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31 December 2010
A late Red-line Quaker at Broadwey (P Harris).
29 December 2010
Ten December Moth at Beaminster (M Raper).
28 December 2010
The return of milder weather after such a long period
of freezing conditions prompted a few trappers to have a go.
The lit windows of the Portland
Observatory lounge were visited for the first time this winter by
quite a few Winter Moths (PBO website). Eight
December Moth at Broadwey (P Harris). At Durlston, Swanage,
were nine December Moth, a Winter Moth, and a late
Yellow-line Quaker (P England). A good haul at Tincleton
with 36 December Moth, 31 Winter Moth, two Chestnut
and singles of Acleris notana/ferrugana, Scarce Umber,
Mottled Umber, Dark Chestnut and Brick (R Cottle).
15 December 2010
Singles of December Moth, Mottled Umber and
Dark Chestnut at Chickerell (C Pinder).
12 December 2010
Two December Moth at Durlston, Swanage (P
England). Four December Moth at Winterborne Stickland,
despite temperatures of -8 (L de Whalley).
11 December 2010
A late Large Yellow Underwing at Portland (PBO
website). Eight December Moth at Beaminster (M Raper).
At Alderholt, 22 December Moth, two Winter Moth and a
Scarce Umber (T Morris). Ten December Moth at
Winterborne Stickland (L de Whalley).
10 December 2010
With temps rising above 0 for the first time in many
nights, the moths were out in, relative, force. A December
Moth and a Yellow-line Quaker were the first moths at
Chickerell since mid-November (C Pinder). A December Moth at Broadwey (P Harris).
At Tincleton, 17 December Moth, five Winter Moth, and
singles of Feathered Thorn, Grey Shoulder-Knot, Chestnut, Brick
and Red-line Quaker, and seven Yellow-line Quaker (R
Cottle). At Beaminster, a Feathered Thorn was new for
the garden, and three December Moth (M Raper). A
Chestnut at Winterborne Stickland (L de Whalley).
December Moth, Broadwey, 10 December 2010 © P
Harris
4 December 2010
In a relatively balmy -1C at Tincleton, a tap produced an
Acleris ferrugana/notana, a single December Moth,
and a late Yellow-line Quaker (R Cottle).
3 December 2010
No records since 20 November, and the following
photograph is a fair indication on why there are not many moths
about, or indeed much effort......
Moth trap, Broadwey 2 December 2010
20 November 2010
By day, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth attracted to
the blue lettering on a banner outside the Mariners Hotel in Lyme
Regis (R Boswell per P Davey).
19 November 2010
Two December Moth at Broadwey, along with
Red-green Carpet, Common Marbled Carpet, Feathered Thorn, and
four Yellow-line Quaker (P Harris). At Tincleton,
despite heavy showers, there were December Moth, three
Red-green Carpet, a Mottled Umber, four each of
Feathered Thorn and Yellow-line Quaker (R Cottle).
On a rainy night at Durlston, Swanage were four Feathered Thorn
and a Yellow-line Quaker (P England). A Scarce Umber
was the highlight at Alderholt (T Morris).
Diurnea lipsiella, Alderholt, 13 November 2010 © T
Morris
Scare Umber, Alderholt, 19 November 2010 © T Morris
18 November 2010
At Broadwey, two December Moth, the first of
the year there, and a Feathered Thorn (P Harris). Three
December Moth nearby at Preston (R Lambert).
17 November 2010
Just a Rusty-dot Pearl
was of interest at Portland (PBO website). At Broadwey, two
Yellow-line Quaker and a Red-line Quaker (P Harris).
16 November 2010
Immigrants at Portland were
a Rusty-dot Pearl and Silver Y (PBO website).
14 November 2010
The only immigrants at Portland were
singles of Rusty-dot Pearl and Silver Y (PBO website).
13 November 2010
By day, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth flew out of
garden shed at Portesham (C Whitby per P Harris).
At Portland, three Rusty-dot Pearl
and a Silver Y (PBO website). .Just a handful of moths at Broadwey, two Red-green
Carpet, Feathered Thorn, Brick and Beaded Chestnut (P
Harris). At Durlston, Swanage, two Light Brown Apple Moth,
four Red-green Carpet, a Large Yellow Underwing, Blair's
Shoulder-knot, five Yellow-line Quaker, two Beaded
Chestnut and an Angle Shades (P England). A
Diurnea lipsiella was new for the garden at Alderholt (T
Morris).
Alners Gorse work party, 13 November 2010
12 November 2010
Windy to start, but otherwise quite mild at Tincleton:
four December Moth, seven Feathered Thorn, a couple of
late Large Yellow Underwing, two Merveille du Jour,
Satellite, good numbers of Yellow-line Quaker with 17
recorded (R Cottle). A Cosmopolitan at Puddletown (H
Wood Homer per P Harris).
10 November 2010
A Pearly Underwing was the only migrant at
Portland (PBO website).
7 November 2010
Singles of Pearly Underwing and
White-speck were the only immigrants in the Portland Obs
garden moth-traps, and of interest was a Brindled Ochre, once
a Portland speciality, but now no longer even annually recorded
there (PBO website).
6 November 2010
A cold night at Durlston, Swanage, produced a
Rusty-dot Pearl - a first for the garden, four Red-green
Carpet, a Blair's Shoulder-knot, and three Beaded
Chestnut (P England). A Mottled Umber was a first
for the year at Alderholt, and a Herald was the first for the
winter, and a late Pinion-streaked Snout (T Morris).
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Figure-of-eight, Alderholt, 5 November 2010 © T Morris
Pinion-streaked Snout, Alderholt, 6 November 2010 © T Morris
Mottled Umber, Alderholt, 6 November 2010 © T Morris
Herald Alderholt, 6 November 2010 © T Morris
5 November 2010
Four Rusty-dot Pearl were the only immigrants
at Portland (PBO website). A Figure-of-Eight was the
highlight and a first for the year there at Alderholt (T Morris).
4 November 2010
Highlights at Burton were five Light Brown Apple
Moth, Red-green Carpet, Grey Pine Carpet, Cypress Carpet, Large
Yellow Underwing, Blair's Shoulder-knot, Yellow-line Quaker,
three Beaded Chestnut and a Barred Sallow (J
Southworth). Windy at Tincleton, but despite this caught good
numbers of Yellow-line Quaker (19) and Beaded Chestnut
(6), also Red-green Carpet and Pale Pinion and singles
of a few "hanger ons" in the form of Large Yellow Underwing,
Setaceous Hebrew Character and Vine's Rustic (R Cottle).
3 November 2010
Immigrants in at Portland were five
Rusty-dot Pearl and two Silver Y (PBO website). A
half decent night at Broadwey considering the persistent windy
weather with November Moth, the 3rd ever Grey
Shoulder-knot there, Merveille du Jour, Brick, Yellow-line
Quaker, Large Wainscot and Scarce Bordered Straw (P
Harris).
Grey Shoulder-knot,
Broadwey, 3 November 2010 © P Harris Spoladea
recurvalis, Walditch, 2 November 2010 © M Parsons/Butterfly
Conservation.
2 November 2010
There were just three immigrants at
Portland, two Rusty-dot Pearl and a Silver Y (PBO
website). Highlight at Walditch was a single Spoladea
recurvalis (M Parsons).
1 November 2010
Immigrants at Portland were four
Rusty-dot Pearl, two Dark Sword-grass and four Silver
Y (PBO website). Highlights at
Winterborne Stickland were Red-green Carpet, five
Feathered Thorn, Blair's Shoulder-knot and Red Sword-grass
(L de Whalley). A Gem at Abbotsbury Beach, but it is
not clear if it was trapped, with trap date of previous day (per
Atropos).
31 October 2010
A Red-green Carpet was the best on offer at
Broadwey (P Harris). At Preston, a Grey Shoulder-knot
was only the 2nd garden record there (R Lambert).
30 October 2010
A Flame Brocade was the pick of the overnight
catch at Portland, also a
White-speck and four Silver Y were further immigrant
interest (PBO website). A dozen or so species at Broadwey, an improvement but
still too windy; best were Feathered Thorn, Dark Sword-grass
and Merveille du Jour (P Harris). At Durlston, Swanage, 12 Oak Rustic (a record
number for the garden), along with two Red-green Carpet,
three very worn Large Yellow Underwing, a Feathered
Ranunculus, five Yellow-line Quaker, three
Beaded Chestnut and a Silver Y (P England).
29 October 2010
Immigrants at Portland were a
Diamond-back, two Rusty-dot Pearl and singles of Dark
Sword-grass, Delicate and Silver Y
(PBO website). At Burton, a Phyllonorycter messaniella,
two Tachystola acroxantha, Red-green Carpet, Grey
Pine Carpet. two November Moth agg., two Black Rustic,
a Beaded Chestnut, and a Silver Y (J Southworth).
To light at Winterborne Stickland were Feathered Thorn, two
Figure of Eight, a Delicate, two Black Rustic,
Merveille de Jour, two Dark Chestnut, five
Beaded Chestnut, and two Lunar Underwing (L de Whalley).
28 October 2010
A windy night kept the numbers down, and
the only immigrants at Portland were singles of Rusty-dot Pearl
and Silver Y (PBO website). Two
Merveille du Jour were by far the best at Broadwey (P
Harris). Trapping at three sites north of Hurn village north
of Bournemouth Airport produced at least 266 moths and included a
Rush Veneer, Red-green Carpet, 25 November Moth agg., 73
Autumnal Moth, 34 Feathered Thorn, Mottled Umber, Black
Rustic, Merveille du Jour, four Satellite, 18 Chestnut,
14 Dark Chestnut, 24 Red-line Quaker, 33
Yellow-line Quaker, Southern Chestnut, plus a Pink-barred
Sallow and three Sallow (D Evans). At Burton, a
Tachystola acroxantha, four Light Brown Apple Moth,
two November Moth agg, Beaded Chestnut, Sallow and the
first Large Wainscot of the year there (J Southworth).
A Turnip and two Merveille
du Jour at Beaminster, were new for the garden
(M Raper).
27 October 2010
Immigrants at Portland were two
Rusty-dot Pearl, a Dark Sword-grass, and two Silver Y
(PBO website). A Flame Brocade
was the highlight at Langton Matravers (D Brown). Only the one moth at Beaminster, a December Moth
(M Raper).
25 October 2010
Four Rusty-dot Pearl were the
only immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps (PBO website).
At Chickerell, just two moths in the trap, a Shuttle-shaped Dart
and a Delicate (C Pinder).
24 October 2010
By day, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Lulworth
Cove (Dorset BC website).
A Silver Y was the only migrant recorded at Portland
(PBO website),
23 October 2010
At Portland, a few
immigrant moths of interest at the observatory, with White-speck
and Cosmopolitan and two Silver Y (PBO website).
Similar catch to previous night at Durlston CP,
including
Setaceous Hebrew Character, Black Rustic, Green-brindled Crescent,
Lunar Underwing and Beaded Chestnut
(Durlston CP website). The cold night and full moon meant just five moths at Burton: an
Acleris notana/ ferrugana, a Red-green Carpet,
November Moth agg., Dark Chestnut and Red-line Quaker
(J Southworth).
22 October 2010
Generally small catches due to the wind and rain.
A Rusty-dot Pearl at Portland was the only migrant there (PBO
website). Two Sallow at Broadwey were the only moths of note there (P
Harris). At Durlston, a Setaceous Hebrew Character,
three Oak Rustic, two each of Feathered Ranunculus and
Yellow-line Quaker and eight Beaded Chestnut (P
England). Nearby at Durlston CP, just seven moths trapped: a
Setaceous Hebrew Character, two Black Rustic, and singles
of Green-brindled Crescent, Brick, Beaded Chestnut and
Silver Y (Durlston CP). At Tincleton, singles of Common
Marbled Carpet, Grey Pine Carpet, two Epirrita agg.,
Black Rustic and Chestnut; more interestingly, there were
two Dotted Chestnut in the house, which meant four over the
past two weeks, while none recorded in the trap there this autumn (R
Cottle).
21 October 2010
A Flame Brocade was a surprise at Portland,
and the only other migrant was a Silver Y (PBO website).
At Broadwey, the first Merveille du Jour of the autumn there
brought a splash of colour, otherwise Clancy's Rustic, four
Yellow-line Quaker, Large Wainscot and a November Moth
(P Harris). At East Lulworth, a rather nice Brussels Lace
amongst the usual autumnal suspects; Les says he has been checking
his Epirrita moths recently, and so far only November Moth
confirmed (L Hill).
Flame Brocade, Portland Bill, 22
October 2010 © M Cade
20 October 2010
By day, a Rush Veneer at King's Barrow
Reserve, Portland (Dorset BC website).
Three Oak Rustic at Abbotsbury, which become
the most westerly Dorset records (P Sterling per P Harris).
Of interest, it has been brought to my attention that Roy McCormick has caught it
(Oak Rustic) in Devon at Holcombe, and a comment on page 5 of the
2009 Devon Moth Group Annual report viz "Dryobota labecula
Oak Rustic was recorded again, raising hopes it has colonised
Devon" (per B Bewsher).
Outside of the county but of interest, is the first VC2 record of
Clifden Nonpareil at Heligan in Cornwall; the last specimen
recorded in Cornwall in the County Records was at Mylor (VC1) in
1948! (per T James CMG).
19 October 2010
By day, a Swallow-tailed Moth found in my
garden at Alderholt (T Morris).
A Sombre Brocade at Abbotsbury (per Atropos
website).
18 October 2010
Singles of Diamond-back,
Rush Veneer, Pine Carpet, Red-green Carpet and
Silver Y were the only immigrants/wanderers it Portland (PBO
website). Still very low numbers at Broadwey, with just three
Red-line Quaker, Green-brindled Crescent and a Silver Y
to report (P Harris)..
17 October 2010
At Winterborne Stickland, a Delicate, two
Yellow-line Quaker and a Green-brindled Crescent (L de
Whalley)
15 October 2010
By day at Alderholt, a first for the year a Hummingbird
Hawk-moth feeding off the last of the summer jasmine in the late
afternoon (T Morris).
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were three Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer,
four Pearly Underwing, a Delicate and four Silver Y
(PBO website). 'Just' a Clancy's Rustic was of note at Broadwey
(which is indicative of its status change as the first British
record was only in 2002!) (P Harris). A
cold northerly
wind and clear skies at Durlston CP, produced 28 moths of 8 species
including Lunar Underwing, Large Yellow Underwing, Setaceous
Hebrew Character, Feathered Ranunculus, Feathered Brindle
and Black Rustic (Durlston CP website). Nearby at
Durlston, Swanage was the first Merveille du Jour for the
garden, three Feathered Ranunculus, an Oak Rustic and
a Silver Y (P England). At Alderholt, three new for
season moths caught at light were Phyllonorycter trifasciella,
Red-green Carpet, and Feathered Thorn (T Morris).
Feathered Thorn, Alderholt, 15 October 2010 © T Morris
Red-green Carpet, Alderholt, 15 October 2010 © T Morris
Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Alderholt, 15 October 2010 © T Morris
Merveille du Jour, Durlston, 15 October 2010 © P England
14 October 2010
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were two Rusty-dot Pearl, a Dark Sword-grass,
and three each of Delicate and Silver Y (PBO website).
A slight increase in numbers at Broadwey, but
Large Wainscot the only one worthy of a mention (P Harris). While there was nothing in the Butterfly Conservation
trap at Shaggs, there was Pale Pinion, three Merveille du
Jour and Feathered Ranunculus at East Lulworth (L Hill).
Highlight at Alderholt was Phyllonorycter messaniella
at MV which was new to garden (T Morris).
Phyllonorycter messaniella, Alderholt,
14 October 2010 © T Morris Phyllonorycter
trifasciella, Alderholt,
15 October 2010 © T Morris
13 October 2010
A very autumnal feel with temperature down to 6C and
only 12 moths at Chickerell, comprising of two each of Large
Yellow Underwing and Blair's Shoulder-knot, a
Feathered Ranunculus, two Beaded Chestnut, four Lunar
Underwing, and a Large Wainscot (C Pinder). To
light at Winterborne Stickland was a Merveille de Jour (first
for site), Black Rustic, and Beaded Chestnut (L de
Whalley).
12 October 2010
At Portland, the only migrants were
three Rusty-dot Pearl, a
Pearly Underwing and a Silver Y (PBO website).
11 October 2010
Four Silver Y were the only migrants at
Portland (PBO website). During the evening, a Southern Chestnut found
on buddliea at Verwood (C Court).
10 October 2010
Immigrants and wanderers to the Portland
Obs garden moth-traps were two Rusty-dot Pearl, and singles
of Delicate, White-speck, Pink-barred Sallow
and Scarce Bordered Straw and two Silver Y (PBO
website). Virtually no moths at Broadwey, but one Scarce
Bordered Straw just about made it worth running the traps there
(P Harris). At East Lulworth, the pick of the crop was a Brindled
Ochre, only the 3rd SY88 record since 2000 (per NMRS); also
singles of Rusty-dot Pearl, Rush Veneer and Delicate
(L Hill).
Brindled Ochre, East Lulworth, 10 October 2010 © L Hill
9 October 2010
Immigrants at Portland were three
Rusty-dot Pearl, a Brindled Green and a Scarce
Bordered Straw, and 11 Silver Y (PBO Website).
A Clancy's Rustic and two Red Underwing
were the pick at Broadwey (P Harris). There was a
Scarce Bordered Straw at Preston (R
Lambert). At East Lulworth,
singles of Rusty-dot Pearl, Rush
Veneer and Delicate (L Hill).
Highlights at Durlston, Swanage was a Red-green
Carpet, 21 Blair's Shoulder-knot (first this autumn),
the first Oak Rustic of the season there, 12 Feathered
Ranunculus, Clancy's Rustic, and a Silver Y (P
England). Nearby at the Durlston CP, a good selection of rare
residents and migrants: highlights were a Diamond-back, four
Rush Veneer, two Convolvulus Hawk-moth, a Dark
Sword-grass, Pearly Underwing and a Delicate, ten Oak
Rustic, two Sombre Brocade, a Flame Brocade, two
Scarce Bordered Straw and two Silver Y; and of
interest a
rather late
Pretty Chalk Carpet (M Deans et al).
A Clifden Nonpareil near Lower Bockhampton (per P Harris).
Also of note, there have been nine Clifden Nonpareil
nearby at Puddletown (the last were two on 5th, and the other
records now added to the dates) (H Wood Homer per P Harris). 27 species,
including new to the garden at Tincleton, singles of
Dioryctria simplicella, Green-brindled Crescent, Merveille de
Jour, Pink-barred Sallow, Large Wainscot, and Scarce Bordered
Straw;. also a single migrant Diamond-back, but best of
all was another Clifden Nonpareil (much more worn than the
last) and good numbers of Beaded Chestnut (24) among some of
the more regular autumn species (R Cottle). At Walditch, a single Clancy's Rustic
and six L-album Wainscot (M Parsons).
Scarce Bordered Straw, Tincleton, 9 October
2010 © R Cottle
Clifden Nonpareil, Tincleton, 9 October 2010 © R Cottle
8 October 2010
Immigrants at Portland in the Obs garden
moth-traps were three Rusty-dot Pearl, four Scarce
Bordered Straw and 11 Silver Y (PBO website). At Chickerell, two migrants, a Rush Veneer and
a male Four-spotted Footman; also of interest were singles of
Blair's Shoulder-knot and Pink-barred Sallow (C Pinder).
A bit of a damp squib at Broadwey, a Sallow was of interest,
but one real oddity in the form of an unusual Oncocera
semirubella; apart from being very late it is unusually
coloured, in that the 'pink' areas are grey and the 'yellow' areas
are pale yellow - Paul muses if there is a chance this was dragged in
with the Saharan dust from foreign shores? (P Harris). Moths
at Durlston included Beautiful Gothic, Frosted Orange, Dark
Sword-grass, Setaceous Hebrew Character and Blair’s Shoulder
Knot (Durlston CP website). At Abbotsbury the highlight of trapping was a single Vestal
(M Parsons and P Sterling). The highlights at Walditch were a
Short-cloaked Moth and a slightly worn and small Dusky-lemon
Sallow (M Parsons). What a difference a few days makes at
Tincleton with quite a good night there with 24 species recorded
including a single Rush Veneer and good numbers of the autumn
usuals; ten Black Rustic, three Yellow-line Quaker and
11 Beaded Chestnut; new for the garden were Acleris
sparsana, Brindled Green, Feathered Ranunculus, and, the
star attraction, a Clifden Nonpareil (R Cottle). A very mild overcast night at Burton
should have been good but the strong wind must have affected the
catch: the only micros were four Light Brown Apple Moth and a
Tachystola acroxantha; 19 macros included two
Lesser Yellow Underwing, an L-album Wainscot, six
pristine Black Rustic, three Blair's Shoulder Knot, a
Barred Sallow and Oak Nycteoline (first of the year)
(J Southworth). There was a very worn Clifden Nonpariel
in a trap at Wimborne St Giles, having been seen at 10 in the
evening in an open fronted shed near the trap; also of interest were
two Light Green Emerald, a Brimstone, three
Green-brindled Crescent and a Knot Grass (J Winterbottom).
Oncocera semirubela,
abb., Broadwey, 8 October 2010 © P Harris
Sallow,
Broadwey, 8 October 2010 © P Harris
7 October 2010
A windy night at Portland, and the only
immigrants at the Obs were a Rush Veneer, two Scarce
Bordered Straw and a Silver Y (PBO website).
Taken at East Lulworth was a single Clifden
Nonpareil, and migrants included Rusty-dot Pearl, Rush Veneer
and Four-spotted Footman (L Hill). A Vestal
and Convolvulus Hawk-moth at Walditch (M Parsons). At
Alderholt, new for the season were Brick, Red-line Quaker,
Yellow-line Quaker, Large Wainscot as well as an interesting
variation of Sallow; Tom adds that he has been catching
unusually high numbers of Black Rustic and Blair's
Shoulder-Knot this year (T Morris).
Red-line Quaker, Alderholt 7 October 2010 ©
T Morris
Yellow-line Quaker, Alderholt 7 October 2010 ©
T Morris
Large Wainscot, Alderholt 7 October 2010 ©
T Morris
Sallow, Alderholt 7 October 2010 ©
T Morris
6 October 2010
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were singles of Rusty-dot Pearl and Rush Veneer,
and two Delicate (PBO website). At Chickerell, the highlight was a Vestal,
with a Vapourer, two Turnip Moth, two L-album
Wainscot and the first Green-brindled Crescent of the
year adding further interest (C Pinder). Only the third site record of Clancy's Rustic
at Shaggs (L Hill). A Vestal was the highlight at
Walditch (M Parsons). A migrant Rush Veneer at
Gillingham, along with a Barred Sallow and the first
November Moth agg. of the year (G Hopkins).
5 October 2010
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were three Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer
and a Delicate (PBO website).
Two Clifden
Nonpareil at Puddletown bringing the total there this autumn to
nine (H Wood Homer per P Harris). A good selection
of autumnal moths from Durlston including Large Yellow Underwing,
Feathered Brindle, Black Rustic, Feathered Ranunculus, Lunar
Underwing, Angle Shades, Frosted Orange and a Snout (Durlston
CP website).
4 October 2010
A Hummingbird Hawk-moth on Salvia greggii
by day at Beaminster (M Raper).
On a rather windy night the only
immigrants attracted to the Portland Obs garden moth-traps were
three each of Rusty-dot Pearl and Rush Veneer
and singles of Dark Sword-grass and Delicate
(PBO website).
A
Clifden Nonpareil at Puddletown (H Wood Homer per P Harris).
3 October 2010
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were six Rusty-dot Pearl, 16 Rush Veneer, a
Gem, two Dark Sword-grass, three Pearly Underwing,
singles of Delicate and Scarce Bordered Straw, and two
Silver Y (PBO website). A Convolvulus Hawk-moth and an L-album
Wainscot at Walditch (M Parsons). Not much from the trap
at Tincleton, but Black Rustic and Lunar Underwing in
good numbers and Cypress Carpet and L-album Wainscot
were new for the garden; Richard comments on the scarcity of
Common Marbled Carpet, with just one this autumn (R Cottle).
A Clifden
Nonpareil at Puddletown (H Wood Homer per P Harris).
New for the year at Beaminster were Light Emerald and Spruce Carpet (M
Raper).
2 October 2010
Slim pickings at Broadwey, another Barred Sallow
and a Frosted Orange the best of a poor bunch (P Harris).
1 October 2010
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were four Rush Veneer, two Pearly Underwing,
three Delicate, and two Silver Y (PBO website).
The best at Broadwey was the observers second ever Dewick's
Plusia, also a different Barred Sallow and a
Pink-barred Sallow; a real taste of autumn in the traps now with
Black Rustic, Feathered Ranunculus, Blair's Shoulder-knot and
Beaded Chestnut (P Harris). A rather odd Rosy
Footman with one wing longer than the other at Shaggs, along
with a late Buff Footman (L Hill). On a cool night at Durlston,
Swanage, fewer moths, but five Black Rustic were first this
autumn; also two Rush Veneer, four Feathered Ranunculus,
two Feathered Brindle and a Silver Y (P England).
The highlights at Burton. was Acleris sparsana which
was a first, Mullein Wave and Frosted Orange were new
for the year and also of interest were singles of L-album
Wainscot, Blair's Shoulder Knot and two Mallow (J
Southworth).
Frosted Orange, Burton, 1 October 2010 © J
Southworth Dewick's Plusia,
Broadwey, 1 October 2010 © P Harris
Rosy Footman, Shaggs, 1 October 2010 © L Hill
30 September 2010
Singles of Rusty-dot Pearl and
Rush Veneer were the only immigrants in the Obs garden
moth-traps (PBO website). The pick at Broadwey were Barred
Sallow and Red Underwing (P Harris). A Clifden
Nonpareil was the first recorded from Brownsea Island (C Thain
per P Harris).
29 September 2010
At Portland, a Silver-striped
Hawk-moth was the pick of the overnight moth catch at the Obs;
other immigrants were two Rusty-dot Pearl, six Rush Veneer
and a Delicate (PBO website).
28 September 2010
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were two Rusty-dot Pearl, four Rush Veneer,
a Vestal and a Dark Sword-grass
(PBO website). At Chickerell, 48 Lunar Underwing
constituted half of the catch, which also included singles of
Vapourer, Turnip Moth, White-point, two Barred Sallow
and, the highlight, a Feathered Brindle (C Pinder). At
Alderholt, highlights included Aproaerema anthyllidella,
Mompha divisella, Canary-shouldered Thorn and Barred
Sallow (T Morris).
Aproaerema anthyllidella,
Alderholt 28 September 2010 ©
T Morris
Mompha divisella, Alderholt 28 September 2010 ©
T Morris
Canary-shouldered Thorn, Alderholt 28 September 2010 ©
T Morris
Barred Sallow Alderholt 28 September 2010 ©
T Morris
27 September 2010
Immigrants at Portland Observatory were
four Rusty-dot Pearl, 25 Rush Veneer, a Vestal,
two Dark Sword-grass, a Pearly Underwing, and three
Silver Y; a single White-speck was caught overnight by a
visiting moth-trapper at Cheyne Weare (PBO website). .At Chickerell, a Barred Sallow was a new
garden record and an L-album Wainscot (less strongly marked
than yesterday's) were among 22 species last night (C Pinder).
Highlights at Broadwey were Orange Sallow, Clancy's Rustic
and Oak Nycteoline (P Harris).
A Clifden
Nonpareil at Puddletown (H Wood Homer per P Harris).
A little better at Walditch with highlights including a male
Four-spotted Footman, a single L-album Wainscot and six
Large Ranunculus (M Parsons). At Beaminster, 12 species, of
which three Lunar Underwing and a Beaded Chestnut were
new for the year (M Raper). In Poole overnight a Rusty-dot
Pearl, four L-album Wainscot, Black Rustic, Blair's
Shoulder-knot and Clancy's Rustic (V Giavarini). A
mild misty night at Burton, brought in two Mallow, five
L-album Wainscot, Blair's Shoulder Knot, Beaded Chestnut and
Barred Sallow all firsts of the year (J Southworth).
At Winterborne Stickland to light a Canary-shouldered Thorn,
Cabbage, White-point, several Black Rustic and Lunar
Underwing, Barred Sallow and Pink-barred Sallow (L de
Whalley),
%20Poole,%20V.%20Giavarini)%20ed.JPG)
Clancy's Rustic, Poole, 27 September 2010 ©
V Giavarini Large Ranunculus, Yetminster, 22 September 2010 ©
C Burningham
26 September 2010
Just an immigrant Dark Sword-grass
at Portland was of interest (PBO website). Twelve species at Chickerell, with an L-album Wainscot in the trap and a
pristine Red Underwing on a nearby fence as the highlights (C
Pinder).
25 September 2010
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were singles of Dark Sword-grass, Pearly
Underwing and Silver Y (PBO website).
24 September 2010
At Portland, just four Rush Veneer were the
only migrants (PBO website). Two Frosted Orange at Broadwey (P Harris). Only nine moths at Burton overnight in cold, clear
conditions: the first Black Rustic and Sallow of the
year, five Lunar Underwing and singles of Flounced Rustic
and Light Brown Apple Moth (J Southworth).
23 September 2010
Immigrants/strays in the Portland Obs
garden moth-traps were 13 Rush Veneer, a Rusty-dot Pearl,
two Vestal, a Convolvulus Hawk-moth and a Delicate
(PBO website). Numbers pretty dismal at Broadwey, but included
Centre-barred Sallow, Red Underwing and Pinion-streaked Snout
(P Harris). A surprising catch overnight at Walditch in the shape of a
single Euchromius ocellea (M Parsons).
22 September 2010
Immigrants/strays in the Portland Obs
garden moth-traps were ten Rush Veneer, a Convolvulus
Hawk-moth and a Pink-barred Sallow (PBO website).
The highlight at Chickerell was a male Gem and also the first
Black Rustic of the year (C Pinder). A
European Corn Borer and a Clancy's Rustic at Preston (R Lambert).
At Langton Matravers, a migrant Palpita vitrealis, and
also of interest were a late Annulet, a Dark Sword-grass,
two White-point, an L-album Wainscot and three
Beautiful Gothic (R Cox). Not much to report from the trap at Tincleton, although very wet
early morning; best of the catch were a single Frosted Orange,
while a Beaded Chestnut and a Vestal were new to the
garden (R Cottle). A Vestal at Walditch, following one there the previous day (M
Parsons). A Large Ranunculus caught and photographed at
Yetminster (C Burningham).
21 September 2010
Immigrants at Portland were
16 Rush Veneer, a Delicate,
a Silver Y and a Red Admiral butterfly (PBO
website). At Chickerell, a mediocre
catch of 13 species which included the first Dusky Thorn of
the year there, singles of Light Emerald and White-point
and a late Common Rustic agg. (C Pinder). A good
selection of species but few migrants from a visiting trapper at
Langton Matravers, the highlights were three Rush Veneer, a
Galium Carpet, Square-spot Dart, White-line Dart, two
White-point and a Beautiful Gothic (R Cox). At Beaminster the first Frosted Orange, Beaded Chestnut and a
beautiful fresh Black Rustic (S Philp). Two
Pink-barred Sallow and a second generation Common Marbled
Carpet at Gillingham; the latter species has been very scarce
there this year with only five of the first generation recorded (G
Hopkins).
20 September 2010
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were 71 Rush Veneer, two Delicate and two
Silver Y (PBO website). At
Chickerell, singles of Hedge Rustic and Frosted Orange
were both new garden records (C Pinder).
Some early autumn colour caught with
Dusky Thorn, Brindled Green, Frosted Orange and Burnished
Brass (T Morris). First for year at Gillingham were
Brindled Green and Beaded Chestnut (G Hopkins).
Frosted Orange, Alderholt,
20 September 2010 © T Morris
Brindled Green, Alderholt,
20 September 2010 © T Morris
Dusky Thorn, Alderholt,
20 September 2010 © T Morris
Burnished Brass, Alderholt,
20 September 2010 © T Morris
19 September 2010
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were a Rush Veneer and two Dark Sword-grass
(PBO website).
18 September 2010
Just three
immigrants at Portland with singles of Dark Sword-grass,
Pearly Underwing and Delicate (PBO
website). Not so many moths at Durlston, Swanage, as recently
with only 63 Large Yellow Underwing; new this season, a
Feathered Brindle, Dusky Thorn, two Feathered Ranunculus,
two Beaded Chestnut and Red Underwing; migrants
included four Rush Veneer, a Dark Sword-grass, and a
Silver Y (P England). Small catches now at Gillingham, and the only moths
of interest was a second brood Lilac Beauty and four Rosy
Rustic (G Hopkins).
Lilac Beauty, Gillingham, 18 September 2010 © G Hopkins
17 September 2010
Two Rush Veneer and singles of
Convolvulus Hawk-moth and Dark Sword-grass were again the
only immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps (PBO website).
A poor night for moths at Burton, but only to be
expected with clear skies and bright moon: only 18 moths with the
first two Lunar Underwing of the year there being the only
highlights (J Southworth).
16 September 2010
Singles of Rush Veneer,
Convolvulus Hawk-moth and Dark Sword-grass were the only
immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps overnight (PBO
website). Two Red Underwing the only moths of note at
Broadwey; Paul comments that the numbers have crashed over this last
week, with the onset of cooler weather (P Harris). A cool
night at Hurn, and moths of note were Pink-barred Sallow, Sallow,
Autumnal Rustic and new for observer Heath Rustic (D
Evans).
Heath Rustic, Hurn, 16 September 2010 © D
Evans
Pink-barred Sallow, Hurn, 16 September 2010 © D Evans
Autumnal Rustic, Hurn, 16 September
2010 © D Evans
Hedge Rustic, Alderholt, 15 September 2010 © T Morris
15 September 2010
At Chickerell, moth numbers well down on recent
nights with just 13 species including singles of Dark Sword-grass
and Silver Y and the first Lunar Underwing of the year
there (C Pinder). At Broadwey, the only moth of any note was
the second Orange Sallow, following on from the first last
year there (P Harris). At Shaggs, along with a handful of
Rush Veneer and a single Silver Y, there was a single
Dewick’s Plusia in the Butterfly Conservation trap, which
appears to be a new site record according to the BC trap dataset (L
Hill). At Hardy's Monument, Blackdown, a Rush Veneer,
three Autumnal Rustic, six Lunar Underwing and three Frosted
Orange were the pick of a meagre catch (T A Box). At
Alderholt, very little caught over the past few days, although
Hedge Rustic was new to the garden (T Morris). Of interest
at Gillingham, was Pale Eggar, Pale Mottled Willow and
Snout (G Hopkins).
Dewick's Plusia, Shaggs, 15 September 2010 © M
S Parsons/Butterfly Conservation
14 September 2010
A single Frosted Orange at Portland was on
interest, although no recognised migrants recorded (PBO website).
At West Bexington, a Death's-head Hawk-moth, and three
Convolvolus Hawk-moth (R Eden per P Harris). A Red
Underwing at Broadwey (P Harris).
13 September 2010
A Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Shaggs (M Parsons).
Late news of a Goat moth larva from Brownsea
Island on 4 September (P England). At Portland, a Rush
Veneer, a Convolvulus Hawk-moth and a Dark
Sword-grass, two Pearly Underwing (PBO website). A different Convolvulus
Hawk-moth at Walditch from the one the previous night (M Parsons).
Following several recent sightings of the Western
Conifer Seed Bug, I attach a picture from Portland from 2008,
which shows it to be a large and distinctive insect. This bug
is from the western half of the USA, which has been introduced to
various other parts of the world, presumably in imported timber.
First found in Europe in northern Italy in 1999, and soon after in
various countries in central Europe, Spain by 2003, and in the UK at
Weymouth in 2007.
A Western Conifer Seed Bug, Portland, October
2008 © M Cade Goat moth larva, Brownsea Island, 4 September
2010 © P England
12 September 2010
By day, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Durlston CP
(Durlston CP website).
Immigrants at Portland were a
Diamond-back, 32 Rush Veneer, two Convolvulus
Hawk-moth, four Dark Sword-grass, three Pearly
Underwing and five Silver Y (PBO website). A Convolvulus
Hawk-moth overnight at Walditch (M Parsons).
11 September 2010
By day, a Channel Islands Pug at Abbotsbury (P
Harris).
Immigrants at Portland were six Rush
Veneer, four Dark Sword-grass, two Convolvulus
Hawk-moth and three Delicate (PBO website).
Highlights at Durlston, Swanage, were five Rush Veneer, a Convolvulus
Hawk-moth,
eight Dark Sword-grass, and first
L-album Wainscot of the autumn, plus two Silver Y (P
England). At Tolpuddle Manor, the first Lunar Underwing reported
there (J Francis).
10 September 2010
Immigrants at Portland were just four each of Rush
Veneer and Dark Sword-grass (PBO website). Good numbers of moths at Broadwey despite the high
winds; the best a Feathered Gothic, a new moth for the
garden, also Pale Eggar and Red Underwing (P Harris).
From traps set in poplars near Briantspuddle, a Clifden Nonpareil,
also migrants recorded were three each of Rush Veneer
and Dark Sword-grass, and two Silver Y (M Hammond, K
Tailby, P Clark and T Davis). Despite the wind at Tincleton,
it was one of the best in terms of numbers with 200 moths exactly,
the bulk of which were 77 Large Yellow Underwing, 12
Square-spot Rustic, 21 Setaceous Hebrew Character and 18
Vine's Rustic; in addition, were a single Rush Veneer,
three Dark Sword-grass and eight White Point; new for
the garden were Hedge Rustic, Sallow and Red Underwing
(R Cottle).
A Clifden
Nonpareil at Puddletown (H Wood Homer per P Harris). To light at Winterborne Stickland,
two Pale Eggar, three Dark Sword-grass, Feathered
Gothic, four White-point, Poplar Grey and Copper Underwing
(L de Whalley).
9 September 2010
A Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Shaggs by day (M
Parsons).
At Portland, a Neglected Rustic was new for
the island
and other immigrants/strays there
included a Catoptria falsella, 28 Rush Veneer,
a (presumed) Wood Carpet, a White-line Dart. 26
Dark Sword-grass, three Pearly Underwing, and two
Delicate (PBO
website). The best at Broadwey were Nephopterix
angustella, Clancy's Rustic, Frosted Orange, two Red
Underwing and, unusually, a presumed 2nd brood Green
Silver-lines (P Harris). At Burton, a Crambus hamella
and Centre-barred Sallow were firsts and Heath Rustic
was new for the garden; also of interest were three European
Corn-borer, and a Rush Veneer, Underwings were well
represented with 20 Large Yellow Underwing, seven Lesser
Yellow Underwing, four Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
and two Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing; also, singles
of White-point and two Pale Mottled Willow (J
Southworth).
A Feathered Gothic was new for
the year at Beaminster (M Raper). Highlights at Gillingham
were Ruby Tiger, Frosted Orange, Spectacle and Red
Underwing (G Hopkins).
Feathered Gothic, Gillingham, 9 September 2010
© G Hopkins
Red Underwing, Gillingham, 4 September 2010 © G Hopkins
8 September 2010
Immigrants at Portland were four
Rusty-dot Pearl, 22 Rush Veneer, a Vestal, two
Convolvulus Hawk-moth, a Striped Hawk-moth, 15 Dark
Sword-grass, two Delicate, and nine Silver Y
(PBO website). The pick at Broadwey were Grey Pine Carpet,
Centre-barred Sallow and two Dark Spectacle (P Harris). A rather late Buff Footman at Shaggs (M
Parsons).
There was an interesting moth sighting in Broadmayne, a Shark
in very good condition, so presumably a second brood individual (P
Bruce-Jones). .The Large Yellow Underwing
numbers picked up at Tincleton with 61 overnight in a Heath trap,
while Nephopterix angustella was new for the garden,
and migrant interest with two Rush Veneer (R Cottle). At Walditch, no moths to speak
of, but a different Western Conifer Seed Bug (M Parsons).
At Gillingham, a Centre-barred Sallow and the first Lunar
Underwing of the year there (G Hopkins).
Shark, Broadmayne, 8 September 2010 © P
Bruce-Jones
7 September 2010
An increase in migrants activity at Portland with two
Rusty-dot Pearl, 50 Rush Veneer, singles of Wax
Moth, Maiden's Blush, Convolvulus Hawk-moth,
Striped Hawk-moth and Pearly Underwing, five Dark
Sword-grass, two Delicate, and seven Silver Y (PBO
website).
A Delicate and a Dark Spectacle at Broadwey (P
Harris). A big count of 11 Convolvulus Hawk-moth at
West Bexington (R Eden). At Walditch, a single Convolvulus
Hawk-moth, accompanied by some early autumn species in the shape
of two Centre-barred Sallow and a Frosted Orange; in
addition a Western Conifer Seed Bug (M Parsons). A
female Gem and a Cypress Pug was a highlight at
Bournemouth (D Evans). At Alderholt, highlights included
Crambus hamella, first for garden and Small
Wainscot first for year (T Morris). A Pale Eggar at
Gillingham (G Hopkins).
Crambus hamella, Alderholt,
7 September 2010 © T Morris
Small Wainscot, Alderholt,
7 September 2010 © T Morris
Gem, Bournemouth, 7 September 2010 © D Evans Clifden Nonpareil, Puddletown, 3 September
2010 photo © M Cade
6 September 2010
Immigrants at Portland were singles of
Diamond-back, Rush Veneer, Convolvulus Hawk-moth,
Dark Sword-grass, Delicate and three Silver Y (PBO
website). At Chickerell, a Pearly Underwing and a
Silver Y were the only migrants; also of potential interest, a
worn, colour marked, Flounced Rustic with the upper, left
forewing extensively dyed, orange-red, and it would be interesting
to know where his individual originated (C Pinder). Another Clifden Nonpareil at Puddletown (H Wood Homer per P Harris).
A Delicate at Walditch (M Parsons). At Gillingham, a
White-point (G Hopkins).
5 September 2010
At Portland, singles of Diamond-back,
Rusty-dot Pearl, Feathered Gothic and Silver Y
were the only immigrants/strays (PBO website). At Broadwey,
only one moth worthy of mention in the traps, a new garden moth in
the form of a pristine Beautiful Yellow Underwing (P Harris).
Late news of two Clifden Nonpareil in the same trap the night
of 3rd at Puddletown (H Wood Homer per P Harris). A Scarce
Bordered Straw at Walditch (M Parsons).
Beautiful Yellow Underwing, Broadwey, 5
September 2010 © P Harris
Ypsolopha parethesella, Alderholt,
4 September 2010 © T Morris
4 September 2010
Another Antler Moth was the best
of the overnight moth catch at the Portland Obs; three each of
Diamond-back and Rush Veneer were the only immigrants
caught there (PBO website). At
Chickerell, new for the garden was a Small China-mark, which
presumably has strayed from Radipole or Lodmoor; other highlights were a single Dark Sword-grass as
the only immigrant, with two Green Carpet and singles of
Small Dusty Wave, Six-striped Rustic and White-point
among the less frequently caught species; September has brought an
apparent change in the fortunes of Large Yellow Underwing
here with 76 caught in the first 4 nights, compared with just 60
during the whole of August (23 "trap nights") (C Pinder). A
Narrow-winged Pug was a good moth for the garden at Broadwey (P
Harris). A Convolvulus Hawk-moth at Durlston (Durlston
CP website). Highlight at Alderholt among 107 Large Yellow
Underwing was Ypsolopha parenthesella which was
new to the garden (T Morris). A Silver Y at Gillingham
(G Hopkins).
3 September 2010
Immigrants/strays in the Portland Obs
garden moth-traps were a Diamond-back, five Rush Veneer,
a Convolvulus Hawk-moth and a Feathered Gothic
(PBO website). After a quiet week at Broadwey a slight improvement
overnight with Red Underwing, Old Lady and Pinion-streaked
Snout (P Harris). Highlights at Alderholt were Pale
Eggar and Feathered Gothic both new to garden,
Agriphila geniculea and Gold Triangle both new for
season (T Morris). At Gillingham, Argyresthia spinosella-
a different one. a very late Rosy Footman, Feathered
Gothic, White-point (new for the garden), and Silver Y (G
Hopkins).
%2004-09-2010%2013-40-11%20ed.JPG)
Agriphila geniculea, Alderholt,
3 September 2010 © T Morris
Gold Triangle, Alderholt, 3 September 2010 © T Morris
%2004-09-2010%2012-40-53%20ed.JPG)
%2004-09-2010%2012-52-12%20ed.JPG)
Pale Eggar, Alderholt,
3 September 2010 © T Morris
Feathered Gothic, Alderholt, 3 September 2010 © T Morris
2 September 2010
Immigrants at Portland were a
Rusty-dot Pearl, four Rush Veneer and singles of Dark
Sword-grass, Pearly Underwing and Silver Y
(PBO website). A Hedge Rustic recorded at Durlston CP,
where the warden says it is regularly recorded, although is rather
scarce elsewhere in the county (per J Francis). Misty and a little chilly at Tolpuddle Manor,
highlights were two White-point and two Silver Y,
including a small and pale gammina which provoked a little
excitement (J Francis). Highlights at Gillingham were
Orange Swift, Argyresthia spinosella, Common Rustic and
Silver Y (G Hopkins).
1 September 2010
Immigrants at Portland were
two Rush Veneer, two Dark
Sword-grass, a Pearly Underwing and two Silver Y (PBO
website). At Chickerell, three
Dark Sword-grass were of interest (C Pinder). At
Beaminster, a Dusky Thorn, plenty of Large Yellow
Underwing, and a few of Least Underwing, Lesser
Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, and Lesser Yellow Underwing,
and a Feathered Gothic (S Philp). At Burton, 79 macros
including mainly Vine's Rustic (31), an increase to ten
Large Yellow Underwing, Copper Underwing and two White-point;
also a single migrant Rush Veneer (J Southworth). The
pick at Gillingham were Centre-barred Sallow and
Svensson's Copper Underwing (G Hopkins).
31 August 2010
Immigrants at Portland were a Rush
Veneer, 44 Dark Sword-grass and a Silver Y (PBO
website). Highlights at Gillingham, Poplar Hawk-moth,
two Pale Mottled Willow, Silver Y and Spectacle (G
hopkins).
30 August 2010
Immigrants at Portland were
a Diamond-back, three each of
Rusty-dot Pearl and Rush Veneer, 40 Dark Sword-grass,
and four Silver Y; additionally a Vestal was caught
overnight at Reap Lane, Southwell (PBO website).
At Chickerell, a Dark Sword-grass was the only
migrant in a catch dominated by Setaceous Hebrew Character,
Flounced Rustic and Vine's Rustic in roughly equal
numbers; Large Yellow Underwing remain very thin on the
ground there (C Pinder). An Old Lady and a Red
Underwing at Preston (R Lambert).
29 August 2010
Immigrants at Portland were 28 Dark
Sword-grass and four Silver Y (PBO website).
28 August 2010
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were a Diamond-back, three Rusty-dot Pearl, five Rush Veneer, a Vestal, 31 Dark Sword-grass, a Pearly Underwing, Delicate. and five
Silver Y (PBO website), At Beaminster, first sighting of Copper Underwing
(considered probably Svensson's), second generation Lesser Swallow
Prominent. Least Yellow Underwing, Lesser Yellow Underwing,
Square-spot Rustic and Small Wainscot (S Philp),
27 August 2010
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were Diamond-back, Rusty-dot Pearl, five Rush
Veneer, a Vestal, 16 Dark Sword-grass, Pearly Underwing,
Scarce Bordered Straw, six Silver Y; elsewhere, singles
of Calamotropha paludella and Feathered Gothic
(both infrequent wanderers to Portland) were the highlights from a
few hours trapping at Cheyne Weare (PBO website). Silver Y
and two Spectacle were the highlights at Gillingham (G
Hopkins).
26 August 2010
At Portland, the best of the night's
immigrant moths - singles of Vestal and Convolvulus
Hawk-moth - were caught in a couple of hours of trapping at
Cheyne Weare; the immigrant tally in the Obs garden traps consisted
of five Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer. seven Dark
Sword-grass, and two each of Pearly Underwing and
Silver Y (PBO wbesite). At Beaminster, new for the garden were two Black
Arches, a White-point and new for the year were a couple
each of Least Yellow Underwing and Square-spot Rustic,
and a notable increase in Large Yellow Underwing with 143
recorded (M Raper). At Gillingham, highlights were Orange
Swift, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Silver Y and two Spectacle (G
Hopkins).
25 August 2010
A single Silver Y was the only immigrant at
Portland (PBO website). At Broadwey, highlights were Peach
Blossom, Frosted Orange and Gold Spot (P Harris).
Late news of a Light Crimson Underwing to an
outside house light, in the Verwood area, on 21 August (C Hill,
photo conf. by P Davey). Also on 21st at Bowleaze Cove were
Euchromius ocellea and Orange Sallow caught by a visiting
trapper (I Machin per P Harris).
Light Crimson Underwing, Verwood area, 21
August 2010 © C Hill
Euchromius ocellea, Bowleaze 21
August 2010 © P Harris
24 August 2010
At Portland,
singles of Cydia amplana and Small Mottled Willow
provided some welcome rarity interest but the tally of routine
immigrants remained less than impressive: two each of Diamond-back,
Rusty-dot Pearl, and Rush Veneer and singles of
Dark Sword-grass and Silver Y (PBO website).
Despite a full moon and clear skies there were 382 moths of 79
species caught in 11 actinic traps north of Hurn; the highlights
were Agonopterix ocellana, Minificarma mulinella, Oegoconia
quadripuncta, Acleris emargana, Ancylis laetana, Crambus hamella,
Nephopterix angustella, two Birch Mocha, Mullein Wave,
Vestal, two Bordered Beauty, six Pine Hawk-moth,
White-line Dart, Dark Sword-grass, three Neglected Rustic,
two Six-striped Rustic, Hedge Rustic, two Old Lady and a
Pinion-streaked Snout (D Evans, M Jeffes et al). At
Gillingham, new for the garden was Cochylis atricapitana,
also of interest were Rusty-dot Pearl and Silver Y (G
Hopkins).
During the evening, searching and sweeping for
Shoulder-striped Clover on Holt Heath yielded up to ten larvae.
One “hot-spot” yielded four larvae from cross-leaved heath flowers
on a gentle north-facing slope transitional between mire and dry
heath. This represents the largest annual tally for this species in
recent years in the county. Thanks to BC for hosting the search and
to the team of seven who worked hard under starry skies to locate
the quarry (P Davey et al).
Shoulder-striped Clover larva, Holt Heath, 24
August 2010 © J Winterbottom
23 August 2010
Just a Dark Sword-grass and two Silver Y
as migrants at Portland (PBO website). At Radipole, the highlights were a Vestal and
a Dark Sword-grass (L Phillip, RSPB). The first Frosted
Orange of the autumn at Broadwey (P Harris). At Burton, two
Canary-shouldered Thorn and Old Lady were new for the
year, plus a single Pearly Underwing and two White-point
(J Southworth). At Gillingham was a Tawny Shears, a
retrap from the previous day, and still awaiting sunshine for
publishable photos (G Hopkins).
22 August 2010
By day, three Channel Islands Pug, and a
Lime-speck Pug near Abbotsbury (T A Box).
Migrants at Portland were represented by
singles of Rush Veneer, Pearly
Underwing and Silver Y (PBO website).
At Broadwey, traps overwhelmed with Vine's Rustic
and White-point again; the best of the rest were Vestal,
Mouse Moth and two Gold Spot (P Harris). At
Gillingham, of note were Acleris laterana and Brown
China-mark (G Hopkins).
Vestal, Broadwey, 22 August 2010 © P
Harris
Channel Island Pug, near Abbotsbury, 22 August 2010 © T A
Box
21 August 2010
By day, near Abbotsbury, seven Channel Island Pug
and a male Four-spotted Footman (P Harris).
Not a single immigrant moth was caught
overnight in the four moth-traps operated in the Portland Obs
garden! (PBO website). At Broadwey, huge
numbers of moths including 685 Vine's Rustic and 59 White-point but nothing out of the ordinary (P Harris). At
Preston, a Scarce Bordered Straw, and the 2nd garden record
of Shaded Broad-bar, and Red Underwing (R Lambert).
The pick at Gillingham were Pyrausta despicata, Rusty-dot
Pearl and Bulrush Wainscot (G Hopkins).
Orange Swift, female, Gillingham, 20 August 2010 © G
Hopkins
Bulrush Wainscot, Gillingham, 21 August 2010 © G
Hopkins
20 August 2010
At Portland, singles
of Diamond-back, Rusty-dot Pearl,
Rush Veneer and Silver Y were the only immigrants caught overnight in the
Obs garden moth-traps (PBO website). The only
moth of note at Broadwey was a female Four-spotted Footman;
otherwise good counts of 510 Vine's Rustic and 39 White-point (P Harris). At Hardy's Monument, c,930 moths of just
34 species in just one MV trap,
predominantly Large Yellow Underwing (295, making up for scarce
numbers so far), Setaceous Hebrew Character (260), and
smaller numbers of Vine's Rustic (125), and Flame Shoulder
(85), along with a
Pine Hawk-moth, eight Dark Sword-grass and 21
White-point (T A Box). At Gillingham, Campion was new for
the garden, and female
Orange Swift, Lychnis, Pale Mottled Willow and Silver Y (G
Hopkins).
A full eggbox...nearly all of just four species,
Hardy's Monument, 20 August 2010
White-point, Hardys Monument, 20 August 2010 © T A
Box
19 August 2010
At Portland, three Rusty-dot Pearl,
two Dark Sword-grass and singles of Rush Veneer,
Scorched Carpet and Silver Y the only immigrants/strays
caught overnight in the Obs garden traps (PBO website).
Just one migrant at Chickerell, a Dark Sword-grass,
last night with the pick of the rest being singles of Green
Carpet, Yellow-barred Brindle, Six-striped Rustic and two
White-point; Vines Rustic accounted for a quarter of the
catch and numbers of this species have already exceeded the annual
total for any of the previous 5 years. Some other species that seem
have done particularly well here this year (or are doing so) include
Single-dotted Wave, Common Carpet, July Highflyer, V-Pug,
Elephant Hawk-moth and Smoky Wainscot
(C Pinder). Only minor highlights
at Broadwey were Four-spotted Footman and Bulrush Wainscot,
although 43 White-point was an exceptional count for there (P
Harris). At Gillingham, highlights included two Pyrausta
despicata, a Flounced Rustic, two each of Rosy
Rustic and Spectacle (G Hopkins).
18 August 2010
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were a Diamond-back, five Rusty-dot
Pearl, six Rush Veneer, five Dark Sword-grass, and
four Silver Y (PBO website). At Broadwey, Purple
Bar, Black Arches, two Six-striped Rustic and a Gold
Spot; however the traps dominated over the last few days by
numerous Vine's Rustic (P Harris). Another bad night at
Beaminster - too cold, and only a Six-striped Rustic was of
interest, and new for the year (M Raper). At Gillingham,
Poplar Hawk-moth, Heart and Club and Mottled Rustic (G
Hopkins).
17 August 2010
At Portland, the best of the overnight
catch being 21 Diamond-back, two Rusty-dot Pearl, four
Rush Veneer,12 Dark Sword-grass, another Antler
Moth, and eight Silver Y (PBO website). Down to
earth with a bump at Broadwey, with far fewer moths, the best were a
male Four-spotted Footman, three Turnip and a Dark
Spectacle (P Harris). The only moths
of interest at Burton were a Flame Carpet (new for the site),
and new for the year - Copper Underwing, Square-spot Rustic
and Flounced Rustic; migrants were two Diamond-back, a
single Rush Veneer, and four White-point (J Southworth).
Highlights at Gillingham included
Diamond-back, Oegoconia quadripuncta, Agriphila geniculea,
Nutmeg, Grey/Dark Dagger, and two Spectacle (G Hopkins).
16 August 2010
By day at Durweston, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth
(T Hibbert).
Quality wanderers continued to feature
in the Obs garden moth-traps, with a Platytes alpinella
and three Antler Moth; the totals of routine immigrants there
included four Diamond-back, seven each of Rusty-dot Pearl
and Rush Veneer, two Dark Sword-grass and 18
Silver Y. Elsewhere, singles of Bordered Straw and
Antler Moth were caught overnight at Southwell (PBO website).
At Broadwey there was an appreciable increase in
numbers here but the only species of note was a Channel Islands
Pug, a first record for the garden (P Harris). At
Chickerell, in terms of numbers it was the best night of the year,
but still not much worth reporting apart from singles of
Honeysuckle Moth and Orthopygia glaucinalis, both
new garden records. Clive comments that as others have noted,
Large Yellow Underwing are still thin on the ground there, but
looking back over his previous 5 years of recording, the number
caught by mid August seems not to be a good indicator of what is to
come, varying between 20% and 75% of the annual total. It will be
interesting to see how this year eventually turns out (C Pinder).
New to the garden at Tincleton were Pretty Chalk Carpet, Tawny
Speckled Pug and Yellow-Barred Brindle; in the last week
there has been a significant rise in the numbers of Setaceous
Hebrew Character and Vine's Rustic. Still catching good
numbers of Black Arches with 3-5 typical and Dingy Footman
with 20-25 per trapping session. Richard comments that in the Large
Yellow vs Lesser Broad Bordered Underwing debate he is firmly on the
side of the Large with totals of 132 vs 22 (Large to Lesser) and now
catching 10-15 LYU each session. Still not many, but clearly more
than others. He adds it would be interesting to try and fathom out
why there is such variation across the County (R Cottle). At Gillingham, highlights included two Acleris laterana,
Phycita roborella, 141 Setaceous Hebrew Character,
Lychnis, an Old Lady (Gordon comments that judging by her
condition it was probably his only previously recorded one from
2005......), and a Silver Y (G Hopkins).
A bit of late news - Paul Harris trapped an Ear
species last Monday night (trap-on date 9/8/10) which he immediately
thought was very interesting, mainly due to its reddish colouration
and certainly different to the many Saltern Ear he catches. He knew
it wasn't Ear Moth on structure and shape of stigmata. Based on this
he checked his pictures of Large Ear which he'd trapped in Scotland
and reckoned it looked very good indeed for this species. This was
as far as he could take it though as he knew gen. det. was needed
for absolute proof. He took it to Phil Sterling who was also of the
opinion it looked very good for Large Ear. He's since got back to
Paul to confirm that it is indeed a male Large Ear, a
first Dorset record.
Large Ear, Broadwey, 9 August 2010 © P Harris
(gen. det. P Stirling).
15 August 2010
By day at Chickerell, a Jersey Tiger, visiting
Sweet Pea flowers (C Pinder).
The Portland Obs garden moth-traps were
again overloaded with hoverflies, but in addition there had
obviously been quite a bit of moth movement going on, with a list of
immigrants that included nine Diamond-back, 23 Rusty-dot
Pearl, 21 Rush Veneer, 3 Dark Sword-grass, and 39
Silver Y; wanderers included two Maiden's Blush and
singles of Wax Moth, Barred Red, Four-spotted
Footman, Rosy Footman and Gold Spot (PBO website).
Described as a
bumper moth trap catch at Durlston CP, produced 47 species including
Yellow Shell, Magpie, Willow Beauty, Rosy Footman, Turnip and
the scarce and vulnerable Four-spotted moth (Durlston CP
website). A good haul at Poole with three Diamond-back,
two Dark Sword-grass and three Silver Y among the
migrants, the first Canary-shouldered Thorn there for four
years, just two Large Yellow Underwing, and singles of
Horse Chestnut, Copper Underwing and Old Lady (V
Giavarini). A good catch at Gillingham with 230 moths of 37
species, including Orange Swift, Oak Hook-tip, Chinese Character,
Garden Carpet (scarce this year), two Common Wave, Sallow
Kitten, two Iron Prominent, Swallow Prominent, Black Arches
(only three there in the last 16 years), 94 Setaceous Hebrew
Character, Lychnis, Rosy Rustic and Spectacle.
Gordon adds that he agrees with Phyl England's comment about
Underwings - his current totals for the year so far are 37 Large
Yellow Underwing, and 89 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow
Underwing (G Hopkins).
14 August 2010
In addition to a big influx of
hoverflies, many of which found their way into the Portland Obs moth
traps, immigrant moths included six Rusty-dot Pearl, five
Rush Veneer, five Dark Sword-grass, a Bordered Straw
and a Silver Y (PBO website). The only moth of note at Chickerell was a
White-point (C Pinder). A breezy night after rain at Affpuddle with only 18
macro-species with the highlights of Poplar Hawk-moth, two
each of Swallow Prominent, Dark Sword-grass, Large Yellow
Underwing, seven Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing,
25 Setaceous Hebrew Character, two White-point, 43
Vine's Rustic and two Silver Y (A Middleton). A
disappointing night at Beaminster with only 37 moths of 14 species;
however, a Bulrush Wainscot was new for the garden and a
Dusky Thorn was new for the year (M Raper). Highlights at
Gillingham were two Orange Swift, Cabbage Moth, Rosy Rustic
and Spectacle (G Hopkins).
Dusky Thorn, Beaminster, 14 August 2010 ©
M Raper
Grass Eggar, Portland, 13 August 2010 ©
M Cade
13 August 2010
The pick at Portland was a wandering
Grass Eggar in the Obs garden moth-traps; other strays there
included Common White Wave and Pine Hawk-moth, whilst
the tally of immigrants included four Rusty-dot Pearl, 17
Rush Veneer, ten Dark Sword-grass and 18 Silver Y
(PBO website).
Highlights at Chickerell were singles of Orange
Swift and Oak Eggar (both first of year), Swallow
Prominent, Six-striped Rustic, 19 Vine's Rustic and two
Silver Y (C Pinder). Still poor at Broadwey, with the best on offer a
Dark Sword-grass; also of interest, a Speckled Wood was a first
in the trap, following on from Red Admiral and Migrant Hawker
earlier this week! Interesting that these things are on the wing
after 10 at night which is when the traps have been on (P Harris).
Many moths in the trap at Durlston, Swanage, but mostly lots of the
commoner species; highlights were four Yellow-barred Brindle,
an Elephant Hawk-moth, three Jersey Tiger, nine Dark
Sword-grass, 14 White-point, three Silver Y and
four Spectacle. Phyl comments that Lesser
Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing much more plentiful this year
compared to Large Yellow Underwing (P England). The
pick at Gillingham were Orange Swift, and 44 Setaceous
Hebrew Character (G Hopkins).
12 August 2010
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were a Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer, nine
Dark Sword-grass, and ten Silver Y (PBO website).
Highlights at West Milton, Powerstock were three Eudonia
delunella, a Eudonia mercurella, an Orange
Swift, two Flame Carpet, a Purple Bar, Small Waved
Umber, singles each of Gothic, Antler, Clay and
White-point (I Gamble).
Highlights at Alderholt were Straw Underwing new to garden
and Lathronympha strigana first for year (T Morris).
The pick at Durweston were Magpie, Swallow Prominent, Lesser
Swallow Prominent, Pale Prominent and Black Arches (T
Hibbert). Of note at Gillingham were Parraswammerdamia albicapitella,
Small China-mark, Rush Veneer, Least Yellow Underwing and
Rosy Rustic (G Hopkins).
Lathronympha strigana, Alderholt,
12 August 2010 © T Morris
Straw Underwing, Alderholt, 12 August 2010 © T Morris
Canary-shouldered Thorn, Affpuddle, 9 August 2010 © A
Middleton
Grey Dagger larva, on rowan, Beaminster, August 2010 ©
M Raper
11 August 2010
Only the sixth Portland record of
Antler Moth was unexpected, and the only other immigrants
recorded were nine Rush Veneer, seven Rusty-dot Pearl,
13 Dark Sword-grass, and six Silver Y
(PBO website). Not much improvement at Broadwey, Gothic
and Gold Spot the best (P Harris). A White-point at Langton Matravers (S Smith).
A cold poor night at Tolpuddle Manor, the only moths of note were
two Rush Veneer, a Lychnis and a Silver Y (J
Francis).
Highlights at West Milton, Powerstock were a Ringed China-mark,
Purple-bar and a Chocolate-tip (I Gamble). At Durweston, the highlights were a female Oak
Eggar, Pebble Hook-tip and Angle Shades (T Hibbert). At Gillingham, of interest were Yponomeuta
malinellus, Acleris laterana, Rush Veneer and
Dusky Thorn (G Hopkins).
10 August 2010
Overnight moth-trapping at Portland was
uneventful, with the only immigrants, two each of Rush Veneer
and Rusty-dot Pearl, three Dark Sword-grass and ten Silver
Y (PBO website). At Broadwey, slim pickings in clear skies, with the
best a male Four-spotted Footman (P Harris). A fine night after rain at Affpuddle with 34
macro-moth species including a Canary-shouldered Thorn, first
for the year, also Pebble Prominent, two Black Arches,
Rosy Footman, several Shuttle-shaped Dart, Bright-line
Brown-eye, Vine's Rustic, three White-point, and
Silver Y (A Middleton). Moth numbers down on last week at
Burton, the only species of note were three Rush Veneer and a
single Pearly Underwing (J Southworth). At Gillingham,
highlights included Orange Swift, Garden Pebble, Ruby Tiger,
two Six-striped Rustic, Silver Y and a Spectacle (G
Hopkins).
9 August 2010
On a windy night the only
immigrants/strays attracted to the Portland Obs garden moth-traps
were three Rusty-dot Pearl, two Rush Veneer, singles
of Buff Footman, Dark Sword-grass and three Silver Y (PBO
website). An odd smaller variant of
Silver Y at Broadwey (P Harris). A damp night in Poole
with a hiatus in the number of moth species drawn to light, and
highlights included a Sharp-angled Peacock, the first
Square-spot Rustic of the year, three Cloaked Minor,
three Silver Y and a Spectacle and (V Giavarini).
Records from Stour Valley overnight after the heaviest rain in
months, 40 species so far out of 137 moths; the highlights for the
twenty people round the sheet were the very tiny Common Emerald
with no border to the wings, Large Emerald, Poplar Hawk-moth,
Vapourer, and an Old Lady (D Evans). Highlights at
Gillingham were a Twin-spotted Wainscot as new for the
garden, a first for the year Swallow Prominent, also
Agriphila selasella, Rusty-dot Pearl, four Common Carpet,
three each of Shuttle-shaped Dart and Six-striped Rustic,
Coronet and Rosy Rustic (G Hopkins).
Silver Y including the diminutive
gammina form, Broadwey, 9 August 2010 © P Harris
Twin-spotted Wainscot, Gillingham, 9 August 2010 © G
Hopkins
Common Emerald, Stour Valley, 9 August 2010 ©
D Evans
Vapourer, Stour Valley, 9 August 2010 © D Evans
Bulrush Wainscot, Stour Valley, 9 August 2010 ©
D Evans At the mothing event, Stour Valley, 9 August 2010 © D Evans
8 August 2010
After a lean few nights there was a
notable improvement in both numbers and variety in the Portland Obs
garden moth-traps: a Channel Islands Pug was a long overdue
addition to the Portland list, whilst other strays included singles
of Yponomeuta plumbella, Endothenia
quadrimaculana, Calamotropha paludella,
Scorched Carpet, Spruce Carpet and Southern Wainscot;
routine immigrants included a Diamond-back, 15 Rush Veneer,
nine Rusty-dot Pearl, eight Dark Sword-grass and 14
Silver Y (PBO website). Two
Coxcomb Prominent at Langton Matravers were new for the
garden, also of interest were Oak Hook-tip, Treble-bar and a
White-point (S Smith). At
Beaminster, cooler than of late, down to +8.4C, so only three new
for the year: Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, a
Rosy Rustic and a Herald (M Raper). At Gillingham,
highlights Cochlinomorpha straminea, Six-striped Rustic
and Spectacle (G Hopkins).
7 August 2010
By day, a Jersey Tiger resting from rain by
the front door at Beaminster (M Raper).
At Broadwey, even quieter than of late, the best were two
Turnip, a Dog's Tooth and four White-point (P
Harris). Of interest at Langton Matravers were a Rosy
Rustic and two White-point (S Smith). A fairly quiet night at Affpuddle with 39 macro-species including Magpie, Pine Hawk-moth,
Sallow Kitten, Ruby Tiger, Pebble Prominent, Lychnis, and
Six-striped Rustic amongst other seasonal regulars with
Turnip and Marbled Beauty, new for the year (A
Middleton).
Highlights at West Milton, Powerstock were three Celypha
cespitana, two Rosy Footman, a Four-spotted
Footman, Clay, two Coronet (I Gamble).
11 actinic traps north of the Airport, Hurn
Forest, Ashley Heath, and Hatchards Copse, catching 559 moths of 102
species; the highlights apart from 65 Scoparia ambigualis
and 87 Dingy Footmen, are as follows: Agonopterix
ocellana, Crambus pascuella, Agriphila selasella, Eudonia
truncicolella, 13 Beautiful China-mark,
Pempelia genistella, six Large Emerald, Dingy Mocha,
six Birch Mocha, Wormwood Pug, White-spotted Pug, six
Lesser Treble Bar, Bordered Beauty, six Canary-shouldered
Thorn, September Thorn, four Pine Hawk-moth, Vapourer, Dark
Sword-grass, and six Dotted Clay (D Evans). The highlights at Alderholt were Aproaerema
anthyllidella and a Double Kidney (T Morris).
Aproaerema anthyllidella, Alderholt, 7
August 2010 © T Morris
Double Kidney, Alderholt, 7 August 2010 © T Morris
Marbled Beauty, Affpuddle, 7 August 2010 ©
A Middleton
Pine Hawk-moth, Affpuddle, August 2010 ©
A Middleton
6 August 2010
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were a Diamond-back, two Rush Veneer, eight
Rusty-dot Pearl, a Dark Sword-grass, and six Silver
Y (PBO website). At
Chickerell, the only migrants were a Rush Veneer and two
Silver Y; also of interest with two Brussels Lace,
singles of Swallow Prominent, Kent Black Arches and Shark,
two White-point and eight Vine's Rustic being the pick
of the rest (C Pinder). The best at Broadwey were another
Mecyna asinalis, the first Mouse Moth there for
years, two Bordered Beauty, a Broad-barred White and
four White-point (P Harris). The pick at Langton Matravers were a Dark Sword-grass and two White-point
(S Smith). At Tincleton, 52 species to actinic, with seven
new for the garden, including a few migrants with Diamond-back
and Rusty-dot Pearl, strangely no Rush Veneer which reached
double figures in the trap last week (R Cottle). Disappointing
at Tolpuddle Manor with three Rush Veneer, two Silver Y
and and lots of Vine's Rustic for the first time this year (J
Francis).
Highlights at West Milton, Powerstock were two Small China-mark,
a Grass Emerald, Flame Carpet, Clay, a Cream-bordered
Green Pea, and a Dark Spectacle (I Gamble). Overcast, humid and windy overnight at Burton but
quite a good catch: of 143 macros, three Rosy Rustic, Black
Arches and Yellow-tail were new for the year; of interest
were a single Rush Veneer, Rusty-dot Pearl, two
White-point and three Silver Y (J Southworth). At
Gillingham, the best were Vapourer and an Ear (G
Hopkins).
Pale Prominent abb., Gillingham, 4
August 2010 ©
G Hopkins Ear
and Vapourer., Gillingham, 6 August 2010 ©
G Hopkins
5 August 2010
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were 14 Rush Veneer, ten Rusty-dot Pearl,
two Dark Sword-grass, 12 Silver Y (PBO website),
The variety much decreased at Broadwey, the best were
another Mecyna asinalis, July Highflyer, Chocolate-tip
and a single Twin-spotted Wainscot (P Harris).
Two Rosy Footman and a Campion were the highlights at
Highlights at West Milton, Powerstock (I Gamble).
Highlights at Gillingham were Rush Veneer, Poplar Hawk-moth,
Six-striped Rustic and Silver Y (G Hopkins).
Oak Eggar, West Milton, Powerstock,
August 2010 © I Gamble
Four-spotted Footman, West Milton, Powerstock,
August 2010 © I Gamble
Rosy Footman, West Milton, Powerstock,
August 2010 © I Gamble
Coronet, West Milton, Powerstock,
August 2010 © I Gamble
4 August 2010
At Portland,
immigrants/strays in the Obs garden moth-traps included three
Rush Veneer, two Rusty-dot Pearl, a Twin-spotted
Wainscot and six Silver Y (PBO website).
Highlights at West Milton, Powerstock were two Flame Carpet,
two Brussels Lace, and a Garden Tiger (I Gamble).
At
Gillingham, Oak Eggar, an aberrant Pale Prominent, and
a Spectacle (G Hopkins).
3 August 2010
In the windy conditions at Portland
immigrant numbers in the Obs moth-traps dwindled, with just 14
Rush Veneer, two each of Diamond-back, Rusty-dot Pearl
and four Silver Y,
and Red Admiral butterfly and singles of Dark Sword-grass
and Brown-veined Wainscot recorded (PBO website).
At Radipole, Wainscot species were well represented
with Southern, Bulrush, Brown-veined, Twin-spotted, Fen, Silky
and seven Webb's Wainscot; other wetlands species included
two Crescent and seven Double Lobed, and new for the
year were Ruby Tiger, Rosy Rustic, Dot Moth and Saltern
Ear, and the only migrants were two Four-spotted Footman,
Dark Sword-grass and four Silver Y (L Phillips, RSPB). 52
Macro-moth species at Affpuddle, a Dark
Sword-grass was a first for the year; the best of the rest
included singles of
Ghost Moth, Small Waved Umber, White-spotted Pug, V Pug,
Yellow-barred Brindle, Early Thorn, Privet Hawk-moth, 14 Yellow-tail, seven
Large Yellow Underwing, Lesser Yellow Underwing, four Setaceous Hebrew Character, Clay and
White-point (A Middleton). A Waved Black found on
house wall near Verwood (C Hill). Highlights at Gillingham were
two Dingy Footman and a Shuttle-shaped Dart (G
Hopkins).
Waved Black, Verwood, 3 August 2010 ©
C Hill
Jersey Tiger, Charminster, ©
J Lee
Jon Bellamy who lives in Studland village has seen
several Jersey Tiger in his garden and nearby over the past
few days. He also saw a couple last year in the place. It seems
likely therefore that the species has successfully colonised this
part of the Dorset coast (per P Davey).
2 August 2010
Immigrants/strays in the Portland Obs
garden moth-traps were three Diamond-back, a Rusty-dot
Pearl, 50 Rush Veneer, two Dark Sword-grass, a
Small Rufous and 17 Silver Y (PBO website). At
Broadwey, highlights were Catoptria falsella, Ringed
China-mark, European Corn Borer, Mecyna asinalis, Maple Pug,
Haworth's Pug, Purple Thorn, Chocolate-tip, two Scarce
Footman, a male Four-spotted Footman and Dark
Spectacle (P Harris). A
Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing was new for the year at Langton
Matravers, and a White-point was of interest (S Smith). At
the back end of Lodmoor,
20 Saltern Ear, two Jersey Tiger including ab lutescens, a
Kent
black Arches, Twin-spot Wainscot, Southern Wainscot, Shaded
broad-bar, Burnished Brass, Brown-veined Wainscot, Straw Underwing
(R Cook, P H Sterling, A Page).
Highlights
at West Milton, Powerstock were a Small Waved Umber, Bordered
Beauty, Brussels Lace, and four Rosy Footman (I Gamble). At Gillingham, the pick was
Ancylis comptana new for the garden, while of interest was
Acleris laterana, Rush Veneer, Shuttle-shaped Dart,
two Six-striped Rustic and a Silver Y (G Hopkins).
1 August 2010
At Portland
the highlight was a
small influx of Brown-veined Wainscot, with six at the Obs
and another at Southwell; other immigrants/strays included a
Diamond-back, three Rusty-dot Pearl, 36 Rush Veneer,
a Pebble Hook-tip, nine Dark Sword-grass, and 32
Silver Y at the Obs, and a Slender Brindle at
Weston (PBO website).
Similarly, at Broadwey, most of the interesting moths presumably wandered
from Radipole or Lodmoor RSPB with several each of Twin-spotted
and Brown-veined Wainscot as well as Fen and
Bulrush Wainscot and a Small Rufous; also Eudonia
delunella which was new for the garden, and male
Four-spotted Footman, Rivulet and two Gothic (P Harris).
A good evening at Langton Matravers, highlights included Mocha,
Black Arches, Kent Black Arches, Six-striped Rustic and Ear
Moth, the latter three new for the garden (S Smith).At Tincleton, four new species for the garden, Agriphila
selasella, Ypsolopha scabrella, Maple Pug and Fen
Wainscot, while 22 Dingy Footman was of interest (R
Cottle). Three Rush Veneer, two Four-spotted Footman
and a Silver Y at Tolpuddle Manor (J Francis). An
Agriphila inquinatella and a Campion were both new
to the garden at Alderholt (T Morris). New for the
garden at Marshwood was a Catoptria pinella (J Baker).
Highlights at Gillingham, Acleris laterana, Cydia splendana,
two Oak Eggar, only the third Common Carpet of the
year, Early Thorn, Shuttle-shaped Dart and a Knot Grass;
Gordon comment that Large Yellow Underwing drought continues,
with only 27 caught to date (G Hopkins).
Catoptria pinella, Marshwood, 1 August
2010 © J Baker
Phlyctaenia
perlucidalis, Preston, 31 July
2010 © P Harris
%2002-08-2010%2018-46-15%20ed.JPG)
Agriphila inquinatella, Alderholt, 1
August 2010 © T Morris
Campion, Alderholt, 1 August 2010 © T Morris
31 July 2010
Immigrants/strays in the Portland Obs
garden moth-traps were this morning: a Diamond-back,
two Rusty-dot Pearl, 29 Rush Veneer, four Dark
Sword-grass, a Bordered Straw, eight Silver Y and
a Dark Spectacle (PBO website).
The highlights at Broadwey were
Ghost, Phoenix, two each of Jersey Tiger, Gothic and
Dusky Sallow, three Twin-spotted Wainscot, a
Brown-veined Wainscot and Scarce Silver-lines (P Harris).
Undoubtedly the moth of the night was a Phlyctaenia
perlucidalis at Preston (R
Lambert). At Langton Matravers, the highlights were
Agonopterix nervosa, Pammene aurita, Black Arches and
Buff Footman all new for the garden, Rivulet, Sallow
Kitten, Copper Underwing and Small Dotted Buff (S
Smith). A Four Spotted was a good find at Blackmanston
Farm, Steeple (P Ward). At Durlston, Swanage, highlights included two Rush
Veneer, two Early Thorn, Garden Tiger, Jersey Tiger,
seven Rosy Footman, three Dark Sword-grass, three
Silver Y (P England). The highlights at Tolpuddle Manor were three
Rush
Veneer, and singles each of Dark Sword-grass, Black Arches,
White-point and Silver Y (J Francis).
Highlights at West Milton, Powerstock were a Maiden’s Blush,
five Small Waved Umber, Lilac Beauty, Swallow-tailed Moth,
three Campion, a Brown-veined Wainscot and two
Beautiful Hook-tip ( I Gamble).
Another
pleasing catch at Burton with Dingy Mocha being the star of
the show there; new for the year were singles of Diamond-back,
Scalloped Hook-tip, Birch Mocha, Currant Pug, Engrailed, Dog's Tooth
and Small Rufous; also of interest were 11 Rush Veneer
and three Silver Y (J Southworth). A Small China-mark was of interest at Alderholt (T Morris). Highlights at Gillingham were Pebble Hook-tip and Straw Dot (G
Hopkins).
Brown-veined Wainscot, West Milton, Powerstock,
31 July 2010 © I Gamble
%2001-08-2010%2009-52-28%20ed.JPG)
Small China-mark, Alderholt, 31 July 2010 © T Morris
Agriphila selasella, Alderholt, 31 July 2010 © T Morris
Jersey
Tiger and Garden Tiger, Durlston, 31 July 2010 © P
England
Four-spotted, Steeple, 31 July 2010 © P Ward
30 July 2010
By day, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth feeding outside of the
visitor centre at Durlston (per Durlston CP website).
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were four Diamond-back, 12 Rush Veneer, two
Dark Sword-grass and 13 Silver Y, and a Red Admiral
butterfly (PBO website).
Pine Carpet and Least Yellow Underwing
both new for the garden at Langton Matravers (S Smith). A comparatively quiet night at
Affpuddle, with 36 macro-moth species including Leopard Moth
and Coxcomb Prominent firsts for the year, and with female
Ghost Moth and male Four-spotted Footman amongst the
repeats (A Middleton). A Lobesia littoralis was
new for the garden, of interest was a male Oak Eggar, Lesser
Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Lychnis, while Flounced
Rustic was new for the year (G Hopkins).
Highlights from trapping at Morden
Bog included: Reed Leopard, Leopard, 17 Aristotelia
ericinella, four of an Oegoconia sp., 13
Sparganothis pilleriana, Ancylis apicella, nine
Chilo phragmitella, 15 Crambus silvella, Pempelia
genistella, six Oak Eggar, three Grass Emerald,
six Horse Chestnut, two Annulet, 11 Pine Hawk-moth,
Sallow Kitten, Round-winged Muslin, male Four-spotted
Footman, Archer's Dart, 14 Striped Wainscot, two
Southern Wainscot, Saltern Ear, three Fen Wainscot and 24
Marsh Oblique-barred; unfortunately the target species,
Haworth's Minor, was not seen (P Davey, V Giavarini, D Kingman
and J Kingman).
Archer's Dart, Morden Bog, 30 July 2010 ©
D & J Kingman
Marsh Oblique-barred, Morden Bog, 30 July 2010 ©
D & J Kingman
Crambus silvella, Morden Bog, 30 July 2010 ©
D & J Kingman Annulet, Morden Bog, 30 July 2010 ©
D & J Kingman
Dingy Mocha, Burton, 30 July 2010 ©
J Southworth
Ghost, Affpuddle, 30 July 2010 ©
A Middleton
29 July 2010
Migrants at Radipole were a single Rush Veneer, Dark
Sword-grass and a Silver Y, while new for the year were
Jersey Tiger, Square-spot Rustic and Flounced Rustic
(L Phillips, RSPB). At Langton Matravers, the first Straw
Underwing of the year, and two White-point (S Smith).
At Spetisbury a Brown-line Bright-eye was a first for the
site, also Four-spotted Footman, Dark Sword-grass, Dusky Sallow
and Dark Spectacle (D Kingman).
At Gillingham, Decogonia quadripuncta,
Pebble Hook-tip, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, two
Nutmeg, Knot Grass and Coronet (G Hopkins).
28 July 2010
New for the year at Radipole were a Four-spotted Footman,
three Rosy Footman, a Kent Black Arches and a
Brown-veined Wainscot; the only migrant other than the footman
was a single Rush Veneer, and of interest was the first
Eyed Hawk-moth, the first seen there for a number of weeks (L
Phillips, RSPB). At Langton Matravers, two Scorched Carpet
were new for the garden, the second record this year of Pine
Hawk-moth, and a Swallow Prominent was a first for the
year (S Smith). Of interest at Gillingham, were Phlyctaenia
coronata,
Sallow Kitten, two Knot Grass and a Spectacle (G
Hopkins).
27 July 2010
A male Four-spotted Footman at Chickerell was the only
moth of note (C Pinder). The only migrants at Radipole were two
Silver Y, and new for the year was a Fen Wainscot (L
Phillips, RSPB). New to the garden at Langton Matravers were
Evergestis limbata and Garden Rose Tortrix, with other
highlights of White-point and Cloaked Minor (S Smith).
A warm and humid
start to the night at Durlston CP meant a good variety of species in
moth traps at the Visitor Centre and in the woodland – 59 species of
macro-moth identified altogether, including Drinker, Grass
Emerald, Small Emerald, July Highflyer, Pretty
Chalk Carpet, Scallop Shell, Magpie,
Brussels Lace, Engrailed, Poplar Hawk-moth,
Small Elephant Hawk-moth, 30+ Buff
Footmen, a couple of Ruby Tiger, Shuttle-shaped Dart,
30 Large Yellow Underwing, Smoky Wainscot, and
most numerous were more than 60 Dark Arches (per
Durlston CP website).
At Tolpuddle Manor, highlights were seven Rush Veneer, two
Black Arches, and singles of Dusky Sallow and
White-point (J Francis). 47 macro species at Affpuddle, with
Magpie, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, and
Six-striped Rustic as firsts for the year, other highlights were
repeats for Scalloped Hook-tip, Scorched Carpet, Pale Prominent,
a male Four-spotted Footman, Herald, Burnished Brass and
Dark Spectacle (A Middleton). Trapping at Longham Lakes
near Ferndown looked promising, with highlights of good numbers of
Small China Mark, two Bulrush Wainscot, a
Brown-veined Wainscot, three Crescent, a Double Kidney,
at least three Double Lobed, and a Dog's Tooth (D
Couzins and R Cook). Anacampsis blattariella and Acleris literana were new to the garden at
Alderholt,while Batia unitella was only the second
ever garden record there (T Morris).
Batia unitella, Alderholt, 27
July 2010 © T Morris
Anacampsis blattariella, Alderholt, 27
July 2010 © T Morris
Acleris literana, Alderholt, 27
July 2010 © T Morris Pyrausta nigrata, Alderholt, 26
July 2010 © T Morris
26 July 2010
A warm night with lots of moths at Chickerell; highlights were
singles of Maiden’s Blush, Jersey Tiger, and Least Yellow
Underwing, with just two migrants, a Rush Veneer and
Silver Y (C Pinder). At Langton Matravers, highlights
included Large Emerald and Small Elephant Hawk-moth (S
Smith). At Burton, lots of micros, but oddly macro
numbers were well down; highlights were Large Emerald which
was new for the garden, while new for the year were Blair’s
Mocha, Pine Hawk-moth, Cabbaged Moth and Cloaked Minor,
and migrants included Diamond-back, Udea fulvalis, Rush
Veneer and Silver Y (J Southworth). A
Pyrausta nigrata was new for the garden at Alderholt (T
Morris).
25 July 2010
At Chickerell, Mecyna asinalis was a first for the
garden, and a Rush Veneer and a Silver Y were the only
migrants; also of interest were the first Small Fan-footed Wave
of the year, a Bordered Beauty, two Brussels Lace and
an unusually high garden count of seven Kent Black Arches (C
Pinder). Highlights at Langton Matravers, singles of
Phycitodes binaevella, Udea fulvalis and an Oak Hook-tip
(S Smith). A good trap overnight at Durlston, Swanage, with 69
species which included a Diamond-back, Four-spotted Footman, Dark Sword-grass and six Silver Y (P England).
The almost full moon kept numbers down at Tincleton, but still some
interesting records, with nine species new to the garden including
Pammene aurita, Agriphila inquinatella,
Catroptria falsella, Beautiful Carpet, Square-spot Rustic and Antler Moth
(R Cottle). A Purple-bordered Gold was the 300th macro
species trapped in the garden at Ferndown (D Couzins).
Highlights from 175 species seen
in almost tropical conditions within Chase Woods included: two
Swammerdamia pyrella, three Ypsolopha nemorella,
three Agonopterix liturosa, Ethmia dodecea, Argolamprotes
micella, two Eana incanana, 45
Endothenia ericetana, two Scoparia basistrigalis,
eight Eudonia delunella, Galleria mellonella, five
Eurhodope suavella, Euzophera pinguis, two
Stenoptilia bipunctidactyla, Oidaematophorus lithodactyla,
15 Adaina microdactyla, Mocha, Birch Mocha, Dark
Marbled Carpet, Dark Umber, 23 Maple Pug, six Satin
Beauty, Vapourer, Kent Black Arches, and six Slender Brindle.
Target species: Lunar Yellow Underwing and Square-spotted
Clay did not materialise, and sugaring failed to yield
Crimson Underwings. However, 20 Svensson’s Copper Underwing
gorged themselves on a solution of palinka, black treacle and brown
sugar painted on oak trunks. Interestingly, no “Copper Underwings”
visited the moth traps. Large Yellow Underwing were
conspicuous by their absence; just seven seen in all - remarkable (P
Davey).
Agonopterix liturosa, Chase Woods, 25 July 2010 ©
D & J Kingman
Birch Mocha, Chase Woods, 25 July 2010 ©
D & J Kingman
Galleria mellonella, Chase Woods, 25 July 2010 ©
D & J Kingman
Ypsolopha sylvella, Chase Woods, 25 July 2010 ©
D & J Kingman
Maple Pug, Chase Woods, 25 July 2010 ©
D & J Kingman
Dark Marbled Carpet, Chase Woods, 25 July 2010 ©
D & J Kingman
Prionus coriarius, Verwood, 22 July 2010, the third Dorset record © C Court
Four-spotted Footman, Durlston 25 July 2010 © P England
24 July 2010
42 species of macro at Langton Matravers, including singles of
Evergestis limbata, Brown China-mark, Pretty Chalk Carpet,
Shark and Pale Prominent (S Smith). The pick at
Ferndown were a Gem, Scallop Shell, and two Scorched
Carpet (D Couzins).
New for the year at Verwood were Lesser Cream
Wave, Bordered Beauty, Brussels Lace, Yellow-tail and
Square-spot Rustic (C Court). At Puncknowle were no stand-outs, but less usual
species included Common Carpet, Pine Carpet and V-Pug;
only two Large Yellow Underwing - Mike comments these seem to
be less frequent there as well, although his highest numbers have
been in mid-August (M Hetherington). At Beaminster, new for
garden were Yellow Shell, Barred Red, Marbled Beauty and an
Ear, while new for the year were Iron
Prominent, Gothic and a Cabbage Moth (M Raper).
A Clavigesta purdeyi was new for garden at Gillingham,
Phlyctaenia coronata, a Magpie - first for
year, Coronet, Dusky Sallow, Small Rufous and a Silver Y
(G Hopkins).
Yellow Shell, Beaminster, 24 July 2010 ©
M Raper
Ear, Beaminster, 24 July 2010 ©
M Raper
23 July 2010
At Broadwey, the highlights were 40 Rush
Veneer, Wax Moth, Peach Blossom, Slender Pug, Maple Pug, male
Four-spotted Footman, Jersey Tiger, Gothic, Small Dotted Buff
and Fen Wainscot (P Harris).
48 species of macro at Langton Matravers, including singles of
Evergestis limbata, Treble-bar, Lunar-spotted Pinion and
Square-spot Rustic (S Smith). Fifty macro-moths species
were caught overnight at Affpuddle, a Marbled Green was a
first for the garden, the rest mostly regulars, such as Drinker,
Scalloped Hook-tip, Pebble Hook-tip, a lone Large Yellow
Underwing, Dun-bar, several Nut-tree Tussock and a
Beautiful Hook-tip (A Middleton). New for the year at Burton
were Maiden's Blush, Scarce Footman, Garden Tiger, Ruby Tiger,
Kent Black Arches (first garden record since 2007), Lesser
Yellow Underwing, True Lover's Knot, Marbled Beauty, four
Dusky Sallow and a Herald, while migrants included six
Diamond-back, seven each of Rush Veneer and Silver Y
(J Southworth). At Gillingham, the first
Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing there, also of
interest were Oegoconia quadripuncta, Eudonia delunella,
two Rush Veneer, Phyctia roborella, Small Scallop -
local but an annual occurrence there, Iron Prominent, Pale
Prominent, Silver Y and Plain Golden Y (G Hopkins).
Dusky Sallow, Burton, 23 July 2010 ©
J Southworth
Marbled Green, Affpuddle, 23 July 2010 ©
A Middleton
Herald, Burton, 23 July 2010 ©
J Southworth
Kent Black Arches, Burton, 23 July 2010 ©
J Southworth
22 July 2010
A Hummingbird Hawk-moth on lavender at Bradford
Peverell during the morning, following two there the previous day (J
Francis).
Immigrant moth numbers picked up quite
conspicuously at the Obs at Portland, where 118 Diamond-back,
27 Rush Veneer, a Rusty-dot Pearl, a Dark Sword
Grass and 35 Silver Y, were caught (PBO website).
Two Rush Veneer and a Silver Y were the only migrants
at Chickerell, a Bulrush Wainscot was a garden first and also
of interest were singles of Kent Black Arches and Gothic.
At Broadwey, the first Jersey Tiger of the year there plus Black
Arches, a Dark Sword-grass and a Double Lobed (P
Harris). Nearby, a Gem at Preston (R Lambert).
New for the year at Verwood was July Highflyer and
Canary-shouldered Thorn, and of added interest on what was a
very quiet night, what has been confirmed as a 3rd Dorset record of
a rather large longhorn beetle Prionus coriarius (C Court).
At Spetisbury a Dark Tussock was an unexpected new addition
to the garden list, also Gothic and Campion were new
for the year (D Kingman). The first two second brood Early
Thorn there at Gillingham and a first for the year Rosy
Rustic, also of interest were V-Pug,
Elephant Hawk-moth, Dingy Footman, Double Square-spot, Coronet
and Silver Y (G Hopkins).
Rosy Footman, Beaminster, 21 July 2010 ©
M Raper Dark
Tussock, Spetisbury, 22 July 2010 ©
D & J Kingman
21 July 2010
During the afternoon on Studland Heath, there was a
Dark Tussock found resting on heather, as well as a few
Grass Emerald, a Silver Hook, and many Silver Y (G
Freeman).
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were a Diamond-back, 22 Rush Veneer and
three Silver Y (PBO website). At Chickerell, two
Rush Veneer were the only migrants with other interest provided
by a Bordered Beauty, only the 7th in six years of trapping,
an Eyed Hawk-moth and the first Spectacle of the year. Clive
comments in response to Gordons musings yesterday that in
contrast to Gordon he is having his best ever year for Elephant
Hawk-moth, 67 so far (despite being away for the second half of
June), easily beating his previous best annual total of 35; also
five Privet Hawk-moth recorded so far this year, which is
about average for him (C Pinder).
The best at Broadwey were Small Elephant Hawk-moth and
Black Arches (P Harris). Highlights on an excursion to
Bradford Peverell were 15 Rush Veneer and a Black Arches
(J Francis). New for the year at Beaminster were singles
of Small Fan-footed Wave, Jersey Tiger and Brown-tail;
Martin too has also noticed a lack of Large Yellow Underwing
- perhaps one per catch over June/July - with none last night. (M
Raper). Little of interest to report from Gillingham
overnight, only another, different Nutmeg; Gordon agrees
about Large Yellow Underwings - only 21 so far and while this
is not yet into the peak he would expect to have caught 10 times
that number by now, adding that Michael Plaxton at Mere has
commented in the same vein (G Hopkins).
Catoptria pinella, Upton Heath, 20 July 2010 © D
Evans
Eudonia mercurella, Upton Heath, 20 July 2010 © D
Evans
Oak Eggar, Upton Heath, 20 July 2010 © D Evans
Round-winged Muslin, Upton Heath, 20 July 2010 © D
Evans Kent Black Arches, Upton Heath,
20 July 2010 © D Evans Beautiful
Brocade, Upton Heath, 20 July 2010 © D Evans
Annulet, Upton Heath, 20 July 2010 © D
Evans
20 July 2010
By day, an Elephant Hawk-moth found in a
greenhouse, Wimborne (J O'Hara).
A night of mixed results, some places dry and other
with heavy rain. Quieter at
Portland with the only immigrants being three Diamond-back,
nine Rush Veneer and four Silver Y (PBO website).
The only moth of interest at Broadwey was a
Hummingbird Hawk-moth to light (P Harris). Nearby at
Preston, a Lunar-spotted Pinion was new for the garden (R
Lambert). A dry over night at Langton Matravers, but a much quieter night after the excellent night
before; the only new moth for the year
was a Ruby Tiger, and the other highlight was the second
Crescent Dart there since starting to run the trap there at the
beginning of June (S Smith). At Upton Heath it was windy and
raining till 11pm, but a good nights catch with Annulet, Pine
Hawk-moth, Kent Black Arches and Beautiful Brocades (D
Evans). At Alderholt, a Honeysuckle Moth was first for
site, after flying in through bathroom window, and a July
Highflier in the garden (T Morris). At Gillingham the only
moths of interest were two Rush Veneer and a Nutmeg;
Gordon comments that it has been one of the worst years on record
there for Elephant Hawk-moth - only 38, whereas he would
usually expect to have caught over 100 by now, and not a single
Privet Hawk-moth yet (G Hopkins).
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Honeysuckle Moth, Alderholt, 20 July 2010 © T
Morris July Highflier, Alderholt, 20
July 2010 © T Morris
Reddish Light Arches, Alderholt, 19 July 2010
© T Morris
Dark Tussock, Studland, 21 July 2010
© G Freeman
19 July 2010
By day, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Beaminster,
showing a preference for pink Dianthus (M Raper).
The highlight at Portland was the sixth
island record of Dewick's Plusia in a garden at Southwell;
immigrants in the Obs garden traps included six Diamond-back,
a Rusty-dot Pearl, 32 Rush Veneer, a Latticed Heath,
two each of Dark Sword-grass and Dark Spectacle, and 18
Silver Y (PBO website). The best night so far this year at Chickerell, in
terms of both numbers and diversity, produced just two migrants, a
Rush Veneer and a Silver-Y; two species new for the garden were two
Aethes rubigana and a Pine Carpet; the best of
the rest were singles of Ghost Moth, Drinker, the first three
Square-spot Rustic of the year and singles of Clay, Gothic
and Coronet (C Pinder). The best at
Broadwey were Purple Thorn, Dusky Sallow, Small Rufous, and
Bordered Sallow (P Harris). A superb Orache Moth
at Langton Matravers, a Sandy Carpet was new for the garden,
and new for the year Dingy Footman, Minor Shoulder-knot,
Feathered Ranunculus; also of interest was a Lunar-spotted
Pinion, and two each of migrant Rush Veneer and Silver
Y
(S Smith). Highlights at Durlston were a Splendid Brocade
and a Devonshire Wainscot (P Davey). A good night with
an actinic in the garden at Tincleton, with 187 moths of 68 species,
with 11 new for the year including Small Phoenix, Small Seraphim,
Buff-tip, Lobster Moth, Black Arches, Garden Tiger, Cabbage Moth
and Shark, together with good numbers of several footman
species (R Cottle). A reasonable catch
at Affpuddle with 51 macro-species, mostly current regulars
including Lappet, Early Thorn, Peppered Moth, Pine Hawk-moth,
Poplar Hawk-moth, six Elephant Hawk-moth, Lobster, eight
Rosy Footman, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, and a
Cream-bordered Green Pea, and with a first Black Arches
for the year there (A Middleton). At Alderholt, a Reddish
Light Arches was new to the garden (T Morris). At Gillingham, of interest
were Ypsolopha scabrella, which was new for the
garden, along with Pyrausta aurata, Pterophorus pentadactyla
and a Gothic (G Hopkins).
Clive Pinder commented that Large Yellow Underwing
is conspicuously scarce at Chickerell so far this year and wondered
whether this is this true more generally. Several other
observers agreed that numbers were low, and Richard Cottle wondered
if it is because they have either delayed hatching or undertaken
early aestivation because of the relatively warm and dry weather?
Perhaps there will be bumper numbers in late August? Any
thoughts would be appreciated.
Orache Moth, Langton Matravers, 19 July 2010 ©
S Smith
Small Rufous, Broadwey, 19 July 2010 © P Harris
Devonshire Wainscot, Durlston, 19 July 2010 ©
D & J Kingman
Splendid Brocade, Durlston, 19 July 2010 ©
D & J Kingman
Elephant Hawk-moth, Wimborne, 20 July 2010 ©
J O'Hara
Black Arches, Affpuddle, 19 July 2010 ©
A Middleton
18 July 2010
At Portland, there was the sixth island
record of Mere Wainscot; the only other immigrants/strays
recorded were three Rush Veneer, a Slender Brindle,
and two Dark Spectacle (PBO website).
Little in the way of quality at Chickerell of late;
pick of the bunch overnight were two Brussels Lace and
singles of Mullein Wave, Kent Black Arches and Coronet
(C Pinder). The best at Broadwey was the second ever Dark
Umber there with a back up cast of Peach Blossom, Brussels
Lace, Vapourer, Clancy's Rustic and two Cream-bordered Green
Pea (P Harris). New moths for the year at Langton
Matravers included singles of Ebulea crocealis, Small
Rivulet, Dun-bar and Rosy Rustic (S Smith). There
was another Waved Black at Verwood, and new for the year were
Drinker, Dingy Shell, Sallow Kitten, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing,
Purple Clay, Nutmeg, Suspected, Bird's Wing and Dusky Sallow
(C Court). At Beaminster, Scalloped Oak and Nut-tree Tussock were
new for the year (M Raper).
17 July 2010
By day at Affpuddle, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth
visiting Geraniums during the day (A Middleton).
The only immigrants/wanderers at
Portland Obs were three Rush Veneer, and a Crescent (PBO
website). The highlight at Broadwey was the second garden
record of Olive; also of interest were Haworth's Pug, Buff
Footman, Pearly Underwing, Dingy Shears and a Dark Spectacle
(P Harris). The pick at Langton Matravers were singles of
Agriphila selasella, Catoptria pinella, Udea fulvalis,
Lappet, July Highflyer, Magpie, two Early Thorn, a
Cabbage Moth, Marbled Green, and an 'ear' moth considered to be
Saltern Ear (S Smith). A pristine Magpie at Beaminster,
hatched from a black and yellow striped pupa in a chrysalis, rescued
while cutting back a clematis a couple of weeks ago, was new for the
year, as was a Rosy Footman in the trap (M Raper).
July Highflyer, Langton Matravers, 17 July
2010 © S Smith
Saltern Ear, Langton Matravers, 17 July 2010 © S Smith
16 July 2010
Numbers well down on recent weeks, unsurprising
following the wet and windy weather of last few days.
At Portland, the third island record of
Olive was the pick of the overnight moth catch at the Obs,
where a single Phycita roborella was the only other
stray recorded. A
Gothic was the best on offer at Broadwey (P Harris). At
Langton Matravers, a Synaphe punctalis, five
Scalloped Oak and a Silver Y were the highlights (S
Smith). After a very windy start still had a reasonable catch
at Burton, with Lunar-spotted Pinion new for the garden, new
for the year was Small Fan-footed Wave, Scalloped Oak, Dingy
Footman, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Clay and a probable
Saltern Ear; also of interest were two Rush Veneer and a
single White-point (J Southworth).
Double Kidney, Portland, 13 July 2010 © M Cade
Olive, Portland, 16 July 2010 © M Cade
Lunar-spotted Pinion, Burton, 16 July 2010 © J
Southworth
14 July 2010
A very windy night kept numbers low, at Broadwey,
just a Dark Sword-grass and four Silver Y worth a
mention (P Harris).
13 July 2010
There was a first for Portland in the
Obs traps overnight, a Double Kidney: immigrants/wanderers
included two Diamond-back, and singles of Rush Veneer,
Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Dark Sword-grass, 13 Silver Y
and a Beautiful Hook-tip (PBO website).
12 July 2010
At Portland, three each of
Diamond-back and Rush Veneer, and six Silver Y
were the only immigrants in the Obs garden moth-traps (PBO
website). Of interest at Broadwey were Ebulea
crocealis, two Peach Blossom, Scarce Footman, Marbled
White Spot, Blackneck, three Beautiful Hook-tip (P
Harris). A bit of a showery night, with a few casualties,
however 48 species, with seven new for the year including
Agonopterix nervosa, Scalloped Oak and a male
Four-spotted Footman (R Cottle). Best of a 53 species catch at Spetisbury included
singles of Festoon, European Corn Borer, Double Line, Double Lobed
and Dark Spectacle (D Kingman).
11 July 2010
Immigrants/wanderers at Portland
included a Diamond-back, two Rusty-dot Pearl, six
Rush Veneer, Phycita roborella, two Dark
Sword-grass, singles of Small Angle Shades, Slender
Brindle, Crescent, three Cream-bordered Green Pea, two
Silver Y and a Dark Spectacle (PBO
website). At Radipole, new for the year were Brown-tail,
Muslin Footman, Coronet; also of interest was a 2nd brood
Early Thorn (L Phillips, RSPB). The best at Broadwey were
Ethmia dodecea, Pempelia genistella, Leopard Moth,
Haworth's Pug, another Dingy Shears and Green
Silver-lines (P Harris). At Affpuddle a mild cloudy
night, with sixty-two macro-moth species including Barred Red,
Scarlet Tiger, Double Lobed and Dusky Sallow as firsts
for the year; others of interest included Pine Hawk-moth,
three Garden Tiger, Ruby Tiger and White-point (A
Middleton). At Tolpuddle Manor, the highlights were two
Festoon, Lackey, True Lover's Knot, two Double Lobed, the
first Rustic for the year, a Cream-bordered Green Pea
and a Beautiful Golden Y (J Francis). At Beaminster,
most numerous moth was Common Footman, and highlights were
two V-Pug, a Small Yellow Wave, Peppered Moth, Dot Moth,
a dagger at least resembling Dark Dagger, and a Plain
Golden Y (M Raper).
Leopard, Broadwey, 11 July 2010 © P Harris Small Yellow Wave, Beaminster, 11 July 2010 ©
M Raper
10 July 2010
Just to show that there are different ways to find
moths, a European Corn Borer found on the front bumper of a
Toyota Auris at Morrison's in Weymouth (P Harris).
Immigrants/wanderers in the Portland Obs
garden moth-traps were two Diamond-back, four Rush Veneer,
Dark Sword-grass, Slender Brindle, Cream-bordered Green
Pea and two Silver Y (PBO website).
At Chickerell, a single Silver Y was the only
migrant and singles of Lesser Cream Wave and Dot Moth
were new for the year; with the likely split of Burnished Brass,
an intermediate in form with the bands almost just in contact but
with the upper end of the median fascia rounded, so probably
stenochrysis? (C Pinder). Good for garden at Broadwey
were Brown-tail, Double Square-spot, Dingy Shears and
Scarce Silver-lines (P Harris). From Preston, Double
Square-spot, Green Arches and Reddish Light Arches, the
latter new for the garden (R Lambert). Highlights from the
garden trap in Langton Matravers included singles of
Dolicharthria punctalis, Lunar-spotted Pinion and Oak
Nycteoline (S Smith). At Affpuddle, of fifty-seven
macro-moth species caught overnight July Highflyer, Tawny-barred
Angle, True Lover's Knot, Rosy Rustic and Beautiful Snout
were firsts for the year (A Middleton). A single fresh male Speckled Footman to light
on a second Dorset Heath site, plus a Beautiful Carpet (P
Davey). At Alderholt, Large Emerald was new for the
garden, but undoubtedly the moth of the day was a Waved Black,
the 9th county record, following one at
the same site in 2008 (T Morris). At Gillingham, despite an overnight minimum of 17deg.,
a very meagre catch of 22 moths, 19 species (excluding the million
or so grass moths); Parraswammerdamia albicapitella,
Honeysuckle Moth, Barred Yellow, Ruby Tiger, Short-cloaked Moth,
Coronet and Small Dotted Buff (G Hopkins).
Large Emerald, Alderholt, 10 July 2010 © T
Morris
Waved Black, Alderholt, 10 July 2010 © T Morris
Lunar-spotted Pinion, Langton Matravers, 10
July 2010 © S Smith
Dolicharthria punctalis, Langton
Matravers, 10 July 2010 © S Smith
Dingy Shears, Broadwey, 10 July 2010 © P
Harris
9 July
2010
By day at Durlston CP, still plenty of Six-spot
Burnet moths nectaring on flowers in the meadows, and a
Silver Y feeding on Sea Bindweed. At Powerstock Common, 29
Six-spot Burnet (per Durlston CP website).
Little in the way of
immigrants/wanderers at Portland with just a Diamond-back,
two Rush Veneer and singles of Buff Footman and
Cream-bordered Green Pea (PBO website). At Chickerell, a
Beautiful Snout was a surprise and the undoubted highlight of
the night there, otherwise, first for year included singles of:
Scarce Footman, Garden Tiger, and Common Rustic agg.
(C Pinder). The best at Broadwey was a Large Tabby,
otherwise standard fare including Lilac Beauty, Scarce Footman,
four Cream-bordered Green Pea and a Blackneck (P
Harris). At Durlston overnight, 29 species of macro, including
a Common Emerald, Spinach and Privet Hawk-moth (Durlston
CP website). The pick at Durlston, Swanage was an Evergestis
limbata, a new one for the garden, along with two each of Barred
Straw and V-Pug, 21 Elephant Hawk-moth, two
Small Elephant Hawk-moth, Yellow-tail, Muslin Footman, ten
Buff Footman and a Coronet (P England). There were
three migrant Rush Veneer at Burton, while new for the year
were three Small Blood-vein, Lime Hawk-moth, two Brown-tail,
Fen Wainscot and Green Silver-lines, while of note were
Festoon, Double Lobed and Oak Nycteoline (J Southworth).
An exceptional night north of Hurn, using the usual
eleven Actinic traps, with 1029 moths of 130 species, including one
tiny little box trap about the size of a 1 gallon ice cream tub with
101 moths of 55 species; highlights would have to be the nine
Gold Swift, Agonopterix nervosa, Blastobasis lacticolella, Hedya
salicella, Apotomis capreana, Agriphila inquinatella, Beautiful
China-mark, Small China-mark, Pempelia palumbella, Pempelia
genistella, four Grass Emerald, two Large
Emerald, a Birch Mocha, seven Pine Hawk-moth, 31
Four-dotted Footman, 28 Scarce Footman, 223 True
Lover's Knot, six Striped Wainscot and ten Suspected
(D Evans).
A busy night at Verwood, with Pyrausta despicata, Poplar
Lutestring, Grey Arches, Double Lobed and Waved Black all new
for the garden, while first for the year were Anania
verbascalis, Mother of Pearl, Synaphe punctalis, Orthopygia
glaucinalis, Drinker, Common Lutestring, Small Fan-footed Wave,
Scallop Shell, Small Rivulet, Black Arches, Kent Black Arches,
Purple Clay, Coronet, Small Dotted Buff, Green Silver-lines and
Beautiful Snout (C Court).
At Affpuddle, 183 macro moths (50 % of previous days total) comprising
43 species largely regulars with a first Broom for the year
there (A Middleton). At Gillingham, Oegoconia
quadripuncta, Archips podana, Common Emerald, Small Dusty Wave,
Single-dotted Wave, Scalloped Oak, Yellow-tail, two Clay,
Coronet, Small Dotted Buff and two Fan-foot (G Hopkins).
A busy night in Ashmore Forest with in
excess of 200 species: highlights included the second Dorset site
record for White-line Snout with two seen, Psyche casta,
20 Ethmia dodecea, eight Aethes cnicana,
fourteen Endothenia ericetana, Ancylis unculana, Olindia
schumacherana, Cydia cosmophorana, Pammene aurana, Eudonia delunella,
Eudonia truncicolella, three Cryptoblabes bistriga,
two Phlyctaenia stachydalis, three Marasmarcha
lunaedactyla, Adaina microdactyla, two Large Emerald,
Wood Carpet, Beautiful Carpet, three Scallop Shell,
twenty Brown Scallop, six Dark Umber, Slender Pug, 13
Valerian Pug, three Larch Pug, Lilac Beauty, ten
Satin Beauty, Red-necked Footman, a strong sunset flight
at canopy level of one hundred plus Scarlet Tiger with
fifteen seen at light subsequently, two Poplar Grey, Miller,
Alder, sixteen Clouded Brindle, two Slender Brindle,
Blackneck and Beautiful Snout (P Davey).
Beautiful Carpet, Ashmore
Forest, 9 July 2010 ©
D & J Kingman Adaina microdactyla, Ashmore
Forest, 9 July 2010 ©
D & J Kingman
White-line Snout, Ashmore
Forest, 9 July 2010 © D & J Kingman Phlyctaenia stachydalis, Ashmore
Forest, 9 July 2010 ©
P Davey
Double Lobed, Burton, 9 July 2010 ©
J Southworth
Lime Hawk-moth, Burton, 9 July 2010 ©
J Southworth
8 July
2010
Immigrants/wanderers in the Portland Obs
garden moth-traps included three Rush Veneer and singles of
Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Dark Sword-grass and True Lover's
Knot (PBO website). At Chickerell a Cypress Carpet and the first
Drinker and Coronet of the year (C Pinder). At
Broadwey, Lilac Beauty, Double Lobed, Oak Nycteoline and
three Beautiful Hook-tip, but Paul was elated to also get a
Double Line in the trap overnight; there have been an amazing
number of records lately, with at least seven in the last two weeks, with
a further three Double Line at
Puddletown and another at Frampton in recent days (P Harris). A favourable night at Affpuddle with 361 macro moths
comprising 68 species with a Round-winged Muslin as new for
the garden and twelve firsts for the year namely
Hummingbird Hawk-moth (in trap, coming to light), along with
Drinker, Phoenix, Scallop Shell, Swallow-tailed Moth, Engrailed,
Brown-tail, a male Four-spotted Footman, Sycamore, Common
Rustic agg., Ear Moth and Dun-bar (A Middleton).
Species count in Alderholt has halved in just a few days with the
only new moth for the garden there being a White Satin (T
Morris). The pick at Gillingham were Ancylis achatana,
V-Pug, Eyed Hawk-moth, Clay and Small Angle Shades (G
Hopkins).
White Satin, Alderholt, 8 July 2010 © T Morris
Four-spotted Footman, male, Affpuddle, 8 July 2010 © A Middleton
7 July
2010
The only immigrants at Portland was a Hummingbird
Hawk-moth and two Silver Y (PBO website). Highlights at Chickerell were first of year July
Highflyer, Gothic, Clay and Cream-bordered Green Pea (C
Pinder). New for the year at Beaminster was Peach Blossom,
Buff Arches, Early Thorn, Swallow-tailed moth, Miller and a
Common Rustic agg. (M Raper). Despite warm conditions only 26 species at
Gillingham, Stenoptilia pterodactyla, a very battered
European Corn Borer and an Eyed Hawk-moth were the
highlights (G Hopkins).
6 July
2010
By day, a newly hatched Scarlet Tiger
found inflating its wings at Woodlands (C Court).
Very poor for migrants at Portland again, with just a
Dark Sword-grass and two Silver Y, but compensated for
by only the second island record of Small Seraphim (PBO
website). New species for the garden at Tincleton were
Lappet, Eyed Hawk-moth and Dingy Footman (R Cottle). Another good night at Burton with 138 macro of 46
species and over 32 micro species: Double Lobed was new for
the garden, and Small Rivulet, Sharp-angled Peacock, Rosy
Footman, Smoky Wainscot, three each of Angle Shades and
Oak Nycteoline, Dark Spectacle were new for the year; also of
interest were a Rush Veneer and two White-point (J Southworth). A
Gypsonoma sociana was new for the garden at Gillingham, the
pick of the rest were Red-barred Tortrix, Muslin Footman, Kent
Black Arches and
Light Arches (G Hopkins).
Kent Black Arches, Gillingham 6 July 2010 © G
Hopkins
Small Seraphim, Portland, 6 July 2010 © M Cade
5 July
2010
At Portland, another Splendid Brocade
and the first Convolvulus Hawk-moth of the year; other
immigrants/species of local interest included singles of
Diamond-back, Dark Sword-grass and Clancy's Rustic
(PBO website). Pick of
the bunch at Chickerell were, singles of Cypress Carpet, Kent
Black Arches, L-album Wainscot and Burnished Brass (C
Pinder). A total of 41 macro species at Affpuddle including
firsts for the year for Large Emerald, Cypress Carpet, Scorched
Carpet, Scalloped Oak, Mottled Beauty and Common Rustic
(A Middleton). New for the garden at Beaminster were
Phoenix, Barred Straw and Shoulder-striped Wainscot (M
Raper). Highlights from Alderholt included
Synaphe punctalis, Rosy Footman and Grey Arches, the
latter new for the site (T Morris). A Gillingham, a male
Ghost Moth, Epiblema uddmaniana, two Lackey (first
for the year), Buff Footman, Clay and Fan-foot (G
Hopkins).
Grey Arches, Alderholt, 5 July 2010 © T Morris
Cypress Carpet, Affpuddle, 5 July 2010 © A Middleton
4 July
2010
A clear, mild but quite windy night.
At Portland, immigrants/wanderers
included a Diamond-back, Water Veneer, Rusty-dot
Pearl, Dark Sword-grass, Pearly Underwing,
Delicate and Dark Spectacle (PBO website).
Single Yellow Shell and Kent Black Arches
were new for the year at Chickerell (C Pinder). Highlights at
Broadwey were Pempelia formosa, Haworth's Pug, Mottled
Beauty and Obscure Wainscot (P Harris). At Affpuddle,
49 macro species including firsts for the year for Small
Fan-footed Wave, Yellow Tail and Dark Spectacle; also of
interest were nine Elephant Hawk-moth, a Rosy Footman,
two Garden Tiger, 15 Buff Ermine, a Setaceous
Hebrew Character and a White-point; Adrian comments on
the lack of White Ermine and paucity of numbers of Setaceous Hebrew
Character (A Middleton). Highlights at Gillingham were
Phlyctaenia coronata, Clouded Border, Brussels Lace and
Common Rustic agg., the latter a first for the year there (G
Hopkins).
Dark Spectacle, Affpuddle, 4 July 2010 © A
Middleton
Rosy Footman, Affpuddle, 4 July 2010 © A Middleton
Purple Clay,
Langton Matravers, 4 July 2010 © S Smith Splendid Brocade, Portland Obs, 2 July 2010 ©
M Cade
3 July
2010
By day, a Galium Carpet at Badbury Rings (per
Dorset BC website).
Immigrants/wanderers in the Portland Obs
garden moth-traps were singles of Diamond-back,
Zeiraphera isertana, two Rusty-dot Pearl, a
Rush Veneer, Delicate, Marbled White Spot,
Cream-bordered Green Pea, Dark Spectacle and Beautiful
Hook-tip (PBO website). Highlights
in a much reduced catch at Chickerell, were Pammene aurita,
a new garden record, and the second garden record of Beautiful
Hook-tip (C Pinder). A Short-cloaked Moth was new
for the year at Radipole (L Phillips, RSPB). A Dark
Sword-grass was the only moth of note at Broadwey (P Harris).
A Double Line on a wall near Verwood (C Hill). The pick at Gillingham was Epiblema uddmaniana, Figure of
Eighty, Brussels Lace, Cabbage Moth, Plain Golden Y, Spectacle and
Beautiful Hook-tip (G Hopkins).
Double Line, Verwood, 3 July2010 ©
C Hill
2 July
2010
A cooler night with fewer moths,
and numbers dwindled considerably at
Portland; however, the second island record of Splendid Brocade
was a notable highlight; other immigrants/wanderers caught included
a Diamond-back, two Rusty-dot Pearl and singles of
Marbled White Spot, Oak Nycteoline and Silver Y (PBO
website). First of the year at
Chickerell were singles of Brussels Lace, Muslin Footman,
Cream-spot Tiger and Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (C
Pinder). The highlights
at Broadwey included Scarce Footman, Southern Wainscot and
two Beautiful Hook-tip (P Harris). At Langton Matravers,
an Udea fulvalis was of interest (S Smith). Only 39 macros at Tolpuddle Manor, including a Lackey and two Beautiful
Golden Y (J Francis). A good haul of at least 48 macro
species at Burton, new for the year were four Festoon, three
Buff Arches, an Oblique Carpet, two Barred Straw,
three Blue-bordered Carpet, Privet Hawk-moth, Barred Red, two
Sycamore and a Cream-bordered Green Pea; also of
interest was a Cypress Carpet and 17 Elephant Hawk-moth
(JSouthworth). Of 40 species, highlights at Gillingham
included a Small Fan-footed Wave, first for the year,
Small Elephant Hawk-moth, the first since 2008, along with
Poplar Grey, Silver Y, Plain Golden Y, and Beautiful Hook-tip
(G Hopkins).
1 July
2010
By day, at
Piddlehinton, four Six-spot Burnet and a Silver Y.
A Hummingbird Hawk-moth on lavender at Walditch (per
Dorset BC website).
A mild overcast night with some rain
provided excellent overnight mothing conditions. A nice
arrival of infrequently-recorded species in the Portland Obs traps
included singles of Endothenia quadrimaculana,
Zeiraphera isertana, Dioryctria abietella,
Sand Dart, Lunar-spotted Pinion and Oak Nycteoline;
more routine immigrants there included a Diamond-back,
two Rusty-dot Pearl,
Hummingbird Hawk-moth, two Dark Sword-grass, and five Silver Y (PBO website).
The pick at Broadwey was Calamotropha
paludella, July Highflyer, two Lilac Beauty, Round-winged
Muslin, Small Angle Shades, Silky Wainscot and Blackneck
(P Harris). Nearby, a Double Line at Preston (R
Lambert). Two each of Evergestis limbata and
White-point at Langton Matravers (S Smith). At Affpuddle a total of 184 macro moths comprising
52 species with firsts for the year of three Festoon, Peach
Blossom, Small Emerald and Bordered Beauty (A Middleton).
At Tolpuddle Manor 54 macro species including a Lackey, Peach
Blossom, the first two Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
for the year, a True Lover's Knot, Bird's Wing, four
Cream-bordered Green Pea and two Beautiful Golden Y (J
Francis). At Slepe Farm, Arne, 46 species identified including
a Purple-bar, three Bordered White, a Privet
Hawk-moth, Pine Hawk-moth, seven Elephant Hawk-moth, a
Kent Black Arches, Beautiful Yellow Underwing, Dot Moth, Shark,
Beautiful Hook-tip and two Fan-foot (D Cooper).
A Dentated Pug was the pick at Verwood (C Court). Highlights from Alderholt included Synaphe punctalis
and a Bordered Beauty, which naturally landed in the position
in the photograph giving a flower-like appearance; is this
deliberate camouflage and has anyone else witnessed such behaviour?
(T Morris).
Synaphe punctalis, Alderholt, 1 July 2010 ©
T Morris
Bordered Beauty, Alderholt, 1 July 2010 © T Morris
At a heathland locality, but details withheld; well
in excess of 200 species seen, including Speckled Footman,
with a fine supporting cast of Morophaga choragella,
Ypsolopha nemorella, 14 Hedya salicella, five
Epinotia demarniana, Cydia conicolana, Calamotropha paludella,
Donacaula mucronellus, two Anania verbascalis,
Reed Leopard, Festoon, two Figure of Eighty, Grass
Emerald, Large Emerald, three Blotched Emerald, Little
Emerald, five Plain Wave, Phoenix, two Scallop Shell,
Shaded Pug, Oak-tree Pug, Sloe Pug, five Satin Beauty,
two Brindled White-spot, 21 Pine Hawk-moth, nine
Lobster Moth, seven Red-necked Footman, Scarlet Tiger, Kent
Black Arches, 16 Grey Arches, 12 Beautiful Brocade,
three Broom, Minor Shoulder-knot, Suspected, Poplar Grey, five
Miller, two Alder, four Bird's Wing, Cream-bordered
Green Pea, six Oak Nycteoline, Beautiful Snout and
Pinion-streaked Snout (P Davey).
Beautiful Brocade, Dorset heathland, 1 July 2010 © D & J Kingman
Speckled Footman, Dorset heathland, 1 July 2010 © D & J Kingman
30 June
2010
New for the year at Radipole were Cypress Carpet,
Scalloped Oak and Beautiful Hook-tip (L Phillips, RSPB).
At Chickerell, two Clouded Silver, a Lilac Beauty and
a Dusky Brocade were new for the year and a Foxglove Pug
was a new garden record (C Pinder). The pick at Broadwey were
Lilac Beauty, Grey Arches, another Marbled White Spot
and Pinion-streaked Snout (P Harris). Nearby, a
Ghost and White Satin at Preston (R Lambert).
Two each of Evergestis limbata and White-point
at Langton Matravers
(S Smith). Highlights at Tolpuddle Manor, included singles of Scorched Wing,
Green Arches, Green Silver-lines and Beautiful Golden Y
(J Francis). At Affpuddle, 45 species of which six were new
for the year, Ghost Moth, Lackey, Common Footman, Dot Moth,
Common Wainscot and Grey/Dark Dagger; other highlights
included two Lobster Moth, six Elephant Hawk-moth, and
single Privet Hawk-moth, Small Elephant Hawk-moth and Eyed
Hawk-moth (A Middleton). An excellent catch at Lytchett
Matravers with 82 macro species: new for the garden were Barred
Straw, Small Seraphim, Double Line, Poplar Grey, Cream-bordered
Green Pea and Blackneck, while other highlights included
Peach Blossom, Figure of Eighty, 11 Elephant Hawk-moth
and a Kent Black Arches (G Freeman). A bumper night at
Burton, 51 species of macro including new for the year: Lackey,
Dwarf Cream Wave, Single-dotted Wave, Lilac Beauty, Swallow-tailed
Moth, Common Footman, Dot Moth, Dun-bar, Beautiful Hook-tip, Snout
and Small Fan-foot (J Southworth).
%20ed.JPG)
Double Line, Lytchett Matravers, 30 June 2010
© G Freeman
Scarce Silver-lines, Poole, 29 June 2010 © V
Giavarini
29 June
2010
By day, a Cosmopterix orichalcea beaten
from vegetation at Whitesheet Plantation (M Parsons).
The Portland Obs garden moth-traps were
again busy although there was next to no immigrant interest; a
Beautiful Hook-tip was a good local record (only the fourth or
fifth record for Portland) but the only other captures of even minor
note were singles of Green Oak Tortrix, Dark Spectacle
and a Silver Y. (PBO website). A Barred Red,
seldom recorded at Chickerell was the highlight there (C
Pinder). In Poole, 38 macros the best of which included
singles of Blue-bordered Carpet, Cypress Carpet, L-album
Wainscot, Lime Hawk-moth, Scarce Silver-lines and a pristine
Dun-bar (V Giavarini). There was a Double Line in a
Parkstone garden (E Brodie per P Harris). Forty-eight macro
species at Affpuddle including firsts for the year for Common
Emerald, Small Blood-vein, Broken-barred Carpet, Green Pug, Rosy
Footman, Dingy Footman and Smoky Wainscot (A Middleton).
Fifty-one species of macro at Tolpuddle, the highlights were a
Lime Hawk-moth, two White-point, two Silver Y, a
Beautiful Golden Y and a Cream-bordered Green Pea (J
Francis). At Beaminster, 35 species, of which at least nine
new for year, eight new for garden: singles of Pebble Hook-tip,
Figure of Eighty, Sharp-angled Peacock, Scorched Wing, Clouded
Silver, Privet Hawk-moth, two Common Footman, a Coronet
and a Fan-foot (M Raper). Seventy species at Verwood,
and a Double Lines was new for he garden, identified ironically
after observer studied the picture on this site; new for the year
Leopard, Large Tabby, Grass Emerald, Large Emerald, Small Emerald,
Small Blood-vein, Cypress Carpet, Privet Hawk-moth, Buff-tip, Rosy
footman, Common Footman, Double Square-spot, Clay, Common Wainscot,
Light Arches and Green Silver-lines (C Court).
Pebble Hook-tip,
Beaminster, 29 June 2010 © M Raper
Sharp-angled Peacock,
Beaminster, 29 June 2010 © M Raper
28 June
2010
The muggy conditions led to a good
overnight catch of moths at the Portland Obs, although immigrant
interest was minimal: two Diamond-back, a Rusty-dot Pearl,
a Green Oak Tortrix and a Silver Y (PBO website).
At Chickerell, a single Diamond-back
was the only migrant, two Barred Yellow, a Blue-bordered
Carpet and a Sharp-angled Peacock were firsts for this
year and a Blackneck was a new garden record (C Pinder). Highlights at Radipole were Grey Dagger, Poplar
Grey, both new for the year, and a Pine Hawk-moth which is
only the second record for the reserve (L Phillips, RSPB). At
Broadwey, the highlights were a European Corn Borer, two
Blue-bordered Carpet, a Green Arches, seven
Cream-bordered Green Pea, four Green Silver-lines, two
Beautiful Hook-tip and a Cypress Carpet (P Harris).
Highlights at Shaggs, included two Cosmoptrix scribiaella,
and singles Festoon, Little Thorn and Cream-bordered Green Pea
(M Parsons). At Tolpuddle Manor, 48 macros including Beautiful Golden Y and
two White-point (J Francis). At Slepe Farm, Arne, 34
species identified including a Privet Hawk-moth, Scalloped Oak,
four Clouded Silver, a Scarce Footman, two Small
Angle Shades and a Clay and highlights were single
Rosy Wave and a Double Line (D Cooper).
2%20ed.JPG)
%20ed.JPG)
Rosy Wave, Arne, 28 June 2010 © D Cooper
Double Line, Arne, 28 June 2010 © D Cooper
27 Jun
2010
By day on the Radipole reserve, at least
12 Scarlet Tiger (L Phillips).
The moths remained low-key at Portland,
with just four Diamond-back, a Rusty-dot Pearl, and
two Silver Y the only immigrants in the Obs garden
traps (PBO website). At Radipole, Diamond-back
reappeared after a short absence from the trap, and new for the year
was Common Emerald and Magpie (L Phillips).
The highlights at Broadwey were a European Corn Borer, Small Elephant Hawk-moth,
two Cream-bordered Green Pea, Beautiful Golden Y and a
Blackneck (P Harris). Nearby, a Marbled White-spot
was new for the garden at Preston (R Lambert). Two
Evergestis limbata at Langton Matravers (S Smith). At Morden Bog, highlights included six Reed
Leopard, Goat, Donacaula mucronellus, 20
Elophila nymphaeata, two Fox, Rosy Wave, three
Pine Hawk-moth, Brown-tail, two Round-winged Muslin, Broom,
seven Striped Wainscot, five Southern Wainscot, Flame
Wainscot, three Miller and a Cream-bordered
Green Pea (P Davey et al). A total of 37 moths of 21
species at Bournemouth, with Spuleria flavicaput new
for observer, and highlights included Endotricha flammealis
and Figure of Eighty (D Evans). At Verwood, a
Lilac Beauty was a welcome addition to the garden, while new for
the year were Water Veneer, European Corn Borer, Blood-vein,
Small Yellow Wave, Clouded Silver, Lobster, Dot and Angle
Shades (C Court). The pick at Alderholt
was a Least Carpet (T Morris).
Goat, Morden Bog, 27 June 2010 © D & J Kingman
Reed Leopard, Morden Bog, 27 June 2010 © D & J Kingman
Rosy Wave, Morden Bog, 27 June 2010 © D & J Kingman
Least Carpet, Alderholt, 27Jun 2010 © T Morris
Scarce Merveille du Jour, Alderholt, 26 Jun 2010 © T Morris
26 Jun
2010
Scarlet Tiger
by day, was new for the garden
in Beaminster (M Raper).
Not a great deal to report from Portland
with two each of Diamond-back, Rusty-dot Pearl,
Dark Sword-grass and Silver Y the only immigrants in the
Obs garden traps (PBO website). A
True Lover's Knot was the pick at Broadwey (P Harris). Three
White-point at Langton Matravers (S Smith). A
Double Line was unexpected at Walditch (M Parsons). At
Beaminster, new for the year were a Ringed China-mark, Drinker, two Riband
Wave, a Barred Yellow and an Angle Shades (M Raper).
At Burton, Dingy Shears was new for the garden, while
Common Emerald, Buff-tip and Pale Mottled Willow were new
for the year (J Southworth). The highlight at Alderholt was a
Scarce Merveille du Jour (T Morris).
Drinker,
Beaminster, 26 June 2010 © M Raper
Scarlet Tiger,
Beaminster, 26 June 2010 © M Raper
25 Jun
2010
The fourth island record of Round-winged Muslin
at Portland, also two Green Oak Tortrix,
two Rush Veneer, a Rusty-dot
Pearl and three Silver Y (PBO website).
A Little Thorn was new for the garden at Broadwey; also of
interest were European Corn Borer, Synaphe punctalis, Bee
Moth, Apomyelois bistriatella, Peach Blossom, Cream-bordered
Green Pea and Cypress Carpet (P Harris).
A cursory glance
at the moth trap at Durlston gave Scorched Wing, Brimstone,
Clouded
Silver,
Light Emerald, Small Elephant Hawk-moth and a Flame (Durlston
CP website).
A
Clancy's Rustic at Langton Matravers (S Smith).
Evergestis limbata, Langton
Matravers, June 2010 © S Smith
Clancy's Rustic, Langton Matravers, 25 June 2010 © S Smith
Apomyelois bistriatella, Broadwey,
25 June 2010 © P Harris
Ingrailed Clay,
Beaminster, 21 June 2010 © M Raper
24 Jun
2010
Immigrants/wanderers
at Portland were two
Diamond-back, a Rusty-dot
Pearl, a Rush Veneer, Dark Sword-grass and two Silver Y (PBO
website). New for the reserve at Radipole was
a
Blue-bordered Carpet, while a
Clay was new for the year (L Phillips, RSPB).
At Broadwey, a Marbled White Spot was only the second for the
garden, with a supporting cast of Ebulea crocealis, an
exceptional five Barred Yellow, two Small Elephant
Hawk-moth and a Blackneck (P Harris). At Affpuddle,
new for the year were Marbled Brown, Heart and Club, Miller
and Rustic Shoulder-knot (A Middleton).
23 Jun
2010
Immigrants/wanderers
caught overnight in the Portland Obs garden traps did include two
Diamond-back, a Green Oak Tortrix, a Rusty-dot
Pearl and four Silver Y (PBO website).
New for the year at Radipole were three Sloe Pug, not an easy
species to ID, and a Small Elephant Hawk-moth (L Phillips).
The pick at Broadwey were Puss Moth and Cream-bordered
Green Pea (P Harris). Thirty-seven macro species at Affpuddle including firsts for the
year for Dark Sword-grass, Beautiful Golden Y, Beautiful Hook-tip
and Fan-foot (A Middleton).
Eleven actinic traps of various designs and sizes at
a site near Hurn produced 511 moths of at least 86 species, with
some still to be identified, highlights included
Blastobasis lacticolella,
Epagoge grotiana, Apotomis
capreana, Scoparia pyralella, Scoparia basistrigalis, Eudonia
pallida to name but a few micros,
while macros included Fox Moth, Blotched Emerald, Satin Wave,
Broken-barred Carpet, Lesser Treble-bar, Grass Wave, Clouded Buff
and a really weird Ingrailed Clay that had the observer
guessing (D Evans). At Verwood, 51 macro species, a
Celypha rosaceana and a Fern were new for
garden, while new for the year were Peach Blossom, Buff Arches,
Blotched Emerald, Common Emerald, Treble Brown Spot, Riband Wave,
Green Pug, Swallow-tailed Moth, Barred Red, Four-dotted Footman,
Large Yellow Underwing, Ingrailed Clay, Small Angle Shades,
Beautiful Hook-tip and Fan-foot (C Court). At Beaminster, new for the year
were Foxglove Pug, Clouded Border, Double Square-spot and
Snout (M Raper).
Sloe Pug, Radipole, 23 June 2010 © L Phillips
Small Elephant Hawk-moth, Radipole, 23 June 2010 © L Phillips
22 Jun
2010
By day, a single Forester on Norden Hill near
Cattistock (M Parsons).
Hardly any evidence of immigrants
at Portland with just a Diamond-back, Rush
Veneer and two Silver Y caught overnight in the Obs
garden traps; a Tawny-barred Angle in a garden trap at
Southwell was the best of the 'non-residents' (PBO website). Fairly quiet at Radipole, the highlight being a
White-speck (L Phillips, RSPB). At Langton Matravers, an
Evergestis limbarta, with others on 9, 11 and 16th
June, probably a local population? (S Smith). At Affpuddle, 33 macro
species including Garden Tiger, Small Angle Shades, Plain Golden
Y and Purple Clay, firsts for the year (A Middleton).
At Burton, a good night with 12 macro moths new for the year:
Blotched Emerald, Barred Yellow, Clouded Border, Scorched Wing,
Short-cloaked Moth, Common Wainscot, Shoulder-striped Wainscot,
Coronet, Dark Arches, Uncertain, Rustic and Fan-foot (J
Southworth).
Garden Tiger, Affpuddle, 22 June 2010 © A
Middleton Purple Clay, Affpuddle, 22 June
2010 © A Middleton
21 Jun
2010
By day at
Portland, the same or another Wood Tiger at Broadcroft
Quarry, as only one individual seen despite a good search (per PBO
website). At Durlston CP,
considered to be tens of thousands of Six-spot Burnet Moths in
the meadows, swarming over every available Knapweed flower (per
Durlston CP website).
The only migrants at Portland were
a Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush
Veneer and two Silver Y (PBO website).
A quiet
night at Affpuddle, with 18 macro species including Riband Wave, Willow Beauty
and Small Dotted Buff as firsts for the year (A Middleton).
Out of 18 species at Beaminster, new for the year were an Eyed
Hawk-moth and two Burnished Brass (M Raper).
Eyed Hawk-moth,
Beaminster, 21 June 2010 © M Raper
20 June
2010
Immigrants/wanderers in the Portland Obs
garden moth-traps were five Rusty-dot Pearl, and singles of
Rush Veneer, Silky Wainscot, five Silver Y
and a Dark Spectacle (PBO website).
Twenty two macro species including Buff Arches and Lobster,
firsts for the year (A Middleton). Some colour in the traps at
Broadwey in the form of Barred Yellow, Small Yellow Wave and
Orange Footman (P Harris). The pick at Gillingham were
Nematopogon metaxella, Brown China-mark, Flame Carpet,
Rivulet, Garden Tiger and Beautiful Hook-tip (G Hopkins).
Small Yellow Wave, Broadwey, 20 June 2010 © P
Harris Silky
Wainscot, Portland, 20 June 2010 © M Cade
19 June
2010
Surprisingly rather chilly overnight, with very few
micros and geometers recorded. At Portland, the only
immigrants were a Rush Veneer, Dark Sword-grass and two
Silver Y (PBO website). At Puncknowle,
only ten macro species, including White Ermine, Ingrailed Clay
and Spectacle (M Hetherington). Overnight at Alner's
Gorse the temperature got down to 0.1° C, the moth list to follow (G
Hopkins).
18 June
2010
By day at Durlston, Yellow Shell and plenty of
Six-spot Burnet (per Durlson CP website).
At Portland, a
Diamond-back, five Rusty-dot Pearl, 19 Rush Veneer
and eight Silver Y; infrequently recorded species included
singles of Elephant Hawk-moth, Cream-bordered Green Pea
and Marbled White Spot (PBO website).
At Durlston, Swanage, 41 species, including an Eyed Hawk-moth,
two Privet Hawk-moth, 13 Small Elephant Hawk-moth, four
Elephant Hawk-moth, 140 Heart and Dart and a White-point
(P England). The highlights at Dorchester were three Green Oak
Tortrix, a Blood-vein, Pale-shouldered Brocade,
Shoulder-striped Wainscot, Brown Rustic, Light Arches and a
Bordered Straw (J Down). The only migrant at Burton was a
White-point, and new for the year were Bee Moth, Bird's
Wing, Middle-barred Minor and Straw Dot (J Southworth). New for
the year at Affpuddle was Figure of Eighty, Lime Hawk-moth,
Bright-line Brown-eye and Poplar Grey among 32 macro
species (A Middleton). Highlights at Gillingham were
Epinotia bilunana, Figure of Eighty, Freyer's Pug, Cinnabar, two
Heart and Club, 99 Heart and Dart, Shark, Miller, Vine's
Rustic and Gold Spot (G Hopkins).
17 June
2010
By day at
Broadcroft Quarry, a Wood Tiger was a new moth for Portland,
belatedly identified next day (per PBO website).
Less windy, so a few more moths at Portland, however, the
only migrants/wanderers were five Diamond-back, eight
Rusty-dot Pearl, 14 Rush Veneer and a Green
Silver-lines (PBO website). Of interest at Radipole were two Sloe Pug and
a different Privet Hawk-moth to previous day, while new for
the year were Yellow Shell, Currant Pug, Light Brocade and
Smoky Wainscot (L Phillips, RSPB). A sudden burst of
Hawk-moths at Wareham, with Pine, two Privet, a
Poplar and two Elephant, plus a Goat Moth which
was new for the site (R Adams). New for the year at Affpuddle were a Small Elephant Hawk-moth, seven Dark
Arches, a Light Arches, while five Elephant Hawk-moth
and a White-point were of note (A Middleton). New for
the garden at Beaminster was Brussels Lace, and for the year
was a Blood-vein and two Buff Ermine (M Raper).
Highlights at Gillingham were Nematopogon metaxella, Epinotia
bilunana, Common Lutestring, Light Emerald, Lychnis and
Silver Y (G Hopkins).
Light Brocade, Radipole, 17 June 2010 © L
Phillips
Goat Moth, Wareham, 17 June 2010 © R Adams
Brussels Lace and an uncertain Uncertain,
Beaminster, 17 June 2010 © M Raper
16 June
2010
A little busier
overnight at Portland although the immigrant tally consisted of just
a Diamond-back, three Rusty-dot Pearl, seven Rush
Veneer, four Silver Y (PBO website).
At Radipole, of interest was a Freyer's Pug,
and Privet Hawk-moth and Southern Wainscot were new for
the year (L Phillips, RSPB). At Verwood, 34 species of macro,
and new for the year there were Mottled Beauty, Elephant Hawk-moth,
Buff Ermine, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Broad-barred White and
Dark Arches (C Court). Highlights at Gillingham were
Nematopogon metaxella, Epinotia bilunana, Common Lutestring,
Light Emerald, Lime Hawk-moth, Poplar Hawk-moth, two Elephant
Hawk-moth, Lychnis, Common Wainscot, Silver Y and Spectacle.(G
Hopkins).
15 June
2010
By day, Six-spot Burnet and Yellow Shell
at Badbury Rings (per Dorset BC website).
Still windy at Portland, and the only migrants were a
Diamond-back, three Rusty-dot Pearl and a Silver Y
(PBO website). A Green Silver-lines and a White-point were of note at Broadwey (P Harris). At Gillingham,
superb examples of Beautiful Golden Y and Plain Golden Y
which refused to be photographed individually, let alone together (G
Hopkins).
14 June
2010
By day, Small Eggar nests on the Dorchester
road near Winterbourne Abbas, and also just off the main road
between Bridport and Winterbourne Abbas (M Parsons).
A windy night and clear sky kept numbers generally low. At
Portland, the only migrants were two Rush Veneer and seven
Silver Y (PBO website). At Burton, with Green
Pug, Large Yellow Underwing and Heart and Club new for
the year, and migrant interest were Rush Veneer and White-point (J Southworth).
A total of 32 species identified at Slepe Harm, Arne, the
highlights were singles of Sandy Carpet, Sharp-angled Peacock,
Peppered Moth, Clouded Silver, Grass Wave, Four-dotted Footman,
Cream-spot Tiger, three Large Yellow Underwing, two each of
Shoulder-striped Wainscot, Bird's Wing and Straw Dot, and a
Snout (D Cooper).
13 June
2010
At Portland, the moth of interest was a
Variegated Golden Tortrix Archips xylosteana, despite
being fairly common throughout Britain, was the first island record
since Victorian times; immigrants consisted of a Diamond-back,
nine Rusty-dot Pearl, 20 Rush Veneer, a Dark
Sword-grass, and two Silver Y (PBO website).
The pick at Broadwey were a Ghost, two
Freyer's Pug, and two White-point (P Harris). Blustery showers overnight, but still 25 macro
species at Affpuddle, including a Brussels Lace, a first for
the year there (A Middleton). The highlights at Gillingham was
a female Ghost Moth and a Freyer's Pug (G Hopkins).
Brussels Lace, Affpuddle, 13 June 2010 © A
Middleton
Variegated Golden Tortrix, Portland Obs,13 June 2010
©
M Cade
An interesting moth at Broadwey, considered to be an
aberant Heart and Dart, but any comments welcome (P Harris).
Heart and Dart ab., Broadwey, 13 June 2010 © P
Harris
12 June
2010
By day, a Small Eggar nest near Eggardon Hill, half a dozen Cistus Forester at Hog
Hill, and up to 25 Wood Tiger at Lankham Bottom BC Reserve (M
Parsons). Two Burnet Companion at Alner's Gorse (per
Dorset BC website).
Migrants at Portland were two Diamond-back, 23
Rusty-dot Pearl, 55 Rush Veneer and three Silver Y
(PBO website). A Dark Spectacle was the only moth of
note at Broadwey (P Harris). Six new for the year out of 48
species at Tincleton, including two Clay Triple-lines, Galium
Carpet, Brussels Lace and Flame, while of note 15
Scorched Wing, five Light Emerald and ten Pale Tussock
(R Cottle). At Beaminster, a low count by recent standards, and
unusually included no carpets; however, new for the year were
singles of Buff-tip, Common Wainscot, Mottled Rustic and Straw
Dot (M Raper). A Clouded Brindle at Gillingham (G
Hopkins).
11 June
2010
At least a dozen Chimney Sweeper by day at
Kingcombe Meadows, a day-flying species not often reported in Dorset
(G Guy). At Powerstock Common, two Narrow-bordered Bee
Hawk-moth (M Parsons).
At Portland, a Bordered Straw in
a garden trap at Reap Lane was the pick of the overnight immigrant
moth captures; totals from the Obs garden traps included eight
Diamond-back, 19 Rusty-dot Pearl, 47 Rush Veneer,
and nine Silver Y (PBO website). A Striped Wainscot
at Preston (R Lambert per P Harris). A Dioryctria
sylvestrella was of note at Dorchester (J Down). The
highlights at Gillingham were two Figure of 80, two
Broken-barred carpet, Sandy Carpet, two Green Pug and an
Ingrailed Clay, the latter new for the year (G Hopkins).
Chimney Sweeper, Kingcombe Meadows, 11 June
2010 © G Guy
Chimney Sweeper, Kingcombe Meadows, 11 June
2010 © G Guy
Dioryctria sylvestrella,
Dorchester, 11 June 2010
© J Down
10 June
2010
A Thistle Ermine in the garden by day at Beaminster
(M Raper).
Despite the strength of the wind the
Portland Obs garden moth-traps were very busy, with the pick of the
catch being a May Highflyer (only the second island record);
other immigrants/wanderers in the traps included ten Diamond-back, 20 Rusty-dot Pearl, 33 Rush Veneer, a
Green Oak Tortrix, two Dark Sword-grass and ten Silver Y
(PBO website).
9 June
2010
Large numbers
reported to be well into the hundreds of Rusty-dot Pearl, Rush
Veneer and Silver Y at Portland during the day (PBO
website). Newly emerged Six-spot Burnet Moths now on the
wing at Durlston (Durlston CP website).
Of all those migrants seen during the day at
Portland, the increasing wind during the night spoiled trapping;
however, eight Diamond-back, nine Rusty-dot Pearl, 39
Rush Veneer and five Silver Y were trapped; also of
interest was a resident Netted Pug, which these days is not
even annual there, and the continued increase of
Tachystola acroxantha,
an Australian import first reported at Portland in 2008, now reported at each of the regular trapping
sites on Portland so far this year (PBO
website). The best on offer at Broadwey was a Small Seraphim
and Dog's Tooth (P Harris). At Durlston, Elephant
Hawk-moth, Privet Hawk-moth, Cream-spot Tiger and Pebble
Prominent (Durlston CP website). Highlights at Walditch
included Lobster, Muslin Footman, two Orange Footman
and a Dark Spectacle (M Parsons). At least four new for the
year at Affpuddle, with Blood-vein, Large Yellow Underwing,
Middle-barred Minor and Snout (A Middleton). New
for the year at Beaminster, Willow Beauty, Heart and Club, Flame,
Shark, Dark Arches, and Beautiful Golden Y (M Raper). Still big numbers of
Common Swift and Rush Veneer at Shapwick, also Striped
Hawk-moth and an Obscure Wainscot (P Davey).
Netted Pug, Portland Obs, 9 June 2010 © M Cade
Tachystola acroxantha,
Portland Obs, 9 June 2010 © M Cade
8 June
2010
Immigrant moth numbers increased
conspicuously, with the Portland Obs garden traps returning totals
of nine Diamond-back, 27 Rusty-dot Pearl, 35 Rush
Veneer, a Dark Sword-grass, four Silver Y, while a
Maiden's Blush was a local wanderer (PBO website).
Just one migrant at Radipole, a Silver Y, and
new for the year was Sloe Pug and Buff Ermine; the pug
was the first recorded on the reserve since the 1980's (L Phillips,
RSPB). At Broadwey, the garden rarity represented by White
Pinion-spotted; otherwise, an obvious increase in migrants with
best of all an Evergestis extimalis, five Rusty-dot
Pearl, eight Rush Veneer, a Dark Sword-grass, two
White-point, and eight Silver Y (P Harris).
Migrants of note at Walditch were eight Diamond-back, a
Rusty-dot Pearl, Bordered Straw and two Silver Y; two
Orange Footman also of interest (M Parsons) ,At Affpuddle, 25 species, including two Pine
Hawk-moth, which were new for the year (A Middleton). At
Burton, seven macros new for the year: Riband Wave,
Cypress Carpet, three Foxglove Pug, two Elephant
Hawk-moth, Flame, Poplar Grey and two Spectacle; also of
interest, five Diamond-back, Rusty-dot Pearl, Rush Veneer,
White-point, and five Silver Y (J Southworth).
Migrants at Verwood were a Diamond-back and a Silver Y, while new
for the year were Small Magpie, Green Carpet, Yellow-barred
Brindle, Lime Hawk-moth, Marbled Brown, White Ermine, Heart and Club
and a Clouded-bordered Brindle (C Court). At Shapwick, up to 200 each of Common Swift and Rush Veneer,
a Rusty-dot Pearl, and a Gem (P Davey).
7 June
2010
By day, a
Small Grass Emerald at Canford Heath (V Giavarini).
Few immigrants at Portland: Rusty-dot Pearl, Rush Veneer, Dark Sword-grass and two Silver Y (PBO website). The only
moths of note at Chickerell were Puss Moth, Eyed Hawk-moth and
two Silver Y (C Pinder).
6 June
2010
By day, a
Wood Tiger at rest on Winfrith Heath (A Middleton). At
Lancombe BC reserve, a Forester sp., four Speckled Yellow,
up to 40 Wood Tiger and eight Silver Y (per Dorset BC
website) A Narrow-bordered Bee
Hawk-moth at Powerstock (per Dorset BC website). Two
Forester sp. at Black Hill, Cerne Abbas (per Dorset BC website).
Immigrants/wanderers in the Portland Obs
garden traps were three Diamond-back, a Green Oak Tortrix,
two each of Rusty-dot Pearl and Rush Veneer, only
the 5th island record of Scorched Wing, seven Dark Sword-grass, and two Silver Y (PBO website).
Singles of
Scorched Wing, Pearly Underwing and Small Clouded Brindle
were the highlights at Chickerell (C Pinder). A few new
for the year at Radipole, a migrant Rush Veneer, Figure of
Eighty, Willow Beauty, Elephant Hawk-moth and Middle-barred
Minor (L Phillips, RSPB).
At Affpuddle, 27 species with three
firsts for the year: Ingrailed Clay, Sandy Carpet, and
Coronet (A Middleton).
Wood Tiger, Winfrith Heath, 6 June 2010 © A
Middleton
5 June
2010
By day at
Loders Garage at Dorchester, a Lime Hawk-moth found on the
petrol pump (T A Box). More daytime moths at Powerstock, a
Five-spot Burnet, two Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth, and
four Burnet Companion (per Dorset BC website). At
Eggardon Hill, Bridport, 15 Six-spot Burnet, a Wood Tiger,
two Burnet Companion, a Mother Shipton (per Dorset BC
website). At Hambledon Hill, Blandford, 25 Five-spot Burnet,
three Burnet Companion, and six Silver Y (per Dorset
BC website).
The overnight moth-trapping, in still,
muggy conditions, was much more productive, with a tally of
immigrants/wanderers in the Portland Obs garden traps that included
16 Diamond-back Moths, an Endothenia quadrimaculana,
a Green Oak Tortrix, seven Rusty-dot Pearl, 14 Rush
Veneer, and singles of Gem, Brown Silver-line,
Dark Sword-grass, Gold Spot and Silver Y (PBO
website). At Chickerell, over 100 moths in the trap for the
first time this year; 38 species included just two immigrants,
Diamond-back and Dark Sword-grass, along with eight new
for the year:- singles each of Agapeta hamana, Bee Moth,
Satin Wave, Treble Brown Spot, Small Seraphim, Flame, two
Mottled Rustic and three Straw Dot (C Pinder). Two
traps run at RSPB Radipole, producing 41 Macro species, and the
highlights were 54! Silky Wainscot and four Cream-bordered Green
Pea, and migrants were seven Diamond-back and four Silver Y; of the
rest, some of which were new for the site, were two Common Swift,
four Oblique Carpet, a May Highflyer, Green Pug, Eyed Hawk-moth,
Poplar Hawk-moth, two Common Wainscot, eight Obscure
Wainscot, and two Miller (L Phillips, RSPB). A
Small Elephant Hawk-moth and two Dark Spectacle were the
highlights at Broadwey (P Harris). At Affpuddle, 32 species, including Cream-spot Tiger first for
site; also new this year - Purple Bar, Light Emerald, Shark,
Marbled White Spot and Straw Dot (A Middleton). At
Tincleton, a good night, with 78 moths of 36 species, including
eight new for the year, with Festoon, May Highflyer,
Broken-Barred Carpet and seven Straw Dot being the
highlights; also of note were a Red-Green Carpet, two
Little Thorn, eleven Pale Tussock (including one
melanic), a very late Hebrew Character, Alder Moth
and a Bird's Wing (R Cottle). 64
moths of 22 species at Bournemouth, highlights included three
Tachystola acroxantha, Lesser Treble-bar, a Pale Mottled
Willow and four Silver Y, with Heart and Dart most
numerous with 20 (D Evans). A good night at Verwood with 25 new
for the year, 62 macro species in all and a couple of micros:
Pyla fusca was new for the garden, and a migrant Rush
Veneer was present; new for the year were Common swift,
Festoon, Yellow Shell, Purple bar, Freyer's Pug, Common Pug, Clouded
Border, Pale Oak Beauty, Lime Hawk-moth, Swallow Prominent,
Red-necked Footman, Flame, True Lover's Knot, Small Square-spot,
Pale-shouldered Brocade, Bright-line Brown-eye, Lychnis, Miller,
Dark Arches, Middle-barred Minor, Rosy Marbled, Spectacle, Straw Dot
and Buttoned Snout (C Court). New for the year at
Beaminster were Garden Pebble, Small Phoenix, Peppered Moth,
Large Yellow Underwing, Ingrailed Clay, Small Square-spot, Mullein
and Middle-barred Minor (M Raper). The pick at Gillingham were
each of Hedya pruniana and Crambus lathoniellus,
a Freyer's Pug, Pale Tussock, two
Smoky Wainscot, Coronet, Pale Mottled Willow and Burnished
Brass (G Hopkins).
Lime Hawk-moth, Dorchester, 5 June 2010 © T A
Box
Alder Kitten, Beaminster, 4 June 2010 © M Raper
Little Thorn, Festoon and Pale Tussock,
Tincleton, 5 June 2010 © R Cottle
Middle-barred Minor and Mullein,
Beaminster, 5 June 2010 © M Raper
4 June
2010
Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden
moth-traps were four Diamond-back, two Rusty-dot Pearl,
a Rush Veneer, a Dark Sword-grass, and four Silver Y
(PBO website). At Chickerell, new for the year were singles of
Thistle Ermine, Puss Moth, Orange Footman, and Alder Moth
(C Pinder). Another good Broadwey garden rarity in the form of a
Lobster Moth, otherwise good numbers of moths again, but just
a Dark Sword-grass worthy of a mention (P Harris). Two
new for the year at Affpuddle were Small Seraphim and Gold
Spot (A Middleton). A good
catch for Burton - 92 macro and 43+ micro including nine
Diamond-back; of the macros, Orange Footman was new for
the garden, and new for the year were singles of Pebble
Hook-tip, Treble Brown-spot, Red-green Carpet, Spruce Carpet,
Clouded Border, Willow Beauty, Clouded Silver, Light Emerald, Pebble
Prominent, Buff Ermine, Cinnabar, Small Square-spot and
Miller (J Southworth). On Blackdown, over 92 species, the
highlights were two Lead Belle, Galium Carpet, two Lobster
Moth, 22 Orange Footman, a Cream-spot Tiger, ten
Dark Sword-grass, two Dark Spectacle, and two Beautiful
Snout (T A Box). At Beaminster, new for the year were a
Common Marbled Carpet, Alder Kitten and a Bright-line
Brown-eye (M Raper). The highlights at Gillingham were
Nematopogon metaxella, Diamond-back, Figure of Eighty,
three Silver-ground carpet, Pale Tussock, Poplar Grey, Mottled
Rustic and Gold Spot (G Hopkins).
Having sought comment on these Belles, the consensus
is for Lead Belle, as I originally thought. It is interesting
looking at some of the other images on various websites, and some
for both July and Lead Belle are not entirely convincing and in some
cases completely wrong. I found at least two Lead Belles which
were actually Shaded Broad-bars. If of course anyone else has
any comment on these or any other moths, please drop me an email.
Lead Belle, Blackdown, 4 June 2010 © T A Box
Galium Carpet, Blackdown, 4 June 2010 © T A
Box
Esperia sulpherella, Blackdown, 4 June 2010 © T A Box
Lobster Moth, Broadwey, 4 June 2010 © P Harris
Cream-spot Tiger, Broadwey, 4 June 2010 © P Harris
3 June 2010
A Diamond-back and three Rush Veneer at
Portland Obs, and a Narrow-winged Pug was of note at
Southwell, Portland (PBO website). At Chickerell, Small Magpie, Common Wave and
Privet Hawk-moth all new for the year (C Pinder). A couple of
good Broadwey garden rarities in the form of Flame Carpet and
Cream-spot Tiger; also of note were Brown Silver-line,
Orange Footman and Dog's Tooth (P Harris). A clear but warmer
night at Affpuddle, with 26 macro species; firsts for the year were:
Lime-speck Pug, Peppered Moth, Pale Tussock, Light Brocade,
Lychnis and Burnished Brass (A Middleton). About 45
species at Minterne Seat Coppice, highlights included seven
Scorched Wing, a Shaded Pug, a Lobster Moth, 12 Marbled Brown
and five Orange Footman (T A Box). At Holm Bushes,
about 20 species, with Lobster Moth and Marbled Brown
the only ones of note (T A Box).
2 June 2010
By day on Broadstone Heath, several Common Heath
and two Silver Y (K Clements).
A handful of migrants at Portland, with a
Diamond-back, four Rusty-dot Pearl and two Rush Veneer
(PBO website). A cooler night, but firsts for the year at Affpuddle
were a female Fox Moth, with eggs, and a Bright-line
Brown-eye (A Middleton). 16 species recorded at Slepe
Farm, Arne including singles of Common Swift, Lime-speck Pug,
Broom Moth, Rufous Minor and Mottled Rustic (D Cooper).
The highlights at Broadstone was a Beautiful Golden Y which
was first for the garden, also of note were three Scorched Wing,
a Light Emerald, two Poplar Hawk-moth, four Orange
Footman, and two each of Shuttle-shaped Dart and Heart
and Dart (K Clements). At Poole, highlights were singles of Figure of Eighty, Waved
Umber, Silver Y and Cypress Carpet (V Giavarini).
1 June 2010
An early Gem at Portland was a a minor
surprise; other immigrants included ten Diamond-back, seven
Rush Veneer and three Silver Y (PBO website). A Puss Moth was the only thing of note at
Radipole (L Phillips, RSPB). The highlights at Broadwey were two
Rush Veneer, Oak-tree Pug, another Seraphim, Orange Footman,
third garden record of Alder Moth, and a Silver Y (P Harris).
Similar pattern as of late at Affpuddle: first sightings for the
year include Barred Hook-tip, Clouded Silver and Flame
(A Middleton). Nearby at Tincleton, the highlights were
Flame Carpet, three Little Thorn, Lobster Moth, Heart and
Dart, White-point, Bird's Wing and Vine's Rustic (R
Cottle). At Slepe Farm, Arne, 24 species recorded including
Broken-barred Carpet, and singles of Brimstone Moth,
Scalloped Hazel, True Lover’s Knot and White-point (D
Cooper). Overnight in Poole, best of catch were singles of
Pale Tussock, Pebble Prominent, Rustic Shoulder-knot and
Small Angle Shades (V Giavarini). New for the year at
Burton were Blood-vein, Small Dusty Wave, Common Carpet, Poplar
Hawk-moth and Mottled Rustic; the numbers made up by 12
Heart and Dart and ten Treble Lines, and singles of
Marbled Brown, Muslin Moth, Least Black Arches, Light Brocade
and Pine Beauty (J Southworth). Quieter night at
Verwood, just Dark Sword-grass and Brown Rustic new for
the year, and two migrant Silver Y (C Court).
Alder Moth, Broadwey, 1 June 2010 © P Harris
Gem, Portland Obs, 1 June 2010 © M Cade
Just out of interest I have plotted the sites where more than single
records have been submitted over the last six months, and in many
cases multiple records have been received. Apologies for any
that I may have missed. It is good to see a fair spread across
the County, although the southern half produces by far the most
records. It is a shame the my old haunting ground in the
northwest part of the county seems untouched these days....
For all records received I am very grateful, especially from the
regular contributors, because without them the website would be of
little interest.
Map produced using Mapmate
31 May 2010
By day, at Alner's Gorse, singles each of Six-spot
Burnet Moth, Burnet Companion and Mother Shipton (per
Dorset BC website).
At Portland, four Diamond-back and five
Rush Veneer were the only migrants (PBO website). A good end to the month at Radipole, with Heart
and Dart most numerous at 67, and new for the year were
Chinese Character, three Oblique Carpet, Mottled Pug,
Lime-speck Pug, Freyer’s Pug, Eyed Hawk-moth, Orange Footman, 14
Small Square-spot, three Obscure Wainscot,
Clouded-bordered brindle, Mottled Rustic and Silky Wainscot
(L Phillips). At Broadwey, more moths in traps than any other
night this year, only species worth a mention are Spruce Carpet,
Foxglove Pug and Dark Spectacle (P Harris).
More of the same at Affpuddle, with 20 species, and two Cinnabar
and a Buff-tip were new for the year (A Middleton). 261
moths of 60 species at Hurn, highlights were Pyla fusca,
Pseudoswammerdamia combinella, Carpatoleechia proximella, Sophronia
semicostella, Birch Mocha, Lesser Treble-bar, White
pinion-spotted, Poplar Hawk-moth, Dark Sword-grass and Small
Clouded Brindle (D Evans and M Jeffes).
Birch Mocha, Lesser Treble-bar and
Maiden's Blush, all Hurn, 31 May 2010 © D Evans.
30 May 2010
Migrants at Portland were 16 Diamond-back and
seven Rush Veneer (PBO website). New for the year at
Radipole were two Garden Pebble, Broken-barred Carpet, Poplar
Hawk-moth, and a Shears, while Small Clouded Brindle
rose to eight (L Phillips). At Broadwey,
Diamond-back, three Rush Veneer, Gold Spot and a
Silver Y (P Harris). At Affpuddle, better than of late with 19 species,
highlights included Poplar Hawk-moth, Privet Hawk-moth, three
Pebble Prominent, a Chocolate-tip, and the most
numerous was Flame Shoulder with ten (A Middleton).
Gold Spot, Broadwey, 30 May 2010 © P Harris
Yellow-barred Brindle, Beaminster, 29 May 2010 © M Raper
29 May 2010
Migrants at Portland were two Diamond-back, a
Rush Veneer, and two Silver Y (PBO website). At Chickerell, 14 species, including singles of
Cochylis molliculana, Bright-line Brown-eye and
White-point, all of which were first of year (C Pinder).
A total of 19 species at Radipole, with a top count of 36 Heart
and Dart, otherwise, new for the year were Peach Blossom,
Common Marbled Carpet, White-spotted Pug, Common Wave, Pale Mottled
Willow and Gold Spot (L Phillips). The pick at Broadwey were two Diamond-back and Rush Veneer,
a Scorched Wing, Turnip and a Silver Y (P Harris).
A Diamond-back at Burton, Common Swift new for the
site, and new moths for the year were Common Marbled
Carpet, May Highflyer, White-point, Marbled Minor agg. and two
Silver Y (J Southworth). A blustery night at Affpuddle: a Chinese Character, two
Heart and Dart, seven Flame Shoulder, and first this
year, a Silver Y (A Middleton). New for the year at
Beaminster were Flame Carpet, Common Carpet, Green Carpet,
Yellow-barred Brindle, Setaceous Hebrew Character and Silver
Y (M Raper). A Diamond-back at Verwood, with Square
Spot, Brindled White-spot both new for site, while new for the
year where Garden Pebble, Flame Carpet, Silver-ground Carpet,
Common Carpet, Common Marbled Carpet, Broken-barred Carpet, May
Highflyer, Yellow-barred Brindle, Bordered White, Setaceous Hebrew
Character, Alder Moth, Treble Lines, Vine's Rustic, Silver Y and
Snout (C Court).
Common Pug, Beaminster, 29 May 2010 © M Raper
Mottled Pug, Beaminster, 29 May 2010 © M Raper
28 May 2010
Three each of Diamond-back and Silver Y
were the only migrants at Portland, PBO website). At Chickerell
a Flame Carpet
was a new garden record, along with new for the year,
Broken-barred Carpet, Willow Beauty, Setaceous Hebrew Character
and Common Wainscot (C Pinder. 11 species at Radipole
with Mullein Wave and Buff-tip new for the year,
otherwise three Least Black Arches of interest (L Phillips).
At Broadwey, still
relatively quiet, with Phoenix, another Seraphim,
and the combusta form of Clouded-bordered Brindle
(P Harris). A White Spot at Preston (R Lambert per P
Harris).
Lychnis, Beaminster, 27 May 2010 © M
Raper
White Spot, Preston,
28 May 2010 © P Harris
With several Seraphim turning up at Broadwey of the
last few days, here are a couple of shots to show the variation
displayed by this species.
Seraphim, Broadwey,
21 May 2010 © P Harris Seraphim, Broadwey,
28May 2010 © P Harris
27 May 2010
A cooler and
breezier night, down
to +3.7 in places. At Portland, migrants were ten
Diamond-back, a Dark Sword-grass and four Silver Y
(PBO website). At Chickerell, only six species, although
Garden Pebble is scarcely reported there (C Pinder). Only five moths at Affpuddle: a pug sp., Muslin Moth
and three Flame Shoulder (A Middleton). At Beaminster,
11 moths of 5 species, but apart from seven Muslin Moth and a
Hebrew Character, the Heart and Dart, Lychnis and
Knot Grass were new for the year (M Raper).
26 May 2010
At Durlston CP by
day,
both the caterpillar and the cocoons of Six-spot Burnet Moths
on the meadow grasses, and a Burnet Companion emerged from
the path (per Durlston CP website). An Alabonia
geoffrella found flying by day in Garston Wood (J
Winterbottom).
Immigrants/wanderers in the Portland Obs
garden moth-traps: 78 Diamond-back, a Maiden's Blush,
seven Dark Sword-grass and three Silver Y (PBO
website). The best catch so far this year at Chickerell, with
56 moths of 17 species, including a Pseudoswammerdamia
combinella, which is a new garden record, and singles of
Cochylis atricapitana, Chinese Character, Yellow Belle
and Rustic Shoulder-knot - all first for the year (C Pinder).
16 species at Radipole, and new for the year were Setaceous
Hebrew Character, two Small Clouded Brindle and a
Spectacle, and migrants were three Diamond-back and a
Silver Y (L Philllips). Another White-point at Broadwey was the only moth of note (P
Harris). At Slepe Farm, Arne, 15 species identified including
firsts of single Puss Moth, Red-green Carpet and Setaceous
Hebrew Character (D Cooper). Firsts for the year at
Affpuddle were Chinese Character, Maiden's Blush, Privet Hawk-moth, Small
Square-spot, White-point, Common Wainscot and Pale Pinion
(A Middleton).
Alabonia geoffrella, Garston
Wood, 26 May 2010 © J Winterbottom
25 May 2010
Migrants in the Portland area gave
a cumulative total of 17 Diamond-back,
15 Silver Y and three Dark Sword-grass logged from
traps operated overnight at the Obs, Southwell and Weston
(per PBO website). Pale Tussock and two Pale Mottled Willow
were both first for the year at Chickerell (C Pinder). A
White-point was the pick at Broadwey (P Harris). New for
the year at Slepe Farm, Arne, were singled Scalloped Hook-tip,
and Grey Birch, two each of White Ermine and Knot
Grass, and a single Vine's Rustic (D Cooper). At
Affpuddle, firsts for the year, for Buff Ermine, Setaceous Hebrew
Character and Herald, and further Poplar Hawk-moth,
Puss Moth and Waved Umber amongst 18 species (A
Middleton). At Verwood, a Diamond-back, and of 40 macro
species the following were new for the year: Birch Mocha, Cream
Wave, Garden Carpet, Spruce Carpet, Foxglove Pug, Seraphim,
Sharp-angled Peacock, Scorched Wing, Peppered Moth, Willow Beauty,
Light Emerald, Pine Hawk-moth, Pale Tussock, Orange Footman, Least
Black Arches, Heart and Dart, Flame Shoulder, Light Brocade, Knot
Grass and Marbled White Spot (C Court).
c%20ed.JPG)
Grey Birch, Slepe Farm, Arne, 25 May 2010 © D Cooper Scarce
Prominent, © D Evans
24 May 2010
By day at Durlston CP, Mother Shipton and
Burnet Companion day-flying moths, and numerous Six-spot
Burnet caterpillars (per Durlston CP website). At
Powerstock, six Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth (per Dorset BC
website).
No migrants, but the first Four-spotted of the
year in the traps at Portland was of note (per PBO website).
At Chickerell, a considerably better turnout of moths overnight,
with singles of Green Carpet, Pebble Prominent, Small Square-spot
and Marbled Minor agg. each putting in their first appearance
here this year (C Pinder). A definite upturn in variety of
species noted at Broadwey, the best moth by far there a Dingy
Shell, a first for the garden; also another (different)
Seraphim and a Gem (P Harris). Firsts for the year at Slepe Farm, Arne, were singles
of Fox Moth, Purple Bar, Green Carpet, Brimstone Moth, Yellow
Belle, Lime Hawk-moth, two Poplar Hawk-moth, single Iron
Prominent, Orange Footman, three Least Black Arches,
two Light Brocade and four Treble Lines (D Cooper).
At Tincleton, 28 species to actinic
heath trap, despite clear conditions and almost full moon:
highlights were Maiden's Blush, Purple Bar, five Muslin
Moth, Rustic Shoulder Knot, the last two new for the site, and
eight Treble Lines; the good old Hebrew Character
still going strong with four recorded (R Cottle). At Affpuddle,
22 species of which Scorched Wing, Elephant Hawk-moth, Orange
Footman, Ruby Tiger and Heart and Dart were firsts for
the year (A Middleton). At Beaminster, highlights included singles of Red Twin-spot
Carpet, Grey Pine Carpet, May Highflyer, Rivulet, Poplar Hawk-moth
and two Treble Lines (M Raper).
23 May 2010
By day, a Burnet Companion at Compton Down,
Shaftsbury (per Dorset BC website).
In Poole, just 28 moths including singles of Lime
Hawk-moth, Maiden's Blush and Muslin Moth (V Giavarini).
At Affpuddle, Poplar Hawk-moth, Puss Moth, White Ermine, 11
Muslin Moth, Shuttle-shaped Dart and two Treble Lines (A
Middleton). At Tincleton were Coxcomb Prominent, Pale
Tussock and Alder Moth, the first and last were new for
the site (R Cottle).
22 May 2010
The highlights at Broadwey were Broken-barred
Carpet and an Oak-tree Pug (P Harris). New for the
site at Tincleton were Scorched Carpet, three Little
Thorn, Orange Footman and Oak Nycteoline (R Cottle). The pick at Puncknowle were singles each of
Brimstone Moth, Common Wave, Buff-tip, Orange Footman (new for
site), two White Ermine, and single Muslin Moth,
Shuttle-shaped Dart, Setaceous Hebrew Character and Hebrew
Character (M Hetherington).
21 May 2010
Migrants at Portland were two Diamond-back at
Reap Lane, and a Pearly Underwing at the Obs (per PBO
website). A Mullein Wave was new for the year at
Chickerell (C Pinder). At Broadwey, the second garden record of Seraphim
plus Chocolate-tip, Orange Footman, Oak-tree Pug, Currant Pug
and two White-spotted Pug (P Harris). Another female
Emperor Moth to light at Affpuddle, different to one on 19th (A
Middleton). At Burton,
Heart and Dart and Yellow-barred Brindle were new for the
year along with both male and female Pale Tussock, the only
other macro of note was White Ermine; micros included two
each of Apple Moth and Twenty Plume and singles of
Triaxomera parasitella, Platyedra subcinerea, Mompha
subbistrigella, Ptheochroa rugosana and Eudonia
angustea (J Southworth).
20 May 2010
Of interest at Chickerell were singles of
Rusty-dot Pearl and Red Twin-spot Carpet, the latter
being only the second garden record (C Pinder). At
Broadwey, second record of Mocha there, Purple Thorn,
two Waved Umber and an Eyed Hawk-moth (P Harris).
At Durlston, Swanage, highlights were Common Swift, Scorched Wing,
eight Brimstone Moth, Yellow Belle, Orange Footman, seven
Least Black Arches, Light Feathered Rustic, and Pale Pinion
(P England). At Beaminster, new for the year were singles each of Dark-barred
Twin-spot Carpet, Silver-ground Carpet, the remains of a
Poplar Hawk-moth, Pale Tussock and a Spectacle (M Raper). The
highlights at Morden Bog were Morophaga choragella,
two Argyrotaenia ljungiana, five Emperor Moth,
Dingy Mocha, four Ochreous Pug, 12 Ringed Carpet,
Pine Hawk-moth, Sallow Kitten, two Powdered Quaker (red
form), and two Flame Wainscot (P Davey et al).
White-spotted Pug, Broadwey, 19 May 2010 © P
Harris
Mocha, Broadwey, 20 May 2010 © P
Harris
19 May 2010
By day, a Mother Shipton at the Corfe Mullen
Meadow DWT reserve (per Dorset BC website).
The only migrant at Portland was a Silver Y at
Southwell (PBO website). At Broadwey, a few more moths, although the only
highlight was a White-spotted Pug, which is fairly rare there
(P Harris). In Poole, singles of Buff-tip, Scalloped Hazel
and Yellow-barred Brindle the best of 13 species trapped
overnight (V Giavarini). A female Emperor Moth to light
at Affpuddle (A Middleton). Highlights at Shapwick were singles
each of Pinion-spotted Pug, Chocolate-tip, Pale Pinion
and Dark Spectacle (P Davey),
Pinion-spotted Pug, Shapwick, 19 May 2010 © D
Kingman
18 May 2010
A Pearly Underwing was the only migrant at
Portland (PBO website). Twenty species at Radipole, the
highlights being singles of Blood-vein, Waved Umber, Puss Moth,
and two Sallow Kitten (L Phillips). At Chickerell, some signs of improvement, with ten
species recorded, including the first V-Pug and Heart and
Dart of the year there (C Pinder). Slight improvement
noted at Broadwey Maiden's Blush, two each of Pebble
Prominent and Rustic Shoulder-knot, and a Herald the
'highlights' (P Harris). Sallow Kitten and White
Ermine at Preston (R Lambert). The highlights at Affpuddle
include Scalloped Hook-tip, Pebble Hook-tip, Eyed Hawk-moth, Iron
Prominent, Pebble Prominent, Great Prominent, Chocolate-tip, Muslin
Moth and Spectacle (A Middleton). Firsts for the
year at Slepe Farm, Arne were singles each of Maiden's Blush
and Ringed Carpet, and two each of Cinnabar and
Dark Sword-grass (D Cooper). At Beaminster, the
first Brimstone Moth, Pebble Prominent and Shuttle-shaped
Dart of the year there (M Raper). A better night at
Burton, with 38 macros of 18 species, including seven firsts for the
year there: Little Thorn (only the 2nd record there),
Peppered Moth, White Ermine, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Bright-line
Brown-eye, Treble Lines and Vine's Rustic: among
18 micros was the first Garden Pebble of the year (J
Southworth). At Wimborne St Giles, 25 species, the highlights
were Twenty Plume Moth,
six Brimstone Moth, two Poplar Hawk-moth (the female laid
seven
eggs), Cinnabar, two Least Black Arches, and singles
of Clouded-bordered Brindle and Treble Lines (J Winterbottom).
At Gillingham, highlights were two each of
Epiblema cynosbatella and Flame Carpet, a
Red-Twin-spot Carpet, two each of Broken-barred Carpet
and Green Carpet, and singles each of Rivulet,
Double-striped Pug and Iron Prominent (G Hopkins).
Puss Moth, Radipole, 18 May 2010 © L Phillips
Pseudoswammerdamia combinella, Radipole, 18 May 2010 ©
L Phillips
17 May 2010
By day, a Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth at
Powerstock (per Dorset BC website).
New for the year at Radipole were Waved Umber,
Heart and Dart, and Marbled Minor (L Phillips). At Chickerell, the first Buff Ermine of the
year, along with two Shuttle-shaped Dart, singles of Flame
Shoulder and Common Quaker, and four Hebrew Character.
Clive adds that so far this year he has had 44 species, compared
with 53, by the same date in 2009 and just 37 in 2008: the total
number of moths this year is higher than in the previous two years
but this is largely due to this having been a comparatively very
good year for Hebrew Character (C Pinder). Eight species at Slepe Farm, Arne, including three
firsts for the year there: singles each of Pebble Prominent,
Chocolate-tip and Small Chocolate-tip (D Cooper). At Gillingham, apart from three Hebrew Character,
singles of Early Thorn, Iron Prominent, Pebble Prominent, Heart
and Dart, Flame Shoulder, Clouded Drab and Powdered Quaker
(G Hopkins).
c%20ed.JPG)
c%20ed.JPG)
Chocolate-tip and Small Chocolate-tip, Slepe Farm, Arne, 17 May 2010 © D Cooper
Small Chocolate-tip, Slepe Farm, Arne, 17 May 2010 © D Cooper
16 May 2010
By day, dozens of Six-spot Burnet caterpillars
feeding on bird's foot trefoil (per Durlston CP website).
15 May 2010
By day, a Brimstone Moth at Durlston CP (per
Durlston CP website).
Early indications for National Moth Night suggest the
weather kept the numbers low, with some showers and then clearing
skies allowing the temperature to drop to 4 deg. 23 species in
traps run at Winspit on NMN, and the more interesting species
included: a Diamond-back, two Evergestis forficalis,
four Light Feathered Rustic, a Shears, two Light
Brocade, three White-point and 25 Rustic Shoulder-knot
(P Davey, G Hopkins). David Evans co-ordinated running 12
traps around Dorset, and picked up some good species: highlights at
Hurn Forest were three Birch Mocha, two Horse Chestnut,
three Ringed Carpet, a Square Spot: at Hatchard's
Copse, West Moors a Wormwood Pug, Little Thorn, two Square
Spot, and a Great Prominent - for full
report (D Evans). At Tincleton,
a slightly bizarre catch of a Spruce Carpet, four Muslin
moth, and eight Great Prominent (R Cottle). Three new
species for the year at Burton: a single Tachystola acroxanthe,
two Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, a Green Carpet and a
Light Brocade (J Southworth). Highlights at Beaminster were
three Muslin Moth and the first White Ermine of the
year there (M Raper).
14 May 2010
By day at Broadstone Heath, three male Common
Heath (K Clements).
Migrants at Portland were six Diamond-back and
a Pearly Underwing (PBO website). At Broadstone,
singles of Brimstone Moth, Common
Wave and Muslin Moth, three Shuttle-shaped Dart,
two Flame Shoulder, a Common Quaker and two
Nut-tree Tussock (K Clements). Double last weeks catch at Burton with 27 macro and 3
micro: 15 Shuttle-shaped Dart made up half, with three
Brimstone and singles of Pine Beauty, Swallow Prominent,
Least Black Arches and Nut-tree Tussock adding a bit of
variety (J Southworth).
13 May 2010
By day at Durlston, caterpillars of
Fox Moth and Six-spot Burnet Moth
(Durlston CP website).
Overnight, just eight species trapped at
Slepe Farm, Arne, but did include the first Grey Scalloped Bar
of the year (D Cooper).
ed2.JPG)
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Grey Scalloped Bar, Slepe Farm, Arne, 13 May 2010 © D Cooper Mullein, Slepe Farm, Arne, 06 May 2010 © D Cooper
12 May 2010
By day, a Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth at
Powerstock (per Dorset BC website).
Just four species at Durlston CP, which were
Common Quaker, Setaceous Hebrew Character,
White-point and the highlight a Pebble Prominent (Durlston
CP website).
09 May 2010
The first Treble-lines of the year there at
Chickerell, and continuing good numbers of Hebrew Character,
easily the best year in 5 years trapping at the site (C Pinder). Still rather quiet at Broadwey, with just a Dark Sword-grass on offer (P Harris). The first Lobster Moth
of the year at Winterborne Stickland (L de Whalley).
08 May 2010
A field meeting at
Holt Heath produced 14 species seen in
spite of the very cool conditions, the highlights were two Dingy
Mocha, and singles each of Birch Mocha, Tawny-barred Angle,
Purple Thorn, Square Spot and Scarce Prominent (R Cook).
07 May 2010
At Hurn Forest, using eight actinic traps, produced
the following: one Ypsolopha ustella, a Scalloped
Hook-tip, four Birch Mocha, a Shoulder Stripe, Small
Phoenix, three Grey Pine Carpet, two Narrow-winged Pug,
nine Brindled Pug, an Oak-tree Pug, 20 Early
Tooth-striped, ten Brown Silver-line, two Horse
Chestnut, two Early Thorn, a Scalloped Hazel, two
Brindled Beauty, three Ringed Carpet, eight
Engrailed, a Grey Birch, Scarce Prominent, two Muslin
Moth, four Red Chestnut, a Pine Beauty, three
Common Quaker, a Clouded Drab, 18 Hebrew Character
and a Nut-tree Tussock (D Evans). Highlights at Gillingham were Shuttle-shaped Dart,
Flame Shoulder and Powdered Quaker (G Hopkins).
06 May 2010
A return to cooler weather, with twelve species ar
Slepe Farm, Arne, with Mullein new for the year there (D
Cooper). At Tolpuddle Manor, plenty of cockchafers and
the first Poplar Hawk-moth of the year (J Francis). At
Wimborne St Giles, still lots of Hebrew Character (30), while
Garden Carpet, Chocolate-tip, and two Muslin Moth were
first for year there (J Winterbottom). At Gillingham,
Pseudoswammerdamia combinella, Eudonia angustea and Flame
Shoulder, the latter first for the year (G Hopkins) .
05 May 2010
At Portland, a small influx of 13 Diamond-back
(per PBO website). A better night at Chickerell than for some time, with
11 species trapped, including singles of Pine Beauty, Pale Pinion
and the first Brimstone and Vine's Rustic of the year
(C Pinder). Three new for the year at Slepe Farm, Arne: singles
of Buff-tip, Shuttle-shaped Dart and Flame Shoulder (D
Cooper). Better results too at Burton with 60-odd moths, and
Chinese Character, Waved Umber, Swallow Prominent and Pine
Beauty were all new for the year (J Southworth). The difference a bit of cloud and a couple of degrees
makes. in contrast to one moth the previous night it was a pretty
good night last night at Verwood with 27 macro species in all, and
new for the year there were: Pebble Hook-tip, Frosted Green,
Maiden's Blush, Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, Streamer, Red-green Carpet,
Narrow-winged Pug, Oak-tree Pug, V-Pug, Tawny-barred Angle, Waved
Umber, Ringed Carpet, Pebble Prominent, Lunar Marbled Brown and
Shuttle-shaped Dart (C Court). At Gillingham, seemed to
have been a night for micros, with singles of Eriocrania
subpurpurella and Epermenia chaerophyllella
both new for the garden, and Pseudoswammerdamia combinella,
Diamond-back, Agonopterix heracliana, Clepsis spectrana
with a supporting macro cast of Brimstone and Pale Tussock
(G Hopkins).
04 May 2010
A Dotted Chestnut at Broadwey was only the
second one recorded there (P Harris). Of interest at Beaminster were
two Waved Umber and a Flame Shoulder (firsts of the
year there), and single Brindled Beauty and Nut-tree
Tussock (M Raper). New for the year at Burton were
Lesser Swallow Prominent and Flame Shoulder and of
interest a single Diamond-back (J Southworth). A
Scalloped Hazel at Verwood (C Court). At Gillingham,
highlights were Alucita hexadactyla, Muslin Moth and
Spectacle (G Hopkins).
02 May 2010
The cool northerlies suppressing activities, but at
least at Durlston CP were two Light Feathered Rustic, five
Hebrew Character and a Dark Sword-grass (per Durlston CP
website).
01 May 2010
At Broadwey, the first Red Chestnut there for
some years, also first for the year there were V-Pug and
Red Twin-spot Carpet (P Harris). At Tincleton, a Prominent
mini-fest, with two Great Prominent, Lesser Swallow Prominent
and Scarce Prominent and Lunar Marbled Brown; also new
for the year there were two Oak-tree Pug, Shoulder Stripe and
Streamer (R Cottle). At Stonebarrow, 7 MV and 2 Actinic
traps produced a good total of 38 species, highlights being: five
Water Carpet, three V-pug, Purple Thorn, Engrailed, Ruby
Tiger, Dark Sword-grass (one at MV and another on the beach by
day), Red Chestnut, Pine Beauty and Dotted Chestnut G
Hopkins et al).
Agonopterix umbellana, V-pug and Engrailed,
all Stonebarrow, 1 May 2010 © G Hopkins.
30 April 2010
A Herald at Broadwey (P Harris). An overcast mild night with occasional rain produced
disappointing results at Burton with just 22 macro including
Muslin Moth, three Lunar Marbled Brown and new for the
year were four Shuttle-shaped Dart, Nut-tree Tussock and
Knot Grass; also new for the year were three Diamond-back
and a probable Agonopterix heracliana (J Southworth).
29 April 2010
A Diamond-back at Weston, Portland (per PBO
website). The first Common Carpet of the year there at
Chickerell (C Pinder). Two Diamond-back and a
Mullein were the pick at Broadwey (P Harris). Firsts of
year for Slepe Farm, Arne were singles of Lunar Marbled Brown,
Tawny-barred Angle and Silver Y, also of interest were
two Pine Hawk-moth (D Cooper).
c%20ed.JPG)
Mullein, Broadwey, 29 April 2010 © P Harris
Tawny-barred Angle, Slepe Farm, Arne, 29 April 2010 © D Cooper
28 April 2010
By day, a Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth at
Powerstock (J Cross).
Singles of Muslin Moth and Flame Shoulder
were both new for the year at Chickerell (C Pinder). At
Broadwey, Rush Veneer and Silver Y of minor note; also
first appearances of Brimstone, Flame Shoulder, Bright-line
Brown-eye, Nut-tree Tussock and Spectacle (P Harris).
Two Brown Silver-line, a tatty Emperor Moth, and a
Spectacle at Slepe Farm, Arne (D Cooper). At Puncknowle,
nine species in the trap last night - highlights were singles of
Oak-tree Pug (new for observer), Pale Prominent and
Nut-tree Tussock (M Hetherington). An Endrosis
sarcetrella, a very early Lime Hawk-moth (nice to see
a species which last year took a sabbatical for the observer), a
Narrow-winged Pug and two Muslin Moth (G Hopkins).
d%20ed.JPG)
c%20ed.JPG)
c%20ed.JPG)
female Emperor Moth, Slepe Farm, Arne, 28 April
2010 © D
Cooper
Pine Hawk-moth, Slepe Farm, Arne, 27 April 2010 © D Cooper
Red Sword-grass, Slepe Farm, Arne, 21 April 2010 © D Cooper
27 April 2010
Singles of Chocolate-tip, Shuttle-shaped Dart
and Knot Grass were all year firsts at Chickerell (C Pinder).
Highlights and firsts for the year at Slepe Farm, Arne were
Red Twin-spot Carpet, Pine Hawk-moth and Knot Grass (D
Cooper). Only 10 macro and 2 micro at Burton, including
Incurvaria pectinea which was new for the site, and the
first Semioscopis steinkellneriana and Muslin Moth
of the year (J Southworth). At Verwood, 15 species, and new
for the year there were Brimstone, Common Wave, Engrailed, Brown
Silver-line and Nut-tree Tussock (C Court).
26 April 2010
A Muslin Moth and a Shoulder-stripe at
Beaminster were new for the year (M Raper).
24 April 2010
A much milder night at Chickerell, produced singles
of Light Brown Apple Moth, Twenty-plume Moth and
Depressaria heraclei, all new for the year; also singles of
Double-striped Pug, Early Thorn, two Powdered Quaker,
a Common Quaker, seven Hebrew Character and an
Early Grey (C Pinder). A Shoulder-stripe was the
pick at Broadwey (P Harris), and a Purple Thorn at Preston (R
Lambert). At Tolpuddle Manor, singles each of
Depressaria pastinacella and Stenoptilia
bipunctidactyla, a Double-striped Pug, two
Brindled Beauty, first Flame Shoulder for the year, and
singles of Pine Beauty, Streamer and Blossom Underwing amongst lots of Quakers and Clouded Drabs (J Francis).
Acleris cristana, Alners Gorse, 24
April 2010 © G Hopkins. Nut-tree Tussock, Gillingham, 22 April 2010 © G Hopkins
23 April 2010
A rather meagre trap last night at
Durlston, Swanage, a few Hebrew Character, Common Quaker, one
Small Quaker and an Early Grey and first for year a
Lesser Swallow Prominent (P England).
22 April 2010
The only moth of interest at Gillingham was a
Nut-tree Tussock (G Hopkins).
21 April 2010
At Broadstone, a
Pale Pinion was a first for the garden there, also three
Common Quaker, four Hebrew Character and an Early Grey
(K Clements). A Red Sword-grass at Slepe Farm, Wareham
(D Cooper).
20 April 2010
Only 26 macros overnight at Burton including 16
Common Quaker, a Powdered Quaker and firsts for the year
- Lunar Marbled Brown and Red Twin-spot Carpet (J
Southworth).
Lunar Marbled Brown, Burton, 20 April 2010 © J
Southworth
Blossom Underwing, Gillingham, 19 April 2010 © G Hopkins
19 April 2010
Highlights at
Ferndown included Early Thorn, Purple Thorn, Horse Chestnut, Pine
Beauty, Red Chestnut and Herald (C Court).
A Blossom Underwing was a first for the garden
at Gillingham (G Hopkins).
18 April 2010
By day at Duncliffe wood, Light Orange Underwing
and Water Carpet (G Hopkins).
A Dark Sword-grass was the first migrant at
Portland for a while (PBO website). At Chickerell, a
Streamer and Clouded Drab were first of the year there,
two Powdered Quaker, five Common Quaker, 11 Hebrew
Character and two Early Grey (C Pinder). At
Tincleton, plenty of Brindled Pug about, Muslin Moth
and two Great Prominent were new for the site (R Cottle).
Firsts for the year at Beaminster were singles each of Water Carpet,
Early Thorn and Powdered Quaker (M Raper).
17 April 2010
Only the third garden record of Pine Beauty at
Chickerell (C Pinder). Lunar Marbled Brown and
Clouded Drab at Gillingham (G Hopkins).
16 April 2010
Very frosty and few moths at Tolpuddle Manor, but
they included a Brindled Beauty and a Lunar Marbled Brown
(J Francis). Numbers also down at Burton: an Early Thorn
was a first for the year there, seven Hebrew Character, ten
Common Quaker, a Small Quaker, two Clouded Drab,
and three Early Grey (J Southworth).
Highlights at
Ferndown included Early Thorn, Pine Beauty, Brindled Beauty
and Red Chestnut (C Court).
14 April 2010
Nothing special overnight at Chickerell, just four
each of Powdered Quaker and Common Quaker, five
Hebrew Character and an Early Grey (C Pinder).
13 April 2010
At Chickerell,
a bit more variety last night with eight species,
including singles of
Acleris cristana, Dark Sword-grass, Powdered Quaker and Twin-spotted Quaker
and (C
Pinder). A Pale Pinion at Broadwey, the only
moth worthy of mention there (P Harris). Another cool and windy
night and clear, and fewer moths at Tolpuddle Manor: six
Hebrew Character, 10 Common Quaker, two Small
Quaker, a Powdered Quaker, two Clouded Drab and an
Early Thorn (J Francis). Highlight at Durlston, Swanage,
was the first Angle Shades of the year and a Light
Brown Apple Moth; otherwise predictable, 11 Early Grey,
29 Hebrew Character, 24 Common Quaker, two
Powdered Quaker and a Double-striped Pug (P England).
12 April 2010
An Agonopterix ocellana at Weymouth
was new for the year there (L Phillips). Cooler again and
clear overnight, and fewer moths at Tolpuddle Manor: nine
Common Quaker, two Small Quaker, two Powdered
Quaker, a Clouded Drab, eight Hebrew Character, and
singles of Satellite, Early Grey and Pine Beauty
(J Francis).
11 April 2010
A micro thought to be a Leek Moth
Acrolepiopis assectella, at Weymouth, awaiting
confirmation (L Phillips).
10 April 2010
A Pine Beauty new for the year at Weymouth
(L Phillips).
A little
cooler overnight, however at Tolpuddle Manor there was a
Brindled Beauty, Muslin Moth, Chestnut, ten Common
Quaker, five Small Quaker, a Powdered Quaker, eight
Clouded Drab, 20 Hebrew Character, and an Early
Grey (J Francis).
9 April 2010
A
Powdered Quaker was new for the year there at Weymouth (L
Phillips). About 50
moths at Broadwey, with Pale Pinion a minor highlight (P
Harris). At Tolpuddle Manor, Diurnea flagella,
Brindled Beauty, March Moth, seven Common Quaker, six
Small Quaker, two Powdered Quaker, a
Twin-spotted Quaker, 12 Clouded Drab, 15 Hebrew
Character, two Early Grey and a Herald (J
Francis). Biggest haul so far this year at Burton, with 69
macro and a micro: a Diurnea flagella, two
Double-striped Pug, a Brindled Beauty, an Oak
Beauty, Chestnut, 22 Common Quaker, 13 Small
Quaker, five Clouded Drab, two Powdered Quaker,
21 Hebrew Character, and an Early Grey (J
Southworth).
8 April 2010
A Pale Pinion at Chickerell
was only the second garden record there (C Pinder). A
Dotted Border and an Oak Beauty were a first for the
year there at Slepe Farm, Arne (D Cooper). At Broadstone, three Early Grey, four Twin-spot Quaker, 12
Common Quaker, two Hebrew Character, two Oak
Beauty and a Satellite (K Clements).
7 April 2010
Two Small Eggar in Weymouth were a good catch,
following one in the garden there earlier this year (L Phillips). At
Shaggs, a Pale Pinion among the usual suspects (L Hill).
A Purple Thorn was a first for the year there at Slepe Farm,
Arne (D Cooper). Six species at Beaminster, including Brindled Beauty and
Red Chestnut which were new for the garden (M Raper).
First Early Thorn of the season there at Gillingham (G
Hopkins).
6 April 2010
A better showing than of late at Tincleton, with
Acleris literana, Water Carpet, Engrailed and Brindled
Beauty all new for the site; also 30 Common Quaker, 17
Hebrew Character, 14 Small Quaker, 13 Early Grey,
and seven Chestnut still with a strong post-hibernation
showing (R Cottle).
Highlights at
Ferndown included Grey Pine Carpet, Oak Beauty, Early Thorn
and Pine Beauty (C Court), At Gillingham, a Semioscopis
avellanella, was new for the garden, otherwise described as
'dire' with just Hebrew Characters (G Hopkins). .
5 April 2010
At Burton, a probable
Caloptilia
falconipennella, two Diurnea fagella, and
singles of Acleris ferrugana/notana, Oak Beauty, Small
Quaker, March Moth, ten Clouded Drab, 18 Common Quaker,
two Twin-spotted Quaker and four Early Grey (J
Southworth).
4 April 2010
At Durlston, Swanage, a Dark Sword-grass along
with18 Hebrew Character, six Common Quaker and three
Early Grey (P England). Four Early Grey, 13 Hebrew Character
and a March Moth at Beaminster (M Raper).
2 April 2010
Wet and windy at Tolpuddle Manor: five Hebrew
Character, a Twin-spotted Quaker and two Common Quaker
was the meagre result! (J Francis). At Burton, only
11 macro last night due to heavy rain and hail showers in the early
hours: first Double-striped Pug of the year there, five
Hebrew Character, four Common Quaker and a Small
Quaker (J Southworth).
29 March 2010
At Chickerell, a
Herald added
a bit of colour to the catch (C Pinder).
A Dark Sword-grass was the only moth of note at
Broadwey (P Harris). At Gillingham, a rather small Early Grey and a
Rush Veneer (G Hopkins).
Small Eggar, Gillingham, 28 Mar 2010 © G
Hopkins
Rush Veneer, Gillingham, 29 Mar 2010 © G Hopkins Dotted Chestnut, Durlston, Swanage, 27 Mar
2010 © P England
28 March 2010
A March Moth and a Chestnut of minor
note at Broadwey (P Harris). A Dark Sword-grass at
Preston (R Lambert). A wet night in Tincleton, but 14 species
attracted to actinic light trap, including new for site: seven
Diurnea fagella, and singles each of Red-green Carpet,
Pale Pinion, Dark Sword-grass and Powdered Quaker (R
Cottle). At Gillingham, two each of Small Eggar
and Small Quaker, three Common Quaker and five
Hebrew Character (G Hopkins).
27 March 2010
A Dark Sword-grass at Portland (PBO website).
Only the second garden record there of Oak Beauty at
Chickerell (C Pinder). Still fairly quiet at Broadwey with
just Small Quaker and an Oak Beauty of note there (P
Harris). An Oak Beauty and a Tawny Pinion at
Preston (R Lambert). At Beaminster, a March Moth, two
Common Quaker and a Hebrew Character (M Raper).
At Durlston CP,
Oak
Beauty, Early Grey, Twin-spot
Quaker and Hebrew Character overnight (Durlston CP
website). At Durlston, Swanage, were six
each of Hebrew Character and Common Quaker, two
Early Grey, and singles each of Dotted Chestnut and a
Twin-spot Quaker (P England).
24 March 2010
Another
Dark Sword-grass and an Oak Beauty at Portland (PBO
website).
23 March 2010
An
Acleris cristana (only the second garden record
there) and a Chestnut were both first of the year at
Chickerell (C Pinder). Worthy of a
mention at Broadwey were Rush Veneer, Early Moth and
Pale Pinion (P Harris).
At Tincleton, a
Yellow Horned was new for the site, five each of March Moth
and Common Quaker and a Satellite (R Cottle).
21 March 2010
A migrant Dark Sword-grass at Portland, joined
the usual Mottled Grey, Dotted Border and Hebrew Character
of recent days (PBO website). At Burton,
five Oak Beauty,
four Early Grey, two Twin-spotted Quaker and singles
of Dotted Border and March Moth (J Southworth).
17 March 2010
A much better night of late, tempted a few to put
their traps out, and at least a few moths were about. At
Broadwey, an Oak Beauty, three Hebrew Character and
five Common Quaker (P Harris). At Chickerell, new for
the year there were
two each of Dotted Border and Early Grey, while there
were five Hebrew Character (C Pinder).
At least 80 moths in 90 minutes this evening at Verwood, including Early Grey,
Oak Beauty, Double-striped Pug, Early Thorn, Pine Beauty, Dotted
Chestnut, Hebrew Character, Common Quaker, Small Quaker, Twin-spotted Quaker and Satellite (C Court).
Just singles
of March Moth, Oak Beauty, Twin-spotted Quaker, Hebrew Character
and Small Quaker at Burton
(J Southworth). At Shapwick, nine species by dawn including a Red Swordgrass
(P Davey). At Gillingham, an
Agonopterix alstromeriana, two Hebrew Character, and
single Small Quaker and Common Quaker (G Hopkins). .
16 March 2010
At Chickerell, three Early Moth, and the first
two Hebrew Character and a Common Quaker (C Pinder).
Three firsts for the year there at Beaminster: four Hebrew
Character, and singles of Common Quaker and Small
Quaker (M Raper).
15 March 2010
At Chickerell, the second garden record there of
Dotted Chestnut,
and singles of
Early Moth and March Moth and two Agonopterix
heracliana (C Pinder).
12 March 2010
A Chestnut and and the first Satellite
of the year there at Burton (J Southworth). An
Agonopterix heracliana and a Small Brindled Beauty at
Wimborne St Giles (J Winterbottom). A Common Quaker at
Gillingham (G Hopkins).
2 March 2010
A March Moth and a Chestnut at
Beaminster (M Raper).
March Moth, Beaminster, 2 March 2010 © M Raper
27 February 2010
An Oak Beauty at Broadwey (P Harris).
Two Tortricodes alternella, a very late Winter
Moth, two Hebrew Character, and a Chestnut in
Warre Wood near Abbotsbury (P Sterling). A Pale
Brindled Beauty and two Dark Chestnut at Puncknowle (M
Hetherington).
Late news of a micro caught at Marshwood 4 July 2009, now identified from photo as a
Phlycaetaenia perlucidalis (J Baker).
Phlycaetaenia perlucidalis, Matshwood, 4 July 2009 ©
J Baker
25 February 2010
An Agonopterix
alstromeriana brought in with the logs at Gillingham (G
Hopkins).
24 February 2010
A touch of Spring by day, with one, possibly three
Dotted Border put up from dead bracken at Woodlands Copse, near
Horton (G Hopkins).
23 February 2010
A single Chestnut at Broadwey (P Harris).
16 February 2010
At Broadmayne, a couple of moths not yet reported this year on this site were
Pale Brindled Beauty and an early Pale
Pinion (P Bruce-Jones).
14 February 2010
An Early Moth at a lit kitchen window,
Chickerell (C Pinder). A Spring Usher at Durlston,
Swanage, was a first for the garden (P England).
7 February 2010
An Early Moth and a Chestnut at Okeford
Fitzpaine museum, presumably attracted over night to lit windows (M
Forster).
5 February 2010
A different Chestnut at Broadwey (P Harris).
3 February 2010
A single Chestnut at Broadwey is the first
moth record for some days (P Harris).
23 January 2010
A Mottled Grey to lighted window at the
Observatory, Portland (per PBO website).
22 January 2010
At Broadwey, the only two moths were Acleris hastiana
and Chestnut (P Harris). Three Winter
Moth and a Satellite near Durlston, Swanage (P England).
18 January 2010
A December Moth at Broadwey (P Harris).
Three December Moth and two Winter Moth at Beaminster
(M Raper).
17 January 2010
At Chickerell, two Winter Moth and a
December Moth trapped, and another December Moth at rest
on adjacent fence (C Pinder). A Herald hibernating in a
garage at Gillingham (G Hopkins).
16 January 2010
A smart Chestnut, by day, on a garage door at
Burton (J Southworth).
15 January 2010
A Satellite flew into the Obs at Portland in
the early hours (PBO website). Two December Moth
trapped at Chickerell (C Pinder).
14 January 2010
A Winter Moth at a lighted living room window
at Puncknowle (M Hetherington).
13 January 2010
The first moth of the year at Portland
was a Winter Moth found by day on the door of the Observatory
(PBO website).
1 January 2010
The first record of a moth in 2010 goes
to a Leek Moth Acrolepiopsis assectella flying around
the living room, in Wimborne St Giles on New Years day afternoon (J
Winterbottom).
Please note earlier sightings have been moved to
archive sightings 2010 - see archive tabs at top of
page.
A selection of highlights of 2009.
A micro
identified as
Syncopacma
polychromella which until this 2009 had only been identified
three times before in the UK, and is the second record for Dorset (J Southworth conf. J Langmaid).
In late May, Dorset's first record of Rannoch Looper at
Highcliffe, was followed by others in June at Portland, East Lulworth,
Shapwick and Tolpuddle Manor.
Syncopacma
polychromella, 24 May 2009, Burton ©
J Southworth
Rannoch Looper, East Lulworth,
3 June 2009 © M S Parsons / Butterfly Conservation
There was Dorset's
fifth record of
Toadflax Brocade near Durlston (P England), and the sixth at
Portland on 8 August. An interesting record of Shoulder-striped Clover, and subsequent larval sightings later in
the year at the same site (P Davey and M Parsons).
On 21 June, two Olethreutes aurofasciana
at Chase woods, were the second and third examples from the past century
in Dorset,
Toadflax Brocade, Durlston , 20 June
2009 © P England
Shoulder-striped Clover,
Dorset, 9th July 2009 © M S Parsons / Butterfly Conservation
On 17 July
an Orache made it to Tolpuddle (H Wood Homer per P Harris).
An Evergestis limbata at Shaggs, a
rare migrant to the UK, although the third site record (L Hill).
In addition, Channel Island's Pug was found to have been present
for a number of years in coastal tamarisk in Dorset.
.JPG)
Evergestis limbata, Shaggs, 22 July 2009 © L Hill
Channel Island Pug, 20
August 2009
© M Cade
On 22 August, 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).
Dusky Scalloped Oak, West Bexington, 22 August 2009 © D
Foot Shoulder-striped Clover larvae,
east Dorset, 19 August 2009 © M Parsons / Butterfly Conservation
On the 11th August 2009, David Evans and Mike Jeffes ran moth
traps and a light above a sheet on Merritown Heath NR, west
of Bournemouth Airport, catching an unusual micro. and were unable to put a name to it.
Eventually Martin Honey at the British Museum
identified the moth as a pyralid, Musotima
nitidalis which is found is Australasia, and in its
natural habitat feeds on maidenhair ferns and related
species. It is the first British record.
Musotima
nitidalis
In late August and through September to late
October there were a series of records of Clifden Nonpareil:
two at Studland, one at Merley, two or three at Affpuddle, and
singles at Shaggs and East Lulworth, which surely suggest local
origin. On 7 September was Portland's third ever Silver-striped Hawk-moth,
followed by another in October
Clifden Nonpareil and Red Underwing, Affpuddle, 29
September 2009 © A Middleton
Convolvulus and Silver-striped Hawk-moth, Portland Bill, 8
September 2009 © Martin Cade
Oak Rustic consolidated their presence with up to 45 trapped
at Durlston in a night, and a small number of records on the coast
in the area, and three that were trapped at Broadwey, Weymouth.
A couple of Sombre Brocade were trapped, again almost
certainly confirming the species as a resident following the first
record in 2008. At West Bexington,
on 30 October, a plusia was indentified as Dorset's
seventh Tunbridge Wells Gem (D Foot per P Harris).
Oak Rustic, Broadwey, 26 October 2009 © P
Harris
Tunbridge Wells Gem, West Bexington, 30 October 2009 © P
Harris
Sombre Brocade, Durlston CP, October 2008 ©
P Davey
