Dotted Border

The weather's really gone downhill today - grey, wet and cold. There were plenty of birds on the feeders, but the light wasn't really good enough to get any clear shots.

Thankfully this little moth turned up at the kitchen window late last night, and sat co-operatively for its photograph this morning (well almost - it did have a little fly round the kitchen first!)

It's a Dotted Border Agriopis marginaria, a very apt and descriptive name. This fresh specimen has a rather neat row of black dots along the edge of the wings, but as the moths age the dark scales may wear off. The wings also have various dark lines, which help camouflage it. I like the way the crack in this log seems to continue across the moth!

The Dotted Border is one of a set of moths that fly early in the spring, between February and April and is commonly found in woodland, but also occurs in other habitats containing broadleaved trees and shrubs, which are eaten by the caterpillars.

This is a male. The females of this species are flightless, with only stumps where the wings would be. They sit on tree trunks and wait for the males to find them - a good energy saving ploy.

Many thanks to everyone for all the kind comments and favourites for yesterday's rainbow. It truly was a spectacular sight!