Like a Moth to a Flame

A theory which has been advanced in an attempt to explain the attraction male moths have for candles specifically is based on olfaction. The spiky infrared spectra of a candle flame happens to contain a number of emission lines which coincide with the vibrational frequencies of the female moth's pheromone. The male moth is thereby powerfully attracted to the flame.

Watching the wood burn, we sat in silence. October seems colder than usual.
(oil on old book cover, $75)(SOLD)