Moth ID please (British)

Paul Iddon · May 9, 2008

This small moth is about 1 inch or long, maybe a fraction more.

This one 3 images stacked in CombineZ...

I figure it is probably a common enough moth, but I don't know which. Any suggestions?

Paul.

canon400d · May 9, 2008

Paul Iddon wrote:

This small moth is about 1 inch or long, maybe a fraction more.

This one 3 images stacked in CombineZ...

I figure it is probably a common enough moth, but I don't know which. Any suggestions?

Paul.

I am no expert but I would say it is the Tortieshell butterfly.
Bob

dusty-dog · May 9, 2008

I'm no expert, but those antenna make me think it's a butterfly, not a moth.

Lord Vetinari · May 10, 2008

Lvvely series Paul. It is a moth but no idea on ID
Brian V.

Paul Iddon · May 10, 2008

Thanks Brian.

Folks, when I find out, I'll update!

Paul.

MichelleL · May 11, 2008

Love the series - i don't know why but the last picture really appeals to me. Isn't it fun trying to id what you capture - especially when there can be variations in the family and the male and female very rarely look alike.
Happy id'ing.

MichelleL

EDIT - I'm wondering if your picture is of a butterfly in the skipper family?

Paul Iddon · May 11, 2008

Thanks Michelle. Fun indeed...

I am 99% sure it is a moth cos ALL butterflies have a "rounded bump" on the end of the antennae.

Paul.

Paul Iddon · May 11, 2008

Now I have managed to source the identity...

Small Phoenix Ecliptopera silaceata

A double-brooded species, flying in spring from May to July, and then again in August and September, except in the north where there is just one generation.

Quite common in England and Wales, but less so in Scotland and Ireland, it inhabits a range of woodland and open habitats.

The main larval foodplants are willowherbs.

So now we know..

Paul.

ccpickre · May 13, 2008

Paul Iddon wrote:

Thanks Michelle. Fun indeed...

I am 99% sure it is a moth cos ALL butterflies have a "rounded bump" on the end of the antennae.

Paul.

That and butterflies hold their wings up when not flying, unlike moths that hold them against their backs like normal insects.

Paul Iddon · May 14, 2008

ccpickre wrote:

That and butterflies hold their wings up when not flying, unlike moths that hold them against their backs like normal insects.

True.

Paul.

Skippy · May 14, 2008

Paul Iddon wrote:

This small moth is about 1 inch or long, maybe a fraction more.

This one 3 images stacked in CombineZ...
I figure it is probably a common enough moth, but I don't know which. Any suggestions?

Paul.

Hi Paul, I've looked in my book and can't find this moth in it

Looks like he's on a mission, ready to go, waiting for the signal.

Got yourself some nice shots in this series

... Skippy

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Moth ID please (British)

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