Shelter in the Storm

Tropical Storm Lee is still with us even though at this point it has become just a major rain system. Wind gusts occasionally whip things around a bit but as a whole, this has not been a a bad storm. Pending that we don't get a tornado or any worse winds, this has been more like a extended thunderstorm!

We are fortunate to have the Little Bayou House to shelter us from the storms. It has stood well against several intense hurricanes so it makes me feel safe and snug. The winds rattle the windows and rains pelt the rooftop until it is almost deafening but that is not a complaint with me. I am dry and out of the stinging winds so I am happy. Others on the Bayou are not so fortunate. During storms of any kind and especially hurricanes, they have to seek shelter wherever they can find it. I was out and about this afternoon between the downpours when I came across one of the creatures seeking a protected place to weather out the rough winds. A large moth, about the size of my hand, had taken refuge under the eaves. There it clung to the rough wood hoping upon hoping that the winds would not shift. It was on the south side of the house where the winds were the most intense but it clung tightly to its perch. The poor thing's wings were battered and torn..the wind had almost gotten the best of it. I so wanted to bring it inside but knew that it would not fare any better being cooped.

This is an Ascalapha Odorata..or as it is better known..a Black Witch Moth. The males have a wingspan of almost six and a half inches and I full believe this one did. As one can imagine with a name like Black Witch Moth, legends abound about the critter. Some cultures believe that it was a harbinger of death. If one entered the house or clung (like this one) to the eaves, it was an omen that someone one would die. This is a prevalent belief in Mexico. The poor moth had a stigma attached to it that would scare most superstitious people. On the other hand, the Black Witch Moth is called the Money Moth down in the Bahamas. Here they hold the belief that if the Money Moth visits you, money would definitely come your way. Similarly, in Southern United States most people tend to carry the folk legend that you will win the lottery or inherit a large amount of money if the moth lingers around your house. I like the Money Moth theory much better than that of "Harbinger of Death"! We will just go with that..I am going to be rich once this moth decides to pay me! Actually, I feel a lot richer just being graced with its presence for a bit and I bid it well during the rest of the Tempest that is called Lee!