Moths | Scunthorpe And Brigg

A Large Skipper Ochlodes sylvanus resting in typical form with its hindwings flat and forewings raised giving it a mothlike look. Its antennae are slightly hooked, unlike other Butterflies.

A regular migrant to Britain, the Silver Y (Autographa gamma). They can breed here but winter survival would be very rare.

A Mullein moth caterpillar seen on Water Figwort, one of its foodplants. A very striking caterpillar which attracts lots of attention.

A female Vapourer moth laying her eggs on a tree branch at the Messingham reserve.

The females have only tiny wings so rely on the males finding her. These moths are mainly renowned for the very striking caterpillars with their coloured tufts along their backs.

Magpie moth Abraxus grossulariata

One of many moths that can match the butterflies for their spectacular appearance it can be found in many areas such as gardens, woodland and scrub. Foodplants include Hazel, Hawthorn, Privet, Spindle and Bramble.

A female Vapourer moth laying her eggs on a tree branch at the Messingham reserve.

The females have only tiny wings so rely on the males finding her. These moths are mainly renowned for the very striking caterpillars with their coloured tufts along their backs.

Magpie moth Abraxus grossulariata

One of many moths that can match the butterflies for their spectacular appearance it can be found in many areas such as gardens, woodland and scrub. Foodplants include Hazel, Hawthorn, Privet, Spindle and Bramble.

Clouded Border Lomaspilis marginata

Normally night flying, this striking moth can often be disturbed during daylight.

It feeds on Sallow and Willows, among other trees, which are plentiful on the Messingham reserve.

A female Vapourer moth laying her eggs on a tree branch at the Messingham reserve.

The females have only tiny wings so rely on the males finding her. These moths are mainly renowned for the very striking caterpillars with their coloured tufts along their backs.

Magpie moth Abraxus grossulariata

One of many moths that can match the butterflies for their spectacular appearance it can be found in many areas such as gardens, woodland and scrub. Foodplants include Hazel, Hawthorn, Privet, Spindle and Bramble.

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Clouded Border Lomaspilis marginata

Normally night flying, this striking moth can often be disturbed during daylight.

It feeds on Sallow and Willows, among other trees, which are plentiful on the Messingham reserve.