My word, you have just educated me so much on this.
including the 'time of year' Some species look similar but are adults in different times of the year.
Of course, this makes total sense but I didn't even think of that. I suppose for some species you would have to take a range of things into account.
I do like the ones you found, but am amazed at you finding over 300 species, that is insane to imagine that there can be such diversity in one kind of insect.
Do you also find the caterpillars and identify them or are they even more difficult than the moths?
I have a new appreciation for moths. I've always like the ones with the super furry antennae and fluffy feet. Thanks for the great info, I will be keen to see what else you find in the future :)
Every day is a school day! 😉
Remember 2500 species of moth is just in the UK, thers is an estimated 200,000 species of moth in the whole world. The mind boggles at the amount of diversity in just one group of insects!
Caterpillars are a lot harder. Some are distinctive and easy, but most are small and brown (or small and green). The easiest way is often to rear through a caterpillar (catch it and feed it until the adult eventually emerges)
Good to hear it, my work here is done! 😁
Large Emerald
Dusky Thorn
Hi Dan
Thank you so much, that is a huge number of species and to know even a fraction is admirable. I LOVE the big eyes on the Emerald and Dusky Thorn, they look like such funky little characters.
Makes sense to raise the caterpillars through to emerging as adults if they are hard to identify.
Definitely going to be more inclined to see what moths I can find now. They really are underappreciated and butterflies tend to get the spotlight. I like moths better 😄
Have a great day, thank you for being so informative!