June

Early summer has been cool and wet so far which means damsels and dragons have taken a back seat. Nymphs of some species can stay their emergence until conditions are right. Large red and azure damselflies are still present around the mill pond in small numbers.

Scarlet tiger moths are about and can be seen in the wildlife garden if you're lucky. Many, but not all, moth species have undeveloped mouthparts when in adult form so cannot feed and as a result have relatively short lives. The scarlet tiger is one of these. The bright red rear wings are normally tucked under the forewings when at rest and is visible when the moth takes flight. It is thought that this sudden flash of colour startles potential predators sufficiently for it to escape attack.

The photo below shows the scarlet tiger in the normal at-rest position. The black portions of the wings often show slightly greenish and the spots are yellow and white. This individual was snapped in the wildlife garden at Willsbridge.

This is a different individual from the above, and was rescued from the doorway to a hide at Westhay Moor. It briefly opened its forewings, displaying the brilliant red rear wings and giving me the chance of a photo before it was released.