The scallop shell moth

One of the chrysalises from WBX I have overwintered hatched out today and was readily identifiable as a scallop shell moth (Rheumaptera undulata).

It was found last year as a caterpillar feeding on the sallow in WBX (see photo below).  It hid, or sheltered, under a loose tent most of the time and is distinctive not only from its colour and pattern but from the way in curls round like a question mark.

Not all that common in Sussex I think, but I’ll have to check.

After identification I let the moth go in the window box.  It flew straight off, unconcerned about its old territory.