It’s a great time to check out nature during the current coronavirus pandemic and with the arrival of warmer temperatures, I finally decided to take a trip to York County, Pennsylvania to take a short hike to view the beautiful and picturesque Mill Creek Falls. The waterfall is only 50 yards from where you park your car.
If you are in the mood to see something gorgeous, I’d recommend seeing this easy-to-get-to destination. Hikers who walked the 2-mile Mason-Dixon Trail that goes through the woods were keeping their distances from others. The trail that leads farther into the woods is quite uneven and tough to navigate at times.
It will be worth your time when you see the striking images of the falls and the Susquehanna River. You do have to be careful when navigating the narrow trail. My husband and I watched as a woman nearly fell down a steep embankment as she was walking the trail with her two young children. You have to watch where you’re walking or you could end up falling.
If you’re an amateur or professional photographer, you are guaranteed to get some stunning shots! The views are spectacular and hearing nature’s best white noise is also relaxing.
Mill Creek Falls (photo by Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein)
While walking back toward our car, a huge lime-green butterfly caught our attention. We soon realized that this wasn’t a butterfly but a rarely seen luna moth. This giant silkworm moth is one of the largest moths in North America. Its wingspan can reach up to 4 1/2 inches.
Luna moths aren’t rare but are rarely seen. They are nocturnal and have a crescent-shaped spot on each of their four “eyes” which resemble a moon. Luna means moon. The eyes on their wings and their tails help to confuse predators.
Male luna moths can be distinguished by their large and hairy antennae. This male stayed perfectly still while I photographed him. Never flinched.
Male luna moth resting on tree bark during the day.
photo/Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein
The size and striking green color are what draws your eyes to this gorgeous insect. Even if you’re not into insects, I think you’d find this moth quite an exceptional sight to see.
Luna moths live for only 7-10 days. They have no mouth and never feed. With no digestive system, their life span is quite short. Their sole purpose is to reproduce.
Since the luna moth only flies at night, the female sends out pheromones to attract males after midnight. The male’s antennae are scent receptors which can have males fly for long distances to find a female. Whoever gets to her first is the one with which she will mate.
The female will lay 200-600 eggs depending on the region. Once she’s done laying her eggs, her life comes to an end.
Luna moths have been associated with spiritual connections. It’s been said that if you come across a luna moth during the day, it is believed to be an indicator of luck.
According to some cultures, when you spot this moth you are receiving a message from the universe. It’s to tell you to let go of your past and embrace your present.
Seeing this gorgeous moth is also a message to let go of past identities and embrace what is unknown to you.
I’ll wait and see if this luna moth brings me luck; although I believe in making our own luck. Whether the universe is sending me a message or not, seeing a rarely seen captivating moth is a treat.
Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein is a television talk show host, speaker, writer, and an unabashed animal advocate. Her love for animals and quest for the hard truth is what drives her passion for all things animals. She hosts the television show, “A Close Up Look at Animal Welfare Issues.” She adores her tripawd, Brody, who was a formerly abused pup who lost his leg because of cruelty inflicted upon him. If you’d like Tina to talk to your group or have a story, please email her at tevangelistaepp@yahoo.com. Like https:www.facebook.com/ACloseUpLookatAnimalWelfareIssues and be sure to check out AnimalWelfareIssues.com.
Wow. The Luna moth is beautiful. A lucky find.
Isn’t it? Indeed a lucky find. 🙂
Is that the full view of the waterfalls?
No. There is slightly more to the falls at the top. There were people up there and I was trying not to get them in the photo. But it basically the falls in its entirety. Great scenery! Do you plan to visit it sometime?
Thx!
It’s great that people are getting out in nature. Remember you are a guest in Mother Nature’s backyard. Tread lightly, don’t touch, look , listen, and enjoy. And clean up after yourself ..And if you really want to score points with her clean up after others too.!
A great honor to see such a neat moth in its natural habitat. The picture shows the brilliant color. I think the luck it brings to people who find one starts with the find itself. Then what ever comes afterwards is just icing on a cake.
neat looking moth. Never heard of it.