Geometers latest

The last four nights 21/4 to 24/4 were very productive for Wychwood moths with ten new for year macros and a large pile of pugs, some of which defied identification so could have been more. Illustrated here are a few of the more interesting ones (to me at least). On the continuing theme of early records, the catch in this period included Grey Dagger agg. and Angle Shades.

Yellow-barred Brindle - new for garden 22/4

Red Twin-spot Carpet (agg) - first 22/4

Oak Hook-tip - first 22/4

Brindled Beauty - new for garden 21/4

The teens of April

A few days away so no trapping in the early teens but with the colder nights I hope I did not miss too much. Last three nights though I have got back to it and the year list has started to increase after stuttering a bit so far. A few pictures here of some additions to the garden list and also another very early riser. Some changes of view included to show distinctive features.

Purple Thorn - new for garden 16/4

Purple Thorn (rear view showing resting wing posture)

Oak-tree Pug - garden first 18/4 (hiding in the pot lid)

Muslin Moth - garden first 18/4

Muslin Moth - tickle my tummy !

Campion - looking a bit rough (should have had a lie-in until June perhaps...)

Other species trapped in the last three nights 16/4 to 18/4:

Streamer

Brindled Pug

Double-striped Pug

Waved Umber

Hebrew Character

Common Quaker

Clouded Drab

Early Grey

Pale Mottled Willow

Nut-tree Tussock

Early April and early risers

As recorded by other local trappers, the warm weather is bringing some moths to Wychwood Avenue that I would not have expected to have found until the end of April or May. Also gradually adding some of the more expected species to the list...

Sallow Kitten (new for year 7/4) - would not keep still !

Nut-tree Tussock (new for year - two individuals on 8/4)

Waved Umber (new for garden - 6/4)

Brindled Pug (new for garden 10/4)

Double-striped Pug (up to 5 per night) - brown and grey individuals

I've been Tango'ed !

Well that was the level of my surprise when I looked in the top of the trap and found an Orange Underwing hanging upside down on the perspex looking up at me. Having recently read up about this species and found some flying in the sunshine amongst the tops of the birches in Flitwick Moor, this was a bit of a surprise to say the least. There is no birch woodland to talk of within the area around the garden so I am assuming it got lost in the dark...

6th April 2011