Eye catching summer combination

Adscita geryon (Hübner) Lépidopteres, zygénidés. La Turquoise de l'helianthème.

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Drinking the nectar of an Arnica flower this iridescent turquoise moth is enjoying the sunshine in the Val Ferret, Valais region, Switzerland.

The anti-inflammatory properties in the flavenoids of the Arnica plant are being enjoyed by this moth who may or may not be over exposed to the sunshine and may need to be soothed from inflammation and / or anti-oxidised via the Arnica.

I am not medically trained so cannot be certain of this but this is one possible theory for a thirsty / hungry moth feeding on an Arnica flower, even with the shiny and iridescent properties of its wings absorbing and reflecting the heat it may benefit from the Arnica flavenoids too.

The medicinal benefits of Arnica are limited though as it is not an antibiotic so cannot prevent infection on an open wound but it is used for bruises and other such injuries.

I cannot speak to the benefits of Arnica myself although for centuries it has been used as an antidote for bruises and injuries and it is now easily found on shop shelves as a natural quick treatment that should not upset the human biology or immune system whereas an antibiotic may or may not upset the natural balance of the body.

The medicinal properties of Arnica are well known in products like the natural Weleda oils for treating bruises, injuries and muscle tissues damage as it penetrates quickly and easily into the skin.

The long slim leaves are present on the Arnica from spring to autumn and the eventual height of the stems can reach approx. 50cm.

The Arnica flower is hardy and returns after harsh winters to enjoy the full sunshine in the mountains. It survives the full on UV ray exposure in high altitude in the Swiss Alps with no sun protection whatsoever. It exposes itself to the heat of the sun, opens up as soon as the heat arrives during the summer season and flies about all day long.