Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata)

Brimstone Moth

This unmistakable moth gets its English name from the bright, sulphur yellow colour of the wings. It is common at Windyhills and is usually on the wing from late May into June. Although you may come across it resting during the day or disturb it from vegetation while you walk, you are most likely to see it flying just after sunset on mild, still evenings.  The larvae feed on a variety of deciduous trees and bushes and in a particularly good summer some of them may mature quickly enough to produce a second flight of adults in September.

Common Heath (Ematurga atomaria)

Common Heath (male)

Common Heath (female)

This is a day-flying moth that is often seen in very large numbers on sunny days from May to June. The larvae feed mostly on heather and the moth is consequently most common in the heath areas of the wood - although you will also see it where there is mixed Scot’s pine and heather. The females are smaller and darker than the males and tend to be faster and more purposeful in flight.

Bordered White (Bupalus piniaria)

The larvae of this species feed on Scot's pine and, as you would expect, it is common at Windyhills. It is a distinctive species which invariably rests with its wings held together over its body like a butterfly. The adult moth flies from May to June or July and although it is primarily nocturnal the males, which have highly feathered antennae, can often be seen flying among the pine trees on sunny days.

Bordered White (male)

Ruby Tiger (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)

Ruby Tiger

If you are lucky you may see this distinctive red moth flying during the day in late May or June. However, you are most likely to come across it in the form of brown, hairy caterpillars that like to bask in sunshine and are often seen on the paths in autumn or early spring. Two other closely related species also have similar caterpillars, often known collectively as "wooly bears". Ruby Tiger larvae are pale brown, Garden Tiger larvae are black above and gingery red below with long, white hairs and Wood Tiger larvae are dark brown to black with a reddish area towards the front to the body. The larvae of Garden Tiger and Wood Tiger are usually seen from April to June.

Elephant Hawk-moth (Deilephila elpenor)

Elephant Hawk-moth

Elephant Hawk-moth larva

This is a beautiful, large moth that flies in June, although you are unlikely to see it as an adult because it is primarily nocturnal. You may, however, come across the very distinctive larvae (which are sometimes green) feeding on rosebay willowherb or wandering across the paths in autumn as they search for a suitable place to pupate. Elephant Hawk-moth is one of a number of moths that have recently colonised Aberdeenshire from the south, probably as a response to a sequence of warmer summers and/or milder winters.