Moth trapping - the other method

Following an industrious morning felling timber and gentler tasks at our local nature reserve, Our Lass and I ventured along the Swan's Way, which runs alongside the western and northern perimeter of the site.

The pleasant afternoon sun was able to take the edge off the morning's Autumnal temperatures, at least enough to allow us to observe several dragonflies in flight, Common Darters and Migrant Hawkers.

As we neared the weir by the old mill on the River Great Ouse, we noticed an odd-looking butterfly fluttering about. I say 'odd' because, whilst at first glance I took it to be a Red Admiral, there was something not quite right about that ID. This was for the very good reason that, although there was much black, white and red colours to be seen, it was a moth, which became rather apparent when it landed on my leg. Unfortunately, very little of the splendid colouration shown in flight could be seen once it was at rest.

Red Underwing, Catocala nupta

However, with very nearly a 3 inch wingspan, this is a moth you're going to notice whatever colour it is.

Whether it was seeking to camouflage itself against my grey trousers is debatable. But I do know, with certainty, that I wasn't wearing red silk underwear. Not on a Sunday.