29 April 2014

29 April – 2014 ‘…the rest I dedicate to the Moon’

Lunar Marbled Brown (Drymonia ruficornis)

Drymonia ruficornis

is the scientific name of this moth – but the common name is Lunar Marbled Brown.  The first part of the Latin name is a reference to the oak coppice where this species lives; the second to the red antennae that are just about visible in the image.  The hollyhock leaf served as a suitable contrast for this beautifully marked moth, but all the images were slightly blurred as the moth’s wings were vibrating in readiness for take-off. The diagnostic marks can be seen in the white stripe that runs across the wings – two black crescents in the shape of the new moon.  This moth is not a common species in North Yorkshire so its welcome appearance in Laurence Sterne’s garden is appropriate – marbling and moons have significance in Tristram Shandy, hence the title of this blogpost. The Lunar Marbled Brown is species number 332 to be recorded at Shandy Hall.

Lunar Marbled Brown (Illustration)

The airborne version in the  illustration (above) shows the marking clearly – but although it is beautifully drawn and hand-coloured, it is no match for Richard Lewington’s representation which can be seen below.  During May and June there will be an exhibition of Richard’s moth drawings and prints in the gallery at Shandy Hall.  The exhibition will also include drawers from the C19 Allis Collection kindly loaned by York Museums Trust.

Lunar Marbled Brown (illustration copyright: Richard Lewington)