Monday 9 September 2013

A Herald of Winter...

Like Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock butterflies, the Herald moth Scoliopteryx libatrix often enters buildings at this time of year in search of a cool, dry spot in which to spend the winter. This one was just outside our back door at the weekend. The moth's ragged outline and autumnal colouration mean that it is perfectly disguised among leaf litter. The bright-green caterpillars are equally well camouflaged against the young leaves of their preferred foodplants, willows and poplars.

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