Two moth nights in Herringfleet

On the 21st Brian and I went to Herringfleet marshes. The target here was White-mantled Wainscot and I was also hopeful for Evergestis limbata as I was almost certain it was lightly established at nearby Herringfleet Hills, about 1/3 of a mile away. Some of this site tonight was dry and sandy tracks and we almost surrounded a dry reed-bed with the lights. Habitat is perfect for the target moth which didn’t show on the  20th July 2014 when I looked for it before but probably wasn’t yet out  around here that year.

Conditions were perfectly still and muggy and it was easy setting up mostly on the tracks. One of the first moths in was a White-mantled and in all we had 8, the second largest number I have ever seen as I believe we once had a higher figure on a SMG moth night several years ago now. No Brown-veined were seen but will undoubtedly be found in a week or so. Also perhaps of note many of the White-mantled arrived later in the night and were mostly near dry reed next to dykes and not near the reed-bed. Other species included Garden Tiger 10+, lots of Southern Wainscot, Double-lobed and S. gigantella. Silky Wainscot, Kent Black Arches, Leopard moth and D. mucronella. An impressive 183 species recorded. With 3 Silver Y in one trap the only migrant species excluding xylostella.

Sunday 24th Herringfleet Hills targeting E, limbata and 200 species + with Brian. The usual mix of habitats trapped on a very warm night. White mantled showed again with 3, none in the marshland trap. Site specialities E. limbata, A zellerii, P alpinella, G.alismana showed up. Along with M. palustrellus, Bactra furfurana, O. sparganella. Lots of Small Rufous seen. Best moth for us I guess was Barred Rivulet which is new for us both  in this area, having seen it only once before at Sizewell marshes. 218 species recorded. We left the site around 04.15 with none other than a single Silver Y in the migrant count, again excluding Diamond-backs.

 

 

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