The Trappings of Success

Like Buses......25-01

2012-01-28T19:15:00.001Z

So, no Spring Ushers for almost three years and then two in a week. Well, that's mothing for you I suppose. Quite a good night really and since then we've been back in the freezer with not a lot new to talk about. Roll on Spring!

Spring Usher

Result for Upper Caldecote Garden- 25-01-12- 4 of 4 species-

0461 Ypsolopha ustella 1 NFY
2259 Conistra ligula Dark Chestnut 1
1799 Operophtera brumata Winter Moth 1
1932 Agriopis leucophaearia Spring Usher 1

Home Wood- 24-01

2012-01-25T10:45:00.000Z

Trent and I put a battery powered Actinic/UV Skinner in the Wood last night as the temperatures seemed pretty favourable. No wind, but unfortunately a fine drizzle persisted well into the evening. This probably hampered the catch slightly as there was nothing really out of the ordinary.
Trent picked the trap up this morning and recorded- all obviously new for the year.

Home Wood- Location #4- 20 of 5 species-

1025 Tortricodes alternella 1
1799 Operophtera brumata Winter Moth 3
1926 Phigalia pilosaria Pale Brindled Beauty 2
1932 Agriopis leucophaearia Spring Usher 10
2258 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut 4

New Year, New Moth- 18-01

2012-01-19T13:03:00.000Z

...................And to complete the set on page 64 of my ring-bound copy of the 'Concise Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland' by Townsend, Waring and Lewington. My garden finally turned up one of these. This was the only moth I found this morning, after a cold forgettable week of no trapping.

Spring Usher

This is a not a wholly unexpected find. But it's another gap filled and another step closer to 300 garden macros. I hope to achieve this target during this year........

Paid in full.......for 2011

2012-01-01T16:19:00.002Z

Well, that's another year out of the way! All the counters now have to be set at zero so we can do it all again.

But I have to say when it came to 2011's mothing I was pushed to the absolute limit as a 'most species' mothing competition took place against Trent Duval of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.

To be honest, I thought I would easily win; the size of my garden and my more rural location surely made me the odds-on favourite. But time and time again Trent confounded me, managing to pull all kinds of surprising stuff from a town garden roughly 35' square.

In fact, at one point during the year he was 15 species in front and looking like running away with it.

Most people would be devastated to lose their job- I know I would be. But Trent reveled in it and spent night after night tending to multiple traps well into the small hours in the morning, a feat I couldn't compete with.

But slowly I managed to peg him back, mainly because of the diversity in the garden and it was the micro moths which really saved my bacon. Firstly, the kids armed with nets would constantly trap micros, pot them and put them in my 'beer' fridge for later identification. Secondly, micro recorder David Manning spent a good couple of hours in the garden during September and managed a leaf mine count of 24 species. As well as all the valuable help with various photos and micro queries I had throughout the year.

It was now down to macros as Trent didn't have a chance of catching up on overall total or my now impressive micro list. Luckily at the last knockings I managed to pull clear of him; the final nails in the coffin proved to be singles of Mottled Umber and Scarce Umber. Both only second records, plus one of three December Moths- another one he couldn't get..................

To the Victor, the spoils!

So here it is; the wine. More than worth waiting for too! I'm not really a connoisseur, but know what I like. In the centre a passable 'Frenchie' which has already been consumed. Flanked by four bottled of 'The Black Stump' reserve. One of my favourites- read a review HERE.
This year's competition (2012) will hopefully be slightly more laid back and will be contested over macros only.

Some very brief stats-

Trap days- 265!

New Macros for 2011- 35
New Micros for 2011- 74

Macros species caught in 2011- 253
Micro species caught in 2011- 207

Species list for 2011- 460
Species list for the garden since August 2009- 521

Happy New Year all and here's for a good 2012................

Garden & Woods- 21/12

2011-12-22T14:14:00.000Z

For a while it was looking as if there would be no further chance for any more Mothing this year. But after a two week spell of cold, wet and windy weather, things improved. It was still a heady 10°C at 6.00pm last night, which is a massive difference from the 2°C just two nights previous.

I put on three lights last night; my usual trap, a 36w BLB tube and further down the garden, a 25w BLB compact lamp.

December Moth

I also took a last opportunity this year of putting a battery powered Actinic/UV Skinner in Home Wood. On arrival just after dark, I could see plenty of Winter Moths in the car headlights. It would have been a good idea to net some to check for Northern Winters. I may try this after Christmas as you seem to see more fluttering around early in the evening compared to the relatively small number recovered from the trap in the morning. I counted a good 30+ flying at night, but only found 4 in the trap.

Result for Upper Caldecote- 4 of 3 species-

1631 Poecilocampa populi December Moth 1
1799 Operophtera brumata Winter Moth 2
2256 Eupsilia transversa Satellite 1

Result for Home Wood- c63 of 4 species-

1631 Poecilocampa populi December Moth 26
1799 Operophtera brumata Winter Moth c30 (4 in the trap)
1935 Erannis defoliaria Mottled Umber 6
2258 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut 1

28th Nov.

2011-11-29T16:10:00.001Z

The weather has been shocking of late; if it isn't cold, it's blowing a gale. But the mild, unseasonal couldn't continue forever.

I put the trap on last night expecting not a great deal as the wind began to pick up. However, my reward was waiting under the egg boxes in the morning.

Scarce Umber

Not really that 'scarce' but difficult to get in my garden. This is only my second ever record after a single in 2009. I thought I'd missed out this year too; this one is on the late side.
This brings the overall species list for the year to 460, a nice round number. The only addition I could possibly make is Northern Winter Moth- as I have had it in the two previous years.

The only other highlight of late was a single December Moth, caught on 24/11.

22/23rd November

2011-11-24T19:57:00.001Z

After a couple of blanks, (20th & 21st) it was back to winning ways. Nothing new, but the unusual late records continue with yet another Large Nutmeg and this- what looks to be an Uncertain! both caught along with Emmelina monodactyla on 22nd.

On the 23rd only one moth; a Shuttle-shaped Dart, which is also pretty late.

Uncertain?

Large Nutmeg again!

2011-11-19T16:33:00.001Z

Unsurprisingly, not a lot in the traps of late. But another late Large Nutmeg under the egg boxes this morning proved it is still worth putting the lights on. I believe this is easily the latest one in VC30 to date, but it's difficult to see this being the last unusual record of the year.

All three moths were caught at the Twin 15w actinic/UV Skinner, even though there was another trap on at the bottom of the garden.

The result- 18-11-2011-

0874 Blastobasis lacticolella 1
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1
2333 Apamea anceps Large Nutmeg 1

Late records are not just confined to moths, there was a Wheatear found on Dunstable Downs today and the long staying Ivel valley Osprey is still fishing in the trout farm at Warren Villas! Both birds are the latest ever seen in Bedfordshire.

Home & Away 17/11

2011-11-18T20:06:00.001Z

Despite the threat of a possible cold snap, the mild nights persist. This was certainly the case last night, though possibly hampered by a heavy dew.

The Garden trap claimed another NFY, as a December Moth obliged. In fact just two moths were caught, the other, an unusually late Dark Arches. Incredibly, two other VC30 moth-ers also caught one on the same night. Could this be a coincidence, or a possible foreign influx?.......

December Moth

Dark Arches

I also persuaded Trent to go on another foray into Home Wood. This time we tried the 80w MV with sheet again, as not to many people bother at this time of year. We used this for about 1 1/2 hours, but left the battery trap over night. Trent collected it in the morning, there is a combined list at the bottom of the post.

Winter Moth

461 Ypsolopha ustella

It was good to get another three new species for the survey. I will probably try one more time this year, possibly in mid December in the hopes of finding Northern Winter Moth.

The result- combined from location#1 & 4-

0461 Ypsolopha ustella 1 NFS
1631 Poecilocampa populi December Moth 6 NFS
1799 Operophtera brumata Winter Moth 6 NFS
1923 Colotois pennaria Feathered Thorn 4
1933 Agriopis aurantiaria Scarce Umber 2
1935 Erannis defoliaria Mottled Umber 2
2227 Asteroscopus sphinx Sprawler 16
2258 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut 2

...........16-11

2011-11-17T11:03:00.001Z

On the 15th November, I had the dubious honour of recording my first blank of the season. However, just one moth on the 16th proved to be a good one. Another NFY, the first for ten days- I suppose the only target I can possible attain now is to reach 460 species for the year. There's not too much more I can get now though........

Mottled Umber

Only my second record, the first was 18th January 2010. This one was found in the trap, under the egg boxes.

More from the Woods and Garden

2011-11-13T16:56:00.001Z

Once again, I took the battery powered twin Skinner into Home Wood and secured a couple more species. It was an almost perfect evening; overcast and warm but with wind picking up towards midnight. No December Moth yet, but I can try again before the year is out.

Scarce Umber

Mottled Umber

November Moth agg.

A very dark specimen- retained for the recorders.....

The Result- Home Wood- 12-11-11- 38 of 6 species-

0874 Blastobasis lacticolella 2
1795x Epirrita dilutata agg. November Moth agg. 5
1933 Agriopis aurantiaria Scarce Umber 6 NFS
1935 Erannis defoliaria Mottled Umber 1 NFS
2227 Asteroscopus sphinx Sprawler 22
2259 Conistra ligula Dark Chestnut 1

Surprisingly, a very good night in the garden too. I put 2 traps out to maybe add to this years species list. Highlights were another unusually late Vine's Rustic and Large Nutmeg.

The Result- Garden- 12-11-11- 8 of 8 species-

0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 1
1288 Alucita hexadactyla Twenty-plume Moth 1
1395 Udea ferrugalis Rusty Dot Pearl 1
1923 Colotois pennaria Feathered Thorn 1
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 1
2258 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut 1
2333 Apamea anceps Large Nutmeg 1
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 1

More Late Stuff..........

2011-11-09T22:05:00.000Z

..........And with the Iberian conditions continuing until the weekend at least, who could bet against more migrants and odd late records turning up?

After other VC30 moth-ers have continued to catch migrants such as Gem and Scarce Bordered Straw, I have kept just one trap on over the last few nights just in case. I have still yet to record a 'blank', which is pretty good considering we are edging towards mid November.

Only two moths last night- 874 Blastobasis lacticolella and this-

Large Nutmeg

This has to be the latest VC30 record so far this year- In the books, the flight time is June and July!

697 Agonopterix arenella

Result for 08-11-11- 4 of 3 species-

0697 Agonopterix arenella 1
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 1
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 2

998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth

Result for 07-11-11- 6 of 6 species-

0874 Blastobasis lacticolella 1
0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 1
1395 Udea ferrugalis Rusty Dot Pearl 1
1795x Epirrita dilutata agg. November Moth agg. 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 1
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1

Half a Monkey o' Macros..........

2011-11-06T17:02:00.000Z

...........and for those outside East London, that means 250 macros up for the year! After persevering with the trap(s) every night, it has finally paid off. I did think I had the total on 2nd when I found a Sprawler in the conservatory. But it could have been a stowaway from Home Wood as that is where I left the battery light rig.
Migrants have been in evidence for the last week or so, with a few Rusty Dot Pearls and Silver Ys. So it was a relief when this showed up just after 9.30pm.

Dark Sword-grass

At last!

Sprawler

Smuggled from Home Wood me thinks.........

Silver Y

2 records in November so far.........

A Witch and a Pumpkin!

Sending the kids out begging for sweets is OK when they're this age I suppose. Halloween wasn't really done when I was a kid. We used to beg for money with an effigy of Guy Faulkes instead!

.............and this is my grand effort to impress the kids with some Pumkin Carving..........But I'll have to go a long way to compete with these guys!

The result- 05-11-11- 2x Twin 15w Actinic/UV, Twin 25w Actinic skinners- 7 of 6 species-

1524 Emmelina monodactyla 2
1795x Epirrita dilutata agg. November Moth agg. 1
2091 Agrotis ipsilon Dark Sword-grass 1 NFY
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 1
2259 Conistra ligula Dark Chestnut 1
2264 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker 1

Home and Away. 30/10

2011-10-31T13:15:00.001Z

Although warm, the wind persists. This renders the garden pretty useless at this time of year and as a concequence, only three moths were recorded- Yellow-line Quaker, Pale Mottled Willow and a Feathered Thorn.

I chose to dump a battery powered Twin Actinic/BLB Skinner in Home Wood. The salvaged 40 amp car battery certainly keeps the lights burning bright, still going strong after 13 hours. A good night temperature wise with a steady 15°C throughout, just a shame the wind was at times a little gusty.

Sprawler

New for the year and very common in Home Wood.

The result- Home Wood- 71 of 8 species-

0658 Carcina quercana 1
1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 1
1795x Epirrita dilutata agg. November Moth agg. 6
1795 Epirrita dilutata November Moth 6- Gen Det A. Banthorpe
1796 Epirrita chistyi Pale November Moth 8- Gen Det A Banthorpe
1923 Colotois pennaria Feathered Thorn 6
2227 Asteroscopus sphinx Sprawler 14
2245 Allophyes oxyacanthae Green-brindled Crescent 21- 5 of which ab. Capucina
2258 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut 6
2262 Agrochola circellaris Brick 2

Last chance to see?

2011-10-29T18:46:00.000+01:00

Another warm front came through during the night with a thick bank of cloud cover . Perfect conditions for a good haul, including a couple that I thought I'd be waiting for until well into next year. I will have to find out what the latest VC30 dates are for Blood-vein and Vine's Rustic. If they're not the latest, they must be close! The Blood-vein is the equal latest record..........

It was also good to record a 2nd Rusty Dot Pearl, if migrants are still around it might not be too late to get a Dark Sword-grass.

Blood-vein

Vine's Rustic

Green-brindled Crescent

A record 4 caught.

1395 Udea ferrugalis Rusty Dot Pearl

The result- 28-10-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV, twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinners- 21 of 14 species-

0695 Agonopterix alstromeriana 1
1395 Udea ferrugalis Rusty Dot Pearl 1
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1
1682 Timandra comae Blood-vein 1
1795x Epirrita dilutata agg. November Moth agg. 4
1923 Colotois pennaria Feathered Thorn 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 2
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 1
2245 Allophyes oxyacanthae Green-brindled Crescent 4
2259 Conistra ligula Dark Chestnut 1
2375 Rhizedra lutosa Large Wainscot 1
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 1
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 1

Late November......

2011-10-28T20:24:00.002+01:00

Although I've only got three years of data to go on, this is well overdue. My 1st record for 2009 was 13th and in 2010 I recoded three on 10th.

November Moth agg.

Result for 27-10-2011- Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 8 of 6 species-

1795x Epirrita dilutata agg. November Moth agg. 1 NFY
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 2
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 2
2240 Lithophane leautieri Blair's Shoulder-knot 1
2245 Allophyes oxyacanthae Green-brindled Crescent 1

A mini revival 21-22/10

2011-10-23T19:57:00.001+01:00

After a short cold snap the temperature rose again as the winds swung back round to southerlies. It is a little too windy at times, but I'm not quite giving up hope on a late migrant or two yet. Surprisingly, I have still yet to record any November Moth aggs.

Mallow

15 recorded so far and still time for more yet...........

The result- 21-10-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV, Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinners- 16 of 11 species-

0874 Blastobasis lacticolella 1
1745 Larentia clavaria Mallow 2
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 2
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 1
2245 Allophyes oxyacanthae Green-brindled Crescent 3
2262 Agrochola circellaris Brick 1
2263 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker 1
2264 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker 1
2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 1
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 1
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 2

Pale Mottled Willow

A very well marked individual- 248 trapped in the garden this year.

The result- 22-10-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV, Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinners- 13 of 9 species-

1923 Colotois pennaria Feathered Thorn 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 2
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 1
2240 Lithophane leautieri Blair's Shoulder-knot 1
2245 Allophyes oxyacanthae Green-brindled Crescent 2
2247 Dichonia aprilina Merveille du Jour 1
2264 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker 1
2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 1
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 2

Another Merv..........

2011-10-17T19:33:00.000+01:00

But before that, it was good to record a another NFY macro. In fact, there were two recorded including the dark form ab. capucina pictured below. I now need just two more species to make the 250 mark, but I may have to wait as the weather is about to take a turn for the worse.

Green-brindled Crescent

Merveille du Jour

An unprecedented 6th record for the garden this year.

Large Wainscot

Another good year for these with 8 so far.

Result for 16-10-11, Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 11 of 10 species-

1497 Amblyptilia acanthadactyla 1
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1
1745 Larentia clavaria Mallow 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 1
2245 Allophyes oxyacanthae Green-brindled Crescent 2 NFY
2247 Dichonia aprilina Merveille du Jour 1
2264 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker 1
2375 Rhizedra lutosa Large Wainscot 1
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 1
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1

13-10...........

2011-10-14T19:58:00.001+01:00

A quiet night, of note was the first of these for the Autumn.

Grey Shoulder-knot

Result- Twin 15w Actinic/UV and Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinners-22 of 14 species-

0229 Monopis obviella 1
0648 Endrosis sarcitrella White-shouldered House-moth 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 2
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 3
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 2
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 1
2237 Lithophane ornitopus Grey Shoulder-knot 1
2263 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker 1
2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 2
2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 1
2375 Rhizedra lutosa Large Wainscot 1
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 1
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 4
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1

Battered, but new...........

2011-10-13T19:10:00.001+01:00

..........And after the south-western quarter of the country has been plagued with exotic immigrant species. I at last managed one of the expected and surprisingly, it's taken me three years to get it on the list- even though it's seen better days........

1395 Rusty Dot Pearl Udea ferrugalis

The night of the 12th was yet again very good, with a smattering of micros as well. No sign of any NFY macros at present, but hopefully time to get three more.

The result- 12-10-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV and Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinners- 43 of 22 species-

0874 Blastobasis lacticolella 1
0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 2
1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 2
1395 Udea ferrugalis Rusty Dot Pearl 1 Garden 1st
1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 1
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1
1745 Larentia clavaria Mallow 1
1760 Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet 2
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 4
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 5
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 2
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 1
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 3
2240 Lithophane leautieri Blair's Shoulder-knot 2
2252 Polymixis flavicincta Large Ranunculus 1
2263 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker 1
2264 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker 3
2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 2
2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 2
2375 Rhizedra lutosa Large Wainscot 1
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 4
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1

11-10.......

2011-10-12T19:11:00.000+01:00

A pretty good night as the temperatures reamined relatively high and the strong wind subsided. No new macro species but a good list for the time of year. Last Sunday, a quick look around the Alder with Andy Banthorpe revealed this tiny leaf mine, now confirmed.

272 Bucculatrix cidarella

Another new species for the garden and a mine that has no doubt been overlooked. This species was first recorded in VC30 in 2010- but I suspect only because no one was looking for it before!

The result- 11-10-11, Twin 15w Actinic/UV and Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinners- 33 of 16 species-

1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 3
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 4
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 5
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 1
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 1
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 3
2240 Lithophane leautieri Blair's Shoulder-knot 2
2247 Dichonia aprilina Merveille du Jour 2
2263 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker 1
2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 2
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 1
2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 2
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 1
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 3
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1

07/10.....Another 8

2011-10-08T22:56:00.000+01:00

I am now more or less up to date and have added 4 posts this evening. As temperatures and counts have plummeted it seemed unlikely that I'd add a new macro to the list. But conditions on the 7th became more favourable and the outlook for the rest of the weekend looks pretty good too. After recording 240 macro species in 2010, I set an ambitious target of 250 for this year. I then, in mid September calculated what I could possibly still catch. This was NOT on my list.....

Figure of Eight

After surprisingly recording 2 in Home Wood on 29th September, it came as a shock to find one in the garden trap!

The result- 07-10-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 15 of 11 species-

2020 Diloba caeruleocephala Figure of Eight 1 Garden 1st
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 3
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 1
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 1
2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 1
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 1
2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 1
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 1
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 3
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1

I now have to record just 3 more species for 250 macro moths for 2011 and just 10 more species to reach 300 for the garden in total. I am hoping to reach this target during next year.......

Early October.........

2011-10-08T20:58:00.002+01:00

............and the good weather continued with another good batch of seasonal moths. In fact, I ticked off most of the expected October moths in just 2 nights! But it was never going to last, so after recording over 30 species on 2nd and having a decent night on 3rd. The gravy train suddenly ground to a halt and list totals crashed down to just 11 species on 4th. Good while it lasted though................

Merveille du Jour

Not seen since 2009 and then 2 turn up on 1st October

Red-line Quaker

465 Plutella porrectella

This is a close relative of the Diamond-back Moth, in fact it's the next number along! Garden 1st, 1st October.

343 Phyllonorycter esperella

This was found on a Hornbeam shrub and is a Garden 1st. Confirmed by D. Manning.

The result 01-10-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV, Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinner- 59 of 24 species-

0075 Stigmella floslactella 1 Leaf Mine on Hornbeam
0343 Phyllonorycter esperella1 Leaf Mine on Hornbeam Garden 1st
0362 Phyllonorycter acerifoliella 1 Leaf Mine- Field Maple Garden 1st
0464 Plutella xylostella Diamond-back Moth 1
0465 Plutella porrectella 1 Garden 1st
0658 Carcina quercana 1
0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 1
1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 3
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 8
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 6
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 2
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 2
2231 Aporophyla lutulenta Deep-brown Dart 1
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 2
2240 Lithophane leautieri Blair's Shoulder-knot 1
2247 Dichonia aprilina Merveille du Jour 2 NFY
2263 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker 1 NFY
2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 10
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 5
2273 Xanthia togata Pink-barred Sallow 1
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 1
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 5

Red-green Carpet

Good to see- I recorded it twice last year.

Yellow-line Quaker

Feathered Thorn

The result- 02-10-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV, Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinner- 82 of 32 species-

0227 Monopis laevigella Skin moth 1
0229 Monopis obviella 2
0658 Carcina quercana1
0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 1
1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 1
1342 Eudonia angustea 1
1415 Orthopygia glaucinalis 1
1425 Galleria mellonella Wax Moth 1
1745 Larentia clavaria Mallow 1
1760 Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet 1 NFY
1769 Thera britannica Spruce Carpet 1
1923 Colotois pennaria Feathered Thorn 1 NFY
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 2
2026 Orgyia antiqua Vapourer 1 Flying during day.
2064 Phragmatobia fuliginosa Ruby Tiger 1
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 17
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 2
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 7
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 2
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 2
2240 Lithophane leautieri Blair's Shoulder-knot 2
2248 Dryobotodes eremita Brindled Green 1
2263 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker 2
2264 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker 1 NFY
2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 13
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 7
2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 1
2297x Amphipyra pyramidea agg. Copper Underwings 1
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 1
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 2
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 3

Late September Garden Highlights......

2011-10-08T20:03:00.002+01:00

I got well behind on all my records and who could be surprised? A prolonged heat wave at the end of September and into October is far from usual. As a result, counts were way over average and the new species just kept rolling in. The 200th micro for the year finally fell on 28th Spetember.

264 Bedellia somnulentella

A garden 1st 28th September. #200 for the year!

889a Mompha bradleyi

This landed on my PC screen while writing a blog entry! One of a few similar species; a Gen. Det. by D. Manning revealed it to be a 4th VC30 record. A garden 1st, 28th September

1041 Acleris sparsana

A long awaited garden 1st, 28th September.

Pink-barred Sallow

After one record last year, recovered from a spiders web- HERE. It was nice to find 1 in each trap, including this well marked individual.

The result- 28-09-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner, Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinner- 76 of 26 species-

0264 Bedellia somnulentella 1 Gen. Det. DVM Garden 1st
0874 Blastobasis lacticolella
0889a Mompha bradleyi 1 Gen. Det. DVM Garden 1st
0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 1
1041 Acleris sparsana 1 Garden 1st
1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 1
1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 1
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 2
1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 2
1745 Larentia clavaria Mallow 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 4
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 7
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 10
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 7
2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 5
2231 Aporophyla lutulenta Deep-brown Dart 2
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 2
2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 6
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 9
2273 Xanthia togata Pink-barred Sallow 2 NFY
2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 1
2375 Rhizedra lutosa Large Wainscot 1
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 2
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 2

Brick

NFY 29th September.

Barred Sallow

NFY 29th September.

Dusky-lemon Sallow

2 of 3 caught, NFY 29th September.

The result- 29-09-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV, Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinner- 56 of 21 species-

0697 Agonopterix arenella 2
0874 Blastobasis lacticolella 1
1745 Larentia clavaria Mallow 1
1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 4
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 7
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 5
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 1
2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 2
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 1
2231 Aporophyla lutulenta Deep-brown Dart 2
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 3
2262 Agrochola circellaris Brick 2 NFY
2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 8
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 4
2272 Xanthia aurago Barred Sallow 1 NFY
2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 3
2275 Xanthia gilvago Dusky-lemon Sallow 3 NFY
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 2
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 2

Home Wood Survey 29-09

2011-10-08T18:48:00.000+01:00

A very warm and pleasant evening (17°C) with very little wind. And for the time of year I suppose we did quite well. But when it's that 'Summery' you expect to be swamped, however this wasn't the case. We set up just after 7.15pm and were packed up and ready to go by 10.00pm. This will probably be the last of the 'manned' trips for this year, as we will be reverting to battery actinics for the final few months.

The set up

A fairly basic 80w MV Bulkhead on a tripod and a vertical screen made from an old gazebo. So just one light in Location #4 running off one generator. The photo shows Mr T. Duval keeping vigil.

Small Wainscot

The 1st customer of the evening, just one caught.

Sallow

Barred Sallow

The result- 1x 80w MV Bulkhead with vertical sheet- 41 of 24 species- 7.15-9.45pm

0293 Caloptilia syringella 1 ID DVM- Location #4
0321 Phyllonorycter messaniella 1 ID DVM- Location #4
0336a Cameraria ohridella 1 ID DVM- Location #4
0423 Argyresthia semitestacella 1 Gen. Det. DVM- Location #4
0858 Hypatima rhomboidella 1 Gen. Det. DVM- Location #4
1245 Grapholita janthinana 1 Gen Det. DVM- Location #4
1334 Scoparia ambigualis 1 Gen. Det. DVM- Location #4
1745 Larentia clavaria Mallow 1
1760 Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet 2
1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 3
1768 Thera obeliscata Grey Pine Carpet 1
1769 Thera britannica Spruce Carpet 1
2020 Diloba caeruleocephala Figure of Eight 2
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 1
2247 Dichonia aprilina Merveille du Jour 1
2248 Dryobotodes eremita Brindled Green 4
2258 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut 2
2262 Agrochola circellaris Brick 1
2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow 1
2272 Xanthia aurago Barred Sallow 2
2273 Xanthia togata Pink-barred Sallow 1
2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 2
2350 Chortodes pygmina Small Wainscot 1
2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 8

Leaf mine and larval records for Home Wood- David Manning, Trent Duval- 27 species-

0029 Ectoedemia atricollis Hawthorn
0037 Ectoedemia albifasciella Oak
0042 Ectoedemia septembrella St Johns wort
0050 Stigmella aurella Bramble
0063 Stigmella lemniscella Elm
0067 Stigmella plagicolella Blackthorn
0068 Stigmella salicis Sallow
0079 Stigmella perpygmaeella Hawthorn
0080 Stigmella ulmivora Elm
0089 Stigmella basiguttella Oak
0092 Stigmella anomalella Rose
0123 Tischeria ekebladella Oak
0125 Emmetia marginea Bramble
0159 Antispila treitschkiella Dogwood
0274 Bucculatrix ulmella Oak
0275 Bucculatrix bechsteinella Hawthorn
0293 Caloptilia syringella Ash
0297 Eucalybites auroguttella St Johns wort
0303 Parornix anglicella Hawthorn
0308 Parornix finitimella Blackthorn
0329 Phyllonorycter spinicolella Blackthorn
0332 Phyllonorycter corylifoliella Hawthorn
0352 Phyllonorycter schreberella Elm
0356 Phyllonorycter tristrigella Elm
0362 Phyllonorycter acerifoliella Maple
1097 Endothenia gentianaeana Larva in teasel-head
1169 Gypsonoma dealbana Feeding signs on oak

Sneak Preview..............

2011-10-01T19:10:00.001+01:00

As with everywhere else at the moment, the last few days have been great for mothing. No time at present for details but here's one of the highlights from Home Wood on 29th September..........

Figure of Eight

One of two of this declining species caught. A real surprise for the Home Wood survey.

Late September Rush!

2011-09-28T20:02:00.000+01:00

A few decent macros as the 'Indian Summer' continues. In fact, all of this week looks like a good chance to fill in the gaps. Disappointingly, I haven't seen too much evidence of any migrants, just a couple of Diamond-back Moths is all.

Unfortunately, the Pinion-streaked Snout has disappeared and I have now given up after 2 days of 'lamping'. It must of either escaped or died in the house somewhere.

On Thursday (30th) there is a planned trip into Home Wood for some Autumnal Moths to add to the successful leaf-mining trip conducted during the day by David Manning and Trent Duval on 26th. They recorded 27 new species for the survey.

Mallow

NFY on 21st and then again 26th September.

Blair's Shoulder-knot

NFY on 23rd September.

263 Apple Leaf Miner Lyonetia clerkella

I was hoping this was going to be #200, but it turned out to be a scarce dark form of the species.

Beaded Chestnut

First time I've seen a white one! Common in the garden with 21 recorded so far this year.

Webb's Wainscot

2nd record this year, 24th September.

Brown-spot Pinion

At last! In my 3rd Autumn season- been a long time coming. Garden 1st, 26th September.

Dusky Thorn

Another good one out of the way, NFY and only the 2nd record, 26th September.

Chestnut

Autumn is truly here when these come out- it doesn't feel like it though when it's 24°C during the day.

Pinion-streaked Snout........23/09

2011-09-24T14:40:00.001+01:00

..........And its the world's worst photo of one! Unfortunately it is somewhere in my house having absconded from a photo shoot. Tonight I will try to lure it out using a BLB tube on the outside of a window. This technique has worked before when similar sized moths (usually micros) have flown into the house! So with any luck a full update later with some half decent shots of this garden 1st will appear shortly.

Pinion-streaked Snout

This is actually quite a rare moth in VC30 with only 9 previous records on the data base. Though this is probably not a true reflection as a fair few have probably been dismissed as micro moths.

(please do not click for big- as it won't do you any favours!)

........21st/22nd Sept.

2011-09-23T12:27:00.002+01:00

Winds have died down and temperatures are up. This has lead to an increased catch over the last two days. Three new macros to add, but still no sign of the 200th micro for the year. The rest of the weekend and Monday looks good though, with a leaf-mining trip into Home Wood planned before the month's end.

Brindled Green

Only the 3rd record for the garden, I'm averaging one per year.......

Deep-brown Dart

One of two caught, 20th September........

The result- 21-09-2011- Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 54 of 18 species-

1342 Eudonia angustea 1
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 2
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 2
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 10
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 5
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 1
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 1
2231 Aporophyla lutulenta Deep-brown Dart 2 NFY
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 3
2248 Dryobotodes eremita Brindled Green 1 NFY
2252 Polymixis flavicincta Large Ranunculus 1
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 13
2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 1
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 1
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 2
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 4
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 3

The result- 22-09-2011- Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 55 of 16 species-

1745 Larentia clavaria Mallow 1 NFY
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 4
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 1
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 4
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 11
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 2
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 2
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 2
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 1
2252 Polymixis flavicincta Large Ranunculus 1
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 19
2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 1
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 1
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 3

........20/09

2011-09-21T10:18:00.000+01:00

......Another 1 to add and some notable totals including a record 8 Black Rustics.

Beaded Chestnut

Common Marbled Carpet

The result- 20-09-2011- Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 59 of 19 species-

0015 Hepialus sylvina Orange Swift 1
1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 1
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1
1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 2
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 1
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 1
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 12
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 6
2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 2
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 2
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 8
2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 1 NFY
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 10
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 2
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 5
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1

Ranunculuses.....18/19th

2011-09-20T20:34:00.001+01:00

The catches are really beginning to tail off now. However there are still species that I have yet to see in three Autumnal seasons. Brown-spot Pinion is one such species that springs to mind, as I have yet to see one anywhere so far........

On the micro front things have gone pretty well, poised on 199 for the year, I am just waiting for that last one. I'm just hoping I get it before I run out of year.

Large Ranunculus

New for year- 18th September.

Lunar Underwing

A common moth in these parts- 28 recorded up to 19th September.

440 Paraswammerdamia albicapitella

Garden 1st- 18th September

1497 Amblyptilia acanthadactyla

New for year- 19th September

The result- 18-09-2011- Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner 51 of 18 species-

0409a Argyresthia trifasciata 5
0440 Paraswammerdamia albicapitella 1 Garden 1st
0998 Epiphyas postvittana Ligth Brown Apple Moth 2
1309 Agriphila geniculea 1
1342 Eudonia angustea 1
1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 7
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 10
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 1
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 4
2252 Polymixis flavicincta Large Ranunculus 2 NFY
2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow 1
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 3
2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 1
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 1
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 6
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 3

14th & 15th September

2011-09-16T20:44:00.001+01:00

It looks like Autumn is right on top of us as the weather starts to become unsettled. And after some high winds, the 15th yielded a few seasonal moths.

Black Rustic

Sallow

Frosted Orange

The result- 14-09-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV, Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinners- 64 0f 28 species-

0015 Hepialus sylvina Orange Swift 2
0229 Monopis obviella 1
0648 Endrosis sarcitrella White-shouldered House-moth 1
0658 Carcina quercana 1
0697 Agonopterix arenella 1
0874 Blastobasis lacticolella 2
0994 Clepsis consimilana 1
1309 Agriphila geniculea 3
1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 2
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 6
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 4
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 10
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 5
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 2
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 3
2154 Mamestra brassicae Cabbage Moth 1
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 2
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 2 NFY
2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow 1
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 1
2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 1 NFY
2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 1
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 1
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 7
2361 Hydraecia micacea Rosy Rustic 1
2364 Gortyna flavago Frosted Orange 1 NFY
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 2

On 15th the traps were relatively empty, but I found this indoors-

216 Cork Moth Nemapogon cloacella

I'm not sure which one- but looks to be new for the garden. I've sent these record shots to D. Manning, but have also retained the moth just in case......No, not new for the garden- it's a 2nd record. It was a debutant 7th May.........ID D. Manning.

Early September..........

2011-09-11T20:59:00.000+01:00

.................and not too much in he way of highlights. And who would expect it, in a week where I've probably had Manx Shearwaters flying over my head only to ditch tantalisingly close in Cambridgeshire!

However, the 8th provided a respite and I even recorded a few micros. Among them, these two-

Epinotia sp??

At this time of year, I think this is probably Epinotia immundana (1136) and I did record it last year.......

294 Aspilapteryx tringipennella

A garden 1st- and I may just record 200 micros for the year. Just 3 more species to find and there is still a few in reserve waiting for ID.....

On 9th, the only new moth was a single Lunar Underwing.........

Small Wainscot

I wondered whether I would ever record this as it is another elusive (for me anyway) woodland species. But finally it's on the list, trapped on 10th September.

That's 8 Wainscot sp. for the year, the others are; Common, Smoky, Webb's, Twin-spotted, Bulrush, Large and Mere.

Square-'spotless' Rustic?

Has anyone else seen one of these? 10th September.

The Secret Weapon! 04/09

2011-09-05T20:50:00.000+01:00

Scarce Moths have nowhere to hide when you've got a couple of these............

Simply arm them with basic field equipment; torches and nets- in Keely's case, a personalised pink-handled net. Then let them loose in the garden with 3 traps set up in stratigic places. Though this time it just didn't work as the wind strengthened and the temperature plummeted. No new moths and a disappointingly low catch, the kids loved it though.......

The Moth Patrol

Keely and Louie pictured with the Twin 25w FUL trap in the background.

The result from 3 traps-04-09-11- 174 of 24 species-

0015 Hepialus sylvina Orange Swift 5
0648 Endrosis sarcitrella White-shouldered House-moth 1
0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 1
1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 1
1304 Agriphila straminella 1
1305 Agriphila tristella 1
1309 Agriphila geniculea 17
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 2
1742 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 1
1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 1
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 6
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 41
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 8
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 8
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 12
2145 Discestra trifolii Nutmeg 2
2154 Mamestra brassicae Cabbage Moth 1
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 5
2297x Amphipyra pyramidea agg. Copper Underwings 3
2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 2
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 35
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 12
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 7
2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 1

Trent's Offy Run 03/08

2011-09-04T16:03:00.000+01:00

A much improved night; its amazing just how much more is about after a short run of warm days. Though it seems it could be short lived as the wind and rain sweep back in. It was joked at the end of April/start of May that Summer was over and in hind sight the statement was pretty much correct as the weather has been a lot colder/wetter/windier than normal. Perhaps a so-called 'Indian Summer' can lift our spirits and list totals.

Anyway, the upshot was that important gaps were filled. With the afore mentioned in a previous post- Burnished Brass, finally making an appearance. NFYs totaled 3 of which 2 were brand new for the garden.

Trent's earlier fertile run seems to have fallen on stony ground and a trip to the offy now looks inevitable (again!). I say again.......he still hasn't obliged me from last year's wager. So heres a few photos, not including a pristine garden 1st Ypsolopha sequella that escaped my camera this morning!

Feathered Gothic

This is the 1st 'Gothic' type moth I've ever had in the garden.

Burnished Brass

A long awaited year tick.

Centre-barred Sallow

2 of 3 caught, the other was a bit battered!

The result- 03-09-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV, Twin 25w FUL Actinic- 310 of 43 species-

0015 Hepialus sylvina Orange Swift 5
0229 Monopis obviella 1
0462 Ypsolopha sequella 1 Garden 1st
0647 Hofmannophila pseudospretella Brown House-moth 1
0648 Endrosis sarcitrella White-shouldered House-moth 1
0658 Carcina quercana 1
0697 Agonopterix arenella 1
0873 Blastobasis adustella 1
1048 Acleris variegana 1
1063 Celypha striana 1
1309 Agriphila geniculea 41
1316 Catoptria falsella 1
1331 Acentria ephemerella Water Veneer 50 circa
1342 Eudonia angustea 2
1348 Parapoynx stratiotata Ringed China-mark 1
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 4
1690 Scopula imitaria Small Blood-vein 1
1707 Idaea seriata Small Dusty Wave 1
1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 1
1742 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 2
1776 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet 1
1867 Aplocera plagiata Treble-bar 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 2
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 2
1956 Cabera exanthemata Common Wave 1
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 1
2064 Phragmatobia fuliginosa Ruby Tiger 1
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 3
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 47
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 5
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 11
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 20
2178 Tholera decimalis Feathered Gothic 1 Garden 1st
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 11
2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow 3
2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 5
2300 Mormo maura Old Lady 1
2303 Thalpophila matura Straw Underwing 1
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 28
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 38
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 7
2434 Diachrysia chrysitis Burnished Brass 1 NFY

The Garden...........02/09

2011-09-03T20:44:00.001+01:00

Large Wainscot

The Result- Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner-173 of 32 species-

0647 Hofmannophila pseudospretella Brown House-moth 1
0658 Carcina quercana 2
0692 Agonopterix subpropinquella 1
1063 Celypha striana 1
1309 Agriphila geniculea 33
1439 Trachycera advenella 1
1742 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 2
1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 1
1768 Thera obeliscata Grey Pine Carpet 1
1825 Eupithecia centaureata Lime-speck Pug 2
1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 2
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 3
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 1
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 2
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 38
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 4
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 2
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 2
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 9
2145 Discestra trifolii Nutmeg 1
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 7
2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow 2
2297x Amphipyra pyramidea agg. Copper Underwings 1
2303 Thalpophila matura Straw Underwing 2
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 24
2369 Nonagria typhae Bulrush Wainscot 1
2375 Rhizedra lutosa Large Wainscot 1 NFY
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 10
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 7

Home Wood Survey 31-08

2011-09-03T20:01:00.000+01:00

After a haul of 90+ species just under 1 month ago, I did expect a fairly good catch. But in 2 1/2 hours we only managed 22 species. Conditions seemed to be good, although temperatures had been fairly low over the previous few nights. That said there were a few highlights- one being getting home at a reasonable hour!

Square-spotted Clay

This was the star moth of the evening.............

Centre-barred Sallow

A nice fresh one!

460 Ypsolopha parenthesella

1 of 2 caught.

The result- 8.00-10.30- Twin 25w Actinic Skinner, 80w MV Skinner- 61 of 22 species-

0460 Ypsolopha parenthesella 2 NFS
0658 Carcina quercana 3
0969 Pandemis corylana Chequered Fruit-tree Tortrix 2
0972 Pandemis heparana Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix 1 NFS
1304 Agriphila straminella 2
1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Moth of Pearl 1
1682 Timandra comae Blood-vein 1 NFS
1722 Xanthorhoe designata Flame Carpet 1
1742 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 1
1776 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet 20
1893 Macaria liturata Tawny-barred Angle 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 3
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 3
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 2
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 2
2131 Xestia rhomboidea Square-spotted Clay 1 NFS
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 7 NFS
2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow 1 NFS
2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 1
2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 4

+ 2 micros to be Identified by DV Manning.

Tree-mendous! 30-08

2011-08-31T14:31:00.001+01:00

A good night with slightly higher temperatures heralded only the 2nd ever VC30 record of Tree-lichen Beauty. The 1st was caught in Barton Hills in 2007 by A&M Banthrope, but since then the species has been steadily moving north and is classed as an 'Immigrant / Recent Colonist'. A pretty handy record for a village back garden.

Tonight is the monthly trip to Home Wood for the Forestry Commission survey, let's hope something equally as good turns up there.............Will try and catch up with lists/posts after this.

Tree-lichen Beauty

....29/08

2011-08-30T10:43:00.000+01:00

A slightly better night, but still nothing new to add as the NW winds persist. Still, there are a few gaps in the list. Notably Burnished Brass, which has failed to appear so far. Still waiting for the Sallows.................

The result- Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 129 of 29 species-

0015 Hepialus sylvina Orange Swift 5
1260 Cydia splendana 1
1304 Agriphila straminella 1
1305 Agriphila tristella 4
1309 Agriphila geniculea 26
1439 Trachycera advenella 1
1682 Timandra comae Blood-vein 1
1742 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 1
1776 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet 1
1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 2
1867 Aplocera plagiata Treble-bar 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 2
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 5
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 3
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 7
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 1
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 2
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 11
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 1
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 3
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 6
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 5
2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 3
2303 Thalpophila matura Straw Underwing 2
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 1
2343x Mesapamea secalis agg. Common Rustic agg. 1
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 17
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 9
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 5

More from 24/08

2011-08-28T13:33:00.000+01:00

Old Lady

Not a sniff for almost 2 years and then back to back records.

Light Emerald

Dichrorampha sp?

Don't know which one?................

24/08........

2011-08-26T15:35:00.000+01:00

As the kids are on holiday, I set 3 traps up in the garden and let them stay up to 'monitor' them. We made a combined list for all 3, but the new ones went for the Twin 25w Actinic. Including this.........

Small Mottled Willow

This is an immigrant species with only 20 records in VC30 and is a Garden 1st.

The result- 24-08-2011- 2x Twin Actinic/UV Skinners, Twin 25w Actinic Skinner- 288 of 46 species-

0015 Hepialus sylvina Orange Swift 16
0427 Yponomeuta sp. 1
0464 Plutella xylostella Diamond-back Moth 1
0658 Carcina quercana 3
0964 Cochylis dubitana 1
0965 Cochylis hybridella 1
0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 2
1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 2
1273 Dichrorampha sp. 1
1305 Agriphila tristella 3
1309 Agriphila geniculea 38
1331 Acentria ephemerella Water Veneer 30 circa
1334 Scoparia sp. 1
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 3
1707 Idaea seriata Small Dusty Wave 1
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 1
1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 1
1825 Eupithecia centaureata Lime-speck Pug 2
1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 1
1883 Acasis viretata Yellow-barred Brindle 1 NFY
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 4
1913 Ennomos alniaria Canary-shouldered Thorn 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 6
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 3
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 2
2089 Agrotis exclamationis Heart and Dart 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 1
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 1
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 25
2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 16
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 6
2145 Discestra trifolii Nutmeg 2
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 20
2297 Amphipyra pyramidea Copper Underwing 1
2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 2
2300 Mormo maura Old Lady 1
2303 Thalpophila matura Straw Underwing 11
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 1
2343 Mesapamea secalis agg. Common Rustic agg. 1
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 21
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain 2
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 35
2385 Spodoptera exigua Small Mottled Willow 1 Garden 1st
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 12

More Recent Highlights........

2011-08-24T21:10:00.000+01:00

As Summer starts to wind down the catch is becoming far more predictable with large numbers of grass moth species, Flounced Rustics and Underwings. There has been a few highlights, though I missed a couple of moth emptying sessions as I was helping the Heligoland Heroes in Buckton on Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire. See some of the progress on Mark Thomas' Blog. While I was away the Kids did the recording and as usual kept any 'specials' for me in the fridge. They did save a Six-striped Rustic,(19th August) but the photos didn't make the cut- click HERE for last year's effort.

Square-spot Rustic

NFY, 17th August with many more since.

461 Ypsolopha ustella

This is a difficult one as it has hardly any noticeable field marks. However a small white tuft of scales on top of the thorax and a general long winged appearance seems to lean towards this species. If confirmed it will be a Garden 1st, 18th August. Confirmed..........D. Manning

Purple Bar

A real stunner and only my 2nd record. NFY 21st August.

Rosy Rustic

I don't get many of these, so nice to record it early. Last year my 1st and last one was 31st October!

Treble-bar

Only my 2nd Record, 23rd August.

Old Lady

1st record since 2009- NFY 23rd August.

Results for 23-08-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 158 of 29 species-

0015 Hepialus sylvina Orange Swift 7
0658 Carcina quercana 1
1063 Celypha striana 1
1305 Agriphila tristella 4
1309 Agriphila geniculea 33
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1
1651 Cilix glaucata Chinese Character 1
1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 3
1825 Eupithecia centaureata Lime-speck Pug 1
1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 4
1867 Aplocera plagiata Treble-bar 1 NFY
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 1
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 1
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 8
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 1
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 1
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 9
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 1
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 4
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 7
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 3
2145 Discestra trifolii Nutmeg 1
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 7
2297 Amphipyra pyramidea Copper Underwing 2
2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 1
2300 Mormo maura Old Lady 1 NFY
2303 Thalpophila matura Straw Underwing 8
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 20
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 20
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 5

Highlights and Milestones.........

2011-08-16T20:58:00.004+01:00

A trip away meant no trapping for a few days (12th-14th) and then catching up with a few bits and pieces. On 10th August David Manning the VC30 Micro Moth recorder, spent an hour or so checking my garden for leaf mines. He certainly knows his onions, as he managed no less than 22 species! This gave the Micro list a real shot in the arm and spelt certain doom for Trent's already flagging list. I noticed him last week looking at bargain booze online and I suppose that's better than nothing. I still haven't seen last year's prize yet............

Milestones

It looks like 2 momentous events have happened more or less simultaneously; I have now recorded 500 species for the garden since starting mid way through 2009. I have also surpassed last year's total of 373 species and broke the 400 species mark for 2011 with many more to come. It couldn't have been done without help from A & M Banthorpe, David Manning and of course, the expertise of the bloggers who follow my posts- especially Ben and Skev- Thank you to one and all!

Bordered Straw

Garden 1st, 10th August.

698 Agonopterix kaekeritziana

Garden 1st, 11th August

Canary-shouldered Thorn

Garden 1st, 14th August

692 Agonopterix subpropinquella

Judging by lack of obvious markings and the earlier flight time, I think this is a correct ID- ~~waiting for confirmation~~ CONFIRMED................15th August

1309 Agriphila geniculea

1st of many, NFY 15th August

White-line Dart

Garden 1st, 15th August

Red Underwing

Finally got one to pose! NFY 15th August

Common Wave

Tatty, but NFY, 15th August.

Leaf Mines recorded 10-08-11, Upper Caldecote- by D V Manning

0050 Stigmella aurella Leaf Mine- on Bramble- Garden 1st
0064 Stigmella continuella Leaf Mine- on Birch- Garden 1st
0075 Stigmella floslactella Leaf Mine- on Hazel- Garden 1st
0097 Stigmella malella Leaf mine- on Apple- Garden 1st
0099 Stigmella hybnerella Leaf Mine- on Hawthorn- Garden 1st
0107 Stigmella regiella Leaf Mine- on Hawthorn- Garden 1st
0108 Stigmella crataegella Leaf Mine- on Hawthorn- Garden 1st
0111 Stigmella microtheriella Leaf Mine- on Hazel-
0125 Emmetia marginea Leaf Mine- on Bramble- Garden 1st
0156 Heliozela resplendella Leaf Mine- on Alder- Garden 1st
0263 Lyonetia clerkella Leaf Mine- on Birch, Apple, Rowan
0265 Bucculatrix cristatella Leaf Mine and Cocoonet on Yarrow
0275 Bucculatrix bechsteinella Leaf Mine- on Hawthorn- Garden 1st
0303 Parornix anglicella Leaf Mine- on Hawthorn- Garden 1st
0304 Parornix devoniella Leaf Mine- on Hazel- Garden 1st
0310 Callisto denticulella Leaf mine- on Apple
0323 Phyllonorycter oxyacanthae Leaf Mine- on Hawthorn- Garden 1st
0326 Phyllonorycter blancardella Leaf mine- on Apple- Garden 1st
0332 Phyllonorycter corylifoliella Leaf Mine- on Hawthorn- Garden 1st
0342 Phyllonorycter coryli Leaf Mine- on Hazel- Garden 1st
0345 Phyllonorycter rajella Leaf Mine- on Alder,Garden 1st
0353 Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella Leaf Mine- on Birch- Garden 1st

08/08..................

2011-08-09T20:51:00.005+01:00

Still no Macros to add as the year marches on. A couple of interesting Micros though..........

1113 Eudemis profundana

A smart looking moth and a Garden 1st- confirmed by D. Manning.

1452 Phycita roborella

After looking at all the internet has to offer, I and more importantly the recorder are stumped over this one. There seems to be no other explanation other than it being a rare aberrant form of the species. Unless, that is anyone else has seen a moth like this? Just for the record its 14mm long and the image has been brightened slightly to show a few more field marks..........After a gen. det. by D. Manning it turned out to be a female of this species...........

Another woeful night as far as species/numbers are concerned.

Result for 08-08- Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 117 of 30 species-

1113 Eudemis profundana 1 Garden 1st
1294 Crambus pascuella 1
1304 Agriphila straminella 4
1305 Agriphila tristella 1
1452 Phycita roborella 1 Aberrant form.
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1
1742 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 1
1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 2
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 1
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 15
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 41
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 2
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 1
2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 2
2145 Discestra trifolii Nutmeg 2
2160 Lacanobia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye 1
2192 Mythimna conigera Brown-line Bright Eye 1
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 8
2303 Thalpophila matura Straw Underwing 10
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 2
2341 Mesoligia furuncula Cloaked Minor 1
2343x Mesapamea secalis agg. Common Rustic agg. 1
2352 Eremobia ochroleuca Dusky Sallow 1
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 3
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain 3
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 6
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 1
2450 Abrostola tripartita Spectacle 1

Still Poor..........07/08

2011-08-08T20:28:00.003+01:00

Another blowy, cold night produced nothing out of the ordinary, in fact it was one of the least productive nights of the year. Luckily Louie pulled this Garden 1st out of the bag, after a brief netting session along the hedge..........My 6th Argyresthia sp. of the campaign.

419 Argyresthia semifusca

The result- Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 67 of 20 species-

0419 Argyresthia semifusca 1 Garden 1st
1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella 1
1294 Crambus pascuella 2
1304 Agriphila straminella 1
1305 Agriphila tristella 1
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1
1708 Idaea dimidiata Single-dotted Wave 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 3
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 11
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 19
2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 2
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 2
2303 Thalpophila matura Straw Underwing 10
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 1
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 5
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain 2
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 1

Moth Starvation........

2011-08-07T09:50:00.002+01:00

In the last few nights I seem to have hit 'the wall'. Only 1 new species from 4th- 6th August, at this rate Trent will run away with it. Even with two traps running numbers were really low, hampered no doubt by lower temperatures and a gusty westerly wind. Still, there's always tonight.....

Orange Swift

NFY- 05-08

Lesser Swallow Prominent

One of the few highlights, 06-08

Results for 06-08- 2x 15w Actinic/UV Skinner x 2- 130 of 28 species-

0658 Carcina quercana 1
1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella 2
1294 Crambus pascuella 1
1304 Agriphila straminella 1
1305 Agriphila tristella 1
1313 Catoptria pinella 1
1344 Eudonia mercurella 2
1424 Endotricha flammealis 1
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 3
1651 Cilix glaucata Chinese Character 1
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 3
1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 6
2006 Pheosia gnoma Lesser Swallow Prominent 1
2047 Eilema complana Scarce Footman 1
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 13
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 44
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 2
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 4
2154 Mamestra brassicae Cabbage Moth 2
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 11
2303 Thalpophila matura Straw Underwing 13
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 5
2343x Mesapamea secalis agg. Common Rustic agg. 1
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 2
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain 5
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 1
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 1

The last few days........

2011-08-04T21:00:00.002+01:00

A good selection of moths of late, with perfect weather conditions and the use of the GAZEBO 'trap'. It looks like all change again as tonight is going to be a lot cooler. Back to just one trap again- it just saves on paper work! List to follow..........

458 Ypsolopha alpella

Garden 1st- 01/08

Spectacle

A long awaited year tick- 01/08

Twin-spotted Wainscot

NFY and only the 2nd one caught- 01/08

White-spotted Pinion

This is the 2nd record for this RDB species. I caught the 1st in 2009. NFY 02/08.

757 Recurvaria nanella?

This is a bit worn, but whatever Gelechiid it is, it's new for the garden. It feeds on fruit trees so would be right at home- any other ideas welcome.

873 Blastobasis adustella

NFY- 03/08

Common White Wave

Apparently common, but rare in my garden. 2nd record 03/08.

Common Wainscot

A record breaking haul of 10 individuals- 03/08.

The results for 03/08/2011- 2x 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 204 of 46 species-

0227 Monopis laevigella Skin Moth 1
0426 Yponomeuta malinellus Apple Ermine 1
0658 Carcina quercana 1
0757 Recurvaria nanella? 1 a garden 1st- very worn
0779 Bryotropha affinis 2
0787 Bryotropha terrella 1
0873 Blastobasis adustella 1 NFY
1011 Pseudargyrotoza conwagana 1
1036 Acleris forsskaleana 1
1205 Spilonota ocellana Bud Moth 1
1261 Cydia pomonella Codling Moth 1
1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella 2
1294 Crambus pascuella 2
1304 Agriphila straminella 1
1305 Agriphila tristella 1
1331 Acentria ephemerella Water Veneer 50 circa
1348 Parapoynx stratiotata Ringed China-mark 1
1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 1
1424 Endotricha flammealis 1
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 2
1699 Idaea rusticata Least Carpet 7
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 2
1812 Eupithecia inturbata Maple Pug 1 NFY
1955 Cabera pusaria Common White Wave 1 NFY
1991 Deilephila elpenor Elephant Hawk-moth 1
2047 Eilema complana Scarce Footman 2
2061 Spilosoma luteum Buff Ermine 1
2064 Phragmatobia fuliginosa Ruby Tiger 1
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 5
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 59
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 1
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 1
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 2
2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 2
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 4
2145 Discestra trifolii Nutmeg 1
2192 Mythimna conigera Brown-line Bright Eye 1
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 10
2303 Thalpophila matura Straw Underwing 7
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 3
2341 Mesoligia furuncula Cloaked Minor 1
2343x Mesapamea secalis agg. Common Rustic agg. 5
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain 9
2382 Hoplodrina blanda Rustic 1
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 2

A few news.........

2011-07-31T21:20:00.004+01:00

I haven't really trapped in the last couple of nights, but before that the 27th and especially the 28th were pretty good with a smattering of NFY and NFG's.

We also went into Home Wood on the same night, but I'm still sorting out the list. Trent has dropped some of the Micros over at the recorder's house for some definitive answers- List to follow soon..........

111 Stigmella microtheriella

This leaf mine was found on a Hazel leaf. I really should try a bit harder with leaf mines as my garden is full of indigenous trees. I could probably add 10 or more species to the list at a stroke.

Webb's Wainscot

2nd record for this scarce moth in VC30. 27th July.

969 Chequered Fruit-tree Tortrix Pandemis corylana

2 caught 28th July.

1093 Apotomis betuletana

A garden 1st for the Gazebo!- 28th July

1439 Trachycera advenella

NFY- 28th July

Small Emerald

.....And finally a different 'real' Emerald species. For some reason I've struggled to get any Emerald species apart from Common. This was again caught in the gazebo, the only down side being they tend to get caught in the fabric curtain sides and become a bit bald! Garden 1st- 28th July.

The results for 28-07-2011- 2x 15w Actinic/BLB Skinner, 2x 40w BLB Gazebo- 216 of 54 species-

0411 Argyresthia goedartella 1
0424 Yponomeuta evonymella Bird-cherry Ermine 1
0427 Yponomeuta cagnagella Spindle Ermine 1
0642 Batia unitella 1
0647 Hofmannophila pseudospretella Brown-house Moth 1
0706 Agonopterix nervosa 1
0765 Teleiodes vulgella 1
0969 Pandemis corylana Chequered Fruit-tree Tortrix 2 NFY
0974 Argyrotaenia ljungiana 4
1010 Ditula angustiorana Red-barred Tortrix 1
1036 Acleris forsskaleana 1
1093 Apotomis betuletana 1 Garden 1st
1205 Spilonota ocellana Bud Moth 1
1261 Cydia pomonella Codling Moth 1
1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella 8
1294 Crambus pascuella 6
1302 Crambus perlella 1
1304 Agriphila straminella 1
1313 Catoptria pinella 2
1316 Catoptria falsella 2
1331 Acentria ephemerella Water Veneer 40 circa
1334 Scoparia ambigualis 3
1361 Pyrausta aurata 2
1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 1
1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 4
1424 Endotricha flammealis 3
1439 Trachycera advenella 1 NFY
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 2
1673 Hemistola chrysoprasaria Small Emerald 1 Garden 1st
1699 Idaea rusticata Least Carpet 7
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 6
1724 Xanthorhoe spadicearia Red Twin-spot Carpet 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 1
1921 Crocallis elinguaria Scalloped Oak 1
1931 Biston betularia Peppered Moth 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 1
2030 Euproctis similis Yellow-tail 1
2031 Leucoma salicis White Satin 2
2061 Spilosoma luteum Buff Ermine 1
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 3
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 17
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 1
2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 2
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 2
2154 Mamestra brassicae Cabbage Moth 1
2155 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth 1
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 1
2284 Acronicta psi Grey Dagger 3 agg.
2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 3
2303 Thalpophila matura Straw Underwing 3
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 1
2341 Mesoligia furuncula Cloaked Minor 2
2343x Mesapamea secalis agg. Common Rustic agg. 2
2352 Eremobia ochroleuca Dusky Sallow 3
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain 6

NFY....26/07

2011-07-27T15:56:00.004+01:00

2 new micros for the year list..........

1202 Eucosma obumbratana

1438 Trachycera suavella

Garden 1st- Thanks for the ID Mark S.

A Big Night.......

2011-07-27T10:34:00.006+01:00

...........was what the doctor ordered and didn't it deliver! 8 new species for the year including 2 garden 1sts. I only had 1 trap out, so a combination of slightly higher night time temperature and an almost non existent wind must have played their part.

Oak Eggar

What a whopper! This is the larger female type, Garden 1st.

Wormwood Pug

Small Rivulet

Shaded Broad-bar

Garden 1st.

1292 Calamotropha paludella

2 caught- NFY

228 Monopis weaverella

NFY- 2nd record.

1305 Agriphila tristella

2 caught- NFY

The results- 25-07- 2x 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 159 of 56 species-

0228 Monopis weaverella 1 NFY
0247 Tinea trinotella 1
0424 Yponomeuta evonymella Bird-cherry Ermine 1
0441 Paraswammerdamia nebulella 1
0642 Batia unitella 1
0779 Bryotropha affinis 1
0898 Limnaecia phragmitella 3
0972 Pandemis heparana Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix 2
1001 Lozotaeniodes formosanus 1
1020-24 Cnephasia sp. 4
1063 Celypha striana 1
1076 Celypha lacunana 1
1260 Cydia splendana 1 NFY
1292 Calamotropha paludella 2 NFY
1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella 16
1294 Crambus pascuella 8
1305 Agriphila tristella 2 NFY
1313 Catoptria pinella 1
1334 Scoparia ambigualis 2
1344 Eudonia mercurella 1
1376 Eurrhypara hortulata Small Magpie 1
1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 1
1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 7
1424 Endotricha flammealis 4
1452 Phycita roborella 1
1637 Lasiocampa quercus Oak Eggar 1 Garden 1st
1699 Idaea rusticata Least Carpet 6
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 5
1732 Scotopteryx chenopodiata Shaded Broad-bar 1 Garden 1st
1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 2
1742 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 2
1781 Horisme vitalbata Small Waved Umber 1
1803 Perizoma alchemillata Small Rivulet 1 NFY
1830 Eupithecia absinthiata Wormwood Pug 1 NFY
2030 Euproctis similis Yellow-tail 1
2047 Eilema complana Scarce Footman 1
2050 Eilema lurideola Common Footman 2
2061 Spilosoma luteum Buff Ermine 3
2064 Phragmatobia fuliginosa Ruby Tiger 3
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 3
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 24
2098 Axylia putris Flame 1
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 1
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 1
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 3
2155 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth 3
2193 Mythimna ferrago Clay 1
2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 1
2303 Thalpophila matura Straw Underwing 3
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 7
2341 Mesoligia furuncula Cloaked Minor 2
2343x Mesapamea secalis agg. Common Rustic agg. 4
2349 Chortodes fluxa Mere Wainscot 1
2352 Eremobia ochroleuca Dusky Sallow 1
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain 8
2423 Nycteola revayana Oak Nycteoline 1

Bulrush............

2011-07-24T11:57:00.003+01:00

A terrible night as far as numbers/species were concerned. But on the plus side a brand new garden macro........

Bulrush Wainscot

It's a little bit tatty, but I'll take it.

Results for 23-07- 2x 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 44 of 16 species-

1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella 3
1294 Crambus pascuella 1
1344 Eudonia mercurella 2
1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 1
1921 Crocallis elinguaria Scalloped Oak 1
1931 Biston betularia Peppered Moth 1
2047 Eilema complana Scarce Footman 1
2089 Agrotis exclamationis Heart and Dart 2
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 16
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 1
2154 Mamestra brassicae Cabbage Moth 1
2284 Acronicta psi Grey Dagger 1 agg.
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 2
2343x Mesapamea secalis agg. Common Rustic agg. 1
2369 Nonagria typhae Bulrush Wainscot 1 Garden 1st
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain 9

Child's Play........

2011-07-23T17:05:00.004+01:00

I was away early this morning so Keely and Louie organised the counting and releasing. They retained in pots those that they didn't know. Amongst them were these- apparently no 'Fox' Underwing this time........

Straw Underwing

2 caught- epidemic proportions later......

1405 Mother of Pearl Pleuroptya ruralis

Very common, another 2 caught.

Other highlights included another White Satin and the return of Timothy Tortrix.

The Garden 20-21/07........

2011-07-22T19:44:00.002+01:00

Temperatures were slightly higher on Wednesday 20th and that was enough to trigger a major upturn in the count. The 21st was back to the old routine with a low of under 9°C. Numbers well down, but a new macro in the form of the extremely common Flounced Rustic.

1470 Euzophera pinguis

2nd of the year for this 'local' species.

1038 Acleris laterana

NFY and only the 2nd record.

1437 Acrobasis consociella

Garden 1st- probably overlooked last year.

Leopard Moth

NFY- 2nd Record.

White Satin

NFY

Dingy Footman

1 of 2 caught.

Buff Arches

2nd this year.

Flounced Rustic

NFY- 21st July.

Results for 21/07- 2x 15w Actinic U/V Skinner x 2- 198 of 60 species-

0161 Zeuzera pyrina Leopard Moth 1 NFY
0424 Yponomeuta evonymella Bird-cherry Ermine 1
0640 Batia lunaris 1
0647 Hofmannophila pseudospretella Brown House-moth 1
0862 Dichomeris marginella Juniper Webber 1
0871 Oegoconia sp. 1
0905 Blastodacna hellerella 1
0937 Agapeta hamana 1
1001 Lozotaeniodes formosanus 1
1020-24 Cnephasia sp. 1
1036 Acleris forsskaleana 1
1038 Acleris laterana 1 NFY
1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 1
1063 Celypha striana 1
1261 Cydia pomonella Codling Moth 2
1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella 23
1294 Crambus pascuella 14
1302 Crambus perlella 1
1304 Agriphila straminella 3
1316 Catoptria falsella 1
1344 Eudonia mercurella 8
1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 1
1424 Endotricha flammealis 8
1437 Acrobasis consociella 1 Garden 1st
1452 Phycita roborella 1
1470 Euzophera pinguis 1
1699 Idaea rusticata Least Carpet 6
1708 Idaea dimidiata Single-dotted Wave 2
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 12
1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 1
1742 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 1
1781 Horisme vitalbata Small Waved Umber 1
1825 Eupithecia centaureata Lime-speck Pug 1
1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 1
1921 Crocallis elinguaria Scalloped Oak 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 1
1976 Sphinx ligustri Privet Hawk-moth 1
2031 Leucoma salicis White Satin 1 NFY
2044 Eilema griseola Dingy Footman 2 NFY
2047 Eilema complana Scarce Footman 3
2050 Eilema lurideola Common Footman 5
2061 Spilosoma luteum Buff Ermine 1
2064 Phragmatobia fuliginosa Ruby Tiger 4
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 41
2098 Axylia putris Flame 2
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 1
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 2
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2128 Xestia triangulum Double Square-spot 4
2155 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth 1
2192 Mythimna conigera Brown-line Bright Eye 1
2284 Acronicta psi Grey Dagger 1 agg.
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 4
2341 Mesoligia furuncula Cloaked Minor 2
2343x Mesapamea secalis agg. Common Rustic agg. 1
2352 Eremobia ochroleuca Dusky Sallow 2
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain 10
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 1
2425 Colocasia coryli Nut-tree Tussock 1

Garden List 19/07.......

2011-07-20T18:26:00.003+01:00

These days it's not that often that I get 2 brand new garden macro moths in a night. But despite the fact it was well below average for the time of year temperature wise, that's what happened. I also recorded a new micro as well.

Scalloped Hook-tip

These are apparently quite common- except in my garden.

July Highflyer

Last year I caught 3 May Highflyers and no Julys. This year seems to be the other way round.

888 Mompha propinquella

A garden 1st for this striking micro.

The Results- 2x 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 96 0f 34 species-

0424 Yponomeuta evonymella Bird-cherry Ermine 1
0426 Yponomeuta malinellus Apple Ermine 1
0871 Oegoconia sp. 2
0888 Mompha propinquella 1 Garden 1st
1020-24 Cnephasia sp. 2
1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 1
1063 Celypha striana 1
1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella 3
1294 Crambus pascuella 8
1304 Agriphila straminella 2
1334 Scoparia ambigualis 3
1344 Eudonia mercurella 1
1348 Parapoynx stratiotata Ringed China-mark 1
1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 4
1424 Endotricha flammealis 2
1645 Falcaria lacertinaria Scalloped Hook-tip 1 Garden 1st
1651 Cilix glaucata Chinese Character 1
1699 Idaea rusticata Least Carpet 4
1708 Idaea dimidiata Single-dotted Wave 2
1777 Hydriomena furcata July Highflyer 1 Garden 1st
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 1
1991 Deilephila elpenor Elephant Hawk-moth 1
2047 Eilema complana Scarce Footman 3
2050 Eilema lurideola Common Footman 3
2061 Spilosoma luteum Buff Ermine 1
2064 Phragmatobia fuliginosa Ruby Tiger 1
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 21
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 2
2128 Xestia triangulum Double Square-spot 1
2145 Discestra trifolii Nutmeg 1
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 4
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain 13
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 1

Home and Away...

2011-07-19T18:03:00.003+01:00

I had a little time this morning so completed my part of the Bedfordshire Bird Atlas . Finding a few highlights in Home Wood such as a pair of Marsh Tits and at least 2 Crossbill. On a Bramble at the wood's edge I found this-

Silver-washed Fritillary

I only found 1, pity it was a ragged looking female- but beggars can't be choosers......

Large Skipper

Ringlet

Back at home it was a bit disappointing as temperatures and wind speed pitted themselves against a good haul in the garden trap. Nothing new but a 5th Mere Wainscot of the year and the return of the first 2nd generation Nut-tree Tussock were highlights.

Mere Wainscot

1048 Garden Rose Tortrix Acleris variegana

The results for 18/07/2011- 2x 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 66 of 30 species-

0411 Argyresthia goedartella 1
0427 Yponomeuta cagnagella Spindle Ermine 1
0642 Batia unitella 1
0937 Agapeta hamana 1
0974 Argyrotaenia ljungiana 1
0994 Clepsis consimilana 1
1294 Crambus pascuella 3
1344 Eudonia mercurella 1
1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 2
1424 Endotricha flammealis 3
1452 Phycita roborella 1
1699 Idaea rusticata Least Carpet 2
1705 Idaea fuscovenosa Dwarf Cream Wave 1
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 1
1742 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 1
1921 Crocallis elinguaria Scalloped Oak 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 1
2047 Eilema complana Scarce Footman 1
2050 Eilema lurideola Common Footman 2
2064 Phragmatobia fuliginosa Ruby Tiger 1
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1
2089 Agrotis exclamationis Heart and Dart 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 27
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 1
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 1
2128 Xestia triangulum Double Square-spot 1
2289 Acronicta rumicis Knot Grass 1
2349 Chortodes fluxa Mere Wainscot 1
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain 4
2425 Colocasia coryli Nut-tree Tussock 1

Recent Micro Highlights Pt 3......

2011-07-18T18:38:00.001+01:00

I haven't trapped in the last 2 days as we went away to Aldborough in Suffolk for the weekend. The only mothing highlight was seeing a a Hummingbird Hawk-moth nectaring on Lavender whilst I enjoyed a lovely pint of Adnam's Southwold Bitter outside the Brudenell Hotel on the sea front.

Anyway, enough of that........ here's the last of the micros, to bring me more or less up to date. Just a few common ones I've yet to get a shot of- like Mother of Pearl.........

240 Case-bearing Clothes Moth Tinea pellionella

Probably.......8th July.

706 Agonopterix nervosa

Rare in VC30, only the 17th record, 8th July.

898 Limnaecia phragmitella

Garden 1st, 10th July.

1159 Holly Tortrix Rhopobota naevana

Garden 1st, 10th July.

1336 Eudonia pallida

NFY, 11th July.

695 Agonopterix alstromeriana

NFY, 15th July.

1245 Grapholita janthinana

NFY, 15th July.

Recent Micro Highlights Pt 2......

2011-07-18T09:16:00.001+01:00

......and some more.

1115 Ancylis achatana

Garden 1st, swept from the hedge 28th June. Thanks to D. Manning for confirmation.

418 Apple Fruit Moth Argyresthia conjugella

Garden 1st, 28th June. Swept from the hedge.

878 Batrachedra praeangusta

Garden 1st. Swept from the hedge 2nd July. Thanks to D. Manning for confirmation.

1378 Phlyctaenia coronata

NFY, 2nd July. A common visitor.

455 Ypsolopha scabrella

NFY 3rd July. Swept from hedge.

964 Cochylis dubitana

2nd record, 4th July.

1207 Pine Leaf-mining Moth Clavigesta purdeyi

Garden 1st, 4th July.

313 Acrocercops brongniardella

Garden 1st, swept from the hedge 5th July. ID by D. Manning.

1417 Meal Moth Pyralis farinalis

NFY, 5th July.

Recent Micro Highlights Pt 1....

2011-07-17T20:38:00.001+01:00

This year I seem to be doing much better on Micros. There are probably 2 reasons for this: 1) I'm looking out for them with much more scrutiny compared to last year. 2) The kids are out netting the hedge when they get home from school and have unearthed a fair few extra species.

1380 Phlyctaenia perlucidalis

A garden 1st for this local species, 25th June.

1445 Pempelia formosa

NFY- 25th June.

1415 Orthopygia glaucinalis

NFY- 26th June.

1210 Pine Shoot Moth Rhyacionia buoliana

NFY- 26th June.

862 Juniper Webber Dichomeris marginella

Having never seen this moth before this year, I've now recorded it 9 times. Garden 1st, 27th June.

1001 Lozotaeniodes formosanus

One of my favourites, only the 2nd record- NFY 27th June.

1424 Endotricha flammealis

Very common in my garden with 40 recorded so far. NFY, 27th June.

937 Agapeta hamana

Another common Micro- NFY 28th June.

Recent Macro Highlights.......

2011-07-17T18:23:00.000+01:00

I didn't do too much blogging in a 3 week period in Late June and early July. So here is a few highlights from that time.........

Single-dotted Wave

1st caught 25th June. 2 so far this year.

Large Twin-spot carpet

Garden debut 25th June.

Lesser-spotted Pinion

Only the 2nd ever record, 26th June.

Clay

NFY on 27th June. 2 caught this year.

Bird's Wing

Again only the 2nd record. NFY 27th June.

Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing

NFY, 4th July.

Ghost Moth

NFY, 8th July. The 1st male I've ever seen.

Purple Thorn

Only the 2nd record after 1 was caught in 2009. 8th July.

Small Ranunculus

2nd record for this steadily increasing moth. Found on the house, nowhere near the trap.

Garden List ....14/07

2011-07-15T19:10:00.002+01:00

Another unseasonal chilly night and it was the micros that took centre stage with 3 new additions to the year list.

642 Batia unitella

644 Borkhausenia fuscescens

1313 Catoptria pinella

3 caught so far this year.

1316 Catoptria falsella

2 caught.

Chinese Character

Cloaked Minor

Results for 2x 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 62 of 28 species-

0642 Batia unitella 1 NFY
0644 Borkhausenia fuscescens 1 NFY
0862 Dichomeris marginella Juniper Webber 1
0972 Pandemis heparana Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix 1
1063 Celypha striana 1
1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella 2
1294 Crambus pascuella 3
1302 Crambus perlella 2
1313 Catoptria pinella 1
1316 Catoptria falsella 2 NFY
1338 Dipleurina lacustrata 1
1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 4
1424 Endotricha flammealis 5
1452 Phycita roborella 1
1651 Cilix glaucata Chinese Character 1
1699 Idaea rusticata Least Carpet 1
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 1
1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 1
2047 Eilema complana Scarce Footman 2
2050 Eilema lurideola Common Footman 2
2064 Phragmatobia fuliginosa Ruby Tiger 2
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 9
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 1
2128 Xestia triangulum Double Square-spot 2
2341 Mesoligia furuncula Cloaked Minor 1
2343x Mesapamea secalis agg. Common Rustic agg. 1
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain 11

Garden List.....12/07

2011-07-13T21:34:00.001+01:00

A fairly average night really with a fairly chilly low of just 11°C. But a couple of highlights with a Year's first appearance for the Drinker and another new micro.

Drinker

Only the 2nd record after 1 last year.

1016 Cnephasia longana

A garden 1st for this very worm specimen.

The Results- 110 0f 31 species-

0862 Dichomeris marginella Juniper Webber 1
1016 Cnephasia longana 1 Garden 1st
1020-24 Cnephasia sp. 1
1063 Celypha striana 4
1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella 17
1294 Crambus pascuella 9
1302 Crambus perlella 3
1304 Agriphila straminella 1
1334 Scoparia ambigualis 1
1424 Endotricha flammealis 9
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 4
1640 Euthrix potatoria Drinker 1 NFY
1699 Idaea rusticata Least Carpet 5
1917 Selenia dentaria Early Thorn 2
1921 Crocallis elinguaria Scalloped Oak 3
2030 Euproctis similis Yellow-tail 1
2050 Eilema lurideola Common Footman 4
2061 Spilosoma luteum Buff Ermine 5
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 15
2098 Axylia putris Flame 1
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 1
2128 Xestia triangulum Double Square-spot 3
2192 Mythimna conigera Brown-line Bright Eye 1
2198 Mythimna impura Smoky Wainscot 1
2284 Acronicta psi Grey Dagger 1 agg.
2289 Acronicta rumicis Knot Grass 1
2318 Cosmia trapezina Dun-bar 1
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 4
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain 7
2382 Hoplodrina blanda Rustic 1
2387 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic 1

Double Square-spot vs. Triple-spotted Clay

2011-07-12T08:55:00.006+01:00

I have recently encountered Triple-spotted Clay for the 1st time on 15th June, when this very tatty individual turned up. I submitted it to the VC30 Moth recorders who confirmed my suspicions. This made me think of a few individuals I had last year that were very good candidates for Triple-spotted Clays. On 25th June another likely turned up, so I did a bit of fairly unscientific detective work trying to look for the subtle distinguishing features. This specimen is also in the hands of the recorders. All photos below feature Double Square-spot on the left and Triple-spotted Clay on the right.

As I said before the differences seem to be very subtle as colours, patterns and size vary considerably. Some of the Double-Square-spot I've seen are quite dark, others a pale grey. It seems that even when weighing up all of the 'differences', only 'classic' looking specimens will be identifiable. So any wear or variable features outside the norm seems to make it almost impossible to tell without genitalia examination.

To me, wing shape is the most diagnostic feature before any further investigation. In Triple-spotted Clay, moths look very straight sided, with next to no wedged effect. The purple tinge on this particular specimen had an almost iridescent quality making it stand out from the rest. Overall the Double Square-spot looks heavier and slightly more angular, especially the thorax.

After you have your likely candidate, examination of the upper side of the hind wing is next. The picture again shows the subtle difference. In some parts of the country Triple-spotted Clays are much darker, but so far I have only caught 3 and they have been lighter ones. To put it into context, in the same time period I have caught 46 Double Square-spots.

This close up of the head/thorax shows the broader more angular look of the Double Square-spot. The tufts seem to be much more exaggerated, as well a contrasting with the grey central area of the thorax.

From the front the paler band on Double Square-spot is much more apparent, but only when fresh. On Triple-spotted Clay the head seems to be plainer and a bit scruffier! Also a hint of a dark band on the thorax just above the head.

Catching Up.......

2011-07-11T21:12:00.001+01:00

It's been really tough lately; work and increased yields from the traps have kept me too busy to post much. I have at least caught up with my records now and work has slackened off slightly. But the good news is I'm back in front of Trent in the 'Race for the Wine'. He is beating me for macros, but thanks to the kids- I'm showing him the way in the micro department. So on balance, I'm 7 species in front- which isn't many!

Blue-bordered Carpet

One of the recent Macro highlights from 4th July. More photos and post to come soon.............

Can't keep up!

2011-06-29T23:58:00.001+01:00

I just can't keep up with mothin', work and blogging at the moment. So unfortunately my records, lists and posts are well behind. So I thought I'd leave a sneak preview of what's to come. I had a bumper weekend, so expect a bit more soon, time permitting............

Cream-bordered Green Pea

After losing one last year it was nice to score the 'money shot' this year. A great moth in perfect condition. 25th June.

The Garden 17-18/06

2011-06-19T18:57:00.000+01:00

It's just about been ticking over for the last couple of days, even though the temperatures have been on the cold side. Here's a few new one for the year.

Swallow-tailed Moth

NFY- 17th June.

Scarce Footman

NFY- 17th June.

Smoky Wainscot

NFY- 18th June.

977 Large Fruit-tree Tortrix Archips podana

NFY- 18th June.

449 Ash Bud Moth Prays fraxinella

2nd record- 18th June.

Confirmation...........

2011-06-18T20:06:00.001+01:00

........And it looks like the hunch turned out to be correct. Luckily I had 2 Double Square-spots to compare it to, otherwise it could of easily been overlooked. It was collected by the recorders on 16th and a gen. det. confirmed it as a male Triple-spotted Clay. It is the 1st one in VC30 this year and is also a 1st for the garden.

Double Square-spot Triple-spotted Clay

The wing shape was the noticeable key feature as the colour and the hind wing were almost identical to the Double Square-spot.

14-15-16/06

2011-06-17T15:45:00.002+01:00

Well, for a start the less said about the 16th the better as it was terrible. The cold and blustery conditions kept the traps contents down to 26 of 11 species, in mid June! Luckily the 2 nights previous were pretty good......

871a Oegoconia caradjai?

Without a gen. det. its difficult to tell the 3 similar species apart. But 871a seems to be the most likely candidate. Caught 15th June.

1452 Phycita roborella

1st of the Year 15th June

Vapourer

1st of the year, 15th June.

Small Fan-foot

Surprisingly, a Garden 1st on 15th June. Swept from the hedge during the day.

Dun-bar

The only new addition for 14th June.

V-pug

1st of the year, 15th June.

Least Carpet

Bit of an odd pose, but a very well marked specimen. 15th June.

Triple-spotted Clay ??

After already finding loads of Double Square-spot, this looked slightly different. Although a bit battered, it still has the narrow, sleeker look of Triple-spotted Clay. It has been retained for inspection by VC30 recorders, so fingers crossed.

List for 15-06- 126 of 52 species-

0450 Scythropia crataegella Hawthorn Moth 2
0765 Teleiodes vulgella 2
0787 Bryotropha terrella 1
0871a Oegoconia carajai? 1 NFY
0893 Mompha epilobiella 1
0905 Blastodacna hellerella 1
0983 Choristoneura hebenstreitella 1
0994 Clepsis consimilana 1
1011 Pseudargyrotoza conwagana 1
1063 Celypha striana 2
1083 Hedya nubiferana Marbled Orchard Tortrix 1
1261 Cydia pomonella Codling Moth 1
1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella 4
1294 Crambus pascuella 1
1302 Crambus perlella 2 NFY
1334 Scoparia ambigualis 2
1361 Pyrausta aurata 2
1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 3 NFY
1428 Aphomia sociella Bee Moth 3
1452 Phycita roborella 1 NFY
1474 Ephestia parasitella unicolorella 1
1513 Pterophorus pentadactyla White Plume Moth 1
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1
1699 Idaea rusticata Least Carpet 1 NFY
1711 Idaea trigeminata Treble Brown Spot 1
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 1
1758 Eulithis pyraliata Barred Straw 2
1817 Eupithecia pulchellata Foxglove Pug 1
1837 Eupithecia subfuscata Grey Pug 3
1858 Chloroclystis v-ata V-Pug 1 NFY
1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 2
1887 Lomaspilis marginata Clouded Border 1
1931 Biston betularia Peppered Moth 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 3
1976 Sphinx ligustri Privet Hawk-moth 3
2026 Orgyia antiqua Vapourer 1 NFY
2050 Eilema lurideola Common Footman 2
2069 Tyria jacobaeae Cinnabar 2
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 3
2088 Agrotis clavis Heart and Club 15
2089 Agrotis exclamationis Heart and Dart 17
2098 Axylia putris Flame 6
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 1
2127 Xestia ditrapezium Triple-spotted Clay? 1 Retained for confirmation……..
2128 Xestia triangulum Double Square-spot 2
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 6
2337x Oligia strigilis agg. Marbled Minor agg. 1
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain 8
2387 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic 2
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 1
2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 1 NFY
2492 Herminia grisealis Small Fan-foot 1 Garden 1st