Oak Beauty (Biston strataria)

I missed out on the Merveille du Jour moths late last year, had a few November moths, and a Winter moth, but no December moths. I was beginning to think that our garden environment was too far away from oak trees for some of the species that are attracted to oaks.

But, then having started “lighting up” again a few days ago been graced with the presence of numerous Common Quaker the larvae (caterpillars) of which prefer deciduous trees, including oak and willows. Then I had a couple of Pale Brindled Beauty (Phigalia pilosaria), which also favour oak. And, best of the bunch in terms of patterning and antennae, an Oak Beauty (Biston strataria). The Dotted Border is also a fan of a range of deciduous trees.

Oak Beauty
Oak Beauty
Oak Beauty
Oak Beauty showing its patterning and antennae
Dotted Border
Dotted Border almost camouflaged on a business card from a local pub