More Moths

Thursday, July 23rd 2020

The moth recorders had a bumper catch in the Robinson trap this week with a total of 190 moths of 46 different species. Here are some of the highlights:

Lempke's Gold Spot which flies in July and August, coming regularly to light.

Silver Y with its unmistakable metallic silver letter 'Y' mark.

Coxcomb Prominent; a distinct dark scale tuft on the trailing edge and a rather 'funky' forward pointing, cream tuft on the thorax are the distinguishing features of this warm brown coloured moth.

Scalloped Oak which holds its wings flat at rest. The caterpillars of this moth feed on a variety of broadleaved trees including Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Downy Birch (Betula pubescens), Silver Birch (Betula pendula), oaks, plus Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) and heathers. They can be seen between March and June.

Purple Bar; with a wingspan of only 20-25 mm this smallish member of the 'carpets' has a velvety look to the forewings. It is fairly common throughout Britain, and is regularly attracted to light. It flies from May to August, usually with two generations in the south, but a single brood further north. The larvae feed on various types of bedstraw (Galium). It is often found on the outside of the Field centre close the lights on the front wall.

July Highflyers are extremely variable and this specimen was an unusual form for Foxglove Covert. The black mark at the apex of the wing is diagnostic though, so with the help of reference books the team was able to identify it confidently.

Thank you to Chris for providing today's photographs and to the other moth recording volunteers for identifying the moths and of course to Gerry for remembering to put the trap out too!

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