8 November 2020

8 November 2020 – Suspended in Time

Pale Tussock Moth (Calliteara pudibunda) pupa

The Pale Tussock Moth caterpillar continued to consume bramble leaves and rose leaves throughout October. It then wrapped itself into the shell of a rose leaf and spun itself a shelter in the form of a silken cocoon.  It will overwinter in this form and is expected to emerge in June when it will (hopefully) be photographed.    

Angle Shades (Phlogophera meticulosa)

Phlogophora derives from the Greek words ‘phoreo’ and ‘phlogos’ a carried light. The meticulosa means ‘timorous, from its habit of quiverning when a light is thrown upon it’.  It seems slightly odd that this species should be singled out as being a ‘wing-quiverer’ when so many moths exercise this pre-flight behaviour.  Linnaeus paid attention to the way the moth holds its wings and records them as being ‘plicate’ or folded and crumpled

Satellite (Eupsilia transversa)

The scientific name can be broken down into ‘eu’ (very) ‘philos’ (bald or bare). The thought is that the white (sometimes orange) spot on the forewing resembles a bald patch; ‘transversa referring to the line that can be seen across the forewings. If you click on the photograph the satellite, the two, smaller white spots, can be seen orbiting the larger on each wing.  The moth is active in mild weather from September to April and will take shelter if the weather is harsh. It is a common and widespread and feeds on the leaves of hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel and field maple. 

Both of these moths are high on the list of moths flying at this time of year – but not many have been flying to the trap at Shandy Hall.  These two were the only ones to be found following a relatively milder night.