Moth

Today I saw an unusual looking moth on the patio outside the chicken run gate. I took a couple of photos and then googled it.

Moth

Leopard moth

It is a leopard moth. It has a wingspan of 35 – 60 mm. It is nocturnal but adults can be found resting conspicuously in the daytime. The larva feed on the wood of deciduous trees. It is common in Southern England. Adults fly in June and July.

Well all of the above facts fit perfectly apart from the fact that I couldn’t know what the larva feed on.

The caterpillar is hairy and black with red stripes. We have seen these in the garden and I think I have done a post before and then looked up the moth but hadn’t seen the moth itself before so this time it’s the other way round.

I guess they have always been around our garden but it’s just a case of luck to see one out during the day.

We certainly have a lot of wildlife in our garden. I think it’s because we have a good variety of plants and also woodland behind us. I love seeing all the different creatures.