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Why is a moth called a bob howler in the British Midlands?

Question #139218. Asked by Tekka.
Last updated Aug 23 2016.
Originally posted Feb 05 2015 10:33 AM.

kingofmates

Answer has 4 votes

Currently Best Answer

kingofmates

14 year member
771 replies avatar

Answer has 4 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

Actually bobowler is a large moth from around Birmingham.

Re:bobhowler moths --
We called the moths bobowlers. Quite frightening as they tend to appear at dusk. If you Google
"Bobowler moths" there are several links. Looks like the word comes from Middle English according to Collin's dictionary. I have found several of them this summer in my greenhouse.

http://birminghamhistory.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=31897

bobowler: a type of large moth.

https://web.archive.org/web/20141128201143/http://www.absp.org.uk/words/butterfliesandmoths.shtml

Response last updated by nautilator on Aug 23 2016.
Feb 05 2015, 11:25 PM

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Why is a moth called a bob howler in the British Midlands?

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