "Big moths tend to be super chill! I love handling them when I come across one. Had the pleasure of handling a Luna moth for the first time last year. Gorgeous little creatures!"
Other commenters pointed to the moth's wing patterns and shared personal memories.
One said, "those big wing patterns probably scare off a lot of predators," while another stated, "I had similar or same moths from caterpillars to moths when I was a teen. The beauty was amazing. Thank you for sharing."
Why does it matter?
Remarkable wildlife is not always hidden away in forests or national parks. Sometimes, it can be found right outside the door.
Many of these remarkable species help pollinate plants and play an important role in the food web, feeding birds, bats, and other animals.
You can make small decisions in your personal life that can make a difference for moths and other pollinators, including planting native flowers, cutting back on broad-spectrum pesticides, and reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting at night.
Protecting these insects helps support the broader ecosystems people rely on, from gardens and local wildlife populations to our food supply.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
Cool Picks
