Mulling over my moth Bible betimes, I have often lingered on the picture of the Oak Beauty and said to myself (and sometimes aloud to Penny): "Ooh, I would love to see one of them." Now I have, and so have you, because this is one and it came to the trap last night.
It is still here at 11.30am, slumbering in its eggbox hidden in our recycling bag for tins, because I want to show it to a tiny cousin who is bringing his Mum and Dad to stay for the weekend. It seems to me a paradigm of the virtues of moths with its intricately wonderful pattern which is all the more attractive for being understated. Look how big it is though, compared to the 'standard' moth alongside in the picture above - a Common Quaker I think, whose plain but agreable pattern makes a good foil.
Would you believe, the Oak Beauty is a common English insect at this time of the year? Yet, at 61, it is the first time I have ever seen one; and I don't imagine more than a few thousand of my countrymen and women have either. Never let anyone get away with being world-weary. There will never be a shortage of things to find out.
2 comments:
Nice one Martin.
It is indeed a lovely moth and really heralds the beginning of the moth season for me, it is such a good-sized moth as well.
Hoping to get the trap out tomorrow night for a good catch!
Regards
Ben
Thanks Ben! I was childishly pleased to see it. Sorry to be so unscientific. I wish I had the patience and expertise to follow your system of comprehensive recording.
One day...
All warm wishes
Martin
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