Hornet Moth

[vulcanqueen]

Found something in my garden that sort of frightened the life out of me a few weeks ago. This rather large "thing" flew passed my ears when I was weeding. Anyway on closer inspection and research I found out it was a Hornet Moth. I was amazed as I have never ever seen one before, I would say it was a she too because of the size compared to the other ones

I cut a tree down in my garden a couple of years ago and about 3ft of it remains. On closer inspection of the trunk I saw several more empty casings. I found 13 in all, the last one (I think) hatched about a week ago and was just drying off it's wings before it flew away.

What stunning creatures they are. Didn't realise their development could take up to 2 years either and not a common insect either especially in Warwickshire

I was going to completely destroy the rest of the tree but have decided against it as there maybe more inside and it's a hive of wildlife activity anyway.

Thought I had better share my find with someone for research benefits

[poschiavanus]

Hi Vulcanqueen,

Welcome to the site. What an exciting discovery!

There have been 3 records of Hornet and 10 or so of Lunar Hornet in the county.

You should let David Brown, the county moth recorder know. If you can keep the pupal exuviae (the 'dead skins' or casings from which the moths have emerged) as I'm sure that some positive proof of the record will be wanted. Also can you get a photo of them in situ?
His details are here:

David Brown, Jacksons Lawn, Charlecote, Nr. Warwick, CV35 9EW
Email: davidcgbrown@yahoo.co.uk
Tel: 01789 840295

Other vice-county recorders here.

Enviously,

poschiavanus

[naturegirl]

Hi Vulcanqueen! Welcome to WAB!

What a lovely find for you! I have always wanted to see a Hornet moth and have been moth-ing for about 30 years but have yet to see one! Lucky you!

Naturegirl

[vulcanqueen]

oooooooo I consider myself extremely lucky then, what an absolute treat. I have a few casings floating around in the garden which I can collect but no pics of them unfortunately, they all snuck out early in the mornings. After discovering the first one it prompted me to inspect the tree trunk to which I found more casings either sticking out the trunk or laying about it.

I will certainly email David Brown, in fact he doesn't live that far from me as I am in Rugby. I might even know him as I lived in Warwick myself years ago

Thanks everso

[vulcanqueen]

David came round this afternoon to look at the "stump" where I found my find. I found about 15 empty casings in total, there could have actually been more, on occasion I have seen ants take them back to their next.

The tree is a Sallow and I have the Lunar Clearwing Moth. Not the mega mega mega rare one but rare all the same and very exciting for me.

David says I will be making history with my find and will enter it into his book.

I am so pleased I never soaked the remaining tree with diesel to kill it , who knows how many are still in there that will hatch next year...I can't wait for next year now. I said to David he can set up a tent in my garden end June next year and sit and wait if he wants

I was lucky enough to catch sight of two, the first being a Queen and boy was she beautiful, she stayed on a bush nearby pretty much all day (if only I had known and got my camera out)

Saw a second on the stump drying it's wings before it flew off into the sunset

[nutmeg]

That's great It's amazing what can be seen in gardens - and probably over-looked by most people.

[naturegirl]

Vulcanqueen, you are SUCH a LUCKY girl!!!!!!!!

I'd give anything to see such a sight!!

Well done you on spotting them, clever girl!!

Naturegirl

[vulcanqueen]

ooooooooooo I am just thrilled, only wish I was there from the start when they ALL started to hatch... but didn't know then did I

Roll on next July can't wait

[galanthus]

Wow, really exciting stuff. Think I'll be joining dave in a tent in your garden next year

[vulcanqueen]

Bookings now being taken for use of my garden next June/July

[galanthus]

Originally Posted by vulcanqueen

Bookings now being taken for use of my garden next June/July

Will you be serving evening drinks and cooked brekky ?

[naturegirl]

Count me in tooooooooo!!!!!!!

Naturegirl

[Wild-Woman]

What a great thread. Really exciting news for you! It does make you wonder how many other such species are under-recorded purely because they are either not noticed or because folk just aren't aware of their importance. A good record indeed. Keep us updated on next year's happenings!

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

What a great thread. Really exciting news for you! It does make you wonder how many other such species are under-recorded purely because they are either not noticed or because folk just aren't aware of their importance. A good record indeed. Keep us updated on next year's happenings!

Old orchards can be wonderful actually in terms of quality of wildlife. Sometimes the grassland below the trees has never even been fertilized! - Something quite relevant to your neck of the woods Jules! - If they don't biuild on them all!!

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

Old orchards can be wonderful actually in terms of quality of wildlife. Sometimes the grassland below the trees has never even been fertilized! - Something quite relevant to your neck of the woods Jules! - If they don't biuild on them all!!

Too right Gill. I've always got my eyes peeled for a little something that's a bit unusual.
Like you say-don't stand still too long while looking because you're likely to be concreted over!!