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Original poster

Moth identification. Possibly one which shouldn't be in the UK?

10 replies

Shittenshite · 29/07/2023 03:46

I just found this moth in my house (Midlands, UK). I took pics then encouraged it onto a piece of paper and set it free outside, unharmed.

It was no more than an inch long.

Google searches lead me to it being a 'small bird dropping moth' but they are native to North America.

Any thoughts appreciated!

OP posts:

Original poster

Shittenshite · 29/07/2023 03:47

Helps if I attach the pic!

Moth identification. Possibly one which shouldn't be in the UK?

OP posts:

GerundTheBehemoth · 29/07/2023 04:13

It's called a Chinese Character (Cilix glaucata). Native to UK and quite widespread.

SirVixofVixHall · 29/07/2023 18:56

I love moth names.

PaperBlinds · 29/07/2023 18:58

It's lovely. @SirVixofVixHall i love moth names too!

Wasn't yesterday International Moth Day?

SirVixofVixHall · 29/07/2023 19:14

Oh was it ? I love moths, I get some beauties in my garden.

Original poster

Shittenshite · 01/08/2023 21:34

Thanks @GerundTheBehemoth ! I thought it looked rather like bird poo until I noticed it had legs!

OP posts:

StBrides · 01/08/2023 21:45

GerundTheBehemoth · 29/07/2023 04:13

It's called a Chinese Character (Cilix glaucata). Native to UK and quite widespread.

Good job, too, or the op would have to revoke its visa!

Bloody moths coming over here, nibbling our stuff

Saisong · 01/08/2023 21:46

I think it's a Chinese Character moth. Native to UK https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/chinese-character

Chinese Character

This unmistakeable moth uses visual mimicry to avoid being eaten. When at rest the wings are held steeply over the body and combined with a white, brown and grey wing pattern it closely resembles a bird dropping. A nocturnal species, they can sometime...

https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/chinese-character

Saisong · 01/08/2023 21:47

I see I was late to the party!!

MereDintofPandiculation · 02/08/2023 10:25

SirVixofVixHall · 29/07/2023 18:56

I love moth names.

They’re so basic, aren’t they? “This looks like a silver y on its wing, we’ll call it Silver Y. Good in Latin too - Autographa gamma - it does look like the greek gamma.

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