Sulphurella

Tiny Tuesday: Sulphurella


This is Esperia Sulphurella, which is a brilliant name.  It sounds like something out of a Disney film involving Dalmatians.  The moth is more prosaically also called the Sulphur Tubic moth, but I rather like the scientific name for this one (unlike the poor Blackbird's "turdus turdus").  

It is  a small day flying moth which is found in several European countries, including the UK. It's wingspan is just over a centimetre so it really is suitably tiny for the challenge. I was able to get close enough to it for this shot as it tried to hide in the ivy, as it wasn't terribly warm today and the moth wasn't that keen on flying away.

The moth is slightly early, in that its flight time here in the UK is normally April to June, but no doubt its was brought out by the lovely warm weather last week.  I fear that it is in for a bit of a shock in the next few days.

Apart from the moth, and a couple of bumble bees visiting the hellebores the garden was very quiet for invertebrate life, which is so unlike the glorious activity we have been seeing recently with butterflies, hoverflies etc.  Spring is taking a breather.

A big thank you to Jill (JDO) who has been hosting the challenge for March - which is a big job as there have been 5 Tuesdays - she has of course done an excellent job as always.  I am following in her footsteps and hosting for April so will look forward to seeing you April entries over the next month.