Mystery Moth

[Slug]

Hi all,

Saw this beautiful moth in the kitchen this evening. We thought it was a butterfly at first. I managed to catch him and put him outside, and took a couple of pictures.

Can anyone tell me what the moth is called?

Thanks!
Slug

[pigletwillie]

I have forwarded the piccy to a friend who runs a moth trap most nights and should have a reply for you this weekend.

[SueA]

Hi Slug, it's a Garden Tiger Moth. The moth apparently doesn't feed on anything but the caterpillars are hairy black & ginger creatures nicknamed 'woolly bears' which feed on lots of plants & veg. in the garden. I've never seen the moth which is beautiful but have seen the caterpillars sometimes when out walking as they amble across the paths.

[Slug]

Thanks both of you! It was so pretty, and I saw another one when I put this guy outside. Never seen them before - I didn't know moths could be so lovely to look at!

[nick the grief]

Thats cos they usually come out at night & we don't slug (well, you might being called slug !)

They run courses in the wodland near me & they do things like Moth trapping & it's fascinating, so if you see one, go on it. Try your local county wildlife team they may run them.

[Lozzie]

Yeah, there are many very beautiful moths out there, and not all of them come out at night. Some of the tropical moths are very colourful indeed. Check out these:
Luna Moth (Actias Luna)
Uraniid Moths

[Slug]

Hi Nick - I had no idea that moth trapping courses existed - that sounds cool.... I know lots of people don't like moths, but they're kind of furry and cute (OK.... yes I know you probably think I'm a bit strange now...!!).

Lozzie - they're some great photos - this weekend has been a real moth educational experience!!

[roitelet]

You say that Garden tiger moths do not feed on anything but I have seen several feeding on Buddleia the last few weeks and during the day. The book says that they only are seen at night and are not attracted to light until after midnight. Are the ones I've seen out on the tiles?

[nick the grief]

They may not be Garden Tigers Roitlet, I am sure there is a species that looks like a tiger moth but is a dayflying moth (like the Burnets - Black with red splodges) or maybe even a butterfly.

[Alice]

Can't help Slug, but yes, there are some very beautiful moths. Thanks for sharing the pic.

[SueA]

An Indian moon moth (the Luna moth in Lozzie's link above) has been spotted in a garden in Chorlton, Manchester ,not too many miles from here ,according to the Guardian newspaper on Friday. I'll be out with my torch at night now!

[nick the grief]

I bet it was someone who miss took a Boeing going into Manchester airport SueA

[SueA]

Probably was Nick, I was out 'slug hunting' in the garden the other night & overheard one of the neighbours excitedly shouting she could see a meteorite & it was going to fall to earth! It was the local police helicopter which is always buzzing around!

[skegblade]

Hi Slug
A quick word of warning about the tiger Moth caterpillar; the hairs covering it are poisonous and come away when it's handled. They won't kill you but they irritate the skin. Happened to me when I was a youngster; haven't held one since.

[Slug]

Hi Skegblade,

Thanks for the warning - I hadn't realised. I know some caterpillars are rather abrasive to the touch, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised that some moths can be too.

If I see another one I'll keep a safe distance and trap the next one in a glass!