Christmas Bells

Christmas Bells
Christmas Bells - Blandfordia nobilis

Monday, June 02, 2008

Cool, wet weather excites the Swift Moths.

Tonight, early in the evening, there were 5 Swift Moths beating against the two small window panes in my Study window.
None were at other windows, but this window has a native Prostanthera bush just a metre away. Perhaps that attracts the moths, or provides them with protection (cover). They still get attracted to the light inside the window. But other windows have light inside them too - so there has to be another factor at work, influencing their keenness for bashing against this window.
This moth (a Male, I believe) has very colourful wings.
One interesting feature of this display is the weather. Today has been cold, and wet. Not heavy rain, but steady drizzle - enough to make the gutters in the main street run steadily. According to one particular Bureau of Meteorology website, there has been 8mm of rain since 9:00am today.
"Two Bright Eyes"
I have noticed in the past that the Swift Moths are active during or after rain in late autumn, and winter. Tonight I can confirm that impression, with photos and statistics.

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