This post is following on from the last Moth Trap Session which took place on Saturday evening. It was a productive session including some new species that I hadn't seen before: Scarlet Tiger Caterpillars and a Lunar Marbled Brown Moth.
Firstly, I needed to do some work with the Pale Prominent...
Pale Prominent - Pterostoma palpina
I first saw this species last year on the 2nd June. This is the same naff picture as last time, as it looks like I didn't try to take a 'proper picture'.
I kept him in a pot in the fridge overnight, and this morning I got my background set up and all my camera gear out
please note: keeping the moth (or any insect) in the fridge for a few hours doesn't hurt them, and in fact the cool temperatures means they sit and wait instead of flapping about and wasting energy
Pale Prominent - Pterostoma palpina
The camera uses a 50mm.1.8, and I have a 13mm extension tube and a speedlight. A couple of quick images done, I pop them into photoshop to tidy up the background...
That's more like it! An image worthy of being added to my species library for future reference
Scarlett tiger caterpillar - Callimorpha dominula
Next up were these striking looking caterpillars. They are the larvae of the Scarlet Tiger Moth. This was another new species to my list, and the bold bright colours generally look great when I use the black background
Scarlett tiger caterpillar - Callimorpha dominula
So I did!
This was the same set up as the previous moth picture, and the same process in photoshop, really pleased with how this turned out, and it'll be a great addition to my Insect Portrait Project
I haven't seen the adult before... but to give you an idea:
Not my image - Source ukmoths.org.uk
The adults look amazing!
This gave me a thought... the two caterpillars I have are nearly full sized, which means they are close to turning into a chrysalis. I have decided to try to rear them through (by protecting them and feeding them). All being well they should eclose (emerge) as adults in July, I will definitely be keeping a eye out for these...
Here is the box I am keeping them in. I have done this once before with other caterpillars so I do have some experience.
The tissue paper in the bottom is designed to absorb excess moisture, and as log as I feed the right plants (in this case Stinging Nettle) and clean out their 'frass' (caterpillar poo) every couple of days... this should be quite easy.
Last, but not least, I can now move onto the second new species: The Lunar Marbled Brown.
I chose a green background here, just to change it up.
On the white band on the wings you might be able to see a small brown crescent shape? This is the part that gives the species the name Lunar...
I do like chunky looking moths like these, you could say that being so furry and fluffy that they are almost 'cute'!
And on that note, my work is finished for the day. I have photographed both moths and I will release them later this evening when it is dark.
The caterpillars will be kept for a couple of weeks until they finish eating and pupate. Hopefully then it'll be a case of waiting 6-8 weeks for the gorgeous adult moth to emerge.... I can assure you that if it is successful, I will be sharing those photos here
Next week I will run the session again, and we will see what else turns up... watch this space!
Notes on Pictures: Since I started moth trapping 4 years ago, I have been slowly building up collection of Library Images. The idea being that once I have taken a picture of a particular species of Moth, I don't need another picture of the same species a year later. It’s a waste of time and energy. I only take pictures of new species, or of moths that are difficult to ID, so I can get the records verified.
While in my care, all individuals are looked after, and after Photographs have been taken, they are all released safely outside.
All names confirmed and checked via Wikispieces
Further Research from UK Moths
If you have any thoughts or opinions on this article then I'd love to see your comments.
And if you really like the content then maybe you would like to upvote or re-hive it.
Check out my website for more of my work.All Photos taken by @dannewton unless otherwise stated.
Sometimes the caterpillars are nicer than their corresponding butterflies. Great pics.
Thank you, and yes I agree, some butterflies can be quite boring in comparison!
Can't wait until the caterpillars emerge! It looks like they will be quite spectacular.
They certainly will be... just have to hope they make it, caterpillars can be quite fragile. If I do manage to get those pictures you'll be the first to know! 🙂
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amazing pictures
We appreciate your work and your post has been manually curated by zoology team (oscurity,nelinoeva) on behalf of Amazing Nature Community. Keep up the good work!
Nice work!!
Continue with your good contributions!
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Hello @dannewton!