A striking-looking creature has caused a stir on an RSPB nature reserve today.
It looks like a huge hornet, but on closer inspection - note the furry antennae, small eyes and chunky body - it's actually a moth. A lunar hornet moth, to be precise.
The magnificent moth was spotted at RSPB Exminster, part of the Exe Estuary reserve in Devon, by Visitor Experience Manager Sammy Fraser, who managed to take this great photo while on her lunch break.
"Sammy was out for a walk at lunchtime and managed to snap some great pictures," says Peter Otley, Site Manager at RSPB Exe Estuary. "These are stunning moths - really large and charismatic. They have been seen before on the reserve, but not for a few years."
By mimicking the appearance of a hornet, the moth is able to trick predators into keeping well away.
Says Peter: "In nature, yellow and black are universal warning signs which are used by a range of animals. The size of the moth, combined with those warning colours, would discourage predators like birds and small mammals because hornets really do have a powerful sting.
"It's amazing that nature can come up with something like that. The degree of mimicry and level of detail is just incredible - it really does look like a hornet, with the clear wings, which you don't really see on moths."
Lunar hornet moths are active between June and early August, so it's likely this moth has only recently emerged.
"It'll be looking for a partner now in order to lay eggs for next year," Peter explains.
RSPB employee Rosie Earwaker, who runs a moth group at The Lodge, Sandy, was also excited by the find.
"Lunar hornet moths are fairly common but not commonly seen," she says. "The larvae live in willow trees, emerging early in the morning.'
As well as these incredible moths, there's plenty more to see at Exminster this month.
"Currently we've got a large number of lapwing chicks on the reserve, and a dragonfly called the 'hairy dragonfly'," says Peter.
"There are some truly amazing things out there and, though there's no guarantee, there's always that chance you'll see something really spectacular. That's the joy of wildlife watching. Even on a normal walk, if you look hard enough, you'll probably see something new: I don't think I've ever been out and not seen something I haven't seen before, or that's worthy of a photograph. Sammy's photo of the lunar hornet moth was only taken on a phone, so you don't necessarily need a whizzy camera either!"
Never seen this one before -what a great find, superb photo, too! ! !