Butterflies, Moths & Dragonflies

Over the last few weeks the Small Skippers and Gatekeepers have emerged at the Brickworks. Still plenty of Meadow Browns, Ringlets and Marbled Whites on the wing. Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Large Skipper and Peacock all still around and a handful of Speckled Woods looking a little worn now.

Peacock butterfly larva on nettle

Gatekeeper, male

Southern Hawker, female

I came across a new-to-me moth this week, called The Snout (Hypena proboscidalis). What a great name, especially when you see what inspired it. This moth has two long mouth parts also known as palps (sensory organs used for 'tasting' nectar sources). They stick out like an upturned nose. Many moths have palps but none so exaggerated as in the Snout.

The Snout (Hypena proboscidalis), not the best photo but the best I could get before it flew off!