The Angle Shades is one of my favourites and, more widely, one of the UK's Top Moths, judging by the number of people who find one and send me a picture asking "what's this exciting thing?" There is nothing else in the moth world like its rakish shape, with the wings slightly furled, umbrella-style, when at rest. I am also fond of it for another reason: the presence in the outer circle of its 'eyes' of a trace of blueish mauve. As I have often remarked before, blues and purples are very rare in our moths. Along with the incomparable Clifden Nonpareil and the lovely Eyed Hawk moth, the Angle Shades is in distinguished company.
Its relative, the Lesser Angle Shades, is as well. It lacks the marvellous jet-fighter shape but look at its actual blue. I haven't had one of these in the trap for a while, but they pay a visit every now and then; this one called in June 2017.
The Angle Shades is also interesting as a moth which is both resident and an immigrant and can be recorded in any month of the year. That's certainly been the case here, much to my delight. Here's last night visitor in full:
Meanwhile, Autumn regulars like the many Lunar Underwings, such as the one in the picture immediately below, have been joined by newcomers for the year such as the glowing Beaded Chestnut, in the next photo down.
Another warm splash of colour was provided by this Comma butterfly whose fascination with hawthorn was not disturbed by our ruthless scrumping of apples for the village pressing this coming Sunday. Although the weather is dismal, there are still Red Admirals around too.
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