Northern Eggar - Beeley Moor

The last of the big three (Emperor, Fox and Northern Eggar) moorland moths is on the wing now. Ken came across this female Northern Eggar yesterday evening. The moth is unusual in that some of the population have a one year cycle whilst others have a two year cycle with the larvae overwintering as a small caterpillar. This split has been noted amongst larvae from the same brood.

The Northern Eggar is a favoured food of the Hobby and in good years for the moth the Hobby can put on a fine display hunting over the moors on warm summer evenings.

Northern Eggar - female (c. Ken Smith)