Ooohs and Ahhhs at the Moth Traps

Thursday, June 22nd 2023

As the moth traps were emptied and the moths identified there were a lot of ooohs and aaahs. The first to be looked at was Green Arches. They were newly hatched judging by their bright colours. These moths are locally distributed throughout Britain, but more common in Wales and the South. The caterpillars feed on a variety of plants including Bilberry and Knotgrass which are not found at Foxglove, although another food plant, Honeysuckle, is well distributed throughout the reserve.

The Honeysuckle is coming into flower.

A Light Emerald Moth was the next one to be identified. We expect to see these moths between June through to August. There are other 'emeralds' to appear, hopefully in our traps. You can see his very large greenish eyes.

An Elephant Hawk-moth was next to have its ID confirmed. Many adult moths do not feed but this one does. It feeds from Honeysuckle and other tubular flowers, whislt still flying. The caterpillar enjoys Rosebay Willowherb, again this does not grow in large quantities on the reserve.

Its proboscis is the orange piece sort of tucked in under its face - not very scientifically explained! It also has large eyes.

The moths above co-operated and sat still whilst being photographed. The Beautiful Golden Y did not. Kate kept her eye on it as it flew from the front of the Field Centre into the back garden. It landed and she was able to take a photograph. Thank you!

Thank you to one species team who put out the traps and thank you to the other species team who identified the moths and put away the traps.

(0) Comments:

There are no comments for this blog post yet. Why not start the discussion? - use the form below:

Back to Top

Help Support Foxglove

Friends of Foxglove

The Friends of Foxglove Covert is for those individuals, families and organisations who would like to support the reserve through an annual membership subscription. Friends receive a regular newsletter and invitations to attend our various activities and social events.

More Details

Upcoming Events

Reserve Access: Limited Access, Field Centre Closure

Monday 7th April 2025 |

The Field Centre will be closed on Thursday 22nd May from 9am to 1pm due to electrical works being carried out in the building. The reserve will be open but facillities within the Field Centre will not be available until works are completed.

The reserve access gate intercom and remote opening system is currently broken. Visitors will be provided fobs to open the gate. Due to the limited number of fobs available you may be turned away if you arrive when all fobs are in use.

May Wellbeing Wander

Friday 30th May 2025 | 2pm-3pm

Join us on a nature-based wellbeing walk around the reserve.

Having a sense of place and connectedness, being grounded, is important for our general wellbeing and mental health. This is an invitation to pause and explore what being in nature can offer you.

Enjoy an afternoon of wellbeing starting with some mind awareness followed by a gentle walk where you get to listen, smell and watch what is around you and connect with any feelings which arise.

Bookings close 29th May.

For more information and to book your place, visit Foxglove Covert's Eventbrite page: foxglovecovertlnr.eventbrite.com

VIEW ALL EVENTS