Spot the moth!

Sunday May 22, 2011 by Mike A

Cheryl W asks:

Please could somebody help us identify this beautiful creature photographed in our garden this morning. I’ve tried Google but there are just so many to look at I’ll be there all week! Thank you.

(Please click to enlarge)

Posted in Photography | 6 Comments

6 Responses

on Sunday May 22, 2011 at 2:05 pm | Reply Mike A

We think this is probably a Brimstone moth (Opisthograptis luteolata).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brimstone_moth

Our book says:
“Recognised by bright yellow wings marked with chestnut blotches. Widespread and often common. Flies April-October and favours hedgerows, wooded areas and mature gardens. Sometimes disturbed from low vegetation during daytime.”
on Sunday May 22, 2011 at 6:28 pm | Reply Cheryl W

That certainly looks like the one – thank you Mike.
on Sunday May 22, 2011 at 8:36 pm | Reply Rannoch L

Furthermore, this is a male Brimstone Moth, the female is more greenish-white in colour. It is commonly thought that the colouring of the male gave rise to the name ‘butterfly’.
on Wednesday May 25, 2011 at 5:12 pm | Reply Sally P

Spot the Moth:

No, still can’t see it! If only the moth had landed on something a different colour, say brown, it would have been easy to see then!!!

Please can we have more of this type of game on here, I have a feeling, I’ll be really good at them… 🙂
on Wednesday May 25, 2011 at 9:14 pm | Reply Graham J

Is it hiding under that big yellow thing?
on Thursday May 26, 2011 at 10:55 am | Reply Cheryl W

Funny name for a moth – spot!