As it was fifteen degrees and cloudy last evening, I decided to have a look at Merryfield to see if Deep Brown Dart had emerged yet. Things were not very promising at the start with several Square Spot Rustics but not much else. There was, however, a thick cloud covering the half moon and by ten o'clock things had become more diverse, including three Deep Brown Dart and two Brindled Green to add to the autumn species tally. I also managed to get Robin Clatworthy's Orange Sallow to finally sit and pose for a photograph. This was from Wych Lodge the evening before. James is excited about this one as it means there is some Small-leaved Lime near where Robin caught it and therefore a chance of Pauper Pug there next year. This would give us another 10K square record for this very local species. It was interesting that Robin caught Orange Sallow but no other species of Sallow and I had four other species of Sallow but no Orange Sallow at a trap about 400 metres away. It shows the benefits of more lights at a site on any one night as I am sure some species do not wander far from their food plant.

Orange Sallow

Brindled Green

Deep Brown Dart