After my grumblings yesterday about the excessive modesty of Ruby Tigers, I have been rewarded by a rare sight of the opposite: a Yellow-tail showing off her (I think) pride and joy in a way which is unusual. I have seen this before but seldom; normally it is tricky to photograph the moth in a way which makes it look anything other than plain white with a couple of browney-black dots.
I've had to tilt and twist eggboxes to get the lens beneath the tent-like canopy of the insect's wings or try to goad it into giving a glimpse of its tail, a tactic which normally annoys it enough to fly off. This one, by contrast, was obliging to a fault. The wind which blew throughout the night was still quite fresh and buffeted the moth as I examined it. The yellow tail remained resolutely upright.
Today's newcomer was this Copper Underwing - or it may be the very slightly different Svensson's Copper Underwing. Certainty can only be gained by examining the underside of the hindwing pattern closely - see here and especially here - and guess what? Yes, these big but nervy, constantly dark-seeking moths fall firmly into the Ruby Tiger rather than Yellow-tail camp.
Also visiting: a Poplar Grey whose patterning with two little 'eyes' and jagged cross-bands much resembles that of the Copper Underwing (and quite a few other UK moths), and a handsome Light Arches. To finish up with, the trap attracted at least ten delicate Lacewings, beautiful little creatures and well-named.
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