Rockport Texas - The History, Legends & Lore 1st Printing | Page 47

BLACK WITCH MOTH (sp. Ascalapha odorata) Also known as the ‘Dupy Bat’ in Jamaica, (where it is symbolic of a restless spirit), these are some large moths (males have a 6 inch wingspan - females are about 4 inches). It’s well distributed from the Southern U.S. down to Central America and scattered across the Caribbean as well. LEGEND: According to South Texas Folklore, if the Black Witch Moth flies to all four corners of the interior of one’s house, then death will soon be visiting there. DRAGONFLY (sp. Erythemis var.) Dragonflies can fly at speeds of up to 36 miles per hour. They live most of their life in an aquatic form (up to 6 years in the nymph stage), before turning in Dragonflies, and then they live for about 2 months. What’s great about Dragonflies is that they love to eat Mosquitoes. LEGEND: If a Dragonfly ever stings a person, they will surly die. (Truth of the matter is: Dragonflies don’t have stingers, but they can bite - not fatal, though.) AQUATIC NYMPH STAGE (Up to 6 Years) TOP: Claret Pondhawk (sp. E. mithroides) BOTTOM: Great Pondhawk (sp. E. vesiculosa) 46