Insects and Spiders - Moths

Here is a closer look at the moth featured in question 4. Do you know what it is?

Insects and Spiders - Moths

Moths are close relations to butterflies. Contrary to the usual idea that moths are small brown triangles, they come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and colours. There are approximately 2,500 species of British moths and only six of these species eat clothes! Dirty clothes that are hidden in dark places are preferred.

Don't forget to click on the images to enlarge them.

Which of these options do you prefer?

  1. What is the name of this moth?

    Photograph courtesy of jean-pierre Hamon
    • Order: Lepidoptera
    • Family: Saturniidae
    • Genus: Pavonia
    • Species: P. pavonia
    • Widely distributed in the UK.
    • The flight is swift meaning it can be mistaken for a butterfly.
    • Female is larger and the antennae are not feathered.
    • They feed on woody plants including heathers, bramble and hawthorn.

  2. What is the name of this moth?

    Photograph courtesy of Svdmolen
    • Order: Lepidoptera
    • Family: Sphingidae
    • Genus: Mimas
    • Species: M. tiliae
    • The wingspan is between 70-80mm, with the female being larger.
    • This moth can be seen flying at night during May and June.
    • The species is spreading to the north.
    • Adult moths do not feed.

  3. What is the name of this moth?

    Photograph courtesy of http://www.entomart.be/
    • Order: Lepidoptera
    • Family: Cossidae
    • Genus: Cossus
    • Species: C. cossus
    • The larvae live in the trunks of trees eating the wood.
    • It can take up to five years to develop to the pupa stage.
    • Adults have no working mouthparts therefore they cannot feed.
    • Instead, they find a partner, mate and produce the next generation.

  4. What is the name of this moth?

    Photograph courtesy of IronChris
    • Order: Lepidoptera
    • Family: Zygaenidae
    • Genus: Zygaena
    • Species: Z. filipendulae
    • This moth is attracted to scabious, thistles and knapweeds.
    • A day-flying moth and when the sun is shining, it has a slow buzzing flight.
    • Widespread across Britain, predominantly coastal in Scotland.

  5. What is the name of this moth?

    Photograph courtesy of http://www.entomart.be/
    • Order: Lepidoptera
    • Family: Hepialidae
    • Genus: Korscheltellus
    • Species: K. lupulina
    • Larvae feed on roots of plants underground.
    • Have been known to be an agricultural nuisance.
    • Common and widely distributed throughout the UK.
    • Female similar to male, but larger in size with paler markings.

  6. What is the name of this moth?

    Photograph courtesy of http://ukmoths.org.uk/
    • Order: Lepidoptera
    • Family: Sesiidae
    • Genus: Sesia
    • Species: S. bembeciformis
    • This is a scarce species.
    • The larvae tunnel in the trunks of willow trees.
    • An incredible example of mimicry in that birds avoid these moths because they think they are wasps!

  7. What is the name of this moth?

    Photograph courtesy of http://www.entomart.be/
    • Order: Lepidoptera
    • Family: Drepanidae
    • Genus: Thyatira
    • Species: T. batis
    • A particularly pretty moth.
    • Flies at night during the months of June and July.
    • Occasionally has a second brood in August or September.
    • This moth is attracted not only to light, but also to sugar!

  8. What is the name of this moth?

    Photograph courtesy of Chrkl
    • Order: Lepidoptera
    • Family: Geometridae
    • Genus: Geometra
    • Species: G. papilionaria
    • A striking and large moth.
    • This species usually sits with its wings open like a butterfly.
    • A night-flyer between June and August and is attracted to light.
    • The larvae feed mostly on birch.

  9. What is the name of this moth?

    Photograph courtesy of Kurt Kulac
    • Order: Lepidoptera
    • Family: Notodontidae
    • Genus: Furcula
    • Species: F. furcula
    • The caterpillars of this species feed on poplar and willow.
    • Widely distributed throughout a range of habitats, although it prefers damp woodland.
    • Adults appear occasionally at light in very small numbers.

  10. What is the name of this moth?

    Photograph courtesy of http://www.hvozd.eu/
    • Order: Lepidoptera
    • Family: Arctiidae
    • Genus: Amata
    • Species: A. phegea
    • This species mimics a moth of similar appearance, Zygaena ephialtes.
    • Zygaena ephialtes is poisonous to birds, therefore birds leave this moth well alone!
    • Prefers a habitat of drier, open areas with trees and shrubs.
TJS - Web Design Lincolnshire