Emperor Moth - Beeley Moor

As anticipated, the sunshine and higher temperatures has brought out the Emperor Moth. The males, like this one, are day flying and search for the females scent using its feathered antennae. The females are nocturnal and can occasionally be found sat in the open during the day awaiting the male.

It is quite common on the moor and can been seen on sunny days from mid April to mid May, the male has a very fast irregular flight and tends to look all dark unless seen at close quarters.

Emperor Moth -male