I was coming back in after a disappointing night at the lights last week, and came across this glorious chonkbeast on some Virginia creeper growing under my porch. This is a Pandora sphinx moth caterpillar (Eumorpha pandorus). Look at its squishy little donut feeties!!
These gorgeous insects are a prime example of why you shouldn't touch strangers. Coming into contact with the larvae of these fascinating moths can leave you with sharp, brittle spikes in your skin that administer a poison that causes itchy welts all over your skin. But besides the horrors, they really are quite lovely! These moths can be found across Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, and usually show up in Spring, though they tend to flourish in mid-summer. These insects don't have much information about them, but their colors speak volumes!
Here, the director lines up his shot, on set with Penélope Cruz and some neatly-organized fruits & vegetables. The film still is below, from Broken Embraces.
In the shadows of human society, the world of ayakashi thrived in the early Showa of Tokyo. At the apex of this hidden realm stood the Shigemura and Furihara clans, embroiled in a longstanding and savage conflict that left destruction in its wake. However, an opportunity for peace arose as the leaders of the clans struck a deal— a marriage alliance between their young heirs of both factions would bring an end to the hostile conflict and turmoil. The stakes were high, and the stakes were perilous, but the promise of peace hung in the balance.
You stand now as the destined leader of the Furihara clan, molded from your youth to rule with absolute authority and unwavering conviction. You were bred for power, honed for greatness, and born to conquer. Your strength is unparalleled, your tongue is sharp, and you command with an unwavering desire for victory.
Your betrothed was kept hidden in the human realm, away from the tumultuous power struggle within the Shigemura clan until the right time to bring them back to their rightful place. And when that long-awaited day finally dawned, you brazenly snatched them with unbridled force from their mundane existence, igniting a mutual dislike between the two of you.
There's no denying the mutual disdain between you and your betrothed, but that doesn't matter, they are irrelevant in the face of duty. You're both pawns in a greater game, and you'll do whatever it takes to ensure your victory.
Perhaps with time, you will learn to coexist without clawing at each other's throats and stand united. But for now, that day seems distant.
Nagi Shigemura lived a simple life, completely unaware of their true identity as the heir to an ayakashi clan. Oblivious to their supernatural heritage, Nagi spent their days working at a small izakaya. It wasn't until you, against their will, revealed their true nature that Nagi's life took an unexpected turn.
You grew up in a world where strength and dominance were highly valued. Possessing immense power and abilities, you were molded to be a ruthless enforcer, feared, and respected by both your enemies and your allies. With a strong sense of duty to your clan, you're single-minded in your pursuit of power and control. You have always been one to prioritize your own desires and aspirations above all, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve your goals. This often leads you down morally dubious paths, willing to manipulate and exploit others to further your own agenda.
NOTES: Ballad of the Damned is an interactive game that centers around a romantic narrative, drawing inspiration from Japanese mythology, and sets on the Early Showa Period. Due to its content involving blood and gore, body horror, politics, homophobia, cannibalism, alcohol and drug substance, as well as kidnapping, it is only recommended for aged 18 years and above.
Am I late this time? No way!!!
This is the Gaudy Sphinx Moth!
These fluttery fellas are anything but gaudy, bearing beautiful emerald coloring. As with most Hawkmoths, these moths have a splash of red lining their underwings. That, along with their sharp, angular wings make these moths an absolutely stunning species! These moths can usually be found in North, Central, and South America, but commonly fly long distances, and can occasionally be found in strange places. The larvae of this species have distinct eyespots, meant to resemble that of snake eyes. Their disproportionately large, shiny "eyes" make them look almost like a Pokémon in their larval state. Truly an amazing creature!
The Bee Hummingbird, also known as the Helena Hummingbird or Zunzuncito, is the world's smallest bird. It is also classed as the world's smallest dinosaur, as no smaller bird or non-avian dinosaur has ever been found as a fossil. They will typically consume up to half their body weight in food a day.