Ruby Tiger, Phragmatobia fuliginosa borealis

May into June.

Heather moorland, coasts, other open habitats.

Smaller and duller than its relatives, this tiger moth is less often seen than its hairy caterpillar, despite being mainly diurnal in the Highlands.

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Garden Carpet, Xanthorhoe fluctuata

Late April to June, then again in August & September.

Gardens, also coastal cliffs.

This carpet moth is aptly named, being far commoner in urban gardens than in the open countryside. Its caterpillar feeds on various cultivated crucifers such as stocks and wallflower, also arable weeds in the same family.

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Pale Prominent, Pterostoma palpina

May into June.

Woodland, scrub and carr with sallows and poplars.

A very distinctive species, with an exaggerated resemblance to a flake of rotten wood. Perhaps because of its camouflage, it is rarely seen except at light. The long feathery palps are found in both sexes, but their purpose is unclear.

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Fox Moth, Macrothylacia rubi

Moorland, coasts, other open habitats.

May and June.

This is another species that is far more familiar as a big hairy caterpillar (see March) than as an adult.

Very occasionally the female (illustrated) can be found resting on vegetation, while the smaller male flies rapidly in late afternoon sunshine, often fairly high.

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Drinker, Euthrix potatoria, caterpillar

Fully grown in May or June.

Tall grassland, damp moorland, marshes

In western Scotland, this handsome caterpillar is a familar sight in late spring and early summer, though absent from the east. It rests openly by day, protected by its hairy coat from most birds - except Cuckoos.

See July 2008 for the adult moth.

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