29 May 2012

28 May 2012 – Peach Blossom

Peach Blossom (Thyatira batis)

Never having seen real peach blossom a comparison had to be made and the computer image-bank shows the description is accurate.  This delicately patterned and beautifully coloured moth is unmistakeable and was recognised immediately even though this is a first appearance at Shandy Hall. Thyatira batis is the Latin name : Thyatira was one of the seven churches in the Book of Revelation; batis refers to the bramble on which the larvae feed.  It is an animated moth that doesn’t like being disturbed so getting it positioned for a photograph was not straightforward.  Welcome species number 182.                                                                                             

Green Carpet (Colostygia pectinataria)  One more trap before 1 June when Helen Levins will be taking over the recording and trapping.  The day temperatures are high but still the moth numbers are low overnight.  The Poplar Hawk-moths have appeared and Colostygia pectinataria, the Green Carpet is now on the wing.  Its name seems to mean ‘stunted’ (kolos) and ‘pertaining to the River Styx’ (stugios) from the black rivulets on the costa (middle rib of the wing).  All very dark and gloomy.  Pectinataria refers to the moth’s antennae which are toothed like a comb.