26 May 2015
26 May 2015 – Pale Shoulders, Brocade and Slippers
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Pale-shouldered Brocade (Lacanobia thalassina) |
The Pale-shouldered Brocade (Lacanobia thalassina) has been seen once before at Shandy Hall when Jane Wu recorded it on the blog dated 14 June 2013. I don’t remember seeing it at the time so this beautifully marked moth came as a surprize to me this morning. I couldn’t work out its identity and had to seek advice from Dave Chesmore. Now the pale shoulders are clearly apparent and I hope I won’t get confused again.
The excuse for a second entry of this very pretty moth can be seen below. When illustrated in British Moths and their Transformations the Pale-shouldered Brocade has a different scientific name : Hadena thalassina with the first part of the binomial referring to the Underworld – as in the Lychnis (Hadena bicruris), a moth that was seen earlier in the week. The illustration shows the moth and a beautiful Lady’s Slipper orchid as its botanical companion. This orchid is now one of the rarest plants in the UK – if it hasn’t disappeared completely. The hand-coloured moth book was published in 1843 when the plant was not uncommon.
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Pale-shouldered Brocade and Lady’s Slipper Orchid |
In total there were only six moths in the trap : Herald, White Ermine, Brimstone and two Pugs. What sort of Pug? Common, I think but Pugs are notoriously difficult.
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