Jersey Tiger Moth
Been chasing this character for a few days now , first spotted and it was away on it's toes - not sure which of us was the most surprised , then it was a bit cat and mouse until the Tiger Moth , me and camera at the ready a few captures were made . When in flight you do not see the black and white markings but something that looks like a peacock butterfly .
I have to say unrelated , when seeing these , they do remind me of a miniature Vulcan Bomber in camouflage markings .
Jersey Tiger Euplagia quadripunctaria
(Poda, 1761)
Wingspan 42-52 mm.
One of the most attractive of the Tiger moths, this species was until recently restricted in distribution to the Channel Islands and parts of the south coast .
On the mainland it is commonest in south Devon, but colonies have recently appeared in Dorset and the Isle of Wight, and it has also been found in other southern counties.
It now seems to be expanding its range quite quickly. There is also a thriving population in parts of London, but whether this is due to range expansion or the result of accidental introduction is still unclear.
It flies both in the daytime, when it can be found feeding on various flowers, as well as at night, when it is attracted to light.
The main flight period is July to September. The hairy larvae feed on a range of herbaceous plants including nettle (Urtica).
I did see one of these a couple of years ago but only got a shot of the underside through the patio doors , please find link ------
Jersey Tiger Moth
Been chasing this character for a few days now , first spotted and it was away on it's toes - not sure which of us was the most surprised , then it was a bit cat and mouse until the Tiger Moth , me and camera at the ready a few captures were made . When in flight you do not see the black and white markings but something that looks like a peacock butterfly .
I have to say unrelated , when seeing these , they do remind me of a miniature Vulcan Bomber in camouflage markings .
Jersey Tiger Euplagia quadripunctaria
(Poda, 1761)
Wingspan 42-52 mm.
One of the most attractive of the Tiger moths, this species was until recently restricted in distribution to the Channel Islands and parts of the south coast .
On the mainland it is commonest in south Devon, but colonies have recently appeared in Dorset and the Isle of Wight, and it has also been found in other southern counties.
It now seems to be expanding its range quite quickly. There is also a thriving population in parts of London, but whether this is due to range expansion or the result of accidental introduction is still unclear.
It flies both in the daytime, when it can be found feeding on various flowers, as well as at night, when it is attracted to light.
The main flight period is July to September. The hairy larvae feed on a range of herbaceous plants including nettle (Urtica).
I did see one of these a couple of years ago but only got a shot of the underside through the patio doors , please find link ------