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Project Noah Nature School
Smerinthus ocellata
It is hard to see where this large moth (WS 70-80mm) gets its common name from when it is at rest as this one is but if you happen to startle it the large blue and pink 'eye spots' become visible and it agitates its body up and down to try and deter any predator that may come across it.
found on a blade of grass at the edge of a marshy area full of reeds at Old Moor nature reserve which is owned by the RSPB (royal society for the protection of birds).
I almost walked past this beauty as at first it apeared to be a crumpled leaf at the side of the marshes until I looked closer as it was quite a way in from the path so looked much smaller upon first glance. Several people walked past me wondering why I was on my knees taking what looked like a leaf. The 'eye spots' are visible in the link.
Spotted on Jun 1, 2013
Submitted on Jun 2, 2013
4 Comments
Thanks J, I was pleased to have seen it when everyone else walked past and missed it! Its the first one I have seen here.
Lovely moth, Debbie! The sphinxes are my favorites!
Thank you Alice, I thought so too! I was quite excited to find it.
A true beauty!