Pale-shouldered Brocade (Lacanobia thalassina) |
The Pale-shouldered Brocade (Lacanobia thalassina) has been seen once before at Shandy Hall when Jane Wu recorded it on the blog dated 14 June 2013. I don't remember seeing it at the time so this beautifully marked moth came as a surprize to me this morning. I couldn't work out its identity and had to seek advice from Dave Chesmore. Now the pale shoulders are clearly apparent and I hope I won't get confused again.
The excuse for a second entry of this very pretty moth can be seen below. When illustrated in British Moths and their Transformations the Pale-shouldered Brocade has a different scientific name : Hadena thalassina with the first part of the binomial referring to the Underworld - as in the Lychnis (Hadena bicruris), a moth that was seen earlier in the week. The illustration shows the moth and a beautiful Lady's Slipper orchid as its botanical companion. This orchid is now one of the rarest plants in the UK - if it hasn't disappeared completely. The hand-coloured moth book was published in 1843 when the plant was not uncommon.
Pale-shouldered Brocade and Lady's Slipper Orchid |
In total there were only six moths in the trap : Herald, White Ermine, Brimstone and two Pugs. What sort of Pug? Common, I think but Pugs are notoriously difficult.