Yet another Moth ID

Squashy · #1 (**permalink**) 03-07-2010, 01:34 PM

I found this moth in my moth trap this morning, and my (rather lacking) nature reference book was unable to identify it.

before I go and buy a better book, I'd like to see if any of you guys can help identify it for me

And, while we're at it, there's another moth I'd like identifying.

I don't have any pictures of it, although I do have a video, which I could upload if you need it explicitly, but I'd rather not since the video is quite large.

I was out in my garden at about 11pm, so it was pretty dark. Still light enough to see by, but only just.

In the corner of my garden, I have some white astilbe growing. The bees love this plant! I walked past it and saw something feeding on the flowers, so I looked closer. It turned out to be a brown moth, but it was hovering exactly like a hummingbird hawk moth, except its colouration was totally brown, which was lighter under the wing. It made an audible humming noise as it flew, and I felt the breeze from its wings as it flew by. It was about an inch long, and there were at least 3 of these insects on the plant at the time.

Now I have seen hummingbird hawk moths whilst on holiday, and these moths didn't seem to match their description, apart from the obvious hummingbird behaviour. The hummingbird hawk moth is also a daylight flier, whereas these were definitely nocturnal. I also live in the North of England, if this helps.

Anyway! I await your replies.

Thanks very much!

nutmeg · #2 (**permalink**) 03-07-2010, 02:34 PM

I think your pictured moth is a Phoenix.

Your description of the hovering moths could fit several. Hummingbird Hawkmoths are sometimes active at dusk/dark. Could possibly be Silver Y or one of the Golden Y moths. (But I'm guessing...!)

burntfacedjake · #3 (**permalink**) 03-07-2010, 02:58 PM

I thought your photo looked like a Dark or Common Marbled Carpet.

Squashy · #4 (**permalink**) 03-07-2010, 03:20 PM

Aha! It does indeed appear to be a Phoenix - with the abdomen curled upwards at the end.

Although some hummingbird hawk moths are active at dusk, I still don't thinkthat these moths were hummingbird hawk moths, especially since I've never seen them in my garden during the day. These moths were also landing to feed on the flowers, not hovering parallel to the bloom and feeding. I'll attempt to upload the video at some point as well.

Thanks for your help!