The Hummingbird Hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) was spotted yesterday morning (before the heavens opened) sizzling next to the sweet rocket flowers in the garden. It zipped over to the honeysuckle took a sharp right and then zoomed off towards a clump of valerian. By the time I returned with a camera it was probably in Thirsk. The Latin name refers to Macroglossum – ‘long tongued’ and stellatarum – a synonym of Rubiaceae, the family containing bedstraw and wild madder, cited as foodplants by Linnaeus. Why such a dramatic speedster should have been given such an ordinary name is odd – unless there is something in wild madder that we don’t know about. The moth is supposed to be a bringer of gladsome tidings - which is all to the good.
The Beautiful Golden Y (Autographa pulchrina) is as beautiful as it sounds. The Beautiful (pulcher) Y is ‘written by the moths themselves’ (autographa) and is variable. The moth in the photograph on the left has written its name with a gap between the v-shape and the spot; the one on the right has a more flowing signature and the 'Y' is more clearly seen.
Tonight should be rain-free and warmer so, in honour of Martin Wainwright’s welcome visit to Shandy Hall tomorrow, a trap will be set.
