#mothsandbutterflies — Public Fediverse posts

#MothOfTheDay sounds like a Scotsman's medical complaint ... but is actually a rather nice, neat greyscale bark mimic species:

BLAIR'S SHOULDER-KNOT
Lithophane leautieri

A recent colonist whose larvae favour cypress trees, it is now fairly widespread in the UK.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #autumn #october #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate #grey

#MothOfTheDay is similar to one from 15 August posting, Common Wainscot. This is its much larger autumnal cousin:

LARGE WAINSCOT
Rhizedra lutosa

Common species that favours reedbeds.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #autumn #october #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

#MothOfTheDay is a neat little fella in velvet grey with bold black markings. It is found all over the UK but only in pockets so is classed as "local". Larvae are polyphagous.

AUTUMNAL RUSTIC
Eugnorisma glareosa

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #autumn #october #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

#MothOfTheDay is two for the price of none. Two variations of the same species. The strangely netted:

LUNAR UNDERWING
Anchoscelis lunosa

Relatively common in Southeast UK this time of year; more sporadic further north. Larvae feed on various grasses.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #autumn #october #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate #lunar

#MothOfTheDay is a real autumn regular in the Southeast UK. Again, a continental immigrant and not yet a suspected colonist. I had 6 of these visitors last night. The ethereal...

JASMINE PEARL
Palpita vitrealis

Larvae feed on Jasmine and Olive.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #garden #autumn #october #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

The moth season is slowly winding down but there are still moths about. Not in abundance, but the ones flying in the colder months are worth a few hours of cold fingers. I wish I could time my hot flashes a bit better; it could come in handy this time of year :D
#Entomology #Insects #Lepidoptera #Mothing #MothsMatter #Pollinators #MothsAndButterflies

I don't watch TV, but I'm aware #CelebrityTraitors is a popular show with those that do. #MothOfTheDay would fit right in, I think.

BLACK RUSTIC
Aporophyla nigra

Common across the UK. Larvae feed on dock, heather & grasses

Best of a rather poor numerical bunch last night.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #autumn #october #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate #black

#MothOfTheDay is the beautiful

GOLDEN TWIN-SPOT
Chrysodeixis chalcites

An immigrant species with just a few handfuls of records each year in the south of the UK. Only 58 officially recorded in Sussex.
Larvae feed on chrysanths and vipers bugloss

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #autumn #september #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate #gold #orange

#MothOfTheDay is one of the few #green moths we get in the UK.

MARBLED GREEN
Nyctobrya muralis

Again, one normally found more on south coast of UK, and like the visual marbling of the adult moth, the larvae feed on lichen.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #autumn #september #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

Bonus #Moth picture. A few days ago, I showcased this, but it wasn't the best specimen. I had another one last night who was a much brighter chap. As well as the earlier FEATHERED RANUNCULUS (do check that beauty out), enjoy again the autumnal yellows & pinky-browns of:

BARRED SALLOW
Tilicea aurago

#moths #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #garden #autumn #september #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science

#MothOfTheDay is an autumnal favourite of mine, the kaleidoscopic:

FEATHERED RANUNCULUS
Polymixis lichenea

Found mainly in coastal areas of southern UK. Larvae eat sea cabbage, dock, stonecrop, thrift - not ranunculus plants (buttercups et al). A scientific misconception from old.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #september #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

#MothOfTheDay is from a couple of nights ago:

SCARCE SILVER-LINES
Bena bicolorana

Despite its name, it's neither scarce, nor silver-lined, though the name does refer to its faint transverse lines. Common and larvae feed on oak.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #september #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate #green

#MothOfTheDay is a flighty little beggar. Content in a pot for a minute, but not on my lolly stick.

SMALL BLOOD VEIN
Scopula imitaria

Wingspan of about 2.5cm, so quite small.
Common in SE UK, and inhabits pretty much anywhere, especially waste ground and coastal dunes.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #september #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

#MothOfTheDay was another type of Sallow from two nights ago (I had three different types!).

BARRED SALLOW
Tiliacea aurago

Shows much more pinky-brown blotching.
Status: Common
Larvae feed on beech and field maple

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #september #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

#MothOfTheDay - at last the #autumn moths arrive (technically 8 days before the start, but who cares?)

SALLOW
Cirrhia icteritia

A nice lemon yellow version here, though is much differentiation in markings between specimens, some with more pinky-brown blotchings. Status: common

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #september #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

Slim pickings last night. Summer moths gone and Autumn moths yet to pick up for me. Lots of Large Yellow Underwings, but #MothOfTheDay is a:

L-ALBUM WAINSCOT
Mythimna l-album

Largely restricted to Southern Counties of the UK. Like damp places and larvae feed on grasses.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #autumn #september #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

#MothOfTheDay is not one that usually comes to light. Often seen flying around field edges and old chalk pits round here. Often thought of as a butterfly, but is in fact a moth. (and not easy to photograph. Very non-compliant!)

LATTICED HEATH
Chiasmia clathrata

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #autumn #september #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

#MothOfTheDay is

THE VESTAL
Rhodometra sacraria

Not the best photo, but it wasn't mad keen on hanging around for me! Migrant species largely in southern UK, from Africa and European continent, comes over on late summer and autumnal breezes. Larvae feed on knotgrass and dock.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #September #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

24 hours is a long time away from home for a couch potato like me, but I brought a warm sleeping bag, a gas camping stove, instant coffee, and my fellow nerds supplied plenty of good company.
My social batteries got thoroughly drained, so this weekend I'm just going to putter about the house, read a book, and not talk to anyone :D

#Entomology #Insects #Lepidoptera #Mothing #MothsMatter #Pollinators #MothsAndButterflies #Birding #WildlifePhotography #iBotany #Wildlife #Nature #Conservation

Some more finds from the Bioblitz at Søgård Mose.

#Entomology #Insects #Lepidoptera #Mothing #MothsMatter #Pollinators #MothsAndButterflies #WildlifePhotography #iNaturalist #Wildlife #Nature #Conservation

The weather wasn't entirely cooperative for the annual bioblitz at Søgård Mose, but it did manage a gorgeous sunrise while I was trying to extricate myself from my sleeping bag.
The bioblitz is a brilliant reward for all the hard work clearing birch and bramble during the winter season.
I managed to find 103 species, 17 of which were new to me, in between the frequent rain showers.

#Entomology #Insects #Lepidoptera #Mothing #MothsMatter #Pollinators #MothsAndButterflies
#WildlifePhotography #iNaturalist #Wildlife #Nature #Conservation

Plumein' Heck!

#MothOfTheDay is one of our most commonly seen moths - but maybe not often in this position.

Caught 'in flagrante' in MY garden. Would you give it credence?!

COMMON PLUME
Emmelina monodactyla

Coincidentally, also known as the #MorningGlory Moth. I think we now know why!

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #garden #summer #august #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

#MothOfTheDay from two nights ago is a bit of an oxymoron - a rather chunky moth called

THE DELICATE
Mythimna vitellina

A migrant species and suspected episodic resident largely confined to southern counties in August through to October.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #august #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

#MothOfTheDay is one largely confined to the coastal regions of southern and eastern England but does seem to be expanding:

CLANCY'S RUSTIC
Caradrina kadenii

Named after Sean Clancy who first discovered it in Kent in 2002.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #august #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

#MothOfTheDay is one of several from the wainscot family. Named by Carl Linnaeus after the wood-panelling effect, but I struggle to see it myself. Nevertheless, it's a neat and beautiful moth from a busy moth box last night:

COMMON WAINSCOT
Mythimna pallens

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #august #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

#MothOfTheDay is a regular summer visitor:

SETACEOUS HEBREW CHARACTER
Xestia c-nigrum

Named after the stigmata on its wings said to resemble the Hebrew character nun (נ) and its setaceous (bristly) thorax (as opposed to early spring's Hebrew Character which is not setaceous)

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #august #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

Protecting West Virginia’s Rarest Butterflies https://www.allforgardening.com/1927749/protecting-west-virginias-rarest-butterflies/ #GardeningWestVirginia #MothsAndButterflies #pollinators #WestVirginia

#MothOfTheDay is

POPLAR KITTEN (left and top right)
Fircula bifida

Similar to Sallow Kitten (bottom right). Differences - Poplar Kitten much larger (1.5 x size), less bold contrasting features & central dark band has straighter, smoother outer edge. Sallow band edge more scalloped.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #august #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

Fascinating video…
Fabulous walk from Glynde to #Lewes taking in the beautiful Southerham and Malling Downs. Many highlights, but one was capturing two Adonis Blue butterflies getting jiggy with it. Adonis Blue is quite rare and only really found on chalk downland.
#nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #butterfly #butterflies #mothsandbutterflies #SouthDowns #alttext #walking #rambling

#MothOfTheDay - if Mothman did adult movies, this would surely be my name ...

DUSKY THORN
Ennomos fuscantaria

For me, this autumnal leaf mimic is the first real sign of the beginning of the end of #summer. Larval foodplant is ash.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #august #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

#MothOfTheDay is the interestingly marked

LYCHNIS
Hadena bicruris

There is a very similar moth called CAMPION (more pink & purple diffusion), but both feed on the seeds of campion plants. Lychnis is just an old term for a campion plant, but the moths differ.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #august #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

#MothOfTheDay is a bit of a controversial one. Larvae can strip oak trees and cause terrible skin / breathing problems if handled. Yet the moth itself (completely non-toxic) is quite neat and pretty.

OAK PROCESSIONARY
Thaumetopoea processionea

As always, recorded for official use.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #july #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

#MothOfTheDay is one of the 'kitten' moths that visited last night. I prefer the slightly bolder-looking Alder Kitten, but this is the next best.

SALLOW KITTEN
Furcula furcula

As its name suggests, the larvae feed on sallows, as well as poplars.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #july #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

#MothOfTheDay is not a flashy number, but still interesting

BORDERED STRAW
Heliothis peltigera

Largely a continental immigrant brought over during summer breezes. Largely southern/coastal. Larvae enjoy calendula.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #summer #july #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate