First time it felt warm for ages yesterday, and with cloud forecast overnight I ran 4 traps, 2 at home and 2 at the sheds. I didn’t have really high hopes of a big catch, as I think it takes a few warm nights for things to get going, but surely it must be better than it has been I thought to myself.
Sadly, this morning it was worse than I feared, with only a small handful of moths in each trap and most of those were worn quakers. There were a few bits to lift the mood slightly, with first year records of Lesser swallow prominent and Pale mottled willow, plus a female Emperor, Great prominent (2), Brindled beauty and a number of Pine beauty (6).
A brown larva hiding underneath one trap sheet has turned out to be a Double square-spot. At least the dawn chorus was worth getting up early for while sorting the traps!
Hopefully with some warmer weather supposedly coming later this week things will get going.
Neil
Yes I gave it a go too. Probably not as good as your catch. 16 species from my standard 2 traps. the Orthosias seem to have suffered from the grim April weather. Hebrew Character and Powdered Quaker were the only ones I found flying in late April. Last night got me Frosted Green, Lesser Swallow Prominent and Chocolate Tip to add to the years list. Warm wind today, but a windy and wet night to come. Promise of an improvement as the week progresses. Week-end looking good.
Oh yes nearly forgot the little one too:- Oak-tree Pug.