Swallow Tailed Moths

6 Jul, 2014
12 likes

This pair were resting on the same plant.
Info from UK Moths Website
A spectacular species and one of our largest Geometrids, this is however reasonably common in Britain, except for northern Scotland where it is local or absent.

Being strictly nocturnal and having quite a short emergence period in July, it is not often encountered by the non-enthusiast.

The larvae feed on a number of trees and shrubs, but prefer ivy (Hedera helix).

Comments on this photo

Cottagekaren

Wow! Never seen these before
, well captured. Aren't they a beautiful soft colour? And a lovely shape too. They remind me of those big kites that people sail from in the sky!

6 Jul, 2014

Scottish

I actually thought they were dying leaves Karen, the decided they were too symmetrical and had to investigate.
Yes, very much like the big kites. I wondered if they had been mating. The one hanging upside down is rather plump about the abdomen.

6 Jul, 2014

Bjs

Exlent pics I have only ever seen very small ones that colour ,how large are they.

6 Jul, 2014

Scottish

The wing span was at least inch and a half Brian, possibly a bit more. They were there all afternoon and did not budge when I was down there getting up very close.

6 Jul, 2014

Bjs

They look larger in your pics,Could be the same ones I see when I switch lights on in the garden after dark.

7 Jul, 2014

Cottagekaren

he he! a moth boudoir eh? ;)

7 Jul, 2014