Tuesday 27 March 2018

Bringsty Common

I decided to run a single mv light on the night of the 23rd and again last night (26th).  The 23rd was quite a productive night with 140 moths of 15 species, whilst last night, with the cooler temperatures and rain I recorded 58 moths of 14 species.  The usual suspects plus Grey Shoulder-knot, Red Chestnut, Dotted Chestnut and Pale Pinion. Topping the bill on each night was Common Quaker with a combined tally of 73 individuals, followed by Hebrew Character 24 and in bronze medal position was Yellow Horned with 17. Peter Hall
Bringsty Common: Dotted Chestnut

Bringsty Common: Pale Pinion
Bringsty Common: Yellow Horned

Friday 23 March 2018

Warndon Orthosias

At last a cloudy night without the freezing chill on the 21st and a small burst of fresh Quakers and Drabs in the garden Robbo. A Small Quaker, 22 Common Quaker, 3 Hebrew Character, 5 Clouded Drabs and the first site Lead-coloured Drab for 6 years.

Lead-coloured Drab
Clouded Drab




The two images show the general colour, wing-shape and antennae structure differences well. The last Lead-coloured was on the 22nd March 2012......perhaps there is some Aspen nearby that the council have not cut down.....L-c Drab seem to have good years every now and again. Orthosias seem to do better after longer colder winters round here.

Wednesday 21 March 2018

Oak Nycteoline f.ramosana



This Oak Nycteoline f.ramosana came to my garden at Norchard, Worcs, on Friday night of the 16th. I usually see a few during the season but I don't recall seeing this form before. Thirteen Oak Beauty was a record count for the garden on the same night.

Saturday 17 March 2018

Bringsty Common March 15th

Remembered to put a trap out on the 15th, albeit for only 3 hours as I had an early start next day. 12 macro species and 2 micros.  Micros were Agonopterix heracliana and ciliella.  I have good colonies of both these species here. Topping the garden bill for macros was Common Quaker with 31 individuals, followed byYellow Horned with 18. Just 1 Small Quaker.  All the other arrivals were to be expected.  73 moths in total. A few days off now it's turned much colder again. Peter Hall
Bringsty Common: Yellow horned

Bringsty Common: Oak Beauty