Out again this evening to different parts of the village. The forecast was for 12 celsius but it was certainly lower than that as my breathe was frosting. After 5 minutes cycling along and checking, nothing was on show. However, being north-facing, it was mostly yet to flower, so understandable perhaps. Eventually I came across two Angle Shades on an ivy-shrouded Horse Chestnut when I had moved out to open farmland. The temperature had risen as well. A few more trees along and again nothing until I came to another Horse Chestnut and this had another Angle Shades and a Setaceous Hebrew Character. It then occurred to me that I should check the other side of the tree (south-facing). I was glad I did as it was covered – Angle Shades (7), Setaceous Hebrew Character (5), Sallow, Large Yellow Underwing, Silver-Y (netted flying in), Chestnut and two others cooling off in the fridge – a Carpet and a pyrale.
I re-traced my steps and it was only when I got back to the first Horse Chestnut that things took off again. The south-side was more productive and featured Black Rustic, Green-brindled Crescent, L-album Wainscot and Square-spot Rustic. There were singles of Large Yellow Underwing, Chestnut and Brick and the Angle Shades count was four, but outdone by Setaceous Hebrew Character (7).
The SHC’s were the only moths that seemed bothered with the light and actively sought shelter behind the foliage.
So, why were the chestnuts so popular? Was it the greater leaf cover that was keeping the temperature up a bit below the canopy. That would seem to be the logical answer.
I think that there is at least another week of flowering left in the north-facing places especially.