Wildlife

Wildlife

James Lowen 

Our parting shot was a Green Hairstreak, a classic spring butterfly on heathland. This one was in fine condition, and was even a tick for Sacha.

After this, we left the moth in peace inside a clump of heather, where it was remarkably well camouflaged. We headed off in search of herps. Common Lizards were everywhere, but we only managed one Adder, a small but sexy female.

After a few minutes activity, the moth was spent and perched up to regain its strength. A stunner!

BLOG

23 Apr 2015  Emperor


In discussions with Sacha Barbato last autumn, we realised that neither of us had seen Emperor Moth, and that one of Norfolk's best sites for them - Buxton Heath - was within easy reach of both our homes. A plan was hatched for the flight season of mid-April to end May. With the help of a pheromone lure from ALS, Sacha had a few male Emperors buzz round him in poor conditions at the weekend. With better weather promised for Thursday, Sacha and I arranged to meet for a repeat showing. The scent took an hour and several locations before it enticed a male out of slumber and into libidinal action. The moth went crazy for a bit, flying around the lure and even landing on (and appearing to try to mate with) a model of a female that I had balanced on the gorse bush.