Trying to catch up...........

....................but failing!- it's probably the same for all moth-ers at the moment as we compress a months worth of species into a couple of weeks. As well as some sizeable lists over the passed week or so. I also dumped my cheapo Chinese generator and an MV Skinner in Home Wood over night (28th May), which Trent collected very early this morning. There will be a later post on what was found, including the tricky job of sorting through the micros. This will no doubt be done with the assistance of out very own county recorder, David Manning.

In the meantime, some bedtime reading turned up. I haven't had chance for a good look yet- but I was on the pre- publication list; I think the book officially comes out on 31st May. The artwork is of Richard Lewington's usual high standard.

Anyway, here is a few shots- hastily taken between work, kids football, meetings and all the other s**t I have to do. Incidentally, I've finally put together Garden Year List for 2012- it can be found under 'Lists & Info' in the right-hand side column.

Rustic Shoulder-knot

NFY, 20th May

 Spectacle

NFY, 21st May

 Poplar Grey

NFY, 22nd May

 Foxglove Pug

NFY, 23rd May

 Oak Hook-tip

Last seen in 2010- NFY, 23rd May

 Shears

Seven trapped so far- NFY, 23rd May

 Buttoned Snout

The very first intact specimen- NFY, 23rd May

 White Ermine

NFY, 25th May

 Figure of Eighty

Last seen in 2010- NFY, 25th May

 Orange Footman

Last seen 2010- NFY, 25th May

 Mottled Rustic

NFY, 27th May

 Pine Hawk-moth

Last seen 2010- NFY, 27th May

Ochreous Pug?

Well, hasn't it been busy lately? Winter seemed to end at the beginning of the week, followed by Summer from Tuesday onwards. I've got a lot to catch up on, but will post some lists and a few photos later. Below is what I believe to be an Ochreous Pug. The size, angle of the wings and position of the central spot seem to all be right for the species. The photo isn't good and the moth is somewhat worn...........if confirmed it would be a 1st for the garden.

A couple more......... 16-05

................but to be honest, in previous years I would have been snowed under!

Pebble Prominent

Upper Caldecote Garden- 16-05-2012 - 14 of 12 species-

1524	Emmelina monodactyla		2
1834	Eupithecia vulgata	Common Pug	1
1852	Eupithecia abbreviata	Brindled Pug	2
1853	Eupithecia dodoneata	Oak-tree Pug	1
1862	Gymnoscelis rufifasciata	Double-striped Pug	1
1906	Opisthograptis luteolata	Brimstone Moth	1
1927	Lycia hirtaria	Brindled Beauty	1
2003	Notodonta ziczac	Pebble Prominent	1	NFY
2092	Agrotis puta	Shuttle-shaped Dart	1
2102	Ochropleura plecta	Flame Shoulder	1	NFY
2190	Orthosia gothica	Hebrew Character	1
2425	Colocasia coryli	Nut-tree Tussock	1

Eye of the storm- 7/8th May

A brief warm interlude in an otherwise cold, wet and windy week allowed me to trap for a rare two nights in a row. Unfortunately this didn't last, so the the lights will be on standby for the near future. This is a selection of the new species over the two nights, others not pictured were Common Carpet and Pale Mottled Willow.

Nut-tree Tussock

NFY- 7th May

 Streamer

Left it late- NFY 7th May

672 Parsnip Moth Depressaria heraclei 

NFY- 7th May

 697 Agonopterix arenella

NFY- 7th May

808 Platyedra subcinerea

This nationally scarce species is a regular sight in the garden- NFY 8th May.

 Pale Tussock

NFY- 8th May

 Waved Umber

NFY- 8th May

 Nut-tree Tussock

This is the first time I have seen the dark form of the species.

Long live the King!

After missing out on last years hatch, this is the first of my captive bred Emperors to emerge after being dormant for two years. It is over two weeks later than last years hatch and who could blame them as the inclement weather continues.

I still have one male and a female left, so could be a chance of some more assembling............

................and the second male emerged just a day later (5th May).

Emperor

01-05...................

Upper Caldecote Garden- 2x15w Actinic/UV Skinner, 15w BLB Bulb- 14 of 11 species-

0130	Incurvaria masculella		1	NFY
0648	Endrosis sarcitrella	White-shouldered House-moth	2	NFY
1342	Eudonia angustea		2
1524	Emmelina monodactyla		1
1648	Drepana falcataria	Pebble Hook-tip	1	NFY
1852	Eupithecia abbreviata	Brindled Pug	1
1853	Eupithecia dodoneata	Oak-tree Pug	1	NFY
1883	Acasis viretata	Yellow-barred Brindle	1	NFY
1906	Opisthograptis luteolata	Brimstone Moth	1
2019	Clostera curtula	Chocolate-tip	1	NFY
2188	Orthosia incerta	Clouded Drab	2

Pebble Hook-tip

Oak-tree Pug

Chocolate-tip

Yellow-barred Brindle

I like Chinese........

Chinese Character

Despite another terrible night with wind and rain a plenty, I still added another 2 new macros to the list.  Along with the Chinese Character was a Brindled Pug. Also a Shuttle-shaped Dart and a late Clouded Drab.