It’s National Insect Week

Today see the start of National Insect Week which runs until the 26th June. It is organised every two years by the Royal Entomological Society to raise the profile of insects and encourage people to learn more about them

So here is my contribution – a few more moths from the trap in my garden.

A cracking Poplar Hawk Moth – with a wingspan of nearly 50mm they are impressive beasts – the adults fly from mid May to  July. As their name suggests the caterpillars feed on poplars (and willows).

This is a Double Square-spot. Perhaps most people’s perception of a moth! The adults fly from June to early August and the caterpillars feed on various herbaceous plants such as primroses and cow parsley.

The White Ermine – has two generations a year – the first from mid May to late July and the second from September to October. The caterpillars feed on nettles and dock.

A Brimstone Moth – a common species that can have three generations per year between April and October. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of bushes such as blackthorn and hawthorn.

Finally a female Ghost Moth. The males are white and perform a very characteristic display or ‘lek’ where they flutter up and down at dusk (thus the name) trying to attract females. They have one generation a year between June and early August and the caterpillars feed on the roots of grasses along with many species of plants such as nettles and docks.