I'm getting better at identifying moths (using the internet), but this beauty has me beaten. It was hiding under the plastic birdbath on the front terrace when I lifted it for a clean. Has anyone any idea what it might be?
The suggestion, from Dave K, of a lesser yellow underwing looks good. Most of the ones shown on the internet are more brown, and paler, but the wing markings are right. Unfortunately, we didn't see the underwing. Thanks, Dave. Jon
It seems to have a resemblance to the Reddish Speckled Dart Cerastis tenebrifera, however this is a north American species. The Red Chestnut (Cerastis rubricosa) is found in Scotland but not in August. Other Cerastis genera are similar, so too are Orthosia and both also variable, yet yours is especially striking in its brick red with black vein and cream patterning. The closest I have found is White Marked (Cerastis leucographa) but not completely happy due to location and colour-filled spots. Moth recorders might be interested in your sighting!
The suggestion, from Dave K, of a lesser yellow underwing looks good. Most of the ones shown on the internet are more brown, and paler, but the wing markings are right. Unfortunately, we didn't see the underwing. Thanks, Dave. Jon
ReplyDeleteIt seems to have a resemblance to the Reddish Speckled Dart Cerastis tenebrifera, however this is a north American species. The Red Chestnut (Cerastis rubricosa) is found in Scotland but not in August. Other Cerastis genera are similar, so too are Orthosia and both also variable, yet yours is especially striking in its brick red with black vein and cream patterning. The closest I have found is White Marked (Cerastis leucographa) but not completely happy due to location and colour-filled spots. Moth recorders might be interested in your sighting!
ReplyDeleteThe consensus now seems to be a yellow underwing, possibly the lesser variety. Jon
ReplyDelete