Moth Medicine

This last Friday, Richie and I were visited by a swarm of moths, which he called "Winter Moths".  I took some photos of them, and looked them up on line.  He was correct, they are Winter Moths and are considered serious pests because in the larval stage they defoliate all species of deciduous trees, thereby weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other diseases.

In New England, they were first discovered in Maine in 2006.  It's been reported they have been causing widespread damage throughout Southern New England especially along coastal areas where the temps stay warmer.

From what I read in the article, they are not native to this country and it is assumed they were transported here in the soil of plants shipped from Europe.  They have no natural predators.

Anyway, they have mostly disappeared this morning except for a couple of strays. People who see them are asked to capture a couple, bag them and send them to the Forest Entomologist Insect and Disease Lab in Augusta Maine.  So I caught 4 and will mail them today.

Moth medicine can teach us about sexual activity, fertility and increased relationships according to Ted Andrews, author of the book "Animal Wise". He says the appearance of moths indicates an awakening sense of smell because scent plays a large role in this insect's reproduction cycle.  And that trusting in one's own sense of smell, both literally and emotionally, is important in relationships, both sexual or otherwise.

The article I read about Winter Moths said that the males are small and light brown to tan color.  The females are small and gray, with smaller wings, and are incapable of flight.  Since most of the moths have disappeared and I see no bodies on the ground, I assume these were all males.  And the ones remaining on the office window flew off when I blew on them. 

When I learn for sure if these are indeed Winter Moths and confirm their sex, then I will know the meaning of their message.  I doubt I'm being asked to engage in sex with many males, so it probably has to do with friendship.  I do have some male friends and as a true tomboy, I always enjoyed playing with the boys as a child.  When I worked in a corporation, my core department was all men except for one woman and I enjoyed their company very much.  

One thing I noticed about this group of moths is that they spent two days here doing absolutely nothing.  They were on two areas of the house with a light above them in both locations.  Mostly all of them were facing the light, but none tried to reach it.  This to me was strange and when I send the moths to the lab, I'm going to ask if they'll explain their zombie-like behavior.  That too will add to their meaning for me personally.