Help with ID please... annie & Bugs.

[JohnP]

When I was walking in the Forest of Dean today I came across this moth, it was low down in long grass and difficult to photograph. It was reluctant to fly, I know this because I tried to coax it into a better position. That made me wonder if it was a night flying moth and not a day flier. I've spent quite a bit of time trying to get an ID... no good so far.

 

 

 

 

 

Canon EOS 60D, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Sigma Ringflash.

 

[bugmeister]

I think I'll leave this to the moth expert

 

First thought is a small ranunculus, but that is extremely tentative and will probably be corrected (hopefully)

[NannyFerret]

Lovely shots, especially the front faced one. 

[annie]

lovely pictures john.

 

looks like a mottled beauty, with some damage ..that orange lump.

[bugmeister]

lovely pictures john.

 

looks like a mottled beauty, with some damage ..that orange lump.

Thanks for the correction Annie, I knew you'd have the knowledge

[annie]

bugs, I just trawl through my books and when that fails I use the experts on line. unless you find a moth like a yellow shell, they can all look very similar. there are very few I would know off the top of my head, it can be easier if you know what type of environment they was found in. I found one of these last year, at Felixstowe of all places with the same type of damage, I was told it would be due to the surroundings that they emerge in, pointy twigs and thorn like stuff.

[JohnP]

Thanks annie.... I thought it had been damaged following an attack by a Wren as they eat moths.