Although daytime pollinators get a lot of press, night time pollinators are important too. Many moths feed on flowers at night, and some species of flowers appear to have evolved to be pollinated mainly by moths. If you go out to the garden on balmy summer nights, such as the ones we are enjoying this early September, you are likely to see Silver Y,
Autographa gamma, feeding. This lively moth looks like a blur as it flutters continuously while it feeds - the flash creates a false 'frozen' effect. Like another summer visitor the Hummingbird Hawkmoth, the Silver Y has a very long tongue which allows it to feed on Honeysuckle, Lavender, buddleia, peas and wallflowers (above). All photos taken yesterday and today in the garden.
on honeysuckle
on lavender
...and on wallflower Erysimum Bowles Mauve
And they must be careful on their comings and goings, while flying above them, Pipistrelle bats are hunting...
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