One of the high points of last weekend's wedding was, of course, David's recently restored moth trap. I'd never seen a moth trap before so had no idea what to expect.
It appeared to be a good haul, with some beautiful moths, but the highlight was the single Elephant Hawkmoth, Deilephila elpenor.
It's caterpillar is equally as spectacular and prefers Epilobium and Galium species to munch on (though also eats fuschias).
There are of course lots more moths than butterflies so catching them in moth traps ("mothing") is a popular pastime amongst pan-species listers.
Another quickie tonight as it's late (again). Had to catch up with Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell on BBC iPlayer. It is superb.
This is a plant pictured at the weekend in Somerset but found throughout southern Britain. It is slightly weedlike in behaviour but really a stunning species. Always worth looking out for hummingbird hawkmoths when you find it as they appear particularly drawn to it. It is Centranthus ruber or Red Valerian, and is distinguished from Common Valerian and Marsh Valerian by the spur found at the base of the corolla.
Always a pleasure.
