www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

This morning in Bingley, West Yorkshire, I saw a butterfly in my garden I had never seen before - and I am 67. Small, bright red wings with black marking towards edge. Help please. David Bowers

Hi there!

This is most like a Cinnabar moth. See http://www.ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=3579.

Possibly a Six-spot Burnet moth. See http://www.ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=241.

Cheers,

- Pete

Many thanks to all of you out there who replied to my query. My next door neighbour who also saw it identified it from the RSPB internet site as a Cinnabar moth - conformed by illustration. So Peter (and the rest) were correct. Very exciting for me as a complete novice.

David

THE REGULARS AT MY LOCAL IN RIPPONDEN, NOT FAR FROM BINGLEY, HAVE BEEN LOCKED IN DEBATE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS OVER THE APPEARANCE OF THIS MOTH/BUTTERFLY THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN HERE BEFORE. IT IS SMALL PINK WITH A BLACK, BACK THIRD TO IT'S WING. IT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS LOOKING LIKE CAPTAIN KIRKS CRIMSON UNIFORM IN STAR TREK, (AND I AGREE). THE CINEBAR MOTH HAS BEEN SUGGESTED SEVERAL TIMES AND ALTHOUGH THE COLOURS ARE BANG ON THE MARKINGS ARE NOTHING LIKE. CAN SOMEONE SETTLE THIS, THERE'S A LOT OF BEER RIDING ON THE OUTCOME!

A also saw what I thought was a butterfly, with red/deep orange wings. It definitely wasn't a cinnobar moth, no black markings. Wings were all same colour, sort of blood orange red.
It was about medium size. I can't find it in any guide.
Locations was a Derbyshire garden, it was fluttering about an Elder flower tree on a sunny day.
Help ID this beautiful creature.
Pete

2005 late summer/early autumn spotted large striking bright scarlet,pure plain wings in northern woodland above bilberry bushes. any ideas re name really welcome as still can't identify. not sure re edges of wings as was distant. The colour\ was intense, not copper or brownish, pure scarlet.
thanks!

I think the latter sighting might be a ruby tiger moth.
http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=34

This is driving me mad!.A couple of days ago a butterfly/moth landed on the TV in my kitchen and stayed there for a day and a half.It had a wingspan of 5-6cm and was a very pale yellow in colour.It had thin pale brown lines on the wings which had a slight 'tail' with darkened edges at the bottom.I've looked all over the place to identify it but have had no luck,can anyone help?

Cheers,
Arnie (Stalybridge,Cheshire)

Hi Arnie
It's a Swallow-tailed Moth, Ourapteryx sambucaria



A very impressive moth, it can be a bright waxy yellow when fresh, but the colour soon fades. Sometimes known as the Flying Post-it Note!

Brian

Cheers Brian,thats the one!.We don't see many unusual moths or butterflies in this area and this one made quite a change.

Many thanks,
Arnie.

I want one. Could you post it?

walker wrote:2005 late summer/early autumn spotted large striking bright scarlet,pure plain wings in northern woodland above bilberry bushes. any ideas re name really welcome as still can't identify. not sure re edges of wings as was distant. The colour\ was intense, not copper or brownish, pure scarlet.
thanks!

i have also seen this in s/w devon vivid scarlet no patterns on its wings, about 2 cm long on flying around some poppies... i've look in so many books and still nothing! if you find out can you tell me. thanks!