Moth Quiz 37
A coward on the beach
Yellow Shell
Moth Quiz 38/40
In our garden, not Melrose - and it doesn't bark
Sunday, July 26
In my mind, yesterday's catch deserves an entry all of its own. We'd missed the previous first for our group, trapped by Andy, as we were still isolating. To have our own, in the garden, makes it even more special. I love the Clearwing family in particular, another joy.
Pam placed the pheromone lure on a half log on the lawn and we settled to sort out the night's traps. Luckily, Pam looked up, grabbed a net, and stole up to the log, making a first-time successful swipe. I should have videoed it. After checking its identity - Hornet Moth is very similar, it was a definite:
Lunar Hornet Moth
Lunar Hornet Moth Sesia bembeciformis
Wingspan 32-42 mm.
One of several similar 'mimic' species, known as Clearwings, this is one of the largest, and presents a fearsome sight to the uninitiated.
Best looked for in July, as the adults emerge and rest low down on the trunks of the foodplants, sallow and willow (Salix spp.).
The eggs are laid on the bark, and the larvae burrow into the wood, feeding internally.
UK Moths
They are to be found quite easily without a lure, if an area is known to hold them, not by us, it was a first for the UK and our garden. That makes it four species of clearwing in the garden, so far, this year.
If we catch one again, I must try to get a photo outside the pot, it was far too lively to keep, even in the fridge. I hate to see moths thrashing around in the pot as they damage their wings. One can see the scales flying. He was released, to find a genuine female we hope.
We've had several NFY this week, including Fen Wainscot
and, Short-cloaked Moth. which is small enough to be a micro.
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