I've just determined a moth trapped in Sand Bay on 12th August as a male Scrobipalpa obsoletella.

There I was, reading the paper, when a moth landed on my arm. It was one I didn't immediately recognise.  Checking the books etc., it turns out to be a Grey Chi.  I have recorded this species here before, in 2001 (admittedly I wasn't living here from 2005 to 2017, but even so, it was a pleasant surprise sighting.  This moth appears to be widespread, if not common, in the Mendip area, but seldom elsewhere in the County.

On Saturday night, I caught 189 moths of 38 species. Highlights; Maiden's Blush, Light Emerald, Orange Swift (2), Angle Shades, Cypress Pug, and Chequered Fruit-tree Tortrix.

I ran a trap with six adults and two children in attendance until 00:45h this morning.

115 moths of 30 species wasn't too bad considering the weather conditons.

Macros (22 species) incl.: Red Twin-spot Carpet, Green Carpet, Yellow Shell, Burnished Brass, Light Emerald, Small Dusty Wave, Silver Y (15) etc.

Micros (eight species): Scrobipalpa costella, Blastobasis lacticolella, Epiphyas postvittana, Acleris rhombana, Pyrausta despicata, Udea ferrugalis, Eudonia angustea & Agriphila geniculea.

Last minute decision to put the trap out. Cool with temperature dropping to 8 degrees. Trapped until 23.30hrs. 24 moths of 12 species. NFY were Red Underwing and Dark Sword-grass.

29/8/20 - chilly and 3/4 moon - not conducive to lots of moths, so not surpised by lowish numbers, Just 87 moths, and only 16 species, with no FFYs (or Micros).  Most of the total was comprised of Large YU (21), Setaceous HC (25), and Square-spot Rustic (16).

Trapping in my garden on 26th August. 127 moths of 26 species.  Most numerous were Square-spot Rustic and LY Underwing.  As usual, and reflecting the many many apple trees around here, a few Lyonetia clerkella although they have been much more numerous earlier in the month.  Also of note, a couple each of Pale Mottled Willow, Orange Swift and Least Yellow Underwing and an immigrant Palpita vitrealis.

Not good numbers this summer at all for me in Holford , though last Sunday night saw a Clifden Nonpareil ( 3rd year running now .) Last night first trapping of an Autumn moth , one Frosted Orange . It was one of only 16 moths of 8 species .

I put my traps out for a second night in a row after reading about the Delicates at Portland and hoping one would come my way. No Delicates but compensation with a Convolvulus Hawk Moth, my 9th in 20 years. This was my first first for the year in 2 weeks and over 1200 moths.

A quiet night last night with 47 moths of 15 species but there was compensation in the form of FFG Clifden Nonpareil on the wall of the house near the trap. I had long hoped for this species!

26/8/20 - An average night for numbers (95), but poor for species (20).  The main reason for low species numbers was goodly numbers of Large YU (31), Common Wainscot (15), and Setaceous Hebrew Characters (19).  FFY were Angle Shades (2).  Also in the trap one Sexton Beetle (Necrphorus humator, with its lovely red-tipped antennae), a single Common Wasp and 3 Ichneumon wasps

44 species for last night which looked like it is going to be the better night for a few days. FFY were Red underwing(2) Dark sword grass(3) and Palpita vitrealis.

14 Angle shades which is more than I normally see over a couple of years. Also Silver Y(12) Canary shouldered thorn (2) Burnished brass(3) L-album wainscot (3) Rusty dot pearl, Plutella porrectella and Dichrorampha acumitana

With little or no rain forecast I set two traps out in the teeth of the gale hoping for a few migrants. The wind abated by the time I brought the traps in but the only migrant action was 22 Silver Y's. 145 moths of 34 speciies were recorded - only a Turnip Moth and Angle Shades (9 - a record here) were FFY.

I also braved the weather last night only because I had an experienced mother from the Chilterns staying. I set two traps and as it was already raining here I put one under a parasol and one in a shed with the door open, never tried that before.

The parasol trap had 183 moths 35 species with FFY Beautiful plume.

The shed trap 115 moths 36 species 1 FFY was Cabbage. But the shed takes the prize as there was also a FFG -Clifden nonpareil. It was clearly meant to be.

I also had Lyonetia clerkella. A few migrants -Udea ferrugalis(3), Silver Y(5). Others Gold spot, Bullrush wainscot, Epoecelia angustana, Copper underwing.

The night started with pretty good conditions, so I put the trap out hoping Francis wouldn't arrive early...it did. A rescue bid at 4 am produced only 37 species, mostly LYUW, Common Wainscot Flounced Rustic and Vines Rustic, plus second gen Burnished Brass, Mocha and Oak Hook-tip. Amongst the micros a garden first the minute adult Lyonetia clerkella.The only migrant a single Udea ferrugalis. Still Jersey Tigers in the garden most days.

I trapped all night last night but the rain in the early hours probably affected numbers. I had 63 moths of 25 species. FFY were Lime-speck Pug (almost a year to the day since my first record last year) and Small Square Spot. Also of interest was a pristine Heart and Dart. Most numerous species was Large Yellow Underwing (17).

Trapped until 23.30hrs 56 moths of 23 species. NFY was a Palpita vitrealis Most numerous were 16 Large Yellow Underwings

30 Jersey Tigers on 18.8.2020, dropped to 5 on 20.8.2020 and none last night!

Sorry for the belated posting - I caught a Cliff Plume moth on the night of Aug 7th in a light trap in my garden in Yeovil. I was unfamiliar with the species but as it had a very unusual resting posture, with wings held angled forward in a 'V', it was clearly identifiable as either Cliff Plume or Saltmarsh Plume - both unlikely candidates for a garden in Yeovil!  As I had no relevant habitat or foodplant information to aid the ID I sent it to Paul Wilkins to be determined. He was able to identify it as a male Cliff Plume, for which, Paul says there is a previous Somerset record from Steep Holm on 26th July 1960! It was a very warm and still night so I imagine it was a good night for wandering inland, perhaps from the south coast. Thanks to Paul for identifying this moth.

Jeannie Finlay sent me a photo of a female Convolvulus Hawk-moth found in her Curry Rivel garden on Friday Morning.

James McGill sent me this picture of a Clifden Nonpareil found on the wall adjacent to his trap yesterday morning. His second record, the first was in 2015.

Single Palpita vitrealis potted off a garden buddleia last night. Two traps more disappointing in the morning - just a couple of Silver Y on the migrant front. Tawny-Barred Angle and Old Lady were new for the garden though, as were Maple Prominent and Mouse Moth on the preceding two nights.

I ran two traps in until 01:00h this morning. 288 moths of a rather disappointing 56 species; the clear skies and breezy conditions probably didn’t help

Micro (16 sp.) incl.: Eudemis profundana & Lathronympha strigana.

Macro (40 sp.) incl.: Oak Hook-tip, Pebble Hook-tip, Drinker, July Highflyer, Small Phoenix, Devon Carpet, Small Rivulet, Copper Underwing, Small Wainscot, Dun-bar, Small Square-spot, Square-spot Rustic & Six-striped Rustic

Trapped for two hours 18.8.2020 93 moths of 25 species. NFY were Pyrausta despicata, Sharp-angled Peacock and Old Lady.

Most numerous were Jersey Tigers (30).

Friday night's trap yielded 150 moths of 55 species. FFY were Pebble Hook-tip, Tawny-speckled Pug, September Thorn, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Square-spot Rustic (2) and Rosy Rustic a distinctly autumnal feel!  Five Silver Y may have been an influx.

I've been looking at how this year's figures for some common species compare with previous years:

Marbled Green - 31 this year, highest ever (previously 24 in 2013);

Iron Prominent - 7 this year, again highest ever;

Jersey Tiger - 24 this year, highest ever (previous was 14 in 2016);

Large Yellow Underwing - numbers remain low, only 22 this month so far, in some years has been 200 + for all of August.

Last trapping of this visit before heading home again, 932 moths of 107 species, most numerous LBBYU with 152. Palpita vitrealis the undoubted highlight but also good were Ypsolopha scabrella, Donacaula forficella, Four-spotted Footman and Pale Mottled Willow.

Perfect weather conditions brought a bumper catch of typical August moths. 631 Macros of 58 different species with hundreds of Apple/Orchard Ermines. Most numerous was Common Wainscot(76), Lesser BBYUW, (75), Large YU (71), Flame Shoulder(55) and Vines Rustic(55).
Migrants were 5 each of Dark Sword Grass and Silver Y along with a Vestal whilst the most obvious presence was of 21 Jersey Tigers, 3 times my previous highest count.
The only first for the year was Tawny Barred Angle whilst 2 Tawny Speckled Pugs was the first occasion I had recorded this pretty moth as anything other than a singleton.

Trapped until 2330hrs 11.8.2020 96 moths of 29 species. NFY were Oak Eggar and a female Four-spotted Footman

Trapped until 2345hrs 14.8.2020 125 moths of 44 species. NFG was an Agonopterix alstromeriana NFY were White-shouldered House Moth, Rush Veneer, Phycita roborella, Tawny-barred Angle, Rosy Rustic and Pinion-streaked Snout.

14/8/20 - no trapping for a week (too blinkin' 'ot !!) and although warm and muggy, an average catch last night, 92 moths of 35 species.  I do honestly prefer relatively small catches, far less hassle !! 

There were 6 FFYs included - Rosy Rustic, Dusky Thorn and Agriphila tristella, and migrants Four-spotted Footman (male), Diamond-back Moth and Vestal.  Curious that apart from a couple of Silver Ys, which may be home-grown, these are the first migrants this year, so to get three in one night was a bit of a (welcome) surprise.  Lots of shield bugs too, and a few small shiny black beetles added to the variety.

Roger Harris had the above species in Whitestaunton, South Somerset, last night. See https://twitter.com/Chardbirder/status/1294270239308500994.

2 Palpita vitrealis, 11 Silver Y and 2 Crocidosema plebejana in the garden trap last night. On 12th August a female Ectoedemia louisella trapped. At the beginning of this month I found the exuviae of Lunar Hornet Moth in the garden at the base of a self seeded Salix. The tree isn't that old so it would appear they can utilise trees upwards of 5-6 years old. My only other moth of note was a Nemapogon clematella netted by day at Walton Common.

Lunar Hornet Moth exuviae

Nemapogon clematella

Back to garden trapping, 1,018 moths of 105 species but 40% of these were Water Veneer. Despite good diversity again there wasn't much of great note among them. An influx of Pyrausta with aurata (8), despicata (3) and purpuralis (1) and 31 Silver Y the only evidence of possible dispersal/migration. Best of the rest Caloptilia robustella, Phyllonorycter maestingella, Bryotropha similis, Teleiopsis diffinis, Elachista canapennella, Cochylis molliculana, Epinotia tedella, Leopard Moth, Barred Hook-tip, Angle-barred Pug, Gold Spot, Knot Grass, Rosy Minor, Cloaked Minor and Nutmeg.

Another all nighter with Dave Nevitt with six traps between us. Again a full combined list not yet complete but at least 175 species recorded. The absolute highlight was two Aplota palpellus, possibly a new species for Somerset? Other interesting species included Coptotriche marginea, Bucculatrix ulmella, Euspilapteryx auroguttella, Parornix scoticella, Phyllonorycter harrisella, Phyllonorycter lautella, Phyllonorycter nicellii, Yponomeuta plumbella, Ypsolopha scabrella, Agonopterix liturosa, Anacampsis blattariella, Brachmia blandella, Eulamprotes atrella, Psoricoptera gibbosella, Adaina microdactyla, Ptycholomoides aeriferana, Cochylis molliculana, Spilonota laricana, Clavigesta purdeyi, Nephopterix angustella, Acrobasis consociella, Assara terebrella, Scoparia basistrigalis, Barred Hook-tip, Clay Triple-lines, Beech-green Carpet, Pretty Chalk Carpet, Barred Rivulet, Vapourer and Lesser-spotted Pinion.

I trapped all night with Dave Nevitt, Paul Chapham and, for a while, Rich Andrews. We ran eight traps and I recorded 149 species, there will be a few more than this once a combined list is finished. Highlights included Orthotelia sparganella, Anacampsis populella, Aristotelia ericinella, Epinotia trigonella, Calamotropha paludella, Donacaula forficella, Vestal (3), Chevron, Dingy Shell, Oak Processionary, Round-winged Muslin, Four-spotted Footman, Old Lady, Brown-veined Wainscot, Double Kidney, Olive, Dog's Tooth, Pearly Underwing, Dotted Clay and Cream-bordered Green Pea.

Playing catch up after four consecutive busy mothing nights visiting family. The first night garden trapping started brilliantly with a worn Antigastra catalaunalis potted up before turning in for the night. A total of 683 moths of 114 species in the end with other highlights including Tinea trinotella, Yponomeuta rorrella, Oegoconia sp (to be dissected), Crassa unitella, Galleria mellonella, Acrobasis suavella, Udea ferrugalis, Nomophila noctuella, Chilo phragmitella, Mocha, White-spotted Pug, Yellow-barred Brindle, Black Arches, Jersey Tiger and Marbled Green. By day some interesting leaf mines found on Crab Apple, Stigmella incognitella and several Phyllonorycter mines which will hopefully be bred through.

An exhausting 82 species with 15 FFY's and one NFG, an Apple Leaf Skeletoniser, Choreutis pariana. The FFY's were: Rosy Rustic (5), Water Veneer (lots), Vestal (2), Small China-mark, Lesser-spotted Pinion (2nd record, last seen 2015), Acleris kochiella (2), Garden Pebble (2), Canary-shouldered Thorn, September Thorn, White-spotted Pug, Flounced Rustic (2), Hypsopygia glaucinalis, Acleris comariana, Cochylimorpha straminea (2) and Dichomeris alacella (second record, last seen 2017).


Dichomeris alacella

Choreutis pariana, Apple Leaf Skeletoniser

Cochylimorpha straminea

The last few nights have at last produced some decent moth numbers. Nothing of huge interest turned up but there were another 2 Vestals last night following 2 different ones earlier in the week. Personal highlight was my first Cabbage Moth for 3 years. These words would have never been written 10 years ago when I was recording this moth in the hundreds most years. A Tawny Speckled Pug was also my first for 3 years.

A trap full of Moths, 95spp. Once the grass moth masses had departed the contents were surprisingly quiet considering the ambient 32’. Thee were 3 male oak Eggars frantically buzzing me while I opened it. I discovered 2 females inside and placed them on the stone bench...a mating frenzy ensued (video on facebook). Of interest another Metalampra italica, Ypsolopha scabrella, FFY White-spotted Pug, 5 Straw Underwings and a Vestal.

The best night of the year here, with 188 moths of 60 species. FFY were Yponomeuta plumbella (3), Ypsolopha scabrella, Agriphila selasella (3), Scoparia ambigualis (2), Oak Eggar first since 2015), Maple Pug (3rd record), White-spotted Pug, Peacock Moth (2nd record, first in 2014), Yellow-tail (3rd record, first since 2014), Scarce Footman and Copper Underwing(2). The Oak Eggar laid eggs in egg boxes so it wil lbe interesting to see what happens! It was good to record a number of species that I hadn't taken for a few years.

The top three species were Agriphila tristella (22), Brimstone (15) and Willow Beauty (13).

A Hummingbird Hawkmoth paid a brief visit to my back garden this evening; the first I've seen this year.

Ectoedemia louisella mine on Field Maple this morning. I have previously recorded this species at Netherclay in 2017 and Cogload Junction in 2019 but (surprise, surprise!) the latter record is missing from the species map.

Trapped until 2345 hrs.

104 moths of 32 species. NFG was a Latticed Heat. NFY was a Garden Rose |Tortrix. Others of note were Euzophera pinguis x 3, Magpie x 3, Sallow Kitten x 2, Jersey Tiger x 7. Shuttle-shaped Dart topped out with 26 followed by Brimstone moth at 12.

Biggest surprise as I was shutting down was a female Migrant Hawker dragonfly.

47 species, highlights:

Small Waved Umber, Yellow-barred Brindle, Marbled Green, Sharp-angled Peacock, Rusty Dot Pearl, Purple-bar, Square-spot Rustic, Small Mottled Willow, Endothenia gentianaeana, Neofaculta ericetella.

I managed to 'tease in' a Grass Emerald (NFG) at our sitting room window last night. Thanks to James McGill for confirmation as it was a well worn specimen.

A fairly routine session last night porduced 85 moths of 41 species. FFY were Crassa unitella, Pyrausta despicata (2), Wax Moth, Acrobasis advenella, Blood-vein, Canary-shouldered Thorn (2) and Large Wainscot (my third record). Nut-tree Tussock has had the best year since I started trapping, with 22 individuals so far this year (previous high was 16 in 2014). Also of note in the trap were an Eyed Ladybird and 11 wasps!

Earlier in the day I saved a male Vapourer form cobwebs as it was prospecting along a hedge!

The biggest catch of the year last night with 424 moths of 70 species! Highlights; Oak Hook-tip, Mocha, Marbled Green, Dusky Thorn, Small Wainscot, Currant Pug, Poplar Grey, Flame Carpet, Orange Swift, Rosy Footman (2), Ruby Tiger, Brussels Lace, Twin-spotted Wainscot, Small Rufous, Jersey Tiger (7), Rosy Minor, Maple Pug, Rusty-dot Pearl, Euzophera pinguis, Acrobasis advenella (3), Acleris schalleriana, and Coptotriche marginea.

8/8/20 - an average sort of night, with a mere 75 moths (so far) of 30 species.  Only 2 were FFY, Canary-shouldered Thorn (2) and Broad-bordered YU.  The latter's cousin, Lesser BBYU (21), has taken over as the main contributor- Common Footmen (only 5) fading fast.

p.m.9/8 a surprising 14 strays rounded up, with 3 additional species, but no FFYs.  2 more Lesser BBYU.

With 198 mths of 76 species on a very warm night I would have expected a bit more of real interest but with my very first Straw Underwing (NFG) I can't complain. It seems to be a good year for 'hoovering' up all those species that you expect to see but never do. Four more FFY's were: Gold Spot, Oak Eggar, Parsnip Moth and Eupoecilia angustana (2).

Seeing the various reports of multiple Hawkmoths elsewhere, I am quite jealous.  I have only recorded 14 in total this year, 8 Poplar, 4 Elephant and 2 Small Elephant.  Not only that, but no Tigers either, apart from a few Rubies, which don't really count. Very odd.

Last night's forecast initially looked promising but the night ended up clear and moonlit. There wer 59 moths of 28 species. FFY were Agapeta hamana, Acleris forsskaleana and Agriphila straminella. One Ypomoneuta specimen looked a good candidate for Spindle Ermine. Jersey Tigers are doing well again here, with 4 last night. It's also been a good year for Elephant Hawk-moth. Two last night brought the year's total up to 51, my second highest total (after 66 in 2018).

Trapped until 2330hrs.

42 moths of 18 species. NFY was a Garden Pebble. NFG was a Webb's Wainscot. Others of note were 13 Jersey Tigers, with 5 form lutescens. Mocha, Elephant Hawkmoth and a Cabbage moth. Webb's Wainscot

Not as many moths as I would have expected considering the conditions (the story of the year I feel for me!). Only 42 species. Highlights:

Hypsopygia glaucinalis, Mocha, Straw Underwing, Magpie, Dusky Thorn, Blood-vein, Beautiful Plume, Rusty-dot Pearl.

Night of 5/8. I ran two traps for three hours. Persistent drizzle didn’t deter the moths of which 342 of 82 species were recorded.

Macro (56 species) incl: Orange Swift, Oak Hook-tip, Peach Blossom, Oak Eggar, Drinker, Mocha, Clay Triple-lines, Small Phoenix, Small Rivulet, V-Pug, White-spotted Pug, Wormwood Pug, Sharp-angled Peacock, September Thorn, Black Arches, Copper Underwing, Small Wainscot, Small Dotted Buff, Minor Shoulder-knot, Clay etc.

Micro (26 species) incl: Caloptilia stigmatella, Syncopacma taeniolella, Adaina microdactyla, Pandemis corylana, Lozotaeniodes formosana, Agapeta zoegana, Apotomis betuletana, Hedya salicella, Zeiraphera isertana, Scoparia subfusca, Catoptria pinella, Catoptria falsella etc.

Butterfly: A female Gatekeeper, the first time I’ve seen this species in a trap.

A very good night with 75 species including two NFG - a Shaded Broad-bar (at last!) and Catoptria pinella. Also three other species I haven't seen for quite a few years: Mouse Moth (2015), Cabbage Moth (2017) and Ear Moth agg. (2015). The other FFY's were: Coleophora mayrella, Beautiful Plume, Copper Underwing (2), Sallow Kitten, Acrobasis advenella (4), Dusky Thorn (3) and Cypress Pug.

Putting the garden trap on this evening I noticed a dead Toadflax Brocade in the bottom of the trap which would have been caught on 1st August (the last time I trapped). A bit disappointing not to notice it that morning as I'm still yet to see a live imago.

Traps in the last 2-3 weeks of July have been very similar in both numbers and species with very little variety. August saw a welcome uplift to 178 moths and 62 species. FFY were Oegoconia sp. (probably quadripuncta which I have had confirmed in previous years), a very dark Shaded broad bar, Marbled green, Straw underwing, Oak eggar and Sallow kitten. couple of micros still to sort out.

Confirmed from 18th July by Paul Wilkins, thank you Paul.

Elachista subocellea (female).Just one modern record VC6 in 1994 and 2 older records for VC5 -1906 and 1988.

Monopsis crocicapitella (male) An interesting distribution and pattern of recording. In VC6 the locations are restricted to near the coast whereas in VC5 the majority are well inland. This record is the first inland for VC6 according to the SMG map. There are multiple records for many of these locations so a total of 35-40 in all, 90+% of which are from 2007 and it has been recorded every year since then.

3/8/20 - early breakfast this morning - a mere 24 moths, 12 species.  Even the Common Footmen (5) stayed away - must have been the full moon. The only ones of any real interest were a female Oak Eggar and a 2nd. generation Pale Prominent

1/8/20 - a much quieter night than recently, with just 64 moths so far, of 21 species.  No FFYs, but one FFG - a Lesser Swallow Promnent.  This is only the second one I have ever trapped - I only had the one at my former site in East Lydford.  Common Footmen (33) again the most numerous.

p.m.  2/8 - a further 9 moths and 3 species rounded up - nothing new.

67 species (24 of which were micros), FFY were: Pseudoswammerdamia combinella, Acleris forsskaleana (3), Parornix anglicella (2), Agriphila selasella, Yarrow Plume, Endothenia marginana, Rosy Footman (2), Engrailed (my second record), Small Phoenix (my third record), Cloaked Minor (2) and Brussels Lace.

Caught 148 moths of 49 species last night. Highlights; Cloaked Minor (2), Dingy Footman, Knot Grass, Pale Prominent (2), Ruby Tiger (3), Agapeta hamana (2), Coronet, Jersey Tiger (2), Rusty-dot Pearl, Single-dotted Wave, Yponomeuta plumbella (2), Peppered Moth, Rosy Footman (2).

Much quieter last night - 44 moths of 22 species. Only FFY was Small yellow Wave. I had two Jersey Tigers, one of which was form lutescens, the first I've recorded.

Night of 31/7.

FFG: Aspilapteryx tringipennella.

13 Jersey Tiger incl. one f. lutescens. Previous double-figure counts: 19 on 16.8.19, 11 on 21.7.18 and 10 on 26.7.18.

Aspilapteryx tringipennella.

Curry Rivel

Evening of 30.7.2020

56 moths of 24 species. NFG was a Jersey Tiger ab. lutescens. NFY was a Small Phoenix. Others of note were Water Veneer 2, Gold Triangle x 4, Small Waved Umber, Lime-speck Pug, Jersey Tiger x 3.

Evening of 31.7.2020, with a short rain shower

40 moths of 20 species NFY were Pyrausta purpuralis, Miller and a Small Yellow Underwing. Others of note, Leopard moth, Sallow Kitten, Coronet, Marbled Beauty and Marbled Green.

A pleasant surprise last night was three pristine Jersey Tigers