Phlogophora meticulosa – This is quite an extraordinary looking moth. Very distinctively shaped and patterned which make it resemble a withered leaf to a would be predator from the air. It rests with its wings folded in an unusual fashion. Wingspan 45-50mm. Related to Small Angle Shades (Euplexia lucipara).
It flies May to October, in two generations, although recorded all year round. Attracted to light and sugar, and feeds on flowers. Often seen during the day resting on walls, fences and foliage. Found in a wide range of habitats, including gardens, parks, hedgerows and woodland. Common and widespread throughout the British Isles.
The caterpillar feeds on wild and cultivated woody and herbaceous plants, including Red Valerian, Stinging Nettle, and Broad-leaved Dock.
Rear garden, Staffordshire, May 2014. © Peter Hillman
Nature Journeys 
Stunning Pete!!!!
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Thank you, Sarah! This is one of my favourite moths, surpassing even some of the butterflies in its form, pattern and colour.
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Moths are incredible! We have so many extraordinary species here 🙂 I am useless at finding them though!! I have seen and photographed quite a few of our day flying species but it’s the nightfliers I am always searching for on tree bark without success.
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I have fond memories of mothing with many big brother when I was a young boy in my folks backyard, and the fascination in these nightfliers (and dayfliers) has carried through into adulthood. I never have much luck on tree bark either. Some years ago I made my own mothtrap, attracting them to light, and then releasing them after snapping them, but it is very time consuming, although quite rewarding.
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Yes, I think I need to make my own mothtrap too! I know there are lots of large moths around our building in Autumn as the cat sometimes brings one in. My fascination with butterflies and moths started in childhood too 🙂 We were lucky to grow up in the countryside and my sister and I regularly went out butterfly hunting.
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I can think of no better way to pass the time than butterfly hunting in the fields and meadows 🙂
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Absolutely!!! It’s good for the soul 😀
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🙂
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it does look like a leaf.. do you have a photo of it with wings open?
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It is rare t0 find them with their wings open, and I have only ever seen them partially open. This is their natural resting position.
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Amazing looking insect, beautifully photographed!
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Thank you, Belinda 🙂
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Beautiful and interesting as well. Moths are often considered as dirty beasts, but it are beautiful butterflies.
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Thank you, Greta 🙂 Butterflies and moths belong to the same order Lepidoptera, and are quite a well-adapted group of insects in many ways, as well as looking pretty 🙂
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For me one of the benefits of insect photography is happening upon some of the fantastic camouflage tactics of the insects. This certainly one of the more interesting ones.
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Thank you for your comment, David. This species, and perhaps like several others, the wing pattern and design may aid with camouflage, but the eye markings may confuse predators also, for at a glance it can look somehwhat mammalian.
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What wonderful architecture!
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