It’s been a bit like that these last couple of days, and this morning was no exception!
My lack of blogging isn’t a reflection of the fact that I’ve not been running a garden trap but more a case of having little to report … unless Dark Arches are big news once again. It’s not all dome and gloom however because I have been catching the odd Privet Hawk and this, Elephant, Lime, Pine & Poplar were all very much admired by the dozen or so people who turned up for the inaugural Woolpit Moth Morning at Lady’s Well Wood. The event was timed to coincide with this years woodland themed Moth Night and my guest were all amazed at just how colourful some of our moths can be … but we already knew that.
But back to the garden. Conditions over the last few nights have been ideal for picking up potential new species. Things got off to a good start on Wednesday when I took a Dark Swordgrass. Admittedly, I’ve recorded this here before but at least it proved that the odd migrant had finally made it this far inland. Thursday night delivered a Birch Mocha (which was new), as well nice to see Magpie Moth, Campion and Small Phoenix.
Last night was even better. Having dashed out at silly o’clock to cover the trap up as best I could while the thunder and rain did there stuff, my reward for rummaging through soggy egg-trays an hour or so later came in the form of a Tree-lichen Beauty and the stunning little micro Bisigna procerella. I’ve been keeping an eye out for the former for a while now but the latter came like a punch out of nowhere.
According to UK Moths, the first UK record of procerella came from Hamstreet, Kent in 1976. It has since been been found elsewhere in south-east, including a few records from Sussex but this appears to be the first time it has been recorded in Suffolk. My next challenge is to try and get a decent photo. No pressure then
Excellent micro record Paul. Beautiful little moth.