Underneath the arches

A beautiful mottled Buff Arches in the moth trap this morning – its wings are a mix of pale greyand reddish brown with wavy lines and streaks the colour of clotted cream. Decorations around the edges of the wings look like home made lace.

Underneath, and below a fine Swallowtail moth (these always seem fly off the moment the trap is opened), were two Small Elephant Hawks with ochre, olive and pinkish-red wings, a rose pink abdomen and two great big black eyes.