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Another to add to what has been an amazing week for first sightings for me.
Just making my way back to the car after a trip to Chobham Common had yielded little in the way of photo opportunities after the sun disappeared and the wind picked up, when I spotted a movement in the grass just off the path.....
A very ragged but very beautiful Emperor moth female, clinging to a blade of dry grass for dear life. Not the easiest conditions, she was spinning like a top at points, so tough to get shots at all.
She was clearly on her last legs and very weak, and I have the feeling she may have already laid eggs. I'd be very surprised if she made it through the night realistically, but I'm very grateful that she chose that spot to rest in, as it's a species I've been desperate to see. I know that a lot of people breed females to attract males in, so there are lots and lots of photos of this species about, but this was a special find for me. Chuffed to bits.
Emperor's old clothes by markhortonphotography, on Flickr
Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia) by markhortonphotography, on Flickr
Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia) by markhortonphotography, on Flickr
Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia) by markhortonphotography, on Flickr
Obligatory moth mugshot
Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia) by markhortonphotography, on Flickr
Just making my way back to the car after a trip to Chobham Common had yielded little in the way of photo opportunities after the sun disappeared and the wind picked up, when I spotted a movement in the grass just off the path.....
A very ragged but very beautiful Emperor moth female, clinging to a blade of dry grass for dear life. Not the easiest conditions, she was spinning like a top at points, so tough to get shots at all.
She was clearly on her last legs and very weak, and I have the feeling she may have already laid eggs. I'd be very surprised if she made it through the night realistically, but I'm very grateful that she chose that spot to rest in, as it's a species I've been desperate to see. I know that a lot of people breed females to attract males in, so there are lots and lots of photos of this species about, but this was a special find for me. Chuffed to bits.
Emperor's old clothes by markhortonphotography, on Flickr
Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia) by markhortonphotography, on Flickr
Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia) by markhortonphotography, on Flickr
Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia) by markhortonphotography, on Flickr
Obligatory moth mugshot
Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia) by markhortonphotography, on Flickr