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saving butterflies, moths and our environment
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Moths of the month: October 2008

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

Autumnal Moth, Epirrata autumnata (photo by Roy Leverton)



Autumnal Moth

Epirrita autumnata

Flies from October into November.

Especially common in birch woodland.

More silvery grey than the other species in this tricky group, and also the last to emerge.

Click on the image to enlarge it.

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Feathered Thorn, Colotois pennaria (photo by Roy Leverton)

Feathered Thorn
Colotois pennaria

Late September into November.

Occurs in deciduous woodland, parkland and towns.

An unmistakeable species with its russet autumn colouring, though rather local in our area.

Click on the image to enlarge it.


Brindled Ochre, Dasypolia templi (photo by Roy Leverton)

Brindled Ochre
Dasypolia templi

Late September into November, then again in Spring.

Inhabits farmland, wasteland and open country.

The caterpillar of this shaggy, rough-scaled moth lives in the rootstock of hogweed and angelica.

Unusually for a hibernating species, the adult cannot feed. Only mated females survive the winter.

Click on the image to enlarge it.


Merveille du Jour, Dichonia aprilina (photo by Roy Leverton)

Merveille du Jour
Dichonia aprilina

Late September through October.

Woodland and parkland with oaks.

Not all autumn moths are orange or yellow. This splendid species rests on mossy and lichened tree trunks, greener now than in the summer.

Click on the image to enlarge it.


Angle Shades, Phlogophora meticulosa (photo by Roy Leverton)

Angle Shades
Phlogophora meticulosa

May be found all year round, but most numerous in autumn when augmented by migration.

Arable farmland, towns and gardens.

With its unique crinkled resting posture, this distinctive species is easily recognised. It sits openly, often on withered vegetation, trusting in its camouflage.

Click on the image to enlarge it.

 

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