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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.

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of jean-pierre Hamon

Festoon

Sallow Kitten

Emperor Moth

Lunar Hornet Moth

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.

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of IronChris

Emperor Moth

Six-spot Burnet

Oak Eggar

Festoon

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.

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of http://www.entomart.be/

Large Emerald

Scalloped Hook-tip

Nine-spotted moth

Goat Moth

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.

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of http://www.hvozd.eu/

Six-spot Burnet

Nine-spotted moth

Festoon

Lunar Hornet Moth

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.

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of Svdmolen

Lime Hawk-moth

Common Swift

Gypsy Moth

Peach Blossom

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.

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of http://ukmoths.org.uk/

Lunar Hornet Moth

Muslin Footman

Goat Moth

Gypsy moth

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!

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of http://www.entomart.be/

Emperor Moth

Scalloped Hook-tip

Six-spot Burnet

Peach Blossom

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!

What is the name of this moth?

Photograph courtesy of Kurt Kulac

Sallow Kitten

Turnip Moth

Muslin Footman

Common Swift

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.