29th June 2025 - there have been a number of sightings recently of what has been described as a bright red 'butterfly', and which have been identified as Scarlet Tiger Moth. At rest, these moths have a dark-green sheen to the wings, with a number of white, yellow or orange spots. The hindwing is hidden while at rest, but is the bright red colour evident when the moth is disturbed or in flight. They fly both in daylight, particularly in late afternoon, and also at night in May and June.
Scarlet Tiger Moth (aka Jersey Tiger) [photos John W, Roger D]
A small Bush Cricket, only about 1cm long, was spotted by Polly M resting on a Day Lily flower.
And a group of rather strange-looking smooth grey 'caterpillars' were spotted by Roger D in his garden, these being Solomon Seal Sawfly larvae. Related to bees, ants and wasps (Hymenoptera), these Sawflies lay their eggs on Solomon Seal (Polygonatum) plants, and the emerging larvae can quickly defoliate them. The adult fly is around 1 cm long, and all black.
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