Moth Of Nightmares

A WORD ABOUT WILDLIFE with Michael Blencowe ofSussex Wildlife Trust

- Michael Blencowe

In August I was sent a photo of a giant caterpillar seen in an Iford garden. The colourful caterpillar, garish yellow with flamboyant blue chevrons and spots, was shuffling along on its stumpy legs like a miniature conga-line in search of a party. The caterpillar would have buried itself in some soft Sussex soil and, within its cocoon, would have undertaken an amazing transformation. Around November, a completely different beast will be emerging from the Iford earth and into the night skies; a moth. But, with a 12cm wingspan and ornate patterned wings, this is no ordinary moth. Its beauty would be admired and respected if it wasn’t for one small thing. Stamped on its thorax is the spectral image of an eyeless human skull, an eerie façade that has given it its name: the Death’s-head hawkmoth.