Environment

What’s this unusually coloured moth called? Readers’ nature queries

Eithna Viney on feathered torn moths, water rails, dor beetles, weasels and mating seals

The feathered torn moth

Ethna Viney
Sat Dec 1 2018 - 06:00

I spotted this unusual coloured moth and I'm curious to know what it is. – Roger Walsh, Dunmore, Co Kilkenny
It's the feathered thorn moth, which flies from September to November.

Seals

When walking with friends in Howth harbour in early October we saw a mating seal couple. When is the mating season for seals? – Peter Reinsma, Dublin
The mating season for grey seals is August to November, but the peak months are September and October.

Turtle shell

My daughter and I saw this turtle shell on the beach at Ballyconneely. What type is it? – Gráinne Waters, Ballyconneely, Co Galway
It is the very worn carapace of a leatherback turtle.

Weasel

I saw this poor fellow outside on the road; looks like it was hit by a car. It had a totally cream-coloured coat. Is it a stoat? – Erika Tyner, Bray, Co Wicklow
It's a weasel, cousin of the stoat. There are some feral weasels in the northeast of Ireland. This one could have been a pet that got lost.

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Dor beetle

I found this beauty on a pathway here in the Burren. What are the white marks? – Frank Folan, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare
It is a dor beetle, which buries its prey. The white marks are mites.

I found seven colonies of snowdrops, some a ½-inch tall, and two cowslips in bloom (out of 17) under leaves. – Eugene O'Connor, Paupish, Co Carlow

Water rail

I took this photograph of an unexpected water rail at the junction of Dungriffin Road and Grey's Lane. – Francy Devine, Howth, Co Dublin

Ethna Viney welcomes observations and photographs at Thallabawn, Louisburgh, Co Mayo, F28 F978, or by email at viney@anu.ie. Please include a postal address.