Alison Robertson wondered if folk might be interested in this moth:
“I put the moth-light in the garden last night and could hardly believe my eyes when it attracted this female Emperor Moth. She’s a good 2 inches (5 cm) across.
The Emperor Moth is the only UK representative of the Silk Moth family and the adults are only around in April and May. They’re quite common – caterpillar food-plants include brambles, heathers and various trees – but it’s unusual for one to come to a moth-light. I’ve hidden her away in some undergrowth to protect her from birds and she’ll fly off tonight when she’s good and ready.”
We had to have a wee look for ourselves, having never seen one before! And she is absolutely stunning!
You can see the ‘eyes’ on her wings which some people say look like owl eyes, others like a snake in profile:
an amazing defence mechanism!
Isn’t nature incredible?!
Video shows the Emperor Moth fluttering and warming up her wings for take off (we put her back in her safe hiding spot as that’s where the females prefer to be during the day time).
Keep an eagle eye out – you never know what you might see in your garden – it’s a fascinating world out there!
Thank you Alison – the highlight of our day!
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