Autumn moths on the Bawdsey Peninsula

The dust has settled and I’ve caught up with some sleep, following the remarkable moth immigration wave experienced recently! Its time to reflect on some of the resident moths being recorded.

A Red-green Carpet at the Bawdsey picnic site on 25 August was noteworthy for being particularly early. Second-brood Mullein Wave and Satin Wave have been on the wing this week. A well-marked Dusky Thorn appeared at the Hall on 26 August.

Amongst the noctuids I’ve seen the first Feathered Gothic, Frosted Orange, Feathered Ranunculus and Centre-barred Sallow this week. Square-spot Rustic now in good numbers with fewer Six-striped Rustic, Hedge Rustic and Small Square-spot.

A terrific year for Coronet – up to ten per night most nights. Also good numbers of Dark Spectacle and large numbers of Turnip – several hundred a night.

Some of the summer species are still hanging on – catching Single-dotted Wave, White Satin, Scarce & Dingy Footman, all the ‘common’ yellow underwings still going and Poplar Hawk-moth. Gold Spot and Leopard Moth were seen on 28 August.

Notable absentees are Red Underwing and Large Thorn – no sign of either yet this season.

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