Jersey tiger moth (Euplagia quadripunctaria), Gloucestershire
Widely distributed on the European continent from Estonia to Greece. On Rhodes there is a so-called Valley of the Butterflies where this species blankets the vegetation in countless thousands. Disturb them and they fly up, causing an explosion of orange as they expose their hindwings and bodies.
In the UK the range is expanding but it is still rather uncommon and restricted to the south. In Victorian times associated with the Channel Islands, hence the name. Surprising to encounter it nearly as far north as the Forest of Dean, but the locality has an abundance of nettles, buddleia and, in cultivation, raspberries, all larval food plants, so they should do well here.
2400811 042
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All images are the property of the photographer and may not be reproduced, copied, downloaded, transmitted or used in any way without the written permission of the photographer who may be contacted by registering with flickr and using flickrmail
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Jersey tiger moth (Euplagia quadripunctaria), Gloucestershire
Widely distributed on the European continent from Estonia to Greece. On Rhodes there is a so-called Valley of the Butterflies where this species blankets the vegetation in countless thousands. Disturb them and they fly up, causing an explosion of orange as they expose their hindwings and bodies.
In the UK the range is expanding but it is still rather uncommon and restricted to the south. In Victorian times associated with the Channel Islands, hence the name. Surprising to encounter it nearly as far north as the Forest of Dean, but the locality has an abundance of nettles, buddleia and, in cultivation, raspberries, all larval food plants, so they should do well here.
2400811 042
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All images are the property of the photographer and may not be reproduced, copied, downloaded, transmitted or used in any way without the written permission of the photographer who may be contacted by registering with flickr and using flickrmail
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