Moths
We will be adding photos of all the species we see over the coming months, if you have a nice shot you would like to share please get in touch
Humming-bird Hawk-moth caterpillar (Macroglossum stellatarum) photographed by Cerin Poland 02/07/2023
The well-named Humming-bird Hawk-moth migrates to the UK each summer from southern Europe. Some years see huge influxes of this species. Those arriving earlier in the year will lay their eggs on bedstraws (such as the Lady's Bedstraw pictured) and the caterpillars can be found later in the summer. This one is a relatively early instar and has a lot of growing to do before it is ready to pupate.
The well-named Humming-bird Hawk-moth migrates to the UK each summer from southern Europe. Some years see huge influxes of this species. Those arriving earlier in the year will lay their eggs on bedstraws (such as the Lady's Bedstraw pictured) and the caterpillars can be found later in the summer. This one is a relatively early instar and has a lot of growing to do before it is ready to pupate.
Grey Dagger caterpillar photographed by Gary Barlow 26/08/13
A fabulous looking caterpillar, you couldn't make it up! Shame the moth is rather dull and umm, grey...
A fabulous looking caterpillar, you couldn't make it up! Shame the moth is rather dull and umm, grey...
Magpie moth photographed by Gary Barlow 26/08/13
Red Sword-grass Moth caterpillar photographed by Steve Jones 07/07/2013
Another caterpillar for someone to identify on the horsetails along the second half of the marsh. (Steve Jones)
I've gone back to have another look at this, Steve, and I think I've finally got it down, the Red Sword-grass, a species which occupies marshy places! Can't take the credit for identifying it, though - I needed some help from some online experts! (Laura Fox)
Another caterpillar for someone to identify on the horsetails along the second half of the marsh. (Steve Jones)
I've gone back to have another look at this, Steve, and I think I've finally got it down, the Red Sword-grass, a species which occupies marshy places! Can't take the credit for identifying it, though - I needed some help from some online experts! (Laura Fox)
Agonopterix ocellana (forewing ~10mm) Photographed by Adam Polednicek 25/01/2014
"The species is easily identified by the combination of rufous, black and white in the centre of the forewing... The larva feeds on various willows" - I'm convinced! (Laura Fox)
"The species is easily identified by the combination of rufous, black and white in the centre of the forewing... The larva feeds on various willows" - I'm convinced! (Laura Fox)
Agonopterix umbellana (forewing ~10.5mm) Photographed by Adam Polednicek 25/01/2014
Agonopterix heracliana (forewing ~10.5mm) Photographed by Adam Polednicek 25/01/2014