Although last night looked a bit grim - cooler with drizzle late evening - I thought I'd try the Actinic in the garden.  Normally, I'd avoid doing the garden two nights in a row but I needed another moth fix.  I put this trap in a different location; well away from the area I released the last catch.

28 species with highlights of Dingy Shears and Ear Moth agg..  The Ear Moths are very difficult (=impossible) to get without dissection and as I have no Amphipoea records for the garden yet, will get this determined.

Another favourite of mine is the Dusky Sallow which is always good to see.  You often find this moth during the day, feeding on thistle and other flowers and I have also taken this at sugar - but most records we have come from light traps.

Ear Moth sp.

Adding to the list of 'unusual stuff found in the trap' was a large Cricket:

Cricket sp. in the Actinic this morning

Success with the voice recording method this morning: managed to use this without a hitch.

Full trap list (Actinic 40W, ST5715, VC9, Dorset):

• 1293 Garden Grass-veneer Chrysoteuchia culmella 2
• 1304 Agriphila straminella 4
• 1361 Pyrausta aurata 1
• 1398 Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella 8
• 1405 Mother of Pearl Pleuroptya ruralis 1
• 1693 Cream Wave Scopula floslactata 1
• 1724 Red Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe spadicearia 2
• 1728 Garden Carpet Xanthorhoe fluctuata 4
• 1825 Lime-speck Pug Eupithecia centaureata 1
• 1917 Early Thorn Selenia dentaria 1
• 1937 Willow Beauty Peribatodes rhomboidaria 1
• 2030 Yellow-tail Euproctis similis 1
• 2044 Dingy Footman Eilema griseola 5
• 2092 Shuttle-shaped Dart Agrotis puta 1
• 2102 Flame Shoulder Ochropleura plecta 2
• 2107 Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba 4
• 2111 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing Noctua janthe 1
• 2126 Setaceous Hebrew Character Xestia c-nigrum 4
• 2198 Smoky Wainscot Mythimna impura 1
• 2289 Knot Grass Acronicta rumicis 1
• 2293 Marbled Beauty Cryphia domestica 1
• 2314 Dingy Shears Parastichtis ypsillon 1
• 2341 Cloaked Minor Mesoligia furuncula 1
• 2343x Common Rustic agg. Mesapamea secalis agg. 10
• 2352 Dusky Sallow Eremobia ochroleuca 1
• 2360x Ear Moth agg. Amphipoea oculea agg. 1
• 2441 Silver Y Autographa gamma 1
• 2474 Straw Dot Rivula sericealis 1

63 moths of 28 species.

Yellow-tail on side of Actinic this morning

28/7/06, Radstock railway sidings (ST6954) - Hummingbird Hawk-moth, nectaring on buddleia

29/7/06, Tenantsfield Lane nr. Shoscombe (ST7255) - 2 Magpie moths.

Just back off my hols.  Spent a few days in Egypt at the Red Sea resort of Sharm and squeezed in a trip to Cairo to see the Pyramids which were awesome.  Didn't see much in the way of Lepidoptera whilst away.  In fact I saw more butterflies in the first 10 minutes back in my garden than I did in a week out there!  Although the hotel and its gardens were strewn with lights, the only moth I saw was a single pyralid.  Diversity in the sea was a different story though and I spent many enjoyable hours snorkelling on the coral reefs - it was just like putting your face in a tropical fish tank.  Quite spectacular.

My wife, Michelle, and I at the Pyramids, Giza.  The development to the left on the skyline is the new open air museum: everything is being moved from the Cairo Egyptian Musuem here soon.

So, suffering withdrawal symptoms from mothing, I put the Robinson out last night.  It was clear and breezy but warm (16°C at midnight - a little cooler that the night-time 30°C I'd just been used to) giving 62 species.  A fair list with highlights of Maiden's Blush, Dog's Tooth and Bulrush Wainscot.  Good to see the second generation Prominents out too.  Also worth mentioning is that 2 of the 14 Dingy Footman in the trap were the 'pale' form ab. stramineola.  This is a recurrent variety that you occasionally see amongst the normal forms.

Maiden's Blush

Pale form of the Dingy Footman

Oops! I decided to try out a little voice recorder for the first time today - and recorded the entire trap contents.  All went well until I accidentally erased it just prior to writing anything down!  I thought I was tidying up some test recordings but actually deleted the bit I needed.  So, the following is entirely from memory (plus 20 or so moths potted up at the time).  Lesson learnt.

Full trap list (see above):

• 0642 Batia unitella 1
• 0695 Agonopterix alstromeriana 1
• 0998 Light Brown Apple Moth Epiphyas postvittana 1
• 1076 Celypha lacunana 1
• 1293 Garden Grass-veneer Chrysoteuchia culmella 1
• 1304 Agriphila straminella 2
• 1305 Agriphila tristella 10
• 1358 Evergestis pallidata 1
• 1376 Small Magpie Eurrhypara hortulata 1
• 1395 Rusty-dot Pearl Udea ferrugalis 1
• 1398 Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella 10
• 1405 Mother of Pearl Pleuroptya ruralis 10
• 1470 Euzophera pinguis 5
• 1648 Pebble Hook-tip Drepana falcataria 1
• 1680 Maiden's Blush Cyclophora punctaria 2
• 1713 Riband Wave Idaea aversata 2
• 1713 Riband Wave [non-banded form] Idaea aversata ab. remutata 5
• 1724 Red Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe spadicearia 1
• 1728 Garden Carpet Xanthorhoe fluctuata 1
• 1738 Common Carpet Epirrhoe alternata 1
• 1752 Purple Bar Cosmorhoe ocellata 1
• 1825 Lime-speck Pug Eupithecia centaureata 1
• 1853 Oak-tree Pug Eupithecia dodoneata 1
• 1884 Magpie Moth Abraxas grossulariata 1
• 1906 Brimstone Moth Opisthograptis luteolata 1
• 1913 Canary-shouldered Thorn Ennomos alniaria 1
• 1917 Early Thorn Selenia dentaria 1
• 1921 Scalloped Oak Crocallis elinguaria 2
• 1937 Willow Beauty Peribatodes rhomboidaria 5
• 2000 Iron Prominent Notodonta dromedarius 1
• 2007 Swallow Prominent Pheosia tremula 2
• 2008 Coxcomb Prominent Ptilodon capucina 1
• 2030 Yellow-tail Euproctis similis 1
• 2044 Dingy Footman Eilema griseola 12
• 2044 Dingy Footman [pale form] Eilema griseola ab. stramineola 2
• 2049 Buff Footman Eilema depressa 1
• 2050 Common Footman Eilema lurideola 5
• 2064 Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa 1
• 2077 Short-cloaked Moth Nola cucullatella 1
• 2089 Heart and Dart Agrotis exclamationis 1
• 2092 Shuttle-shaped Dart Agrotis puta 1
• 2098 Flame Axylia putris 1
• 2102 Flame Shoulder Ochropleura plecta 5
• 2107 Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba 4
• 2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing Noctua comes 2
• 2110 Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing Noctua fimbriata 1
• 2111 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing Noctua janthe 1
• 2126 Setaceous Hebrew Character Xestia c-nigrum 1
• 2134 Square-spot Rustic Xestia xanthographa 1
• 2145 Nutmeg Discestra trifolii 1
• 2159 Dog's Tooth Lacanobia suasa 1
• 2198 Smoky Wainscot Mythimna impura 1
• 2289 Knot Grass Acronicta rumicis 1
• 2295 Marbled Green Cryphia muralis 1
• 2321 Dark Arches Apamea monoglypha 5
• 2343x Common Rustic agg. Mesapamea secalis agg. 50
• 2369 Bulrush Wainscot Nonagria typhae 1
• 2382 Rustic Hoplodrina blanda 1 (need confirmation)
• 2441 Silver Y Autographa gamma 3
• 2450 Spectacle Abrostola tripartita 4
• 2469 Herald Scoliopteryx libatrix 1
• 2474 Straw Dot Rivula sericealis 4

190 moths of 61 Species.

Well I am not sure I will ever recover from this month. Moths counts nearly always exceeding 100 Species with traps heaving with moths and recorders complaining about having tio count them even the hundreds of large Yellow Underwings, rustics etc. Hence i am always late in putting records on the site. My apologies.

But the counts and good records have exceeded other years by a long way. Jersey tigers which have been around Taunton for the last few years but are now spreading being seen futher afield. Please keep the records coming in so we can monitor their spread

I thought I was doing well just over our Border in the old VC of Dorset doing a trapping session for a local ladies group. They were well impressed 1041 moth making 104 species. But this was totally eclipsed By James McGill with over 2000 moths in two traps at Thurlbear Farm making 212 species(hope that is right). Anyway Well done james just on the fortitude front carrying on counting all those large yellow underwings.

On this theme many moth recorders ask me do we need to count numbers of moths. The answer is yes accurate numbers are important. However I realise that some times it is a real difficult task and whilst James and I have it polished off to an art form it will not suit all recorders. So to answer the question please try to count them all or at least a valid under estimate. There is no need to exagerate.

I include this fantastic moth because I have now recoreded it on the Exmoor and Haddon Hill recently. The former site is a fantastic valley with a very special Owner who is dedicating it to wildlife. Well we started him off with a brillaint mothing session 112 species and to make the evening cvery special wine was supplied to ease the dusty moth'ers dry throats. My thanks to Bob and his wife who later at some time in the early morning laid on food as well. We will be back that is a certainty.

Well as I type this the weather is on the change which will give me time to catch up I hope.

Best wishes to all keep those records coming in

David Evans

This is the list for the organised moth night at Haddon Hill on the 21st July, 2006. Time seems to have slipped by but better late than never. 102 Species and with more Beautiful Snouts can't be bad.

• 14 Hepialus humuli Ghost Moth 1
• 411 Argyresthia goedartella 1
• 937 Agapeta hamana 2
• 971 Pandemis cinnamomeana 5
• 977 Archips podana Large Fruit-tree Tortrix 1
• 1076 Celypha lacunana 3
• 1082 Hedya pruniana Plum Tortrix 9
• 1086 Hedya salicella 1
• 1260 Cydia splendana 2
• 1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella Garden Grass-veneer 2
• 1294 Crambus pascuella 1
• 1302 Crambus perlella 1
• 1304 Agriphila straminella 11
• 1314 Catoptria margaritella Pearl-band Grass Veneer 2
• 1332 Scoparia subfusca 2
• 1338 Dipleurina lacustrata 32
• 1343 Eudonia delunella 1
• 1390 Udea prunalis 2
• 1392 Udea olivalis 4
• 1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 9
• 1640 Euthrix potatoria Drinker 18
• 1648 Drepana falcataria Pebble Hook-tip 1
• 1652 Thyatira batis Peach Blossom 2
• 1653 Habrosyne pyritoides Buff Arches 5
• 1657 Ochropacha duplaris Common Lutestring 1
• 1666 Geometra papilionaria Large Emerald 3
• 1669 Hemithea aestivaria Common Emerald 1
• 1673 Hemistola chrysoprasaria Small Emerald 1
• 1702 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave 21
• 1708 Idaea dimidiata Single-dotted Wave 1
• 1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 8
• 1727 Xanthorhoe montanata Silver-ground Carpet 1
• 1752 Cosmorhoe ocellata Purple Bar 5
• 1756 Eulithis populata Northern Spinach 2
• 1757 Eulithis mellinata Spinach 1
• 1759 Ecliptopera silaceata Small Phoenix 2
• 1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 1
• 1777 Hydriomena furcata July Highflyer 71
• 1789 Rheumaptera undulata Scallop Shell 1
• 1803 Perizoma alchemillata Small Rivulet 2
• 1846 Eupithecia nanata Narrow-winged Pug 7
• 1858 Chloroclystis v-ata V-Pug 5
• 1860 Pasiphila rectangulata Green Pug 3
• 1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 2
• 1873 Venusia cambrica Welsh Wave 11
• 1876 Hydrelia flammeolaria Small Yellow Wave 1
• 1877 Hydrelia sylvata Waved Carpet 4
• 1887 Lomaspilis marginata Clouded Border 1
• 1893 Macaria liturata Tawny-barred Angle 1
• 1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 20
• 1917 Selenia dentaria Early Thorn 1
• 1931 Biston betularia Peppered Moth 13
• 1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 1
• 1940 Deileptenia ribeata Satin Beauty 2
• 1941 Alcis repandata Mottled Beauty 14
• 1945 Cleorodes lichenaria Brussels Lace 2
• 1947 Ectropis bistortata Engrailed 8
• 1955 Cabera pusaria Common White Wave 3
• 1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 14
• 1991 Deilephila elpenor Elephant Hawk-moth 1
• 2000 Notodonta dromedarius Iron Prominent 2
• 2008 Ptilodon capucina Coxcomb Prominent 4
• 2033 Lymantria monacha Black Arches 17
• 2044 Eilema griseola Dingy Footman 2
• 2049 Eilema depressa Buff Footman 14
• 2050 Eilema lurideola Common Footman 8
• 2064 Phragmatobia fuliginosa Ruby Tiger 5
• 2089 Agrotis exclamationis Heart and Dart 8
• 2098 Axylia putris Flame 1
• 2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 7
• 2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 48
• 2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 6
• 2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 3
• 2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 7
• 2112 Noctua interjecta caliginosa Least Yellow Underwing 1
• 2118 Lycophotia porphyrea True Lover's Knot 34
• 2120 Diarsia mendica Ingrailed Clay 2
• 2122 Diarsia brunnea Purple Clay 4
• 2128 Xestia triangulum Double Square-spot 7
• 2130 Xestia baja Dotted Clay 6
• 2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 8
• 2160 Lacanobia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye 2
• 2191 Mythimna turca Double Line 29
• 2193 Mythimna ferrago Clay 1
• 2198 Mythimna impura Smoky Wainscot 8
• 2291 Craniophora ligustri Coronet 4
• 2305 Euplexia lucipara Small Angle Shades 1
• 2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 9
• 2335 Apamea scolopacina Slender Brindle 6
• 2387 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic 1
• 2410 Protodeltote pygarga Marbled White Spot 1
• 2421 Bena bicolorana Scarce Silver-lines 1
• 2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 2
• 2442 Autographa pulchrina Beautiful Golden Y 2
• 2470 Phytometra viridaria Small Purple-barred 1
• 2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 15
• 2476 Hypena crassalis Beautiful Snout 2
• 2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 4
• 2489 Zanclognatha tarsipennalis Fan-foot 1

Closworth 27/7/2006
Slver y 12
Plutella xylostella 2
Nomophila noctuella 10
Vestal
Udea ferrugalis 6

Just received a note from Stephen Honey reporting a sighting of Jersey Tiger, late evening 25th July in Taunton.

Closworth 25/7/2006
Silver y 53
Bordered straw

Blue Anchor Saturday 22nd July 2006

Black Arches, Brimstone Moth, Buff Ermine, Common Emerald, Common Footman, Common Rustic, Coronet, Dark Arches, Dingy Footman, Double Square-spot, Drinker, Flame Shoulder, Grey Dagger, Heart & Dart, Large Yellow Underwing, Lesser Broad Bordered Yellow Underwing, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Magpie, Peach Blossom, Peppered Moth, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Riband Wave, Rosy Footman, Royal Mantle, Ruby Tiger, Scalloped Oak, Shuttle-Shaped Dart, Silver Y, Small Blood Vein, Small Fan-footed Wave, Smoky Wainscot, Spectacle, Swallow Prominent, Swallowtailed, Tawny Marbled Minor, Uncertain/Rustic agg., V-Pug, Willow Beauty, Yellow Tail

Closworth 22/7/2006
Delicate
Small mottled willow[Nomophila noctuella 7
Silvetr y 9

Closworth.19/7/2006
Striped hawkmoth

Blue Anchor Saturday 15th July 2006

Black Arches, Bright Line Brown-eye, Brimstone Moth, Brown Tail, Buff Ermine, Clay, Common Emerald, Common Footman, Common Rustic, Coronet, Dark Arches, Dingy Footman, Dot Moth, Double Square-spot, Double-Striped Pug, Drinker, Early Thorn, Fan-foot, Flame Shoulder, Garden Tiger, Grass Emerald, Green Pug, Grey Dagger, Heart & Dart, July Highflyer, Large Yellow Underwing, Lesser Broad Bordered Yellow Underwing, Light Arches, Marbled/Rufous/Tawny Marbled Minor, Mottled Pug, Nut-Tree Tussock, Peppered Moth, Poplar Grey, Riband Wave, Rosy Footman, Ruby Tiger, Silver Y, Small Blood Vein, Small Fan-footed Wave, Small Yellow Wave, Snout, Spectacle, Swallowtailed, Sycamore, Uncertain/Rustic, Willow Beauty, Yellow Tail

Well with the help of David and Ginny Ayling, Mike Ridge and I made it to Parsonage Farm, Hawkridge. The Owner Bob is running a B&B and the farm and promoting Wildlife. He and his wife treated us royaly with bottles of wine to oust the exmoor flies and midges. They died in the wine with added flavour. Anyway it a fantastic wooded valley around the steep sloping fields. What a night 113 species with dark spectacle, beautiful snout waved carpet, even an olive(needs to be confirmed) and loads more

• Cumulative records for Parsonage Farm Hawkridge 14th July 2006
• Code Taxon Vernacular Quantity
• 14 Hepialus humuli Ghost Moth 1
• 970 Pandemis cerasana Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix 26
• 971 Pandemis cinnamomeana 4
• 977 Archips podana Large Fruit-tree Tortrix 9
• 980 Archips xylosteana Variegated Golden Tortrix 10
• 1175 Epiblema uddmanniana Bramble Shoot Moth 1
• 1201 Eucosma cana 2
• 1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella Garden Grass-veneer 4
• 1302 Crambus perlella 2
• 1304 Agriphila straminella 2
• 1313 Catoptria pinella 2
• 1314 Catoptria margaritella Pearl-band Grass Veneer 2
• 1331 Acentria ephemerella Water Veneer 1
• 1338 Dipleurina lacustrata 47
• 1343 Eudonia delunella 1
• 1376 Eurrhypara hortulata Small Magpie 4
• 1377 Perinephela lancealis 1
• 1378 Phlyctaenia coronata 2
• 1390 Udea prunalis 2
• 1392 Udea olivalis 12
• 1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 4
• 1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 3
• 1640 Euthrix potatoria Drinker 4
• 1652 Thyatira batis Peach Blossom 7
• 1653 Habrosyne pyritoides Buff Arches 5
• 1666 Geometra papilionaria Large Emerald 6
• 1669 Hemithea aestivaria Common Emerald 1
• 1673 Hemistola chrysoprasaria Small Emerald 4
• 1681 Cyclophora linearia Clay Triple-lines 5
• 1692 Scopula immutata Lesser Cream Wave 1
• 1693 Scopula floslactata Cream Wave 2
• 1702 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave 11
• 1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 36
• 1727 Xanthorhoe montanata Silver-ground Carpet 2
• 1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 5
• 1754 Eulithis prunata Phoenix 1
• 1760 Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet 1
• 1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 4
• 1793 Euphyia biangulata Cloaked Carpet 3
• 1802 Perizoma affinitata Rivulet 8
• 1803 Perizoma alchemillata Small Rivulet 11
• 1817 Eupithecia pulchellata Foxglove Pug 3
• 1834 Eupithecia vulgata Common Pug 3
• 1858 Chloroclystis v-ata V-Pug 2
• 1860 Pasiphila rectangulata Green Pug 2
• 1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 4
• 1873 Venusia cambrica Welsh Wave 4
• 1876 Hydrelia flammeolaria Small Yellow Wave 2
• 1877 Hydrelia sylvata Waved Carpet 4
• 1882 Pterapherapteryx sexalata Small Seraphim 3
• 1887 Lomaspilis marginata Clouded Border 12
• 1890 Macaria alternata Sharp-angled Peacock 4
• 1893 Macaria liturata Tawny-barred Angle 2
• 1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 14
• 1917 Selenia dentaria Early Thorn 1
• 1922 Ourapteryx sambucaria Swallow-tailed Moth 6
• 1931 Biston betularia Peppered Moth 4
• 1940 Deileptenia ribeata Satin Beauty 4
• 1941 Alcis repandata Mottled Beauty 16
• 1955 Cabera pusaria Common White Wave 5
• 1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 31
• 2000 Notodonta dromedarius Iron Prominent 2
• 2006 Pheosia gnoma Lesser Swallow Prominent 1
• 2008 Ptilodon capucina Coxcomb Prominent 6
• 2049 Eilema depressa Buff Footman 15
• 2050 Eilema lurideola Common Footman 3
• 2088 Agrotis clavis Heart and Club 2
• 2089 Agrotis exclamationis Heart and Dart 62
• 2098 Axylia putris Flame 16
• 2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 6
• 2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 27
• 2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 4
• 2118 Lycophotia porphyrea True Lover's Knot 4
• 2122 Diarsia brunnea Purple Clay 15
• 2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 5
• 2127 Xestia ditrapezium Triple-spotted Clay 8
• 2128 Xestia triangulum Double Square-spot 10
• 2130 Xestia baja Dotted Clay 1
• 2138 Anaplectoides prasina Green Arches 7
• 2150 Polia nebulosa Grey Arches 3
• 2155 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth 2
• 2160 Lacanobia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye 4
• 2191 Mythimna turca Double Line 12
• 2193 Mythimna ferrago Clay 14
• 2198 Mythimna impura Smoky Wainscot 1
• 2278 Acronicta megacephala Poplar Grey 1
• 2291 Craniophora ligustri Coronet 4
• 2293 Cryphia domestica Marbled Beauty 2
• 2305 Euplexia lucipara Small Angle Shades 3
• 2312 Ipimorpha subtusa Olive 1
• 2314 Parastichtis ypsillon Dingy Shears 2
• 2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 12
• 2322 Apamea lithoxylaea Light Arches 1
• 2335 Apamea scolopacina Slender Brindle 1
• 2338 Oligia versicolor Rufous Minor 1
• 2345 Photedes minima Small Dotted Buff 1
• 2382 Hoplodrina blanda Rustic 16
• 2387 Caradrina morpheus Mottled Rustic 14
• 2410 Protodeltote pygarga Marbled White Spot 1
• 2421 Bena bicolorana Scarce Silver-lines 4
• 2434 Diachrysia chrysitis Burnished Brass 2
• 2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1
• 2442 Autographa pulchrina Beautiful Golden Y 7
• 2449 Abrostola triplasia Dark Spectacle 2
• 2450 Abrostola tripartita Spectacle 1
• 2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 10
• 2476 Hypena crassalis Beautiful Snout 1
• 2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 16
• 2489 Zanclognatha tarsipennalis Fan-foot 3
• 2492 Herminia grisealis Small Fan-foot 3

Photos to follow I hope

Closworth.14/7/2006
first Ruby tigers

This is the list for Langford Heathfield last friday night 7th July, 2006. The cumalitive totals amount to 87 species. My thanks to Messers Ridge, Ayling, Sedgebeare, and McGill.

• 658 Carcina quercana 1
• 734 Argolamprotes micella 4
• 937 Agapeta hamana 2
• 970 Pandemis cerasana Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix 5
• 971 Pandemis cinnamomeana 1
• 972 Pandemis heparana Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix 2
• 977 Archips podana Large Fruit-tree Tortrix 1
• 980 Archips xylosteana Variegated Golden Tortrix 10
• 1010 Ditula angustiorana Red-barred Tortrix 3
• 1032 Aleimma loeflingiana 4
• 1033 Tortrix viridana Green Oak Tortrix 7
• 1082 Hedya pruniana Plum Tortrix 4
• 1084 Hedya ochroleucana 1
• 1086 Hedya salicella 3
• 1175 Epiblema uddmanniana Bramble Shoot Moth 3
• 1222 Strophedra nitidana 1
• 1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella Garden Grass-veneer 12
• 1314 Catoptria margaritella Pearl-band Grass Veneer 1
• 1334 Scoparia ambigualis 1
• 1338 Dipleurina lacustrata 6
• 1343 Eudonia delunella 13
• 1345 Elophila nymphaeata Brown China-mark 4
• 1392 Udea olivalis 10
• 1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 7
• 1428 Aphomia sociella Bee Moth 1
• 1634 Malacosoma neustria Lackey 15
• 1640 Euthrix potatoria Drinker 7
• 1652 Thyatira batis Peach Blossom 8
• 1653 Habrosyne pyritoides Buff Arches 11
• 1665 Pseudoterpna pruinata atropunctaria Grass Emerald 1
• 1666 Geometra papilionaria Large Emerald 2
• 1669 Hemithea aestivaria Common Emerald 26
• 1673 Hemistola chrysoprasaria Small Emerald 1
• 1674 Jodis lactearia Little Emerald 2
• 1702 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave 26
• 1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 16
• 1754 Eulithis prunata Phoenix 1
• 1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 1
• 1765 Cidaria fulvata Barred Yellow 6
• 1777 Hydriomena furcata July Highflyer 44
• 1803 Perizoma alchemillata Small Rivulet 3
• 1837 Eupithecia subfuscata Grey Pug 1
• 1860 Pasiphila rectangulata Green Pug 1
• 1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 1
• 1874 Euchoeca nebulata Dingy Shell 1
• 1876 Hydrelia flammeolaria Small Yellow Wave 4
• 1887 Lomaspilis marginata Clouded Border 13
• 1888 Ligdia adustata Scorched Carpet 3
• 1893 Macaria liturata Tawny-barred Angle 1
• 1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 5
• 1922 Ourapteryx sambucaria Swallow-tailed Moth 11
• 1931 Biston betularia Peppered Moth 3
• 1940 Deileptenia ribeata Satin Beauty 2
• 1941 Alcis repandata Mottled Beauty 4
• 1945 Cleorodes lichenaria Brussels Lace 2
• 1947 Ectropis bistortata Engrailed 6
• 1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 7
• 1991 Deilephila elpenor Elephant Hawk-moth 5
• 1994 Phalera bucephala Buff-tip 1
• 2008 Ptilodon capucina Coxcomb Prominent 1
• 2033 Lymantria monacha Black Arches 6
• 2044 Eilema griseola Dingy Footman 2
• 2049 Eilema depressa Buff Footman 3
• 2050 Eilema lurideola Common Footman 4
• 2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 7
• 2120 Diarsia mendica Ingrailed Clay 1
• 2127 Xestia ditrapezium Triple-spotted Clay 1
• 2128 Xestia triangulum Double Square-spot 1
• 2155 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth 1
• 2160 Lacanobia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye 1
• 2191 Mythimna turca Double Line 9
• 2198 Mythimna impura Smoky Wainscot 2
• 2225 Brachylomia viminalis Minor Shoulder-knot 1
• 2291 Craniophora ligustri Coronet 3
• 2305 Euplexia lucipara Small Angle Shades 1
• 2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 4
• 2345 Photedes minima Small Dotted Buff 1
• 2382 Hoplodrina blanda Rustic 2
• 2410 Protodeltote pygarga Marbled White Spot 5
• 2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1
• 2443 Autographa jota Plain Golden Y 2
• 2473 Laspeyria flexula Beautiful Hook-tip 1
• 2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 9
• 2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 4
• 2492 Herminia grisealis Small Fan-foot 1

Just been sent this splendid picture of a Jersey Tiger seen on the south bank of the River Tone in Taunton by Francis Farr-Cox (recorded yesterday the 13th).  Picture taken by Andrew Melsom.

First chance I've had to pop a trap out last night for a week or so.  Only 50 moths of 19 species, reflecting the conditions last night: being far from ideal, very clear and cool with a fairly full moon.  Had a look at the trap about midnight and it felt like less than 10C and nothing was flying.

However, on the plus side, the Herald, Drinker and Small Dusty Wave are new for the year and garden list - demonstrating that regular sampling will keep adding species.

The Common Rustic and Lesser Common Rustic are difficult to separate and I record these as the aggregate (agg.).  Both are assumed widespread and common and really need a genitalia determination for confirmation.  Some argue that there is little point in recording this as it doesn't identify a species.  It's up to you really.

Full trap list (Actinic 40W, ST5715, VC9, Dorset):

• 1293 Garden Grass-veneer Chrysoteuchia culmella 3
• 1376 Small Magpie Eurrhypara hortulata 2
• 1640 Drinker Euthrix potatoria 1
• 1707 Small Dusty Wave Idaea seriata 1
• 1713 Riband Wave Idaea aversata 1
• 1713 Riband Wave [non-banded form] Idaea aversata ab. remutata 1
• 1887 Clouded Border Lomaspilis marginata 1
• 1906 Brimstone Moth Opisthograptis luteolata 1
• 1922 Swallow-tailed Moth Ourapteryx sambucaria 1
• 1994 Buff-tip Phalera bucephala 2
• 2050 Common Footman Eilema lurideola 9
• 2060 White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda 1
• 2061 Buff Ermine Spilosoma luteum 2
• 2089 Heart and Dart Agrotis exclamationis 6
• 2107 Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba 2
• 2160 Bright-line Brown-eye Lacanobia oleracea 3
• 2321 Dark Arches Apamea monoglypha 6
• 2343x Common Rustic agg. Mesapamea secalis agg. 3
• 2441 Silver Y Autographa gamma 1
• 2469 Herald Scoliopteryx libatrix 1
• 2477 Snout Hypena proboscidalis 2

50 moths of 19 species.

This is my list For Buckland Wood on the 1st July, 2006 just before the Forestry Commission begin slaughtering the conifers under the Neroche Project

• 16 Hepialus hecta Gold Swift 9
• 17 Hepialus lupulinus Common Swift 2
• 411 Argyresthia goedartella 5
• 970 Pandemis cerasana Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix 25
• 972 Pandemis heparana Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix 6
• 977 Archips podana Large Fruit-tree Tortrix 13
• 1010 Ditula angustiorana Red-barred Tortrix 3
• 1076 Celypha lacunana 8
• 1082 Hedya pruniana Plum Tortrix 5
• 1086 Hedya salicella 2
• 1092 Apotomis turbidana 2
• 1093 Apotomis betuletana 5
• 1175 Epiblema uddmanniana Bramble Shoot Moth 1
• 1201 Eucosma cana 2
• 1260 Cydia splendana 1
• 1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella Garden Grass-veneer 5
• 1332 Scoparia subfusca 5
• 1334 Scoparia ambigualis 5
• 1338 Dipleurina lacustrata 10
• 1343 Eudonia delunella 3
• 1376 Eurrhypara hortulata Small Magpie 2
• 1377 Perinephela lancealis 9
• 1390 Udea prunalis 2
• 1392 Udea olivalis 62
• 1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 6
• 1634 Malacosoma neustria Lackey 1
• 1640 Euthrix potatoria Drinker 5
• 1648 Drepana falcataria Pebble Hook-tip 5
• 1652 Thyatira batis Peach Blossom 2
• 1653 Habrosyne pyritoides Buff Arches 5
• 1657 Ochropacha duplaris Common Lutestring 1
• 1673 Hemistola chrysoprasaria Small Emerald 1
• 1702 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave 2
• 1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 4
• 1727 Xanthorhoe montanata Silver-ground Carpet 4
• 1748 Mesoleuca albicillata Beautiful Carpet 1
• 1754 Eulithis prunata Phoenix 1
• 1758 Eulithis pyraliata Barred Straw 1
• 1759 Ecliptopera silaceata Small Phoenix 6
• 1760 Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet 3
• 1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 21
• 1765 Cidaria fulvata Barred Yellow 1
• 1767 Thera firmata Pine Carpet 9
• 1768 Thera obeliscata Grey Pine Carpet 4
• 1776 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet 2
• 1789 Rheumaptera undulata Scallop Shell 1
• 1793 Euphyia biangulata Cloaked Carpet 2
• 1802 Perizoma affinitata Rivulet 2
• 1803 Perizoma alchemillata Small Rivulet 1
• 1837 Eupithecia subfuscata Grey Pug 1
• 1860 Pasiphila rectangulata Green Pug 3
• 1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 3
• 1874 Euchoeca nebulata Dingy Shell 1
• 1882 Pterapherapteryx sexalata Small Seraphim 2
• 1887 Lomaspilis marginata Clouded Border 21
• 1890 Macaria alternata Sharp-angled Peacock 3
• 1893 Macaria liturata Tawny-barred Angle 8
• 1902 Petrophora chlorosata Brown Silver-line 10
• 1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 13
• 1910 Apeira syringaria Lilac Beauty 1
• 1922 Ourapteryx sambucaria Swallow-tailed Moth 32
• 1931 Biston betularia Peppered Moth 1
• 1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 2
• 1940 Deileptenia ribeata Satin Beauty 1
• 1941 Alcis repandata Mottled Beauty 74
• 1945 Cleorodes lichenaria Brussels Lace 1
• 1955 Cabera pusaria Common White Wave 6
• 1956 Cabera exanthemata Common Wave 2
• 1958 Lomographa temerata Clouded Silver 2
• 1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 43
• 1991 Deilephila elpenor Elephant Hawk-moth 2
• 1992 Deilephila porcellus Small Elephant Hawk-moth 2
• 1999 Stauropus fagi Lobster Moth 1
• 2011 Pterostoma palpina Pale Prominent 2
• 2028 Calliteara pudibunda Pale Tussock 1
• 2039 Atolmis rubricollis Red-necked Footman 3
• 2060 Spilosoma lubricipeda White Ermine 1
• 2089 Agrotis exclamationis Heart and Dart 7
• 2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 1
• 2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 7
• 2120 Diarsia mendica Ingrailed Clay 3
• 2122 Diarsia brunnea Purple Clay 2
• 2138 Anaplectoides prasina Green Arches 2
• 2150 Polia nebulosa Grey Arches 2
• 2160 Lacanobia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye 1
• 2278 Acronicta megacephala Poplar Grey 1
• 2291 Craniophora ligustri Coronet 4
• 2305 Euplexia lucipara Small Angle Shades 5
• 2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 1
• 2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 2
• 2341 Mesoligia furuncula Cloaked Minor 2
• 2382 Hoplodrina blanda Rustic 1
• 2410 Protodeltote pygarga Marbled White Spot 21
• 2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 3
• 2442 Autographa pulchrina Beautiful Golden Y 4
• 2443 Autographa jota Plain Golden Y 7
• 2450 Abrostola tripartita Spectacle 1
• 2473 Laspeyria flexula Beautiful Hook-tip 11
• 2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 8
• 2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 13
• 2489 Zanclognatha tarsipennalis Fan-foot 5
• 2492 Herminia grisealis Small Fan-foot 14

!05 Species I dare not count the number

Well this is a bit out of date but over the next few days I will try to catch up

Staple Common 30th June, 2006. With Mike Ridge keeping a watching brief over one of my robo traps. (robo meaning like a Robinson trap but my own design). Plus another robe and my light above a sheet we had 97 species in three hours

Of course this pales into insignificance against James McGills catch in two all night traps at thurlbear farm of 185 Species. Hmm Takes some doing

14 Hepialus humuli Ghost Moth 1
17 Hepialus lupulinus Common Swift 1
921 Phtheochroa inopiana 1
970 Pandemis cerasana Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix 26
971 Pandemis cinnamomeana 1
972 Pandemis heparana Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix 4
977 Archips podana Large Fruit-tree Tortrix 2
1033 Tortrix viridana Green Oak Tortrix 2
1076 Celypha lacunana 7
1082 Hedya pruniana Plum Tortrix 7
1092 Apotomis turbidana 1
1201 Eucosma cana 7
1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella Garden Grass-veneer 6
1304 Agriphila straminella 4
1332 Scoparia subfusca 7
1334 Scoparia ambigualis 10
1344 Eudonia mercurella 3
1376 Eurrhypara hortulata Small Magpie 1
1385 Ebulea crocealis 4
1392 Udea olivalis 25
1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 4
1513 Pterophorus pentadactyla White Plume Moth 1
1546 Gonepteryx rhamni Brimstone 7
1634 Malacosoma neustria Lackey 1
1640 Euthrix potatoria Drinker 12
1652 Thyatira batis Peach Blossom 5
1653 Habrosyne pyritoides Buff Arches 2
1654 Tethea ocularis octogesimea Figure of Eighty 1
1657 Ochropacha duplaris Common Lutestring 2
1657 Ochropacha duplaris Common Lutestring 1
1669 Hemithea aestivaria Common Emerald 2
1674 Jodis lactearia Little Emerald 1
1681 Cyclophora linearia Clay Triple-lines 1
1682 Timandra comae Blood-vein 2
1702 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave 1
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 6
1727 Xanthorhoe montanata Silver-ground Carpet 1
1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata fluctuata Garden Carpet 1
1758 Eulithis pyraliata Barred Straw 1
1759 Ecliptopera silaceata Small Phoenix 2
1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 2
1769 Thera britannica Spruce Carpet 2
1776 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet 3
1784 Melanthia procellata Pretty Chalk Carpet 1
1793 Euphyia biangulata Cloaked Carpet 1
1817 Eupithecia pulchellata Foxglove Pug 1
1860 Pasiphila rectangulata Green Pug 1
1874 Euchoeca nebulata Dingy Shell 2
1877 Hydrelia sylvata Waved Carpet 15
1882 Pterapherapteryx sexalata Small Seraphim 7
1887 Lomaspilis marginata Clouded Border 11
1890 Macaria alternata Sharp-angled Peacock 4
1893 Macaria liturata Tawny-barred Angle 4
1902 Petrophora chlorosata Brown Silver-line 1
1904 Plagodis dolabraria Scorched Wing 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 2
1922 Ourapteryx sambucaria Swallow-tailed Moth 3
1931 Biston betularia Peppered Moth 5
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 2
1940 Deileptenia ribeata Satin Beauty 2
1941 Alcis repandata Mottled Beauty 36
1945 Cleorodes lichenaria Brussels Lace 1
1955 Cabera pusaria Common White Wave 4
1956 Cabera exanthemata Common Wave 2
1958 Lomographa temerata Clouded Silver 2
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 15
1991 Deilephila elpenor Elephant Hawk-moth 3
1999 Stauropus fagi Lobster Moth 6
2008 Ptilodon capucina Coxcomb Prominent 3
2011 Pterostoma palpina Pale Prominent 2
2039 Atolmis rubricollis Red-necked Footman 1
2043 Eilema sororcula Orange Footman 2
2060 Spilosoma lubricipeda White Ermine 1
2061 Spilosoma luteum Buff Ermine 1
2089 Agrotis exclamationis Heart and Dart 1
2098 Axylia putris Flame 2
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 3
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 12
2123 Diarsia rubi Small Square-spot 1
2138 Anaplectoides prasina Green Arches 3
2150 Polia nebulosa Grey Arches 1
2198 Mythimna impura Smoky Wainscot 1
2291 Craniophora ligustri Coronet 3
2305 Euplexia lucipara Small Angle Shades 1
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 1
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 4
2330 Apamea remissa Dusky Brocade 1
2380 Charanyca trigrammica Treble Lines 1
2382 Hoplodrina blanda Rustic 1
2410 Protodeltote pygarga Marbled White Spot 12
2434 Diachrysia chrysitis Burnished Brass 1
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1
2443 Autographa jota Plain Golden Y 6
2450 Abrostola tripartita Spectacle 1
2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 10
2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 6
2489 Zanclognatha tarsipennalis Fan-foot 1

The surprise is the 15 waved Carpets. Pictures to follow I hope

Closworth 10/7/2006
Small chinamark

Closworth 8th July
Small mottled willow
Ebulea crocealis

Closworth 7th July
Blue-bordered carpet

Closworth 3/7/2006
6 Scarlet tiger
Sharp angled carpet
Phoenix

Some tips for beginners

Here are some tips, all from experience, which may help if you are getting started.

• Stuff your trap full with small egg boxes.  The half-dozen size (or similarly cut-down sections from larger trays) are best and easier to handle and inspect one at a time.  Filling your trap also keeps the moths settled and obviously increases capacity.
• Get a net.  See our Links page for equipment suppliers.  A net is an invaluable aid and can been used for catching moths as they attempt to fly off in the morning or those that fly at dusk or about the trap at night.
• On a similar note, do visit your trap at night if you can: and net or pot anything of interest.  You often get some good moths this way that don't appear in the trap in the morning.  This also gives a good 'mothing experience', even if it may just be in your garden!
• Pot's - I tend to use the clear, circular, plastic boxes of 60mm diameter (Watkins and Doncaster product codes E603 and E604).  Anything similar will be great.  Some prefer square plastic boxes or conventional card pill-boxes.  See equipment suppliers on Links for the sort of things that are available.
• If moths are lively and won't stay still for an identification, pop them in the fridge for half and hour (in their pots).  Most moths are quite happy for a long while chilled in this way.
• Don't worry about the confused and difficult species to start with.  Most are fairly common and you will get your 'eye in' in time.
• Checkout the What's on the wing tonight page for moths you may catch.  This is listed in order of the probability that you will catch them.  Familiarise yourself with the top ten or so each week and you will find your recognition skills kick in when they do appear in your trap.

Tried the Robinson 125 last night (ST5715, VC9, Dorset).  I was in and out till 1 am. potting various things - it was a very good night with at least 75 species.  The trap was stuffed in the morning and many got away before they could be counted.

Highlights are the pyralid Phlyctaenia stachydalis which is very similar to the more common P. coronata.  Cypress Carpet - after getting my first the other night, and then another, I had a total of 6 last night.  Four of these were on a wall by the trap this morning.  Dingy Shell is pretty scarce in Somerset with no records from the south west of VC5.

Phlyctaenia stachydalis

Full trap list:

• 0148 Nemophora degeerella 1 †
• 0464 Diamond-back Moth Plutella xylostella 18
• 1033 Green Oak Tortrix Tortrix viridana 1
• 1293 Garden Grass-veneer Chrysoteuchia culmella 50
• 1304 Agriphila straminella 1
• 1305 Agriphila tristella 2
• 1334 Scoparia ambigualis 2
• 1336 Eudonia pallida 5
• 1376 Small Magpie Eurrhypara hortulata 2
• 1384 Phlyctaenia stachydalis 1 †
• 1390 Udea prunalis 2
• 1392 Udea olivalis 2
• 1458 Thistle Ermine Myelois circumvoluta 10
• 1470 Euzophera pinguis 1
• 1513 White Plume Moth Pterophorus pentadactyla 1
• 1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1
• 1546 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni 1
• 1653 Buff Arches Habrosyne pyritoides 2
• 1669 Common Emerald Hemithea aestivaria 2
• 1682 Blood-vein Timandra comae 1
• 1690 Small Blood-vein Scopula imitaria 1
• 1708 Single-dotted Wave Idaea dimidiata 1
• 1713 Riband Wave Idaea aversata 3
• 1713 Riband Wave [non-banded form] Idaea aversata ab. remutata 11
• 1720 Gem Orthonama obstipata 1
• 1738 Common Carpet Epirrhoe alternata 1
• 1754 Phoenix Eulithis prunata 1
• 1758 Barred Straw Eulithis pyraliata 1
• 1771a Cypress Carpet Thera cupressata 6
• 1817 Foxglove Pug Eupithecia pulchellata 1
• 1874 Dingy Shell Euchoeca nebulata 1 †
• 1887 Clouded Border Lomaspilis marginata 3
• 1893 Tawny-barred Angle Macaria liturata 1 †
• 1906 Brimstone Moth Opisthograptis luteolata 2
• 1921 Scalloped Oak Crocallis elinguaria 1
• 1922 Swallow-tailed Moth Ourapteryx sambucaria 1 †
• 1931 Peppered Moth Biston betularia 1
• 1945 Brussels Lace Cleorodes lichenaria 2
• 1976 Privet Hawk-moth Sphinx ligustri 2
• 1980 Eyed Hawk-moth Smerinthus ocellata 1
• 1981 Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi 3
• 1991 Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor 1
• 1994 Buff-tip Phalera bucephala 1
• 1999 Lobster Moth Stauropus fagi 1
• 2050 Common Footman Eilema lurideola 1
• 2058 Cream-spot Tiger Arctia villica 2
• 2061 Buff Ermine Spilosoma luteum 1
• 2077 Short-cloaked Moth Nola cucullatella 3
• 2088 Heart and Club Agrotis clavis 1
• 2089 Heart and Dart Agrotis exclamationis 60
• 2098 Flame Axylia putris 1
• 2102 Flame Shoulder Ochropleura plecta 1
• 2107 Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba 36
• 2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing Noctua comes 1
• 2126 Setaceous Hebrew Character Xestia c-nigrum 22
• 2154 Cabbage Moth Mamestra brassicae 1
• 2155 Dot Moth Melanchra persicariae 1
• 2160 Bright-line Brown-eye Lacanobia oleracea 12
• 2199 Common Wainscot Mythimna pallens 1
• 2289 Knot Grass Acronicta rumicis 1
• 2291 Coronet Craniophora ligustri 3
• 2305 Small Angle Shades Euplexia lucipara 1
• 2321 Dark Arches Apamea monoglypha 26
• 2322 Light Arches Apamea lithoxylaea 1
• 2337 Marbled Minor Oligia strigilis 1
• 2340 Middle-barred Minor Oligia fasciuncula 1
• 2341 Cloaked Minor Mesoligia furuncula 4
• 2342 Rosy Minor Mesoligia literosa 1
• 2343x Common Rustic agg. Mesapamea secalis agg. 3
• 2434 Burnished Brass Diachrysia chrysitis 8
• 2443 Plain Golden Y Autographa jota 1
• 2450 Spectacle Abrostola tripartita 4
• 2473 Beautiful Hook-tip Laspeyria flexula 2
• 2474 Straw Dot Rivula sericealis 4
• 2477 Snout Hypena proboscidalis 11
• 2489 Fan-foot Zanclognatha tarsipennalis 13

383 moths of 75 species.

List includes night-time pottings of note†, trap contents and odd species outside trap in the morning.

Actinic out last night with 26 species.  Highlights are the plume moth Platyptilia pallidactyla, which I'm pretty sure of but will get this determined, and Royal Mantle which is widespread but very thin on the ground in Somerset.  Also, good to see was the Wood Carpet (again fairly uncommon in VC's 5 and 6) and another Cypress Carpet.  Tonight looks like being good so will try again with the Robo in the garden.


? Platyptilia pallidactyla

Full trap list (Actinic 40W, ST5715, VC9, Dorset):

• 0464 Diamond-back Moth Plutella xylostella 5
• 1293 Garden Grass-veneer Chrysoteuchia culmella 4
• 1334 Scoparia ambigualis 1
• 1376 Small Magpie Eurrhypara hortulata 2
• 1504 Platyptilia pallidactyla 1 – to be confirmed
• 1708 Single-dotted Wave Idaea dimidiata 1
• 1728 Garden Carpet Xanthorhoe fluctuata 1
• 1736 Royal Mantle Catarhoe cuculata 1
• 1739 Wood Carpet Epirrhoe rivata 1
• 1771a Cypress Carpet Thera cupressata 1
• 1876 Small Yellow Wave Hydrelia flammeolaria 2 *
• 1937 Willow Beauty Peribatodes rhomboidaria 1
• 1958 Clouded Silver Lomographa temerata 1 *
• 1991 Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor 1
• 1994 Buff-tip Phalera bucephala 2
• 2088 Heart and Club Agrotis clavis 1
• 2089 Heart and Dart Agrotis exclamationis 11
• 2107 Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba 2
• 2126 Setaceous Hebrew Character Xestia c-nigrum 2
• 2160 Bright-line Brown-eye Lacanobia oleracea 2
• 2198 Smoky Wainscot Mythimna impura 1
• 2284 Grey Dagger Acronicta psi 1 determined
• 2321 Dark Arches Apamea monoglypha 3
• 2341 Cloaked Minor Mesoligia furuncula 1
• 2343x Common Rustic agg. Mesapamea secalis agg. 1
• 2434 Burnished Brass Diachrysia chrysitis 1

*indicates found outside the trap

51 moths of 26 species.