Plain red winged butterfly ID please!

KnittingToMetal · #1 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 02:04 AM

I was stood down by the river at about midday today, and there was this butterfly, about one and a half inches from wing tip to wing tip, and it was a really vivid reddy pink. No markings on it except for a very thin black outline around the outside of the wings. It dipped very close to the river (getting a drink maybe, do butterfly's drink?) then fluttered off on its way. I've never seen anything like it. Anyone know what I might be talking about?

Wild-Woman · #2 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 05:08 AM

Have you had a look at Cinnabar Moth? As they wear they can appear reddy-pink.

Dae · #3 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 07:02 AM

Very much sounds like a cinnabar moth to me too, they've very vivid color.

KnittingToMetal · #4 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 05:39 PM

I've looked at the Cinnabar moth, it's not that. It only had a black outline around the wings, none on the wings. I've spotted another one of them today, in my back garden, on the Buddleia, about the same time as last time I saw one.

aeshna5 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnittingToMetal

I've looked at the Cinnabar moth, it's not that. It only had a black outline around the wings, none on the wings. I've spotted another one of them today, in my back garden, on the Buddleia, about the same time as last time I saw one.

Perhaps you could take a photo? No European butterfly fits your description.

Archiex · #6 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 11:31 PM

Have a look at either the Ruby Tiger Moth or the female Clouded Buff Moth both have approx 1.5 inches wingspread.

Naturenutz · #7 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 01:57 PM

Sounds like cinnabar to me too,and they are on the wing at the moment,i saw one last week.There is nothing else that pinkish colour as far as i am aware and it also has a dark outline as well as body, and is the correct size .
when they are in flight they look far more pink than dark .

KnittingToMetal · #8 (**permalink**) 06-06-2011, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naturenutz

when they are in flight they look far more pink than dark .

That's the thing, it landed on my arm, opened then closed it's wings a couple of times then flew off. I've never seen anything like it before!

Eyre · #9 (**permalink**) 09-06-2011, 03:14 PM

Some sort of skipper?. Although they are more orange-brown but they have the black outline that you mention.

KnittingToMetal · #10 (**permalink**) 18-06-2011, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eyre

. Although they are more orange-brown but they have the black outline that you mention.

No, it was the same colour as the Cinnabar but only had the black outline around the outside of the wings. I can't find the ID for this moth/butterfly thing anywhere! It's bugging me!