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Friday, 11 June 2010

A Visitor in Ermine

Moth trapping and the weather this week seemed not to mix, so I was pleased yesterday that the forecast promised a dry night. Dry yes, but it was also surprisingly cold and the moths were in short supply, with only three visitors in the three hours the trap was active. I was particularly delighted with one, a White Ermine (Spilosoma lubricipeda), which was one of my wish-list species ...



This Scalloped Hazel (Odontopera bidentata), pictured below in its holding pot, was quite a challenge to identify. At first sight it seems rather plain but when examined more closely, its subdued colouring disguises some interesting highlights ...


The third moth was another dark-form Coxcomb Prominent (Ptilodon capucina) ...


On reflection, at a time when my study of moths is new and my confidence in handling them is still growing, it was good to have a quiet evening with the trap.

8 comments:

  1. holdingmoments12 June 2010 at 12:39

    Beautiful moths again Emma, but that White Ermine is such a stunner.

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  2. Wilma13 June 2010 at 00:00

    The details in your photographs are amazing. When enlarged, that last shot looks like it could be a boot scraper.

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  3. Bob Bushell13 June 2010 at 09:19

    The White Ermine is beautiful, likewise your other pictures.

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  4. Anonymous13 June 2010 at 11:40

    Hi Emma, that moth looks to have expensive tastes with its Ermine wrap.{:)

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  5. Emma Anderson13 June 2010 at 12:34

    Hi everyone and thanks for your kind comments. The White Ermine is certainly a bit posh, Roy, and I was delighted to find it.

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  6. kirstallcreatures13 June 2010 at 22:27

    The White Ermine is on my wish list too Emma. What a stunner of a moth, Linda

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  7. Stewart13 June 2010 at 22:54

    Hi Emma your mystery moth a few below is a Clouded Bordered Brindle. That Kitten is a great find, a county scarcity too!

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  8. Emma Anderson14 June 2010 at 09:42

    Thanks, Linda: You don't need to find many moths to become attracted by them - it's an absorbing new interest.

    Thanks, Stewart: For identifying the Clouded-bordered Brindle and for the mention of my Sallow Kitten being a really good find for the County.

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Hello and thank you for visiting my Northumberland Naturalist blog which I hope you enjoyed. Any comment, or correction to any item or identification, is most welcome. Emma

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