I love the names of moths: heart and dart; setaceous hebrew character; cloth of gold; delicate; uncertain; scalloped beauty; ruby tiger and so many more.
This year has been cooler and wetter than previous years, and though I infinitely prefer it, the moths have been late appearing and many nights have been too rainy to capture anything. However, last night was a wonderful night of mothing and I found twenty different species waiting amongst the egg boxes under the UV light.
My favourite name is a French one, used by English speakers the merveille du jour – the marvel of the day, coined by a French observer for the marvellous and unexpected new moth found that night. My merveille du jour today was a beautiful lace border, which was luminously white and delicate and perfectly named.
I was particularly surprised to see it, as it is moth of limestone meadow and although we live on limestone, most of the moths I see are woodland species. Then I remembered that I have allowed my front drive to grow over and it is now covered in wild marjoram and scree flowers, and maybe after enough years of careful neglect, I have made just the right home for this beautiful and elusive moth in my own garden – a real merveille du jour!
I loved hearing about your moth pursuits and knowledge, Cathy. Last summer we put up a moth cloth and UV light to observe the moths around us, you have reminded me to do it again. They are such pretty and unusual creatures. Your merveille du jour is splendid.
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I always feel privileged to glimpse into another world on a good moth night. I hope you enjoy your glimpse too!
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We are not seeing so many moths these days, nor as many insects for that matter, which is a source or worry to me. Your marvel of the day certainly is a beauty.
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You might be surprised what you have if you try trapping!
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Lovely post and picture. Moths are wonderful, and often as colourful as butterflies. As you say many of the names are delightful. xx
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They give me as much pleasure as the creatures themselves! Xx
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There is an “uncertain” moth? Could they not decide on the best name? 🤣
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The names are a wonderful time portal into Victorian country parsonages, where gentle vicars pondered over suitable names for new discoveries in the night! “Uncertain“was definitely a tricky one to get right
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Beautiful. And those moth names are so pretty and unusual too. X
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You should try it. Its very peaceful!
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It is gorgeous, Cathy. I wish you many more mothy visitors.
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Many thanks! It looks like a goodnight tonight!
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What a marvelous name:)
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