I fall asleep to “Just William “ books. Gentle escapism of the most perfectly dated nature allows me blot out the world and while I sleep, the moths reclaim the night.
The first wonderful specimen is an emperor moth. It is the only European member of a family which is much more wide spread in the tropics. The huge eyes are to scare away birds and other predators and when it flies in the day, it is often mistaken for a butterfly.

The second moth perched on my finger is a purple thorn . It’s Latin name is tetra luna which refers to the four half moon shapes that just catch the light from the window in this shot (at the top edge of the jagged wing.)

The third moth is a peach blossom. The improbable pink blotches on the wings look like the delicately coloured flowers of that fruit tree.

The last moth is most prized because it is new to me. It is called a pine beauty and I had great difficulty in identifying it as I was mistakenly convinced it was a type of swift moth ( due to the way it sits) . Unsurprisingly, it lives in pine trees and it’s gingered, pink appearance apparently allows it to hide in yellowing needles ( though I find that hard to believe!)

So while we sleep, some beautiful things fly free, even if it is just our dreams!
wonderful rumination and photos —
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Glad you enjoyed the moths!
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your posts take me places I would not normally go 🙂
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A mysterious response!
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I don’t notice the things you do —
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A few more beautiful details and mysteries of nature!🤍
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Many thanks!
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Marvellous! Thank you. “Just William” is a perfect antidote to today’s world.
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There is even a wonderfully low key fan club I am contemplating joining!
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Your choice of bed-time reading makes smile with approval. Wonderful moth pictures. xx
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Ah a fellow appreciator of the lovable scamp! Xx
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Your moths are so lovely, but most of us will never see them. Thank you for sharing. Amelia
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What beauties, with lovely names too. 🙂
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Some times I think their English names are some of the best things about them.
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Superb moths! I’m yet to see an emporer, what amazing wing markings!
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I ve seen one flying in the day but this is the first time one has appeared in the trap. It was a treat!
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Awww, I want another peach blossom here, only ever had one!
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