The Scorched Wing

Scorched Wing, Plagodis dolabraria.  Oldbury Hill, 10 June 2012.

This was the most impressive, colourful and beautiful of the moths we saw at Oldbury Hill on 9th June.

The reason for the name is obvious.  Its larvae eat mainly Oaks, sometimes other woodland trees, so you can only expect to find this moth in or near woods.  It looks as though it would be well camouflaged amongst autumn leaves, but it only flies in May and June.

This is a male, as you can tell by the feathery antennae.  Also, the male has this odd habit when at rest:

Scorched Wing, Plagodis dolabraria.  Oldbury Hill, 10 June 2012.

It tilts up the end of its abdomen.  From this angle you can see that as well as that delicious orange colour, the "scorched" area leads to an almost plum shade that also appears on its face and chest.  This is my favourite photograph of the day.

Here's the underside, seen though the plastic side of the moth trap.  From this angle you can see the colouration better.

Scorched Wing, Plagodis dolabraria.  Oldbury Hill, 10 June 2012.

Now I'm looking forward to the next mothing event!