Ashby Warren 11th August

Brian and I revisited the same spot where we had the first emerging Four-spotted Footman of the season back on July 3rd. A long trek with the truck through a very wet and muddy at times, woodland ride. Lights on at 21.00, moths were quick to come in. With temperatures around 17c all night you would think it was going to be an excellent night. However after the first trap round an hour after switch on there was little else coming into the sheet, more akin to the temperature having dropped off to 10c. The long dull spell and a second trap round with little else new led to packing up, which  seemed to trigger another flurry of moths.

In total 90 species recorded, highlights being; Single female and male Four-spotted Footman indicated the end of their run for this season at the site. Clay Triple-lines and Barred Hook-tip from the abundant Beech. Birch Mocha and at several traps M. atropuncata, also many Catoptria pinella which although not uncommon I find a very attractive moth and this is the best site I know for it. Hornets were singles in some traps but they were very quiet despite the warmth of the night.

 

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