Long Mynd - Emperor Moth

April is prime time on the Long Mynd for Emperor Moths and it would have been disrespectful not to find some?

There's only so many aspects you can look for and here's a couple of variations from the normal completely spread upperwing!

And by going in close, checking out the marvellous comb like antennae. These are the prime means of sensing the pheromones secreted by a female (or a lure). They are believed to pick up the scent of a female over a mile away?

Not an Emperor caterpillar but in the same area was the larva of the Oak Eggar moth!

One day we will chance upon a female Emperor Moth, just a latter of time and immeasurable luck!