August 05, 2010

The Night Dancer.

The moths I usually encounter during warm summer nights are discrete, plain and miniature. There is something infinitely fragile about these tiny night dancers, that flutter their wings frantically as they are drawn towards the light.

Much more poetically named in the Scandinavian languages, such as Night Butterfly in Swedish and Night Worshiper in Danish, they appear almost transparent, so devoid of colours and so very distinctive as compared to their flamboyant cousins which rule the summer days. Nevertheless, as seen on these images taken a few days ago in my house, the artificial light made this delicate creature look almost golden.

27 comments:

Elisabeth said...

The term 'night dancer' is so much more beautiful than the word 'moth'. thanks Zuzana for introducing me to its fragility.

Unknown said...

Beautiful! Your post stirred me to try and think of music that would fit. Sarah McLachlan was the only musician who came to mind. :) Nice!xoxo

Blogaire said...

Wonderful images Zuzana - reminding us of the many beautiful creatures God created.

Mimi said...

Zuzana, this is one beautiful post.
Moths do get bad press, don't they?
But your words and pictures give them a whole different existence.

Thanks for your lovely comment over at mine- nice to know that someone shares that feeling.

Anonymous said...
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Elizabeth said...

Wow!!!! You have taken some gorgeous pictures of the night dancer.

S. Susan Deborah said...

I agree with Elisabeth when she says: The term night dancer is beautiful. You know Zuzana, 'moth' in Hindi means 'death' and somehow whenever I see them, I think of death: colourless, pale and after dark images.

Joy always,
Susan

Brian Miller said...

beautiful snaps zuzana...and intesting thought susan...they are like little dancers....we get some pretty amazing variety in teh ones that piroquet around our porchlight...

tony said...

Zuzana, I have to say that Night Worshiper is a seriously Cool name.I will salute their arrival tonight!

steviewren said...

If I was a moth, I would prefer to go by my Danish or Swedish name rather than my English one. Your photos show them to an advantage.

Roger Gauthier said...

Beautiful photographs, Zuzana. Those insects are not easy to photograph indeed.

Hello to you as I am passing by.

Roger

Claus said...

No matter their names, the poor things fear Lucas and Mateo during summer nights, as they run after them like crazy! :-) it's their puppy years I think.
have a great day!!

Donna said...

Beautiful, Zuzana! I like the name night dancers ~ makes them seem prettier.

Hugs,
Donna

sprinkles said...

I missed you yesterday, no new post! :(

I see moths and they remind me of butterfies, kind of. My father hates them, especially if one gets in the house but I don't mind them so much. I notice they seem to be more prevalent around his house than mine.

sprinkles said...

How were you able to get up such close up shots of them? Whenever I see them, they never stay still for long.

Keera Ann Fox said...

In Norwegian, the term is "nattsvermer", and probably refers to the swarming around lamps. However, "sverme" or "sverme for" can also mean to admire or adore (someone) or be in love with. I prefer that interpretation, that the little butterflies are in love with the night and fly around in it in adoration.

Calli said...

Very nice capture, Zuzana. They are such quick ones. It is unique that you were able to photograph them.

so good to be visiting you again~xxoo
Calli

Phivos Nicolaides said...

Excellent shots by a great photographer, YOU Zuzana!

Unknown said...

Thanks for shining the 'spotlight' on these night dancers:))

Catherine said...

What a lovely blog, Zuzana.

NENSA MOON said...

Great captured, Zuzana!
I love you named them as The Night Dancer... so cool!!

hugs
nensa

Avo said...

Beautiful shots!
They're commonly called "papillons de nuit" (night butterflies in french). : j

Anonymous said...

Stunning! I've always had a soft spot for moths, Zuzana. I much prefer their down to earth, understated beauty over the common showboating of the butterfly! ;)

Bossy Betty said...

Beautiful images and name! I like moths very much.

SandyCarlson said...

They are a delicate, living poetry. Thanks for this post!

jean luc said...

I like their name , "night dancer". A beautiful post, poetic with nice shots (because they are not easy to "catch")
Beautiful and wild nature , hey !
Enjoy your week end

Zuzana said...

Elisabeth, Michael, Blogaire, Mimi, Elizabeth, Susan, Brian, tony, Stevie, Roger, Claudia, Donna, sprinkles, Keera, Calli, Phillip, Keats, Marianne (welcome), Nensa, Alessa, Tony, Betty, Sandy and Jean-Luc - glad you enjoyed my few candid shots of the lonely moth.

They are all taken of only one butterfly of the night, while he fluttered around in my bathroom. Some of them are reflection of him as he would settle on my mirror. He was very timid and I have a few shots of him sitting on my hand. (Or a she?)

Keera is indeed more correct in her translation of the name - in Danish it is called the same but i thought that the worshiper fitted better than adoration.;)

Thank you all for always finding the time to stop by and for your endlessly kid comments.;)

Xoxo
Zuzana