#305- 13th Nov

An expected species, but are there any more to get? As predicted, Sprawler has proved to be difficult yet again. It's not too late yet though and I'm just hoping for a few more mild nights. My other targets include Scarce Umber and Northern Winter Moth, both of which I've trapped before.

December Moth

Just one so far, the only other moths recently were a Diamond-back on 14th. Red-line Quaker, Agonopterix alstromeriana on 11th.

October Top 20..................

Here is a quick summary for October from my garden traps in Upper Caldecote. I didn't trap on 8 of the 31 days. It is no surprise that Setaceous Hebrew Character topped the league again as it did in September. A high count of 63 was recorded on 2nd. Also notable was the exceptional catch of Dark Sword-grass, a total of 22 caught this year so far after 3 in September.

2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character  208
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing  118
2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut  117
2240 Lithophane leautieri Blair's Shoulder-knot  76
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow  44
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic  39
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing  39
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing  35
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty  31
2091 Agrotis ipsilon Dark Sword-grass  19
1745 Larentia clavaria Mallow  19
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart  17
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades  15
0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth  14
2264 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker  12
2375 Rhizedra lutosa Large Wainscot  12
1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet   11
1760 Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet  9
2263 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker  8
1524 Emmelina monodactyla  8

Moth Gods keep Smiling........

........and they really do! In my last post, I dared to hope for a Pearly Underwing and Halloween night duly obliged. Having waited a long time for this species, I made sure all the diagnostic features were there before calling it. This particular individual really does resemble a Turnip Moth, as colour, pattern and size are all very similar.
 It has just laid c60 eggs in the pot I was keeping it in- apparently they feed on low growing plants such as Docks, Dandelions and Clovers. But the larvae are rarely found in Britain.

Pearly Underwing

 The size of the 'mohawk' is one of the distinguishing features- Pearly Underwing display a prominent raised stripe down the middle of the thorax. This one has very little frosting though.

The best feature is the 'pearly' hindwing and this one does have dark-veined, semi-translucent wings so is a clincher!

Feathered Thorn

Nice to see a few of these about too.

So what's left to get now?

Well I can think of a few more- Scarce Umber, Herald, Sprawler and December Moth are all possible.

Oh, and dare I hope for a Clancy's Rustic or a Delicate................

Upper Caldecote Garden- 31-10-2013- 1 trap- 6 of 6 species

1524  Emmelina monodactyla  1
1760  Red-green Carpet (Chloroclysta siterata)  1
1923  Feathered Thorn (Colotois pennaria)  1
2119  Pearly Underwing (Peridroma saucia)  1 NFG
2240  Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri)  1
2306  Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa)  1

Gotcha!

After several days of warm southerly winds, it was about time that something other than the more common found its way into my trap. On the 21st an unprecedented four Dark Sword-grass seemed to be a prelude of what was to come. The 22nd was again ridiculously warm, after sunset it was still 16°C! The wind then began to strengthen and just before the first of many short, sharp downpours I found this-

Scarce Bordered Straw

 Macro #345 for the garden and a very smart individual too. Now, dare I hope for a Pearly Underwing as well? The way this year has gone in the garden, you just can't rule it out.

Rather than using two traps, I have opted for the 25w BLB bulb at the other end of the garden to my main twin synergetic skinner trap. Mainly to save a bit of time in the morning.

Upper Caldecote Garden- 1 trap, 1 BLB bulb- 22-10-13- 27 of 17 species-

1524  Emmelina monodactyla  1
1745  Mallow (Larentia clavaria)  1
1760  Red-green Carpet (Chloroclysta siterata)  1
1937  Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria)  3
2091  Dark Sword-grass (Agrotis ipsilon)  2
2107  Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba)  1
2109  Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes)  1
2126  Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)  1
2232  Black Rustic (Aporophyla nigra)  1
2240  Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri)  5
2247  Merveille du Jour (Dichonia aprilina)  1
2267  Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis)  4
2306  Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa)  1
2381  Uncertain (Hoplodrina alsines)  1
2400  Scarce Bordered Straw (Helicoverpa armigera)  1 NFG
2434  Burnished Brass (Diachrysia chrysitis)  1
2477  Snout (Hypena proboscidalis)  1

19-10

Another fairly productive night and migrants are still in very good supply. Unfortunately they were all the usual suspects. But with a brisk southerly wind, it was a bit disappointing not to get a scarcer species. My latest ever Burnished Brass was also notable. A quick look in the garden, this time on the Alder produced three mines of  Phyllonorycter froelichiella. This common micro is a new species for the garden.

Total unrelated is this. Like other bloggers, I neglect all the common species and only feature more interesting rarer stuff

1342 Eudonia angustea

A common species. But not represented for a long time on my blog.

Upper Caldecote Garden- 1 trap- 27 of 18 species-

0229  Monopis obviella  1

0464  Diamond-back Moth (Plutella xylostella)  1

1342  Eudonia angustea  1

1398  Rush Veneer (Nomophila noctuella)  1

1795x  November Moth agg. (Epirrita dilutata agg.)  1

1937  Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria)  1

2091  Dark Sword-grass (Agrotis ipsilon)  2

2107  Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba)  1

2109  Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes)  1

2126  Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)  2

2232  Black Rustic (Aporophyla nigra)  2

2245  Green-brindled Crescent (Allophyes oxyacanthae)  1

2264  Yellow-line Quaker (Agrochola macilenta)  1

2267  Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis)  3

2306  Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa)  3

2375  Large Wainscot (Rhizedra lutosa)  1

2389  Pale Mottled Willow (Paradrina clavipalpis)  5

2434  Burnished Brass (Diachrysia chrysitis)  1

17-10............

A slight upturn in the catch, but nothing new in the trap. However, a quick look around the garden added a new micro for the year as I found a couple of Phyllonorycter acerifoliella mines on Field Maple.

Upper Caldecote Garden- 1 trap- 26 of 18 species-

0688  Agonopterix heracliana  1
0998  Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana)  1
1342  Eudonia angustea  1
1760  Red-green Carpet (Chloroclysta siterata)  2
1769  Spruce Carpet (Thera britannica)  1
1937  Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria)  1
2087  Turnip Moth (Agrotis segetum)  1
2091  Dark Sword-grass (Agrotis ipsilon)  1
2092  Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta)  1
2107  Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba)  5
2126  Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)  2
2245  Green-brindled Crescent (Allophyes oxyacanthae)  2
2259  Dark Chestnut (Conistra ligula)  1
2264  Yellow-line Quaker (Agrochola macilenta)  1
2267  Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis)  3
2272  Barred Sallow (Xanthia aurago)  1
2306  Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa)  1
2375  Large Wainscot (Rhizedra lutosa)  1

November/Rain

I've had a three day break from trapping, mainly because of the constant rain. Last night however was slightly fairer, so on went the lights. Not ideal by any means as it was quite foggy this morning. Nothing new, but eleven species isn't too bad.

November Moth agg.

Most likely a November Moth?

I recently noticed the leader board on The Garden Moth Challenge blog. Former Beds recorder Les Hill is in the lead on 528 species. As this includes butterflies, I quickly totted up my list and found that with Butties (16) I am on 532 for the year. However, looking at the rules, this total can't include exited leaf mines (of which I've had a few). But why not? If the mine is identifiable and the leaf has not blown into your garden and is still on the tree, presumably the moth has gone through its pupal stage in your garden and therefore is countable? Is there another reason why this can't count?
Well done to Tristian for setting this up though, it really has added a new dimension to mothing- allowing 'competitors' to compare counts and species directly with those in different parts of the country.

Upper Caldecote Garden- 1 trap- 15-10-2013

0998  Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana)  1
1795x  November Moth agg. (Epirrita dilutata agg.)  1
1937  Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria)  2
2232  Black Rustic (Aporophyla nigra)  1
2237  Grey Shoulder-knot (Lithophane ornitopus)  1
2245  Green-brindled Crescent (Allophyes oxyacanthae)  1
2263  Red-line Quaker (Agrochola lota)  1
2264  Yellow-line Quaker (Agrochola macilenta)  1
2267  Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis)  1
2306  Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa)  1
2389  Pale Mottled Willow (Paradrina clavipalpis)  1

Everyone loves Merv!

A rubbish couple of nights really, with not a lot to show for it. Hopefully the weather will settle down again by next week. I did get out for a couple of hours this afternoon to do my WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) count this afternoon at Broom GPs. But that was pretty uneventful too.

Merveille du Jour

Second record this year, they are surprisingly common in my garden. Last year I had nine.

 1042 Rhomboid Tortrix Acleris rhombana

In contrast, this is one I struggle with- It's only my second record and its almost a whole one! Note: Missing antena.

Upper Caldecote Garden- 1 Trap- 21 of 10 species-

1042  Rhomboid Tortrix (Acleris rhombana)  1 NFY
1760  Red-green Carpet (Chloroclysta siterata)  2
1764  Common Marbled Carpet (Chloroclysta truncata)  2
2107  Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba)  3
2126  Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)  4
2237  Grey Shoulder-knot (Lithophane ornitopus)  1
2240  Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri)  1
2247  Merveille du Jour (Dichonia aprilina)  1
2267  Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis)  4
2389  Pale Mottled Willow (Paradrina clavipalpis)  1

300 Macros Up!........

..............And still time for a few more this year! At the beginning of September, I really didn't expect to achieve this target. But bit by bit and with the help of a few surprises, we finally reached the triple century. The good thing is, there is still a few that I could easily get too. Feathered Thorn, Brick, Scarce Umber and December Moth are all regulars in the garden- and will there be a chance/time for one more surprise? Well, possibly not. But it's still been a hell of a year for garden trapping and one that's eclipsed all my previous records. 

November Moth agg.

NFY

As you can see by the list below, the weather has made a massive difference to the count. The temperature has plummeted to half that of the weekend. On Sunday I found a Clouded Yellow butterfly for the first time in the village, no doubt brought in on the warm southerly wind. This morning in contrast, I witnessed huge numbers of Redwing streaming over the garden heading south west in varying sized flock. There was also two Fieldfare and my largest ever garden tick flock of six Crossbill all heading in the same direction.

Upper Caldecote Garden- 1 trap 15 of 13 species-

1524  Emmelina monodactyla  1
1745  Mallow (Larentia clavaria)  1
1764  Common Marbled Carpet (Chloroclysta truncata)  1
1795x  November Moth agg. (Epirrita dilutata agg.)  1
2092  Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta)  1
2102  Flame Shoulder (Ochropleura plecta)  1
2107  Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba)  1
2126  Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)  2
2232  Black Rustic (Aporophyla nigra)  1
2240  Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri)  1
2267  Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis)  2
2272  Barred Sallow (Xanthia aurago)  1
2361  Rosy Rustic (Hydraecia micacea)  1

At Last!

After watching what seemed like everybody else locally catching these over the last few years. Finally one turned up in my garden. It looked like the last chance for a while too, as from tonight the wind direction will swing round to become a strong northerly.
Migrant wise, I also trapped two Dark Sword-grass and a Diamond-back Moth.

Gem

NFG- 8th October 2013.

Upper Caldecote Garden- 08-10-2013- 2 traps- 147 of 29 species

0464  Diamond-back Moth (Plutella xylostella)  1

0648  White-shouldered House Moth (Endrosis sarcitrella)  1

0998  Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana)  2

1048  Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana)  1
1413  Gold Triangle (Hypsopygia costalis)  1

1720  Gem (Orthonama obstipata)  1 NFG

1728  Garden Carpet (Xanthorhoe fluctuata)  1

1745  Mallow (Larentia clavaria)  4

1764  Common Marbled Carpet (Chloroclysta truncata)  2

1906  Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata)  1

1937  Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria)  4

2091  Dark Sword-grass (Agrotis ipsilon)  2

2092  Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta)  4

2102  Flame Shoulder (Ochropleura plecta)  1

2107  Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba)  11

2109  Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes)  1

2126  Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)  24

2231  Deep-brown Dart (Aporophyla lutulenta)  1

2232  Black Rustic (Aporophyla nigra)  1

2240  Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri)  8

2245  Green-brindled Crescent (Allophyes oxyacanthae)  1

2245  Green-brindled Crescent [ab. capucina] (Allophyes oxyacanthae ab. capucina)  1

2267  Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis)  11

2273  Pink-barred Sallow (Xanthia togata)  1

2299  Mouse Moth (Amphipyra tragopoginis)  1

2306  Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa)  1

2361  Rosy Rustic (Hydraecia micacea)  1

2375  Large Wainscot (Rhizedra lutosa)  2

2384  Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua)  1

2389  Pale Mottled Willow (Paradrina clavipalpis)  7

A good night for Migrants............

..........for other VC30 moth-ers, as an incredible two Four-spotted Footman were caught in Kempston and another two Vestals were caught in Luton. But for me, it was pretty much standard with one NFY species in the notebook. Looks like another mild night coming up, so a customary 3-trap Saturday night will hopefully turn up something special.

Red-line Quaker

NFY

Upper Caldecote Garden- 1 trap- 77 of 21 species-

1048  Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana)  1

1728  Garden Carpet (Xanthorhoe fluctuata)  1

1745  Mallow (Larentia clavaria)  1

1760  Red-green Carpet (Chloroclysta siterata)  1

1764  Common Marbled Carpet (Chloroclysta truncata)  1

1937  Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria)  4

2092  Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta)  1

2107  Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba)  11

2109  Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes)  1

2126  Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)  17

2232  Black Rustic (Aporophyla nigra)  5

2240  Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri)  13

2245  Green-brindled Crescent [ab. capucina] (Allophyes oxyacanthae ab. capucina)  1

2263  Red-line Quaker (Agrochola lota)  1

2267  Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis)  6

2270  Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa)  4

2273  Pink-barred Sallow (Xanthia togata)  1

2306  Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa)  1

2375  Large Wainscot (Rhizedra lutosa)  1

2384  Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua)  1

2389  Pale Mottled Willow (Paradrina clavipalpis)  4

Completing the Set......

It had to come eventually and 2nd October was the night. Pale-lemon Sallow finally completes the set. Although fairly scarce nationally, this area at least has thrown up quite a few records.



Pale-lemon Sallow

Grey Shoulder-knot

 NFY

 Satellite

Upper Caldecote Garden- 2 traps- 159 of 26 species-

0998  Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana)  2
1413  Gold Triangle (Hypsopygia costalis)  2
1728  Garden Carpet (Xanthorhoe fluctuata)  1
1745  Mallow (Larentia clavaria)  3
1764  Common Marbled Carpet (Chloroclysta truncata)  2
1937  Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria)  1
2092  Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta)  3
2107  Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba)  22
2109  Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes)  5
2110  Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (Noctua fimbriata)  2
2123  Small Square-spot (Diarsia rubi)  1
2126  Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)  63
2134  Square-spot Rustic (Xestia xanthographa)  1
2232  Black Rustic (Aporophyla nigra)  10
2237  Grey Shoulder-knot (Lithophane ornitopus)  2 NFY
2240  Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri)  12
2256  Satellite (Eupsilia transversa)  1
2259  Dark Chestnut (Conistra ligula)  1
2266  Brown-spot Pinion (Agrochola litura)  1
2267  Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis)  7
2270  Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa)  8
2276  Pale-lemon Sallow (Xanthia ocellaris)  1 NFG
2361  Rosy Rustic (Hydraecia micacea)  1
2384  Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua)  2
2389  Pale Mottled Willow (Paradrina clavipalpis)  4
2441  Silver Y (Autographa gamma)  1

September Top 20.............

...........And considering I didn't undertake full counts between 2nd-6th including those dates, it's quite staggering. The vermin award for September goes to Setaceous Hebrew character, topping out on 24th with a count of 115. So out of the 3943 moths of 124 species recorded this one pest made up 22.9% of it!

2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 903

2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 680

2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 499

2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 202

2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 174

2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 119

1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 118

2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 89

2240 Lithophane leautieri Blair's Shoulder-knot 88

2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 78

2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 64

1309 Agriphila geniculea 60

2231 Aporophyla lutulenta Deep-brown Dart 49

1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 42

2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 40

2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 40

2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 39

2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 36

1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 35

1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 27

Garden Leaf-mining Results for 24-09

325 Phyllonorycter mespilella

 A new species for VC30, right under my nose. Confirmed a few days later (D.V. Manning) by means of a vacated pupal case on the underside of the leaf. The food plant pictured is Conference Pear (Pyrus communis). In the wild it feeds on Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis) and Wild Pear (Pyrus pyraster). But is an extremely scarce species with relatively few records.

List of Leaf Mines for Upper Caldecote Garden- TL166457 20 species-

Eriocrania sp.  1- vacated mine in Birch- NFY
0050  Stigmella aurella  5- Mines on Raspberry variety- NFY
0075  Stigmella floslactella  3- Mines on Hornbeam- NFY
0099  Stigmella hybnerella  20- Mines on Hawthorn- NFY
0111  Stigmella microtheriella  4- Mines on Hazel- NFY
0254  Laburnum Leaf Miner (Leucoptera laburnella)  100's on a small Laburnum shrub- NFG
0263  Apple Leaf Miner (Lyonetia clerkella)  100's on various shrubs/trees
0265  Bucculatrix cristatella  1- Mine in Yarrow
0275  Bucculatrix bechsteinella  2- Mines in Hawthorn- NFY
0293  Caloptilia syringella  3- Mines in Lilac- NFG
0304  Parornix devoniella  2- Mines in Hazel- NFY
0310  Callisto denticulella  3- Mines in Apple- NFY
0318  Phyllonorycter tenerella  3- Mines in Hornbeam- NFY
0323  Phyllonorycter oxyacanthae  15- Mines on Hawthorn- NFY
0325  Phyllonorycter mespilella  2- Mines on Pear- NFG and for VC30!-
0332  Phyllonorycter corylifoliella  20- Mines on Hawthorn/Apple/Pear
0332a  Firethorn Leaf Miner (Phyllonorycter leucographella)  2- Mines on Hawthorn- NFY
0343  Phyllonorycter esperella  6- Mines on Hornbeam- NFY
0345  Phyllonorycter rajella  20- Mines on Alder- NFY
0353  Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella  1- Mine on Birch- NFY

Pupae- image of cremaster (tail end) 

"The hooks at the tail end of the pupa (cremaster) are somewhat similar
in many species of Phyllonorycter sp. Fortunately they differ noticeably between mespilella and blancardella.
I am certain that you had mespilella, and John Langmaid (the national expert) has now agreed."

D.V. Manning

      Plate 43 P. mespilella                                                 Plate 44 P. blancardella

25-09 Another big night.........

.......and even better than last! Only one new macro moth in the form of a Large Wainscot, but more variety and a few surprising records. A very late Beautiful Hook-tip, Marbled Beauty and Orthopygia glaucinalis.

Large Wainscot

NFY- not seen in 2012.

Beautiful hook-tip

A rare Autumn record.

 Dusky-lemon Sallow

 Second record this year.

 Red-green Carpet

My first multiple record with two in one night.

Upper Caldecote Garden- 2 traps 430 of 44 species-

0647  Brown House Moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella)  1
0648  White-shouldered House Moth (Endrosis sarcitrella)  1
0998  Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana)  4
1048  Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana)  1
1398  Rush Veneer (Nomophila noctuella)  1
1413  Gold Triangle (Hypsopygia costalis)  5
1415  Orthopygia glaucinalis  1
1425  Wax Moth (Galleria mellonella)  1
1728  Garden Carpet (Xanthorhoe fluctuata)  4
1745  Mallow (Larentia clavaria)  1
1760  Red-green Carpet (Chloroclysta siterata)  2
1764  Common Marbled Carpet (Chloroclysta truncata)  4
1906  Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata)  1
1937  Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria)  16
1961  Light Emerald (Campaea margaritata)  1
2087  Turnip Moth (Agrotis segetum)  3
2092  Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta)  1
2107  Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba)  106
2109  Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes)  28
2110  Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (Noctua fimbriata)  4
2126  Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)  100
2134  Square-spot Rustic (Xestia xanthographa)  2
2199  Common Wainscot (Mythimna pallens)  9
2231  Deep-brown Dart (Aporophyla lutulenta)  11
2232  Black Rustic (Aporophyla nigra)  15
2240  Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri)  11
2248  Brindled Green (Dryobotodes eremita)  1
2252  Large Ranunculus (Polymixis flavicincta)  1
2266  Brown-spot Pinion (Agrochola litura)  1
2267  Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis)  4
2270  Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa)  54
2272  Barred Sallow (Xanthia aurago)  1
2274  Sallow (Xanthia icteritia)  3
2275  Dusky-lemon Sallow (Xanthia gilvago)  1
2293  Marbled Beauty (Cryphia domestica)  1
2298  Svensson's Copper Underwing (Amphipyra berbera)  1
2299  Mouse Moth (Amphipyra tragopoginis)  2
2361  Rosy Rustic (Hydraecia micacea)  1
2364  Frosted Orange (Gortyna flavago)  1
2375  Large Wainscot (Rhizedra lutosa)  1 NFY
2384  Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua)  3
2389  Pale Mottled Willow (Paradrina clavipalpis)  16
2473  Beautiful Hook-tip (Laspeyria flexula)  1
2477  Snout (Hypena proboscidalis)  3

Monster, Monster!

Looks like one of the greatest Autumn nights ever.................for this VC30 garden anyway.

Dusky-lemon Sallow

NFY

Dotted Rustic

NFG

Beaded Chestnut

NFY

Upper Caldecote Garden- 24-09-2013- 2 traps- 403 of 37 species

0998  Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana)  4
1048  Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana)  1
1261  Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella)  1
1398  Rush Veneer (Nomophila noctuella)  1
1413  Gold Triangle (Hypsopygia costalis)  6
1707  Small Dusty Wave (Idaea seriata)  1
1728  Garden Carpet (Xanthorhoe fluctuata)  1
1764  Common Marbled Carpet (Chloroclysta truncata)  8
1838  Tawny Speckled Pug (Eupithecia icterata)  1
1906  Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata)  1
1937  Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria)  17
1961  Light Emerald (Campaea margaritata)  1
2087  Turnip Moth (Agrotis segetum)  3
2091  Dark Sword-grass (Agrotis ipsilon)  2
2092  Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta)  1
2105  Dotted Rustic (Rhyacia simulans)  1 NFG
2107  Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba)  87
2109  Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes)  18
2110  Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (Noctua fimbriata)  5
2126  Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)  115
2134  Square-spot Rustic (Xestia xanthographa)  3
2199  Common Wainscot (Mythimna pallens)  8
2231  Deep-brown Dart (Aporophyla lutulenta)  12
2232  Black Rustic (Aporophyla nigra)  15
2240  Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri)  4
2248  Brindled Green (Dryobotodes eremita)  1
2267  Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis)  1 NFY
2270  Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa)  53
2274  Sallow (Xanthia icteritia)  4
2275  Dusky-lemon Sallow (Xanthia gilvago)  1 NFY
2297  Copper Underwing (Amphipyra pyramidea)  1
2299  Mouse Moth (Amphipyra tragopoginis)  2
2306  Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa)  1
2361  Rosy Rustic (Hydraecia micacea)  1
2384  Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua)  8
2389  Pale Mottled Willow (Paradrina clavipalpis)  11
2477  Snout (Hypena proboscidalis)  2

More Migrants........

Vestal

After trapping a very plain individual on 17th July 2010, I had to wait three years for the next. Unfortunately, the individual caught on 1st August this year escaped before a photo. It was nice to get another opportunity on 16th September when this well-marked specimen turned up.
There is still time for a few more migrants. One of my target species for this year is Gem, which I have yet to see anywhere.

Recess

Well the weather has turned and the trap has been rested for a couple of nights. The night of the 12th did contain a couple of highlights. Full list at the foot of this post. The brown stuff is now finally beginning to abate so I'm hoping for some good, mild Autumn weather if I'm going to break the 300 macros in a year target.

Small Ranunculus

The best year in the garden so far- this being the 10th record in 2013. In this part of the world at least this moth has become fairly common in a short period of time and now has to be reclassified.

 White-point

The second record this year- a bad photo of a pristine individual.

Upper Caldecote Garden- 12-09-2013- Twin T12 20w Synergetic Skinner 162 of 35 species

0450  Hawthorn Moth (Scythropia crataegella)  1

0964  Cochylis dubitana  1

0998  Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana)  2

1048  Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana)  2

1309  Agriphila geniculea  2

1342  Eudonia angustea  1

1524  Emmelina monodactyla  1

1728  Garden Carpet (Xanthorhoe fluctuata)  1

1867  Treble-bar (Aplocera plagiata)  1

1937  Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria)  1

1961  Light Emerald (Campaea margaritata)  4

2087  Turnip Moth (Agrotis segetum)  2

2089  Heart and Dart (Agrotis exclamationis)  1

2107  Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba)  20

2109  Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes)  9

2110  Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (Noctua fimbriata)  1

2126  Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)  49

2134  Square-spot Rustic (Xestia xanthographa)  8

2145  Nutmeg (Discestra trifolii)  1

2154  Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)  2

2165  Small Ranunculus (Hecatera dysodea)  1

2194  White-point (Mythimna albipuncta)  1

2199  Common Wainscot (Mythimna pallens)  5

2270  Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa)  2

2274  Sallow (Xanthia icteritia)  1

2298  Svensson's Copper Underwing (Amphipyra berbera)  2

2299  Mouse Moth (Amphipyra tragopoginis)  13

2306  Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa)  1

2353  Flounced Rustic (Luperina testacea)  3

2361  Rosy Rustic (Hydraecia micacea)  1

2384  Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua)  17

2389  Pale Mottled Willow (Paradrina clavipalpis)  2

2434  Burnished Brass (Diachrysia chrysitis)  1

2452  Red Underwing (Catocala nupta)  1

2477  Snout (Hypena proboscidalis)  1

Garden Highlights

Best of the recent catches....................

Large Thorn

 A year tick on 8th September after recording it twice last year. (4th,16th September 2012)

 White-point

 A second record on 9th September after recording it for the first time on 9th June 2012.

500 in the garden in ONE year?

As a really good July came to an end I started thinking about the possibility of recording 500 moth species in a year (200 Micro, 300 Macro). This year, my records have eclipsed all previous year's efforts. My biggest ever Macro tally was 253 in 2011 and Micros, 207 in the same year. So far in 2013 as from last night I have recorded 276 Macros and I will beat my micro record when I add all of the leaf mines from various indigenous trees and shrubs from around the garden.
The real question is I suppose, can I record 300 Macros in a year? This is a big ask and I would have to record almost every species I've ever had in the last four months of the year to stand a chance.
So if I was to take a punt I would say 500 in year will be achievable, but 300 Macros in a year may just be a little optimistic- only time will tell.
I'm sure converting my trap to a twin T12 20w Synergetic in early July has also helped with this year's huge tally.........

Gold Spot

A second ever record- 4th September 2013.

 Orange Sallow

Two records so far this year.

 Red Underwing

Three records so far this year.

 Sallow

two records so far- many more to come.

 White-spotted Pinion

Two records so far, now recorded in every year since 2009. This RDB species is still clinging on in this area at least.

Twin 20w T12  Synergetic Skinner

New since early July 2013- this bad boy pulls 'em in like never before!

No. 340

Another new macro to add in an incredible year for the garden..........

Bordered Beauty

On a Roll

On 23rd August I caught my 31st NFG macro moth this year in the shape of this.......

Peacock Moth

......and here's the other 30...........

1. Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet- 06/05
2. Scarce Tissue- 26/05
3. Flame Carpet
4. Pale Oak Beauty- 08/06
5. Scalloped Hazel- 11/06
6. Small Clouded Brindle- 16/06
7. Small Elephant Hawk-moth- 18/06
8. Clouded-bordered Brindle- 19/06
9. Ingrailed Clay- 23/06
10. Grass Rivulet- 29/06
11. Barred Red- 01/07
12. Reddish Light Arches- 03/07
13. Dingy Shell- 05/07
14. Toadflax Brocade- 06/07
15. Marbled Brown- 07/07
16. Double Lobed
17. Peach Blossom
18. Small Seraphim- 12/07
19. Small Dotted Buff- 16/07
20. Large Emerald
21. Round-winged Muslin- 17/07
22. Buff Footman- 18/07
23. Marbled White-spot
24. Royal Mantle- 20/07
25. Red-necked Footman- 22/07
26. Toadflax Pug- 26/07
27. Bordered Sallow- 28/07
28. Slender Brindle- 30/07
29. Dark Spinach
30. Dark Umber- 02/08

Your Thoughts.............

Could be good, could be nothing. Caught at The Lodge, Sandy. Unfortunately pretty worn and not retained. I would be interested to know opinions on this..........

Sharp-angled Carpet

After being listed as 'probably extinct' and not seen in VC30 since 1987. It just shows you anything is possible. After this example, a second was caught in the north of the vice-county shortly afterwards. Well done Steve Blain!

I say!

For the last week or so I have been spoilt. Rare stuff cropping up all over the place, but little time to do any of it justice. I have an ever growing unIDed micro collection which currently resides in the freezer. It's mostly Cnephasias and the odd Oegoconia sp.
I will add more at some other time.....................

Royal Mantle

8th record for VC30, NFG- 20th July

 Red-necked Footman

Up until this year there were just four records in VC30. Two were found at The Lodge earlier this month, so provided no more have been found it's the 7th record. NFG- 22nd July.

What's this?

I think the odd one like this my have evaded my detection before.........this is very worn, but was on the small side compared to most Willow Beauty's I've seen and definitely brown rather than grey.

Willow Beauty ab?

Trio of Newbies....12-07

...........more to follow when I get half a chance. I, like everyone else who sticks a trap out in anger, have been totally inundated. But three new garden macros in a night has got to be worth a post. I have now cut down to one trap while the Saharan weather continues...........

Double Lobed

 Peach Blossom

 Small Seraphim

.....only the 10th record in VC30. Not seen since 2009.

Mr & Mrs Ghost.........

Caught 9th and 7th July respectively. This is only the 2nd male I've trapped, for some reason the females are more frequent in the garden.

Ghost Moth