Mr P called me to the garage. A moth was caught in an old spider's web. I carefully took her, plus silk threads into the shed. Removing the web was time consuming, as I did not want to damage this large and very beautiful creature.
I placed her amongst foliage and went into the house to find my butterfly and moth field guide. I wanted to know that I had put her in a place of safety.
The cat like fluffy hair covering the body of the puss moth is the source of her name. 
She frequents damp places where willow salix and poplar grow. She will like the garden.
Her wingspan is 80mm (3 1/8 in). This moth, apparently, is not strongly attracted to light, so is rarely seen, although it is common throughout Britain.
I was fortunate to have been able to help this beautiful creature. Mr P found her yesterday afternoon. When I checked the gardens this morning, she had flown.
I have never seen a bee on the Dicentra before.......such a pretty picture.
Granny's bonnets are dancing in the breeze and enjoying the spring showers.
Granny's bonnets are dancing in the breeze and enjoying the spring showers. Cranesbill do well in my garden.......rabbits dislike them. I have planted dozens of plants during the last month.
When we moved to the farmhouse the old pear tree was part of the package.
She is worn, and past her sell by date but along with the old apple tree she is one of my favourites. I have placed a purple clematis at her feet. This gentle climber will reach the sky.....it does every year. The pear tree will offer her old boughs for support and together they will add charm to the garden. Pears are long lived, hence the phrase 'plant pears for your heirs'.
It is raining........I am happy.
Enjoy your Sunday.........
24 comments:
What a lovely tranquil positive post Cheryl. That moth is certainly a real beauty - so glad you were able to rescue her. Your flower photos are stunning. Enjoy this wet weekend - I too am happy to see some rain after such a long dry spell and the plants are obviously enjoying their long awaited drink.
Jane
Hi Jane....thank you. I have never been fortunate enough to see, let alone hold such a beautiful moth.
The rain is wonderful....I can literally see plants growing before my very eyes.
The unidentified plant has grown to enormous proportions.
I am beginning to think you may be right, it could be comfrey.
Although, I personally, have never had a plant grow so large, others tell me they have. I can't wait for it to bloom.
Hi Cheryl, that puss moth is a handsome creature, in all it's finery. I have seen them before but never managed to get a picture of one.
Kevin.
What an interesting moth, Cheryl. I'm glad you saved her and were able to share some photos of her. But the bee on the Dicentra is what amazes me--how do they manage to cling to such a tiny bloom??
Your idea to plant a clematis under the old pear tree is a great idea. Maybe if we save part of the old apple tree that fell here, I will try that, too.
Rain is falling here, too--the gentle kind that my garden needs--a perfect Sunday!
What a beauty! I'm so glad you (and Mr P) managed to free her but of course I know you would do all in your power to help any creature in trouble.
Lovely photos again, I love the pretty pinks and you have painted a lovely picture in words! I can 'see' your Pear tree with its companion the pretty purple Clematis :)
We had very, very heavy rain all evening and through the night and today it is cold, only 8 degrees!
Enjoy the rest of the 'holiday', Cheryl.
Thank you Kevin....I have seen large moths in flight here but have never been able to identify them.
Rose....I could not agree more. Bees are such amazing creatures. I watched one yesterday clinging to berberis cleaning itself. I shall post at a later date.
With regard to the pear tree Rose, why build an arch when you have a natural support. Dying trees are so important to wildlife especially woodpeckers and treecreepers. Growing a clematis or honeysuckle (or both) up them only enhances their beauty.
The rain is heavy now and it is only 8C (47F) too cold for May......
Happy Sunday Rose.
Hi Jan....I would do my best to help any creature here, regardless of what it was. Everything, as far as I am concerned, has a right to life. I know you feel the same.
I had a female woodpigeon in the shed for a while. She was quite unwell.....she started to improve....then for some reason she gave up and said goodbye. It always saddens me.....
I love the clematis climbing the old pear tree....I shall post in the summer and show you her in all her glory.....it is, as if she is wearing, a lovely ball gown. How is your old apple tree??
Our temperatures are around the same as yours 8C. Too cold for May......it is now torrential rain...brrrrrrr.
Happy Sunday Jan.
Hi Cheryl, that's an amazing moth! I bet she's very grateful for your assistance in your plight. Love the bee hanging off the bleeding heart. You asked about my sense of humor. I definitely did not get it from my parents, but I'm pretty sure I developed it as a coping mechanism, lol. Not sure. Things just come to me is all. I think my humor in person is more British (lord, I love someone I can banter with) and Americans don't always "get" it. One of the division heads where I used to work is British and even though I didn't work with him a lot professionally, I loved bantering with him (esp. since researchers in general aren't known for their interaction skills, and that's the lot I worked with) so would occasionally seek him out on a flimsy excuse just for a little verbal volley... was getting a bit worried that he might think I'm stalking or crushing on him, but no matter. Needs must. (I also tend to ramble on a bit... sorry!)
Sweet Sunday post. I'm so glad you were able to free the moth. What a beautiful thing.
Monica....you would love Mr P then. He is the king of banter......he loves woman who can give as good as they get. I am sure that you would....lol
You are right, it is a British thing.....we do have an odd sense of humour.
Happy Sunday......
Cheryl, That moth almost looks like a bird - great story and photo capture! I agree with utilizing dead wood (tree) for a plant support. A few years ago we had a Banks Rose growing up living oak trees and it was a disaster when wet snow hit and broke the whole structure.
Whata pretty moth. We have a couple of white moths that I have found here. I don't think this is one of them. I haven't seen many moths as yet. They will be out and about when it gets a little warmer. Our Cranesbill isn't blooming as yet. It won't be long. Happy Sunday safari.
Two minds with a single thought Amy. I also thought it looked like a small bird.
How sad you lost the rose and the oak. Old trees are also very good for wildlife. Many birds take insects from the dead or dying wood....everything has a purpose.....
Hi Lisa....as the nights warm up, I expect we will see many more moths around.....with a cold northerly wind today summer seems a long way off.
Dear Cheryl,
Spending time unraveling the silk from the most lovely of moths must have been a Zen moment for you. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath and smiled.
Your gardens continue to amaze me. Thank goodness you have received rain. I bet your gardens ARE growing right in front of your eyes!
I always think of you while on Safari. Now as I watch my pear tree grow I will think of you.
Lovely photographs....fun time with
you this evening. Thank you.
Happy safari!
Sherry
Hi Cheryl, I'm wishing for rain too.
I always hate to see a butterfly or lovely moth caught in a spider's web. In this case, it was a good thing for you or you probably wouldn't have seen the beautiful moth. Good luck to her.
Marnie
Dear Sherry.....it was indeed a zen moment. It was just me and the moth. I was overwhelmed by just how soft this particular moth was. I believe it to be the female of the species. She felt as though she had a fur coat on.....her grip around my finger was very tight. Mr P believe she gained comfort from the warmth of my hand. I was just so pleased we found her and that she survived her ordeal. Hopefully she will lay eggs on my willows......
Hi Marnine....yes they always look so very fragile....butterflies and moths are just so delicate. I could not have left her there.....
Cheryl,
You are so lucky to have seen the Puss Moth.Now that we have found each other's blogs thanks to Marigold Jam you will see that we trap moths here in our Pembrokeshire garden on a regular basis. Once we've established what they are we send the results to our County Moth Recorder and that we way we can monitor trends. All moths are let go the following night when it is safe to do so. In the five years or so we've done this we have only had a Puss Moth once as they don't come readily to light so you have been blessed. The warmer weather will see an increase in the species flying about now. Many do so during the day too so keep a look out for more. I think you have a knack for doing that! Lesley
Hi Lesley....I found your comment so very interesting. I have seen others trap moths.....
I get many moths here......many day flying. I am always on the lookout, butterflies and moths are another passion of mine. I think moths are often ignored because people think they are not as beautiful as butterflies. I find them truly fascinating.
Any I can photograph I will and be sure I will post them......I plant many of their host plants.
I was honoured to see the puss moth.....I haven't seen anything so beautiful for a long time.....
Cheryl, what a beautiful creature that moth is. Her markings remind me of a white tiger. She was fortunate to have you and Mr. P to hlep her live another day.
The bee is on the belleding heart is a charming photo! And I love the pear blossoms. I am glad you are getting some rain. We have had some much needed rain too. The corn is up and looking so pretty-the dark green sprouts against the black soil. I love spring!
Happy gardening, dear freind. :)
Hi Cheryl,
Lovely moth, very interesting patterns on it, and I love how furry she is! Moths are not a strong point for me, although I do try to provide flowers for them…
I’ve seen Bees on the Dicentra before, especially my ‘king of hearts’ which has smaller flowers in a bunch, I think of it more as a hand with fingers rather than an arm sticking out like spectablis… Anyway, you may find the Bees will punch a hole in the top of the heart for easier access :) By the end of the season ‘king of hearts’ has lots of holes in them…
I love Geraniums and have perhaps a few too many in the gardens… In the front I have four and they’re great ground coverage and one species in particular has a very long flowering period – perfect. I’ll soon have more joining my party as a friend is supposed to be giving me some, he used to breed them so has a few unusual ones!
Cheryl, Such a beautiful moth! Perhaps there will be more of them visiting. You do have a welcoming garden for them and all wildlife. I wish I was going to have time to visit you on this trip to Malvern! Sigh. xxgail
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