Having recovered from my recent illness, I’ve started running more traps and away from the garden. With the warm weather, this brought in some very good catches as well as some nice moths. 24th, 134sp in 2 traps, too many moths to count any numbers so just did a species list. Best moths: Dotted footman and Acrobasis tumidana, also Chevron, Psoricoptera gibbosella, Pandemis corylana (first for year), Tree-lichen beauty, Olive, White satin (seems to be having a good year round here), Kent black arches and Grass emerald. 25th, just a single trap in the garden as I was out in the field as well. 117sp, best a Garden dart, a moth I haven’t seen for years. Others: Acrolepiopsis assectella (not welcome really, don’t want my Onions attacked!), Tree-lichen beauty, Caloptilia populetorum, Ling pug.
Last night (26th), 3 traps, 2 mv and an actinic running in an area of Alder carr woodland that has been very productive in the past. Another big catch of moths, but species of interest very limited. 116sp, not as many as expected. Actinic trap poor with little in it. Catch dominated by Blastobasis adustella (550 estimated count), Agriphila straminella (500 estimated count), Dingy footman (120+), Black arches (75+) and Nut-tree tussock (55+). Strangely low underwing count with only singles of Large yellow and Lesser yellow recorded, no others at all! Only 1 Dark arches too. Of note: Straw underwing (first for season), Coronet, Tree-lichen beauty (only 1), Gold swift (female) and Flame carpet.
Probably back to trapping in the garden tonight with just one trap so I can catch up a bit!
Happy trapping!
Neil