It's a Bird! ... It's a Plane! ... It's a Moth?

I can handle mosquitoes, flies, gnats—even the occasional horse fly. But if a bug has a serious wingspan, I get some serious heebie jeebies.

Last night, I popped in for the awards portion of the Oak Forest Park District Girls Softball league Major championship game. Afterward, a cluster of girls and parents crowded around a patch of dirt. One skittered away, squealing.

I was intrigued almost instantly.

As soon as I got a little closer, I was less curious and more mortified. What is this thing? I assume it's some sort of moth, but maybe someone can enlighten me. That hand holding it? That's a man's hand—THAT's how big it is. If it's a butterfly, great! I shall fear its wingspan a wee bit less.

Can you label this thing and tell me how to avoid running into it in the future? I mean, sure, it's somewhat pretty, with its spots and bright blue markings. But all I can picture is it landing on my face or head, wings fully spread, weaving the beginnings of its cocoon into my hair.

Yep. I'm pretty freaked out.

Also, how are the mosquitoes in your neighborhood? Any interesting bugs frequenting your front porch?