Thursday 14 June 2012

Wear in the world

This very wet June is taking its toll on my ability to trap, but I went ahead the other night and found that the moths are out, probably during intervals between the rain. Their resistance to wet weather seems to be stronger than to cold. It is after chilly nights that the eggboxes yield nothing.

This Twin-spot Carpet, for example, seems to be unaffected by the surrounding raindrops on the trap shield. Possibly it has even been drinking them and fallen asleep after a sackful. And, Update, it isn't a Twin-spot but a Grey Pine Carpet; see my invaluable commentors.But other moths are showing the effects of life in the wild. Look at this lovely Herald, which will almost certainly be very elderly for a moth as the species hibernates and this year's brood will not yet have emerged; his or her trailing edge is getting to resemble the proud but tattered gown of a noblewoman down on her luck.

These last three are badly battered too. I think that they are Clouded-bordered Brindles because of the dark pattern where the folded wings meet the bottom of the body. But, as always, I stand to be corrected...

7 comments:

Sam • StarshipSN18 said...

Hi Martin

Lovely photos as usual. I know what you mean about moths' tolerance to rain - have you seen this clip on BBC Nature?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Lepidoptera#p004hfqp

I think your carpet might actually be a Grey Pine... and those look like Clouded-bordered Brindles to me all right!

Best wishes
Sam

Unknown said...

Martin,

Love the story on this one.

I concur with Sam on the Id's.

Regards

Dave

MartinWainwright said...

Hi both - thanks ever so. I meant to add a question mark after my Carpet ID and I'm much obliged, I think Grey Pine may be a first for me, but prob onloy cos I have correctly identified it before...

all v best and thanks as ever

Martin

Banished To A Pompous Land said...

I have to admit martin, I'm a bit of a fascist when it comes to the look of my bugs. Old and worn only make it when they are the first specimen on the books. After that the halt and the lame better not linger around my yard hoping to be immortallised. Only insecty adonis need apply

Banished To A Pompous Land said...

Knowing your fascination with the lack of blue in moths I'm always on the look-out when I'm on Bugguide. I thought you'd like to see this one posted today.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/657581/bgimage

Sam • StarshipSN18 said...

That's a fantastic wee beastie BTAPL! Alabonia geofrella has a bit of blue on it too I think. But yes - I've also noticed the general lack of blue in the moth world - and of pink in the butterfly world in fact.

MartinWainwright said...

Wooo Banished! That is a FABULOUS little moth. Blue chip is the word. It reminds me of the jay's wing. If only we had such treasures here.

Sorry for the delay. I've only just backtracked here. Much enjoyed a visit to your blog too.

All warm wishes


Martin