Deadly spots

Six-spot burnet moth (Zygaena filipendulae)

“The six-spot burnet is a medium-sized, day-flying moth, commonly found in grasslands, woodland rides and where the caterpillars feed on common bird’s-foot trefoil. The adults feed on the nectar of Knapweed, thistles and other grassland flowers.”

With thanks to Radnorshire Wildlife Trust. View source.

An Indian Butterfly Legend
If anyone desires a wish to come true
they must
capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it.
Since they make no sound, they can’t
tell the wish
to anyone but the Great Spirit.
So by making the wish and releasing
the butterfly
it will be taken to the heavens and be granted.

– Author unknown. 

I caught sight of this beautiful moth in a Shropshire limestone quarry feeding on Knapweed yesterday. It meant to catch my eye, of course, and warn me not to forget “I am poisonous.”

The red spots, a sign to predators, as the moths are capable of producing hydrogen cyanide, this gives them a bad taste and can kill a predator.

Habitat loss is the leading cause of our disappearing moths and butterflies; we can all help by providing pockets of habitat in our gardens. If we drop the neat and tidy approach, leave the nettles and allow our grass to grow. Plant nectar-rich shrubs and flowers, this will go a long way to attract all kinds of wildlife in your garden.

“Each butterfly species has its own habitat requirements. These are determined by the foodplant of the caterpillar, the nectar source for the adult butterfly and the conditions needed for the caterpillar to survive and then pupate successfully.”

With thanks to Butterfly Conservation. View source.

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