Blogger: Amy Crossley, Conservation Officer
That's what my sister passed on to my parents one early summer weekend morning to explain why the door to our beachfront bungalow was wide open, welcoming a crisp breeze (and rude awakening) into their bedroom. I would have explained this to them to myself had I not been so engrossed at the time in marvelling at the latest specimens that were clinging to the white walls of our front porch, having been drawn in by the light to settle there the night before. A silky-winged white satin moth matched the colour of the walls near perfectly; only closer inspection revealed feather-like black antennae that gave both its hiding place and sex away. (The males have much more impressive antennae than the larger females - used for seeking out the pheromone call of potential mates.) On the opposite wall a pristine common emerald was hanging out with a handful of smaller unidentified (by my eight year-old self anyway!) brownish 'micros', its green pointed wings were fringed by a delicate gold chequered border that could easily go unnoticed should the time not be taken for a little closer observation.
But by far the most captivating that morning was the puss moth I was squared up to when my sister came to investigate the unwelcome draught. Its swirled black and white patterned wings were interrupted by fine bold orange lines, but most notable to me was the white and black spotted furry 'mane' that extended down its back, coupled with legs so fluffy it was hard to think how they couldn't be a hindrance to flight. For some, this moth's caterpillar is more of crowd pleaser than its winged life stage, looking like a dreamt up alien comic character with an electric green body, equally bright pink framed face and two tails for flailing at potential assailants when threatened. Impressive as the alien looking caterpillar may be, I'd argue, the grown up version is just so, especially up close, and again, when the time is taken to boggle at it!
I'm pleased to say my fascination with these diverse and rewarding insects remains as strong as it was in the days when I'd get up at first light to see what the porch walls had to offer from the night before. For me, springtime is made all the more exciting by knowing hundreds of species of moths and butterflies will be emerging from their winter refuges. Whether it was an egg, a tussocky hiding place closely matching their caterpillar form (or even deep inside a living tree trunk for caterpillars of some species like the leopard and goat moths), or within a pupal case (or 'chrysalis' for butterflies) from which the adult will escape to get 'on the wing'; many are now or will soon be ripe for discovery - or rediscovery - with just a little looking...
For the chance to discover scaly aliens and other wildlife wonders this spring why not get out to an RSPB reserve or take part in one of the many RSPB events and activities being held in the East. Details can be found at: http://www.rspb.org.uk/events.