I was thrilled to spot this cool-looking Crusader Moth last week during a visit to Occoquan Regional Park. The distinctive pattern on the wings of this moth, technically a Clymene Moth (Haploa clymene), brings to mind the shields used by knights during the Crusades.
Although the context is completely different, it somehow brought to mind the opening word of one of the hymns that I grew up singing at a small Baptist church in Massachusetts—”Onward Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before.” My personal beliefs grew more tolerant as I grew up and the words of that hymn today seem overly militaristic and strident, just as the cartoons of my childhood now seem incredibly violent.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
That’s a really interesting moth. I’ve never heard of it. Thank you. Also thanks for the photos of the waterfall park. I never heard if tat ice either. I guess I need to get out more:)
I enjoyed your words about the crusader(s), Mike, and this photo is outstanding. The contrast in colors and shapes is wonderful. Such a beautiful creature. I always enjoy clicking on your photos and this one revealed the moth’s little orange legs grasping onto the leaf. Delightful.
Thanks, Jet. I have seen these moths a few times before–the pattern is so distinctive that it is hard to forget. I am glad to see that you are checking out the details in the photos. For me, one of the main joys of shooting with a macro lens so often is that it lets me capture and amazing amount of detail. I recently photographed some dragonflies with a long telephoto lens and noticed how it did not capture details anywhere near as well as my macro lenses.
Wow, I have never seen one !! Great shot
Finding a beter name was not possible 😉
The name is perfect. I have not seen this one before. Wonderful share as always Mike.
Thanks, Suzette. The name fits, which is not something I can say for some of the mystifying names that have been given to some of the wonderful creatures that I see.
Outstanding photo, as always. And I remember that hymn too, and now it sounds so militant. And the cartoons too, you are right, they were so violent, in the guise of humor.
Very apt name for this unusual moth!
I love the moth and the name suits its markings! The hymn is well known to me from my childhood too.
Very Cool Moth! Never saw one before!
This was only the second or third time for me to see one of these distinctive moths.
Wow!