Emperor Moth

Thanks to David Griffiths for sending us this spectacular photo of a male Emperor Moth, taken on the Walk Islay walk up Beinn Bheigier last week.
Becky

Emperor Moth - Saturnia pavonia

Spring!!!

It's so exciting when you see your first caterpillar and beetle at the beginning of a new year. On various walks last week, Paul and I saw quite a few Drinker Moth caterpillars and this large chrysalis which we later identified as an Emperor Moth chrysalis. Why haven't I seen them before? The moth itself will emerge probably later this month. Of course lichens are here all year round, which makes them extra delightful, so I've included a sample of just some that we saw on our Islay travels!
Becky
PS The beetle got away photoless!

Drinker Moth caterpillar

Emperor Moth chrysalis

Cladonia floerkeana

Cladonia sp

Fuscidea cyathoides

Downy moss?

More Photos from Colonsay

 Zygaena filipendulae - Six-spot Burnet moth caterpillar

Mating Emperor Moths - Saturnia pavonia

Spring Squill (Scilla verna)- abundant on Colonsay, very rare on Islay

Thrift and Bird's-foot Trefoil

Wild goats at Balnahard

Amara beetle

Early Purple Orchids - Orchis mascula