The Ruby October camellia is a truly enchanting sight when it is in full bloom. This exquisite flower is a vibrant shade of ruby red and it captivates all who gaze upon it. Its petals are velvety smooth and perfectly formed, adding to its allure. With its magical splendor, the Ruby October camellia is often regarded as one of nature's most beautiful creations. When this camellia comes into bloom, it creates a sense of awe and wonder. Its bright red hues stand out against the greenery of its surroundings, commanding attention and admiration.
If you’d like to have one roost above your door to inspire a winning lottery ticket, you might try setting out a cocktail of fermented fruit or stale beer. Black Witch Moths also like tree sap. Good luck!
In the movie Silence of the Lambs, serial killer Hannibal Lechter inserted cocoons of Black Witch Mothsinto the mouths of his victims as a weird gesture of transformation. Because of our timely rains and climate change, several Black Witch Moth records have been set, meaning the moths have appeared further north earlier in the year than ever.
Its bright red hues stand out against the greenery of its surroundings, commanding attention and admiration. Each delicate petal is a work of art, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of nature. The Ruby October camellia is truly a sight to behold.
Black Witch Moth: Large, Common, Bat-like, and Harmless
John Himmelman, in the book, Discovering MothsIn European folklore, moths were regarded as witches. Not a big stretch. Witches are creatures of the night. Moths are creatures of the night. Witches can transform themselves…. Moths can transform themselves (metamorphosis)…. Witches fly. Moths fly. Witches have long noses. Moths have long noses.
All hail the Black Witch Moth. It might be a harbinger of death–or a sign that your future includes a lucky lottery ticket.
The intriguing Black Witch Moth, sometimes known as “the bat moth” resembles a bat in size and shape and with a a seven-inch wingspan is the largest moth in North America. They are common in these parts.
”People often come across it by causing it to fly up and around them,” said entomologist Mike Quinn, who has been tracking the migration of Ascalapha odorata for his Texasento.net website. “There’s a real startle factor.”
Reports of large, bat-like moths surprising people, frequently as they return home and are unlocking their front door, are not uncommon. We spooked several Black Witch Moths on a recent visit to the Santa Ana Wildlife refuge in the Rio Grande Valley, where they roosted under wooden benches and in the eaves of the breezeway near the entrance to the visitor center. When these big boys flush, they get your attention.
Black Witch Moth Female, photo via www.whatsthatbug.com
Black Witch Moth Caterpillars like legumes and can reach three inches. Photo via www.texasento.net
Females have a white, sometimes iridescent stripe across their wings with wings open. Males exhibit the plain, grey, brown mottled pattern commonly associated with moths, but with small dark eyespots on each forewing. Black Witch Moth caterpillars eat legumes, and favor acacia and mesquite. They are perfectly harmless, not an agricultural pest, and have no teeth or stingers.
The folklore surrounding Black Witch Moth, like the moth itself, is all over the map. In Mexico they are known as “mariposa de la muerte,” the butterfly of death. Some believe if a Black Witch Moth enters the home of someone who is ill, the person will die.
A variation on the folk wisdom suggests that the moth must travel to each corner of the house for death to occur. The Mayans called the Black Witch x-mahani-nail, which means “the habit of entering buildings.” This moth apparently has a long history of inviting itself inside.
Interestingly, in the Carribean, the Black Witch Moth is known as the “Money Moth” and if it visits your home, you are likely to come into cash. Here in South Texas, some believe if a Black Witch Moth roosts over your door, you will win the lottery.
Native to Central America and Mexico, the Black Witch starts migrating north in late spring. “The migration has been going on since June,” said Quinn. Because of our timely rains and climate change, several Black Witch Moth “records” have been set, meaning the moths have appeared further north earlier in the year than ever.
More than 500 Black Witch Moth Records Have been set in 2012. For details, click on the map. Map courtesy www.texasento.net
“This year may end up as the best year yet for Black Witch Moth (BWM) records,” wrote Quinn to the University of Houston Texas Butterfly Listserv, which includes more than 250 novice and professional lepidopterists. Quinn has recorded more than 500 records so far, including a significant record in Maine, in mid June.
The Black Witches’ seven-inch wingspan allows them to cover a lot of ground quickly. Entomologists note that Monarch butterflies start crossing the Rio Grande and take two months to reach Canada. Black Witches start migrating in June and have been recorded reaching Maine by June 9 and Manitoba, Canada, by June 28. That’s a rapid pace for a moth. Scientists wonder why the Black Witch Moth migrates so far north with no southbound return? Hmm.
In the movie Silence of the Lambs, serial killer Hannibal Lechter inserted cocoons of Black Witch Mothsinto the mouths of his victims as a weird gesture of transformation. The moth on the movie poster is a Death’s Head Hawk Moth, but the actual cocoon was that of a Black Witch.
If you’d like to have one roost above your door to inspire a winning lottery ticket, you might try setting out a cocktail of fermented fruit or stale beer. Black Witch Moths also like tree sap. Good luck!
Serial killer Hannibal Lechter inserted actual Black Witch Moth cocoons into the mouths of his victims in the movie, Silence of the Lambs.
Like what you’re reading? Don’t miss a single article from the Texas Butterfly Ranch. Sign up for email delivery by subscribing below, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
This spectacular flower can be found in many gardens and parks around the world. Its popularity is due to its stunning beauty and its ability to bring a touch of elegance and grace to any space. Whether planted in a garden or used as a focal point in a floral arrangement, the Ruby October camellia has the power to transform any setting into a magical oasis. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Ruby October camellia is also steeped in symbolism. In many cultures, the camellia is associated with love and affection. It is often given as a gift to express admiration and adoration. The vibrant red color of the Ruby October camellia only enhances this symbolism, making it an ideal choice for those wishing to convey a message of deep love and passion. The care and maintenance of the Ruby October camellia are relatively straightforward. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers partial shade, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings. Regular watering and feeding will help the camellia to flourish and bloom profusely, ensuring a constant display of its magical splendor. In conclusion, the Ruby October camellia is a truly mesmerizing flower. Its vibrant red color, delicate petals, and overall elegance make it a sight to behold. Whether adorning a garden or receiving it as a gift, this camellia is sure to bring a touch of magic and beauty to any setting. So next time you come across a Ruby October camellia in full bloom, take a moment to appreciate its enchanting splendor..
Reviews for "Rediscovering the Magic of the Ruby October Camellia"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to trying the "Ruby October Camellia in its Magical Splendor" tea, but I was quite disappointed with the taste. It had a very strong and bitter flavor that was overwhelming for my palate. I found it difficult to enjoy and ended up not finishing my cup. The combination of flavors just didn't work for me, and I wouldn't purchase this tea again.
2. David - 1 star - I'm usually a fan of unique and exotic teas, but the "Ruby October Camellia in its Magical Splendor" was a total miss for me. The description made it sound intriguing and exciting, but the actual taste was a letdown. It had a strange aftertaste that was almost medicinal, and the overall flavor profile was just not enjoyable. I tried brewing it at different temperatures and for various amounts of time, but nothing seemed to improve the flavor. Definitely not for me.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the "Ruby October Camellia in its Magical Splendor," but it didn't live up to my expectations. While the aroma was pleasant and enticing, the taste fell flat. It was bland and lacked the complexity and depth that I look for in a premium tea. I was hoping for a rich and flavorful experience, but unfortunately, this tea failed to deliver. I wouldn't recommend it to tea enthusiasts who appreciate bold and robust flavors.