Early this morning, I heard something at the kitchen window. I did not think much about it and surely did not worry what was there. It was too dark at the moment to see anything and I had no hankering to step outside to investigate. It was pouring down rain! I made a pot of strong coffee and cut a piece of cinnamon bread. I silently had breakfast as the sound of rain pelted against the Little Bayou House. It has been raining for three days now with the winds occasionally whipping up to a frenzy. If I did not know better, I would think that this might be a weak tropical storm hitting the Bayou. Still, we needed the rain for the gardens so I shall not complain. Again, something hit the window. Hmmm? That sure did not sound like rain. Finally, a break in the weather! I slipped out the back door and hurriedly picked the ripe figs from two trees. The sun was just starting to rise so I had beat the birds this time! The leaves of the trees still got me soaking wet but at least I had my fruit! Now for investigating the noise! I grabbed my camera and a plastic bag. There was a slight mist still falling so the camera needed protection. With all of the moisture, the path through the arbor was all but impassable. Pushing through the wisteria vines that draped to the ground, I added more sogginess to my clothes! Well, now! I was totally drenched but I wanted to see what was making the fluttering sound on my window! And there it was! A Black Witch! The Black Witch Moth is huge by moth standards. It has about a seven inch wingspan which causes many folks to confuse it with a bat. This one was a male. There was no white bar across the wings that identifies the females. I braved the rain for a while just to marvel at the beauty of this moth. The underside of the moth was nearly all black but the upper portion was a beautiful blend of purples, browns and bronzes. There were slight edgings of the brightest blues! It was gorgeous!
In folklore, this moth is usually touted as a harbinger of death or misfortune but it can also be a sign of a sudden wealth. (Mr. Black Witch, I prefer the latter, just so you will know!) I thought about the few other times that I have noticed a Black Witch hanging around the Little Bayou House. Ok..so perhaps I should not be so happy to see this moth! Almost every time I have seen one here, it was right before a tropical storm or hurricane! Could it be that they are also harbingers of rough weather? Or..is it only during rough weather that the Black Witch seeks shelter under the eaves of my house? Unless you are one prone to superstitions, I would say it is seeking shelter. If you do believe tall tales, I am quite sure I can come up with something to spook you! Welcome, Black Witch, welcome. You may stay as long as you like in your nice, dry haven above my window.
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