MOTHS
Freshly emerged Elephant Hawk Moth
Elephant Hawk Moth (Deilephila elpenor)
In the UK the largest of our native moths are the Hawk Moths. There are around 2500 different species of Hawk Moth in the world and several of those are found in the UK. One of our most colourful is the Elephant Hawk Moth. These large and brightly coloured olive-green & pink moths are also quite distinctive as a caterpillar too. The Elephant Hawk Moth gets the "elephant" part of its name from its ability to withdraw the front part of its body like a trunk. If alarmed they can retract their head, the front of their body including the front six legs, back within their body. This makes the section of their body that has the large eye-markings look like a large head with big eyes. This can give the caterpillar a snake-like appearance and confuse and sometimes deter a would be predator. These caterpillars are usually brown in colour but are also less frequently seen in green as well.
Freshly emerged Elephant Hawk Moth
Elephant Hawk Moths are usually seen from May to July, and the caterpillars are usually seen from July until September. The caterpillars feed on Willowherbs, Bedstraw, Honeysuckle and Fuchsia plants. The adult moths feed on nectar. Towards the end of August - September the caterpillars are fully grown. At this stage they come down to the ground and leave their feeding plants. They now wander off looking for dry leaves, bark, loose soil and low vegetation to hide and pupate in. Here they will stay until the following May when they will emerge as an adult moth. Once buried in loose soil and leaves the caterpillar secretes a sticky fluid through its skin, as seen in the bottom-left image above. This quickly hardens and within a few days becomes a hardened pupa. The bottom-right image above shows the pupa just a few days after the caterpillar left its feeding plants. It already resembles a moth inside the cocoon.
Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar
Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar
Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar - Green variety
82mm Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar - Green variety. Shown on finger for size comparison.
Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar - Green variety, feeding on Fuchsia Plant
65mm Lime Hawk Moth found resting on a shaded stone wall in woodland, Hastings, 14th June 2021.
Lime Hawk Moth (Mimas tiliae)
The Lime Hawk Moth is a large and very distinctive Hawk Moths with a wingspan of 46 - 78mm. The large green caterpillars have thin yellow stripes and a blue tail horn, grow to around 65mm in length and feed on Lime, Birch, Alder and Elm Trees. When ready to pupate the larvae turn a purplish / grey colour usually pupate and overwinter in leaf litter near the bottom of the tree. Newly emerged adult moths can be found on the trunks of Lime Trees. Adult moths are attracted to light traps but do not feed, and are seen from May - June. All adult moths have the same distinctive wing shape and camouflage patterning but some specimens can be entirely green in colour. These beautiful moths can be found in woodland and suburban habitats where Lime Trees are grown. As with most Hawkmoths the body of the female is considerably wider than that of the male. Female Lime Hawk Moths can also be distinguished by their pinkish tone whereas the males tend to be more grey and green.
Poplar Hawk Moth - (Laothoe populi)
Poplar Hawk Moth (Laothoe populi)
The Poplar Hawk Moth is probably the most common of Britain's Hawk Moths. This is a very large moth with a wingspan of up to 90mm! When completely at rest it sits with its underwings protruding in front of the fore-edge of its upper wings, at its abdomen curved upwards. If disturbed it can flash its lower underwings, revealing a bright orange / brick-red patch. The large green caterpillars grow up to 85mm in length and feed on Poplar, Aspen and Sallow. Adult moths do not feed, and are seen from May - July.
Poplar Hawk Moth - (Laothoe populi)
Puss Moth caterpillar (Cerura vinula), found in the evening feeding on a young Goat Willow Tree (Salix caprea) at Swanscombe Marshes, 10th July 2021.
Puss Moth (Cerura vinula)
The Puss Moth is a large grey and white moth with a wing-span of 45-70mm. They are considered common across the UK in gardens, hedgerows, open woodland and scrubland. The moth has a soft furry appearance which earned it the name of Puss Moth, as in pussycat. The female moth is generally larger than the male and can be separated from the male by its grey hindwing and sometimes forewing. Adults fly from May to July and are often attracted to light. The eggs are laid in small numbers from 1-3 eggs on the topside of leaves.
The caterpillars are arguably one of Britain's most striking caterpillars. The bright green colouration gives them surprisingly good camouflage against the green foliage of the Willow Trees in which they feed. When threatened, the caterpillars raise their head, which has two large fake eyes at the top and a red ring around the outside, which gives the appearance of a large open mouth. The caterpillars also have twin tails with extendable red appendages that they wave around in the air in an attempt to warn off predators. As a last resort these caterpillars are capable of squirting formic acid at their attackers.
Caterpillars can be found from July - September and pupate in a hard cocoon spun on a tree trunk or post, consisting of wood chewed by the caterpillar. They remain in their cocoon until emerging as moths the following spring. Caterpillars feed on Poplar, Willows, and Aspen growing in sunny locations. Initially the new caterpillars are black, but quickly turn into the typical bright green. Shortly before pupating the caterpillars make final changes to their appearance and turn orange and then finally turn purple.
Puss Moth caterpillar in the Brooke Bond "Wonders of Wildlife" tea-card collection.
I have been interested in wildlife since I was a young boy. In 1978, at the age of seven years old, I was given a collection of tea-cards. The series that interested me the most was the Brooke Bond "Wonders of Wildlife" tea-card collection. One of my favourite cards in that series was the Puss Moth caterpillar and I searched bushes and trees ever since in the hope of finding one myself. Although considered as a common and widespread species it took me another 43 years to find my first Puss Moth caterpillar, a 40mm specimen, 6ft above the ground ,in the evening at Swanscombe Marshes, Kent.
Puss Moth caterpillar putting on a threat display at Swanscombe Marshes, 11th July 2021.
One of two Puss Moth caterpillars found in the morning feeding on a young Goat Willow Tree (Salix caprea) on Swanscombe Marshes, Kent, 11th July 2021.
Puss Moth caterpillar putting on a threat display at Swanscombe Marshes, 11th July 2021.
Puss Moth caterpillar at Swanscombe Marshes, 11th July 2021.
Puss Moth caterpillar at Swanscombe Marshes, 11th July 2021.
Puss Moth caterpillar (Cerura vinula)
6-Spot Burnet Moth, photographed in a wildflower meadow along a railway line in Kent 15/07/2019
6-Spot Burnet Moth - (Zygaena filipendulae)
The 6-Spot Burnet Moth is a diurnal medium sized moth with a wing-span of 30-38mm. They are commonly found on woodland verges, flowery grasslands, cliff edges and roadside verges across the UK from June to August. They are particularly partial to thistles. The larvae feed on both Common and Grater Bird's-Foot Trefoil which makes the moth poisonous to most would-be predators, such as birds, in both adult and larvae form. These toxins can be released via the moth's mouth and joints and the odour deters any would-be predators that are not repelled by the aposematic red and black markings. There are several different species of Burnet Moth in the UK but this is the only species with six red spots on its black wings. Although on rare occasions these spots can be yellow instead of red.
The similarly marked 5-Spot Burnet Moth is not as easily identified and is difficult to distinguish from the Narrow-Bordered 5-Spot Burnet Moth, Slender Scotch Burnet Moth, Scotch Burnet Moth and New Forest Burnet which can all have five spots. To make things even more difficult the two outer spots of the 6-Spot Burnet Moth can sometimes be fused together so it may also appear to have five spots!
A mating pair of 6-Spot Burnet Moths, photographed in a wildflower meadow along a railway line in Kent 21/07/2019
Cinnabar Moth - (Tyria jacobaeae)
Both the caterpillar and the moth of this species are brightly coloured and easily identified. The caterpillar has black and orange stripes, whilst the moth is black and red. These caterpillars are vivacious eaters and feed almost entirely on yellow-flowered Ragwort plants. These caterpillars have tiny hairs on their body that release a mildly venomous toxin into human skin when handled. This toxin usually causes no more than an itchy or painful rash to anyone handling the caterpillar, but according to Wikipedia, more serious symptoms including asthma, osteaochondritis, dermatitis, haemorrhaging and even renal failure have been attributed to direct contact with this caterpillar!
Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar
Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar feeding on Ragwort
Square-spot Rustic Moth (Xestia xanthographa)
A common moth throughout the UK, with a wingspan of 32-35mm. Drab brown in colour, with one or two square spots on each wing. The caterpillars are nocturnal and grow to around 30-35mm in length, feeding on grass and other low vegetation. The caterpillars continue to feed through the winter, and in May they dig a hole in the ground and pupate. The adult moths emerge and take to the wing from late July to the end of September. These moths are attracted by both light and sugar, and are easily caught in light traps.
Small Square-Spot Moth - (Diarsia rubi)
A medium sized moth with a wing-span of 28-33mm that is found across the UK and favouring damp woodland. Adult moths appear around May. Caterpillars overwinter and appear in spring feeding on various herbaceous plants. These ones were found feeding on Mint and Raspberry plants at night. Caterpillars grow to around 40mm before commencing pupation below ground. Once a very common species but due to the over use of pesticides numbers have seen a reduction of 74% in the last 25 years.
Reed Dagger Moth - (Simyra albovenosa)
The caterpillar of this moth is considerably more colourful than the adult moth which is a dull white colour. It is confined mainly to the SE of England but is also found at other coastal and river valley sites across the country. The caterpillar feeds on reeds and other plants found in marsh type habitat. Adult moths have a wing-span of 32-40mm and are seen from April to late September from two broods.
A small 20mm Vapourer Moth caterpillar (Orgyia antiqua) found in early June.
Vapourer Moth - (Orgyia antiqua)
Also known as "Rusty Tussocks" this is another species where the caterpillar of this moth is considerably more colourful than the adult moth itself. Adult males can be seen flying in daylight from July to October. Males are medium-sized with a wing-span of 38mm. The wings are orange-brown with white eye-spots and the Vapourer Moth has heavily feathered antennae. The female has a plump grey -brown body and is almost entirely wingless. Caterpillars grow to around 40mm and can be found from May-September.
Knott Grass Moth caterpillar (Acronicta rumicis)
Knott Grass Moth - (Acronicta rumicis)
A common moth across the UK with a wing-span of around 30-35mm. Caterpillars grow to 40mm in length and can be found feeding on a wide variety of herbaceous plants during the day. The first caterpillars can be seen in May, having overwintered, emerging from cocoons found amongst leaf litter.
Obscure Wainscot Moth caterpillar (Mythimna obsoleta) caught in SE London moth-trap, 12th August 2020
Obscure Wainscot Moth - (Leucania obsoleta / Mythimna obsoleta)
A medium-sized moth with a wing-span of around 36-40mm. This species has a scattered distribution in England and Wales and are most common in Southern and Eastern England. They are usually found in marshland and fenland where the nocturnal, dull-brownish caterpillars feed on the leaves of Common Reed and pupate in the hollow stems. Adults are usually seen from May until the end of July. The specimen pictured above is a faded example at the very late end of its season in August. This species is easily attracted by light so often turns up in moth traps.
Jersey Tiger Moth (Euplagia quadripunctaria)
A medium / large sized moth with a wing-span of 52-65mm. These moths are found across Europe and can be seen flying both day and night during July - September in gardens or hedgerows or on cliff-tops. Originally the only places in the UK where these were found were the Channel Islands, and occasionally in Devon and Cornwall (hence their name). But over recent years they have extended their range in the UK and have been recorded in SE London and North Kent since about 2005. This specimen was photographed on the SE London / North Kent borders, where this species is a regular visitor to my garden.
Adult Jersey Tiger Moths feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, with Buddleia being a favourite. The caterpillars feed on various herbaceous plants including Nettles and Ground Ivy.
40mm Jersey Tiger Moth Caterpillar
Despite the number of Tiger Moths declining significantly in the UK over recent years the Jersey Tiger Moth has managed to expand its range and has increased in numbers in parts of Southern England.
Garden Tiger Moth caterpillar
Garden Tiger Moth (Arctia caja)
The caterpillars of the Garden Tiger Moth are often referred to as "Woolly Bear Caterpillars". Woolly Bear Caterpillars grow to around 6cm when fully developed and prefer to feed on Lambs Quarters, Violets and Clovers. They will also eat Dandelions, Nettles, Sunflower, Burdock and Yellow & Curly Docks. They are not a specialist feeder and feed on most wild plants and occasionally also eat garden plants including Spinach, Cabbage, Greens and Herbs.
Ruby Tiger Moth caterpillar - (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)
Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)
A medium-sized moth with a wing-span of around 30-35mm. These moths are found across the UK and can be seen flying both day and night from April - September. In the south these moths have two broods but in the north only one brood is seen around June. The caterpillars are usually reddish / orange / brown but can be grey or very dark appearing to be almost black. The dorsal stripe can be difficult to see on particularly hairy specimens.
27mm White Ermine Moth caterpillar found crossing a garden path in SE London, 6th August 2020.
White Ermine Moth (Spilosoma lubricipeda)
The White Ermine Moth is a medium sized moth from the same family as the Tiger Moths. They have white fore-wings with a varying number of black spots and a wing-span of around 34-48mm. Further north in England and in Scotland cream coloured specimens occur and occasionally brown specimens too. Adults are usually seen flying from May to July and sometimes later in the south of the England.
Caterpillars feed on a range of herbaceous plants including nettles and can be found from July until September before they pupate and overwinter amidst plant debris. White Ermine Moths are common across the UK in rural and urban environments including parks and gardens.
50mm Fox Moth caterpillar (Macrothylacia rubi) found on brambles in sand dunes at Horsey Gap, Great Yarmouth, September 2019.
Fox Moth (Macrothylacia rubi)
The Fox Moth is a fairly large moth with a typical wing-span of 44-62mm and sometimes 70mm . It gets its name from the colouration of the male which tends to be a beautiful orange brown. Specimens from the north of the country tend to be less orange and females tend to be even less colourful with many specimens appearing grey across the UK. The females are slightly larger with longer forewings. Females also lack the feathery antennae found on the males. The caterpillars are large and grow to around 70mm before pupating. Caterpillars start off black with bright orange bands but as they age the colour changes from black to reddish grey / brown with long grey hairs. The caterpillars can be found on heathland and coastal grassland feeding on brambles and heather from July until winter when they hibernate. Caterpillars emerge again in the spring and continue to bask on sunny days before pupating in April. In some areas the Fox Moth can be found on moors and open woodland too.
Adults can be found from May until early July. Female specimens only fly at night unless disturbed but male specimens can also be observed flying low to the ground during the afternoon as they search for a female to mate with.
A rather battered male Leopard Moth (Zeuzera pyrina) caught in my garden moth trap, 2nd August 2020.
Leopard Moth (Zeuzera pyrina)
The Leopard Moth, sometimes referred to as the Wood Leopard Moth, is a medium sized moth with semi-translucent fore-wings and a typical wing-span of 44-58 for males and 60-70mm, sometimes 78mm, for females. Adults are nocturnal but can be found during the day resting on tree trunks. Caterpillars take years to develop and can overwinter two or three times in stems of plants and branches of trees and beneath tree bark. They feed on a variety of woody plants and broad-leafed trees including Willows, Blackthorn, Plum, Hawthorn, Honeysuckle, Apple, Pear, Privets, Ash, Elms, Oaks, Beech and others. Adult moths do not feed at all and are therefore short-lived. This species is usually associated with open woodland but they can also be found in parks and gardens. Adults typically fly from June to August.
Swallow-Tailed Moth (Ourapteryx sambucaria)
The Swallow-Tailed Moth is a large and unmistakable species with a wing-span of 44-60mm across. Newly emerged moths have yellow wings which fade to white in older specimens. These moths are strictly nocturnal unless disturbed during the daytime. At night they fly at great speed around woodland, parks and gardens. The caterpillars feed on a variety of woody broadleaves including Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Ivy, Elder and Horse Chestnut. They are usually seen in flight from June to August. Caterpillars overwinter in loose tree bark.
Light Emerald Moth (Campaea margaritata) found in my garden in SE London, 27th August 2017.
Light Emerald Moth (Campaea margaritata)
The Light Emerald Moth is a common and widespread medium sized species with a wing-span of 36-52mm. They are found across the UK around deciduous woodland, parks and gardens. The larvae are long, thin and brown and can resemble a twig. They have a distinctive fringe of hairs that run the length of their underside and they feed on the leaves of deciduous trees and bushes from August to the following June. The larvae overwinter laying flat to the stem of the host plant. Adults can be seen flying from June to August and a second generation is often seen from August to September. Some adult specimens fade as they age and can be so pale they appear almost white in colour.
Common Emerald Moth (Hemithea aestivaria)
The Common Emerald Moth is another of the few species of green moth in the UK. This species is widespread across England and Wales and can be distinguished by its distinctive shape and chequered fringes. Like all green moths its colour fades quickly as it ages. It is a small to medium sized moth with a wing-span of 24-27mm and is usually seen flying from dusk in June and July around woodlands and hedgerows. Caterpillars feed on a variety of bushes and trees but have a preference for Hawthorn and Blackthorn.
Small Magpie Moth (Anania hortulata)
The Small Magpie Moth is a distinctive species with its orange / yellow head and body, and black & white wings. It has a wingspan of 24-28mm and flies in June and July. Caterpillars feed from rolled leaves on Nettles, Bindweed, Woundworts, Horehounds and Mint.
Small Magpie Moth (Anania hortulata)
30mm Yellow Shell Moth (Camptogramma bilineata) one of many found in my garden in SE London 30th June 2020
Yellow Shell Moth (Camptogramma bilineata)
The Yellow Shell Moth is another small / medium sized and fairly distinctive species with a wingspan of 20-30mm. This species can vary in colour from light yellow to dark brown depending on location and sub-species. Habitat can vary but this species favours damp environments and is regularly found in gardens. Adults can be seen flying from dusk in June to early September. Caterpillars usually feed on Chickweed, Sorrel, Dandelion and other low-growing plants.
25mm Yellow Shell Moth (Camptogramma bilineata), one of many found in my garden in SE London 22nd August 2019
The Yellow Shell Moth is highly variable in shades and patterning. This is one of the less common variations of the species.
Speckled Yellow Moth - (Pseudopanthera macularia)
Speckled Yellow Moth (Pseudopanthera macularia)
The Speckled Yellow Moth is another small and distinctive species with a wingspan of 23-28mm. It has yellow body and yellow wings with brown speckled blotches. The Speckled Yellow Moth is a diurnal species and is often mistaken for a butterfly when seen in flight on sunny days. Usual habitat is open woodland and bushy grassland sites. Caterpillars usually feed on Woodsage, but have also been recorded on White Dead-Nettle, Woundwort and Yellow Archangel.
Brimstone Moth - (Opisthograptis luteolata)
Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata)
The Brimstone Moth is a small - medium sized moth with a wingspan of 28-42mm, pale yellow colouration and chestnut coloured markings. They are common across the UK. Caterpillars are green or brown and look incredibly like twigs. They feed on a variety of shrubs in the Rose family as well as trees. Adults are seen just before dusk and through the night from April to October.
Mint Moth - (Pyrausta aurata)
Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata)
The Mint Moth is a very small and fairly distinctive species with a wingspan of just 18mm. Adults have two broods and can be seen in flight during the daytime from late April to September. Caterpillars feed on various species of mint plant as well as Thyme. They can be found anywhere that mint is seen growing including chalkland, open grassland, meadows, woodland and gardens.
Leaf Litter Moth (Oegoconia Species) that flew into my house in SE London, 2nd July 2020
Leaf Litter Moth (Oegoconia Species)
A small micro-moth with a wing-span of 11-17mm. Usually flies from June to August. Larvae feed on leaf litter and decaying plant matter. There are three indistinguishable species in Britain that can only be separated by microscopic examination: Oegoconia quadripuncta, Oegoconia caradjai and O. deauratella.
Box-Tree Moth - (Cydalima perspectalis)
Box-Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis)
The Box-Tree Moth is an invasive species of moth from Asia. It was first recorded in the UK in 2007 as an adult and 2011 as a caterpillar. It has a wing-span of around 40mm and its wings have an iridescent sheen which can vary in colour from purple, gold, and green depending on how the sun's light is reflected.
Unfortunately the caterpillars of this moth are so destructive to Box plants that the Royal Horticultural Society has ranked this moth as the top garden pest in the UK! At the moment sightings were confined to the South-East of England but they are now spreading across all of England and the RHS has been asking for records of all sightings to be submitted since 2018: Report Sightings Here
The caterpillars are dangerous because they have no natural predators due to the toxins in their skin making them inedible to birds and other insects in the UK.
Box-Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) - Moving the light-source around shows the different shades and colours created by the iridescent sheen on the moth.
Box-Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) - Lighter morph.
The Box-Tree Moth comes in two variations or morphs. The lighter morph that appears almost white with a brown boarder, and the darker morph which is brown / purple. Both have a pearlescent sheen.
25mm Box-Tree Moth caterpillar (Cydalima perspectalis). Photographed in SE London garden in mid August 2019
Box-Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) - Back-lit against my kitchen window.
One of hundreds of Box Tree Mothy caterpillars feeding on Box plants in Rochester, Kent, 17th May 2021.
Mother Of Pearl Moth - (Pleuroptya ruralis). Photographed in my suburban garden in SE London in August 2019
Mother Of Pearl Moth (Pleuroptya ruralis)
A small / medium sized moth with a wingspan of 26-40mm. They can be found throughout most of Britain in gardens, on waste-ground and around woodland edges. Adults fly from dusk onwards and the small green caterpillars are usually found feeding on rolled up nettle leaves. Adult moths look white in flight but in daylight they can appear many different pastel shades depending on the angle they are viewed from.
28mm Riband Wave Moth (Idaea aversata - f.remutata). Found in my suburban garden in SE London in July 16th 2020
Riband Wave Moth (Idaea aversata)
A common and small sized moth with a wingspan of 28-32mm. They can be found in most habitats throughout Britain including gardens, hedgerows and woodland. Adults fly from dusk onwards and the small green caterpillars are usually found feeding on rolled up nettle leaves. Adult moths can be seen from June to August with a second brood often occurring in the south. This moth typically had a wide band across its wings but there is also the plain form (f.remutata), pictured above, which has just two narrow lines. Caterpillars feed on a variety of low plants including dandelion, primrose and docks. Riband Waves are often attracted to light in large numbers.
28mm Riband Wave Moth (Idaea aversata). Found in my suburban garden in SE London in July 17th 2020
Small Dusty Wave Moth (Idaea seriata) found on my dining-room window in SE London, 26th May 2020
Small Dusty Wave Moth (Idaea seriata)
The Small Dusty Wave Moth is a small and rather plain looking nocturnal moth with an average wing-span of 19-21mm. It is commonly found in woodlands, wasteland and gardens and seems to have a preference for resting on walls and windows of houses. Adult forms are found across the UK, usually from June to July. In the south of England a second brood can usually be seen from August to September. The caterpillars feed on a variety of herbaceous plants including ivy.
42mm male Willow Beauty Moth (Peribatodes rhomboidaria) that visited our bathroom one evening on 29th June 2020.
Willow Beauty Moth (Peribatodes rhomboidaria)
The Willow Beauty is a medium-sized moth with a wingspan of around 30-48mm. Willow Beauties are one of several very similar Beauty Moths that can be tricky to distinguish, but the Willow Beauty is the most common and widespread. Ironically the Beauty Moths are all fairly dull in appearance. Although usually brownish in colour Willow Beauty has a grey variation (f. perfumaria) and a dark melanic variation (f. rebeli).
This species is often found in woodland, parks and gardens in July and August and again in September in the south of England. The caterpillar larvae feed on Hawthorn, Ivy Privet, Honeysuckle and various broadleaved deciduous trees.
40mm male Willow Beauty Moth caught in a moth trap in my garden in SE London, 2nd August 2020.
Large Yellow Underwing Moth - (Noctua pronuba)
Large Yellow Underwing Moth (Noctua pronuba)
A large and common moth found throughout Britain, with a wing-span of 45-55mm. It's possibly the most commonly encountered of the UK's larger moths in July - September. This dull brown / grey moth reveals it's subtle beauty when it flashes its bright yellow / orange underwings. The yellow / light brown caterpillars feed on a variety of herbaceous plants and grasses.
Large Yellow Underwing Moth larvae - (Noctua pronuba)
This specimen measured 48mm in length and was found in my garden in SE London under a tuft of grass 8th September 2019. The caterpillar of this moth is extremely similar in appearance to that of the Heart & Dart Moth (Agrotis exclamationis).
Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)
Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)
A common moth found throughout Britain, Europe and North Africa, with a wing-span of 40mm. Adult moths fly from May to October. The Cabbage Moth is considered a pest and is highly destructive to many crops especially vegetables. Moths lay 2 or 3 broods of eggs each year and caterpillars can be found throughout the year. Late broods overwinter as pupae in the soil.
Adult moths can resemble other species but can always be distinguished by a curved spur on the tibia of the foreleg if examined closely.
Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae) late phase.
The eggs are pale green in colour but develop dark centres within a few days of being laid. The eggs hatch after about 7 days and caterpillars are fully grown at 40mm in length after a further 30 days. They then pupate in soil and emerge as moths after 14-21 days. These caterpillars change appearance 4 times as they develop and can vary considerably with different shades of green and brown.
35mm specimen of the Gypsy Moth caterpillar (Lymantria dispar)
Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar)
This large and once common moth went extinct in Britain around 1900, but 1995 saw the European species appearing again in the SE of England around London. The caterpillars are considered a pest in Continental Europe and a failed attempt was made by DEFRA to eradicate the returning species before it spread. But the Gypsy Moth is now well established in the South-East and is spreading.
Caterpillars grow up to 70mm in length and feed on foliage of broad-leaved trees. When present in large numbers these caterpillars can strip a tree of its leaves. This specimen was found in my garden in SE London under a Sycamore Tree.
Adult males have a wing-span of up to 40mm and can fly miles following the scent of a waiting female. Females can have a wing-span of up to 60mm or occasionally 70mm, but they very rarely fly.
38mm female Gypsy Moth cocoon
This large cocoon was found in my garden tool shed in late July. I kept it in an indoor tank for two weeks until it emerged as a female Gypsy Moth.
Female Gypsy Moth with a wingspan of around 60mm
Male Gypsy Moth with a wingspan of around 40mm
Female Gypsy Moth with two competing males.
After photographing the freshly emerged female Gypsy Moth I placed it at the bottom of my garden on the trunk of a large Sycamore Tree. Within just three minutes three male specimens had arrived on the scene attracted by the powerful pheromones released by the female. The males have large and prominent feather-like antennae which are used to detect the faintest trace of the female's pheromones. Once on the scene it really was just a case of "first come, first served" as two of the males both tried to get into a mating position with the female. As soon as a male had attached himself to the female the other males immediately lost interest and I suspect at that point the female had stopped releasing her pheromones.
Female Gypsy Moth sitting over her egg mass, which will hatch in the following spring.
After mating the female walked to the sheltered rear of the tree and laid her egg mass on the bark. Here she remained for the two next weeks sitting on top of her eggs, looking worn and battered by the weather.
Silver Y Moth (Autographa gamma)
Silver Y Moth (Autographa gamma)
The Silver Y Moth can vary considerably in colour but it gets its name from the characteristic "Y" always present on the fore-wings. This moth is an immigrant species coming to the whole of the UK from Europe, anywhere from spring to autumn. It can often be seen flying in both day and night. This is a medium-sized moth with a wing-span of 35-40mm. Caterpillars are green in colour and feed on a variety of low plants. Numbers of adults can vary each year but on occasion this species can be very numerous in the south and SE of England.
Old Lady Moth (Mormo maura)
Old Lady Moth (Mormo maura)
The Old Lady Moth is a large heavily built moth with a wing-span of 55-65mm, sometimes larger. Widespread across the UK and seen flying in July and August. Caterpillars overwinter and emerge in spring to feed on Blackthorn and other shrubs.
Bright-Line Brown-Eye Moth (Lacanobia oleracea)
Bright-Line Brown Eye Moth (Lacanobia oleracea)
The Bright-Line Brown-Eye Moth is a medium-sized nocturnal species with a wing-span of 28-38mm. Widespread and common across the UK. Adults are usually seen flying at night from May to July. The larvae can be found from June to October feeding at night feeding on a wide range of wild and cultivated herbaceous and woody plants including Redshank, Orache, Goosefoot and Common Nettles. This moth can also be known as the Tomato Moth as occasionally the larvae can be a pest to gardeners by feeding on tomato fruit from the inside. Caterpillars overwinter and pupate underground.
Toadflax Moth (Calophasia lunula)
Toadflax Brocade Moth (Calophasia lunula)
The Toadflax Brocade Moth is a medium-sized nocturnal species with a wing-span of 26-38mm. This species has been resident in the UK since 1950 and is now found in Southeast and Central England. The colourful caterpillars grow to 35mm and feed on Toadflax, as the name suggests. Caterpillars are often found on brownfield sites, road verges, gardens, wasteland, shingle beaches or anywhere else that Toadflax grows. This species is native to Continental Europe and North America.
Heart & Club Moth (Agrotis clavis)
Heart & Club Moth (Agrotis clavis)
The Heart & Club Moth is a medium-sized nocturnal species with a wing-span of 35-40mm. This species is common in the South and South-East of England but elsewhere in the UK it has a scattered distribution. Adult moths can be found in varying shades of brown and grey but all bear the distictive markings on their hind wings. Heart & Club Moths fly from June to August and are often encountered on sand-dunes and wasteland. The caterpillars feed on the leaves and roots of various low-growing herbaceous plants including Knotgrass and clover. Adult Heart & Club Moths are easily attracted to light.
17mm Bright-Line Brown-Eye Moth caterpillar (Lacanobia oleracea)
Male Orange Swift Moth (Triodia sylvina)
Orange Swift Moth (Triodia sylvina)
The Orange Swift Moth is a small / medium-sized nocturnal species with a wing-span of 24-52mm. Widespread and common across the UK with adults usually seen flying from July to September. Caterpillars feed on the roots of a range of herbaceous plants, and overwinter twice before pupating and becoming adult moths. Females are larger and dull brown in appearance, unlike the smaller males that have the bright orange colouration. Adult moths keep their wings flat against their body and almost vertical when at rest.
Common Carpet Moth (Epirrhoe alternata)
Common Carpet Moth (Epirrhoe alternata)
The Common Carpet Moth is a small and common moth with a wing-span of 20-28mm found across the UK. They hide in low vegetation throughout the day and take to the wing from dusk. Caterpillars feed on Cleavers and Bedstraws.
Meadow Long-horn Moth (Cauchas rufimitrella)
Meadow Long-horn Moth (Cauchas rufimitrella / previously Adela rufimitrella)
The Meadow Long-Horn Moth is a small diurnal species from the family Adelidae, the Fairy Long-Horn Moths. They have a wing-span of around 10-12mm and usually take to flight from May to June, although this specimen was photographed in the middle of July. Like other Long-Horn Moths they have extremely long antennae with the male's antennae growing to twice the length of the forewing and 1.5 times the length for females. The antennae are black at the base, fading to white at the top.
Meadow Long-Horn Moths are fairly common in the southern half of Britain and are found across most of Europe. The adults can be found in flower meadows and verges visiting flowers of their preferred foodplants, Cuckoo Flower or Garlic Mustard. Caterpillars feed within the seedpods of both plants before moving onto the leaves. The larvae overwinter as a pupa and emerge in May.
Common Bagworm Moth, larval stage. Photographed on Lemon Balm in my SE London garden, 17th May 2021
Common Bagworm Moth / Common Sweep (Psyche casta)
Bagworm Moths, or Case-bearers, as they are also known are an interesting group of micro-moths. In the larval stage they build protective cases around themselves which they carry around with them. Many species can be identified by the shapes of the cases and the materials that are used in their construction.
The Common Bagworm Moth builds its 8-12mm moveable case from the stems of grasses and plants. Both sexes emerge as adults from May to July. When ready to pupate the males will find somewhere at low level to begin their transformation into a small, dusty, sooty-brown moth with unmarked wings and a wing-span of 12-15mm. The antennae have a notably feathery appearance. The females, when ready to pupate, will climb up walls, fences, gates or tree trunks and pupate in an obvious and highly visible location. The flightless and wingless adult female resembles a short plump grub and she will never leave her case which is now securely anchored down. She will emit her pheromones to attract the winged males and mating occurs at the entrance to her case. After mating she will lay between 500 and 1000 eggs inside the case and will die shortly after. When the new larvae emerge her dead body will be their first meal. The larvae now ready to leave the safety of their mother's case will regularly use pieces of her case to start building their own case, before dropping to the ground and dispersing. The eggs of some Bagworm Moths are so resilient that they can even survive being eaten by birds and will pass through the bird's digestive system and still successfully hatch. The larvae of the Common Bagworm Moth feed on grasses, lichen, decaying vegetable matter, and from plants from the groups Poaceae, birch, willow, poplar and vaccinium.
With some species of Bagworm Moth the female dies before laying her eggs. When this happens the eggs will hatch whilst still inside the dead female and the larvae will eat their way out. Other species of Bagworm Moth are parthenogenetic, meaning that the female's eggs do not need fertilising by a male to successfully hatch.
Common Bagworm Moth, larval stage. Photographed on Lemon Balm in my SE London garden, 17th May 2021
White Plume Moth (Pterophorus pentadactyla)
White Plume Moth (Pterophorus pentadactyla)
The White Plume Moth is the largest and most distinctive of the British Plume Moths with a wing-span of 24-35mm. They are found in dry grassland, gardens and wasteland across the UK. The front wings are divided into two fingers or plumes, whilst the hind wings are divided into a further three plumes. Adults fly from June to July from dusk and through the night. Caterpillars usually feed on Bindweed (Convolvulus).
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BUTTERFLIES
Speckled Wood Butterfly
Speckled Wood Butterfly (Pararge aegeria)
The Speckled Wood Butterfly is an average sized butterfly with a wingspan of 47 - 56mm. It is found right across the country and is especially common in woodland. It is often found in more shady areas and on overcast days when most butterflies are not found. The Speckled Wood feeds on Aphid honeydew, which is a sugary secretion left by Aphids as they feed on plant juices. Early and late in the year when Aphid activity is low the Speckled Wood feeds on flowers. The caterpillars feed on various grasses and are not considered as pests by gardeners.
Speckled Wood Butterfly
Small White Butterfly (Pieris rapae)
Small White Butterfly (Pieris rapae)
A common and small - medium sized butterfly with a wingspan of 32-57mm. This and the Large White Butterfly are often both referred to as Cabbage White Butterflies in the UK. Found as a caterpillar from June-October, and in adult butterfly form from May-September. The Small White is not considered to be quite as destructive by gardeners as the Large White Butterfly.
Small White Butterfly in caterpillar form (Pieris rapae)
Male Small White Butterfly (Pieris rapae) photographed at the edge of a grass field in SE London 27th May 2021
Female specimens usually have two dark spots on the forewing. On summer generations the markings tend to be darker and more obvious.
Large White Butterfly (Pieris brassicae)
Large White Butterfly (Pieris Rapae)
A common and medium - large sized butterfly with a wingspan of 63-70mm. The caterpillars of this species are considered a pest by gardeners and are quite destructive to the plants of cabbage, brussel sprouts and rape seed. This adult butterfly can be distinguished from the small white not only by its larger size. The black wing tips and upper-wing spots are much darker and one of the black spots often extends along the inside edge of the forewing.
Large White caterpillars (Pieris brassicae) feeding on cabbage leaves in my garden
Female Holly Blue Butterfly (Celastrina argiolus)
Holly Blue Butterfly (Celastrina argiolus)
A small sized butterfly with a wingspan of 35mm. The wings are bright blue and the females have black edges. The underside of the wings is pale blue which makes the species identifiable from the similar Common Blue Butterfly. These are usually the first of the blue butterflies to emerge and unlike the other species which tend to stay near ground level, Holly Blues are often seen flying around the tops of trees.
As the old saying goes, "One man's trash is another man's (or butterfly's) . . . basking spot! This Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly enjoys the April sunshine.
Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly (Aglais urticae)
A medium / large sized butterfly with an average wingspan of 45-55mm for males and 55-62mm for females. A common sight in UK gardens and meadows from April to September. Occasionally emerging very early and still seen right up until October in long warm summers. Caterpillars feed on Common Nettle (Urtica diica) and Small Nettle (Urtica urens) and adults can be found on a variety of wildflowers. Second generation Tortoiseshells can emerge as late as October and then hibernate in hollow trees and outbuildings along with Peacock Butterflies. Numbers have declined in recent years, possibly due to the increase in parasitic flies.
Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly (Aglais urticae) feeding from a buddleia bush in my garden, 10th July 2020.
Buddleia is often referred to as the "butterfly bush" and it can attract a wide variety of butterfly species when in flower.
Fresh from hibernation, this Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly drinks from snowdrops in February.
Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly
Ringlet Butterfly
Ringlet Butterfly (Aphantopus hyperantus)
A medium sized butterfly with a wingspan of 48mm for males and 52mm for females. Found in woodland clearings, meadows, hedgerows, country lanes. Not often seen in open ares without cover. The dark colouration of its wings enables it to warm up quickly and it is one of the few British species seen flying on dull overcast days.
Red Admiral Butterfly
Red Admiral Butterfly (Vanessa atalanta)
A large sized butterfly with a wingspan of 64-72mm for males and 70-78mm for females. This species is found right across Britain but most of the specimens seen are migrants from Europe. In the south of England some can survive our milder winters and are resident, and these can be seen active throughout the year including sunny days in winter. Caterpillars feed on Common Nettle.
Red Admiral Butterfly
Freshly emerged Red Admiral Butterfly, photographed in Great Yarmouth September 2019
Freshly emerged Red Admiral Butterfly, photographed in Great Yarmouth September 2019
Red Admiral Butterfly, photographed in Great Yarmouth September 2019
Marbled White Butterfly
Marbled White Butterfly (Melanargia galathea)
A medium sized butterfly with black and white checked wings. They have a wingspan of 53mm for males and 58mm for females. Found in long grass with a preference for wild purple flowers such as thistles. Usually seen in July and August. Females tend to be more brown and cream as oppose to the male's black and white colouration.
Marbled White Butterfly
Marbled White Butterfly
Marbled White Butterfly photographed early evening in Lullingstone, Kent 13/07/2019
Marbled White Butterfly photographed early evening in Lullingstone, Kent 13/07/2019
Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui) photographed in SE London, August 27th 2019
Painted Lady Butterfly - (Vanessa cardui)
A medium sized and widespread butterfly found across the UK. Males have a wingspan of 58-70mm, and females 62-74mm. This highly migratory butterfly can been seen in huge numbers in some years as it travels from North Africa and passes through Israel, Cyprus and Turkey, then crosses the Mediterranean Sea and on to Central Europe and the UK. The larvae live in silk tents and feed primarily on thistles (Cirsium sp. and Carduus Sp.) but will also feed on Common Nettles (Urtica dioica).
Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui) photographed in SE London, August 27th 2019
Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui) photographed in SE London, August 27th 2019
Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui) photographed in Horsey, Great Yarmouth September 2019
Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui) photographed in Horsey, Great Yarmouth September 2019
As a migrating species some specimens show considerable wear and tear after making their long journey to the UK from North Africa.
Newly emerged Peacock Butterfly photographed at a wetlands site in SE London, 22nd April 2019
Peacock Butterfly (Aglais io)
These large butterflies have a maximum wingspan of around 55mm, but can be as large as 75mm.. They have a vast range and can be found across the UK, Europe and Asia as far as Japan. They are predominantly a rusty red colour with large and distinctive eye markings on the wings. The underside is cryptically marked brown or black and can help disguise the butterfly as a dead leaf. In September these butterflies begin to hibernate in hollow trees or buildings such as sheds and outhouses where they hang upside down. They emerge in early spring, usually March. The eggs are laid in a silky sac at the tip of nettle leaves. When large enough the caterpillars will leave the sac and find nettles of their own to feed on. The caterpillars are black and spiky in appearance with white flecks and orange / black legs. If predators are not deterred by the large eye-spots, and are not fooled by the leaf imitation, then these butterflies can even produce an audible hiss!
Peacock Butterfly photographed at a grass meadow in SE London, 3rd June 2021
Peacock Butterfly Caterpillar
A weathered Comma Butterfly with missing legs and battered wings. Photographed in late July.
Comma Butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
A medium-sized butterfly found across England and Wales with a wing-span of 50-64mm. Caterpillars usually feed on Common Nettles and Hops for around 5 weeks. This butterfly gets its name from the single white mark on its under-wings that resemble a comma.
Freshly emerged Comma Butterfly
Comma Butterfly in Great Yarmouth, September 2019
Small Copper Butterfly resting on a concrete block on a brownfield site that forms part of Swanscombe Marshes in Kent, 23rd August 2020.
Small Copper Butterfly - (Lycaena phlaeas)
The Small Copper Butterfly is widely found across the UK but more common in the southern half of the UK. It is a small sized butterfly with a wingspan of 32-35mm and adults can usually be seen from the May until October in a variety of habitats including chalk grassland, heathland, woodland clearings, brownfield sites and moorland. Males are territorial and will often chase off other insects. It is common for males to settle on stones, rocks and pathways whilst they wait for a passing female to pursue.
Small Copper Butterfly, photographed on low vegetation in a grass meadow in Bexley, SE London, 3rd June 2021.
Gatekeeper Butterfly - (Pyronia tithonus)
The Gatekeeper, also known as the Hedge Brown, is commonly found across the southern half of the UK and is extending its range. It is a medium sized butterfly with a wingspan of 37-48mm and can usually be seen from the end of July until the middle of September in hedgerows, field edges and gardens. The caterpillars feed on a variety of grasses.
Gate Keeper Butterfly
Gate Keeper Butterfly in my garden in SE London
Gate Keeper Butterfly in my garden in SE London
Gatekeeper
Common Blue
Common Blue (Polyommatus Icarus)
The Common Blue is found right across the UK with the exception of Ireland. It is a small butterfly with a wingspan of 29-36mm and can be seen from the end of May right up to the end of September.
Green Hairstreak Butterfly perched on Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
Green Hairstreak Butterfly - (Callophrys rubi)
A small but widespread butterfly across the UK, often found in small colonies. The Green Hairstreak has a wing-span of around 27mm - 34mm. The upper side of the wings are brown in colour but are only ever seen in flight. At rest this butterfly always closes its wings which have a bright green underside. Green Hairstreaks have small territories and will very often return to their favourite perch after short flights.
Green Hairstreak Butterfly perched on Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
Green Hairstreak Butterfly perched on Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
Green Hairstreak Butterfly perched on Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
Green Hairstreak Butterfly photographed at the edge of a grass field in SE London, 29th May 2021.
Green Hairstreak Butterfly photographed at the edge of a grass field in SE London, 27th May 2021.
The battered appearance of this specimen photographed in May would suggest that it could be an over-wintered butterfly from last year. However, Green Streak Butterflies over-winter as pupae so this specimen is fairly new. It has probably been flying through brambles or other rough vegetation, or it may have had a narrow escape from a spider's web.
Clouded Yellow Butterfly (Colias croceus)
Clouded Yellow Butterfly - (Colias croceus)
A large and brightly coloured butterfly with a wingspan of around 57mm for males and 62mm for females. This migratory species is usually present in low numbers in the UK but can occur in high numbers following mass migration and is more commonly encountered in flowery areas with a preference for chalk downland. They can be found across the UK but are more frequently seen in the southern coastal areas.
A few specimens may occasionally overwinter and survive in the extreme south of England, but most will not survive our winters and will perish. Both the upper and underside of the wings are golden yellow in colour but this species always rests with its wings closed. Caterpillars are green and feed on a range of leguminous plants including Clovers, Lucerne and Common Bird's Foot-Trefoil. The eggs are red and cone-shaped.
Geranium Bronze Butterfly found in SE London / North Kent 11th September 2019
Geranium Bronze Butterfly / Pelargonium Butterfly (Cacyreus marshalli)
The Geranium Bronze Butterfly is a very small species native to South Africa. They have a wingspan of just 15-23mm. Its distinctive underside markings, chequered edges and long pointed tail are unique and unlike any other species in Europe.
This species was accidentally introduced to southern parts of Europe in 1990 has has been breeding in several European countries ever since. The Geranium Bronze Butterfly is not over-wintering in the UK but very occasionally caterpillar specimens do find their way into the UK hidden amidst Geranium plants, usually imported from Spain. This specimen above was found by Chris Rose in his Bexleyheath garden 11th September 2019 and is believed to be the first ever sighting in the Bexley Borough. Currently (Sept 2019) the NBN Atlas shows zero records of this species being sighted in the UK: NBN Atlas
Geranium Bronze Butterfly found in SE London / North Kent 11th September 2019
Geranium Bronze Butterfly found in SE London / North Kent 11th September 2019
In European countries where this species has become naturalized, this tiny butterfly is considered not just a pest, but a serious threat to ecosystems, as the caterpillars feed on cultivated Geranium plants and are very destructive.
Small Skipper Butterfly (Thymelicus sylvestris)
Small Skipper Butterfly (Thymelicus sylvestris)
A small-sized butterfly found across the UK with a wing-span of 27-34mm. Caterpillars make tube-shaped retreats by curling over the edges of leaves. In the early stages they feed from inside the tube but later they will leave the tube to feed on nearby leaves. Caterpillars feed mainly on Yorkshire-fog Grass (Holcus lanatus), but have also been noted to feed on a few other grass species too.
Small Skipper Butterfly (Thymelicus sylvestris)
Small Skipper Butterfly (Thymelicus sylvestris)
Green-veined White Butterflies mating
Green-veined White Butterflies (Pieris napi)
One of Britain's most widespread butterflies with a wing-span of up to 52mm. This species usually favours damp grassland and woodland sites, and is also found in meadows, gardens and parks. It is often mistaken for the Small White Butterfly.
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Green-veined White Butterflies mating
Green-veined White Butterflies mating
Green-veined White Butterfly photographed in my SE London Garden 13/07/2019
Male Orange-tip butterfly photographed in a woodland glade at Rede Common in Strood, Kent. 18th April 2021
Orange-tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines)
A small to medium sized butterfly with a wing-span of 40 - 52mm. This species usually favours damp grassland, gardens, hedgerows and woodland glades and can be seen in adult form from April to July. Male Orange-tips are white with a distinctive bright orange tip to their upper wings. The females lack the orange tip and are easily mistaken for the Small White or Green-Veined White Butterflies. Both sexes have a mottled green / grey underside to their wings that distinguishes them from other species. Orange-tips are common and widespread across England, Ireland and Wales but have a scattered distribution in Scotland.
This butterfly does not overwinter in adult form. The larvae pupate in July and emerge the following April. The eggs are pale and spindle-shaped and are laid singularly, often on the underside of flower-buds. These pale eggs turn orange after a few days.
The larval stage lasts for 3-4 weeks and the larvae are initially pale yellow / green with a yellow and black head. Later instars have a light green upper surface and a darker green lower surface which are often separated by a white band. When the larvae first hatch they will consume the remnants of their eggshell before becoming cannibalistic and moving on to consume other nearby eggs or other larvae. They feed primarily on the flower-buds in particular, but also the leaves, of Garlic Mustard, Cuckooflower and Hedge Mustard. They will also sometimes feed on Lady's Smock, Large Bitter-cress, Hairy Rock-cress, Turnip, Charlock, Dame's-violet, Winter-cress, Sweet Rocket and Honesty.
Male Orange-tip butterfly photographed in a woodland glade at Rede Common in Strood, Kent. 18th April 2021