A Moth Like a David Hockney Painting Spotted in English Countryside

The Sighting of a Rare Moth

In a picturesque scene reminiscent of a thousand years of occupation, a scarlet tiger moth, Callimorpha dominula, has been spotted in the English countryside. This moth is known for its silky-black wings with a green sheen, white and yellow markings, and bright scarlet hindwings.

A Bohemian Moth

The scarlet tiger moth has been described as 'bright and bohemian', with an appearance that could be mistaken for a painting by the renowned artist David Hockney. This moth is synanthropic, living alongside people to benefit from their environments.

Habitat and Behavior

The scarlet tiger moth has been spotted in the Gatacre allotments, across the road from a school, where children can be heard singing. The moth's yellow and black striped caterpillars particularly like comfrey, which is abundant on the allotments for its traditional use as a fertiliser.

Conservation Status

This year has been particularly good for scarlet tigers, and they are consolidating and increasing their range around the fringes of English towns by widening their diet to include garden plants.

A Moment of Interaction

In a remarkable moment, a spent tiger moth on the allotment was snatched up by a blackbird. The bird cocks its head, and the observer notes a shared moment of connection, each with their own finds – the bird with scarlet wings and worms, and the observer with a bag of salad greens and raspberries.