Moths

Large Emerald. White Ermine. Angle Shades. Peach Blossom. Burnished Brass. These are just some of the magical names that flutter to life in the garden after dark, alongside Pale Tussock, Feathered Thorn and Scalloped Oak. For centuries, moths have cast a spell of fascination and intrigue so potent they have been bestowed with some of the most beautiful, fanciful and charming names in natural history.

In a break from tradition, the Victorians can’t take all the credit. Many names still in use today first emerged in the 1600s, which explains the Lute strings, Brocades, Wainscots and Footmen. Lots are more descriptive, which is helpful when trying to identify which of the 2,500 native species has settled on the ceiling. It’s easy to picture the Black V, Orange Underwing, Speckled Yellow and Chocolate-tip but others are more inventive, from the sooty-black Chimney Sweeper to the tropical sunset colours of the Beautiful Marbled, and you could even roll out the Red Carpet. Moth names often refer to the time of year, preferred habitat or larval food plant, so we have the November Moth, July High flier, Grass Eggar and Heath Rivulet. But there is no escaping the fact that many moths are very similar in appearance and even the experts struggle sometimes, as evidenced by the Uncertain, Suspected, and Confused. 

If you’re keen to put a face to some of these names, try opening a window after dark and leaving the light on. Moths navigate by the stars and are attracted to light, so a bright white bathroom makes an excellent moth trap. Pick a warm, still night and it won’t be long before the first visitors arrive, ready for you to puzzle out their identity. And with a typical back garden providing a home to more than a hundred different species, there should be plenty of variety in the moths you see.

There’s a handy guide to what’s flying tonight on the Sussex Moth Group website to help narrow things down, and we’ve highlighted some of the most characteristic species you’re likely to see this month. Not all moths are nocturnal, so keep an eye out during the daytime too!

Even if you’re not sure what you’re looking at, it’s fascinating to take a closer look at these nocturnal animals and marvel at their amazing diversity. To encourage more flying Carpets, Kittens and Waves, try growing a night-scented nectar buffet of Honeysuckle, Jasmine and Evening Primrose and prepare to be spellbound by the magic of moths.

Need help identifying a moth? Send a photo to our WildCall service: wildcall@sussexwt.org.uk 

Charlotte Owen, Conservation Officer at the Sussex Wildlife Trust

Six-spot Burnet (main image)

A day-flying moth with glossy black wings and bright crimson spots. These spots indicate to predators that they are toxic and shouldn’t be eaten. Adults feed on the nectar of Knapweed, Thistles and other grassland flowers. Their flight is slow and buzzing.

Elephant Hawk-moth

This large, gold-and-pink moth can be seen at dusk in gardens, parks, woods and grassy habitats from May to August. The distinctive caterpillars look like elephant’s trunks and have eyespots to scare off predators - look for them feeding on willowherbs, Fuchsia and bedstraw.

Large Emerald

This big, green moth particularly likes woodland and scrubby grassland but also parks and gardens. The wavy-edged wings have wavy white lines running across them and they rest with their wings spread open, like a butterfly. The caterpillars feed on alder, Beech and Birch and hide among the trees in winter, camouflaging themselves by placing tiny, chewed-up pieces of bark on their body.

Hummingbird Hawk-moth

At this time of year, you might notice what seem to be tiny hummingbirds hovering amongst the flowerbeds. These little marvels migrate here from southern Europe and their wings beat so rapidly – 80 times per second – that they produce an audible hum. Their favourite foods include Honeysuckle, Lilac and Buddleia, and they often return to the same plants at the same time each day.

Brimstone Moth

A yellow, mainly night-flying moth with distinctive brown-and-white spots on its angular forewings. It frequently visits gardens and is on the wing from April to October. The caterpillars feed on a variety of shrubs in the rose family, including Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Rowan.

Garden Tiger

Just like its namesake, the Garden Tiger has a furry body, bold stripes and a definite hint of the exotic. The pattern on its closed wings provides camouflage when resting on tree bark but if threatened it displays the bright red-orange underwings. Only when the wings are at full stretch are the moth’s secret stripes revealed, gracing its fluffy orange abdomen so that it looks just like a tiger’s tail.