The Garden Community for Garden Lovers

Swallow Tailed Moths


Swallow Tailed Moths

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

 

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

 

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
Bjs
 

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

6 Jul, 2014

 

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
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

 

he he! a moth boudoir eh? ;)

7 Jul, 2014

 

great capture, nice moth and thank you very much for information..

7 Jul, 2014

 

What an amazing sight - thanks for showing us Angie!

7 Jul, 2014

 

Thanks all - these moths apparently happily breed in our gardens. The larvae look like very fine twigs and would be easily missed.

7 Jul, 2014



Comment on this photo


Pictures by scottish
1079 of 1153

  • Dscf1540
  • Dscf1548

What else?

This photo is of "Wildlife in the garden" in Scottish's garden

Members who like this photo

  • Gardening with friends since
    11 Sep, 2013

  • Gardening with friends since
    7 Sep, 2010

  • Gardening with friends since
    9 Aug, 2009

  • Gardening with friends since
    2 Nov, 2009

  • Gardening with friends since
    31 Mar, 2010

  • Gardening with friends since
    12 Jan, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    27 Oct, 2009

  • Gardening with friends since
    4 Oct, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    23 Feb, 2011

  • Gardening with friends since
    27 Sep, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    3 Sep, 2009

  • Gardening with friends since
    16 Mar, 2010