Late Summer into Autumn

Our moth results are building into a valuable set of data.  A Mother of Pearl moth was recorded this week, a beautiful moth.

Another moth recorded was the Bulrush Wainscot.  It is quite a large distinctive moth and a point to help us ID it, is the fact that its abdomen sticks out beyond its wings.  As the name suggests it is associated with Bulrushes or Reedmace as it is also known,  (Typha latifolia) on which the larvae feed.

The changing seasons brings out different moths and the first of the 'autumnal' moths to appear are the Sallows.  Unfortunately this is a moth whose numbers could decrease as its caterpillars feed on the new shoots of Ash buds and then the flowers and leaves.  Many Ash have suffered badly from Ash Die Back and have had to be felled. This is a Centre-barred Sallow.

Thank you to the species teams for all the work in recording not only our moths but many other species that live on the reserve.