4 September 2014

4 September 2014 – Orange Sallow

Orange Sallow (Xanthia citrago)

A Sallow Kitten (Furcula furcula) caused a flurry of excitement as I thought (briefly) that it was an Alder Kitten – but it turned out not to be the case.  In the trap, among the underwings, the thorns and at least ten sexton beetles, the theme of sallowness continued with the discovery of a Centre-barred Sallow and an Orange Sallow (Xanthia citrago) – a new species for the gardens.  The scientific name is straightforward : xanthos meaning yellow, citrago – the citrus (citron-tree with yellow or orange fruit) and ago meaning an affinity. The enormous lime tree close to Shandy Hall is probably why this species (number 356) has appeared as lime leaves are the caterpillar’s source of nourishment.

Orange Sallow (illustration)