Shetland's Moth Season Brings Ophion Wasp Sightings

The Shetland Islands are home to a diverse range of moths, including the sallow moth and its variant, the pink-barred sallow. The former has a variable background color on its forewings, ranging from pale yellow to orange-yellow, with reddish-brown or pinkish bands.

Both species are attracted to light and can be found in moth traps at this time of year. They over-winter as eggs, which are laid close to buds on sallow willows and poplars by the females.

The caterpillars hatch in spring, feed on catkins, and then pupate in underground cocoons. Another insect species commonly found in moth traps is the ophion wasp, a large, thin, reddish-orange colored wasp that feeds on nectar or aphid honeydew.