Six Spot Burnet Moth

It would appear as if today is a big day in the life of the Burnet Moth, perhaps their birthdays would be a way of describing it, at least here at the South Beach in Arklow. Up to now I hadn't noticed them but this morning the grassy area at the back of the beach was alive with them. It looks as if there has been a mass hatching and they are almost lining up to be photographed. If you are not familiar with these guys you should know that those red spots serve as a warning to possible predators, such as birds to keep their distance as these moths are not for eating being quite toxic. Their bodies contain cyanide to which they themselves are immune. Not so the birds though, so not a tasty treat. I would guess that they should not be handled by us humans either. I have never heard of a human falling foul of them but I wouldn't be taking a chance.
Fortunately for the photographer they are not too difficult to shoot as they tend to stay put long enough for us to sneak up on them, especially when they are cold in the mornings or otherwise occupied in having fun with the opposite gender. So to all my local Burnet Moths..."Happy Birthday"