Mothing in Weston woods with a 6W actinic during January and February has produced most of the expected moths for this time of year. Highlights were Spring Usher on 16th and 24th February and a Dotted Chestnut on 22nd February. The garden trap has been productive despite having to swap over to a blacklight with Winter Moth on 23rd Jan, 2 Dark Chestnut earlier in the month and an Early Moth this morning.

Whitefield, Wiveliscombe - Thursday 25 Feb

Nothing in the trap but at last two spring moths at an actinic light in a window - Dotted Border and also a Pale Brindled Beauty. We only get two or three of these a year and I had forgotten how smart they are with pink rings on the abdomen.

Yet another blank with the trap despite a far milder night. One Light Brown Apple Moth in the greenhouse.

No luck with the trap outside recently, but caught a Herald in my bedroom this evening.

Tried my new actinic light on a very cold, windy night. Didn't really expect to get much and true to form only had one moth. However it was a new species for the garden, a Dark Chestnut.

The Garden Moth Scheme is hoping to recruit more members in the South-west.

If anyone is interested in participating in the scheme this year please contact me initially (john.bebbingtonfrps@ukonline.co.uk) and I'll put you in touch with the regional organiser.

It's not a heavy commitment - one trapping per week, usually on a Friday night, recording min temp as well as moths. Good newsletters and detailed regional and national feedback. The scheme starts on 5th March.

Whitefield, Wiveliscombe

At actinic light in a window our first moth for the New Year the appropriately named Early Moth together with a Satellite, a Winter Moth and a Chestnut.

5 Feb 2010 Whitefield, Wiveliscombe - Min Temp 5 degrees

Nothing in the trap but a Mottled Umber attracted to a window by an actinic light.

Remains of one Hebrew Character by the trap this morning - the Robin beat me to it!

The Mendip Hills AONB have sent me a booking form for their Annual Historic Environment Day which will take place on Saturday 27th February.

In case anyone is interested, details and booking form can be found on their website via the following link: http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/show_event.php?id=600 

Ray Barnett tells me that there are a few places left for SMG - provisional programme below. He can be contacted at Ray.Barnett@bristol.gov.uk

BRITISH ENTOMOLOGICAL & NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
REGIONAL MEETING AT BRISTOL’S CITY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

Studying moths: Sunday 7th February 2010

10.30 onwards: arrival and coffee
Location: Activities Room, 1st floor balcony
11.00 Introduction and welcome: Brian Elliott (President, BENHS) and Ray Barnett (Collections Manager, Bristol’s Museums, Galleries & Archives)
11.10 Moth recording in Gloucestershire: Roger Gaunt (Glos. Moth Recorder)
11.40 Moth recording in Somerset: John Bebbington (Somerset Moth Group)
12.10 The history of the Moth Atlas: Mike Bailey (Bristol & District Moth Group)
12.45 Lunch in the Museum Café or other local establishments
14.00 The peculiar habits of some African micro-leps: David Agassiz
14.45 Update on ‘Moths Count’ and the National Moths Recording Scheme: Les Hill (Butterfly Conservation)
15.15 Tour of the Lepidoptera collections held in Bristol’s City Museum & Art Gallery: Ray Barnett /Mark Pajak
16.00 Meeting closes

Have not been putting the trap out because of cold weather. Had one Winter Moth in January but tonight found a Satellite moth on the lit conservatory window.