New Macro- 14-09

After weeks of standard brown noctuids in the trap, the 14th September finally had something slightly more interesting. Two NFY's and a NFG in the shape of a superb Lunar Yellow Underwing. I've been looking out for this after the first VC30 confirmation in Spring this year. This is now the 2nd confirmed record of this declining, but probably overlooked species.

Lunar Yellow Underwing

In the same trap a Deep-brown Dart was also new but expected. More eye catching was this totally pink Vestal. A variation I haven't ever seen before.

Vestal

Also a couple of notables from last week.

Brown-spot Pinion

 NFY- 11th September

Feathered Gothic

 NFY- 9th September. Only my second ever record

 Upper Caldecote Garden- 14-09-2014, Twin 20w Synergetic Skinner- 80 moths of 21 species

1309  Agriphila geniculea  1
1316  Catoptria falsella  1
1342  Eudonia angustea  1
1413  Gold Triangle (Hypsopygia costalis)  3
1524  Emmelina monodactyla  1
1716  Vestal (Rhodometra sacraria)  1 NFY
1728  Garden Carpet (Xanthorhoe fluctuata)  1
1906  Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata)  2
1937  Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria)  10
1961  Light Emerald (Campaea margaritata)  3
2092  Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta)  8
2107  Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba)  20
2108  Lunar Yellow Underwing (Noctua orbona)  1 NFG
2109  Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes)  2
2126  Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)  11
2134  Square-spot Rustic (Xestia xanthographa)  3
2199  Common Wainscot (Mythimna pallens)  1
2231  Deep-brown Dart (Aporophyla lutulenta)  1 NFY
2270  Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa)  7
2353  Flounced Rustic (Luperina testacea)  1
2384  Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua)  1

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.

Vestal and friends....17/07

Another 2 new macros for the year, even though temperatures got below 10°C. The prize surely goes to a garden 1st Vestal, which according to VC30 records hasn't been seen in the county since 2006......

Vestal

Dark Arches (dark form)

Dun-bar

This is the 1st this year- albeit a battered specimen!

Spectacle

"...........But I can see you, your brown skin shinin' in the sun.You got your hair combed back and your sunglasses on, baby......" Don Henley- Boys of Summer (1984)

1. Chrysoteuchia culmella- 9
2. Dark Arches- 8
3. Buff Ermine- 7
4. Shuttle-shaped Dart- 3
5. Uncertain- 3
6. Crambus pascuella- 2
7. Heart & Dart- 2
8. Swallow Prominent
9. Light Arches
10. Scarce Footman
11. Light Arches
12. Smoky Wainscot
13. Common Footman
14. Scalloped Oak
15. Dun-bar- Year Tick
16. Vestal- Garden 1st
17. Pyrausta aurata
18. Riband Wave
19. Brown House-moth
20. Common Rustic agg.
21. Double Square-spot
22. Common Wainscot
23. Bright-line Brown-eye
24. Ruby Tiger
25. Nutmeg
26. Spectacle
27. Emmelina monodactyla
28. Dot Moth