23 September 2012
20 September 2012 – The Black Moth
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Black Rustic (Aporophyla nigra) |
This dark, glossy beauty was nearly missed on Wednesday night. The black plastic of the trap was the perfect background for a stealthy hiding place. The antennae of the male and female are not feathered – but the hindwings of the male are a pale colour. I didn’t learn this until after the moth was released. Only time for one photograph before it disappeared into the night. Aporophyla nigra refers to the problems that were faced when trying to classify this ‘black (nigra), troublesome (aporos) tribe (phule)’. The kidney marks on the wings are outlined in white. The blackness is almost impenetrable.
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Large Wainscot (Rhizedra lutosa) |
The Large Wainscot is a bit of surprise as its presence would seem to require reed-beds or at least a damp habitat as the larvae feed on the roots of common reed (Phragmites australis). Perhaps the pond has attracted it? More likely the fact that as the whole of North Yorkshire is sodden it has resulted in the entire county becoming its pleasure garden. The Latin name refers to the muddy (lutosus) roots (rhiza) that become the larva’s home.
Two more species take the total to 245.
Recent Moths
- 13 July 2022 – Which is which?
- 10 July 2022 – Unusual Plume
- 29 June 2022 – Moths in Disguise
- 20 June 2022 – Headstand Moth
- 17 June 2022 – White-pinion Spotted
- 16 June 2022 – Comfrey Ermel
- 7 March 2022 – Unexpected Gathering
- 9 November 2021 – Muffled against the Cold
- 10 October 2021 – Autumnal Confusion
- 9 September 2021 – Reed Mace and Wainscots
- 25 August 2021 – Caterpillars
- Moth Night – 10 July 2021