What is this?

KenCo1964 · 26-07-2005, 20:58

Anyone know what this monster is? I've seen them before but don't know what they are called. This along with an army of others found at the river in an open field with long grass (if that helps).

26-07-2005, 22:25

Bloody ugly. Thats what it is.

Shoe fodder.

Looks like it could be a carrion beetle.

CT · 27-07-2005, 00:53

It seems to be a Burnet Moth Ken. Apparently there are 5 and 6 spot varieties.

http://www2002.stoke.gov.uk/museums/...s/burnet01.htm

27-07-2005, 02:49

Sorry, CT could very well be right

My google-wu is not strong today, master.

Joe T · 27-07-2005, 19:45

Looks pretty mean to me!

KenCo1964 · 28-07-2005, 10:27

Spot on Ct.

never hung round to count the spots though:icon_redf.
Thanks all.
Ken.

CT · 28-07-2005, 10:55

I remember seeing loads of these when I was a kid, but can't remember the last time I saw one. It seems they're rare now in Staffordshire, and while they're not exactly threatened yet, their numbers are diminishing rapidly. Apparently it's often mistaken for a butterfly as it's one of a few species of moth which is active during the day.

Black and red and yellow and black are usually warnings in nature and in the case of this moth it seems it's body contains arsenic, so don't get eating 'em Ken.

KenCo1964 · 28-07-2005, 11:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by CT

I remember seeing loads of these when I was a kid, but can't remember the last time I saw one. It seems they're rare now in Staffordshire, and while they're not exactly threatened yet, their numbers are diminishing rapidly. Apparently it's often mistaken for a butterfly as it's one of a few species of moth which is active during the day.

Black and red and yellow and red are usually warnings in nature and in the case of this moth it seems it's body contains arsenic, so don't get eating 'em Ken.

You learn something new every day!.....I know I have seen these before but never knew what they were. The field was heaving in them but that was about the best shot I got. Arsenic you say :PONDER: Well that's the wifes birthday sorted

KenCo1964 · 06-08-2005, 20:03

Seen this flying around the garden at tea time. It didn't stay long, just enough to get the camera and quickly take these 2 shots. Any ideas as to what this is?
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Sparky · 06-08-2005, 20:16

hornet??

KenCo1964 · 06-08-2005, 20:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparky

hornet??

A hornet, really? This was about an inch long from head to tail, with very long legs. I've never seen a hornet this size, although it does look like a hornet or wasp but with a very long tail/sting.

Sparky · 06-08-2005, 20:23

im guessing hence the question marks.

havent managed to find a decent detailed pic from google.

but the ones that are there, its not far off from.

06-08-2005, 20:34

If it has a sting, then it's boot fodder, plain and simple.
While I admire those who photograph said creatures, who can be honestly quite visually appealing.

They sting, I don't like being stung, and it comes down to survival of the fattest.
I win.

dod · 06-08-2005, 20:44

It looks like a wood wasp but they usually have antennae things on their head.

Edit, we used to get them quite a lot, they're pretty harmless, if I remember the thing which looks like a sting is what the use to lay eggs into trees. Been a while though so I could be wrong with that,

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