I was pleased to find mines of both Phyllonorycter ulicicolella (on Gorse) and scopariella (on Broom) at Willet Hill on the 23rd. They look to be the second and first for VC5 respectively. I've found both species at a few sites this autumn, including some (like Willet Hill) where their foodplants aren't particularly abundant - like most leafminers they're probably awaiting discovery at lots of sites.

Phyllonorycter scopariella on Broom

Phyllonorycter ulicicolella on Gorse

In both cases the mines were opened up to confirm the presence of frass, and in the case of the ulicicolella mine, a larva, and both IDs were confirmed by Rob Edmunds. I also found mines of Trifurcula immundella and larvae of Agonopterix assimilella on Broom at Willet, both of which are worth looking out for wherever there's a bit of broom.

Night of 22nd December:

One each Beautiful Plume, Common Plume, LBAM and Silver Y.

A Mompha subbistrigella indoors (22/12) remains in situ today.

Couldnt resist a min 12' so last trap of the year, brought a FFY Acleris literana and a lovely example, plus Silver Y, December and Winter Moth. Happy Bubble Christmas everyone!

I hadn't intended to trap again this year but the weather last night was too good to ignore. 2 Winter Moths, 2 Chestnuts, a Mottled Umber and a Hebrew Character was the result. Apart from an Udea Ferrugalis there were no migrants. Hardly surprising as I cannot imagine anything wanting to join this mess we've created!
Have a happy Christmas and let's hope 2021 is better than it appears it's going to be and the moths are numerous.

Christmas greetings to any SMG members still looking at Latest Sightings for news of moths - keep trying, you never know !!  Maybe, weather and you-know-what permitting, there will be something to report in the next few days/weeks..

Night of 14th December.

Just one moth, a Yellow-line Quaker.

Just the actinic, put out up against the house for shelter produced FFY December Moth (21) and Red-green Carpet (4).  The totals of species in the garden this year are : 257 macro and 139 micro for a total of 396. Not likely to get to the 400 this year judging by the weather forecast but there is always next year ……..

1 Winter Moth (male), 1 December Moth (female).  The first moths I have had to light here since mid-September, and the December Moth is new to the garden.  She has laid eggs too!

Night of 1st Dec.

One each Eudonia angustea and Turnip Moth.