Competition for the prettiest moth of the year is hotting up, with the arrival of my first White Ermine of 2025. This is a very common species but nonetheless absolutely delightful. I remember a young cousin, then a teenager of about 15 who you'd have thought to be immune to such uncool things, finding one in a curtain at home and bringing it downstairs to show us, as pleased with its delicate beauty as we were.
The Spectacle meanwhile isn't pretty but wins a special award for characterful appearance. Seldom has a moth been better-named - and that is quite a compliment in the exceptionally rich world of butterfly and moth nomenclature in English. The specs are nothing to do with the insect's vision; the moth's actual eyes are not very interesting and are positioned well below, but they look extremely convincing.
Finally for today, another Nut-tree Tussock, one of two in the trap along with a trio of Hebrew Characters. Things are definitely looking up although the nights are still cool. But lovely sunny weather is confidently forecast for the coming week.
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