Magpie Moths

We have only come across one of these beautiful magpie moths once before, and that was on a warm, sunny day in the glen of the Allt Eilagadale on Ardnamurchan's north coast. Then, yesterday, on our way round the northeastern end of Druim na Gearr Leacainn and into the wide glen between it and Beinn na Seilg, we came across no less than eight.

The moths were none too happy. They had chosen a day to emerge when a stiff westerly breeze was blowing. Some could do little more than hang on grimly to a heather stalk, while others....

....fell off and lay fluttering feebly. They do seem to be very fragile, far more so than equivlant-sized butterflies, and there was a sense of desperation, as if this was the last chance for them to fly and they were prepared to do anything to get into the air, even....

....if it meant they died in the attempt.