Ruby Tigers

Today a female Ruby Tiger emerged from her cocoon, which must have been on the soil in our patio herb bed, and settled in a rosemary bush. Within minutes her pheremones had attracted three males, one of which quickly located her and started mating. Another male tried unsuccessfully to get in on the act but as soon as they realised that she was taken, they disappeared. The mating pair sat on the rosemary for a few minutes before going their separate ways. 


This was the highlight in an otherwise unremarkable day. I sneaked out for an evening walk but although the sunshine was glorious, the east wind was bitter, and I was glad to find shelter in some woodland where I heard my first nightingale of the year.