For illustrated talks on natural history and history see www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk

For illustrated talks on natural history and history click here for www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk

Tuesday 14 July 2009

Moths on the South Downs; Bernard's 10 miles walk.

Thanks Bernard for leading this splendid 10 miles walk from Ditchling up to the Beacon and along the Downs towards Street and beyond. Details of walks are at Mid Sussex Ramblers.
Cinnabar moth caterpillars were feeding on ragwort. According to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, the caterpillars feed on poisonous ragwort leaves, their body stores the alkaloid poison and passes this on through to chrysalis and finally to the moth. Predators such as birds that don’t heed their colourful warning soon learn how distasteful they are to eat!
The moths themselves tend to fly at night -- unlike the Burnet moth below, which flies during the day. Click on any picture to expand it.
I had no idea what the above butterfly was.
Thanks William for identifying it as a Small skipper.
Thanks again Bernard for another fine walk.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Peter
Good picture of a Small Skipper (male)
and also the Cinnibar caterpillars - not seen any for myself yet!
William

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