Striped Hawk-moth, Walditch, Shoulder-striped Clover  larvae, east Dorset, and Gold Spot, Walditch, all © M Parsons / Butterfly Conservation

22 August 2009

The undoubted highlight of the night was the second mainland record of Dusky Scalloped Oak at West Bexington, following one at Exmouth, Devon on 21 September 2006.  First recorded in the Channel Islands in 1990, and now established on Guernsey, it feeds on broom and possibly gorse (D Foot and P Sterling).  Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps this morning: 81 Rush Veneer, two each of Pearly Underwing and Dark Sword-grass and singles of Latticed Heath, Convolvulus Hawk-moth, Hoary Footman, Buff Footman, Dark Spectacle, Silver Y and Painted Lady butterfly (PBO website).  Highlights at Beaminster included two Rush Veneer, and singles of Sharp-angled Peacock,  Dusky Thorn, Jersey Tiger, Iron Prominent and two Six-striped Rustic (M Raper).

Dusky Scalloped Oak, West Bexington, 22 August 2009 © D Foot

21 August 2009

Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps were 208 Rush Veneer, two Latticed Heath, two Silver Y and singles of Diamond-back, Hoary Footman, Dark Sword-grass, Dark Spectacle and Painted Lady butterfly.  Nearby at Weston, Portland, a Beech-green Carpet, a species recorded from some parts of the island, but as yet to be recorded at the Observatory (PBO website).

20 August 2009

By day on the toilet block at Abbotsbury beach, probably about the seventh Dorset record of Channel Islands Pug; this species may well be established on the Dorset coast and should be looked for wherever tamarisk is found (D Higginson-Tranter per M Cade).

Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps were 46 Rush Veneer, two each of Diamond-back and Scarce Bordered Straw and singles of Convolvulus Hawk-moth, Pearly Underwing, and Silver Y (PBO website).

Channel Island Pug, Abbotsbury, 20 August 2009 © M Cade                                         Striped Hawk-moth, Dorchester, 9 August 2009 © J Down

19 August 2009

In the Portland Obs garden moth-traps Rush Veneer increased to 100 but the only other immigrants caught were seven Diamond-back, five Rusty-dot Pearl and four Silver Y; amongst the resident species caught a lone Portland Ribbon Wave was noteworthy (despite being a relatively common moth less than a mile up the road this species is caught very infrequently - in fact probably less than annually - in the Obs garden traps).  At Durlston a good variety of species, including Webb’s Wainscot, Turnip, Flounced Rustic, Garden Carpet  and Pebble Hooktip, with Setaceous Hebrew Character by far the most numerous species. Two third-instar Shoulder-striped Clover larvae swept from cross-leaved heath on heathland in east Dorset last night (A Rosenthal, M Parsons and P Davey).  A single Striped Hawk-moth at Walditch was accompanied by a single Four-spotted Footman and four Jersey Tiger (recent counts have gone as high as 13); also in attendance were Nomophila noctuella, singles of each of Diamond-back and Rusty-dot Pearl, and White-point (M Parsons).  At Bridport, Celypha lacanuna, Rush Veneer, Chinese Character and Mullein Wave were new to the site; also of interest were singles of Jersey Tiger, Dingy Footman and Silver Y (M Budden).

Highlights at Gillingham included Common Swift, Oak Hook-tip, Single Dotted Wave, Common Wave, 76 Setaceous Hebrew Character, Vine's Rustic, Pale Mottled Willow and Silver Y (G Hopkins).

18 August 2009

Considering the lack of other new immigrants at Portland, a Small Marbled was a bit of a surprise in the Obs garden moth-traps; the immigrant tally there otherwise consisted of 54 Rush Veneer, eight Silver Y, three Dark Sword-grass, and two Rusty-dot Pearl (PBO website).  At Broadstone, the catch included Canary-shouldered Thorn and seven Least Yellow Underwing which were new for the garden, and a Pyrausta purpularis, four Light Emerald, a Maidens Blush, Sharp-angled Peacock, three Great Oak Beauty, and a Buttoned Snout (K Clements).  A balmy night at Burton produced one or two 'goodies'  including ten Rush Veneer, a Blair’s Mocha, four White-point, a Cream-bordered Green Pea, and two Silver Y; first for the year were Cypress Pug, Rosy Rustic and Mouse Moth (J Southworth).  The pick of the bunch at Bridport included two Pyrausta aurata, a Mother of Pearl, Blood-vein, Yellow Shell and eight Vine’s Rustic (M Budden).  At Gillingham, Ypsolopha dentella, Dusky Thorn (thought to be the same one who periodically puts in an appearance as it's always in the same place in the lid of the trap), Sallow Kitten, Iron prominent, Lychnis and Pale Mottled Willow (G Hopkins).

17 August 2009

By day, two Pyrausta aurata in Bridport (M Budden).

21 Rush Veneer, 13 Dark Sword-grass, eight Silver Y, three Diamond-back, two Rusty-dot Pearl and a Black Arches the only immigrants/wanderers recorded at Portland (PBO website).  Highlights at Bridport included two each of Pyrausta aurata and Light Brown Apple Moth, a Blood-vein, Double-striped Pug, Currant Pug, three Jersey Tiger, Dingy Footman, Vine’s Rustic and a Straw Underwing (M Budden).  The highlights at Gillingham were Aethes smeathmanniana, Ypsolopha dentella, Rush Veneer, Dusky Thorn, two Poplar Hawk-moth, Pebble Prominent, 13 Six-striped Rustic, Svensson's Copper Underwing, Small Dotted Buff, Pale Mottled Willow and Silver Y (G Hopkins). 

16 August 2009

By day, five Pyrausta aurata in Bridport  (M Budden).

The highlights at Portland were 18 Dark Sword-grass, eight Rush Veneer, five Silver Y, three Diamond-back, Endothenia quadrimaculana, a Catoptria falsella, a Rusty-dot Pearl and a Maiden's Blush (PBO website).  Loads of moths at Broadwey but nothing exciting, Maple Pug the highlight (P Harris).  A Mecyna asinalis at Preston (R Lambert per P Harris), and a Beautiful Marbled at West Bexington (R Eden per P Harris).  At Dorchester an Old Lady in the MV was a first for the garden, also three Currant Pug, a White-point and a Small Mottled Willow (J Down).  Highlights at Gillingham were Common Swift, Brussels Lace, 18 Six-striped Rustic, two Lychnis, and a Pale Mottled Willow (G Hopkins). 
 

15 August 2009

By day at Bridport, five Pyrausta aurata and a Light Brown Apple Moth (M Budden).

The only immigrants at Portland were 19 Rush Veneer, eight Dark Sword-grass, five Silver Y and four Diamond-back (PBO website).  Excellent numbers and range at Puncknowle - at least 30 species with some still to identify, and a record number (70) of Large Yellow Underwing; highlights were singles of Sallow Kitten, Pale Prominent, Bulrush Wainscot and Flame Carpet - all new to this observer - and five Jersey Tiger, with migrants including a Dark Sword-grass and three White-point (M Hetherington).

14 August 2009

Four Pyrausta aurata by day at Bridport (M Budden). Four Pyrausta aurata by day at Bridport (M Budden).

At Portland, immigrants in the Obs garden moth-traps were even fewer in number than in recent nights: two Dark Sword-grass, 13 Diamond-back, 12 Silver Y, five Rush Veneer, three Rusty-dot Pear and a Painted Lady butterfly (PBO website).  A Flame Carpet in Southwell was of note (per PBO website).  A good haul at Burton including firsts of the year: two Blair's Mocha, and single Red Underwing, Copper Underwing, Small Phoenix and a Cloaked Minor, while also of interest were two each of Rush Veneer and Rusty-dot Pearl, a Drinker, two Poplar Hawk-moth, four White-point, and five Silver Y (J Southworth).  Highlights at Gillingham were Ypsolopha dentella, Diamond-back, Rusty-dot Pearl, Garden Carpet, Common Carpet, Lime-speck Pug, Dusky Thorn, six Six-striped Rustic, Dot Moth, Dun-bar, Pale Mottled Willow and Silver Y (G Hopkins).
 
13 August 2009

It was the quietest night for a while in the Obs garden moth-traps, with the immigrant tally consisting of just 19 Dark Sword-grass, 17 Diamond-back, 15 Silver Y, 14 Rush Veneer, five Rusty-dot Pearl, a Gold Spot and a Painted Lady butterfly (PBO website).  At Broadwey, Ni Moth, two Four-spotted Footman, two Gold Spot, Kent Black Arches (P Harris).  Nearby at Preston, a Webb's Wainscot, new for the garden there (R Lambert per P Harris).  Highlights at Gillingham included Common Swift, Acleris variegana, Pyrausta aurata,
Bordered Beauty, Early Thorn, Dusky Thorn, Rosy Footman, Iron Prominent, Bulrush Wainscot, two Marbled Beauty and a Pale Mottled Willow (G Hopkins).

12 August 2009

The Portland Obs garden moth-traps were busy but there was a marked fall in immigrant numbers: 31 Diamond-back, 19 Dark Sword-grass, 34 Silver Y, nine Rush Veneer, three Rusty-dot Pearl, a Bordered Straw, a Gold Spot and a Painted Lady butterfly (PBO website).  Singles of Jersey Tiger and White-point and the first two Rosy Rustic of the year. (C Pinder).  Single Ni Moth, two Dark Sword-grass and a Turnip in Wyke Regis (D Foot).  A Dusky Thorn at Dorchester (J Down).  The pick at Gillingham were Cydia splendana, Dipleurina lacustrata, Iron Prominent, Pale Mottled Willow, and two Silver Y (G Hopkins).

11 August 2009

By day, three Pyrausta aurata at Bridport (M Budden).

There was a fall in numbers of immigrants/wanderers in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps this morning: 87 Diamond-back, 26 Dark Sword-grass, 17 Silver Y, four Rush Veneer, two Rusty-dot Pearl, two Painted Lady butterflies and singles of Oak Hook-tip, Convolvulus Hawk-moth, Four-spotted Footman, Small White butterfly and Common Darter dragonfly (PBO website).  Highlights at Broadwey: Barred Rivulet, four Four-spotted Footman, 11 White-point (P Harris).  At Preston, ten Jersey Tiger (R Lambert).  At Wyke Regis four Jersey Tiger and a single Small Mottled Willow (D Foot).  An Antler moth at Alfpuddle (A Middleton per D Foot).  A Tawny-speckled Pug was new for the garden at Dorchester (J Down).  Highlights at Bridport included a Pyrausta aurata, a Pale Prominent, Jersey Tiger and Silver Y (M Budden).  Highlights at Gillingham included Dipleurina lacustrata, Pale Prominent, and the first second brood Common Wainscot (G Hopkins).

10 August 2009

By day, five Silver Y at Bridport (M Budden).

At Portland, plenty of immigrant moths on the wing at the Bill, with the Obs garden traps returning totals of 338 Diamond-back, 143 Silver Y, 24 Dark Sword-grass, 16 Rush Veneer, six Rusty-dot Pearl, two Small China-mark, two Red Admiral butterflies, a Bordered Straw and a Gold Spot (PBO website).  At Broadwey best there was Mecyna asinalis, 2nd garden record; otherwise four Four-spotted Footman and six White-point, and a Tawny-speckled Pug (P Harris).   At Burton, perfect mothing conditions produced good numbers of common species including first for the year Cabbage Moth, Bordered Pug, Canary-shouldered Thorn and Flounced Rustic; also of interest were five Diamond-back, three Rush Veneer, a Rusty-dot Pearl, 13 Mother of Pearl, two Yellow-barred Brindle, two White-point, 15 Straw Dot, a Burnished Brass, a Gold Spot and 18 Silver Y (J Southworth).  Highlights at Bridport included Pyrausta aurata, Blood-vein, Sharp-angled Peacock, Double-striped Pug, Yellow Shell, two Dingy Footman and a Copper / Svensson's Copper Underwing (M Budden).  Highlights at Gillingham were Udea ferrugalis, Shaded Broad-bar, 115 Large Yellow Underwing, three Small Dotted Buff, and five Silver Y (G Hopkins).

9 August 2009

In the Portland Obs garden moth-traps the most conspicuous feature was an influx of 559 Diamond-back; other immigrants included 37 Silver Y, 28 Rush Veneer, eight Dark Sword-grass, four Painted Lady butterflies, two Small Mottled Willow, a Rusty-dot Pearl and a Red Admiral butterfly, whilst oddities for the island included a Scorched Carpet. (PBO website).  At Chickerell, a single Jersey Tiger was a welcome addition to the year list, being about a month later than in previous years and two Oak Eggar were also new for the year (C Pinder).   At Broadwey, undoubted highlight here were 15 Jersey Tiger, 11 of which were strewn about the lawn!, also three White-point, two Gold Spot and Sallow Kitten (P Harris).  Highlights at Dorchester included ten each of Diamond-back and Rush Veneer, Maple Pug, Striped Hawk-moth, 14 Silver Y and three Gold Spot (J Down).  At Bridport, three Pyrausta aurata and four Willow Beauty were the highlights (M Budden).  At Gillingham, new for site Caloptilia stigmatella and Perinphela lancealis, while also of interest were two Diamond-back, Sharp-angled Peacock, Dusky Thorn, Rosy Footman, Lychnis, and four Silver Y (G Hopkins).

8 August 2009

By day a single Pyrausta aurata at Brisport (M Budden).

A Toadflax Brocade (the third record for the island at Portland) was a nice highlight in the Obs garden moth-traps; the rest of the immigrant tally there consisted of 84 Silver Y, 21 Rush Veneer, 10 Diamond-back, seven Dark Sword-grass and three Rusty-dot Pearl (PBO website).  At Chickerell a Silver Y visiting flowers by day and one in the trap were the only migrants in the garden; a modest overnight catch also included Shaded Broad-bar, Brussels Lace, Yellow-tail, Garden Tiger and two Vine’s Rustic (C Pinder).  Three Ruby Tiger were of interest at Beaminster (M Raper).  An excellent night at Durlston village with 576 moths of 53 species, excluding escapees!; of note were five Diamond-back, three Jersey Tiger, a Garden Tiger, 18 Dark Sword-grass, 11 White-Point, seven Silver Y (surprised there were not more as the garden was full of them in the day), and first for the year there were Copper Underwing, Straw Underwing and Sallow Kitten (P England). 

7 August 2009

By day at Bridport, single Pyrausta aurata and Jersey Tiger (M Budden).

Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps were: 71 Silver Y, 28 Rush Veneer, 13 Dark Sword-grass, six Straw Dot, three Diamond-back and singles of Pediasia contaminella, Evergestis extimalis and Convolvulus Hawk-moth (PBO website).  At Chickerell 17 spp last night, all singletons, of which White-point was the only species worthy of a mention (C Pinder).  At Burton, mostly good numbers of common species but Twin-spotted Wainscot was a first, Dusky Thorn and 14 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing were new for the year; of interest were two Diamond-back, two Rush Veneer and a single Rusty-dot Pearl, a Drinker, two Sharp-angled Peacock, White-point, four Silver Y and a Gold Spot (J Southworth). 

6 August 2009

Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps were 97 Silver Y, 28 Rush Veneer, 25 Dark Sword-grass, seven Straw Dot, two each of Diamond-back and Rusty-dot Pearl and singles of Maiden's Blush and Bordered Straw (PBO website). .At Chickerell, singles of Silver Y, Straw Dot, Garden Tiger, Brussels Lace and the first garden record for Acleris forsskaleana. (C Pinder).

5 August 2009

By day at the Hall and Woodhouse brewery at Blandford, a Privet Hawk-moth at rest on the office wall (M Steele).

There was an encouraging increase in immigrant numbers in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps with 137 Silver Y, 15 Diamond-back, 11 Rush Veneer, 11 Dark Sword-grass, eight traw Dot, four Rusty-dot Pearl, two Small Mottled Willow and singles of Evergestis extimalis, Maiden's Blush, Convolvulus Hawk-moth and Scarce Bordered Straw (PBO website).  At Broadwey, Small Wainscot, Small Waved Umber, Chocolate-tip, Black Arches, Oak Hook-tip, Gothic and four Four-spotted Footman including the first female this year (P Harris)

4 August 2009

Overnight moth-trapping at the Portland Obs produced a lot of soggy egg-trays along with an immigrant/wanderer list that included nine Rusty-dot Pearl, eight Rush Veneer, six Silver Y, three Straw Dot, two each of Evergestis extimalis, Hummingbird Hawk-moth and Dark Sword-grass and singles of Latticed Heath, Gold Spot and Small Tortoiseshell butterfly (PBO website).  At Chickerell, the first Swallow Prominent and Copper Underwing in the garden this year, with singles of Bordered Beauty and Gothic adding a bit of extra interest (C Pinder).  Nearby at Broadwey, six Jersey Tiger was a record count there, also European Cornborer, Peach Blossom, Four-spotted Footman and two Dark Spectacle (P Harris).

03 August 2009

The southerly airflow and quite muggy conditions overnight looked to be promising for some moth immigration but the Portland Obs garden traps produced nothing more than ten Silver Y and singles of Rush Veneer, Dark Sword-grass and Bordered Straw (PBO website).  At Broadwey, Tawny Shears, two White-point, four Jersey Tiger, Four-spotted Footman (P Harris).  The highlights at Dorchester were Pyrausta Purpuralis, and a female Four-spotted Footman (J Down).  Highlights at Gillingham, were Diamond-back, Clepsis spectran, Purple Bar, Magpie Moth, Sallow Kitten, Six-striped Rustic, Knot-grass, Rosy Rustic, Nut-tree Tussock and two Silver Y (G Hopkins).

02 August 2009

31 July 2009

By day a Goat Moth larva on Brownsea Island (P England).

Routine immigrants at Portland were four Diamond-back, four Rusty-dot Pearl, five Rush Veneer, eight Dark Sword-grass, a Small Mottled Willow and 55 Silver Y; infrequently recorded wanderers caught at the Obs included two Bactra furfurana and a Phycita roborella, whilst elsewhere on the island a single Tachystola acroxantha was caught at Southwell (PBO website).  At Chickerell, singles of Rush Veneer and Four-spotted Footman were the only migrant species; also the first Straw Underwing of the year (C Pinder).  Nearby at Broadwey, good for garden were Maple Pug and Coxcomb Prominent; also of interest were two Jersey Tiger, Gold Spot and Four-spotted Footman (P Harris).  At Maiden Newton, Ringed China-mark, Pale Prominent, Black Arches and Saltern Ear (J Down).  New moths at Burton were White-spotted Pug, Bordered Straw and Horse Chestnut; also of interest were four Rush Veneer, a Garden Tiger, two Lime-speck Pug, singles each of Sallow Kitten, Brown-tail, Dog's Tooth, White-point, Small Mottled Willow, Saltern Ear, Gold Spot and three Silver Y (J Southworth).  At Shapwick highlights were Pediasia contaminella, Evergestis pallidata, Saltern Ear and Ni (P Davey).  At Gillingham, three Cydia splendana, a Lesser Swallow Prominent, five Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, two Six-striped Rustic, Dunbar, Cloaked Minor and two Silver Y (G Hopkins).

30 July 2009

A better night for common immigrant moths at Portland, with 31 Silver Y, 12 Dark Sword-grass, seven Rush Veneer, a Rusty-dot Pearl and a Four-spotted Footman (PBO website). The highlight was Brown-line Bright-eye, a new garden moth for observer (P Harris).  A cold and clear night at Tolpuddle Manor, and not many moths of interest: two Rush Veneer, a Saltern Ear and eight Silver Y (J Francis).  At Bridport, a Brimstone, two Willow Beauty, a Common Footman, Large Yellow Underwing, three Common Rustic agg., Rustic and Nut-tree Tussock (M Budden).  At Gillingham, the pick was two Magpie Moth, Pebble Prominent, Heart and Dart, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Rosy Rustic, Gold Spot and two Silver Y (G Hopkins). 

29 July 2009

Singles of Rusty-dot Pearl and Silver Y were the only immigrants in the Portland Obs moth-traps (PBO website).  Dark Spectacle and two Dark Sword-grass were all that was on offer at Broadwey (P Harris).   Highlights at Bridport include singles of Pyrausta aurata, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Pale Prominent and Nut-tree Tussock (M Budden).  The only highlights at Gillingham were Purple Thorn, and a Bordered Beauty at the landing window (G Hopkins).

28 July 2009

Another poor night in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps with three Silver Y the only immigrants caught.Highlights at Broadwey were Calamotropha paludella, Four-spotted Footman and Dark Sword-grass (P Harris).  Not many moths in Dorchester overnight but notable was the first Campion for several years (J Down).  At Durlston, Lobster Moth, Haworth's Pug, the attractive Small Emerald and Tawny Shears (Durlston C P website).  A slightly unexpected visitor to the garden moth trap at Walditch in the shape of a fresh Kent Black Arches; accompanying this, and sign of the autumn to come, the first Square-spot Rustic of the year, along with singles of Ypsolpoha scabrella and one of the Ear Moths, possibly Saltern Ear, but this will need a closer look to be certain (M Parsons).  New for the year at Verwood were Dusky Sallow and Copper Underwing, while new for the garden were Choreutis pariana, Pempelia genistella, Anania Verbascalis, Annulet and Gold Spot (C Court),

27 July 2009

By day at Bridport, now seven Cinnabar larvae - moving to other rosettes, and a Common Rustic agg. (M Budden), and in Poole, several Silver Y and Gold Spot nectaring at lavender in the garden by day (V Giavarini).

Seven Silver Y were the only immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps (PBO website).  At Chickerell, a catch notable only for being the poorest since late May, with only 11 species of which a very worn Gothic was the only moth worth a mention (C Pinder).  Two Jersey Tiger and a Four-spotted Footman at Broadwey (P Harris).  Highlights in Poole included three Common Rustic and singles of Rosy Rustic, Knot Grass and Clay (V. Giavarini).  A clear breezy night at Burton but quite productive, with highlights three Diamond Back, ten Rush Veneer, two Blood-vein, a Maiden’s Blush, two Elephant Hawk-moth, two Garden Tiger (first for the year), a Dog’s Tooth, Saltern Ear and 16 Silver Y (J Southworth).  Highlights at Bridport included Pyrausta aurata, Scalloped Oak, Jersey Tiger and a Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (M Budden).  Highlights at Gillingham were Peach Blossom, Elephant Hawk-moth, Iron Prominent, Swallow Prominent, four Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (first for the year), Six-striped Rustic, Olive (only the second record there), Rosy Rustic and two Silver Y (G Hopkins)..

26 July 2009

Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps: nine Silver Y, eight Rush Veneer, two Dark Sword-grass and a Rusty-dot Pearl (PBO website).  A very wet night at Broadwey only produced three Dark Sword-grass and male Four-spotted Footman of any note (P Harris).  Highlights at Gillingham were Spilonota ocellana, Euzophera pinguis, Peach Blossom, Yellow Shell (unusual to catch at light), V-Pug, Pebble Prominent, three Rosy Rustic (first for the year), and two Silver Y (G Hopkins).

25 July 2009

By day two Six-spot Burnet, and three Silver Y on the Rodwell trail, Weymouth, 15 Six-spot Burnet, at St. Aldhelm's Head, and a Six-spot Burnet at Milton Abbey, and a Jersey Tiger at Beaminster (Dorset BC website).  At Gillingham, Magpie Moth, Six-striped Rustic (first for the year there), Straw Dot and two Riband Wave (G Hopkins).

Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps this morning: 13 Silver Y and singles of Diamond-back, Rush Veneer and Dark Sword-grass (PBO website).  Four-spotted Footman and two Jersey Tiger at Broadwey (P Harris), and two Jersey Tiger at Preston (R Lambert).  At Dorchester, Leopard moth was new for site, plus Oak Eggar, Wormwood pug, Purple Thorn, a Small Mottled Willow and a Herald (J Down).  Dry but coldish at Tolpuddle Manor, and highlights were a Rush Veneer, a Knot Grass, 13 Silver Y, and especially a Gothic (J Francis).

24 July 2009

Immigrants/wanderers in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps this morning: 17 Silver Y, two Rusty-dot Pearl, and singles each of Rush Veneer, Dark Sword-grass and a Webb's Wainscot (PBO website).  Of note at Broadwey was a male Four-spotted Footman, Jersey Tiger and Black Arches (P Harris). A Black Arches at Dorchester (J Down).  Highlights at Burton included a Fen Wainscot which was new for site, and ten Rush Veneer, two Diamond-back, a September Thorn, Swallow Prominent, eight Dun-bar, two Dusky Sallow and two Saltern Ear, the last two were new for the year there (J Southworth).  At Bridport, highlights were a Silver Y, two Dark Arches, a Dingy Footman and a Bright-line Brown-eye (M Budden).  At Gillingham, Euzophora pinguis, Blood-vein and Marbled Beauty and Cloaked Minor and Square-spot Rustic were both first for the year (G Hopkins).

23 July 2009

By day two Oak Eggar, and 11 Silver Y at Holt Forest NR (Dorset BC website).

At Portland, immigrants were 18 Silver Y, eight Rush Veneer, five Dark Sword-grass and two Diamond-back (PBO website).  Highlights at Broadwey were two Dark Sword-grass, Peach Blossom, Jersey Tiger and Dark Spectacle (P Harris).  More rain and wind but some good moths at Tolpuddle Manor including Margaritia sticticalis (confirmed by H Wood Homer), Rush Veneer, Horse Chestnut, Cloaked Carpet, Brown-veined Wainscot, Saltern Ear, Dark Spectacle, and the first Copper Underwing of the year there (J Francis).  At Gillingham, Emmelina monodactyla, Buff Footman, Grey Dagger and a Silver Y (G Hopkins).  At Stubhampton, two and a half hours trapping produced 105 species, including Beautiful China-mark, Rush Veneer, Trachycera suavella, Adaina microdactyla, Mocha, Phoenix, Small Phoenix, Fern, three Brown Scallop, Bleached Pug, White-spotted Pug, Scorched carpet, Pine Hawk-moth, Coxcomb Prominent, Muslin Footman, two Scarlet Tiger, Slender Brindle, Silver Y and Pinion-streaked Snout (P Butter and G Hopkins).
 

22 July 2009

By day at Alder Hills NR, eight Silver Y (Dorset BC website).

Immigrant interest remained at a very low-key level at Portland, with the overnight catch totalling 24 Silver Y, nine Rush Veneer and singles of Diamond-back, Rusty-dot Pearl, Hummingbird Hawk-moth and Small Mottled Willow (PBO website).  Highlights at Broadwey included Crescent Dart, Dusky Sallow, Bulrush Wainscot, Double Lobed, two Gothic and a Dark Sword-grass (P Harris).  At Tolpuddle Manor, although wet, highlights included the first Rosy Rustic of the year there, also Four-spotted Footman, Kent Black Arches, Dark Sword-grass, Knot Grass, Dusky Sallow and eight Silver Y (J Francis).  However, the highlight of the night has to be an Evergestis limbata at Shaggs, a rare migrant to the UK, although the third site record (L Hill). 

Evergestis limbata, Shaggs, 22 July 2009 © L Hill

21 July 2009

Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps were 20 Silver Y, five each of Diamond-back and Rush Veneer, three Rusty-dot Pearl and a Small Mottled Willow (PBO website).  The only moth of note at Chickerell, a migrant, was a Rusty-dot Pearl (C Pinder).  A White-spotted Pug the only one of note at Broadwey (P Harris).  A fresh specimen of Udea fulvalis disturbed in the garden at Ferndown (R Cook).

20 July 2009

By day, two Silver Y at Hartland Moor (Dorset BC website).

The only immigrants caught were 15 Silver Y, ten Rush Veneer, two Diamond-back and a Rusty-dot Pearl (PBO website).  At Broadwey, two European Corn-borer, Dark Sword-grass, Ni Moth and 43 Silver Y (P Harris).   At Preston a Pempelia genistella (R Lambert).

19 July 2009

By day at Badbury Rings, a Spindle Ermine, a Shaded Broad-bar, two Dusky Brocade, a Five-spotted Burnet and 18 Six-spot Burnet (per Dorset BC website). 

At Portland, just three Silver Y (PBO website).  At Broadwey, an European Corn-borer, Copper Underwing, Double Lobed, Oak Nycteoline and a Dark Spectacle (P Harris).  At Tolpuddle Manor, the first two Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing for the year there, four Drinker, a Northern Eggar, two Scalloped Oak, a Purple Thorn, a Saltern Ear, five Silver Y and five Nut-tree Tussock (J Francis).

18 July 2009

At Portland, three Silver Y and a Rush Veneer (PBO website).  Silver Y and two Kent Black Arches at Chickerell (C Pinder).  Highlights at Upwey included a Great Oak Beauty, two Purple Thorn, three Elephant Hawk-moth, a Slender Brindle and three Beautiful Golden Y (P Kelly).  Another European Corn-borer at Broadwey (P Harris).  At Gillingham, by day in the garden, Agonopterix heracliana, Pterophorus pentadactyla, Endrosis sarcitrella and Riband Wave, while overnight three Udea prunalis, Early Thorn, Iron Prominent, Yellow-tail, Dingy Footman, Garden Tiger, Shuttle-shaped dart, Clay and three Silver Y (G Hopkins).

17 July 2009

A Hummingbird Hawk-moth by day at Durlston (Durlston C P website).

The only immigrants logged at Portland were singles of Rusty-dot Pearl, Rush Veneer and Silver Y (PBO website).  Three Silver Y were the only migrants at Chickerell (C Pinder).  However, an Orache did make it to Tolpuddle (H Wood Homer per P Harris).  At Burton, windy but dry, but still managed the following highlights: seven Rush Veneer, Blood-vein, Small Seraphim, Lime-speck Pug, Early Thorn, eight Buff Ermine, Pebble Prominent, three Dun-bar, a Knot Grass, Small Mottled Willow, a Dusky Sallow and eight Silver Y (J Southworth).  Highlights at Gillingham included Purple Thorn, two Scalloped Oak, Garden Tiger and Silver Y (G Hopkins).

16 July 2009

By day at Durlston,  about in profusion are the Six-spot Burnet Moths, which can be seen on the flowers of the Greater Knapweed and the Field Scabious in particular (Durlston C P website).

Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps this morning: 12 Silver Y, three Rush Veneer, two Diamond-back and a Hummingbird Hawk-moth (PBO website).

The second garden record of Lobster Moth and two European Corn-borer (P Harris).  Highlights at Dorchester, were five Rush Veneer, Ebulea crocealis, Magpie, Muslin Footman, Dingy Footman, Grey Arches, Saltern Ear, Dun-bar and 20 Silver Y (J Down).

15 July 2009

An unexpected flurry of immigrants and wanderers perked up interest in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps, with five Diamond-back, two Silver Y and singles of Rush Veneer, Rusty-dot Pearl, Palpita vitrealis, Bedstraw Hawk-moth, Slender Brindle, Bordered Straw and Cream-bordered Green Pea (PBO website).  A Garden Dart, the first for some years for the observer, at Wyke Regis (D Foot).  A Purple Thorn the highlight at Broadwey (P Harris).  Highlights at Bridport were Emmelina monodactyla, Bee Moth, Phoenix, two Early Thorn, Swallow-tailed Moth, Bright-line Brown-eye and Silver Y (M Budden).  New for the year at Verwood, were Bordered Beauty, Buff-tip, Ruby Tiger, Brown-tail, and Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, while before setting the trap up to six Silver Y nectaring, and at least 20 Endotricha flammealis on ragwort (C Court).

14 July 2009

By day, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Bradford Peverell (J Francis).

Just a Silver Y as the only immigrant at Portland (PBO website).  Singles of Rush Veneer and Silver Y were the only immigrants at Chickerell: also of local interest were, singles of Brussels Lace and Rosy Footman, two Scarce Footman, a Kent Black Arches and two Coronet (C Pinder).

13 July 2009

The best night so far this year at Chickerell, both in terms of number of species and total moths caught: a single Rush Veneer was the only obvious immigrant and other "garden notables" were, two each of  Peach Blossom and Yellow-tail, singles of Brussels Lace, Brown-tail, Scarce Footman, Gothic, Clay, Coronet and Dusky Sallow, whilst a Dingy Shears was a first record for the garden (C Pinder).  A Langmaid's Yellow Underwing and the first two Saltern Ear of the year, Wyke Regis, Weymouth (D Foot).  At Broadwey, Ringed China-mark was new  for the garden, while Black Arches, Cream-bordered Green Pea and Green Silver-lines best of rest (P Harris).

12 July 2009

By day, a Lappet found at Blandford Army Camp (M Jewell).

Immigrants/wanderers in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps were three Rush Veneer and singles of Diamond-back and Cream-bordered Green Pea.  At Chickerell, a Saltern Ear was a garden first, not surprising perhaps, given the proximity of The Fleet (C Pinder).  Highlights at Broadwey were Large Tabby and Black Arches (P Harris).

11 July 2009

The only record was a Silver Y from Portland (PBO website).

10 July 2009

Late news of a Langmaid's Yellow Underwing at Portland (PBO website).  At Maiden Newton, highlights were Catoptria Margaritella, Ebulea Crocealis, Wood Carpet, Marbled White Spot and Ruby Tiger (J Down).  New for the year at Verwood were Orthopygia glaucinalis, Dotted-border Wave, V Pug, Currant Pug, Scalloped Oak, Common Footman, Yellow-tail, Slender Brindle and Small Purple-barred (C Court).  No surprises, but good numbers in spite of the rain at Burton; highlights included Yellow-tail and Scalloped Hook-tip both being first for the year, a Diamond-back, Small Fan-footed Wave, Small Seraphim, Scalloped Oak, six Elephant Hawk-moth, two Rosy Footman, ten Bright-line Brown-eye, Knot Grass, White-point, True Lovers Knot and two Silver Y (J Southworth).

9 July 2009

By day, a single Shoulder-striped Clover at a Dorset heathland site, this seemingly the first Dorset record since 2000; also readily disturbed at the same site were a single Dotted Border Wave and two Purple-bordered Gold (M Parsons).  Butterfly Conservation are keen to encourage survey for the Shoulder-striped Clover on the Dorset heathlands, if you are considering a walk over heathlands in the next few days, please keep a look out for this scarce and declining species. If you do find this moth please contact Mark Parsons (mparsons@butterfly-conservation.org).

At Portland, immigrants in the Obs garden moth-traps were 12 Diamond-back, three Dark Sword-grass, a Rush Veneer and a Silver Y (Dorset PBO website).  At Bridport, singles of Willow Beauty, Buff Ermine, Uncertain and Common Rustic agg. (M Budden).

Dotted Border Wave and Shoulder-striped Clover, Dorset, 9th July 2009 © M S Parsons / Butterfly Conservation

8 July 2009

At Portland, 11 Diamond-back, three Silver Y and two Rush Veneer the only immigrants/wanderers (PBO website).  At Durlston, highlights included Lackey, Riband Wave, Swallowtail, Elephant Hawk-moth, and flying in the grasses Rush Veneer and Six-spot Burnet Moth (Durlston C P website).

7 July 2009

Immigrants/wanderers in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps: 25 Diamond-back, a Dark Sword-grass and a Cream-bordered Green Pea (PBO website).  Unexpectedly, the wind dropped and the rain stayed away at Tolpuddle Manor, and there was an interesting range of moths including singles of Horse Chestnut, Kent Black Arches, Saltern Ear, True Lover's Knot, Herald, Cream-bordered Green Pea, Silver Y and Dark Spectacle, plus four Early Thorn back again and the first Lesser Yellow Underwing for the year there (J Francis).  At Verwood, new for the year included Catoptria pinella, Grass Emerald, Small Emerald, Plain Wave and Scarce Silver-lines (C Court).

6 July 2009

A dismal immigrant tally in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps included nothing more than 13 Diamond-back, a Dark Sword-grass and a Silver Y (PBO website).  A good selection at Puncknowle, the highlights being the first Rufous Minor and Small Emerald there, and a Tawny Shears (M Hetherington).

5 July 2009

By day, over 12 larvae of the Buttoned Snout beaten from Hop at Iford playing fields, Christchurch (R Cook and A Page).

A cooler and breezy night for most, however immigrant numbers weren't too bad in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps with 55 Diamond-back, six Silver Y, three Rush Veneer, a Dark Sword-grass, a Small Mottled Willow and a Cream-bordered Green Pea (PBO website).  Despite the windy and cool conditions, highlights at Tolpuddle Manor included a Rush Veneer, and singles of Dun-bar, Coxcomb Prominent, Four-spotted Footman and True Lover's Knot, two each of Double Lobed and Plain Golden Y and a Silver Y (J Francis). 

4 July 2009

Immigrant moth numbers continued to drop off at Portland, with just ten Diamond-back, six Silver Y and a Rush Veneer in the Obs garden traps (PBO website).  Highlights in Dorchester were 15 Diamond-back, Perinephela Lancealis, Scalloped Oak, Privet Hawk-moth and Poplar Hawk-moth (J Down).  Highlights at Marshwood included Single-dotted Wave, Sharp-Angled Carpet, July Highflyer, Barred Yellow, V Pug, Early Thorn (2nd brood), Swallowtail, three Poplar Hawk-moth, Rosy Footman, two Marbled White-spot, White-point and three Snout (J Baker).

3 July 2009

Immigrants/wanderers in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps this morning: 68 Diamond-back, eight Silver Y and singles of Rush Veneer, Buff Footman, Dark Sword-grass, Bordered Straw, Cream-bordered Green Pea and Beautiful Hook-tip (PBO website).  Highlights at Maiden Newton included Ghost, Peach Blossom, Barred Straw, July Highflyer, Pebble Prominent, Purple Clay, Marbled Green, Nutmeg, True Lovers Knot and Beautiful Hook-tip (J Down).  At Wimborne St Giles, numbers down to a third of previous night, and highlights included Small Emerald, Lesser Cream Wave, Garden Tiger, Lackey, two fresh Swallow-tailed, and a Double Square-spot (J Winterbottom).  At Marshwood, an Oncocera semirubella, a Platyptilia pallidactyla (confirmed T. Norris), and two True Lover's Knot (J Baker).  At Gillingham, the lower temperature (13) last night reduced the catch to a mere 30 species, however two new species for the garden took the list there to 200 for the year so far, Crambus pascuella and Cnephasia conspersana, and he only immigrant was a Silver Y (G Hopkins).
 

2 July 2009

1 July 2009

The highlight of the night was a Wood Carpet at Portland, which was a Wood Carpet, which was reported as being present on the island in Victorian times, and the only recent record there was in Church Ope Cove in 1974.  Immigrants/wanderers in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps were 278 Diamond-back, three Bird-cherry Ermine, two True Lover's Knot and singles of Tachystola acroxantha, Brown China-mark, European Corn-borer, Rush Veneer, Tawny-barred Angle, Buff Footman, Small Mottled Willow and a Dark Spectacle (PBO website).  Some different moths showed up at Tolpuddle Manor including a Ghost Moth, Lappet, Phoenix, Barred Straw, Brown-tail and a White-point (J Francis).   New for the year at Verwood included Double Square-spot, Bird's Wing and Beautiful Snout (C Court).  New for the garden at Bridport were Aethes cnicana and Galium Carpet, while also of note were a Barred Red, two Mottled Rustic, a Burnished Brass and a Beautiful Hook-tip (M Budden).  At Gillingham, new for the garden were Ethmia dodecea and Kent Black Arches, while of interest were four Diamond-back (including a pair mating in the trap), Peach Blossom, Garden Tiger, two Short-cloaked Moth, Lunar Spotted Pinion, Pale Mottled Willow, Beautiful Hook-tip and Fanfoot (G Hopkins).

30 June 2009

A Drinker, found by day in the kitchen at Broadwindsor (G Lowing) and a Blood-vein at Bridport (M Budden).

At Portland, a Blackneck was a first record for the island, whilst singles of Gymnanclya canella and Mere Wainscot were the best of the rest of the overnight catch that also included 1224 Diamond-back, seven Silver Y, six Rush Veneer, five Endothenia quadrimaculana, three each of  Bird-cherry Ermine, European Corn-borer and Dark Sword-grass, and singles of Zeiraphera isertana and True Lover's Knot (PBO website).  At Broadwey, Microthrix similella, Grey Arches, Fern, Grass Emerald, three True Lover's Knot (P Harris).  Singles of Round-winged Muslin and Obscure Wainscot were both new garden records at Chickerell, and July Highflyer, Yellow-barred Brindle and Brussels Lace were also worth a mention (C Pinder).  About the fifth record for Dorset of Waved Black at Wkye Regis (D Foot).  A White Satin Moth at Puddletown (H Wood Homer per J Francis).  Amongst the catch at Manor Yard, Shaggs, Mark Parsons has determined of note: Capperia britanniodactyla and Cosmopterix scribaiella (per L Hill).  Highlights of a huge haul of 93 macro species and 26 micros at Tolpuddle Manor with Dorset's 4th Rannoch Looper, a female (conf by P Davey); there were lots of Bird-cherry Ermine and Diamond-back and two Rush Veneer as migrants, and of the rest were three Drinker, two Festoon, four Figure of 80, four Small Yellow Wave, two Swallow-tailed Moth, July Belle, two Four-dotted Footman, a Shark, Miller, Sycamore, Poplar Grey, two Knot Grass, Dingy Shears, Green Silver-lines, L-album Wainscot and two Cream-bordered Green Pea (J Francis).   Peach Blossom was new for the garden at Bridport, while also of interest were Swallow-tailed Moth, Cypress Carpet, Marbled Green, Smoky Wainscot and Pale Mottled Willow (M Budden).  At Burton, the best night ever which included Four-dotted Footman and Beautiful Hook-tip (both new), and first of the year - Dingy Footman, Pebble Hook-tip, two Blue-bordered Carpet, Grey Dagger agg., Miller, Rosy Footman, Green Silver-lines, Dark Spectacle, Small Angle Shades, Poplar Hawk-moth and Iron Prominent; also of interest the second Small Mottled Willow, three White-point, two True Lover's Knot, 29 Bird-cherry Ermine and 12 Diamond-back (J Southworth).  At Hazelbury Bryan School, 4 traps produced an impressive 124 species, highlights of which were; many Diamond-back, Yponomeuta evonymella, Mompha ochraceella, two Eudonia delunella, Rush Veneer, Common Lutestring, Little Emerald, Blotched Emerald, Lilac Beauty, Scorched Carpet, four Phoenix, Barred Red, two Blue-bordered Carpet, Garden Tiger, two Red-necked Footman, Buff-tip, Kent Black Arches, two Miller, two Short-cloaked Moth and a Silver Y (G Hopkins and N Spring).

29 June 2009

A Hummingbird Hawk-moth by day at Bridport was new for the garden (M Budden).

Of note in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps on an overcast and muggy night were two White Satin and a Rosy Wave (both of which are second records for Portland); the catch also included by way of other immigrants/wanderers 435 Diamond-back, five Silver Y, two each of Bird-cherry Ermine, Dark Sword-grass and Dark Spectacle and singles of Tachystola acroxantha, Limnaecia phragmitella, Water Veneer, Brown China-mark, Rush Veneer, Grey Pine Carpet, Tawny-barred Angle, Orange Footman and Marbled White-spot. Elsewhere on the island a garden moth-trap at Southwell came up with another White Satin and a Cream-bordered Green Pea (PBO website).  At Chickerell a single of Perinephela lancealis was a first for the garden; other "garden notables" were singles of Bordered Beauty, Peach Blossom, Kent Black Arches and Lychnis (C Pinder).  Good catches in Dorchester with some evidence of migration, with 25 Diamond-back, 20 Bird-cherry Ermine, ten Rush Veneer and a Silver Y, while new for the garden was Round-winged Muslin, and also of note were Endotricha flammealis, Orthopygia glaucinalis and Short-cloaked Moth (J Down).  An L-album Wainscot was the pick at Hamworthy (J Falconer).  New for year at Verwood included Brown China-mark, Short-cloaked, Coronet, Varied Coronet and an Old Lady (C Court).  New for the garden in Bridport were two Common White Wave, Green Silver-lines, Clouded Border and Brussels Lace, while also of interest were a Bee Moth, ten Riband Wave, a Phoenix, two each of Lime-speck Pug and V Pug, and single Lychnis and Mottled Rustic (M Budden).  At Kingston, the humid conditions brought two new micros, Metzeneria aestivella and Amblyptilia punctidactyla, obviously a lot of local dispersal occurred bringing in pristine examples of Ruddy Carpet and Sharp-angled Carpet amongst others though the only migrants were represented by eight Diamond-back; highlights among the rest were Small Yellow Wave, two Slender Brindle and a significant count of 15 Buff Arches (P Benham).

Last but not least and still subject to final confirmation a possible example of Metalampra italica a highly distinctive species trapped at Shapwick on 29 June, and awaiting confirmation. If it turns out to be this Oecophorid species, this will be the first record for Dorset, indeed only a handful have been seen in the UK, and all since 2003. Originally it was known only from Italy. The larva feeds on decaying wood.

Drinker, Broadwindsor, 30 June 2009 © G Lowing                                    L-album Wainscot, Hamworthy, 29 June 2009 © J Falconer

28 June 2009

Immigrants/wanderers caught overnight in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps included 70 Diamond-back, two Dark Spectacle, a Bird-cherry Ermine, Rush Veneer and a Silver Y (PBO website).  Highlights at Broadwey included a Kent Black Arches, Scarce Footman, two Pempelia formosa, two Green Silver-lines and four Cream-bordered Green Pea (P Harris).  Best night so far this year at Tolpuddle Manor, with 78 macro species and 30 micro species and lots of them, including several firsts for the year: Dingy Footman, several Common Footman and two Rosy Footman, a Shark, three Drinker, five True Lover's Knot, and singles each of Lackey, Figure of 80, Barred Yellow, Bird's Wing, Green Silver-lines, Cream-bordered Green Pea, and several Diamond-back (J Francis).  At Chedington Wood): two Assara terebrella, four Ancylis diminutana, Dioryctria abietella, Eudonia delunella, Platyptila pallidactyla, Gypsonoma sociana, Phalonidia manniana, two Argyresthia glabratella, Adela croesella, Cryptoblabes bistriga, five Yponomeuta evonymella and a Satin Beauty, (P Davey, B Urwin, D Agassiz, J McGill).  At Shapwick, the highlights were four Yponomeuta evonymella, Nephopterix angustella, Assara terebrella. six Ethmia dodecea, Ostrinia nubilalis, Cypress Carpet, Muslin Footman, Kent Black Arches, Rannoch Looper, Reddish Light Arches, Rosy Marbled and Cream-bordered Green Pea (P Davey).  At Gillingham, 50 species all common stuff except for Obscure Wainscot and the only migrant was one Diamond-back (G Hopkins).

27 June 2009

A slightly earlier than usual Convolvulus Hawk-moth was the best of the overnight moth catch at the Portland Obs; the only other immigrants recorded were 12 Diamond-back, three Silver Y and two Rush Veneer (PBO website).  The highlight at Chickerell was a Lilac Beauty (C Pinder).  The best of the bunch at Broadwey were two Peach Blossom, a Dark Sword-grass, Round-winged Muslin and a Gold Spot (P Harris).  Nearby at Preston was a Ghost and a Dark Spectacle (R Lambert).  A good range of species at Durlston: Peppered Moth, Brussel’s Lace, Swallow-tailed Moth, Large and Small Elephant Hawk-moth, Poplar Hawk-moth, Scarce Footman, Grey Pine Carpet, Lackey, Snout and a Clouded Silver (Durlston C P website).  A good selection of 46 macros species at Tolpuddle Manor, but not huge numbers, including: 5 types of Hawk-moth, six Buff Arches, two Coronet, singles each of Drinker, Knot Grass, White-point and a European Corn-borer (J Francis).  At Burton, new for site were Eyed Hawk-moth and Marbled White-spot, and new for the year were eight Common Emerald, two Single-dotted Wave, singles of  Swallow-tailed Moth, Sharp-angled Peacock, Barred Straw, Large Yellow Underwing, Dun-bar, Marbled Green, Oak Nycteoline and Short-cloaked Moth; also of interest were two White-point and four Bird's Wing (J Southworth).  At Powerstock Common, 106 species, highlights were Archips xylosteana, Aleimma loeflingiana, Fern, Scallop Shell, Sharp-angled Carpet, Grass Rivulet, three Waved Carpet, Barred Red, Four-dotted Footman and Grey Arches (G Hopkins and J & D Kingman).

26 June 2009

At Portland, with the only immigrants recorded being six Silver Y, four Diamond-back and a Dark Sword-grass (PBO website).  At Chickerell, a Diamond-back and the first Drinker, Brussels Lace and Muslin Footman of the year (C Pinder).  Highlights at Broadwey were Perinephela lancealis, Dark Spectacle and Small Elephant Hawk-moth (P Harris).  From Maiden Newton, the pick of the bunch were Buff Arches, Double Square-spot, May Highflyer, Phoenix, Wormwood pug, Barred Straw, Eyed Hawk-moth, Small Elephant Hawk-moth, Dingy Footman, Green Silver-lines and Blackneck (J Down).

25 June 2009

At Portland, the only migrants were 110 Diamond-back and a Silver Y, but also of note were single Clancy's Rustic on the last two nights which were the first records of the 'spring' generation at Portland and may indicate that this species has now colonised the area; Lozotaeniodes formosanus is a Scots Pine feeder that is a less than annual wanderer to the island and Gynnidomorpha luridana is a bit of a local speciality that is known from only a few other sites in Dorset (PBO website).  A day-flying Scarlet Tiger at Chickerell and, in the trap, singles of Garden Tiger, Ruby Tiger, Clouded Border and two Short-cloaked Moth were all first for the year (C Pinder).  A good night at Broadwey with two Wax Moth, European Corn-borer, male Ghost, Common Lutestring, Cypress Carpet, Iron Prominent, Green Silver-lines, two Blackneck, Cream-bordered Green Pea and Pinion-streaked Snout (P Harris).  Lots of moths at Dorchester despite torrential rain at times; of note were five Diamond-back, Buff Arches, Swallowtail, Clay Triple-lines, Small Rivulet, Wormwood Pug, Middle-barred minor, Small Rufous, Beautiful Hook-tip and Fan-foot (J Down).  Also torrential rain and thunderstorms at Gillingham, with 46 species caught, including two Diamond-back, three Common Emerald, Single-dotted Wave, Small Dusty Wave, Marbled Beauty, Cypress Carpet, Gothic and Plain Golden Y (G Hopkins).

24 June 2009

Disturbed by day, while doing some rather destructive gardening at Gillingham, Celypha striana, Pyralis farinalis, Pterophorus pentadactyla and Straw Dot (G Hopkins).

Despite very good numbers of moths attracted to the Portland Obs garden traps, the only migrants /wanderers were two Diamond-back and singles of Lozotaeniodes formosanus and Catoptria pinella (PBO website).  Two Brown-Silver-line were new to the garden in Chickerell, and the first Mullein Wave and Clay of the year there (C Pinder).

23 June 2009

Immigrants/wanderers in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps this morning: five Green Oak Tortrix, four Diamond-back, two Silver Y, a Grass Emerald and a Bordered Straw (PBO website).  An Eyed Hawk-moth was the highlight at Chickerell (C Pinder).  At Kingston, the only migrant amongst 83 species was a solitary diamond-backed moth; notables among the residents were Common Lutestring, Figure of Eighty, two Blotched Emerald, Dusky Brocade and a Shark while 14 Elephant Hawk-moth was a high count for this site (P Denham).  At Gillingham, Nematopogon metaxella, Elachista argentella, three Drinker, Common Emerald (both this and previous days were extremely small, about 2/3 normal size), Privet Hawk-moth, Poplar Grey, Grey Dagger, Clouded Bordered Brindle and Silver Y (G Hopkins).

22 June 2009

The pick of the overnight catch in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps was the first Portland record of the spruce-feeding pyrale Assara terebrella; an influx of 135 Green Oak Tortrix was also noteworthy, whilst recognised immigrants included 12 Diamond-back and three Silver Y (PBO website).  Highlights at Broadwey were two Blue-bordered Carpet, Small Seraphim, Round-winged Muslin, Muslin Footman three Silky Wainscot, and two Cream-bordered Green Pea (P Harris).  At Dorchester, highlights were three Diamond-back, a Rush Veneer, Cypress Carpet, Sharp-angle Peacock, Peppered, Miller, White-point, six Green Oak Tortrix, and a Beautiful Hook-tip (J Down).  The best night of the year at Tolpuddle Manor with 70 macros and 19 micro species, including 5 types of Hawk-moth, singles each of Peach Blossom, Four-dotted Footman, Red-necked Footman, Lobster Moth, Iron Prominent, Coronet, True Lover's Knot, Knot Grass, two White-point, three Dot Moth, a Pale Mottled Willow, two Gold Spot, a Beautiful Golden Y, Cream-bordered Green Pea and two Beautiful Hook-tip (J Francis).  66 species at Verwood, and new for the year there were Common Lutestring, Large Emerald, Treble Brown-spot, Pine Hawk-moth, Elephant Hawk-moth, Rosy Footman, Scarce Footman and Grey Arches (C Court).  Highlights at Gillingham were Diamond-back, Celypha striana, V Pug, Green Pug, Common Emerald, Shears, Coronet and Beautiful Hook-tip (G Hopkins).

21 June 2009

By day a Six-belted Clearwing on the Charmouth undercliff (M Parsons).

Immigrants/wanderers in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps included 14 Diamond-back and singles of Rush Veneer, Oblique Carpet, Dark Spectacle and Silver Y (PBO website).  At Broadwey, an amazing three new garden moths, unprecedented for years there; they were White Satin, Portland Ribbon Wave and Bird's Wing, with a quality back up cast of Ebulea crocealis, Obscure Wainscot, two Cream-bordered Green Pea and Blackneck, all good garden moths.  Also of note were Barred Yellow, Scorched Wing, Small Yellow Wave, Treble Brown-spot, Coronet, Clouded Brindle, Dark Spectacle, and Beautiful Hook-tip (P Harris).  At Shapwick, three Ostrinia nubilalis (P Davey). 

An all night session at Chase Woods produced the following noteworthy records from a total in excess of 200 species: three Gold Swift at dusk, two Opostega crepusculella, Coleophora lixella, Elachista gangabella, 200 Ethmia dodecea, five Olindia schumacherana, two Olethreutes aurofasciana (second and third examples from the past century in Dorset), two Ancylis unculana, five Eudonia delunella, Opsibotys fuscalis, Dioryctria abietella, 13 Amblyptilia punctidactyla, 20 Blotched Emerald, eight Valerian Pug, Netted Pug, Satyr Pug, Drab Looper, eight Red-necked Footman, 18 Rosy Marbled and a Buttoned Snout (P Davey, I Machin, J Taylor, S Whitehouse).

20 June 2009

A Hummingbird Hawk-moth by day on the cliffs near Tyneham (J Down).

At Chickerell, a Bordered Straw, the first there since 2006, was a welcome addition to the meagre list of migrants for 2009, whilst a Barred Straw was the first in the garden for the year (C Pinder).  The highlight of the night was Dorset's fifth record of Toadflax Brocade near Durlston (P England).

Toadflax Brocade,  Durlston , 20 June 2009 © P England

19 June 2009

By day, 11 Forester at Rooksmoor (M Parsons).  The Dorset BC event at Broadcroft Quarry, Portland, 19/20^th June offered a reasonable selection of specialities:  Mecyna asinalis is strictly restricted to the distribution of Wild Madder which is a very coastal plant, and it was noticed that nearly all the Madder on site was extremely desiccated so only one moth was seen; Dolicarthria punctalis is another very coastal species and is probably using Rest Harrow as a food plant on Broadcroft; there were very few migrants seen, only Diamond-back and Silver Y.  Typical of coastal areas and downland were Bordered Sallow and L-album Wainscot. There was a good show of species feeding on Wild Clematis or Travellers'Joy including Haworths Pug with its' distinctive orange upper abdomen, Small Waved Umber, and Fern. The most spectacular species to appear were the Cream-spot Tiger, Small Elephant Hawk-moth and the Privet Hawk-moth (P Butter).

At Portland, singles of Dark Sword-grass and Silver Y were the only immigrants caught in the Obs garden moth-traps; amongst the local specialities, the first Four-spotted of the year was also caught (per PBO website).  A few species in last nights moth trap at Durlston with Heart and Dart again the most numerous, but Privet Hawk-moth, Fox Moth, Lackey and Shark much more spectacular (per Durlston C P website).  At Burton, new for the site were Lozotaeniodes formosanus, Homoeosama sinuella and Shoulder-stripe Wainscot, while new for the year were Barred Yellow, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Dot Moth and two Dwarf Cream Wave, otherwise also of interest were Argyresthia  brockeella, two Cypress Carpet, seven Heart and Club, 29 Heart and Dart, eight Mottled Rustic, ten Rustic, and a White-point (J Southworth).  A Valerian Pug at Shapwick was a first for the site (P Davey).

18 June 2009

Just two migrants at Portland, Diamond-back and Silver Y.  The 2nd garden record of Obscure Wainscot was the highlight at Broadwey (P Harris).  At Chickerell, 23 species in a catch heavily dominated by Heart and Dart; among the scarcer species for the garden were two Light Arches and singles of Buff Arches, White-point, Dusky Brocade, Lychnis and a "garden-first" Clouded Brindle (C Pinder).  28 species at Puncknowle, with single migrant Silver Y and Bordered Straw; other highlights include singles of Spectacle, Flame, White Satin Moth, Privet Hawk-moth, Poplar Hawk-moth and Elephant Hawk-moth, with six each of Willow Beauty, Bright-line Brown-eye and Heart and Club (M Hetherington).  The catch at Bridport were singles of Udea olivalis, Bee Moth, Light Emerald, Common Marbled Carpet, two Garden Carpet, single Small Magpie, Willow Beauty and Heart and Club, five Heart and Dart, three Marbled Minor agg., and single Rustic and Silver Y (M Budden).   

17 June 2009

By day, Six-spot Burnet, Grass Rivulet and a newly emerged male Fox Moth was on the ground (per Durlston C P website).

16 June 2009

At Durlston C P by day, a sudden plethora of Six-spot Burnet moths all over the meadow with many on the wing, others mating and still more ready to emerge from their papery cocoons attached to the stems of the grasses (per Durlston C P website).  Also by day at Bridport Pyrausta aurata and Small Magpie (M Budden).  On Giant Hill, Cerne Abbas scores of emerging Six-spot Burnet, two Wood Tiger, three Silver Y and a fine show of 'Forester' moths (V Giavarini).

At Portland, Shaded Pug and Kent Black Arches regular at this time of the year, while immigrants/wanderers included two Silver Y and singles of Rusty-dot Pearl, True Lover's Knot, Bordered Straw and Dark Spectacle (PBO website).  34 species at Durlston C P including the furry Lackey, a Privet Hawk-moth, Small Elephant Hawk-moth, Nutmeg, Kent Black Arches, Light Arches and Dark Arches; the most numerous species were Heart and Club and Heart and Dart (per Durlston C P website).  At Burton, 98 macro of 43 sp., new for the site were Dichomeris marginella (Juniper Webber), Lilac Beauty and Light Arches; firsts for the year were Common Footman, Figure of Eighty and Poplar Grey, and others of interest included a European Corn-borer, ten Elephant Hawk-moth, three Buff-tip, four Heart and Club, and single Silver Y and Fan-foot. (J Southworth).

Lilac Beauty, Burton, 16 June 2009 © J Southworth

15 June 2009

At least three Scarlet Tiger by day near Martinstown (J Down).  Day-flying moths at Durlston C P were represented by Yellow Shell, Brimstone, Silver Y, 6-Spot Burnet and, its associate, Burnet Companion (Durlston C P website).  At Bridport, a Pyrausta aurata (M Budden).

At Canford Heath: five Four-dotted Footman, four True Lover's Knot and singles of Clouded Buff, Ingrailed Clay and Satin Wave...at dusk, trap being hawked over by Nightjars (V Giavarini).  63 species at Verwood, with new for the year: Perinephela lancealis, Buff Arches, Small Blood-vein, Dentated Pug (new for observer), Swallow-tailed Moth, Brussels Lace, Lobster Moth, Swallow Prominent, Four-dotted Footman, Pale-shouldered Brocade, Scarce Merville du Jour, Angle-shades and Fan-foot (C Court).

14 June 2009

A Hummingbird Hawk-moth at delphiniums by day, in Ferndown (R R Cook).

Immigrants at Portland were two Diamond-back and singes of Rusty-dot Pearl, Rush Veneer, Bordered Straw and Silver Y (PBO website).  At Broadwey, Mottled Beauty and Small Elephant Hawk-moth were both notable moths for the garden, also two Scorched Wing (P Harris).  A good night at Tolpuddle Manor with 39 macro species including a Diamond-back, five types of Hawk-moth, a Pale Tussock, Lychnis, Dark Arches, five Small Clouded Brindle, three Rustic Shoulder-knot, a Tawny Marbled Minor, Mottled Rustic and two Gold Spot (J Francis).  At Bridport, a Garden Grass-veneer, Light Emerald, two Sharp-angled Peacock, a Garden Carpet, two Small Magpie, a Buff Ermine, Heart and Dart and three Heart and Club (M Budden).  Highlights at Gillingham include Pseudoswammerdamia albicapitella (new for this site, and new holder of the record for the moth with the longest name), Cydia pomonella, Barred Yellow, Freyer's Pug, Clouded Border, Brussels Lace, six Elephant Hawk-moth, two Ingrailed Clay, Dot Moth, Brown Rustic, Dark Arches, Light Arches, Dusky Brocade, Pale Mottled Willow and Green Silver-lines (G Hopkins).

13 June 2009

By day, two Pyrausta aurata at Bridport (M Budden).

Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps this morning included two Rusty-dot Pearl, a Diamond-back, a Dark Sword-grass, and a Silver Y (PBO website).  Nearby at Preston, an Obscure Wainscot, a first for the garden (R Lambert).  At Troublefields Reserve, Hurn, highlights were Tawny-barred Angle, Phoenix, two Dentated Pug and two Rosy Marbled (R R Cook & A G Page).  At Gillingham, a female Ghost Moth, Diamond-back, Pale Tussock, Lychnis, Smoky Wainscot (first for the year there), Grey Dagger, Vine's Rustic, Green Silver-lines, Silver Y and a Spectacle (G Hopkins).

12 June 2009

The only migrants / wanderers at Portland were just two Rush Veneer and a Diamond-back (per PBO website).  A Green Silver-lines was the only moth of note at Broadwey (P Harris).  Best catch of the year so far at Burton – 109 macros of 47 species and 58+ micros - highlights included: new for site were Blotched Emerald and Brown Rustic; new for year there were single Lackey and Blood-vein, five Riband Wave, four Grey Pine Carpet, a Cypress Carpet, two Foxglove Pug, three Green Pug, a Peppered Moth, three Clouded Silver, four Elephant Hawk-moth, and singles each of Large Yellow Underwing, Coronet, Dark Arches, Common Rustic, Pale Mottled Willow, Burnished Brass and Small Fan-foot (J Southworth).  In 3½ hours with a light over a sheet at Verwood, 70 species, and new for the year were Chrysoteuchia culmella, Pyralis farinalis, Endotricha flammealis, Blotched Emerald, Common Emerald, Broken-barred Carpet, Green Pug, Small Yellow Wave, Clouded Silver, Grass Wave, Marbled Brown, Red-necked Footman, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Purple Clay, Light Arches, Bordered Straw, Burnished Brass and Snout (C Court).  At Kingston, the first big catch of the year there with c.250 moths of 73 species though the only migrants present were two Silver Y; however, a buff coloured White Ermine, only the second seen in the area in ten years of trapping, may indicate dispersive movement; others of note included Flame Carpet, Yellow Shell, Small Rivulet and three comparatively early Common Footman, and a Cinnabar after an absence last year (P Benham).  At Gillingham, firsts for the year there included three Green Pug, Dark Arches, Pale Mottle Willow and a Plain Golden Y, while of note were Udea olivalis, Blood-vein, Purple Bar, Freyer's Pug, Eyed Hawk-moth and Green Silver-lines (G Hopkins). 

11 June 2009

Pebble Hook-tip and Yellow Shell by day in the garden at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

On a very busy night for resident species in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps immigrants/wanderers amongst the catch included three Diamond-back and singles of Rush Veneer, Rusty-dot Pearl, Spruce Carpet, Narrow-winged Pug, Gold Spot and Silver Y (PBO website).  Highlights at Broadwey included Common Lutestring, three Small Yellow Wave, Barred Yellow, Sloe Pug, Freyer's Pug, Clouded Buff and Dark Spectacle (P Harris).  At Tolpuddle Manor, 41 macro species including five types of Hawk-moth, three Clouded-bordered Brindle, 11 Rustic Shoulder-knot, singles of Diamond-back, Scalloped Hazel, Dark Sword-grass, Lychnis, Silver Y and Beautiful Golden Y (J Francis).  In Poole, singles of Cypress Carpet, Lime Hawk-moth, Elephant Hawk-moth, and Spectacle (V.Giavarini).  At Delph Wood, three Inglailed Clay, a Marbled Brown and a Marbled White-spot to Heath Trap (V.Giavarini).  At Gillingham, Privet Hawk-moth, Large Yellow Underwing, Common Wainscot, Mottled Rustic, Silver Y and two Snout (G Hopkins).
 

10 June 2009

By day, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in the Obs garden at Portland (PBO website).

At Portland, just two Diamond-back and singles of Rush Veneer, Rusty-dot Pearl, Dark Sword Grass and Silver Y (PBO website).  A Beautiful Golden Y was the highlight at  Broadwey (P Harris).  At Gillingham, despite a shattered bulb, a Blood-vein, two Privet Hawk-moth, Mottled Rustic, Spectacle and Snout (G Hopkins).

09 June 2009

By day, six Pyrausta aurata at Bridport (M Budden).

The only migrants at Portland were two Diamond-back and two Silver Y, with wanderers Green Oak Tortrix and Gold Spot (PBO website).  In Poole, two  Rustic Shoulder-knot and singles of Freyer's Pug and Shoulder-striped Wainscot the best of 20 species. (V. Giavarini).  33 macromoths of nine species at Burton including a Light Emerald, two Willow Beauty, two Buff Ermine (first for the year), a Cinnabar, 20 Heart and Dart, a Mottled Rustic and two Small Square-spot (J Southworth).  New for year at Verwood, were Mottled Beauty, Privet Hawk-moth, Heart and Club and Lychnis (C Court).  Highlights at Bridport include two Garden Carpet, a Common Pug, two Willow Beauty, four Heart and Dart, a Small Clouded Bindle (new for site), and a Spectacle (M Budden).  At Kingston, two Dark Sword-grass and four very pale Silver Y on the migrant front; amongst the locals a number of species put in first appearances for the year including Little Emerald, Light Emerald and Eyed Hawk-moth (P Benham).  At Gillingham, Willow Beauty, Large Yellow Underwing (first for the year), Vine's Rustic and Spectacle (G Hopkins).
 

08 June 2009

A Hummingbird Hawk-moth by day at Portland (PBO website).  Highlights at Gillingham included two Udea olivalis, two May Highflyer, Mottled Pug, Brussels Lace, Grey Dagger, Knot Grass, Vine's Rustic, three Burnished Brass and a Silver Y (G Hopkins).

07 June 2009

Just one Diamond-back at Portland, being the only migrant (PBO website).

06 June 2009

By day, a Scarlet Tiger at rest on a raspberry plant, Nottington, Weymouth (J Procter).

Scarlet Tiger, Nottington, 6 June 2009 © J Procter

05 June 2009

04 June 2009

03 June 2009

02 June 2009

01 June 2009

31 May 2009

31 May 2009

26 May 2009

A Silver Y at Tolpuddle Manor (J Francis), and two Bordered Straw nearby at Puddletown (H Wood Homer per J Francis)

25 May 2009

By day at Durlston Mother Shipton, Silver Y and Grass Rivulet (per Durlston C P website), and at Lydlinch, a Rush Veneer, several Silver Y and a Straw Dot (G Hopkins).

Immigrants at Portland, include 22 Diamond-back, two Silver Y, and a Rusty-dot Pearl (M Cade).  25 species at Chickerell included the first garden record of Small Clouded Brindle, and the first two Bee Moth of the year and an Orange Footman (C Pinder).  At Bridport, highlights included Bee Moth, Pebble Prominent, Broken-barred Carpet, two Heart and Dart, three Shuttle-shaped Dart, two Vine’s Rustic and a Silver Y (M Budden).  At Tolpuddle Manor, fewer moths but more species; highlights included two Common Swift, a Chinese Character, Small Magpie, two Red Twin-spot Carpet, a Common Marbled Carpet, three Mottled Pug, four Silver-ground Carpet, Brimstone Moth, Peppered Moth, two Poplar Hawk-moth, a Buff Ermine, six White Ermine, ten Muslin Moth, two Ruby Tiger, two Heart and Dart, three Shuttle-shaped Dart, 12 Small Square-spot, Knot Grass, six Rustic Shoulder-knot, two Bright-line Brown-eye, two Clouded-bordered Brindle, two Small Clouded Brindle, a Common Wainscot, two Setaceous Hebrew Character, 26 Flame Shoulder, four Vine's Rustic, a White-point, a Middle-barred Minor, Small Dotted Buff, two Spectacle, a Burnished Brass, Straw Dot and six Silver Y (including some very pale ones), (J Francis).  At Gillingham, Ephistia parasitella, Diamond-back, Purple Bar, Lychnis and Brown Rustic (G Hopkins).
 

24 May 2009

By day, larvae of Epischnia bankesiella seen on heads of Inlula, Golden samphire at Freshwater Bay, Isle of Portland (R Cook and J Scanes).  Many Painted Lady butterflies noted throughout the island of Portland, seemingly heading straight through without lingering (M Cade), also 'never seen so many' flying north over Tolpuddle Manor (J Francis), and noted heading north at speed by day at Shapwick (P Davey).

Favourable conditions overnight brought a number of good catches across the county, and included a few migrants.  At Portland, 118 Diamond-back, three Rush Veneer, two Tachystola acroxantha and singles each of Rusty-dot Pearl, Dark Sword-grass and Silver Y (M Cade).  Highlights at Durlston were 25 macro species including Mottled Pug- the 1^st for 5 years or so, Chocolate-tip, Scalloped Hazel, Yellow Belle, Bordered Sallow and Broken-barred Carpet (per Durlston C P website)  . At Tolpuddle Manor, highlights included singles of Epiblema cynosbatella, Light Brown Apple Moth, Pseudoswammerdamia combinella, four Diamond-back, three Small Magpie, an Elephant Hawk-moth, an Ochreous Pug, two Mottled Pug, a very fresh an beautiful Light Brocade, Treble Lines and three Burnished Brass (J Francis). At Hamworthy, new for the observer were Pebble Hook-tip, Muslin Moth, Marbled Brown and Pale Tussock (J Falconer).  Most notable of 45 species at Verwood include Small Grass Emerald, Clay Triple-lines, Cream Wave, Privet Hawk-moth, Cinnabar, Least Black Arches, Scarce Merveille du Jour and Alder (M Weaver and C Court).  A still mild night at Burton brought in 47 macro and 36 micro; new for the year were singles of Pebble Hook-tip, Cream Wave, Treble Brown-spot, Freyer's Pug, Swallow Prominent, Flame, Small Square-spot and Gold Spot, while also note were an Eulia ministrana, two Apotomis betuletana and Epinotia Immundana, three Epiblema cynosbatella, five Diamond-back, 12 Light Brown Apple Moth, a Twenty-plume, two May Highflyer, and single Light Brocade, Knot Grass and Silver Y (J Southworth).  Immigrant moths were also in evidence overnight at Shapwick with 33 Diamond-back and a single Nomophila noctuella recorded; dispersive residents included Phalonidia manniana, Coleophora albicosta, Platyptilia gonodactyla, two Narrow-winged Pug, a Seraphim, while other species seen included Opsibotys fuscalis, Ancylis unculana, three Netted Pug, four Shaded Pug, two White-spotted Pug and a Rustic Shoulder-knot (P Davey).  At Kingston, given favourable conditions, a slightly disappointing catch with only singles of Brown Silver-line and Ghost Moth being of note among the residents; migrants represented by three Diamond-back and the first Rush Veneer of the year (P Benham).  Migrants at Gillingham were two Diamond-back and a Rush Veneer, while first for the year included Eulia minstrana (new for site), three Alucita hexadactyla, two Broken-barred Carpet, Common Pug, Waved Umber, Buff Ermine, Flame, Common Wainscot, Brown Rustic, Marbled Minor and Straw Dot (G Hopkins).

In addition to Jean Southworth's records above, a micro has subsequently been identified as Syncopacma polychromella which until this year had only been identified three times before in the UK, and is the second record for Dorset. (J Southworth conf. J Langmaid).

Syncopacma polychromella, 24 May 2009, Burton  © J Southworth

23 May 2009

By day at Verwood, a Large Red-belted Clearwing (M Weaver).

22 May 2009

A Rivulet by day, Durlston (per Durlston C P website).

Highlights at Durlston included Striped Hawk-moth, a Cream-spot Tiger, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Buff Ermine, Muslin Moth, Heart and Dart and Flame Shoulder (per Durlston C P website).  At Tolpuddle Manor, a Buff Ermine was new for the year, also nine Muslin Moth, two Flame Shoulder, singles of White Ermine, Buff Ermine, Shuttle-shaped Dart, and two each of Rustic Shoulder-knot and Small Square-Spot and a Vine's Rustic (J Francis).  40 species seen at Troublefields reserve, Hurn,  included, May Highflyer, Birch Mocha, Cream spot Tiger, Pale Oak Beauty, Grey Birch, Square-spot, Marbled Brown, Scorched Wing, Marbled Brown, Foxglove Pug, Fox and Least Black Arches (R Cook and A Page).  A breezy night at Burton, min 8C, produced a mixed bag including a Diamond-back, single  Epinotia immundana and Epiblema cynobastella, 20 Plume Moth, a Chinese Character, Light Emerald, two Muslin Moth, male Pale Tussock, Heart and Dart, Pine Beauty and two Treble-lines, and new for the year were Buff-tip, Common Marbled Carpet and Common Wainscot (J Southworth).  At Gillingham, a Clouded Silver was new for the year, otherwise Common Marbled Carpet and Iron Prominent (G Hopkins). 

21 May 2009

At Chickerell, Dark Sword-grass and the first Purple Bar and Small Square-spot of the year; also singles of Muslin Moth, Poplar Hawk-moth, Knot Grass and Common Wainscot, two each of Mottled Pug and Shuttle-shaped Dart, three Flame Shoulder and four Vine's Rustic (C Pinder).  Firsts of the year at Tolpuddle Manor were a Large Yellow Underwing, ten Muslin Moth, two Flame Shoulder, a Spectacle, two Shuttle-shaped Dart, and single Lychnis, Small Square-spot and a Cinnabar (J Francis).

20 May 2009

Singles of Rusty-dot Pearl and Rush Veneer at Portland (M Cade).  Best night so far this year at Chickerell, with a Common Swift, three Common Pug, two Brindled Pug and a May Highflyer (all first of the year) along with 12 Vine's Rustic, eight Shuttle-shaped Dart, five Garden Carpet, four Flame Shoulder,  three Heart and Dart, and single of Common Carpet, Common Marbled Carpet,  Double-striped Pug, Common Wainscot and Rustic Shoulder-knot (C Pinder). At Tolpuddle Manor, three Batra lancealana, and single Elachista maculicerusella, Epiblema cynorbatella and Diamond-back, and singles of Green Carpet, Common Pug, Small Magpie, Pebble Prominent, White Ermine, 13 Muslin Moth, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Flame Shoulder, Bright-line Brown-eye, Small Square-spot, Vine's Rustic, two Common Wainscot, Burnished Brass (J Francis).  At Wimborne St Giles three White Ermine, two Flame Shoulder and singles of Chocolate-tip (new for site) Silver-ground Carpet, Muslin Moth, Mottled Rustic and Clouded-bordered Brindle (J.Winterbottom).  At Holt Heath last night  even with temperatures down to 5degC: Parapoynx stratiotata, Ancylis apicella,  Dingy Mocha, 12 Birch Mocha, three Cream Wave, Ruddy Highflyer, five Little Thorn, three Barred Umber, two Pale Oak Beauty, Grey Birch, Bordered White, Pale Pinion, two Square-spot, plus Lunar Hornet tunnel in cut salix stump (P Davey and I Machin, J Taylor, S Whitehouse - West Midlands moth group).

19 May 2009

By day, Mother Shipton at Hod Hill (per Dorset BC website).

At Delph Woods, Poole, singles of Great Prominent, Orange Footman, Pale Tussock, Small Yellow Wave, Square-spot and Tawny-barred Angle (V. Giavarini).  At Tolpuddle, three Muslin Moth, a White Ermine, a Flame Shoulder, two Vine's Rustic, a Shuttle-shaped Dart and a nice Brown Silver-line (J Francis).  At Puncknowle, singles each of Emmelina monodactyla, Garden Carpet, Flame Carpet, Shuttle-shaped Dart and Hebrew Character (M Budden).  Two Flame Shoulder and three Small Square-spot at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

18 May 2009

A little better at Gillingham with singles of Diamond-back, Chinese Character, Swallow Prominent, Common Marbled Carpet, Pale Tussock, Brimstone, 12 Flame Shoulder and three Small Square-spot (G Hopkins).

17 May 2009

A Peppered Moth, exactly two years to the day after the last at Poole (V Giavarini).  In Gillingham, a Flame Shoulder and a Small Square-spot huddled together for warmth in the bottom of the trap, and that was all (G Hopkins).

Peppered Moth, Poole, 17 May 09 © V Giavarini
 

16 May 2009

At Burton, Currant Pug was new for the site, and Common White Wave, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Turnip and Green Carpet new for the year there, and of interest were Cochylis atricapitana and Epinotia immundana (J Southworth).

14 May 2009

At last some migrant activity at Portland with 31 Diamond-back and three Silver Y (M Cade).  At Chickerell, singles of Turnip and White-point; also a Waved Umber and a Treble Lines were new for the year (C Pinder).  At Beacon Hill DWT, Corfe Mullen, two Cedestis subfusciella, and singles each of Cochylis nana, Cydia succedana, Platyptilia gonodactyla, Cinnabar, Birch Mocha, Brown Silver-line, White pinion-spotted, Lesser Swallow Prominent, Muslin Moth, Large Yellow Underwing, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Flame Shoulder and Knot Grass (A Fale).  Much better catch at Wimborne St Giles with two each of Hebrew Character, Green Carpet and Common Pug, and singles of Twin Spot Red Carpet, Early Grey, Flame Shoulder, Great Prominent, Clouded Bordered Brindle, Pale Tussock and Small Clouded Brindle (John Winterbottom).  Firsts for the year at Gillingham were Cinnabar, Small Magpie and Elephant Hawk-moth (G Hopkins).

13 May 2009

Without the rain that had been forecast, a reasonable night at Burton: a May Highflyer was a first for the garden, and singles of Chinese Character, Pale Tussock, Treble Lines and Sycamore were new for the year; of interest were a Maiden’s Blush, Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet and three Least Black Arches.  Highlights and firsts for the year at Tolpuddle Manor there included three Muslin Moth, single Figure of Eighty, Maiden's Blush, Waved Umber, two Green Carpet and Pebble Prominent, and singles each of Swallow Prominent, Lobster Moth, Setaceous Hebrew Character and Hebrew Character, three Flame Shoulder, and single Nut-tree Tussock and Gold Spot (J Francis).  At Beacon Hill DWT, Corfe Mullen, singles each of Brimstone, Brown Silver-line, Scalloped Hazel, Eyed Hawk-moth, Swallow Prominent, Iron Prominent, Muslin Moth and three Flame Shoulder (A Fale).  At Kingston migrants included a Diamond-back and a Dark Sword-grass, and other firsts for the year there included Common Wave, Bright-line Brown-eye and Heart and Dart - a month earlier than last year and by a week the earliest record for the observer; also of note were a late Red Chestnut and a Hebrew Character (P Benham).  At Gillingham, no sooner does the Hebrew Character season come to an end, than the Heart and Dart season begins, a singleton being the first for the year; also Red Twin-spot Carpet, Green Carpet, Chocolate-tip, Muslin Moth and a Setaceous Hebrew Character (G Hopkins).

12 May 2009

A calmer night than of late at Chickerell produced 11 species, including singles of Narrow-winged Pug (only the second for the garden) and a White-point (previous, earliest record for the garden was 27/05/2008); the rest of catch comprised singles of Chinese Character and Green Carpet, four Brimstone, three each of Heart and Dart, Shuttle-shaped Dart and Flame Shoulder, two Hebrew Character and singles of both Early Grey and Angle Shades (C Pinder).  In Poole, a Lesser Swallow Prominent, Cypress Carpet, Muslin Moth and a fresh Yellow-barred Brindle (V. Giavarini).  A better catch than of late at Merley, with Sandy Carpet, Treble-bar, three Treble Llines, Burnished Brass, White-point, Silver-ground Carpet and Orange Footman (D & M Godfrey).  In Gillingham, three Shuttle-shaped Dart, singles of a first brood Setaceous Hebrew Character, Small Square-spot, Knot Grass and Spectacle; interestingly,  the entire catch here was Noctuid - any significance? (G Hopkins).

11 May 2009

By day, a Clouded Silver and Cinnabar at Powerstock (per Dorset BC website).

At Gillingham, single Purple Bar and Pale Tussock were first for the year, Flame Shoulder and three Hebrew Characters constituted the rest of the regulars (G Hopkins).
 

10 May 2009

By day, a Burnet Companion at Stratton Bottom, and Latticed Heath into double figures at Middlebere Heath  (per Dorset BC website).

At Tolpuddle Manor, a hint of summer with a Red Twin-spot Carpet, two Green Carpet, singles each of Brimstone, Peppered Moth, Pebble Prominent, Pale Tussock, two White Ermine, seven Muslin Moth, two Shuttle-shaped Dart, 11 Flame Shoulder, three Hebrew Character, a Vine's Rustic, two Nut-tree Tussock, a Gold Spot and a Herald (J Francis).  At Kingston, highlights included first appearances of Oak Hook-tip, Chocolate-tip, Cloud-bordered Brindle, two Oak-tree Pug and a White-spotted Pug, the latter new for site (P Benham).  In Poole, a Pale Tussock and a Buff-tip (V. Giavarini).  Highlights at Verwood included Fox moth, Pebble Hook-tip, Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, Orange Footman, Flame Shoulder and Beautiful Hook-tip (C Court).  At Gillingham, Celypha lacunana, Garden Carpet, Green Carpet (very fresh), two Brimstone and Muslin Moth, four Flame Shoulder, a Small Square-spot, three each of Hebrew Character and Spectacle (G Hopkins).
 

9 May 2009

At Tolpuddle Manor, three Muslin Moth, and single Clouded Drab, Knot Grass and Rustic Shoulder-knot (J Francis).  At Puncknowle, two Muslin Moth, a Brimstone, Clouded Drab and Hebrew Character (M Hetherington).  At Gillingham, Muslin Moth, Brimstone, three Flame Shoulder, a Hebrew Character and two Spectacle (G Hopkins).
 

8 May 2009

At Tolpuddle Manor, single Pale Tussock, Pale Prominent and Pebble Prominent, four Muslin Moth and two Spectacle (J Francis).  Singles each of Nematopogon swammerdamella, Epinotia immundana, Pyrausta aurata (first for the year), Light Brown Apple Moth, four Brimstone, two Oak-tree Pug, a Least Black Arches (first for the year), and five Shuttle-shaped Dart (J Southworth).  At Gillingham a paltry Light Brown Apple Moth, two Flame Shoulder and two Hebrew Character (G Hopkins).

7 May 2009

A Dark Sword-grass and Heart and Dart at Chickerell (C Pinder).  At Gillingham, Celypha lacunana and White Ermine, while Scalloped Hazel and Muslin Moth were firsts for the year there (G Hopkins).

6 May 2009

A Dark Sword-grass at Broadwey (P Harris).  A White-spot, an RDB species, among the usual suspects at Shaggs, the third year running it has been recorded here (L Hill).  At Tolpuddle Manor, two Poplar Hawk-moth were new for the year there, singles each of Light Brown Apple Moth, Garden Carpet, Green Carpet, Oak-tree Pug, Pale Prominent, Pebble Prominent, White Ermine, two Shuttle-shaped Dart, four Flame Shoulder, Clouded Drab, Hebrew Character, Herald and two Spectacle (J Francis). New for the year at Gillingham were White Ermine and Bright-line Brown-eye (G Hopkins).  Highlights at Verwood included Small Seraphim, Narrow-winged Pug, Pine Beauty, Knot Grass, Pale Prominent, Grey Pine Carpet, Least Black Arches and Powdered Quaker (C Court).

5 May 2009

At Holt Heath: three Grey Birch, two Dingy Mocha, six Birch Mocha, Small Engrailed, five Square-spot, Scarce Prominent and five other Prominent species, and Barred Umber (P Davey, A Page, R Cook).
 

4 May 2009

At Burton, the highlights were the first Maiden's Blush of the year there, three Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, and single Nut-tree Tussock, Flame Shoulder and Muslin (J Southworth).

3 May 2009

At Chickerell, Currant Pug, Poplar Hawk-moth and Knot Grass were all first of the year there (C Pinder).

2 May 2009

A Maiden's Blush was of interest at Portland (M Cade).  A Seraphim at Broadwey was a first for the garden (P Harris).

1 May 2009

Chinese Character new for the site at Wimborne St Giles, also Brimstone, Swallow Prominent, Pale Mottled Willow and Early Grey (J Winterbottom).  At Winspit village, a Light Feathered Rustic, along with eight Common Quaker, two Muslin Moth, two Shuttle-shaped Dart, three Flame Shoulder, a Waved Umber and Small Quaker and eight Pugs to be confirmed (P England).  At Burton, new for the year were Red Twin-spot Carpet and Dark Twin-spot Carpet, while Chocolate-tip was of note (J Southworth). A Poplar Hawk-moth, Winterborne Stickland (L de Whalley).

30 April 2009

A single Pinion-spotted Pug at Shapwick (P Davey).

26 April 2009

Despite the rain, Tolpuddle Manor notched up two Flame Shoulder (first for the year there), singles of Muslin Moth, Lesser Swallow Prominent, Clouded Drab, four Hebrew Character and two Spectacle (J Francis).

25 April 2009

An Early Thorn, Clouded Drab and nine Hebrew Character at Bridport (M Budden).

24 April 2009

A Streamer at Broadwey (P Harris).  A Green Carpet attracted to window at Tolpuddle Manor (J Francis).  At Puncknowle, singles of Mullein, Nut-tree Tussock (the first two were new species for observer), Pebble Prominent, Double-striped Pug, Garden Carpet, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Common Quaker, Clouded Drab and four Hebrew Character (M Hetherington).  At Alners gorse, ca. 45 species; highlights were a Dingy Mocha, four + Blossom Underwing, two Great Prominent, and large numbers of Frosted Green and Brindled Pug; Brindled Beauty and Muslin Moth though not unusual were new species for the site (G Hopkins).  A Diamond-back at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

23 April 2009

At Bridport, new for the site were Powdered Quaker and Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet; two Garden Carpet, an Early Thorn, two Brimstone and nine Hebrew Character (M Budden).

22 April 2009

A V Pug was a first for the year there at Chickerell (C Pinder).  A Red-green Carpet at Broadwey (P Harris).  An Angle Shades at Durlston (per Dorset BCC website).  At Bridport, singles each of Flame Shoulder, Hebrew Character and Pale Mottled Willow (M Budden).  Firsts for the year at Gillingham were Chocolate-tip and Brindled Pug, also Flame Shoulder and two Brimstone G Hopkins).

21 April 2009

A Ruby Tiger at Portland (M Cade).  At Burton, firsts for the year there were Flame Shoulder and two Muslin Moth; also five Brimstone, four Lunar Marbled Brown, nine Hebrew Character, 11 Common Quaker, five Shuttle-shaped Dart, singles each of Clouded Drab, Brindled Pug and Pine Beauty (J Southworth).  At Bridport, a first for the site was a V Pug; also two Early Grey, Hebrew Character and Muslin Moth, with singles each of Early Thorn, Brindled Beauty, Shoulder-stripe, Clouded Drab, Cabbage Moth and Nut-tree Tussock (M Budden).  A Lunar Marbled Brown and a Knot Grass at Gillingham (G Hopkins).  A Red Twin-spot Carpet at Silton (M Plaxton).

20 April 2009

In cool, clear conditions at Southwell, Portland, were a single Diamond-back and Chinese Character, two Early Thorn, 22 Common Quaker, six Hebrew Character and three Double-striped Pug (S Whitehouse and J Taylor).  At Chickerell, singles of Garden Carpet and Green Carpet, both first of the year there (C Pinder).  Highlights at Wyke Regis included three Diamond-back, a Mullein and a Dark Spectacle (D Foot).  A Currant Pug at Broadwey (P Harris).  At Tolpuddle Manor: an Agonopterix yeatiana,  a Pebble Prominent (first of the year there), singles of Shoulder-stripe and Brindled Pug, three Muslin Moth, a Small Quaker, eight Hebrew Character, four Clouded Drab, two Common Quaker and a Herald (J Francis).  A Knot Grass was first for the year at Gillingham, also two Flame Shoulder and a Brimstone (G Hopkins).  At Silton in the north of the county was the first record of Frosted Green there in seven years of trapping, three Lunar Marbled Brown, and a Pebble Prominent (M Plaxton).

19 April 2009

By day, a Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth at Powerstock (per Dorset BCC website).

Two Brimstone and a Spectacle were new for the year at Chickerell (C Pinder).  At Bridport, an Eudonia angustea, Brindled Beauty, seven Hebrew Character and a Nut-tree Tussock (M Budden).  A single Streamer, Lunar Marbled Brown and Brimstone at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

18 April 2009

The first Pebble Prominent of the year there at Chickerell (C Pinder).  A Silver Y at Broadwey (P Harris).  At Burton, new for the year were Nut-tree Tussock, Brimstone and Shuttle-shaped Dart; also a Lunar Marbled Brown, four Common Quaker, two Hebrew Character and a Brindled Pug (J Southworth).  Singles each of Early Thorn and Chestnut, five Hebrew Character and three Early Grey at Puncknowle (M Hetherington).  At Bridport, a Brimstone, six Hebrew Character, a Garden Carpet, Brindled Beauty and a Common Quaker (M Budden).

17 April 2009

The first Diamond-back of the year for Portland (M Cade).  At Tolpuddle Manor: a Brindled Pug, Brindled Beauty, Lesser Swallow Prominent, four Muslin Moth, three Common Quaker, six Clouded Drab, six Hebrew Character, and singles of  Mullein, Bright-line Brown-eye and Spectacle (J Francis).  At Shapwick, singles of Silver Y and Diamond-back (P Davey).  At Okeford Fitzpaine, highlights were Frosted Green and Northern Drab (M Forster). Great Prominent, Swallow Prominent, Lunar Marbled Brown and Spectacle at Kingston (P Benham).
 

Northern Drab, Okeford Fitzpaine, 17 April 09 © M Forster

16 April 2009

At Gillingham, a fresh Lunar Marbled Brown was a first for the year there (G Hopkins).

15 April 2009

At Deacon Hill DWT: an Eriocrania subpurpurella, Pebble Hook-tip, Frosted Green, two Nut-tree Tussock and a Pine Beauty (R Steadman).  At Burton, Chestnut new for observer, while new for the year were singles of Diamond-back, Purple Thorn, Lunar Marbled Brown, Dark/Grey Dagger, Knot Grass and Silver Y, accompanied by three Double-striped Pug, an Early Grey, five Hebrew Character, two Clouded Drab, three Small Quaker and 11 Common Quaker (J Southworth).  At Shapwick a good haul of residents, along with five Diamond-back (P Davey).

14 April 2009

A Purple Thorn the only moth of note at Portland (M Cade).  The first Shuttle-shaped Dart of the year there at Chickerell (C Pinder).  At Shapwick, two Diamond-back and a dispersed Blossom Underwing (P Davey).  Another Blossom Underwing, miles from suitable habitat at West Blagdon, near Martin Down (D Gree, per P Davey).

13 April 2009

By day, many Brown-tail webs had magically appeared on coastal blackthorn and hawthorn near Winspit where there was none a week earlier (P Davey).  Also by day a Light Orange Underwing feeding round willow flowers in Fifehead Wood (G Hopkins).

At Bucknowle near Corfe Castle, Frosted Green and Early Tooth-striped were new for observer and the first Flame Shoulder of the year (C Pinder). At Gillingham, single Pebble Prominent and Nut-tree Tussock (G Hopkins).

12 April 2009

By day, a Silver Y at Powerstock (per Dorset BCC website).

At Tolpuddle Manor: five Hebrew Character, two Clouded Drab, and singles each of Agonopterix yeatiana, Early Thorn, Brindled Beauty, Muslin Moth, Common Quaker, and Small Quaker (J Francis).  At Winterborne Stickland, a Pebble Hook-tip and a Pine Beauty (L de Whalley).  A Chinese Character, Gillingham (G Hopkins).

11 April 2009

By day, a Fox Moth larvae found at Hod Hill (per Dorset BCC website)

An Agonopterix rotundella was of interest at Portland, the best known site in Dorset of this wild carrot feeder (M Cade).  At Tolpuddle Manor, three Early Grey, Small Quaker, seven Hebrew Character, a Pale Pinion, three Clouded Drab, a male Muslin Moth (the first this year there) and three Common Quaker (J Francis).  Usual fayre at Burton: a Twenty-plume, five Hebrew Character, a Clouded Drab, six Common Quaker, a Dotted Border, two Double-striped Pug, an Early Grey and a Small Quaker (J Southworth).  Three Diamond-back at Shapwick (P Davey).

10 April 2009

A Dark Sword-grass and a Diamond-back at Broadwey were a surprise (P Harris).  At Puncknowle, two firsts for the year there, Streamer (new to observer), and two Shoulder-stripe; also five Early Grey, two Common Quaker, and single Clouded Drab and Hebrew Character (M Hetherington).

9 April 2009

Despite promising conditions, the only immigrant at Portland was a single Silver Y (M Cade).  Of interest were five Diamond-back at Shapwick (P Davey).  A Pale Prominent and Nut-tree Tussock at Winterborne Stickland (L de Whalley). 

8 April 2009

Three Marbled Pug at Powerstock (P Davey).

5 April 2009

Singles each of Shoulder-stripe, Early Thorn, Powdered Quaker, and Common Quaker at Chickerell (C Pinder).  A Diurnea fagella at Bridport ( M Budden).

4 April 2009

Singles each of March Moth, Small Quaker and Common Quaker, two Clouded Drab, five Hebrew Character and seven Early Grey at Puncknowle (M Hetherington).

3 April 2009

Rescued from a very waterlogged trap at Burton: 13 Common Quaker, three Small Quaker, two Early Thorn, an Early Grey, three Hebrew Character and a new one for the observer a Pine Beauty (J Southworth).

Pine Beauty, 3 April 2009, Burton © J Southworth                                                          Brimstone, 2nd April 2009, Iwerne Minster © W Raymond

2 April 2009

By day, a Brimstone moth at Iwerne Minster (W Raymond). 

A Brindled Pug at Preston (R Lambert per P Harris).  At Bridport: two Early Grey, an Early Thorn and a Hebrew Character (M Budden).  The first Nut-tree Tussock of the season for Kingston, also Tawny Pinion and Grey Shoulder-knot (P Benham).  Powdered Quaker at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

1 April 2009

A Hummingbird Hawk-moth by day at Corfe Castle (S Patton).

At Chickerell, a Herald, along with three Early Grey, six Common Quaker and three Hebrew Character (C Pinder).    At Tolpuddle Manor: Dotted Border, Early Tooth-striped, two Early Thorn, a Purple Thorn, 11 Small Quaker, seven Clouded Drab, ten Hebrew Character, a Twin-spotted Quaker, five Common Quaker, two Early Grey, and single Oak Beauty, Brindled Beauty and Pale Pinion (J Francis).  Two Early Grey at Bridport (M Budden).  At Shapwick, Small Eggar, Purple Thorn and Red Sword-grass (P Davey).  Double-striped Pug at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

31 March 2009

Two Shoulder-stripe at Portland, by no means annual there (M Cade).  Single Shoulder-stripe and a Mottled Grey were both new for the garden at Chickerell (C Pinder).  At Dorchester: Common Quaker, Small Quaker, March Moth, Early Grey, Early Thorn, Nut-tree Tussock (J Down).  A successful night at Broadmayne with 18 species: March Moth, Brindled Pug, Double-striped Pug, Early Thorn, Purple Thorn, Oak Beauty, Dotted Border, Muslin Moth, Pine Beauty, Small Quaker, Common Quaker, Clouded Drab, Hebrew Character, Pale Pinion, Early Grey, Dotted Chestnut, Diurnea fagella and Epiphyas postvittana (P Bruce-Jones).  At Burton, six Hebrew Character, 20 Common Quaker, three each of Early Grey, Small Quaker and Clouded Drab, six Double-striped Pug, and first for the year were Early Thorn and Dotted Border (J Southworth).  Tawny Pinion, Muslin and a Nut-tree Tussock at Shapwick (P Davey).

30 March 2009

At Shaggs: a Caloptilia stigmatella, three Diurnea flagella, an Emmelina monodactyla, five March Moth, singles each of Water Carpet, Brindled Pug, Double-striped Pug, Brindled Beauty, Oak Beauty, Dotted Border and Engrailed, nine Small Quaker, 11 Common Quaker, four Clouded Drab, 12 Twin-spot Quaker, eight Hebrew Character, a Grey Shoulder-knot and seven Early Grey (L Hill).  A Tawny Pinion and a Herald at Merley (D & M Godfrey).  By torchlight at Fontmell Down: two each of Emmelina monodactyla and Ypsolopha mucronella, single Acleris cristana and Acleris schalleriana, three Diurnia fagella, an Agonopterix palorella, seven Early Thorn, a Water Carpet, four Mottled Grey, an Engrailed, a Shoulder-stripe, and of note, ten Barred Tooth-striped, a Notable A species (P Davey, L de Whalley, G Hopkins).  A male Small Eggar at Shapwick (P Davey).  Two Diurnea fagella and a Tawny Pinion, Winterborne Stickland (L de Whalley).  At Kingston, the highlights were Pale Pinion, Red Chestnut and a Blossom Underwing (P Benham).  A Double-striped Pug at Gillingham (G Hopkins).
 

29 March 2009

At Burton, a Diurnea fagella, two each of Early Grey, Hebrew Character and Clouded Drab, and ten Common Quaker (J Southworth).

28 March 2009

At Chickerell, a Pale Pinion, along with a Clouded Drab, two Common Quaker and four Hebrew Character (C Pinder).

27 March 2009

An immigrant Silver Y at Portland (M Cade).  At Burton, 21 Common Quaker, five Hebrew Character, two Small Quaker and an Early Grey (J Southworth).

26 March 2009

New for the year at Portland were Shuttle-shaped Dart and Red Chestnut (M Cade).

25 March 2009

At Manor Yard, Shaggs, the highlight was a Barred Tooth-striped (a Notable A species), along with three Small Quaker, nine Common Quaker, two each of Clouded Drab, Twin-spot Quaker and Hebrew Character, and four Early Grey (L Hill).  At Bridport: an Emmelina monodactyla, two each of Early Grey and Hebrew Character (M Budden). 

24 March 2009

Strong winds damaged the trap at Bridport, but not before the first garden record of Diurnea fagella was trapped there (M Budden).  At Tolpuddle Manor, a Tortricodes alternella, an Early Thorn, two Small Quaker, a Common Quaker, three Clouded Drab, five Hebrew Character, and an Early Grey (J Francis).

23 March 2009

A Pale Pinion was a minor highlight at Portland, where it is not caught every year (M Cade).

22 March 2009

A good night at Tolpuddle Manor, an Early Thorn, a Dotted Chestnut, four Hebrew Character, seven Common Quaker, two Small Quaker, a Twin-spotted Quaker, three Clouded Drab, a Lead-coloured Drab and an Oak Beauty (J Francis).  A Hebrew Character, two Early Grey and an Early Thorn at Bridport (M Budden).
 

21 March 2009

At Puncknowle: five Early Grey, seven Hebrew Character, six Common Quaker and three Clouded Drab (M Hetherington).  Five Hebrew Character, two Early Grey and a Small Quaker at Bridport (M Budden).

20 March 2009

At Burton: a March Moth, Early Grey, two Hebrew Character, three Common Quaker and a Clouded Drab (J Southworth). 

18 March 2009

Despite the colder night, at Tolpuddle Manor was eight Hebrew Character, two Common Quaker and three Clouded Drab (J Francis).  At Broadstone: one Oak Beauty, nine Common Quaker, three Small Quaker, one Twin Spotted Quaker, three Hebrew Character and an Early Grey (K Clements).

17 March 2009

At Manor Yard, Shaggs, singles each of Agonopterix heracliana, Emmelina monodactyla and Yellow-horned, eight Small Quaker, eight Common Quaker, 12 Hebrew Character, a Grey Shoulder-knot and five Early Grey (L Hill).  At Tolpuddle Manor, five each of Common Quaker and Hebrew Character, ten Clouded Drab, two Twin-spotted Quaker and a Small Quaker (J Francis).

16 March 2009

At Tolpuddle Manor, four each of Common Quaker and Hebrew Character, and an Early Grey (J Francis).

13 March 2009

At Tolpuddle Manor, a Satellite, five Common Quaker, a Hebrew Character, an Oak Beauty and two Twin-spotted Quaker (J Francis).  An Oak Beauty, four Hebrew Character, two Twin-spotted Quaker, three Common Quaker, two each of Early Grey, Clouded Drab, Small Quaker and a Double-striped Pug at Burton (J Southworth).  A Grey Shoulder-knot and a March Moth to MV at Winterborne Stickland (L de Whalley).

12 March 2009

At Broadwey, single Oak Beauty, Satellite, Small Quaker, seven Common Quaker and two Hebrew Character (P Harris).  At Tolpuddle Manor, four Common Quaker, three Hebrew Character, an Oak Beauty, two Grey Shoulder-knot, a Chestnut, a Small Quaker and an Emmelina monodactyla (J Francis).  A Small Eggar to MV at Winterborne Stickland (L de Whalley).

11 March 2009

The first immigrant of the year at Portland: a Dark Sword-grass (M Cade).  Single Hebrew Character and a Satellite overnight at Puncknowle (M Hetherington).

1 March 2009

One of each of Hebrew Character, Common Quaker, Oak Beauty and Clouded Drab at Tolpuddle Manor (J Francis).  Two Oak Beauty at Merley (R Steedman).

28 February 2009

Singles of Hebrew Character and Common Quaker at Puncknowle (M Hetherington).  A Common Quaker at Burton (J Southworth).

27 February 2009

At Chickerell, two each of Hebrew Character and Early Moth, and single Common Quaker and Dotted Border (C Pinder).  Just a Common Quaker and a Clouded Drab at Dorchester (J Down).  At Merley, two Common Quaker, Twin-spotted Quaker and Tortricodes alternella (R Steedman).  Three Hebrew Character to actinic at Puncknowle (M Hetherington).

25 February 2009

Singles each of Hebrew Character, Chestnut and Early Moth to actinic light at Winterborne Stickland (L de Whalley).

24 February 2009

At Shaggs, a Tortricodes alternella, two Acleris ferrugana/notana, an Acleris hastiana, an Oak Beauty, two Dotted Border, a Hebrew Character and three Satellite (L Hill).  A Hebrew Character at Shapwick (P Davey).  At Kingston, five Hebrew Character, two Common Quaker and two Oak Beauty gave a hint of Spring to come, plus another Grey Shoulder-knot (P Benham).

23 February 2009

A Hebrew Character at Chickerell (C Pinder).  At Shaggs, the first trapping of the year produced singles each of Acleris ferrugana/notana, Acleris hastiana, and a Hebrew Character (L Hill). A Dotted Border and a Satellite to MV light at Winterborne Stickland (L de Whalley).

22 February 2009

A Common Quaker at Chickerell (C Pinder).

18 February 2009

At Kingston, three Pale-brindled Beauty and a Grey Shoulder-knot (P Benham).

17 February 2009

A Chestnut at Gillingham was the first trapped there since 1997 (G Hopkins).

16 February 2009

At Kingston, a Pale-brindled Beauty, an Early Moth, four Satellite and a Tortricoides alternella (P Benham).

15 February 2009

At Portland, a measly four species recorded: Scobipalpa costella, Agonopteix alstromeriana, Acleris hastiana and Mottled Grey (M Cade). At Gussage All Saints, a Satellite ( A Hibbert).

28 January 2009

At Puncknowle, singles each of Mottled Umber, Spring Usher and a Chestnut (M Hetherington).  A Winter Moth to window, Winterborne Stickland (L de Whalley).

27 January 2009

A Satellite and a Winter Moth were the only moths trapped at Portland  (M Cade).  Four Spring Usher and a Winter Moth at Kingston (P Benham).

14 January 2009

The first report of the year was from Portland, where 16 Winter Moth were found clustered around the Observatory kitchen window when the light had been left on overnight (M Cade).