Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Tuesday Moths

Still only 12 species this morning, but some great moths!

I love the big feathery antennae on this male Pale Tussock, just right for picking up the scent from females. The adults don't actually feed, but the caterpillars do. They used to be called hop dogs in past times...but not affectionately by hop-growers I might add!

The long white wedge along the inside edge of the wing - extending to half way down the wing or so - suggests that this is a Swallow Prominent, rather than the similar Lesser Swallow Prominent.

This is confirmed by the indistinct white line here on the inside edge of the hind wing. It runs parallel to the wing edge rather than being perpendicular to it.

I think that this is a Mottled Pug with its elongated central wing spots above black wedges and the pale outer cross-band that is kinked near the tip.

And I'll probably need help on this micro!
Update: Thanks to Chris at iSpot for confirming this as Epiblema cynosbatella, the yellow labial palps clinching it. According to the literature, this species is very partial to roses, both wild and cultivated.

Other species: Garden Carpet (2); Buff Tip; Shuttle-shaped Dart; Common Quaker; Treble Lines (3); Lychnis; Heart & Dart (3) & Light Brown Apple Moth.

2 comments:

  1. So many variations in shape, form, decoration and colouring.

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  2. That's one of the things I love about moths, Toffeeapple. I was saying to someone earlier that I've always been very interested in moths but now, examining them and learning about them so regularly, I'm starting to get passionate about them!
    Best wishes,
    Stephen.

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