Category: Nature

Most moths have an English name and a Latin name; the latter based on scientific classification. This month’s subject has an extra English name so it is known as Small Mottled Willow, Beet Armyworm or Spodoptera exigua. Its larvae, an agricultural pest, have also been given a name ‘asparagus fern caterpillars’ and other less polite names by growers. Some of our moths are very colourful and photogenic. This species is unspectacular in appearance but readily identified by the pale brown spot on its otherwise grey wings.