Look away now, lepidoptera lovers. I stumbled across this bizarre scene the other day whilst out on a survey at the Oa. In a small clearing in the heather I counted at least 22 Emperor moth wing parts (I couldn't fit them all into the same shot), but no traces of any bodies or sign of anything else. Dave's theory is that several males have been attracted to a female at this site, and a passing pipit or other bird has taken advantage and eaten the lot, leaving only wing parts which presumably offer less nutrition.
There's probably a moral to this story, though a sharper mind than mine would be needed to work it out.
If anyone has any alternative explanations or similar experiences, it would be interesting to hear from you.
Hi,We live in france & often used to find the wings of Giant Emperor moths in the garden. I think they were attracted to the street light & then got caught by BATS. I'm not sure though if bats would detect them on the ground. They could have just hatched out possibly?
Best wishes
Hazel in Southwest France