Thursday 3 January 2013

New Year's Moth

We woke up on New Year's Day to find this moth on the window, silhouetted against clouds lit by the dawn.  At first sight it looked like any old small moth - it was about 1cm from wingtip to wingtip, off brown in colour and totally unassuming - but it was only after it had allowed its portrait to be taken, a process which involved holding the camera lens so it was almost touching it, that the miraculous structure of its wings became evident.

Has anyone any idea what this moth is - assuming, for a start, that it IS a moth?  But....  Please don't tell us it's a clothes moth, which was just taking a rest before from laying yet more eggs on our sweaters.

On the subject of things amazing, we ate these tomatoes over Christmas.  They're from our little greenhouse up at the back of the plot, and there are some more in there waiting to be picked.  The greenhouse isn't heated, but it does have the benefit of a southeast aspect.  It's a another reflection on the amazing climate we have up here.
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7 comments:

  1. Anonymous3 January 2013 at 16:35

    Looks like Alucita hexadactyla... a Plume moth.

    https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Alucita+hexadactyla&sugexp=chrome,mod%3D9&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=o7LlUOwVgcnRBZCxgdgE&biw=1920&bih=967&sei=prLlUIDZIeG60QW6sYDoCQ

    Sheila.

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  2. Jon3 January 2013 at 16:50

    Many thanks, Sheila - that looks like the moth we saw. And very pleased to read it survives on honeysuckle and not wool. But, what is it doing out at this time of year?

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    1. Anonymous3 January 2013 at 17:04

      According to this site..

      http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?bf=1288

      Quote..."The only British member of its family, it is fairly common throughout, and can be found in the adult stage at almost any time of year."

      Beautiful moth.
      Sheila

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  3. Hilary3 January 2013 at 19:13

    I think this is a - very appropriately - a PLUME moth - Alucita hexadactyla. No doubt it has flown up from Essex for a reunion!

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  4. Anonymous3 January 2013 at 19:29

    "Plume" moth!
    Ye gads! It didn't come from that wallet you had in your previous life- did it?
    Peter C

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  5. Jon3 January 2013 at 19:50

    Doubtful, Peter - being a pensioner there is nothing in my wallet for it to live on. I should explain - Peter and I worked together at a school called the Plume School.

    Many thanks, Hilary and Sheila, for the identification. It may be significant that there is a honeysuckle right under our bedroom window.

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  6. Matt3 January 2013 at 21:39

    Whatever sort of moth it is, that is an incredible photo. Nature really is wonderful! Thank you for sharing.

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