Moths of North Antrim & Beyond

A relatively common day flying moths over bogs and heaths

MothsIreland Map

The "eyes" on the wings of moths are considered to be defensive in a number of ways. Predators are more likely to attack the head of prey, so diverting attention to the false eyes on wing may give the moth a better opportunity to escape.

Secondly when the Emperor moth is disturbed it will flash the second set of eyes on the orange underwings, in hope that the surprise will buy time to make an escape.

In the case of this species creating a pair of false eyes in a false head may be an effective anti-predator technique. The location of the false-eye in the upperwing gives the impression of head of a reptile in profile, perhaps making a predator think twice in case they become the prey.

Location: North Antrim

Photographer: Geoff Campbell