3 May 2011
3 May 2011 – 57 varieties of human being: 6 varieties of moth
The National Gardens Scheme evening attracted 57 varieties of human being but only half-a-dozen different moth species, two of which are photographed here.
The White Ermine moth (Spilosoma lubricipeda) – such a beautiful creature – comes readily to light. If the example photographed looks a bit lifeless that is because the moth’s response to being handled is to play dead. The Latin name translates as the ‘spotted, swift-footed one’, probably a reference to the speed that the caterpillar can travel.
The Waved Umber (Menophra abruptaria) is just a fragment, a sliver of grained wood and entirely disappears when at rest against the bark, with its deeply scalloped wings laid wide open.
Still far too cold in the evenings although the pipistrelles were hunting over the long grass in the quarry – scoffing insects attracted by the apple blossom and the Narcissus ‘Old Pheasant’s Eye’ flowers.
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