Lekking moths steal the show..

En route from Gairloch* and a visit to the excellent Blanklyn Garden, Perth (Scots National Trust) chock-full of delicious plants with the blue mecanopsis poppies currently taking starring role.

But a tiny moth stole the show…

Meconopsis poppies

Amongst this floral richness I was halted at a mock-orange. Or rather, its’ visitors.

Green longhorn day-flying moth in repose

Neglected by the majority of visiting gardeners, around the bush were lots of green longhorn (Adela reaumurella) day-flying moths on the wing. Their flight was quite arresting and not related to their feeding. When resting between flights their antennae  can be seen many times the length of their bodies. Their wing cases are metallic green black with hairy face and limbs. These were males ‘lekking’ - displaying to impress females. Fascinating to watch the insects in short vertical display flights.

Large red damselfly

A problem with showing off is predators - in this case a large red damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula). This one swooped in and caught a green longhorn for its lunch. The antennae of the unfortunate moth extend in front of the damselfly.

Both insects are common. I hadn’t seen this behaviour before with green longhorn moths but was delighted by it.

All of this and a fine cheese scone made by Pam.

*And what a stay with white-tailed eagle, great northern, red-throated and black-throated divers, otter, whimbrel, golden plover in fabulous breeding plumage and a male redstart in fine voice in Abernethy Forest..