Butterfly Conservation - saving butterflies, moths and their habitats
Butterfly Conservation
saving butterflies, moths and their habitats
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Moths of the month: April 2008

This is a new monthly series illustrating several characteristic moths to look out for in our area. Text and photos by Roy Leverton.

See also the article from Jane Bowman on the Rannoch Brindled Beauty, Lycia lapponaria.

Early Thorn (photo by Roy Leverton)

Early Thorn
Selenia dentaria

Most habitats, April into May.

Unmistakeable because of its butterfly-like resting position, mimicking an old dead leaf.

Click on the image to enlarge it.

View other months

May 2008

June 2008

July 2008


Water Carpet (photo by Roy Leverton)

Water Carpet
Lampropteryx suffumata

Damp woodland edges, mid-April into May.

The early flight date and chocolate brown coloration distinguish it from other 'carpets'.

Click on the image to enlarge it.


 
Engrailed (photo by Roy Leverton)

Engrailed
Ectropis bistortata

Deciduous woodland, April into May.

Despite intricate camouflage, it can sometimes be found on tree trunks; also comes to lighted windows.

Click on the image to enlarge it.

 

Pine Beauty (photo by Roy Leverton)

Pine Beauty
Paniolis flammea

Pine woodland, late March into May.

Though not a problem in native pinewoods, this attractive species can devastate in commercial forestry plantations.

Click on the image to enlarge it.


 
Kentish Glory (photo by Roy Leverton)

Kentish Glory
Endromis versicolora

Young birch woodland, late March into May.

Despite its name, this spectacular moth is now confined to Scotland.

Open glades in Culbin Forest (near Forres in Moray) is the best place to see it, on sunny days.

To find out more about Culbin Forest and how to get there, visit the Forestry Commission website.

Click on the image to enlarge it.

 

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