Last might we had a visitor that we had to save from our dog who was eyeing this up for a snack. This is a Cream Striped Owl Moth who can grow to be as big as 10 cm which is a big moth. They are found in Southern Africa , Egypt and Guinea and apparently fairly common around built up areas being attracted by the lights. This was found on the ground and they according to Wiki fly low down to the ground and not up in the night air like you would expect and this must be for protection purposes.
This Deaths head Hawk moth has since disappeared and presume he has been eaten or he is transforming into a moth underground.
Last month we came across a Death Head Hawk Moth caterpillar which we moved to the back garden for protection and have not seen it since. They burrow underground forming a pupa before becoming a moth. I only noticed this one as I am looking out for the Death Head Hawk Moth which should be due to appear soon.
What is interesting about tis guy is they are attracted by alcohol and ripening fruit which is pretty interesting. We have ripening fruit so that makes sense as there is no alcohol in the kitchen. I find it fascinating as for some reason you would not think they have a sense of smell yet they do. The Deaths Head Hawk Moth is attracted by honey and will actively seek out bee hives in order to eat. I am unaware of any wild bee hives around here as you would normally hear them long before spotting them. Many year ago I saw a swarm of bees and looked like a black ball floating through the air and it was genuinely quite frightening. Wild African bees can kill you if you are stung enough time and why it is advisable to avoid them
The markings of these moths is what amazes me as the details are fascinating with the two eye like patterns on their wings which is a form of protective camouflage. You can see why they call it a Cream Striped Owl Moth as the eyes do look real and would scare of any predators. The eyes are to also lure predators away from the main body so if they are attacked they can still get away. Nature is actually quite amazing nd there is so much happening around us if you stop and look. I am more an animal type person so I have never really paid attention to things like moths and have normally spotted and looked out for things that could harm me like spiders, scorpions and snakes.
Most moths I have come across in the past have been boring ones and maybe it is that time of the year now where we will see these giant ones appear. Mid summer apparently is the peak time of he year to spot the big moths and will see what else I can find over the next month or two with the hope we will stumble across the Deaths Head Hawk Moth we found last month.
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