Last year we had a wasp nest under the eaves of our house, so that may be why this bee moth found its way onto our bedroom wall. Bee moth larvae live as inquilines in the nests of bees and wasps, feeding on the wax cells, debris and sometimes even the larvae of their host.
When the moth was undisturbed its wings were almost rolled up, but ........
...... once I caught it they were extended a little to reveal the subtle hints of green and purple in the scales.
I've only ever found this moth once before, in a bumblebee nest that had been built in a bird nest box - there are some pictures here.
Posts
