We found this moth under a branch in the early morning and at first thought it was a bumble bee. Of course this is the intention of the moth which is a rare species found in southen England and northern Scotland but not elsewhere. This particular moth had probably just emerged from the pupa as the upper wing scales were intact. It usually loses these scales on first few flights leaving the wings naked.

Grounds of Craggie House, Daviot, near Inverness

Added on 18th May 2007, updated 26th June & November 6th 2008, updated 8th June 2010