Without Parallel

Wednesday August 31

We trapped our first one about five years ago. It was then worthy of display at Cley Centre, so that moth people could travel to view it. Many did. Also known as the Blue Underwing, not a splendid enough name in my opinion, I prefer its original name given by Linnaeus, Clifden Nonpareil. Without parallel indeed.

In the British Isles, it was formerly resident in certain parts of Kent and Norfolk during the middle part of the 20th century, but it became extinct as a breeding species, and for many years was only recorded as an occasional immigrant. In recent years it has been increasing again and is now considered to be recolonising, and once again is a breeding species in some southern counties. We trapped one in Dorset three years ago, in an area where it is known to breed.

With its 75-96 mm wingspan, it is the largest of the Underwings. The various Red Underwings are also spectacular in size and beauty, the Clifden is the most spectacular of them all. Our previous  was under an egg box as I emptied the trap, it took my breath away. Pam found this one on the upstairs bathroom curtain.

 

Like all the Underwings, it only shows its colour when the wings are open. Unless it is a quiet specimen, the open wings are often only a short experience, shown as the moth quivers during its warming up for flight mode.

 

Not quite perfect, probably a bird took a bite out of its right wing.

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