Moth or Butterfly?

[luppaloula]

Today, June 30th 2009, in my garden on the coast of north wales I saw a moth/butterfly that was a striking light red and black. The pattern was simple and unspeckled. There was a large amount of red on each wing that, when in flight, looks almost luminous pink. The black bordered the red I think. Sorry but it was so quick a look and when I got back with my camera it had gone! But it was a striking vision! Anyone have any ideas?

[Shirley Roulston]

Could be what I saw yesterday on the Lleyn Peninsula and it was the same red as you mentioned, I have put a photo of the moth page and it was a Six-spot Burnet. Welcome to this web-site, I'm sure you'll find a friendly crowd, full of advice and intesting information on where to find butterflies and moths.
Shirley

[Pete Eeles]

Sounds like a Cinnabar moth to me.

Cheers,

- Pete

[luppaloula]

Thanks Shirley and Pete for your responses - I think the Cinnabar might be the one. Hopefully I will see one again soon and get a better look. Would love to see that Six-spot Burnet as well! Is it usual for the Cinnabar moth to be out and about in the middle of the day?

Thanks for the welcome Shirley - I look forward to seeing and learning more about the butterflies & moths of this region - I've just moved here (Llandudno) from Barbados so it's a bit different!

Liz

[Pete Eeles]

Is it usual for the Cinnabar moth to be out and about in the middle of the day?

Yep!

Cheers,

- Pete

[Shirley Roulston]

Liz, as you have said you live in Llandudno, on the Orme there are special butterflies which are only found there, its called the Silver-studded Blue, Great Orme race, the top of the wings look very similar to the Common Blue with a slightly wide black border, the underwings have a continuous orange band. Also it never flies more than a few metres from where it emerges. I'm not able to go there at the moment but it is on my wish list to find one. They fly in June and July so you have a chance of seeing one.
From Shirley

[luppaloula]

I saw that moth again yesterday and had my camera handy - it is indeed a Cinnabar.

Liz

[luppaloula]

Thanks Shirley for the tip re. the Silver-studded Blue. I hope to take a walk up the Orme later today or tomorrow so will definitely look out for it and let you know if I'm lucky enough to spot one.
Liz