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The Serendipitous Discovery

A Mother’s Moment of Wonder

Chantal Contorines was walking to her car when her daughter Sofia spotted an enormous insect on the pavement under a tree. “What is that, Mom?” asked the nine-year-old. Contorines didn’t have a clue. She was looking at a creature that appeared to be a cross between a moth and a tarantula. “We carefully approached it not knowing what it really was and it was actually incredible,” Contorines said Friday. “It was beautifully ugly. It really was gigantic. It was probably the size of my hand and it was just kind of sitting there with its wings up.” Not wanting to get too close, Contorines zoomed in for a photo, then ran back to her car, closed the doors and started the engine. “We looked at the picture afterwards when we got home and we were safe,” she said with a laugh.

The Insect’s Appearance

Contorines’ initial confusion was understandable. The moth’s appearance was truly unusual. Its size and distinctive features made it look like something out of a fairy tale or a horror movie. “It was beautifully ugly. It really was gigantic,” Contorines described. The moth was about the size of her hand, with wings that were just as impressive. “It was just kind of sitting there with its wings up,” she said, capturing the moment with her camera before retreating to the safety of her car.

Community Reactions and Identification

Social Media Buzz

Contorines posted the photo on the Oak Bay Local Facebook page, asking for help identifying what turned out to be a harmless Polyphemus moth. The community’s reactions varied widely, from admiration to fear. “The comments on Oak Bay Local were funny,” she said. “They were torn between ‘this is something beautiful’ and ‘this is something that you should burn your house down if you ever see it.’ ” Some comments reflected a mix of awe and anxiety. “That critter could take out my winter wardrobe with one bite,” wrote one woman. “Quick … Hide your cashmere … it looks hungry,” wrote another.

Expert Identification

Joel Gibson, curator of the entomology collection at the Royal B.C. Museum, confirmed the moth’s identity. He described the Contorines moth as a particularly rotund male. “It looks like a chunky boy, as my kids would say.” Polyphemus moths are not exactly common, but they are found in this area, said the entomologist. They are palm-sized, with a wing span of 10 to 15 centimetres. “If you find one of them with the wings spread out, it’s the size of your hand,” said Gibson. “When you find one on the side of your house, it’s like: ‘Oh, that’s bigger than I thought.’ ”

Understanding the Polyphemus Moth

Biological Profile

Polyphemus moths are fascinating creatures with a unique biological profile. These moths are never found in huge numbers, noted Gibson. “You don’t get huge swarms of them like the little white cabbage butterflies you see in your garden. It’s always just one of them and it’s kind of scary. But there’s no reason to be afraid. They’re not even a threat. Like all butterflies and moths, they couldn’t bite if they tried. They don’t have mouth parts that bite.”

Adult Polyphemus moths are only out at this time of year, from May until July. They live for a couple of weeks, then they lay eggs. The larvae are big fat caterpillars. By fall, the caterpillars turn into chrysalises and they’ll be stuck up under a tree all winter until they hatch out, said Gibson. “You only get one batch of adults a year around here.”

Habits and Habitat

The museum’s collection has 8,000 to 9,000 species of insects in the province and each one has a purpose, said Gibson. “Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what that is. But each of them are doing something in the wild. These ones are flying in relatively low numbers, eating a couple of Garry oak leaves here and there, probably a lot of them getting picked off by birds or bats and getting eaten. That’s where they fit into the urban ecosystem.” They’re particularly creepy because of their fat, fuzzy legs. “If you compare it to an ant, no one likes an ant crawling across your foot when you try to each lunch, but we’re used to their little spindly sticky legs. “Whenever you find an insect that’s a little too fuzzy or thick, it’s a little disturbing.

Spindly insect legs I understand. Big fat fuzzy legs are a little weird.” Despite their unsettling appearance, Gibson finds these moths beautiful. The large wings have big oval eyespots on the hindwing that you don’t need a microscope to see. “The patterns you see on them are incredible,” he said. “And if they’re not pretty to you, they’ll be gone in a couple of hours and fly off somewhere else.”

Public Perception and Myths

Fear vs. Fascination

When Chantal Contorines encountered an unusual insect on the pavement under a tree, her initial reaction was one of curiosity and wonder, but it also reflected the broader public perception of insects. This encounter, which culminated in the discovery of a harmless Polyphemus moth, underscores the societal divide between fear and fascination regarding these creatures. The moth, a large, fuzzy specimen, sparked intrigue among the community, as evidenced by the diverse reactions on the Oak Bay Local Facebook page where Contorines shared the sighting. Some community members were in awe of the moth’s size and beauty, while others expressed concern, suggesting it was a threat. This interaction highlights the common misconceptions surrounding insects, particularly moths, and the need for accurate information to shift public perception towards a more informed and appreciative stance.

Myths abound regarding the potential harm of moths, especially those which are large and display unusual physical characteristics. However, the Polyphemus moth poses no threat; its primary function is pollination and as a food source for other wildlife. This moth, with a wingspan ranging from 10 to 15 centimetres, is a gentle giant in the insect world, and its presence can be seen as a sign of a healthy and biodiverse environment. Understanding this can help alleviate fears and foster a new appreciation for the role these insects play in our ecosystem.

Cultural Impact

The reaction to the sighting of the Polyphemus moth is not an isolated incident but a reflection of broader attitudes towards insects within communities. Discussions and reactions on social media platforms like the Oak Bay Local Facebook page provide a glimpse into the varied responses and often misinformed opinions that persist regarding wildlife. Such reactions can spread quickly, often overshadowing the scientific and factual data provided by entomologists and other experts.

Engaging with and educating the public on the true nature of these creatures is essential in dispelling myths and fostering a more positive relationship with wildlife. The community’s reaction to the moth sighting is a prime example of why continuous education efforts are necessary. By promoting accurate and engaging educational materials, communities can shift from fear to fascination, ultimately leading to greater environmental stewardship and an appreciation for the natural world around them.

The Role of Experts in Conservation

Entomological Insights

Joel Gibson, the curator of the entomology collection at the Royal B.C. Museum, provides valuable insights into the world of insects, particularly the Polyphemus moth. With a collection that houses between 8,000 to 9,000 species of insects, the Royal B.C. Museum’s entomology collection serves as a critical resource for understanding the diverse roles insects play within the ecosystem. Gibson’s expertise helps demystify the Polyphemus moth, explaining its lifecycle and ecological impact. He notes that while the moth may appear alarming due to size and appearance, it is entirely harmless and beneficial. This clarification is vital for public understanding and conservation efforts.

Understanding the lifecycle and behavior of the Polyphemus moth is key to appreciating its role in the ecosystem. Gibson explains that the adult moths are only present from May to July, living for a short period to mate and lay eggs. These moths feed on leaves, contributing to the natural balance of their habitat. The larvae, or caterpillars, are significant food sources for other wildlife, while the chrysalises provide a vital life stage, allowing for the next generation to emerge in the spring. This cycle, though brief and at times isolated, underscores the interconnectedness of the natural world and the importance of each species, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.

Promoting Awareness

The role of experts such as Joel Gibson in promoting awareness about lesser-known species cannot be overstated. Their efforts in educating the public through community outreach, social media, and educational programs are crucial in fostering a deeper appreciation for insects and their roles in the environment. By sharing knowledge about the Polyphemus moth and similar species, experts like Gibson help dispel myths and misconceptions, encouraging a more informed and respectful approach to wildlife.

Educational initiatives can take many forms, from guided tours of natural habitats to interactive online forums where experts and enthusiasts can share knowledge. The Royal B.C. Museum, for instance, offers various educational programs that engage the public in the discovery and appreciation of the local flora and fauna. Through these programs, the museum aims to promote a better understanding of the environment and the role that each species, including the Polyphemus moth, plays within it.

Personal Reflections

A Mother’s Perspective

Chantal Contorines, who initially encountered the Polyphemus moth with her daughter Sofia, offers a unique perspective on the encounter. For Contorines, the discovery was not just an encounter with an insect but a moment of discovery and a reminder of the unexpected moments of wonder that can occur in everyday life. This experience, captured in a photograph, became a teachable moment for her daughter and sparked a broader conversation within the community about the creatures around us. Contorines’ willingness to share this experience highlights the importance of sharing such encounters, as it can inspire both fear and fascination, ultimately leading to a more informed and engaged community.

Her personal encounter and the subsequent sharing of the experience on social media led to a dialogue about insects, their roles, and the myths surrounding them. This interaction not only highlighted the need for public education but also demonstrated the transformative power of such experiences. Contorines’ story serves as a reminder of the unexpected educational opportunities that can arise from everyday observations of nature, providing a platform for experts and enthusiasts to share knowledge and dispel myths.

The Beauty of Science

The allure of scientific exploration and learning is a recurring theme in such encounters. The discovery of the Polyphemus moth by Contorines and her daughter Sofia underscores the importance of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. Science, in its broadest sense, encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world. The moth’s large wings, adorned with striking eyespots, serve not only as a visual spectacle but also as a prime example of evolutionary adaptation. This encounter not only fosters a personal connection to the natural world but also prompts individuals to engage more deeply with scientific education and conservation efforts.

Continued curiosity and education are vital for maintaining a healthy relationship with the natural world. Contorines’ initial confusion turned into a learning experience, illustrating how scientific education can transform a moment of uncertainty into one of discovery. The scientific community, through figures like Joel Gibson, plays a pivotal role in this transformation, providing the necessary knowledge to dispel myths and foster a more informed public. This ongoing engagement with scientific exploration is key to preserving biodiversity and fostering a greater appreciation for the intricate balance of the natural world.