But as I browsed through James Loewen’s British Moths this week, I was blown away by the beauty and variety of nature’s forgotten insects. This guide to our 350 most common species – out of 2,500 – shows them in their true colors.
The loudest of them all is the elephant hawk below, which is pretty in pink. Over an inch long, this animal features a shocking pink base and wings with olive and even more pink patterns. It’s common in gardens, but most of us never see it because it’s a nocturnal animal.
Just as striking is the vermilion moth, right, whose black and red combination reminds me of Manchester’s classic city away jersey. It can be found across the country and should thrive as its orange and black caterpillars love this roadside staple called ragwort.
Another night flyer is the Great Emerald, which is a triumph in green. Then there is the Peppered Moth – the epitome of rapid evolution thanks to its dark and pale shapes.
In the days of the dark satanic mills, the dark shape dominated, mixed with sooty backgrounds.
Now that the air is cleaner, the paler shape is more common.
Most of these moths have finished their flying season, but still on the wings is the Merveille du Jour, which has peppermint and pea green wings that are generously patterned in black. Despite its name, it flies at night.
But others, like the wandering hummingbird butterfly and the black, red, and cream scarlet tiger, fly happily in daylight.
This day-night separation must cause romantic problems for a butterfly with four “eyes” – one each on its brown and pink forewings and one on its orange hind wings.
The male emperor moth flies during the day and the female at night. Twilight must be your playful time.
Plumes are tiny T-shaped moths with wings so narrow that it is difficult to see them fly. The smaller Gracillaria splashella sits like a praying mantis and the Chinese character looks like a Portuguese Man O’War jellyfish.
Moths are important pollinators and food for creatures like bats, but their clothing-eating habits have earned them terrible PR. But, James explains, only two species in 2,500 pose a threat to your woolen hair. So give moths a chance.
British Moths by James Loewen, Bloomsbury, £ 16.99
Another type of meditation
Life was so hectic that I barely had time for my ideal therapy – bird watching.
I finally got to my gravel pits and while I was watching young great crested grebes, coots and ducks, a small dark bird flew like a ball low over the lake.
I put it in my binoculars and it exploded in color – its blue back flashed and, as it toppled over the reeds, its brick-red belly.
It was a kingfisher that was soon joined by another who chased it around the lake.
Beauty, drama and mission accomplished. I have my mojo back.
