Indian moth spotted in Leicestershire garden

Friday, August 21 2009 17:34:06 by Editor

A moth the size of a small bird has been photographed in a garden in Leicestershire.

The insect, a Tussore Silkmoth, is usually found in India and is said to be one of the rarest types ever spotted in the UK, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Sally French, 34, spotted the creature, which is said to measure up to 17cm in length.

She told the newspaper: "It's very beautiful – there is not really anything else like it in this country.

"We were in my sister's garden enjoying the hot weather when this beautiful big moth landed on my son's head. He was mesmerised by the large spots on its wings."

It is thought that the insect escaped from a private moth breeder.

According to Worldwide Butterflies the Tussore Silkmoth is noteworthy for its large amount of colour variations.