Nonflying Great Peacock moth

Na · #1 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 07:52 PM

2 days ago I found a great peacock moth in my garden in Saumur France. I think it had recentley emerged from the chrysalis. It has not moved from the euphorbia and so is not feeding! Any ideas please?

Meta menardi · #2 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Na

2 days ago I found a great peacock moth in my garden in Saumur France. I think it had recentley emerged from the chrysalis. It has not moved from the euphorbia and so is not feeding! Any ideas please?

I should visit the Ecole de Viticulture if I were you, it is wonderful. Or it was last time I went there, about 15 years ago.

ron1863 · #3 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 07:58 PM

Hi Na and a warm welcome to WAB, sorry but I know nothing about moths, but someone on WAB will help you.

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 07:59 PM

Adults dont feed. Its likely its a female as they emerge and dont travel much usually giving of a pheromone that attracts males.

Na · #5 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 08:06 PM

That makes sense ,thanks. I am very new to moth watching and very interested. I think this may be female ,I have photographed the antennae but don,t know how to put the photo on this page(also pretty inept with computers!) I can follow instructions if they are basic !

Na · #6 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 08:28 PM

Thanks for all replies , you are quick of the mark ,you are! My latin is schoolgirl and only one year at that so I will need a translation pleaseor is it like nil illigitimus carborundum! but good thought about visiting viticulture school!

Meta menardi · #7 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Na

Thanks for all replies , you are quick of the mark ,you are! My latin is schoolgirl and only one year at that so I will need a translation pleaseor is it like nil illigitimus carborundum! but good thought about visiting viticulture school!

The Latin tag has always fascinated me, it comes from Horace and is often translated "Though you cast out Nature with a pitchfork she will always return". Good comment, but I do think we have to help.

I took groups of students to France from an Agricultural College, one visit I enjoyed was Saumur, we were always so well looked after and to see our lot holding wine-glasses by the stem and looking for the "tears" on the glass as we drank white, red and rose wine was such a delight.