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Weston Moths
Nice surprise to see Campion in the garden moth trap. Ypsolopha sequella was also trapped which I think is new for Weston. Interestingly a couple of Saltmarsh flies were also in the trap perhaps from nearby Sand Bay or Uphill; Symplecta stictica and Campiglossa plantaginis.
Campion Pylle, Shepton Mallet
30/7/18 - Fewer still !! Only 13 moths, 6 species, including FFY Codling Moth (2). Early breakfast again. Middlezoy 30/07/18
41 species last night here in Middlezoy, highlights:
Mocha, Purple-bar, Lunar Spotted Pinion, Gold Spot, Magpie, Dog's Tooth, Cloaked Minor, Sharp-angled Peacock, Oak Eggar, Sallow Kitten, Helcystogramma rufescens. Pylle, Shepton Mallet
30/7/18 - Even fewer moths last night, in spite of there being no rain. Just 15 of 10 species, including FFY, a pair of LIme-speck Pugs. Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
One of two escapees from Thursday night's session was an FFG Small Clouded Brindle. Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
Numbers were a bit better last night, with 70 moths of 30 species. FFY were Bryotropha affinis, Maple Pug (2nd record after a three-year gap), The Dun-bar (first for six years and only my second record, coincidentally on the same date!) and Flounced Rustic. I also had my highest Mocha count (5) and a couple of fresh Brimstones. bishops hull garden - night of 26th july
103 moths of 44 species (24 macro, 20 micro).
Jersey Tiger (10), again including one f. lutescens although this individual was of normal size.
By far my largest count of Pyrausta aurata (13).
FFG: Eupocelia angustana. Pylle, Shepton Mallet
26/7/18 - only 20 moths, 13 species, and again, nothing new. Willow Beauties still the most numerous, 6 this time. Otherwise, singletons, apart from 2 Copper UW and 2 Mother of Pearls (or should that be Mothers of Pearl?). Pen Elm, Taunton
A few FFY last night including: Dusky Thorn, Copper Underwing, Magpie, Oak Eggar, Sallow Kitten, Black Arches, Maple Pug, Small Rufous, Spilonota ocellana and one FFG, an Oegoconia species (picture below) but may need dissection to establish its identity.  Confirmed as Oegoconia quadripuncta.
Many thanks to Paul Wilkins for Gen DetPylle, Shepton Mallet
24/7/18 - even quieter than usual last night, with only 15 moths, 10 species. Nothing new, but a second generation Pale Prominent put in an appearance. Small Ranunculus
Last summer, when I was looking for Small Ranunculus larvae, I harvested some Prickly Lettuce seeds and grew them on at home, planting them out last autumn. The plants have done very well indeed, and this evening I find at least 18 Small Ranunculus larvae on them. The nearest populations of the moth are 10 km away, and the nearest of the foodplant - as far as I know - about 4 km away, and there were no larvae there last year. This suggests a very quick ability to find new sites to me - are they genuinely whirring overhead extensively throughout the north of the county, or do they have the means to detect the foodplant at quite some distance?
These larvae are considerably smaller than the ones I found in Frome two days ago, though I suppose this makes sense - Frome is at a much lower altitude and presumably a few degrees warmer. bishops hull garden - night of 23rd July
T Min 15.8°C. 71 moths of 39 species (21 macro, 18 micro).
Eight Jersey Tiger on this occasion including one f. lutescens – this individual being noticeably smaller than the others.
FFG: Bryotropha affinis and Common Wave. Pylle, Shepton Mallet
23/7/18 - still not a lot happening, just 26 moths of 14 species. FFY was a Currant Pug, and FFG a Marbled Beauty. Willow Beauties having a good year, 5 last night. Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock . Saturday 21/07/2018
Here we go again ! 482 moths of 97 species. FFY : Eudonia mercurella (4) ; Oak Hook-tip (1) ; Barred Hook-tip (1) ; White-spotted Pug (2) ; Tawney-speckled Pug (1) ; Dusky Thorn (1) ; Jersey Tiger (2) ; Ear Moth agg (1) and Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (5). Mother of Pearl takes the prize for numbers (58). Holcombe, 22 July 2018
71 moths of 29 species, of which the largest contingent was the pyralid Pyrausta aurata. This moth did not occur here when we moved in six years ago; it is clearly enjoying our plantings of marjoram and thyme. Also better-than-usual numbers of Ruby Tiger, July Highflyer and Mother-of-pearl, and a few rarities here: two Sallow Kittens, a Chinese Character, a Lime-speck Pug, two Catoptria pinella and Anania coronata.
Checking the map, Lime-speck Pug actually appears to be new to the 10km square, though I recorded it within a few yards of the boundary a decade ago. Monochroa palustrellus
Thanks Paul for the information. Your record does not show up on the distribution map for the species on the website for some reason. Might be worth speaking to John Bebbington about it. I also note that there is a nearby record in the Steart area on this map from the Gelechiid recording scheme which also fails to show up on the Somerset Moth Group map: http://www.gelechiid.co.uk/species/monochroa-palustrellus Re Steart Marshes
Hi Simon, Dave Nevitt and I recorded Monochroa palustrellus here on 30th July 2016. You can see our results in the July 2016 section on this blog on the left hand side under "Archives". WWT Steart Marshes 14/7/18
Report from my moth night at WWT Steart Marshes on the 14th of July. In total we recorded 64 species. We trapped with 3 MV traps from 9pm to 12.30am and in this period we recorded 48 species. We left 2 MV traps and 1 Heath trap out overnight and they added a further 16 species to the total.
The main highlight was recording the rare micro Monochroa palustrellus. According to the website there have only been 2 records in Somerset with the most recent being 1986. It does not appear to have been recorded in the Steart area before either. Images below:
Other highlights from the night were:
Cloaked Minor, Ghost, Calamatropha paludella, Sallow Kitten, Garden Tiger, Scorched Carpet, Scarce Footman, True Lovers Knot, Mocha, Southern Wainscot, Bulrush Wainscot, Donacaula forficella, Ear Moth, July Highflyer. bishops hull garden. night of 21st july
81 moths of 36 species (18 macro, 18 micro) including a record-breaking catch of 11 Jersey Tiger (previous highest was eight (on five occasions)).
FFY: Dusky Thorn. Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
Disappointing results last night after recent returns - 43 moths of 25 species. FFY were Monopis obviella and Canary-shouldered Thorn. Ruby Tiger was the most numerous (6). Frome area, 22 July 2018
Small Ranunculus larvae on prickly lettuce, Marston Gate trading estate, almost full grown.
What looked very like Acleris effractana at Witham Friary fish ponds, resting on the foodplant (osier). It looks like it would be new for Somerset; I presume this would need a specimen or photo for the ID, and I have neither. Pylle, Shepton Mallet
21/7/18 - Having had only 16 mothe the previous night, I thought I would try again, but it was only marginally busier last night, with 23 moths of 13 species, including one FFY, a second generation Scorched Carpet.
Also in the trap, an Ichneumon Wasp, two baby Water Boatmen/Backswimmiers, a Cranefly, and some Earwigs. Makes up for the shortage of moths, I suppose. Only need a Hornet or two and some wasps, for a full house. Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
Does anyone have any ideas about the identity of this caterpillar, please? It was about 4cm long.
Pylle, Shepton Mallet
20/7/18 - very small numbers here, which makes for a relaxed morning. Just 16 moths last night, others possibly put off by the more-or-less-unfulfilled promise of rain. (We actually had about 5 mintues' worth in the end). 6 Dingy Footmen, and 10 singletons. No FFYs, but a very nicely marked Copper Underwing made it more interesting. Weston Moths
Marsh Oblique-barred trapped in my garden Milton, Weston-s-Mare last night, the second in Weston this month following the one trapped by David Agassiz. Dave Nevitt and I trapped one at Stock Hill on 18th August 2015 my only other record for the region.
Marsh Oblique-barred Friday 20th Cocklake
Still big numbers here. 54 Macros FFG Dusky sallow. Dingy footman(29),Straw dot(40+), Rustic egg(14) and Flame shoulder dominated. Amongst others scorched carpet, Mocha, Small phoenix, Dark sword grass, Gold spot, Lesser BBYU, Early,Purple and Canary shouldered thorn, Drinker and Scalloped oak. Just one Large YU!
So far 19 micro spp from 87. FFG Ypsolotha scabrella, Acleris laterana and an orange and black micro micro which looks suspiciously like a Chrysoclista and still another dozen to sort out. Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
No trapping in the last week since I've been away but was pleased to flush an FFY Jersey Tiger in the garden on my return yesterday. It was my earliest record of this species by 4 days. Weston Moths
Hoary Footman in the garden trap this morning. This is the second of this species in Weston this month following one last week in David Gibbs garden. Worth keeping an eye out. Four-spotted Footman on 12th July is the only other highlight from my trap so far this month.
Hoary Footman (inset showing the aedeagus) Tree House Butleigh
Another good night, 60 macro and 25 micro spp. by far the commonest- Common Rustic agg, >50. FFYs, Dusky and Canary-shouldered Thorn, Small Rivulet, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Least Yellow Underwing, Shaded Broad-bar, Jersey Tiger, Peach Blossom, Drinker and a FFG Small Rufous. Where are all the Large YUWs? Pylle, Shepton Mallet
18/7/18 - another quiet night here, with 27 moths of 16 species including 3 FFYs, Scalloped Oak, Single-dotted Wave and Chocolate Tip. A slight surprise was to find 4 Willow Beauties, which usually come in 1s or 2s. Hodderscombe Lodge garden
Just 55 moths of 32 species last night including one male Four - spotted Footman and a Drinker compared with the previous night with 260 moths of 61 species . They included 11 male Four -spotted Footman , 48 Common Footman , 16 Dingy Footman and 12 Rosy Footman. Also a Pale Prominent and a Coxcomb Prominent plus one Poplar Hawkmoth , a Small Yellow Wave and 6 Nut Tree Tussock . Saturday night , the 14 th , saw my first September Thorn . Testerday I had 3 Clouded Border all with slightly different markings . Pylle, Shepton Mallet
16/7/18 - yes, Tim, very quiet here on the edge of the Mendips. Just 24 moths of 15 species last night, but quite varied, including 3 FFYs - Oak Eggar, Small Waved Umber and Copper Underwing, plus one FFG, a Dwarf Cream Wave. Buff Ermine (5), and Common Rustic agg., (6) were the most numerous, all the others were singles.
Admittedly, I'm still only using the Actinic trap, which accounts for the small numbers. I have to decide whether to fire up the MV trap and get lots more moths, or enjoy life in the slow lane. We'll see. Kestrels Rise, Little Quantock Friday 13 June
Did someone say it's been a little quieter the last couple of days? 476 moths of exactly 100 species including one as yet unidentified micro. FFG were Euzophera pinguis (2) and Clouded Magpie (1). FFY : Marbled Orchard Tortrix (1) ; Cydia splendana (1) ; Agriphila tristella (1) ; A.straminella (3) ; A.geniculae (1) ; Drinker (1) ; Mocha (1) ; September Thorn (4) ; Scalloped Oak (1) ; Square Spot (3) ; Black Arches (5) ; Yellow Tail (1) ; Ruby Tiger (2) ; Garden Tiger (1) ; Four-spotted Footman (2 males) ; Dingy Footman (3) ; Dun-bar (1) and Lesser Yellow Underwing. Most numerous by far was Common Footman (81). Where have all the Large Yellow Underwings gone? , not a single one in the traps. Pylle, Shepton Mallet
14/7/18 - far fewer moths last night, just 35 of 19 species. Only one FFY, a Lesser Broad-bordered YU. Makes for a restful morning, more time to read the paper !! Middlezoy 13/7/18
Slightly less species last night, 45 in total. Highlights:
Tissue, Common Wave, Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, Ruby Tiger, Dusky Sallow, Diamond-back, Magpie, Small Phoenix, Pebble Hook-tip, Acleris forsskaleana. Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
A bit quieter last night, with 160 moths of 49 species. FFY were Spindle Ermine, Crassa unitella, Eudonia mercurella (2), Small Yellow Wave and Ruby Tiger (2). Pylle, Shepton Mallet
12/7/18 - similar results last night to the last few trappings - 73 moths of 41 species, including just 3 FFYs, Ruby Tiger, Lesser YU, and Euzophera pinguis. Nothing exceptional.
Whilst walking my dog in Great Breach Wood (near Butleigh, if you aren't familiar with it) yesterday, I saw a Cream-spot Tiger, and several Burnet Moths, whether 5- or 6-spot I can't say, as they were much too quick, and refused to settle. Also a number of Silver-washed Fritillaries nectaring on bramble flowers. 12th July West Sedgemoor
Footmen were a definite theme with about 96 Common, 17 Dingy, 13 Four-spotted (8 male, 5 female), 8 Rosy and 5 Muslin. New moths for me were a lovely fresh Mocha, a Slender Brindle and 2 September Thorns. The best micros so far are a couple of Yponomeuta plumbella. About 75 species for the night so far with quite a few, mainly micros, still to go through.
From last Sunday we also had a Fern. Norton sub Hamdon
A White lined Snout was a first for my garden and the 400th macro recorded here since 2003. It appears to be the first record for our square and doesn't look to have been seen in any adjacent squares either. This is a species I thought I could well overlook as it is only micro sized but looked so much like a snout it was hard to ignore. Robin Clatworthy tells me it can be found in 'swarns' at Shapwick! Other moths amongst the 71 species included Lunar spotted Pinion, Double Lobed, True Lover's Knot and Small Dotted Buff. I am recording good numbers of slightly more unusual moths this year but am struggling to get good numbers of the usually common moths. Heart and Dart peaked in the 40s rather than the usual 3 figures and Dark Arches have only reached the low 20s. Common Footman is the exception with 60+ for the last 2 trappings. Tree House Butleigh
Another good hawl in the garden last night, 89 macros and 34 micro spp. First for here a Scarce Silver Lines and Limnaecia phragmitella. Amongst the FFY, Mocha, Miller, Black Arches, Rosy Footman, Dunbar, Marbled Green, Small Scallop, Ruby Tiger, July Highflier, Small White Wave and amongst themicros -Acleris umbrana, Aethes rubigana, Acrobasis advenella, Oncocera semirubella, Phtheochroa inopiana, Catoptria pinella. Also Orange-tailed Clearwing to VES lure by day.
Red-tipped Clearwing found in Taunton
A Red-tipped Clearwing was found by Leanne Butt in Taunton on the 6th of July. It flew into the Somerset Environmental Records Centre office and she was quick enough to pot it up and ID it. From examining the records on the website it appears it was last recorded in Somerset in 2011. A brilliant record and a stunning species to find. Bishops hull garden - night of 10th july
FFG: Small Clouded Brindle.
FFY: Common Rustic agg. and only my second Lobesia abscisana, the first being on 18.8.2012. Wellington 11/07/2018
When I came to open the trap this morning there was a male Blackbird inside the trap! Fortunately, I still had 283 moths of 63 species! Highlights were: Dun-bar (3), Common Footman (6), Lychnis, Swallow-tailed Moth (2), Scalloped Oak (4), Smoky Wainscot (5), Pyrausta purpuralis (3), Elephant Hawk-moth (4), Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (4), Early Thorn (4), Rosy Footman, Scorched Carpet (2), Coronet, Buff Ermine (6), Mother of Pearl (7), V-Pug (2), Caloptilia elongella, Bird-cherry Ermine (5), Apple Ermine (3), Hypsopygia glaucinalis, Purple Thorn, Horse-chestnut Leaf Miner, Pammene aurita, Nut-tree Tussock, True Lover's Knot, Dingy Footman, Barred Straw, Mocha, Dwarf Cream Wave, and Red-barred Tortrix. Pylle, Shepton Mallet
10/7/18 - a busy and interesting night, with 75 moths of 34 speces, including 5 FFYs - Rusric (4), Mocha, Dingy Footman (Pale form stramineola), Engrailed agg., and Dun-bar, plus 3 FFGs - Nut-tree Tussock, Bird-cherry Ermine and Small Phoenix. Moth event at WWT Steart Marshes on Saturday 14th July
This coming Saturday 14th July I am running a moth night at WWT Steart Marshes for WWT. There will be a night time session on the Saturday night starting at 9pm and then a Sunday morning session starting at 10am. Full details here: https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/steart-marshes/events/2018/07/14/moth-id-workshop/
It would be great if any of you could come along. Thanks! Middlezoy 10/07/18
Another good night here in Middlezoy with 59 species. Highlights were:
Lunar-spotted Pinion, Calamatropha paludella, Light Arches, Dog's Tooth, Cabbage, Drinker, Bordered Beauty, Mocha, Olive, Nut-tree Tussock. Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
Rounding up Sunday night strays yesterday evening produced a further two species, bringing the tally to 71. A Scalloped Shell was FFY (first for three years and only my fourth record). I'm now resting for a few days|! Pen Elm, Taunton
Almost too hot to count, write and think so I just recorded anything new or unusual: Four-spotted Footman, Scarlet Tiger, Plain Pug (2), Narrow-winged Pug, Pine Carpet, Bordered Beauty, Mocha, Purple Thorn, Marbled White Spot, Lobesia abscisana, Yponomeuta plumbella.  1108 Lobesia abscisana Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
Last night produced the best catch of the year so far- 236 moths of 69 species. FFG was Apotomis betuletana and FFY were Honeysuckle Moth, Blastobasis adustella, Acleris forsskaleana, Bud Moth, Twenty-plume Moth, Agriphila straminella, Eudonia truncicolella (2), Hypsopygia glaucinalis, Acrobasis advenella, The Mocha, Small Phoenix , July Highflyer (2), Light Emerald, Black Arches, Dingy Footman (3) and Oak Nycteoline. Highest in number were Chrysoteuchia culmella (12), Eudonia lacustrata (25, my highest total), Riband Wave (12), Elephant Hawk Moth (9), Common Footman (23) and Heart and Dart (13). Pylle,Shepton Mallet
8/7/18 - just 43 moths of 23 species, including 2 FFYs, Dingy Footman (3), and Peppered Moth, and 2 FFGs, a Mallow and a Broad-bordered YU.
Seeing the large numbers caught elsewhere, I'm not altogether happily looking forward to getting the MV trap going again - looks like hard work sorting and recording, especially in this weather - 'tiz too 'ot fer I. 7th July at West Sedgemoor
My RSPB colleague Helen set and sorted the trap this time. I was very impressed with the 7 Four-spotted Footman ( 6 male, 1 female) and a Lappet, species new to me. Also a Sharp-angled Peacock, a Sycamore and a Pammene aurita. A couple of macros still to check out. Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock Friday 06 July
406 moths of 97 species. FFG : Small Golden Rod Plume - As there has only been one previous recent record this will need verification. Also FFG : Scallop Shell, Phoenix and Satin Beauty (2). There were a further 15 FFY : Bird Cherry and Spindled Ermines ; Prays ruficeps (1) ; Carcina Quercana (1) ; Gold Triangle (1) ; Hypsopygia glaucinalis (3) ; Endotricha flammealis (1) ; Pyrausta purpuralis (1) ; Common Lutestring (1) ; Small Dusty Wave (1) ; Single-dotted Wave (1) ; Small Fan-footed Wave (1) ; Rosy Footman (1) ; Buff Footman (1). Pylle,Shepton Mallet
6/7/18 - still low numbers until I get the MV trap going again (next week?) Just 46 moths, 19 species, including 3 FFYs, Common Emerald., Vine's Rustic, and Swallow-tailed Moth. This last "vanished" against a cream-coloured wall, and took me quite a while to see it. Perfect camouflage. bishops hull garden - night of 6th july
FFG: Variegated Golden Tortrix.
FFY Jersey Tiger (my earliest record, the previous being 10.7.2014) and Black Arches. Hodderscombe Lodge garden
An excellent night's trapping with over 375 moths of 82 species and they were the macros . The last couple of weeks have been good too but I run out of time to post findings - sorry ! Last nights FFYs were Gothic , V - Pug , Miller , Dingy Footman , Buff Footman ( 9 ) , Scarce Footman , Pebble Prominent , Heart and Club , Yellowtail ( 4 ) , BBYU and Scarlet Tiger ( 2 ) .One FFG a Pretty Chalk Carpet . Also had a Privet Hawkmoth , a Poplar Hawkmoth and 5 Elephant Hawkmoth . Best numbers were 29 Coronet , 29 Fan foot , 27 Buff Arches . Best species of micro were 17 Mother of Pearl , 6 Udea Olivalis and 4 Small Magpie . On 28 .06 .18 had a Ruddy Carpet FFG . Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock Catching up
A couple of interesting micros trapped on 26/06 and kindly identified by Paul Wilkins. Ancylis mitterbacheriana (1) ;Grapholita janthinana (1) also Acrobasis advenella (1). A Hummingbird Hawk Moth was in the garden on 29/06 I also trapped ( just the actinic ) on 30/06 and I seem to have forgotten to post the highlights - early dementia? so here goes. 244 moths of 72 species. FFG Morophaga choragella (1) FFY : Diamond-back Moth (1) ; Red-barred Tortrix (1) ; Celypha striana (1) ; Ghost Moth (1 female) ; Clay triple-lines (1) ; Scorched Carpet (1) ; Tawney-barred Angle (2) ; Swallow-tailed Moth (1) ; Grey Arches (1) ; Dot Moth (1). Also a possible Yarrow Plume and Hedya ochroleucana subject to confirmation. Shipham 29th and 30th June
A rare visit to the county to see my parents in Shipham last weekend, and apologies for the late posting. The garden trap was very busy with 93 and 100 species recorded on the respective nights. Highlight was perhaps Ectoedemia decentella, which from the Mothscount website may be new for VC6? Other new moths to me were Marasmarcha lunaedactyla and Small Emerald. During the day I tried a few pheromones and was successful with an Orange-tailed Clearwing in the garden. With no sign of Red-belted Clearwing I took the lure down to the Thatchers Cider orchards at Sandford and seven came in over two hours. Marsh oblique-barred
I was surprised to find a specimen of Hypenodes humidalis in my trap this morning. The last specimen from Weston was in 1957! Norton sub Hamdon
2 Kent Black Arches were in the trap this morning. I recorded this moth last year for the first time and these two look as if they are in pristine condition. I assume that they are local breeders rather than migrants which only consisted of 3 Silver Ys and a Dark Sword Grass. A Currant Clearwing was found in the conservatory to add to the years total for macros which now stands at 214. The 200th species was recorded on 1st July which was a day later than last year but 17 days earlier than the average. Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
Another good catch, with 156 moths of 52 species. FFY were Bird-cherry Ermine, Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix, Isotrias rectifasciana (2nd record), Small Fan-footed Wave (4), Scalloped Oak, Common Rustic agg. and Burnished Brass. Highest numbers at the moment are Riband Wave (11), Common Footman (27), Buff Ermine (10), Heart & Dart (12) and The Uncertain (15). Pylle,Shepton Mallet
4/7/18 - A reasonable catch last night, 56 moths of 27 species, with one UFO to be decided on. 8 FFYs were Coronet (3) incl.one dark f. coronula, Pale Mottled Willow, Rosy Footman, Muslin Footman, Marbled Green, Celypha striana, Apple Ermine and Epiblema foenella. Pen Elm, Taunton
73 species including 30 micros of which two were new for the garden - Limnaecia phragmitella and Teleiodes vulgella (thanks again to James McGill for confirmation). A few more firsts for 2018 included: Lime-speck Pug, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, July Highflyer, Scoparia basistrigalis (2), Eudonia delunella, Dichrorampha alpinana, Catoptria falsella and Gold Triangle. Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
After the recent large numbers, I've had a break from trapping but did manage to find a couple of micros in the front porch on Monday (2nd). They were FFG Tinea semifulvella and FFY Bee Moth. Norton sub Hamdon
Easily the best night of the year so far but yet to add up the totals. Moths include a Delicate, Dark Umber and an early Mouse Moth and an even earlier Square Spot Rustic. netherclay lnr - night of 2nd july
I trapped at Netherclay LNR last night but only lasted two hours before I had to pack up. The caddisflies were just about manageable but what wasn’t was the hordes of small beetles(?) which completely covered the bottom of the trap and egg trays in a writhing black mass. They also got into my ears up my nose and various other places that I won’t mention here! All things considered 161 moths of 58 species (47 macro, 11 micro) wasn’t a bad haul - Dwarf Cream Wave, Scarlet Tiger and Small Clouded Brindle were additions to the site list. Pylle, Shepton Mallet
2/7/18 - A bit breezy, so numbers back down -- 48 moths, of 24 species, and only one FFY, a Mother-of-Pearl. Otherwise, same old same old. Middlezoy 02/07/18
60 species in the trap this morning in Middlezoy. Highlights were:
33 Common Footman, 7 Swallowtail, 20 Elephant Hawkmoth!
Buff-tip, Muslin Footman, Gold Triangle, Scalloped Oak, Buff Arches, Early Thorn, Lackey, Dingy Footman, Small Emerald, Beautiful Hook-tip, Carcina quercana, Clay, Phoenix, Common Emerald, Small Blood-vein, Clouded border, Dusky Sallow, July Highflyer, Dog's Tooth, Barred Straw, Rustic Shoulder-knot, Buff Footman, Acleris cristana, Aethes rubigana, Acrobasis advenella. Netherclay lnr 2nd july
Orange-tailed Clearwing to VES lure at Netherclay this afternoon. Photo not up to Sue's standards I'm afraid!
Saturday June 30th - Pen Elm, Taunton
Apologies for being a day late but with 97 species (31 micros) on Saturday night and work commitments I find it difficult to process everything in one day. Two NFG were Lunar-spotted Pinion (2) and Crescent Plume, Marasmarcha lunaedactyla, thanks to James McGill again for confirmation. 23 FFY including: Phoenix, Buff Arches, Oak Nycteoline, Buff, Rosy and Muslin Footman, Heart and Club (suddenly scarce here for the last 2 years), Dun-bar, Haworth's Pug, Yarrow Plume, Eucosma hohenwartiana, Borkhausenia fuscescens, Pammene fasciana (2), Endotricha flammealis, Phlyctaenia coronata, Pempelia formosa (2) and Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix Pandemis heparana.  Marasmarcha lunaedactyla Langmaid's Yellow Underwing
I had a good candidate for Noctua janthina in my trap in Weston last night. It is not easy to distinguish, especially since the important characters are on the hindwing and the underside of the forewing. This early in the year it is a distinct possibility but I cannot claim certainty quite yet. 1st July West Sedgemoor/Swell Wood
Very good trapping last night with 64 species so far. Personal highlights were a Cypress Carpet and a Muslin Footman, both firsts. Common Footman was the commonest macro with 23. Also of interest 8 Swallow-tailed, 6 Coronets incl 1 of form coronula, 1 Black Arches, 7 Catoptria falsella, 9 Lackey, 1 Barred Yellow, 1 Leopard, 1 Brussels Lace and 1 Double Lobed.
From last week I think I have a Blastobasis lacticolella, which I presume is turning up in the county nowadays. bishops hull - night of 30th june
169 moths of 52 species (27 macro, 25 micro). FFG: Dichomeris marginella (Juniper Webber) and Borkhausenia fuscescens. FFY: Common Footman. Photos from Friday night
Thought you might appreciate seeing a couple of photos of two species caught on Friday night here in Middlezoy.
European Corn Borer
Scallop Shell
Pylle, Shepton Mallet
30/6/18 - A much busier night, with 89 moths of 32 species, including FFYs Magpie Moth and Small Fan-footed Wave (3), plus FFGs Blackneck and Scoparia ancipitella. Most numerous were C.culmella (19), Uncertain (10) and Smoky Wainscot (12). Compared with the number of C.culmella, I seem to be getting very few C.perlella (only one last night). Usually I would expect them to be roughly equally numerous - time will tell. Tree House Butleigh
Orange-tail Clearwing to VES lure in garden yesterday afternoon, one of 5 flitting around. No Wayfarer or Guelder Rose near. Another CW made a brief appearance, snapped blindly! Thanks to JB for confirming Yellow-legged Clearwing. There is a very old large Oak stump about 10m away.
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