Crash in moth numbers at Bawdsey

The second week of September has seen a crash in numbers in my traps.  Most noticeable has been the dearth of micro-Lepidoptera.   A few interesting micros have nonetheless still appeared with a Crambus hamella a new moth for the 10km square.  Other pyralids about have included Orthopygia glaucinalis, Evergestis extimalis, Eudonia pallida and Eudonia angustea.   Some lovely specimens of Epinotia nisella have been trapped this week and Acleris forsskaleana still going.  Agonopterix arenella and Scrobipalpa costella have been about with a few plume moths still about too: Agdistis bennetii and Emmelina monodactyla the most prominent; but like the same month last year a single Oxyptilus distans has been light-trapped.

Appearing this week for the first time this season have been Black Rustic, Barred Sallow, Brown-spot Pinion and Brick.  A Heath Rustic on the night of 11th was new for Bawdsey Hall and a local rarity with only about half a dozen previous Bawdsey Manor records.  Red Underwing have been regular this month in the traps an one was even fluttering around the Board Room of Bawdsey Hall during the afternoon of 12th!  Lunar Yellow Underwing has had a good week with many seen and comes, fimbriata and janthe still appearing.  Copper Underwing and the comical Mouse Moth are still regular.  L-album Wainscot autumn brood has now started but not really got going yet with just odd individuals being caught.

Pronuba numbers have increased dramatically this week which makes the traps look busy even though there is not much to get excited about within them!  A few migrants were about over the weekend of 7th – 8th with three Convolvulus Hawk-moths and two Pearly Underwings caught.  Dark Sword-grass have been a regular feature with small numbers of Rush Veneer, Crocidosema plebejana and Diamond-backs about.

This entry was posted in Sightings. Bookmark the permalink.