Sharing the results from my latest Moth Trap Session. I have written posts about setting up a moth trap and on collecting the results if you want some more background info on how and why I use a Moth Trap
Date: 30th April 2022
Weather:
Well its been a whole 18 days since the last Trapping Session. After the temperatures warmed up a few weeks ago, it has turned much cooler recently, and hence it has not been worth doing.
Even today, even though it has been warm and sunny with highs of 16C, now that the sun has gone down the temperatures have plummeted. I'm only trapping in hope more than anything, but it has been a few weeks since the last session and I'm beginning to get withdrawal symptoms!
The wind is nice and light at least, and its been the best conditions for awhile so without further ado, here we go!
Results: 19 moths of 10 species
Summary of Results:
Tonight I decided to move the trap further down the garden where it is a bit more open. The white sheet is used for 2 reasons. Firstly, it reflects the light and helps to attract more moths. Secondly, it means if they land on the ground near the trap it means I can see them easier, and therefore easier to catch (and also less likely I will step on one, I don't want to hurt my little moth buddies 😉)
Well the first two moths appeared before the sun had set. The first was a White-shouldered House Moth (Endrosis sarcitrella), and then I saw this Esperia sulphurella. A nicely marked species with the black wings and yellow pattern makes it easy to recognise.
Then there was a lull for 30 minutes or so, and then the flood gates opened
Pale Prominent - Pterostoma palpina
I first saw this species last year on the 2nd June. This is the same naff picture as last time, as it looks like I didn't try to take a 'proper picture'... hmm I think I need to remedy that, I'll keep him safe overnight and then in the morning I will get a better picture
Shuttle-shaped Dart - Agrotis puta
Then I saw a couple of Shuttle-shaped Darts. I saw 4 individuals of these species tonight, and I kind of expected that as when they appear there is usually a lot of them. I'll get plenty of these over the coming Summer.
Least Black Arches - Nola confusalis
Suddenly I felt a few spot of rain. It dawned on me why it was so busy this evening. The fact that rain is o the way is due to it being warm and muggy, which are great conditions, and the moths love to fly in this weather.
What next?
Caddisfly - Stenophylax sp
Oh look what's that? Oh.
Just a Caddisfly...
Nothing against Caddisflies of cause, just not what I was looking for!
Knotgrass - Acronicta rumicis
Ah thats better, a nice Knotgrass resting on the garden fence. The first time I've seen this species this year, add him to the list.
It was now approaching 11.30pm, the rain that had been threatening all evening, had now finally begun. I'd had a decent session, and I was tired anyway so I thought I might as well call it quits, and pack it away before the rain starts properly
As I took the Moth Trap apart, a chunky moth fell out of it...
Whats that!?
Its a Lunar Marbled Brown! (Drymonia ruficornis)
Oh thats made my evening! A distinctive looking moth featuring a 'crescent moon' shape on each wing, which lends it it's name. In the last 5 years of trapping I have never seen one, and just assumed they weren't in the area... I'm really chuffed with this one!
Bonus pictures for this week:
Scarlett tiger caterpillar - Callimorpha dominula
The bonus this wekk was not one, but two of these striking looking caterpillars. They are the larvae of the Scarlet Tiger Moth
Not my image - Source ukmoths.org.uk
Just when I didn't think the session couldn't get any better I get ANOTHER new species to the garden, and to my life list. This means I have now seen 424 species of moth, 320 of which have been spotted in this pokey little garden.
Those caterpillars are close to turning into a chrysalis, and should eclose (emerge) as adults in July, I will definitely be keeping a eye out for these...
Well, considering its still early in the season, and the it was cut short due to rain, that was a productive session! I'd say I would like to do better next time, but its gonna be hard to top tonight!
I'll be back next week to try anyway... so I'll see you then
Notes on Pictures: Since I started moth trapping 4 years ago, I have been slowly building up collection of Library Images. The idea being that once I have taken a picture of a particular species of Moth, I don't need another picture of the same species a year later. It’s a waste of time and energy. I only take pictures of new species, or of moths that are difficult to ID, so I can get the records verified.
While in my care, all individuals are looked after, and after Photographs have been taken, they are all released safely outside.
All names confirmed and checked via Wikispieces
Further Research from UK Moths
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