Acleris cristanas

Despite not seeing any Acleris in traps at Hawkbatch on Sunday evening there were two here at Berkeley Pendesham the following morning, both variations of cristana.

Hawkbatch Sunday 19th

A forecast of double figure temperatures, cloud and little wind was enough to coax Patrick and myself into a section of the Wyre Forest with little recent trapping history. We aimed for mature conifers of various species hoping the thick shelter they provide may be home to some interesting hibernating moths. Our optimistic hopes were not fully realised but a total of at least 16 species was recorded from six MV traps, many for the first time this year. Searching the oak and beech trunks produced a large cluster of Vapourer Moth eggs, 3 cases of Psyche caste and 7 of those of Taleporia tubulosa. Good numbers of Spring Ushers included some beautiful variations.



Others included Oak Beauty, several March Moths, an Engrailed, Small Brindled Beauty and one obvious melanic Pale Brindled Beauty out of many nicely patterned ones. Small numbers of Chestnuts included a probable Dark Chestnut as well as 2 Dotted Borders, many Satellites, early Common Quaker and Double-striped Pug with Tortricodes alternella and Agonopterix heracliana the only micro interest. Thanks to Mary and Ian for giving a hand with the equipment and trap rounds.

Spring Usher

Oak Beauty

melanic Pale Brindled Beauty

The Engrailed

possible Dark Chestnut?

Images by Patrick Clement and Steve Whitehouse

Warndon Mid-February

A couple of damp then cloudy nights in the garden brought a few NFY moths into the MV. An Acleris ferrugana/notana (usually former here) on the 14th was followed by Oak Beauty, Satellite, Dotted Border and my second earliest ever Common Quaker last night, the 16th. The first targeted field session with lights at Hawkbatch, Wyre Forest will be on Sunday the 19th. Access in off the B4194 past the white bungalow to first major crosstracks. 

Please contact me if interested 01905 454541

Appeal for records

We are rapidly approaching our deadline for record submission to Butterfly Conservation's national Moth database, so this is a last appeal for any outstanding records from last year.
If you could email any data to myself or Tony Simpson if you are in Worcestershire VC37 or Phyl King if you are in Herefordshire VC36, we would be very grateful.

Oliver Wadsworth

Patio Window BP

With a short cold snap upon us now, just had time on Tuesday evening for an optimistic all-nighter with the garden Robbo. Result a Pale Brindled Beauty on the patio French Window doors by midnight. Just a couple of Winter Gnats in the actual trap at dawn.....the winter grinds on this year

Pale Brindled Beauty

Overwintering Buttoned Snout

A Buttoned Snout was reported indoors in Little Marcle on Friday, probably emerging from overwintering in the loft when the trapdoor was left open overnight. Phyl King

Overwintering Buttoned Snout   Photo Jo Hackman

Acrolepia autumnitella

Just found one individual on the inside of the kitchen window. Patrick Clement

Acrolepia autumnitella

That Old Chestnut Again!

Back home in Warndon, the garden Robinson was put away at 00:35 due to a strengthening wind arriving. Next morning one solitary noctuid may be the richer red form of Dark Chestnut.  
Much discussion has been 'aired' on these over the years and slightly worn ones in spring following hibernation can present a challenge! The hind edge of the forewing looks reasonably straight and the apex is almost square. Small but quite distinct whitish spots are present along the costa. If anybody thinks it is 'just a Chestnut' I am sure you can let us know! It looked 'different' to the 10 or so Chestnuts seen in the nearby wood the night before.

'Dark' Chestnut

Warndon 1st February

A half decent night was forecast for Wednesday, so the 15w battery Actinic was again secreted in Warndon Wood at dusk and retrieved at 23:30. Light rain was evident from the start but did not become a problem. A Mottled Umber is getting late but 3 Spring Usher, 3 Tortricodes alternella and 10 Chestnuts made it worthwhile. Close by and just before midnight, a male Early Moth was torched in the perimeter hedge, which the council is hell-bent on making thinner every year. 

two of the Spring Ushers