Monday, 4 August 2025

Burnets and Tigers

13th July 2025 - there have been good numbers of Six-spot Burnet moths around recently which, unsurprisingly, have six discrete red spots on each forewing. However, Andy M noticed some individuals which, whilst similar in colour, had spots that seemed to merge somewhat, on a more rounded wing. The books seem to suggest these are features of Five-spot Burnet moths!  And yet another individual moth had narrow wings but with only five discrete red spots, apparently suggestive of a Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet. Interesting - although far from easy to be certain.

Also widely reported this month has been the Jersey Tiger moth. There are several tiger moth species, with broadly similar colouring, but the Jersey Tiger has dark wings with distinctive cream stripes, and orange-red underwings with black spots, which are revealed when disturbed and in flight.

Six-spot Burnet - six discrete red spots, and a 
narrow black border to the underwing

Six-spot Burnet - clearly showing the narrow black border on the underwing

Possible Five-spot Burnet, with merged red wing spots,
more rounded forewing, and broader black border to the underwing

Possible Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet, with narrow
more pointed wingtip, and five red spots?

Jersey Tiger moth [photo John T]

Jersey Tiger moth [photo John T]

Jersey Tiger moth [photo Derek T]

Jersey Tiger moth [photo Andy M]

Jersey Tiger moth [photo Andy M]
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The Aims of Abington Naturewatch

At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:

  • To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
  • To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
  • To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
  • To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.

Pat Daunt, Founder

The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.

Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.

A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>

For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.

Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)