There and Back

Overall, 2014 was a good year for the number of different butterflies and moths we spotted and photographed. This is a good sample, but not all of them. I owe Rosey a huge debt when talking of these amazing insects, because are very much part of the world that fascinates her and she has infinite patience in identifying them. Thank you Rosey! Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa) An unmistakable and distinctive moth with pinkish-brown markings. The wings are folded along the body at rest which gives the impression of a withered autumn leaf.  The adults are attracted to light and feed on flowers of Common Reed and other grasses and are frequently seen during the day, resting in the open, on walls, fences or vegetation. They overwinter as larvae so the caterpillars can be seen all year round, feeding in mild weather. They usually pupate in a cocoon just under the soil.  Small Argent & Sable (Epirrhoe tristata) Although the markings can be variable, t...

May/ June time is a beautiful time of year. New life, be it plant or insect, is all around us. Just a brief look in hedgerow and garden will show you this everywhere.  Over a few days I pointed my camera at all manner of things, guided by eagle eyed Rosey, and here are a few images taken during this period, with a brief detail. Drinker Moth caterpillar Caterpillars from August to June. Britain and Ireland. Large hairy dark grey caterpillar found mainly in damp habitats. Fully grown caterpillars are up to 7 cm in length. They are dark grey with golden speckling and have brown hair tufts along the body. A line of white hair tufts is present on either side of the body. The caterpillars hibernate when part grown and continue feeding in the spring, becoming fully grown by June. In winter they can sometimes be found at rest on grass stems and on the twigs of bushes. In the spring they feed mainly at night, but during the day can be found resting low down on veget...