Some Autumn moths from the UK
By Charlie • October 31, 2009 • 5 commentsA few weeks ago I wrote a post about the Common Marbled Carpet moth, a perplexingly varied little beast that though interesting because of its variability (and the effect that has on tyro mothers like myself) isn’t exactly what one might describe as ‘a looker’.
I said at the time that “many autumn moths here in the UK are WAY more attractive” and if readers wanted me to I would post a few images. Well, some of you did say you wanted me to (thanks for commenting), and to the rest of you who didn’t I can only say, take a look at these and tell me if they’re not beautiful, fascinating, perfectly evolved and all the other phrases we birders normally use when talking about our favourite bird species…
Firstly though, give a quick thought to why the moths below are patterned or coloured the way they are when they’re only active at night when their colours can’t be seen.
Simply put, they may fly at night to avoid everyday predators like tits, thrushes, robins etc, but those same birds are searching very hard during the day to find the moths when they’re inactive and resting. While I’ve photographed them mostly where I found them - scattered around the covered, rough, old stone porch (which is clad in lichens from top to toe) where I often place my moth lamp - they would normally be resting on bark or amongst dead leaves where the pattern and colours of their upperwings help them break up their outlines and disappear into the background.
A background in a habitat pretty much like the one below, in fact, which is about 100 metres from my front door (yes, I’m very lucky, I know)…
Autumn at Great Chalfield
Brimstone Moth Opisthograptis luteolata
Sallow Xanthia icteritia
Green Carpet Colostygia pectinataria
Red-green Carpet Chloroclysta siterata
Merveille du Jour Dichonia aprilina
Spruce Carpet Thera britannica
Mottled Umber Erannis defoliaria
Angle Shades Phlogophora meticulosa
Feathered Thorn Colotois pennaria
All photographs copyright Charlie Moores 2009
Astonishingly beautiful.
I can’t say it better… astonishingly beautiful! I think the Dichonia and Phlogophora are my favorites. You may inspire me to start learning my moths… I’ve toyed with the idea for many years and I know a few, but I have been reluctant to dive in and get ‘invested’ in another fascinating group of critters.
The photos are so beautiful and I love the fact that the moths don’t have needles sticking through them. It is so much nicer that they can just fly away….thank you
Thanks all, and - yes - I can confirm not a single moth was hurt in the making of this series (which is how it should be in my IMHO)
Hi, Charlie,
I have just posted “The Moth and Me #8″. This post has been included. These are great photos!