Luna Moth
Actias luna

Luna Moths aren't on the endangered species list yet - but they are quickly moving towards it, because of our use of pesticides and loss of habitat. They are supposedly common in Appalachian, yet I have spent ten years trying to locate one...well, one finally found me (thank the gods)!

This isn't the best photo of the moth, but something about the hardness of the light and the movement/softness of the moth spoke of the ephemeral quality of endangered life forms to me.