Holme NOA hold an Open Day cum exhibition at Drove Orchards every year. Two moth traps are opened during the day, one at 10.15 a.m., one at 1.00 p.m.
I mailed warden Sophie on Friday to ask whether or not she wanted our three Deaths Head Hawkmoths on show, in their breeding cage. The cage is made of muslin like material. All three moths emerged on Thursday night, leaving the one very late cocoon sitting in its earth box.
Sophie was delighted as she'd never seen a live one.
We arrived early enough to allow Sophie to enthuse over the moths before adding them to the excellent display of bird skulls and other natural history exhibits.
We didn't add any new moths in the morning trap opening but were pleased to see Starwort and Twin-spotted Wainscot.
Between openings, we went to Hunstanton Tesco to buy lunch and then drove out to the NOA car park at Holme Dunes. Astonishing. Both the NOA and NWT car parks were full. That's never happened before. Apparently, the very high tide had flooded several other parking areas along the coast, forcing many to come here. A car left so that we could park in a corner to eat lunch, seeing no birds at all.
Back to Drove for the afternoon session.
We left soon after the second trap opening, which was not good - cool and windy overnight. We left one Death's Head moth with Sophie as they were proving to be a highlight, requesting that, if she released it. that it should be appropriately marked. Everyone was told very clearly that they were captive bred moths.
The remaining two moths were released in our garden, after being decorated with gold nail varnish !! Both were dead by the morning as they find it difficult to feed. No beehives around here and captive feeding is too difficult. The moth needs to be held behind the wings, its antenna unfurled using a small paint brush, and the tip dipped in a 50% honey and water solution. Even then, it takes two or three or even more attempts before it feeds itself. Without a female it would be futile anyway.
Such a handsome and awe inspiring moth.
As one revved up on Pam's fingers, vibrating its wings to warm up ready for lift-off, it poo'd on Pam's hand - to thank her for feeding them so diligently.
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