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Migrants at Portland were five Rusty-dot Pearl, a Palpita vitrealis, a Convolvulus Hawk-moth and two Delicate (per PBO website).  The best at Broadwey was Brindled Green and Clancy's Rustic (P Harris).  Nearby, a Gem at Preston (R Lambert per P Harris).  Only ten species in the CP trap at Durlston, but did include 22 Feathered Brindle and a Beautiful Gothic (per Durlston CP website).  Misty and very still but a little colder than previous night at Tolpuddle Manor. 31 macro species recorded, the highlights were ten Rusty-dot Pearl, a Palpita vitrealis (same or another from previous night), six White-point and ten Silver Y (J Francis).  In Poole, none of the typical late-September migrants but of interest was a Four-spotted Footman (female), a first for the garden, an L-album Wainscot, 11 Feathered Ranunculus (V Giavarini).  At Burton, a Clifden Nonpareil, new for the observer, while new for the year were two Black Rustic, a Blair's Shoulder-knot, three Beaded Chestnut and three Barred Sallow; others of interest were European Corn Borer, Rusty-dot Pearl and L-album Wainscot (J Southworth).

 

19^th September 2011
At Chickerell, a Rusty-dot Pearl and two Silver Y were the only migrant moths and a Black Rustic was the first this year; also in the trap was a Red Admiral (C Pinder).  Amongst 50+ hornets at Shaggs, the following survivors!: five Rusty-dot Pearl, Blood-vein, Common Marbled Carpet, Brimstone Moth, Canary-shouldered Thorn, Light Emerald, Large Yellow Underwing, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Square-spot Rustic, Common Wainscot, Lunar Underwing, Pink-barred Sallow, Sallow, Rosy Rustic, Vine's Rustic and Snout (L Hill).  A Clifden Nonpareil was a good find at Coldharbour, (D Liley, P sterling per P Harris).  At Tincleton, a reasonable haul for this time of year with 31 species, 152 moths in total; good numbers of Setaceous Hebrew Character still around with 49 recorded and 15 Lunar Underwing, while new for the year were a single Beaded Chestnut and two Centre-barred Sallow, and other notables included two Ypsolopha sedella, a late(ish) Chinese Character and a Large Wainscot (R Cottle).  Opposite the Civic Centre in Poole, two Rusty-dot Pearl and a Silver Y the only migrants; also of note were an L-album Wainscot, three Feathered Ranunculus, a Lunar Underwing and a Dark Spectacle (V Giavarini).

 

18^th September 2011
At Chickerell, just the two migrants, a Rusty-dot Pearl and a Silver Y (C Pinder).  Still no quiet balmy nights but still some moths at Durlston, Swanage: the highlight was a Beautiful Gothic new for observer, and also of note were two Rusty-dot Pearl, singles of White-point, L-album Wainscot, Feathered Brindle, Feathered Ranunculous, and eight Silver Y the highest number this year (P England).  A Rusty-dot Pearl at Lulworth (L Hill).

 

Beautiful Gothic, Durlston, 18 Sep 2011 © P England                              Endothenia marginana, Alderholt, 13 Sep 2011 © T Morris

16^th September 2011
The only migrants at Portland were three each of Rusty-dot Pearl and Silver Y (per PBO website).  At a rather wet but mild Tincleton, at last some autumnal colour amongst the catch with new for the year singles of four Lunar Underwing, a Barred Sallow, Sallow and a Frosted Orange; a total of 160 moths of 26 species with 29 Large Yellow Underwing and 45 Setaceous Hebrew Character dominant, but there were also good numbers of Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (4), Square-spot Rustic (17) and Snout (11) (R Cottle).  At Burton, of interest were four Rusty-dot Pearl, a single White-point, and only the second garden record of two Autumnal Rustic; the rest of the catch was mostly Large Yellow Underwing (40), Vine's Rustic (12) and Square-spot Rustic (12) (J Southworth).

 

15^th September 2011

A colleague of Paul's at Winterborne Hospital, Dorchester, had left a moth for him during the day which she had found outside; a surprise in that it was a Convolvulus Hawk-moth, long dead though (P Harris).

Immigrants at Portland were 15 Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer, Pearly Underwing, Delicate, Ni Moth and six Silver Y (per PBO website).  The highlights at East Lulworth were a Treble-bar and Silver Y (L Hill).  The best at Broadway were a Four-spotted Footman and a Sallow (P Harris).  At Beaminster, of interest was a Rusty-dot Pearl, a very late Buff Ermine, and only the second Centre-barred Sallow there (M Raper).

 

14^th September 2011

Migrants at Portland were 18 Rusty-dot Pearl, two Delicate, a Ni Moth and a Silver Y (per PBO website).  From too windy to too cold at Broadwey!, and the only moths of note were Centre-barred Sallow and Frosted Orange (P Harris).  No traps set at Tolpuddle Manor, but three Red Underwing and a Silver Y on a wall by an outside light (J Francis).  

 

White-line Snout, bred from adult at Oakers Wood on 22 Jul © D Foot                 Frosted Orange, Broadwey, 14 Sep 2011 © P Harris

13^th September 2011

New to garden in Alderholt was an Endothenia marginana, which occasionally does second brood flying in September (T Morris).  A Mere Wainscot was a good find at Gillingham (G Hopkins conf. L Hill).

 

12^th September 2011

A Rusty-dot Pearl was the only migrant at Portland (per PBO website).  The wind rather curtailed activity, and the best at Broadway was a Frosted Orange (P Harris).

 

11^th September 2011

By day, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in the garden of the Elm Tree Inn at Langton Herring (C Pinder).

With the remains of hurricane Katia advancing across the UK, it was a wild night at Chickerell, and produced just singles of Rusty-dot Pearl, Hebrew Character, Square-spot Rustic, two each of Flounced Rustic and Vine's Rustic, and a Snout (C Pinder). 

 

10^th September 2011

The only migrants at Portland were three Rusty-dot Pearl and a Delicate (per PBO website).  A Chalk Carpet to light at East Lulworth, also another Autumnal Moth (L Hill).  Belated highlights from Alderholt were a Small Wainscot and a very late and bedraggled Pine Hawk-moth (T Morris).

 

Pine Hawk-moth, Alderholt, 10 Sep 2011 © T Morris                                      Small Wainscot, Alderholt, 10 Sep 2011 © T Morris

9^th September 2011

With the southerly airflow and unseasonably warm temperature, perhaps more in the way of migrant activity may have been expected.  At Portland, migrants were ten Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer, Nephopterix angustella and a Ni Moth (per PBO website).  The best at Broadway were a Yellow Belle (only 2nd site record), Dark Sword-grass, Ni Moth and Dark Spectacle (P Harris).  Nearby, another Ni Moth at Preston (R Lambert per P Harris).  Of note at Durlston, Swanage were two White-point, a Feathered Ranunculus, Svensson's Copper Underwing, Flounced Rustic and two Silver Y (P England).  An Epiritta sp at Shaggs, was found to be Autumnal Moth (gen.det. L Hill).  Migrants at Tincleton were four Rusty dot-pearl and a single Small Mottled Willow (perhaps of British rather than continental origin?); of the home crowd, a Large Wainscot was new for the year, there were good numbers of Green Carpet (18), Brimstone (19) Setaceous Hebrew Character (51), Square-spot Rustic (51), Vine's Rustic (35), and Large Yellow Underwing appears to have peaked a week or so back and only 31 were recorded (R Cottle).  Warm, but some rain at Tolpuddle Manor, the highlights were a Rusty-dot Pearl, Pale Eggar, Dark Sword-grass, three Centre-barred Sallow (the first for this year there), 15 White-point, a Feathered Gothic, and a Silver Y (J Francis).  Moths of interest at Burton included a late Buff Ermine and the first Autumnal Rustic (2) of the year, two White-point, and a single L-album Wainscot (J Southworth).

Ni Moth, Broadwey, 9 Sep 2011 © P Harris                           Bordered Straw, Shaggs, 7 Sep 2011 © L Hill

8^th September 2011

The only migrants at Portland, were two Rusty-dot Pearl and a Rush Veneer (per PBO website).  The best at Broadwey were Svensson's Copper Underwing, Pearly Underwing and the first Red Underwing of the year (P Harris).  At Shaggs, the highlights were Rusty-dot Pearl, White-point, L-album Wainscot, Frosted Orange (1st for year there) and Vine's Rustic (L Hill).  A warm and still night at Tolpuddle Manor, but few immigrants; the highlights were a Rusty-dot Pearl, a new for the garden Feathered Gothic, Svennson's Copper Underwing, six White-point and a Silver Y (J Francis).  At Puddletown, the highlights were a Convolvulus Hawk-moth and a Clifden Nonpareil (H Wood Homer per J Francis).  Plenty of Feathered Gothic of both sexes at Beaminster, and new for the garden were Rusty-dot Pearl and Flounced Rustic (M Raper).

 

7^th September 2011

A dark Bordered Straw was the highlight at Shaggs (L Hill).

 

6^th September 2011

By day in wild conditions at Portland, several larvae of Agdistis meridionalis, a single Annulet was disturbed, and seven Bloxworth Snout flushed from crevices (M Parsons).

 

4^th September 2011

A single Rusty-dot Pearl was the only migrant among a small number of other moths in the Obs traps on Portland (per PBO website).

 

3^rd September 2011

A single Channel Islands Pug in the toilet block, Chesil Beach, Abbotsbury (P Harris).

Migrants at Portland were a Diamond-back, four Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer, Pearly Underwing, Delicate, Scarce Bordered Straw, Ni Moth and a Silver Y (per PBO website).  At Chickerell, a Silver Y was the only migrant and others of interest were singles of Pale Eggar, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (scarce there this year), Gothic and White-point (C Pinder).  The previous nights Old Lady at Broadwey, made its way into the trap, its large size dwarfing the other moths (P Harris).  At Durlston, Swanage,  Feathered Gothic was new for the garden, and two White-point and three Silver Y were the only moths of note (P England).  A warm, still night with a southerly wind earlier in the day, but rain towards dawn at Tolpuddle Manor; highlights included a Rusty-dot Pearl, 131 Large Yellow Underwing in 4 traps, a Frosted Orange, nine White-point, and a large pale Silver Y (J Francis).

 

  Old Lady, Broadwey, 3 Sep 2011 © P Harrris                                              Feathered Gothic, Beaminster, 2 Sep 2011 © M Raper

2^nd September 2011

Immigrants at the Obs, Portland, were a Diamond-back, 27 Rusty-dot Pearl, a Ni Moth and a Silver Y, while a Delicate was trapped at the Grove (per PBO website).  At Broadwey, an Old Lady flitting around the traps was quite a sight...., and the best from the traps were two Frosted Orange (P Harris).  At Beaminster, new for the garden Old Lady and a Mouse Moth, a Rosy Rustic new for the year, and another two Feathered Gothic and a White-point (M Raper).  A total of 368 moths of 56 species at Tincleton, some signs of migrant activity with three Rush Veneer and two Vestal; new for the year were singles of Eudonia angustea, Clay Triple-lines, Mullein Wave and White-line Dart, while of the rest, good numbers of Green Carpet (16), Brimstone Moth (23), Large Yellow Underwing (93), Setaceous Hebrew Character (34), Square-spot Rustic (22), Flounced Rustic (25), and Vine's Rustic (42) (R Cottle).  At Burton, a few migrants, the highlights being nine Rusty-dot Pearl. a female Gem (a first for the garden), and a single White-point; also of note, first of the year Six-striped Rustic, Angle Shades and Red Underwing (J Southworth).

 

1^st September 2011

An increase in migrant activity at Portland with 39 Rusty-dot Pearl, six Rush Veneer, a Palpita vitrealis, a Dark Sword-grass and three Silver Y (per PBO website).  The highlights at Wyke Regis were Conobathra tumidana, Mullein Wave, Pine Carpet, Tawny-barred Angle, Crescent Dart, and a Ni Moth (Dave suggests possibly British bred due to its darkness) (D Foot).  The best at Broadwey was the pyrale Nephopterix angustella (P Harris).  Opposite the Civic Centre in Poole 131 macros of 18 species; of note a single Rusty-dot Pearl, two Cypress Pug and five Old Lady (V Giavarini).

 

31^st August 2011

The Small Marbled larva collected on Higher Hyde Heath in July, pupated and then hatched as a rather attractive dark adult today (A Kolaj).  Coincidently, eggs collected from a Small Marbled caught by Dave Foot in July also hatched, see 30th (D Foot).  There are a number of reports now of larva collected from Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, and reared through to adults of this dark striking form.

 

Small Marbled, larva, Higher Hyde Heath, July 2011; cocoon and then adult, August 2011 © A Kolaj

 

Migrants at Portland were two each of Rusty-dot Pearl, Rush Veneer and Silver Y (per PBO website).  New for the year at Alderholt were Autumnal Rustic and Red Underwing (T Morris).

  Autumnal Rustic, Alderholt, 31 Aug 2011 © T Morris                                         Red Underwing, Alderholt, 31 Aug 2011 © T Morris

30^th August 2011

Migrants at Portland were 18 Rusty-dot Pearl, five Rush Veneer and three Silver Y (per PBO website).  At Wyke Regis, new for the garden was Evergestis limbata, and of interest was a Red Underwing and six White-point (D Foot).  At Durlston CP, a Rusty-dot Pearl, and of 36 species of macromoths the highlights included Orange Swift, Purple Bar, Pretty Chalk Carpet, Light Emerald, Jersey Tiger, Dark Sword-grass, Flame Shoulder, Hedge Rustic, White-point, Copper Underwing, and Straw Underwing (per Durlston CP website).  At Burton, migrants included two Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer and Silver Y (J Southworth).

 

Evergestis limbata, Wyke Regis, 30 Aug 2011 © D Foot                      Small Marbled, Wyke Regis, 31 Aug 2011, reared from adult caught earlier in the year © D Foot

29^th August 2011

Migrants at Portland were six Rusty-dot Pearl and a Rush Veneer (per PBO website).  A Mouse Moth at Broadwey was the only moth of note and is a rare visitor there these days (P Harris).  A Rusty-dot Pearl was the highlight at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

 

28^th August 2011

By day at Durlston, three Fox Moth larvae (per Durlston CP website).

Migrants at Portland were a Rusty-dot Pearl, two Rush Veneer, a Dark Sword-grass, Pearly Underwing and two Silver Y (per PBO website).  Two thirds of the overnight catch at Chickerell were made up of just four species, Large Yellow Underwing (30), Flounced Rustic (21), Vine's Rustic (18) and Setaceous Hebrew Character (11), the only migrants being a Rusty-dot Pearl and a Silver Y (C Pinder).

 

27^th August 2011

Migrants at Portland were singles of Rush Veneer, Convolvulus Hawk-moth and Dark Sword-grass (per PBO website).  At Chickerell, a Silver Y was the only moth of interest (C Pinder).  New for the year at Beaminster were singles of  Lime-speck Pug, Dusky Thorn, Square-spot Rustic and White-point (M Raper).

 

26^th August 2011

Immigrants at Portland were a Rush Veneer, three Dark Sword-grass and three Silver Y (per PBO website).  At Burton, highlights were the first site record of Treble-bar and new for the year were Crambus hamella, Square-spot Rustic, Copper Underwing sp. and of interest were two Rush veneer and four White-point (J Southworth).

 

25^th August 2011

Immigrants at Portland, were eight Rusty-dot Pearl, two Rush Veneer, a Convolvulus Hawk-moth and a Silver Y (per PBO website).  Highlights at Wyke Regis were a Pine Carpet, Rosy Rustic, two White-point and a Red Underwing (D Foot).  At Chickerell, a Small Wainscot was a new garden record and singles of Dusky Thorn and Yellow Belle were first of the year (C Pinder).  A report of an unusual and rather spectacular find in a garden in Poole, of what appears to be a Luna Moth.  I wonder where it had escaped from?

 

  Luna Moth, Poole, 25 August 2011 © P Hampton

 

Bedstraw Hawk-moth, reared from eggs produced by Martin Cade's Portland moths earlier in year, and White-line Snout larva from the female found in Oakers Wood  © D Foot

24^th August 2011

Immigrants at Portland were five Rusty-dot Pearl, seven Rush Veneer and a Silver Y (per PBO website).  At Chickerell, singles of Oak Eggar and Garden Tiger, two Jersey Tiger, a Marbled Green and three White-point (C Pinder).  The best at Broadwey was a 2nd generation Satin Wave, only the second site record (P Harris).

 

Rosy Underwing, West Bexington, 22 Aug 2011 © P Sterling                       Bloxworth Snout, Weymouth, 23 Aug 2011 © T Chapman

23^rd August 2011

By day, a Bloxworth Snout flushed in back garden, in Weymouth (T Chapman).

Immigrants at Portland a Diamond-back, ten Rusty-dot Pearl, three Rush Veneer, two Dark Sword-grass and four Silver Y (per PBO website).  Two Feathered Gothic at Beaminster (M Raper).

 

22^nd August 2011

A Pine-tree Lappet at Portland, at Coastguards, a new species for the island (B Skinner per P Harris).  At the Obs, immigrants were a Diamond-back, Rush Veneer, three Dark Sword-grass, and four Silver Y (per PBO website).  A Rosy Underwing at West Bexington (P Sterling per P Harris).  Richard at Tincleton comments that after a quiet few weeks that numbers of the late summer species have started to pick up and overnight was the first night that significant numbers of typical species for this time of year with, 18 Brimstone, 35 Large Yellow Underwing, 17 Vine's Rustic, 15 Setaceous Hebrew Character, 14 Flounced Rustic and eight Square-spot Rustic. Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing seems to be having a good year (17 recorded overnight) and numbers are well up on last year; three new species for the year recorded - singles of Agriphila latistira, Beautiful China-mark and Least Yellow Underwing (R Cottle).

Pine-tree Lappet, Portland, 22 Aug 2011 © M Cade                                             Small Mottled Willow, Durlston, 21 Aug 2011 © P England

21^st August 2011

By day, a Channel Islands Pug in the toilet block at Abbotsbury (P Harris).

Immigrants at Portland were a Rusty-dot Pearl, three Rush Veneer, a Dark Sword-grass and two Silver Y (per PBO website).   The highlight at Durlston, Swanage was a Small Mottled Willow, new for garden; other notables were three Orange Swift, five Jersey Tiger, and single Dark Sword-grass and White-point (P England).  At Alderholt, new for season moths were Emmetia marginea and a Pale Eggar (T Morris).

 

Emmetia marginea, Alderholt, 21 Aug 2011 © T Morris                                 Pale Eggar, Alderholt, 21 Aug 2011 © T Morris

20^th August 2011

By day, the West Bexington toilets and held two Magpie, a Double-striped Pug and a dead Yellow-tail in a cobweb on an outside toilet window.  Nearby, two Channel Island Pug in the Chesil Beach toilet block, Abbotsbury, that have provoked much discussion - see News and Views (B Bewsher).

Immigrants at Portland were a Diamond-back, two Rusty-dot Pearl and a Silver Y at the Obs, and a Latticed Heath was noteworthy at Southwell (per PBO website).  At Broadwey, two Four-spotted Footman and a Dark Spectacle (P Harris).  At Puncknowle, nine Jersey Tiger, also two Straw Underwing new for site (M Hetherington).  A total of nine traps out north of Hurn: one site at Hatchards Copse, West Moors, produced only 40 moths including 12 Copper Underwing and four Svensson's Copper Underwing; the remaining seven traps north of Hurn came up trumps with 278 moths of 63 species including the Archer's Dart (D Evans).

 

Archer's Dart, Hurn, 20 Aug 2011 © D Evans      White-line Dart, Hurn, 20 Aug 2011 © D Evans        Channel Islands Pug, Abbotsbury, 20 Aug 2011 © B Bewsher conf. R McCormick -See News and Views

 

19^th August 2011

By day, Six-spot Burnet at Tout Quarry, Portland (B Bewsher).

Immigrants at Portland were a Diamond-back, three Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer, three Dark Sword-grass and two Silver Y (per PBO website).  At Burton, only Cabbage Moth and Flounced Rustic were new for the year and of interest singles of Cydia amplana and White-point (J Southworth).  A Flame Carpet was new for the year at Beaminster (M Raper).

 

Flame Carpet, Beaminster, 19 Aug 2011 © M Raper                             Straw Underwing, Portland Obs, 19 Aug 2011 © B Bewsher

 

Six-spot Burnet, Tout Quarry, Portland, 19 Aug 2011 © B Bewsher                   Yellow Belle, Portland Obs, 19 Aug 2011 © B Bewsher

18^th August 2011

By day, Tachystola acroxantha in the Chesil Beach toilet block, Abbotsbury (B Bewsher). 

Immigrants at Portland were a Rusty-dot Pearl, Rush Veneer, four Dark Sword-grass and a Silver Y (per PBO website).  A couple of hours at Cheyne Weares car park in poor conditions produced 22 species, amongst those caught there, were Eucosma campoliliana, Cochylimorpha straminea, a tatty Annulet, Jersey Tiger (form lutescens), Straw Underwing and White-point (B Bewsher).  At Chickerell, just a Rusty-dot Pearl and a White-point were the only notables in a catch depressed by the day's heavy rain and a cold night (C Pinder).

 

Cochylimorpha straminea, Cheyne Wears, Portland, 18 Aug 2011 © B Bewsher                   White-point, Cheyne Wears, Portland, 18 Aug 2011 © B Bewsher

17^th August 2011

Wet overnight and no migrants among the soggy eggboxes at Portland (per PBO website).  The highlights at Broadwey were two each of Rush Veneer, Dark Sword-grass, and White-point, six Silver Y and a Dark Spectacle (P Harris).

 

16^th August 2011

Migrants at Portland were two Dark Sword-grass and four Silver Y (per PBO website).  The pick at Broadwey was the second site record of Portland Ribbon Wave, and on a rather late date, however, Waring and Townsend states that occasional individuals in late Aug/Sept are probably immigrants; also of note were Dog's Tooth, Small Wainscot and Gold Spot (P Harris).  Nearby at Preston, a site record count of 14 Jersey Tiger (R Lambert per P Harris).  Notables from Shaggs were Pyrausta despicata, Sharp-angled Peacock, Brussels Lace, Black Arches, Rosy Footman, Buff Footman, White-point, Vine's Rustic and Pinion-streaked Snout (L Hill).  The highlight at Merley was a Mocha (R Steadman).

 

Mocha, Merley, 16 Aug 2011 © R Steadman

15^th August 2011

The only migrant at Portland was a single Silver Y (per PBO website).  At Chickerell, a Dark Sword-grass and the first garden record of Jersey Tiger f. lutescens were of interest in an otherwise routine catch (C Pinder).  Jersey Tiger still a daily feature of the traps at Broadwey with in excess of 100 trapped so far this year, last night produced another lutescens form, also Oak Eggar, Four-spotted Footman and three White-point the only other species worthy of a mention (P Harris).  Similar figures of Jersey Tiger nearby at Preston (R Lambert per P Harris). Notables and migrants at Shaggs were Sharp-angled Peacock, Black Arches, Buff Footman, White-point and Silver Y (L Hill).

 

Clive comments from Chickerell that a quick scan of data so far indicates that the following species have had (or are having) their best ever year there Chrysoteuchia culmella, Buff Arches, V-Pug, Ruby Tiger, Jersey Tiger, Heart and Club, Heart and Dart, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing and Dark Arches; in contrast, Lackey and White Ermine stand out as having had a poor year (C Pinder).

 

14^th August 2011

Immigrants still thin on the ground at Portland, with just two Dark Sword-grass and three Silver Y (per PBO website).

 

13^th August 2011

The only immigrants/wanderers at Portland were a Diamond-back, two Dark Sword-grass, and Antler Moth and a Silver Y (per PBO website).  Of interest at Durlston, Swanage, were two Orange Swift, a Brussels Lace, two Knot Grass which were the first there this year, and two Silver Y (P England).

 

12^th August 2011

At least 25 Beech-green Carpet on the wing in the Cheyne Weare area, during the last hour of daylight, Portland probably being the only site in Dorset (per PBO website).

More wind and rain overnight, and the only migrant at Portland Obs was a lone Silver Y, and also of interest was a Grayling butterfly (per PBO website).  A few heavy showers overnight at Tincleton, but a reasonable catch with 197 moths of 52 species; two species new for the year, singles of Ypsolopha sequella and Wood Carpet, also of note was a Rush Veneer and a Silver Y, and the commonest was Brimstone, with 20 recorded (R Cottle).

 

11^th August 2011

Migrant numbers at Portland low with just a Diamond-back, two Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer and two each of Dark Sword-grass and Silver Y (per PBO website).  Still rather 'poor' at Broadwey, the highlights being an Acleris cristana, Four-spotted Footman, Gothic and Gold Spot (P Harris).  The highlights at Beaminster were three Antler Moth, new for the garden, and singles of Yellow-barred Brindle, Jersey Tiger, Marbled Green and Angle Shades  were new for the year (M Raper).  A Leek Moth was new for the garden at Alderholt (T Morris).

 

Leek Moth, Alderholt, 11 Aug 2011 © T Morris                                                      Antler Moth, Beaminster, 11 Aug 2011 © M Raper

 

 

  Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Normandy, Jul 2011 © T Morris

 photo taken in France of a species often recorded in Dorset, but well worth publishing here (Ed.)

10^th August 2011

A windy night at Portland, and no immigrant or wandering species recorded.  A note of interest on Garden Tiger, an island resident, trapped regularly at Weston with up to 40, and catches of up to 80 at Fortuneswell in early August by a visiting trapper, although counts of no more than four in recent days at the Obs or the Grove (per PBO website).  A gusty southerly wind at Tolpuddle Manor, and just managed to empty the traps before the rain arrived in the morning, produced the following highlights: a Black Arches, two Dark Sword-grass, nine White-point, a Copper Underwing, Mouse Moth, Small Wainscot and a Silver Y (J Francis).

 

9^th August 2011

By day, numerous Six-spot Burnet Moth at Durlston CP (per Durlston CP website).  On a wall in Puncknowle was a female Oak Eggar (J Litchfield).

A slight increase in immigrants/wanderers at Portland with two Diamond-back, a Rush Veneer, Brown China-mark, ten Dark Sword-grass and two Silver Y (per PBO website).  At Durlston CP, of 92 moths of 29 species, 9 species and about 92 moths recorded, with Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing and Common Rustic the most numerous; highlights included Rusty-dot Pearl, Drinker, Brussels Lace, Magpie Moth, Dark Sword-grass, and a Herald (per Durlston CP website).  A Jersey Tiger was new for the site at Broadmayne (P Bruce-Jones).  The highlights from 89 moths trapped at Upton Heath were Aspilapteryx tringipennella, Anacampsis blattariella, Phycitodes maritima and a Pine Hawk-moth, and of 100 moths nearby at Upton CP, Udea fulvalis a scarce migrant first found in Dorset a few years ago, plus seven Maiden's Blush, three Copper Underwing and two Svensson's Copper Underwing (D Evans).

 

Jersey Tiger, Broadmayne, 9 Aug 2011 © P Bruce-Jones                                                    Oak Eggar, Puncknowle, 9 Aug 2011 © J Lichfield

8^th August 2011

By day at Durlston CP, some Six-spot Burnet Moth and an Oak Eggar (per Durlston CP website).

Four Dark Sword-grass and a Silver Y were the only migrants at Portland (per PBO website).  A Horse Chestnut was a surprise new garden moth at Broadwey (P Harris).

 

7^th August 2011

A daytime meeting today on the surrounds of the Weymouth Relief Road, starting at the end of the Broadmayne road, produced a Convolvulus Hawk-moth; it had either flown or been blown into a wire net fence and been trapped by the tension wire, near the cycle-track bridge (N Howell, B Dicker et al).

The only migrant was a single Dark Sword-grass (per PBO website).  Far fewer moths than of late at Broadwey, the pick were Oak Eggar and Dark Spectacle (P Harris).  A Pale Prominent was the only highlight at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

 

Convolvulus Hawk-moth, Weymouth, 7 Aug 2011 © B Dicker                                                        Rosy Wave, Portland, 5 Aug 2011 © M Cade

6^th August 2011

A morning visit to the beach toilet block at Abbotsbury produced a Phlyctaenia coronata, Single-dotted Wave, Small Phoenix, Lime-speck Pug, Sharp-angled Peacock, Brussels Lace, and Common Footman (P Harris).

A blustery night at Portland, and the only migrant noted was a single Dark Sword-grass (per PBO website).  The best moths in a rather small collection at Durlston, Swanage were an Early Thorn, three Elephant Hawk-moth, Jersey Tiger, two Dark Sword-grass and a Silver Y (P England).  A Pebble Prominent was the only highlight at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

 

5^th August 2011

The highlight at Portland was the fourth island record of Rosy Wave, with other migrants/wanderers a Diamond-back, Evergestis extimalis, nine Dark Sword-grass, a Small Rufous and ten Silver Y (per PBO website).  The highlights at Wyke Regis were Chinese Character, Currant Pug (scarce for site), two Sallow Kitten, Rosy Footman, Garden Tiger, two Jersey Tiger, a Crescent Dart and Dun-bar (D Foot).  No rain and lots of cloud cover, very still but a little too cold to be a very good night at Tolpuddle Manor; the first Flounced Rustic for the year and Vine's Rustic are back, and the highlights included singles of Bordered Beauty, Four-spotted Footman, Sallow Kitten, White-point, Lychnis, Gold Spot and Silver Y (J Francis).  Highlights at Burton were first site record of Oak Eggar and Scallop Shell and new for the year Narrow-winged Pug and Grey Dagger agg., and also of interest were two Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer and a Garden Tiger (J Southworth).  Highlights at Gillingham included Ypsolopha dentella, Acleris laterana, Blood-vein, Swallow Prominent, Dot Moth and Straw Dot (G Hopkins). 

 

4^th August 2011
Few migrants at Portland, just singles of Diamond-back, Rusty-dot Pearl, Dark Sword-grass and five Silver Y (per PBO website).  The pick at Gillingham were Phyctia roborella, Swallow Prominent, a different Dusky Sallow, Flounced Rustic and a Silver Y (G Hopkins).

3^rd August 2011
The only immigrant at Portland was a Rusty-dot Pearl (per PBO website). Three hours with 3 x 125 watt MV Skinners at Hengistbury Head produced the following highlights: three Festoon, two Ypsolopha sylvella, a Diamond-back Moth, Acleris ferrugana, Eudemis profundana, at least seven Cydia amplana in dwarf oaks, probably a colony as only one other reported locally, an Agdistis plume sp., Oak Eggar, Scalloped Hook-tip, two Oak Hook-tip, a Tawny-speckled Pug, three Scorched Carpet, four White-line Dart, three Antler Moth and a Rosy Rustic (S Whitehouse et al).  Highlights at Gillingham were Cochylomorpha straminea, Scorched Carpet and a Gold Spot (G Hopkins).

Gold Spot, Gillingham, 3 Aug 2011 © G Hopkins                                        Olive, Gillingham, 2 Aug 2011 © G Hopkins

2^nd August 2011

Immigrants at Portland consisted of a Diamond-back, two Rusty-dot Pearl and three Silver Y (per PBO website).  Plenty of moths at Chickerell but not much in the way of quality, however, firsts for the year there were Agriphila geniculea and Straw Underwing, and three species having a good year are six Ruby Tiger, three Jersey Tiger and two Kent Black Arches, otherwise a Turnip Moth (only the second of the year) and an Ear Moth agg. were of interest (C Pinder).  At Burton,a good start for the month with a new migrant micro, a Cydia amplana, also new for the year were Grass Emerald, Canary-shouldered Thorn, Least Yellow Underwing, Lychnis and a Small Rufous, and also of interest were singles of Garden Tiger and White-point (J Southworth).  Among a small number of common species at Broadstone, new for the garden were a Scallop Shell, Yellow-tail, two True Lover's Knot and two Ear moth agg. (K Clements).  Highlights at Gillingham were Nemophora metallica, Oegocona quadripuncta, Shaded Broad-bar, Small Waved Umber, eight Ruby Tiger, a Nutmeg, Olive and a Dusky Sallow (G Hopkins).

 

1^st August 2011

Immigrants at Portland were a Diamond-back, five each of Rusty-dot Pearl and Dark Sword-grass, a Small Marbled, and six Silver Y (per PBO website).  The highlights at Gillingham was a new for the garden Yponomeuta rorrella, Carcina quercana, Dioryctria abietella, Cloaked Minor, new for the year Flounced Rustic, and a Straw Dot (G Hopkins).

 

31^st July 2011

By day, two Shaded Broad-bar on Eggardon hill (M Raper).

Immigrants at Portland were two each of Diamond-back and Rusty-dot Pearl, a Four-spotted Footman, two Dark Sword-grass, and eight Silver Y (per PBO website).   Highlights at Wyke Regis were Pyrausta despicalis, two Shaded Broad-bar, a Buff Footman and Bordered Straw (D Foot).  The only moth of any real note at Broadwey was a Mecyna asinalis (P Harris).  At Durlston, Swanage, highlights were a Rusty-dot Pearl, a new for garden Mullein Wave, an Early Thorn, two Brussels Lace, two Garden Tiger, increasing numbers of Large Yellow Underwing, another new for the garden True Lover's Knot, and a Silver Y (P England).  A nice south-easterly breeze and high temperatures brought some good moths to Tolpuddle Manor with 89 macro species (and five "Ear" moths - the most in one night for the site); garden firsts were a Nutmeg and two Ear Moth (conf by H Wood Homer), and other highlights were a Drinker, Chinese Character, three July Highflyer, three male Four-spotted Footman, a True Lover's Knot, three Lychnis, two White-point, three Knot Grass and three Saltern Ear (conf. H Wood Homer), and firsts for the year were Canary-shouldered Thorn and Buff Footman (J Francis).  The pick at Winterborne Stickland were Chinese Character, Buff Arches, three Single-dotted Wave, a Slender Pug, Brussels Lace, Pebble Prominent, two Swallow Prominent, a Pale Prominent, five Dingy Footman, 26 Common Footman, a Garden Tiger, 34 Ruby Tiger and a Lychnis (L de Whalley).  The highlights at Gillingham were Lobesia abscisana, Spilonota ocellana, Agriphila geniculea, Oak Hook-tip, Yellow-barred Brindle, three Dingy Footman including one f. stramineola, Poplar Hawk-moth, Iron Prominent, a new for the garden Straw Underwing, new for the year Cloaked Minor and Rosy Rustic, and a Silver Y (G Hopkins).

 

Straw Underwing, Gillingham, 31 Jul 2011 © G Hopkins

30^th July 2011

By day at the toilet block at Abbotsbury, three Rusty Dot-pearl, numerous Grass veneers, two Synaphe punctalis, three Bee Moth, Plume sp, several Single-dotted Wave, Riband Wave, Canary-shouldered Thorn, Common Wave, Brown-tail, three Dingy Footman, and multiple Common Footman (P Harris). 

Immigrants/wanderers at Portland included three Diamond-back and a Silver Y at the Obs, and a Ypsolopha scabrella at Southwell (per PBO website).  The southern wind was promising but it was too chilly for a good night in Tolpuddle, however, 52 macro species, and the highlights were two Dark Sword-grass, the first Lesser Yellow Underwing for the year, a Gold Spot, two Silver Y and three Herald (J Francis).  New for the garden at Beaminster was an Orange Swift (M Raper).  A quieter night at Gillingham, the highlights were Cochylimorpha straminea, Small Emerald and Silver Y (G Hopkins).

 

Single-dotted Wave, Beaminster, 27 Jul 2011 © M Raper                                    Orange Swift, Beaminster, 30 Jul 2011 © M Raper

29^th July 2011

Immigrants at Portland were four each of Rusty-dot Pearl and Dark Sword-grass, and two Silver Y (per PBO website).  The best at Broadwey was a Scalloped Hook-tip, a new garden moth, with Oak Hook-tip, Pebble Hook-tip and Beautiful Hook-tip as back up!; a good selection of unusual pugs with Haworth's Pug, White-spotted Pug, Maple Pug and Narrow-winged Pug, four Four-spotted Footman, another Slender Brindle and two Dusky Sallow (P Harris).  Good numbers and diversity again at Tincleton, with new for the year singles of Grass Emerald, Pretty Chalk Carpet, Horse Chestnut, August Thorn, Annulet and Small Wainscot; high counts of Common Footman with 37 and Ruby Tiger with 25, which appears to be having a very good year, and still loads of Chrysoteuchia culmella (R Cottle).  Despite some rain and soggy egg boxes at Burton, new for the year there were Bordered Pug, Swallow Prominent, Lesser Swallow Prominent, Pale Prominent, two Pale Mottled Willow and a Marbled Green; also of interest were three Diamond-back, a White-point and Silver Y (J Southworth).  The highlights at Gillingham were two Lobelia abscisana, an Agriphilla geniculea, Dioryctria abietella, Single-dotted Wave, Brussels Lace, Large Yellow Underwing - numbers now up to double figures - two!, Cabbage Moth, and Lychnis (G Hopkins).

 

28^th July 2011

Immigrants/wanderers at Portland were singles of Bird-cherry Ermine, Willow Ermine, Diamond-back, four Rusty-dot Pearl, a Four-spotted Footman, seven Dark Sword-grass, a Southern Wainscot, a Double Lobed and ten Silver Y (per PBO website).  The traps were buzzing at Wyke Regis, and the highlights were Chinese Character, Slender Pug, Sharp-angled Peacock, Pebble Prominent, Chocolate-tip, Garden Dart, a garden first Olive, and Slender Brindle (D Foot).  Another good night at Chickerell, but the only surprise was a second Antler Moth, following the first ever there the previous day (the first was still in the fridge) (C Pinder).  Jersey Tigers again a real spectacle around the trap at Broadwey including one of the form lutescens; best of rest were Phycita roborella, Rivulet, Buff Footman and Scarce Silver-lines (P Harris).  The highlights at Gillingham were Honeysuckle Moth, Archips xylosteana, Spilonota ocellana, Calamotropha palludella, Oak Hook-tip, Buff Arches, two Dingy Footman, Silver Y and Spectacle (G Hopkins).

 

Calamotropha palludella, Gillingham, 28 Jul 2011 © G Hopkins                                                      Slender Brindle, Broadwey, 24 Jul 2011 © P Harris

27^th July 2011

A huge increase in numbers with the still, mild nights.  Migrants and wanderers at Portland included two each of Bird-cherry Ermine, Diamond-back and Rusty-dot Pearl, Southern Wainscot, four Dark Sword-grass, an Antler Moth, Small Marbled, a Small Mottled Willow, and four Silver Y at the Obs, and a Buff Footman at the Grove (per PBO website).  The highlights at Chickerell were first for the garden (all singles) Aethes rubigana, Pammene aurita, Small Waved Umber and Antler Moth; first of year, Blastobasis adustella, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Shaded Broad-bar, Least Yellow Underwing and Svensson's Copper Underwing; also of interest were two each of Brussels Lace, Dingy Footman, Garden Tiger and Jersey Tiger, six Ruby Tiger, and a Kent Black Arches (C Pinder).  At Broadwey the best were Calamotropha paludella, three European Corn Borer, six Maple Pug, three Four-spotted Footman including a rarely seen female, Scarce Silver-lines and Dark Spectacle, in addition an amazing change in the local status of Jersey Tiger in just a few years with numbers 'into double figures (P Harris).  Overnight at Durlston CP, the highlights from 60+ species of macro included included two Evergestis limbata, singles of Barred Rivulet and Kent Black Arches, five Crescent Dart, six Dark Sword-grass, three Least Yellow Underwing, a Lunar-spotted Pinion, an 'Ear' Moth, two Silver Y and a Blackneck (V Giavarini).  The highlights from Walditch were a first for the garden Royal Mantle, four Jersey Tiger, and a male Four-spotted footman (M Parsons).  The highlights at Gillingham were two Orange Swift, Pyrausta purpuralis, Oak Eggar, eight Ruby Tiger, Coronet and Marbled Minor agg. (G Hopkins).

 

Evergestis limbata, Durlston, 27 Jul 2011 © V Giavarini                                                 Four-spotted Footman, Broadwey, 27 Jul 2011 © P Harris

26^th July 2011

A good haul at Portland, with migrants/wanderers, four Rusty-dot Pearl, nine Dark Sword-grass, a Southern Wainscot, four Small Marbled and nine Silver Y, at the Obs, and another Small Marbled was the pick at the Grove (per PBO website).  Another good night at Wyke Regis with the highlights being White-spotted Pug, Chocolate-tip, Dingy Footman, seven Jersey Tiger, Reddish Light Arches, Saltern Ear, Oak Nycteoline and Dark Spectacle (D Foot).  The best at Broadwey was another Small Marbled, with the pick of the rest were two European Corn Borer, a Rivulet, seven Jersey Tiger. two Four-spotted Footman and a Small Rufous (P Harris).  Nearby at Preston, a Webb's Wainscot (R Lambert).  A very good night at Tincleton with over 500 moths of 115 species, good numbers of some species and the highlights included eleven species new for the year including singles of Adaina microdactyla, Trachycera advenella, Small Emerald, Dark Spinach, Lime-speck Pug, Tawny-barred Angle, Bordered Beauty, Poplar Kitten, Mouse Moth (a species not seen there for a few years), and two Olive; migrants represented by six Yponomeuta rorrella, two European Corn Borer, two Rusty-dot Pearl and three Dark Sword-grass (R Cottle).  A bumper night at Burton, with a migrant Dark Sword-grass, and Small Wainscot was new, and new for the year were Lackey. Yellow Shell, Sallow Kitten, Rosy Footman, Garden Tiger, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Dog's Tooth and Cream-bordered Green Pea (J Southworth).  At Ferndown Common plenty of moths, which included a Dingy Mocha (confirmed by R Cook), a Dotted Border Wave and a Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, two Dark Sword-grass, Kent Black Arches, Beautiful Yellow Underwing, and also a moth that looked exactly like a Willow Ermine (D Couzens).  Highlights at Gillingham were seven Twenty-plume Moth, Eudonia delunella, Pyrausta purpuralis, Hypsopygia costalis, Euzophera pinguis, Oak Hook-tip, Chinese Character, Small Rivulet, Garden Tiger, two Shuttle-shaped Dart and a Coronet (G Hopkins).

 

25^th July 2011

A busy night at Portland with immigrants/wanderers including a European Corn Borer, five Rusty-dot Pearl, a Bordered Beauty, eight Dark Sword-grass, singles of Double Lobed, Small Mottled Willow, Bordered Straw, three Small Marbled (the first recorded there in this influx), and six Silver Y (per PBO website).  A reasonable night at Wyke Regis, with the highlights being Pebble Hook-tip, Pine Carpet, White-spotted Pug, Jersey Tiger and Langmaid's Yellow Underwing (D Foot).  The highlights at Chickerell were an Acleris forsskaleana, Rosy Footman, the first Dingy Footman of the year, four Ruby Tiger, three Jersey Tiger, a Kent Black Arches, two Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, a Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, a Coronet and a Marbled Beauty (C Pinder).  A very good night at Tolpuddle Manor, with firsts for the year were three Magpie, a Least Yellow Underwing, Cloaked Minor, Rosy Minor, Lesser Common Rustic and two Dusky Sallow; other highlights included European Corn Borer, four Drinker, three July Highflyer, a very worn Pine Hawk-moth, Dark Sword-grass, True Lover's Knot, a worn Gothic, two Lychnis, a White-point, Knot Grass, Silver Y and a Dark Spectacle (J Francis).  The highlights at Gillingham were Ringed China-mark, Peach Blossom, Small Rivulet, Mottled Pug, three Rosy Footman, four Ruby Tiger, Clay and a Dun-bar (G Hopkins).

Hot news - a larva found on waste-ground near Higher Hyde Heath on 25 July now considered to be that of Small Marbled.  The larva was found feeding in common Fleabane on waste land next to the Higher Hyde reserve.  That night two Small Marbled were trapped in two, 80 watt MV traps.  The photo of the larva is final instar and started to cocoon 7 August (A Kolaj).

 

Small Marbled larva, Higher Hyde Heath, July 2011 © A Kolaj

24^th July 2011

Immigrants at Portland were two European Corn Borer, singles of Rusty-dot Pearl and Rush Veneer, seven Dark Sword-grass, and three Silver Y (per PBO website).  The best at Broadwey, a real garden rarity in the form of Slender Brindle (P Harris).  At Tincleton, a total of 83 species, 401 moths, just over a quarter of which were Chrysoteuchia culmella!: there were a few migrants with singles of Diamond-back, European Corn Borer and Dark Sword-grass, and eight new species for the year recorded, the highlights being singles of Morophaga choragella, two White-spotted Pug, and Scarce Silver-lines (R Cottle).  A very good night at Tolpuddle Manor, with 65 macro species; new for the garden were an Olive and an Oak Nycteoline; other highlights were: singles of Lackey, Drinker, Chinese Character, two July Highflyer, a Pine Hawk-moth, seven Round-winged Muslin, a Pale-shouldered Brocade, Knot Grass, Saltern Ear, Silver Y and two Herald, and firsts for the year were a Rosy Rustic and Square-spot Rustic (J Francis).  The pick at Gillingham were Twenty-plume Moth, Rusty-dot Pearl, Orthopygia glaucinalis, Pebble Prominent, Rosy Footman, Mouse Moth, Coronet and Small Dotted Buff (G Hopkins).

 

23^rd July 2011

By day, on a piece of derelict land next to Higher Hyde NR, two Small Marbled on fleabane plants (D Foot).

The only migrants at Portland were two Rusty-dot Pearl, and singles of Dark Sword-grass and Silver Y (per PBO website).  At Chickerell, the first Rosy Rustic of the year there and the first Nut-tree Tussock in the garden for four years were the only highlights (C Pinder).  The highlights at Durlston, Swanage, included a pristine Drinker, Brussels Lace, Elephant Hawk-moth, a first for garden White-line Dart, a Crescent Dart and a Silver Y (P England).  At Burton, the highlights including migrants and some new macros for the year were, a Diamond-back, four Udea fulvalis, two Rusty-dot Pearl, a Scalloped Hook-tip, Oak Hook-tip, two Small Blood-vein, two Single-dotted Wave, a Currant Pug, Iron Prominent, three Ruby Tiger, a White-line Dart, Dark Sword-grass, probable Saltern Ear, and two Silver Y (J Southworth).

 

22^nd July 2011

The migrants at Portland were five Diamond-back, a Rusty-dot Pearl, Rush Veneer, and five Silver Y (per PBO website).  Another Small Marbled at Chickerell, a bit fresher and brighter than the one previous day (C Pinder).  Good for the garden at Broadwey were Plain Pug, Jersey Tiger and Buff Footman (P Harris).  A European Corn Borer at Dorchester (J Down).  The highlights at Durlston CP included Drinker, Buff Arches, a Poplar Hawk-moth, Small Elephant Hawk-moth, Rosy Footman, Garden Tiger, White-point and Knot Grass (per Durlston CP website).  Nearby on the outskirts of Swanage at an event supporting the "Save Herston fields" campaign, the highlights of 35 species were Evergistis limbata, Leopard Moth, Garden Tiger and L-album Wainscot, if it did nothing else the local press headline was 'Leopard and Tiger in Herston gardens' (P England).  At Oakers Wood, a White-line Snout at sugar, also several each of Copper Underwing and Svensson's Copper Underwing, three Old Lady, a Dun-bar and a Herald (D Foot).

 

21^st July 2011

By day, a Jersey Tiger by the side of a path in Chickerell; Martin advises that none have been recorded this summer so far on Portland (M Cade).  Also at Chickerell, a Small Marbled on dandelions (J Thomas).

Another small influx of immigrants at Portland, with the winds remaining from the east; another Bedstraw Hawk-moth was the main highlight, along with four Diamond-back, a European Corn Borer, ten Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer, Dioryctria abietella, three Dark Sword-grass and 11 Silver Y (per PBO website).  Highlights at Wyke Regis were singles of Ypsolopha scabrella, Chinese Character, Cypress Carpet, July Highflyer, Plain Pug, Jersey Tiger, Garden Dart and Bloxworth Snout (D Foot).  A good night at Chickerell, with 150 moths of 53 species; the only migrant was a Small Marbled, the second garden record of this species, a  Poplar Grey was a new species for the garden, while singles of Ypsolopha scabrella, Cydia splendana, Wormwood Pug, White-spotted Pug and Bulrush Wainscot were all new for the year and two Jersey Tiger and four Kent Black Arches were also of interest (C Pinder).  The best at Broadwey was a Small Marbled; otherwise, the highlights were two European Corn Borer, a Maple Pug, Bordered Beauty, two Rosy Footman, two Four-spotted Footman, a Scarce Footman and two Gothic (P Harris).  Notable and immigrants from Shaggs included Chilo phragmitella, Rusty-dot Pearl, Small Seraphim, Brussels Lace, Black Arches, Scarce Footman, Buff Footman and Oak Nycteoline (L Hill).  A bit chilly and wet at Tolpuddle Manor, but good cloud cover; the highlights among 45 macro species were three Round-winged Muslin, a Scarce Footman, two Dark Sword-grass and two Silver Y; also Purple Thorn, Pebble Prominent, Swallow Prominent and Coxcomb Prominent of interest and Shuttle-shaped Dart and Setaceous Hebrew Character have reappeared (J Francis).

 

Jersey Tiger, Chickerell, 21 Jul 2011 © M Cade                                         Bedstraw Hawk-moth, Portland, 20 Jul 2011 © M Cade

20^th July 2011

A small increase in migrants at Portland, a Bedstraw Hawk-moth the main highlight, along with a Diamond-back, two Rusty-dot Pearl, three Dark Sword-grass, a Bordered Straw and six Silver Y (per PBO website).  Some rain and a little chilly, but a good night at Tolpuddle Manor with 54 macro species; the highlight was a Saltern Ear, while others of interest were a Drinker, Phoenix, July Highflyer, Scallop Shell, Dingy Shell, two Round-winged Muslin, a Dark Sword-grass, Scarce Silver-lines, and three Silver Y (one very small and pale) (J Francis).

 

19^th July 2011

The only migrants at Portland were two each of Diamond-back and Rusty-dot Pearl, and a single Silver Y (per PBO website).  The highlights at Wyke were slim, but included July Highflyer, Langmaid's Yellow Underwing, Dark Sword-grass and Dark Spectacle (D Foot). At Broadwey, the first Four-spotted Footman (male) and Saltern Ear of the year there; also Maiden's Blush, Maple Pug and Currant Pug (P Harris).   A female Oak Eggar was new for the garden at Beaminster (M Raper).  A single Rusty-dot Pearl and a Rush Veneer at Shaggs (L Hill).  New for the garden at Burton was the scarce migrant Evergestis limbata, also two Blair's Mocha and three Silver Y (J Southworth).

 

Evergestis limbata, Burton, 19 Jul 2011 © J Southworth                                                         Oak Eggar, female, Beaminster, 19 Jul 2011 © M Raper

18^th July 2011

A single Dark Sword-grass was the only immigrant at Portland (per PBO website).  A better night at Chickerell, with an immigrant Dark Sword-grass, and singles of Pebble Prominent, Gothic and Plain Golden Y were year firsts, the latter being only the second garden record (C Pinder).  The highlights at Broadwey were Maple Pug and Dark Sword-grass (P Harris).

 

17^th July 2011

By day, a Jersey Tiger at Broadwey (P Harris).

Another windy night.  Just eight moths graced the garden at Chickerell, which included the first Ruby Tiger of the year there (C Pinder).

 

16^th July 2011

A rather windy night kept moth numbers low.  At Portland, the only immigrants were singles of Diamond-back, Rusty-dot Pearl and Dark Sword-grass (per PBO Website)  At Broadwey the only minor highlights were Catoptria pinella and Phoenix (P Harris).  A Eudonia delunella found indoors in Gillingham (G Hopkins).  

 

15^th July 2011

By day, a couple of hours at Tout quarry produced a Pyrausta despicta, two Oncocera semirubella, six Chalk Carpet, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth, a Scarlet Tiger, an adult Cinnabar and about 20 larva on ragwort (B Bewsher).

The only immigrants at Portland were three Diamond-back, a European Corn Borer and three Rusty-dot Pearl (per PBO website).  The best at Broadwey was a Pine Hawk-moth, a real garden rarity there; the best of rest were Maple Pug, Gothic and Dusky Sallow (P Harris).  Two scarce visitors to the garden at Alderholt were Cloaked Carpet and Large Emerald (T Morris).

Cloaked Carpet, Alderholt, 15 Jul 2011 © T Morris                                              Large Emerald, Alderholt, 15 Jul 2011 © T Morris

 

Dusky Sallow, Broadwey, 15 Jul 2011 © P Harris                                      Oncocera semirubella, Tout Quarry, Portland 15 Jul 2011 © B Bewsher

 

Cinnabar larva, Tout Quarry, Portland 15 Jul 2011 © B Bewsher            Scarlet Tiger, Tout Quarry, Portland 15 Jul 2011 © B Bewsher

 

Chalk Carpet, Tout Quarry, Portland 15 Jul 2011 © B Bewsher

14^th July 2011

Very few immigrants at Portland, just two Rusty-dot Pearl, a Small Mottled Willow and two Silver Y; two species that were only recorded for the first time in recent years but have increased, were Ethmia dodecea and Buff Footman; more commons species were 'stacks' of Brown-tail, Muslin Footman, Four-spotted Footman, and Dusky Sallow (per PBO website and B Bewsher).  Highlights at Wyke Regis were are Red Twin-spot Carpet, Sycamore, Twin-spotted Wainscot and a Small Mottled Willow (D Foot).  The only moth of note at Haremere Wood near Wool, was a Four-dotted Footman (L Hill).

 

13^th July 2011

Immigrants and wanderers at the Obs on Portland were three Diamond-back, a European Corn Borer, six Rusty-dot Pearl, a Sandy Carpet, Dark Sword-grass, two Small Mottled Willow and three Silver Y; singles of Bordered Straw and Beautiful Hook-tip from different sites at Southwell (per PBO website).  The highlights at Wyke Regis included Ethmia dodecea, Pine Hawk-moth, Langmaid's Yellow Underwing, Ni Moth and Burnished Brass (D Foot).  Highlights at Chickerell were the first garden records of Agonopterix nervosa and Agapeta zoegana (dark form) and a first of year Dusky Sallow (C Pinder).  A Ni Moth at Preston (R Lambert).  Immigrants and notables at Shaggs were Rusty-dot Pearl, Synaphe punctalis, Small Seraphim, Suspected, Coronet and Beautiful Hook-tip (L Hill).  New for the year at Tincleton were singles of Argyresthia spinosella, Phlyctaenia coronata, Satin Beauty and a rather early Svensson's Copper Underwing; other notables included a Diamond-back and Rusty Dot-pearl, two Festoon, 24 Common Footman and two Small Mottled Willow (R Cottle).  At the DWT offices at Beacon Hill, Corfe Mullen over 30 macros at a monthly event including this site's first Small Marbled; also of note were singles of Lackey, Maiden's Blush, Scallop Shell, Early Thorn, Double Square-spot, Nutmeg, Clay and Marbled Beauty (V.Giavarini et al).

 

12^th July 2011

A fairly poor night by recent standards at Portland, with the only migrants/wanderers being single Ypsolopha ustella and Eucosma obumbratana, three Diamond-back, seven Rusty-dot Pearl and Dark Sword-grass, two Small Mottled Willow and four Silver Y at the Obs; a Barred Red at Weston (per PBO website).   No migrants overnight at Wyke Regis, but the first Jersey Tiger of the year there, and other highlights were Pempeliella dilutella, Chinese Character, Mullein Wave, July Highflyer, Toadflax Pug, and Coronet (D Foot).  At Chickerell, a Rush Veneer was the only migrant, Phycita roborella was a new garden record and singles of Agapeta hamana, Jersey Tiger and Saltern Ear (gen.det.) were the first of the year; also of interest were a Mullein Wave, two Kent Black Arches and a Clay (C Pinder).  The pick at Shaggs were Rusty-dot Pearl, Rush Veneer, Small Seraphim, Scarce Footman, Suspected, Coronet, Small Marbled, Silver Y and Beautiful Hook-tip (L Hill).  Highlights at Alderholt were a Sandy Carpet, first for four years there, and a Ptycholomoides aeriferanus (awaiting conformation) which is new for garden (T Morris).

 

    Ptycholomoides aeriferanus, Alderholt, 12 Jul 2011 © T Morris                                                             Sandy Carpet, Alderholt, 12 Jul 2011 © T Morris

11^th July 2011

By day, a single 2nd instar larva Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth on Powerstock Common (M Parsons).  A Six-spot Burnet at Poole (per Dorset BC website).

Migrants and wanderers at the Obs at Portland were three Diamond-back, nine Rusty-dot Pearl, a Spruce Carpet, eight Dark Sword-grass, a Fen Wainscot, four Small Mottled Willow, and five Silver Y; a Clay Triple-lines was noteworthy at Southwell; three Small Marbled at the Grove and two at Southwell, rather oddly none have been recorded at the Obs in this current influx, probably one of the prime sites in the country for previous records (per PBO website).  Another Small Marbled at Wyke Regis, the total there now 12; also of interest were three Dark Sword-grass, the first Nutmeg and Marbled Green of the year there, a Bordered Straw and three Silver Y (D Foot).  At Chickerell, the highlights were two Kent Black Arches and the first Marbled Green of the year there (C Pinder).  A Small Marbled at Preston (R Lambert).  The best at Broadwey was a Small Mottled Willow with Evergestis pallidata a good garden rarity there (P Harris).  Migrants, locals and notables at East Lulworth were Festoon, Eudonia pallida, Evergestis limbata, Rusty-dot Pearl, Brussels Lace, Brown-tail, Rosy Footman, Scarce Footman, Buff Footman, Four-spotted Footman, White-point, Suspected, Coronet and Beautiful Hook-tip (L Hill).  Nearby at Shaggs, the highlights were Diamond-back, Rusty-dot Pearl, Dwarf Cream Wave, Small Seraphim, Brussels Lace, Rosy Footman, Kent Black Arches, Dark Sword-grass, Suspected, Coronet, Lunar-spotted Pinion and Beautiful Hook-tip (L Hill).  Of 130 species, 90 species of macros at Wareham Forest, the highlights included two Festoon, two Morophaga choragella, a Pempelia genistella, Dioryctria sylvestrella, Dingy Mocha, up to four Cloaked Carpet, a Satin Beauty, Brussels Lace, up to four Red-necked Footman, a Kent Black Arches, Gothic and a supporting cast including Striped Wainscot, Minor Shoulder-knot, Suspected, Bird’s Wing, Dingy Shears and Slender Brindle (M Parsons).  Highlights at Walditch included a male Four-spotted Footman, Dingy Shears and a Ni Moth (M Parsons).  Opposite the Civic Centre in Poole the best of 28 macros were a Buff Arches, two Swallow-tailed Moth, three Clay, and singles of Fen Wainscot and Bordered Straw (V Giavarini).  Best night of the year so far at Tolpuddle Manor, with 92 macro species: the highlights were two male Festoon, three Drinker, a Phoenix, Scallop Shell, Small Yellow Wave, Horse Chestnut (first for the year), Clouded Silver, Barred Red (first for the garden), two Round-winged Muslin, a Four-spotted Footman (first for the year), two Kent Black Arches, a Dark Sword-grass, Six-striped Rustic and a Miller (both first for the year), four Small Mottled Willow, a Cream-bordered Green Pea and a new for the garden Blackneck (J Francis).  New for Broadmayne was Small Dotted Buff (P Bruce-Jones).  A Small Marbled and a Brown Scallop were new for garden at Dorchester, while of interest were Barred Straw, July Highflyer, Nutmeg and Slender Brindle (J Down).  A Small Marbled and Dark Spectacle the highlights at Spetisbury (D Kingman).

 

Small Dotted Buff, Broadmayne, 11Jul 2011 © P Bruce-Jones                                    Double Lobed, Broadmayne, 9 Jul 2011 © P Bruce-Jones

Bordered Straw, Poole, 11 Jul 2011 © V Giavarini                                                     Small Marbled, Grove, Portland, 11 Jul 2011 © M Cade

10^th July 2011

By day, Six-spot Burnet Moth in reasonable numbers (per Durlston CP website).  At least five Silver Hook flushed on Studland Heath (G Freeman).

Overnight at Portland, just a few migrants, a Diamond-back, two Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer, two Dark Sword-grass and a Silver Y (per PBO website).  Immigrants and notables for the garden at East Lulworth were Diamond-back, Eudonia pallida, Brussels Lace, Scarce Footman, Buff Footman, Four-spotted Footman, Suspected and Coronet (L Hill).
 

Silver Hook, Studland Heath, 10 Jul 2011 © G Freeman                                                  White Satin, bred from larva on poplar, Shaggs, 10 Jul 2011 © L Hill

9^th July 2011

By day, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Broadwey (P Harris).

At Portland, immigrant total were three Diamond-back, an Evergestis extimalis, an European Corn Borer, two Rusty-dot Pearl, a Dark Sword-grass, a Small Mottled Willow and a Silver Y; noted that many were worn suggesting they were not new arrivals (per PBO website).  An interesting mix of species at Tincleton: 320 moths in total comprising 86 species, the most numerous was Chrystoteuchia culmella with 75 recorded, which says more about the lawn than anything else!; migrants were well represented with singles of Diamond-back, European Corn Borer, three Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer, two Dark Sword-grass and 14 Small Mottled Willow, with 20 species new for the year, including  and singles of Oncocera semirubella, Lappet, Round-winged Muslin three Four-spotted footman and a Small Rufous (R Cottle).  A Gothic and Dingy Shears were new for the garden at Tolpuddle Manor, while others of note included three Round-winged Muslin, the first Dingy Footman of the year, Ruby Tiger, True Lover's Knot and Silver Y (J Francis).   New for Broadmayne was a Double Lobed (P Bruce-Jones).  New for the garden at Beaminster was an immigrant Bordered Straw, and new for the year were single Small Phoenix and Dun-bar (M Raper).

 

8^th July 2011

Migrants at Portland were three Diamond-back, two Rusty-dot Pearl and a Small Mottled Willow (per PBO website).  The highlight at Walditch was a Least Carpet (M Parsons).  Highlights at Burton were a Southern Wainscot which was new for the site, and new for the year were Barred Straw, Pebble Prominent, Brown-tail, Yellow-tail, Scarce Footman and a Herald; also of interest were a Diamond-back, three Rusty-dot Pearl and a Poplar Hawk-moth (J Southworth).

 

7^th July 2011

A Silver Y was the only migrant trapped at Portland overnight (per PBO website).  Highlights on a lean night at Durlston CP included Scalloped Oak, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Clay, and Reddish Light Arches (per Durlston CP website).  The migrants and notables among 59 species at Shaggs were Eudonia pallida, Rusty-dot Pearl, Rush Veneer, Suspected, Coronet, Vine's Rustic and Scarce Silver-lines (L Hill).  Single Pempeila formosa and a Small Mottled Willow at Walditch (M Parsons).

 

6^th July 2011

No migrant moths reported from Portland (per PBO website).  Back to earth with a bump at Shaggs, with just Garden Grass-veneer, Catoptria pinella, Lackey, Scalloped Oak, Elephant Hawk-moth, Heart and Dart, Flame, Double Square-spot, Dark Arches, Clouded-bordered Brindle, Common Rustic agg., Uncertain, Green Silver-lines and Snout (L Hill).

 

5^th July 2011

A Bright Wave at Portland was only the second record for the island, while other migrants were a Diamond-back, nine Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer, and four Silver Y (per PBO website).  Pick of the bunch at Chickerell, were singes of Peach Blossom, Swallow-tailed Moth, Swallow Prominent and the first Clay of the year (C Pinder).  Migrants, locals and notables at East Lulworth were Rusty-dot Pearl, Rush Veneer, Rosy Footman, Scarce Footman and Coronet (L Hill).  Similarly, from Shaggs, Gold Swift (female), Rusty-dot Pearl, Scarce Footman, Suspected and Vine's Rustic (L Hill).  A Small Mottled Willow at Walditch (M Parsons).  A Pseudargyrotoza conwagana and a Vapourer larva at Alderholt (T Morris).

 Pseudargyrotoza conwagana, Alderholt, 5 Jul 2011 © T Morris                                                            Vapourer, larva, Alderholt, 5 Jul 2011 © T Morris 

4^th July 2011

By day, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth nectaring on sedum at Affpuddle (A Middleton).  At Beaminster, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth and a Scarlet Tiger (M Raper).

Migrants at the Obs traps were four Diamond-back, 11 Rusty-dot Pearl, two Rush Veneer, an Evergestis extimalis, a Dark Sword-grass, a Ni Moth and four Silver Y; a Small Marbled was the highlight from Duncecroft Quarry Portland, and an European Corn Borer at the Grove (per PBO website). Another reasonable night at Wyke Regis, Weymouth, including two more Small Marbled, with other highlights Common Wave (quite rare for site), Fen Wainscot, Southern Wainscot and another Oak Nycteoline (D Foot).  Slightly chillier at Tolpuddle Manor, but a nice selection of 44 macro species, with firsts for the year Yellow-tail and Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, other highlight was a Bordered Beauty, and 2nd generation Early Thorns (J Francis).  A warmer night at Beaminster produced some new arrivals for the year there - Phoenix, V-Pug, and three Clouded Border, three Common Footman with single Brown-tail, Common Wainscot and Herald (M Raper).

 

3^rd July 2011

A Suspected at the Grove was a new moth for Portland; immigrants at the Obs were eight Diamond-back, 11 Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer, a Pearly Underwing, Ni Moth and eight Small Mottled Willow; nearby at Ferrybridge, beach specialities included at least a Eulamprotes wilkella (per PBO website).  A good night again in Wyke Regis, with four Small Marbled, a Bordered Straw, Oak Nycteoline, Cream-bordered Green Pea, two each of Ni Moth and Silver Y (D Foot).  At Durlston, Swanage, 51 species, with migrant Dark Sword-grass and Silver Y among them; also of interest four Swallow-tailed Moth were first for the year, six Elephant Hawk-moth and seven Small Elephant Hawk-moth, and first for garden, Beautiful Hook-tip and Blackneck (P England).  Still good numbers of  35 macro species at Tolpuddle Manor, the highlights were a Lackey, Lobster Moth, Clouded Silver, and Dark Sword-grass and the first Swallow-tailed Moth of the year there (J Francis).  Nearby at Puddletown, a Ni Moth (H Wood Homer per J Francis).  Fairly low numbers in Lytchett Matravers -but the capture of the first Lappet for the observer made up for that; also of interest were Cloaked Carpet, Scallop Shell, Dagger agg. and Slender Brindle (G Freeman).  Highlights at Alderholt included Catoptria pinella and Scarce Silver-lines and both new for year, while new for garden were Pyrausta despicata and Striped Wainscot (T Morris).

 

 Catoptria pinella, Alderholt, 3 Jul 2011 © T Morris                              Pyrausta despicata, Alderholt, 3 Jul 2011 © T Morris

 

 Striped Wainscot, Alderholt, 3 Jul 2011 © T Morris                              Scarce Silver-lines Alderholt, 3 Jul 2011 © T Morris

2^nd July 2011

A daytime search on the undercliff at Charmouth produced two Six-belted Clearwing to pheromone lure, also four Chalk Carpet and a Small Marbled (M Parsons).  At least 50 Scarlet Tiger at Didlington, Wimborne (per Dorset BC website).

Similar mothing activity at Portland as for the last few days; immigrants were two Diamond-back, seven Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer, a Vestal, two Small Mottled Willow, and a Silver Y (per PBO website).  Another Small Marbled in Wyke Regis, Weymouth along with these notables, Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, Common Carpet, Phoenix and Tawny Shears (D Foot).  .A total of 31 species at Puncknowle, including a Thistle Ermine, Lackey, nine Elephant Hawk-moth, a Small Mottled Willow, two Plain Golden Y and a Beautiful Hook-tip (M Hetherington).  A rewarding night at Burton, with 172 macros and over 100 micros, and two Dingy Shears were new for the site, while new for the year were eight Rusty-dot Pearl, three Scalloped Oak, a Buff Tip, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Nutmeg, two Smoky Wainscot, a Sycamore, Coronet, three Dun-bar and a Light Arches (J Southworth).  A total of 13 traps at Moors Valley CP, Hurn Heath and Hatchards Copse area, produced at least 500 moths of  85 species; the highlights were an Acleris logiana ( a species formerly only found in Scottish birch woods, but now scattered in the south and east, but found in Dorset by M Jeffes), a Cloaked Carpet, three Sharp-angled Carpet, a tiny Poplar Hawk-moth with bright green flashes on one wing and four Blackneck (D Evans et al).

 

Scorched Carpet, Beaminster, 1 Jul 2011 © M Raper                                 Swallow-tailed Moth, Durlston, 3 Jul 2011 © P England

1^st July 2011

Another speculative daytime search, this time at Burton Bradstock, found four Small Marbled, in addition to three Chalk Carpet, a UK BAP species (M Parsons).  Over 100 Cinnabar larva on ragwort, Hill View viewpoint, Corfe Mullen (per Dorset BC website).

A busy night at Portland, and the immigrant totals were five Diamond-back, 15 Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer, another presumed Oxyptilus laetus, five Small Mottled Willow, a Bordered Straw, and two Silver Y (per PBO website).  Forty macro-species at Affpuddle including Rivulet, Magpie, Privet Hawk-moth, two Elephant Hawk-moth, a Four-dotted Footman, Garden Tiger, 56 Heart and Dart, Lychnis, Dunbar, White-point, and two Small Dotted Buff (A Middleton).  A Scorched Carpet was new for the garden at Beaminster (M Raper).  An Evergestis limbata trapped at Arne (per Atropos website).

 

30^th June 2011

Following up a hunch, an evening stroll at Eype Mouth, and a 20 minute search found two Small Marbled flying around patches of fleabane, and as a bonus a single Six-belted Clearwing (M Parsons).

A Vestal at Southwell, Portland was a new species for the current spell of immigrant activity'; other migrants/wanderers included a Diamond-back, European Corn Borer, six Rusty-dot Pearl, two Rush Veneer, a Scallop Shell, Dark Sword-grass, four Small Mottled Willow, and single Scarce Bordered Straw and Silver Y at the Obs, and two Diamond-back, and single Rusty-dot Pearl, Small Mottled Willow and Silver Y at Southwell (per PBO website).  At Wyke Regis, migrant Vestal and Small Mottled Willow, with the first Gothic of the year there (D Foot).

 

 Common Lutestring, Alderholt, 27 Jun 2011 © T Morris                              Small Emerald, Alderholt, 27 Jun 2011 © T Morris

 

 Small Mottled Willow, Alderholt, 27 Jun 2011 © T Morris                              Leopard, Alderholt, 27 Jun 2011 © T Morris

29^th June 2011

By day, a Bee Moth found in a stairwell at Dorchester Hospital (P Harris).

Migrant activity seems to have waned, and the only migrants at Portland were seven Diamond-back, three Rusty-dot Pearl, a Scarce Bordered Straw, three Small Mottled Willow, a Cream-bordered Green Pea and two Silver Y (per PBO website).  A Rusty-dot Pearl was the only moth of note at Shaggs (L Hill).  Down to only 7-8 deg, but there were a few moths around at Tincleton: new for the year were Four-dotted Footman, two Common Footman, a Barred Red and two Common Rustic agg., also of note were seven Peppered Moth, including the first melanic caught there, 20 Buff Ermine and migrants were represented by eight Rush Veneer and two Dark Sword-grass (R Cottle).

 

28^th June 2011

By day, an afternoon walk at Broadcroft Quarry, Portland, produced a Purple Marbled, along with singles of Cynaeda dentalis, Synaphe punctalis and an Oncocera semirubella (G Freeman).  At Durlston CP, Six-spot Burnet Moths, Hummingbird Hawk-moth and Yellow Shell (S Breeze).  A Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Shaggs (L Hill). A single 3rd instar Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth on Giant Hill, Cerne, probably the first record for the site since 2004 or 05 (M Parsons).

A stiff north-west wind saw the immigrant numbers fall right away at Portland.  The Obs garden traps produced seven Diamond-back, an Evergestis extimalis, two European Corn Borer and five Rusty-dot Pearl; elsewhere the highlights were four Small Mottled Willow at the Grove and a Bordered Straw at Weston (per PBO website).  The highlight at Wyke Regis was three Small Marbled, while of interest was a Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, a Dark Sword-grass, three Small Mottled Willow and a Burnished Brass (D Foot).  Many fewer moths at Broadwey, the highlight being a Bordered Straw (P Harris).  The highlights at Shaggs included Rusty-dot Pearl, Least Carpet, Suspected, Lunar-spotted Pinion, Small Mottled Willow and Beautiful Hook-tip (L Hill).  New for the observer at Broadstone were Buff Arches, Blue-bordered Carpet, Clouded Silver and Lobster Moth, while also of interest were Treble Brown Spot and a Barred Red (K Clements).

 

 

Purple Marbled, Broadcroft Quarry, Portland, 28 June 2011 © G Freeman                                         Small Marbled, Broadwey, 27 June 2011 © P Harris

27^th June 2011

By day, a Humming-bird Hawk-moth at Shaggs (L Hill).  At least 30 Scarlet Tiger feeding over rough ground, West Bay (P Forrest).  A Rush Veneer, Common Carpet and Yellow Shell, as well as a Small Eggar larval nest at Badbury Rings, Wimborne (per Dorset BC website).

 

A very good night on the coast, especially Portland, with ample evidence of visible immigration.  At Portland, in Church Ope Cove, there were just the usual resident species until 23:30 when a wave of migrants started to arrive, with a Pedesia contaminella, three European Corn Borer and five Small Mottled Willow arrived within minutes of each other, and over the next couple of hours numerous Diamond-back, two Bird-Cherry Ermine, a Conobathra tumidana, four Rusty-dot Pearl, Scallop Shell and a Bordered Straw arrived.  At the Obs, new for the island were Apotomis betuletana and an Engrailed, also of interest were 46 Diamond-back, three Zeiraphera isertana, an Evergestis extimalis, two European Corn Borer, 16 Rusty-dot Pearl, two Rush Veneer, a Dark Sword-grass, a Double Square-spot, Grey Arches, 37 Small Mottled Willow, two Cream-bordered Green Pea, a Green Silver-lines, two Oak Nycteoline, a Ni Moth and a Silver Y.  At Southwell, a Diamond-back, European Corn Borer, six Rusty-dot Pearl, ten Small Mottled Willow, and a Silver Y.  Two Rush Veneer and a Bordered Straw at Weston.  At the Grove, 15 Diamond-back, two Zeiraphera isertana, two Rusty-dot Pearl and 13 Small Mottled Willow (all per PBO website).

Late news, is that three plume moths trapped at the Obs, are thought to be the rare migrant Oxyptilus laetus, last recorded 21 years ago on the island.

 

A good night in Wyke Regis, Weymouth with the highlight being ten Small Mottled Willow, and others of interest were singles of Figure of Eighty, Barred Yellow, Blue-bordered Carpet and a Dun-bar (D Foot).  Another Evergestis limbata at Preston, and a Striped Hawk-moth (R Lambert).  The best at Broadwey was a Small Marbled; also of interest was one Small Mottled Willow, and the best of rest was Ethmia dodecea, female Ghost and Scarlet Tiger (P Harris).  The pick at Shaggs, including a bit of migrant activity, Diamond-back, Eudonia pallida, European Corn Borer, Rusty-dot Pearl, Lilac Beauty, Brussels Lace, Suspected, Small Mottled Willow and Beautiful Hook-tip (L Hill).  A Lappet from a moth trap run by students at Park Lodge about 500 metres from Butterfly Conservation was the best record of the night (per L Hill).  Just over 120 species at Wareham Forest, of which 79 species of macro, and the highlights included migrant Rusty-dot Pearl and a Rush Veneer arrived at around 00:30, a couple of Ethmia dodecea, a Festoon, Cloaked Carpet, Horse Chestnut, six Satin Beauty, three Red-necked Footman, a Rosy Marbled and a Marsh Oblique-barred (M Parsons).  At Tincleton, six new species for the year recorded: singles of Orthopgyia glaucinalis, Water Veneer, Scarce Footman, Black Arches, Spectacle and, the highlight was a migrant Ni Moth; also of note was a single Diamond-back and two Lobster Moth (R Cottle).  50 macro species at Affpuddle including Drinker, Peach Blossom, Buff Arches, Large Emerald, Common Emerald, Small Emerald, two Barred Straw, two Brussels Lace, Eyed Hawk-moth, Poplar Hawk-moth, seven Elephant Hawk-moth, Pale Tussock, Dot, Double Lobed, two Shark and six Beautiful Hook-tip (A Middleton).  Opposite the Civic Centre in Poole a good night with a Festoon, Bird-cherry Ermine, three Lozotaenioides formosanus, and singles of Recurvaria leucatella, Meal Moth, V-Pug, Scalloped Oak, Swallow-tailed Moth, Brown-tail, L-album Wainscot, Dagger agg., Lunar-spotted Pinion and Light Arches (V Giavarini).  The highlights at Walditch included singles of Brussels Lace, L-album Wainscot and Small Mottled Willow (M Parsons). 

 

26^th June 2011

By day, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Broadwey (P Harris).  A Red-tipped Clearwing to pheremone at Gallows Hill (D Foot).  Several Scarlet Tiger at Nether Cerne (J Down).

A new species for Portland, a Teleiodes vulgella, caught at the Grove, while immigrant interest was 11 Diamond-back and three Silver Y at the Obs and a Diamond-back and two Rusty-dot Pearl at the Grove (per PBO website).  The best night for overall abundance, so far this year at Chickerell, but with nothing especially noteworthy, although Lozotaenia forsterana, Aleimma loeflingiana, Small China-mark, Peach Blossom, Yellow-tail, L-album Wainscot and Coronet were all first of year (C Pinder).  Highlights at Broadwey were Rush Veneer, Bee Moth, Pempelia formosa, Peach Blossom, Blue-bordered Carpet, Cypress Carpet, two Small Yellow Wave, two Bordered Beauty, two Lilac Beauty, Brussels Lace, Vapourer, Dog's Tooth, Small Dotted Buff, Cream-bordered Green Pea, Plain Golden Y, two Blackneck and four Beautiful Hook-tip (P Harris).  At Durlston, Swanage, 187 moths of 47 species, with the highlights being two Peach Blossom, two Barred Straw, a Brussels Lace, three Elephant Hawk-moth, six Small Elephant Hawk-moth, a Lobster Moth and an L-album Wainscot (P England).  Over 400 moths and 120 species recorded at Tincleton, with 30 (and a few left to ID) new for the year, many of which were also new for the garden: the highlights were Leopard Moth, Sophronia semicostella, Catoptria pinella, Ringed China-mark, Stenoptilia zophodactylus, Peach Blossom, July Belle, Blue-bordered Carpet, Kent Black Arches, Short-cloaked Moth, Bird's Wing, and two Beautiful Snout; there was also some signs of migrant activity with seven Diamond-back, a single Rush Veneer and a Small Mottled Willow, which was also new to the garden (R Cottle).  At Tolpuddle Manor, 82 macros species, the major highlight was a Small Grass Emerald (confirmed by H Wood Homer) which was new for the garden and not expected, although there is heathland in the vicinity; other highlights was a Diamond-back, European Corn Borer, five Lackey, singles of Lilac Beauty, Clouded Silver, Dark Sword-grass, L-album Wainscot, two Shark, a Green Silver-lines, Gold Spot and a Silver Y, and also the first Common Rustic for the year (J Francis).  At Beaminster, a single July Highflyer was new for the garden with two Buff Arches, a Light Emerald and a Scalloped Oak being first for the year (M Raper).

 

Heart and Dart abb., Tolpuddle Manor, 26 Jun 2011 © J Francis                          Small Grass Emerald, Tolpuddle Manor, 26 Jun 2011 © J Francis

25^th June 2011

The best night for a while, with warm, overcast and calm conditions.  A busier night than of late at Portland, however the only highlights was the 6th island record of Grey Arches and three Silver Y (per PBO website).  New to the garden at Wyke Regis was a single Scallop Shell and other note-worthies were singles of Hummingbird Hawk-moth, V-Pug, Vapourer, Shark, Coronet and Cypress Carpet; new for the year there were Swallow-tailed, Kent Black Arches and Common Rustic (D Foot). At Preston, an Evergestis limbata was new for the garden moth (R Lambert per P Harris).  The highlight at Broadwey was the second ever Grass Emerald there, otherwise Blue-bordered Carpet, two Lilac Beauty, two Small Elephant Hawk-moth, a Broad-barred White, Blackneck and a Cream-bordered Green Pea; also of interest, the traps were inundated with Chrysoteuchia culmella (P Harris).  A trap at Langton Matravers produced highlights of two Chrysoteuchia culmella, a Buff Arches, four Elephant Hawk-moth, three Small Elephant Hawk-moth, two Iron Prominent, with 43 Dark Arches the most numerous (S Breeze).  At Tolpuddle Manor, the best haul of the year there with 67 macro species, the major highlight was a White Satin which was new to the garden; also of interest were singles of Kent Black Arches, Dark Sword-grass and a Delicate; firsts for the year were a Drinker, Large Emerald, Common Emerald, Phoenix, three Garden Tiger, a Double Square-spot, Dot Moth, six Smoky Wainscot, Double Lobed, and a Plain Golden Y (J Francis).  New for the garden at Beaminster were two Lobster Moth and a Beautiful Hook-tip, while new for the year was a Drinker (M Raper).  An Oak Nycteoline was a first for the garden at Dorchester, as was Carnation Tortrix, while also of interest were Buff Arches, Small Yellow Wave, Clouded Border and Privet Hawk-moth (J Down).  A mild night with morning drizzle produced a good catch at Burton - over 300 moths, of which a Bordered White was new, and new for the year were Festoon, Figure of Eighty, Common Emerald, Dwarf Cream Wave, Pine Carpet, Cypress Carpet, Small Seraphim, Swallow-tailed Moth, Poplar Hawk-moth, Short-cloaked Moth, Flame, Dot Moth, Poplar Grey, Bird's Wing, Double Lobed and six Fan-foot; micro numbers boosted by at least 58 Crambus perlella and 28 Garden Grass-veneer (J Southworth).
 

White Satin, Tolpuddle Manor, 25 Jun 2011 © J Francis                                                       Figure of 80, Burton, 25 Jun 2011 © J Southworth

 

 

Beautiful Hook-tip, Beaminster, 25 Jun 2011 © M Raper                                     Evergestis limbata, Preston, 25 Jun 2011 © photo M Cade

24^th June 2011

The only migrant attracted to the Portland Obs traps was a Hummingbird Hawk-moth (per PBO website).

At Tincleton, 178 moths of 54 species, with four new for the year with singles of Pempelia formosa, Barred Yellow, Mottled Beauty and Smoky Wainscot; also of interest were large numbers of Chrysoteuchia culmella around with 45 recorded (R Cottle).

 

23^rd June 2011

The only species worthy of a mention at Broadwey was Ebulea crocealis (P Harris).  The highlights at Shaggs included Nematopogon metaxella, Phtheochroa inopiana, Blood-vein, Small Blood-vein, July Highflyer, Mottled Beauty f. conversaria, Brussels Lace, Privet Hawk-moth, Poplar Hawk-moth, Grey Arches and Vine's Rustic (L Hill).

 

22^nd June 2011

A Dark Sword-grass was the only immigrant interest at the Obs on Portland (per PBO website).  A little less windy at Chickerell but another modest catch comprising of a Celypha striana, three Garden Grass-veneer, singles of Common Swift, Lackey, Common Carpet, Green Pug, Buff-tip and Heart and Club, 26 Heart and Dart, eight Flame, two Flame Shoulder, three Large Yellow Underwing, five Dark Arches, an Ingrailed Clay, Smoky Wainscot, five Dark Arches and a Snout (C Pinder).  Another reasonable haul, but with no real abundance at Shaggs, the highlights were Ghost Moth, Nematopogon metaxella, Blastobasis lacticolella, Phtheochroa inopiana, Amblyptilia punctidactyla, Buff Arches, Blood-vein, July Highflyer, Small Yellow Wave, Small Seraphim, Privet Hawk-moth, Poplar Hawk-moth, Scarce Footman, L-album Wainscot, and Bird's Wing (L Hill).

 

21^st June 2011

The highlights from Shaggs were Nematopogon metaxella, Tinea semifulvella, Phtheochroa inopiana, Apotomis capreana, Ancylis achatana, Bee Moth, Emmelina monodactyla, Blood-vein, Small Dusty Wave, Beautiful Carpet, July Highflyer, Grey Pug, Little Thorn, Short-cloaked Moth, L-album Wainscot, Shoulder-striped Wainscot, Burnished Brass f. aurea and f. juncta, Dark Spectacle and Beautiful Hook-tip (L Hill).  Bit of a blustery night, but at least it stayed mild at Tincleton with 45 species recorded, of which six were new for the year being singles of Anarsia spartiella, Eucosma cana, Hedya nubiferana, Pammene regiana, Buff Footman and Dun-bar (R Cottle).  Similar conditions at Tolpuddle Manor, but still some good moths; firsts for the year were a Common Footman, Purple Clay, two Clay, and a Small Angle Shades, while others of interest included a Diamond-back, Lackey, two Dark Sword-grass, three White-point and two Clouded Brindle (J Francis).

 

20^th June 2011

A Silver Y was the only migrant at Portland (per PBO website).  The overnight highlights from Shaggs was Gold Swift (female), Nematopogon metaxella, Argyresthia pygmaeella,  Apotomis capreana, Udea olivalis, Blood-vein, July Highflyer, Scorched Wing, Elephant Hawk-moth, Buff-tip, Buff Ermine, Short-cloaked Moth, Bird's Wing, Burnished Brass f. aurea and f. juncta, Straw Dot and Snout (L Hill).  Highlights at Alderholt were Blastodacna hellerella and Lilac Beauty, both 2nd ever record for garden (T Morris). 

 

Blastodacna hellerella, Alderholt, 20 Jun 2011 © T Morris                                                     Lilac Beauty, Alderholt, 20 Jun 2011 © T Morris

19^th June 2011

By day, a Lobster Moth found settled on the far more impressive Giant Rhubarb Gunnera manicata in Abbotsbury Subtropical gardens (P Harris).

The only migrants at Portland were three Silver Y (per PBO website).  A much better night's mothing at Chickerell, with 30 species, of which the highlights were first for year singles of Lozotaenioides formosanus, Ancylis achatana, Barred Straw, Common Footman, and Beautiful Hook-tip (C Pinder).  Good numbers overnight at Broadwey, the only highlights were Brown Silver-line, Lilac Beauty and Kent Black Arches (P Harris).  On a rainy night, highlights at Durlston, Swanage, limited to four Small Elephant Hawk-moth, five Elephant Hawk-moth, a Privet Hawk-moth and two Bordered Sallow (P England).  New for the garden at Beaminster were singles of Sandy Carpet and Common White Wave, and new for the year were singles of Common Emerald, Small Emerald and a Barred Straw (M Raper).  At Tincleton, 176 moths of 65 species, with eight new for the year: single Tischeria ekebladella, Helcystogramma rufescens, Agriphila straminella, two Lackey, and singles of Small Fan-footed Wave, Single-dotted Wave, Swallow-tailed Moth and Brindled White-spot (R Cottle).  Highlights at Gillingham included Common Emerald, Barred Yellow, Cypress Carpet, Shoulder-striped Wainscot and Beautiful Golden Y (G Hopkins).

 

 

Lobster Moth, Abbotsbury, 19 June 2011 © P Harris             Cypress Carpet, Gillingham, 19 June 2011 © G Hopkins

18^th June 2011

Very unpromising conditions at Chickerell produced just 15 moths of five species but a Green Arches, a new garden record, made trapping worthwhile (C Pinder).

 

17^th June 2011

Not much to report from Burton, just the first Elephant Hawk-moth and Burnished Brass of the year and a single Leek Moth (J Southworth).  Highlights at Gillingham were Pale Tussock and Light Emerald (G Hopkins).

 

16^th June 2011

A single Gem was the only migrant at Portland (per PBO website).  At Broadway, notables for the garden were good-for-garden were Pempelia formosa, Lobster Moth, Obscure Wainscot and Beautiful Golden Y (P Harris).  The highlights at Shaggs were Nematopogon metaxella, Pammene regiana, Crambus perlella f. warringtonellus, Eudonia pallida, Dipleurina lacustrata, Pyrausta purpuralis, Blood-vein, Treble Brown Spot, Brussels Lace, Privet Hawk-moth, Elephant Hawk-moth, and Burnished Brass f. juncta (L Hill).  Another wet morning to reveal the catch at Langton Matravers which were Privet Hawk-moth, Elephant Hawk-moth, Pale Tussock, four Buff Ermine, two Turnip, three Heart and Club, 40 Heart and Dart, a Large Yellow Underwing, two Cabbage Moth, a White-point, Shouldered-striped Wainscot, Angle Shades, 20 Dark Arches, and a Marbled Minor (S Breeze).  At Ferndown, highlights included Barred Straw, Double Square-spot and Broad-barred White (D Couzens).  A couple of new additions to the seasons list at Alderholt were Calamotropha paludella and Cypress Carpet (T Morris).  A Green Oak Tortrix at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

 

Calamotropha paludella, Alderholt, 16 Jun 2011 © T Morris                                Cypress Carpet, Alderholt, 16 Jun 2011 © T Morris

15^th June 2011

By day, fresh, black and red Six-spot Burnet Moths clustered on the heads of Knapweed (per Durlston CP website).

The only migrants in the Obs trap at Portland were a Rusty-dot Pearl and a Hummingbird Hawk-moth (per PBO website).  The highlights at Chickerell were singles of Blue-bordered Carpet, Kent Black Arches, Obscure Wainscot and Burnished Brass were first for the garden this year and a White-point and Small Fanfoot were also of local interest (C Pinder).  Foxglove Pug, Freyer's Pug and Shaded Pug the best of the bunch at Broadwey (P Harris).  At Shaggs, the highlights were Crambus perlella f. warringtonellus, Dipleurina lacustrata,  Perinephela lancealis, Udea olivalis, Amblyptilia punctidactyla, Blood-vein, Gem, Scorched Wing, Peppered Moth, White-point, Cream-bordered Green Pea and Burnished Brass f. juncta (L Hill).  Highlights at Gillingham included Archips podana, Privet Hawk-moth, Double Square-spot, Sycamore and Beautiful Hook-tip (G Hopkins).

 

14^th June 2011

By day at Horton Wood, Wimborne, a Riband Wave and a Cloaked Carpet (per Dorset BC website). 

By far the most interesting record of the day was a Water Ermine, trapped at Alderholt, a rare species, last recorded in Dorset in 1938.  The observer confirms a yellow abdomen (picture two), and the yellow in the first photograph shows the labial palps.  The Hants Moths website mentions the only two Hampshire records in the last twenty years coming from West Park in 2002 and Blashford Lakes in 2007 which are, maybe not coincidentally, 3km north and 4km south-west from the site in Alderholt (T Morris).

 

Water Ermine, Alderholt, 14 Jun 2011 © T Morris (in 2^nd picture positioned so as to show diagnostic features).

 

Another new species for Portland, a Blastobasis lacticolella (syn. decolorella) at the Grove, a widespread adventive in Britain, and most likely an overlooked resident at this new trap site.  A good haul of routine species at the Obs, with a hint of immigration/dispersal in the form of two Diamond-back, a Gem and a Cream-bordered Green Pea (per PBO website).  Thirty four species at Chickerell, of which the highlights were the first garden record of Marbled White Spot and first of year July Highflyer, Small Seraphim, Short-cloaked Moth and Miller, with singles of Brussels Lace and Orange Footman also of interest (C Pinder).  A big increase in moth numbers at Broadwey, and those of interest were Small Seraphim, Lilac Beauty and Cream-bordered Green Pea (P Harris).  Highlights at Durlston CP included Lackey, Willow Beauty, Privet Hawk-moth, numerous Small Elephant Hawk-moth,   Flame,  Dark Arches and Treble Lines (per Durlston CP website).  At Shaggs, no numbers due raining while sorting the trap, and too many, the highlights were: Opostega salaciella, Nematopogon metaxella, Tinea semifulvella, Argyresthia pygmaeella, Ash Bud Moth, Diamond-back, Epermenia falciformis, Scrobipalpa costella, Blastodacna hellerella, Lozotaenia forsterana, Pseudargyrotoza conwagana, Green Oak Tortrix, Epiblema trimaculana, Catoptria pinella, Udea olivalis, Treble Brown Spot, Poplar Hawk-moth, Elephant Hawk-moth, Iron Prominent, Pale Prominent, Dark Dagger/Grey Dagger agg., Cream-bordered Green Pea and Burnished Brass (L Hill and M Parsons).  In all 65 species recorded at Tincleton, with 16 species new for the year including: singles of Festoon, Archips podana, Figure of Eighty, Common Emerald, two Small Blood-vein, a Riband Wave, Phoenix, Barred Straw, Mottled Pug, Small Square-spot, Green Arches, two Grey Arches, a Dusky Brocade, Middle-barred Minor,  Plain Golden Y and three Beautiful Hook-tip; also of note were two Diamond-back and a single White-point (R Cottle).  The rain held off at Tolpuddle Manor, and it was warm and overcast, a very good night with 58 macro species, with firsts for the year: three Lackey, singles of Single-dotted Wave, Cypress Carpet, Lime Hawk-moth, Heart and Club, Pale-shouldered Brocade and three Uncertain, while also of interest were a White-point and three Silver Y (J Francis).  A much better night at Beaminster too, and the pick were new for the garden, male and female Ghost Moth, a Small Elephant Hawk-moth, two Light Arches and new for the year were a Riband Wave and a Shoulder-striped Wainscot (M Raper).  Opposite Poole Civic Centre, the best of the haul were four Hawthorn Moth, a Recurvaria leucatella, Clepsis consimilana, Bramble Shoot Moth, five Garden Grass-veneer, two Eudonia mercurella, and singles of Synaphe punctalis, Pempelia palumbella, Common Emerald, Barred Yellow, Cypress Carpet, L-album Wainscot and Uncertain (V. Giavarini).  The highlights at Ferndown included Peach Blossom, the 2^nd Dentated Pug of the year there, Red-necked Footman and Pinion-streaked Snout (D Couzens).  At Gillingham, the pick were Crambus perlella var. warringtonellus, Hypsopygia costalis, Barred Straw, two Barred Yellow, four Clouded Silver, a Pale Tussock, 172 Heart and Dart (beats the previous one night record there of 169, 28th. June 1995), three Uncertain, and a Burnished Brass, var. juncta. (G Hopkins).

 

Ghost Moth, female and male, Beaminster, 14 Jun 2011 © M Raper

13^th June 2011

A Lobster Moth was the best at Broadwey, with a reasonable back up cast which included Barred Yellow, Small Yellow Wave, Scorched Wing and two Beautiful Hook-tip (P Harris).  An Oblique Carpet was new for garden at Preston (R Lambert per P Harris).  At Shaggs, a Nematopogon metaxella, Scrobipalpa costella, three Celypha striana, four Celypha lacunana, a Bramble Shoot Moth, two Scoparia ambigualis, a Eudonia pallida, two Dipleurina lacustrata, a Small Magpie, three Udea olivalis, a Fox Moth, two Blood-vein, a Common Marbled Carpet, Rivulet, Foxglove Pug, Mottled Pug, Clouded Border, Brown Silver-line, Brimstone Moth, Willow Beauty, three Mottled Beauty, a Light Emerald, Privet Hawk-moth, Elephant Hawk-moth, Lesser Swallow Prominent, White Ermine, three Buff Ermine, a Cinnabar, seven Heart and Dart, a Flame, four Ingrailed Clay, a Grey Arches, Lychnis, four Clouded-bordered Brindle, a Marbled Minor agg., three Marbled White Spot, a Burnished Brass f. juncta, Straw Dot and a Snout (L Hill).  A little warmer at Tolpuddle Manor, and although the moon was bright, 35 macro species trapped, with highlights being the first Eyed Hawk-moths for the year, and singles of Peach Blossom, White-point, Clouded Brindle and Silver Y (J Francis).  Highlights at Burton were Small Dusty Wave, Barred Yellow, Lime-speck Pug, Green Pug, Small Seraphim, Large Yellow Underwing, Double Square-spot, Uncertain and two Beautiful Hook-tip (J Southworth).  The highlights at Gillingham, Nematopogon metaxella, Pebble Hook-tip, Peppered Moth, the first Large Yellow Underwing of the year, Lychnis and Burnished Brass var. aurea (G Hopkins).

 

12^th June 2011

Despite the wind and rain at Beaminster, 156 moths there, 118 of which were Heart and Dart, with a few Heart and Club, and a new for the garden Purple Clay (M Raper).

 

Purple Clay, Beaminster, 12 Jun 2011 © M Raper                                                      Grapholita lobarzewskii, Alderholt, 9 Jun 2011 © T Morris 

11^th June 2011

About a dozen Wood Tiger and four Forester on BC's Lankham Bottom reserve today (M Parsons).

Despite the rain Sunday morning, a trap in the garden at Langton Matravers produced singles of Light Brown Apple Moth, Garden Pebble, Peppered Moth, Privet Hawk-moth, Cream-spot Tiger, 53 Heart and Dart, three Large Yellow Underwing, 27 Dark Arches, and a Light Arches (S Breeze).  Still windy at Gillingham, with an Eudonia delunella (probably same as on 8th), Epiblema cynosbatella, two Elephant Hawk-moth, Heart and Club - very scarce here, compared with the next, 71 Heart and Dart and two Vine's Rustic (G Hopkins).

 

10^th June 2011

A few freshly emerged Six-spot Burnet moths at Durlston CP (per Durlston CP website).

Temperature dropped to 5 deg.C at Chickerell, and a big drop in moth numbers also, with singles of Celypha lacunana, Willow Beauty, Buff-tip, 16 Heart and Dart, two Ingrailed Clay and single Dark Arches and Vine's Rustic (C Pinder).

 

9^th June 2011

By day, 44 Forester seen at a private site near Deadmoor (M Parsons).  A Grapholita lobarzewskii was found on a car at Alderholt, which was a new garden record (T Morris conf. by P Sterling).

The 2nd Scorched Wing of the week at Portland was of note, while the only migrant was a single Silver Y (per PBO website).  A female Fox Moth was a long overdue addition to the garden list at Broadwey (P Harris).  A mediocre catch at Shaggs, with two Common Swift, Nematopogon metaxella, Crambus perlella, Common Marbled Carpet, Elephant Hawk-moth, Pale Prominent, Pale Tussock, 13 Buff Ermine, 14 Heart and Dart, a Shuttle-shaped Dart, Flame, three Ingrailed Clay, two Setaceous Hebrew Character, two Common Wainscot and four Vine's Rustic (L Hill).  At Gillingham, a new for the year Buff-tip, also of interest were a Vine's Rustic and two Mottled Rustic (G Hopkins).

 

8^th June 2011

At Durlston, day-flying Cinnabar, Six-spot Burnet and Yellow Shell (per Durlston CP website).

At East Lulworth, two Nematopogon metaxella, two Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix, a Pseudargyrotoza conwagana, Celypha lacunana, Scoparia ambigualis, Dipleurina lacustrata Blood-vein, Treble Brown Spot, Pine Carpet, Common Pug, Sharp-angled Peacock, two Brown Silver-line, four Scorched Wing, a Mottled Beauty, four Light Emerald, three White Ermine, five Buff Ermine, 13 Heart and Dart, a True Lover's Knot, ten Ingrailed Clay, a Purple Clay, seven Setaceous Hebrew Character, a Lychnis, L-album Wainscot, Dark Arches, two Marbled Minor agg., a Treble Lines, Vine's Rustic, Mottled Rustic, Marbled White Spot and Beautiful Golden Y (L Hill).  Nearby at Shaggs, five Common Swift, two Nematopogon metaxella, two Scrobipalpa costella, a Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix, Timothy Tortrix, Light Brown Apple Moth, Celypha striana, three Celypha lacunana, an Ancylis diminutana, two Udea olivalis, four Blood-vein, a Green Carpet, two Clouded Border, a Brown Silver-line, four Peppered Moth, a Brussels Lace, two Light Emerald, a Privet Hawk-moth, Buff-tip, Lesser Swallow Prominent, two White Ermine, four Buff Ermine, 23 Heart and Dart, two Flame, 12 Ingrailed Clay, a Double Square-spot, Brown Rustic, Dark Arches, Marbled Minor agg., a Middle-barred Minor, Treble Lines, five Vine's Rustic, a Mottled Rustic, and a Burnished Brass f. aurea (L Hill).  Eudonia delunella and Lychnis were the highlights at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

 

 

Blotched Emerald, Preston, 6 Jun 2011 © R Lambert (photo M Cade).                            Elephant and Small Elephant Hawk-moth, Gillingham, 8 June 2011 © G Hopkins

7^th June 2011

By day, a Bee Moth found in the garden at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

At Shaggs, three Common Swift, four Nematopogon metaxella, an Ash Bud Moth, Scrobipalpa costella, Blastodacna hellerella (det by M Parsons), two Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix, two Timothy Tortrix, two Pseudargyrotoza conwagana, a Spatalistis bifasciana (det M Parsons), three Celypha striana, a Celypha lacunana, Epiblema cynosbatella, two Bramble Shoot Moth, an Epiblema trimaculana (det by M Parsons), Scoparia ambigualis, Dipleurina lacustrata, Small Magpie, Udea olivalis, Bee Moth, Amblyptilia punctidactyla, Spruce Carpet, Common Pug, Small Yellow Wave, Little Thorn, Brown Silver-line, Scorched Wing, Brussels Lace, Clouded Silver, Poplar Hawk-moth, Elephant Hawk-moth, Buff-tip, Lesser Swallow Prominent, White Ermine, four Buff Ermine, 23 Heart and Dart, two Flame, a Flame Shoulder, nine Ingrailed Clay, three Setaceous Hebrew Character, a Bright-line Brown-eye, Common Wainscot, Rustic Shoulder-knot, three Marbled Minor agg., a Middle-barred Minor, five Vine's Rustic, a Mottled Rustic, five Straw Dot and a Snout (L Hill).  A total of 12 traps north of Hurn, 434 moths of 77 species, but had to wait till the last one to find the second Rannoch Looper for the observer in a week, also of interest, Pale Oak Beauty, Grass Wave, Pine Hawk-moth and Rosy Marbled (D Evans).

 

6^th June 2011

A Small Eggar nest by day, on the A35 near Kingston Russell (M Parsons, Butterfly Conservation).  A Rannoch Looper in the garden by day, Bournemouth (D Evans).  Two Forester, Clubmen's Down, Compton Abbas, and two Wood Tiger at Fontmell Down (per Dorset BC website).  One large Small Eggar nest found at a well known colony north of Gillingham, however it looked to have been used and then abandoned (G Hopkins).

A rather quieter night than of late.  A Scorched Wing, only the 6th island record, and a Diamond-back at Portland (per PBO website).  The pick at Broadwey was a Clouded Buff, the 2nd garden record, while also of interest were Southern Wainscot and Beautiful Golden Y (P Harris).  A Blotched Emerald was new for the garden at Preston, and potentially the first record for the Portland/Weymouth area? (R Lambert per P Harris).  At East Lulworth, Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix, Pseudargyrotoza conwagana, Scoparia ambigualis, Udea olivalis, Blood-vein, Spruce Carpet, two Little Thorn, three Brown Silver-line, two Scorched Wing, a Peppered Moth, Brussels Lace, two Light Emerald, a Buff-tip, Lesser Swallow Prominent, Orange Footman, two White Ermine, a Buff Ermine, 22 Heart and Dart, a Dark Sword-grass, three Large Yellow Underwing, 24 Ingrailed Clay, four Setaceous Hebrew Character, a Green Arches, Bright-line Brown-eye, White-point, L-album Wainscot, Brown Rustic, Dark Arches, Treble Lines and a Vine's Rustic (L Hill).  Nearby at Shaggs, four Common Swift, three Buff Ermine, seven Heart and Dart, a Common Wainscot, Small Angle Shades, Vine's Rustic and a Beautiful Golden Y (L Hill).  At Tolpuddle Manor, a poor night, and the first Buff Arches for the year was the only thing of interest (J Francis).  The highlights at Alderholt were a Grass Rivulet, new for the garden, and the 2nd garden record of Scarlet Tiger (T Morris).  At Gillingham, new for the year Heart and Club and Plain Golden Y, while also of interest were two Common Wainscot (G Hopkins)/
 

Rannoch Looper, Bournemouth, 6 June 2011 © D Evans

 

Grass Rivulet, Alderholt, 6 Jun 2011 © T Morris                                                     Scarlet Tiger, Alderholt, 6 Jun 2011 © T Morris

5^th June 2011

Another good night at Portland, with the second island record of Phlyctaenia perlucidalis; also of migrant/wanderer interest were another ten Diamond-back, two Rusty-dot Pearl, two Rannoch Looper, a Dog's Tooth and three Silver Y (per PBO website).  A Rannoch Looper at Puddletown (H Wood Homer per P Harris).  A Rannoch Looper at Spetisbury (D Kingman).

 

4^th June 2011

By day, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in the garden at Broadwey (P Harris).

At Portland, a Vine Moth was the first island record for several years at the Grove, and the influx continues with another Rannoch Looper overnight at the Obs, and the only other migrants were two each of Diamond-back, Green Oak Tortrix and Silver Y (per PBO website).  A Rannoch Looper also at Wyke Regis (D Foot).  A Grass Rivulet was new for the garden at Broadwey (P Harris).  The breeze brought in two vagrant species to Tincleton in the form of a single White Spot and two Obscure Wainscot, while others of interest were new for the year Little Emerald, Grey Pine Carpet, Heart and Club, True Lover's Knot and Double-square Spot (R Cottle).  A little colder and more windy at Tolpuddle Manor, but a good night with 57 macro species, and firsts for the year were a Shark and a Pale Mottled Willow, while also of interest were a Figure of Eighty, three White-point, a Clouded Brindle and a Beautiful Golden Y (J Francis).  Another Rannoch Looper, this time at Dorchester, and a Purple Clay was new for the garden too (J Down).

 

Obscure Wainscot, Tincleton, 4 June 2011 © R Cottle                                     White Spot, Tincleton, 4 June 2011 © R Cottle

 

 

Rannoch Looper, Dorchester, 4 June 2011 © J Down                                                    Red-necked Footman, Broadwey, 3 June 2011 © P Harris

3^rd June 2011

By day at Durlston CP, Six-Spot Burnet and Speckled Yellow moths on the wing (per Durlston CP website).  A Red-necked Footman at Briantspuddle (J McMillan).

At Portland, two Red-necked Footman at the Obs and another two at Cheyne Weares, were new for Portland, and with only one previous island record, two Rannoch Looper at the Obs and another two Rannoch Looper at Cheyne Weares, are part of a small influx.  In addition, a Teleiodes lucelella at the Grove, was also a new moth for Portland, although considered possibly an overlooked resident (per PBO website).  A Rannoch Looper was the highlight at Chickerell (C Pinder conf. L Hill).  Good numbers again at Broadwey, the highlights were Small Seraphim, three Red-necked Footman, a Dark Sword-grass and Cream-bordered Green Pea (P Harris).  The pick at Durlston CP were Pandemis cinnamomeana, Common Swift, Fox Moth, Small Elephant Hawk-moth, Cream-spot Tiger, Heart and Club, Heart and Dart, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Large Yellow Underwing, Light Brocade, Middle-barred Minor and Treble Lines (per Durlston CP website).  At least 80 species at East Lulworth, the highlights were five Eudonia pallida, two Thistle Ermine, a Clay Triple-lines, four Treble Brown Spot, a Little Thorn, three Scorched Wing, a Round-winged Muslin, six Red-necked Footman, 20 Orange Footman and two Vine's Rustic (L Hill).  Yet another Rannoch Looper, this one at Oakers Wood (D Foot).  At Tincleton, 320 moths of 76 species, with 21 species new for the year; the main species of interest were: six Eudonia pallida, singles of Ephestia parasitella, Scrobipalpa costella and Dipleurina lacustrata, 15 Pandemis cerasana, 13 Treble Brown Spot, seven Clouded Silver, two Brussels Lace, two Red-necked Footman, five Orange Footman, 14 White Ermine, 15 Buff Ermine, 29 Ingrailed Clay, 23 Heart and Dart, 15 Treble Lines, three Green Silver-line and two Marbled White Spot (R Cottle).  A good night at Tolpuddle Manor with 53 macro species; new for the year there were two Flame Carpet, a Coronet, three Light Arches, and a Beautiful Hook-tip, while also of interest was a Figure of Eighty, three White-point, and an Obscure Wainscot (maybe the same one as previous night) (J Francis).  At Affpuddle, 30 macro-species including Blood-vein, Scorched Wing, three Willow Beauty, a Clouded Silver, Light Emerald, Privet Hawk-moth, Poplar Hawk-moth, Elephant Hawk-moth, Pebble Prominent, Swallow Prominent, Pale Tussock, Cinnabar, six Dark Arches and Nut-tree Tussock (A Middleton).  A European Corn Borer at Briantspuddle (J McMillan).  Opposite the Poole Civic Centre, two Rannoch Looper and fine crop of Tortrix micros including Clepis consimilana, Celypha striana, Epinotia bilunana, Epinotia rubiginosana, Lozotaenia forsterana and a Spotted Shoot Moth (V. Giavarini).  Highlights from a trapping event at Upton CP included Pebble Hook-tip, Figure of Eighty, Blotched Emerald, Satin Wave, Flame Carpet, Yellow-barred Brindle, Brussels Lace, Bordered White, Buff-tip, Marbled Brown, Red-necked Footman, Clouded Buff, Beautiful Brocade, Obscure Wainscot, Poplar Grey, Large Nutmeg and Green Silver-lines (T Elborn et al, per V Giavarini).  Another two Rannoch Looper, this time on the edge of Ferndown Common, while also of note there was a Satin Wave, three Small Yellow Wave, a Grass Wave and two Beautiful Hook-tip (D Couzens).  Over 100 species at Alderholt, with two new for garden which were Piniphila bifasciana and Hypochalcia ahenella both confirmed by P Sterling, while among those new for year were Elephant Hawk-moth and Pale-shouldered Brocade (T Morris).  Highlights among 27 species at Gillingham included singles of Barred Yellow, Privet Hawk-moth and Eyed Hawk-moth, 67 Heart and Dart, 25 Marbled Minor agg., two Treble Lines, four Vine's Rustic, and a Beautiful Hook-tip (G Hopkins).

 

Piniphila bifasciana, Alderholt, 3 Jun 2011 © T Morris                                                     Hypochalcia ahenella, Alderholt, 3 Jun 2011 © T Morris

 

Eyed Hawk-moth, Alderholt, 3 Jun 2011 © T Morris                                                     Pale-shouldered Brocade, Alderholt, 3 Jun 2011 © T Morris

 

 

                              European Corn Borer, Briantspuddle, 3 June 2011 © J McMillan                            Pseudargyrotoza conwagana, Briantspuddle, 3 June 2011 © J McMillan

2^nd June 2011

By day, a Wood Tiger on Eggardon Hill (M Raper).

The busiest night by far at Portland, although migrants and wanderers poorly represented: a migrant Diamond-back at the Grove, and wandering Grey Pine Carpet and Small Clouded Brindle there, and a Cream-bordered Green Pea at the Obs (per PBO website).  At Chickerell, moth numbers topped 100 for the first time this year, predominantly Heart and Dart but a Red-necked Footman was a new garden record and the following 11 species, all singles, were first of year: Cochylis hybridella, Chrysoteuchia culmella, Scoparia ambigualis, Bee Moth, Blood-vein, Orange Footman, White Ermine, Clouded-bordered Brindle, Mottled Rustic and Pinion-streaked Snout (C Pinder).  An early L-album Wainscot at Radipole (L Phillips, RSPB).  A huge increase in moth numbers at Broadwey with the rise in night time temperature, with Cryptoblabes bistrigia and Brown Silver-line good for garden (P Harris).  At Durlston CP, a good variety including Fox Moth, Common Marbled Carpet, Green Carpet, Willow Beauty, Light Emerald, Small Elephant Hawk-moth, Pale Tussock, Cream-spot Tiger, Heart and Club, Flame, Flame Shoulder, Shears, Beautiful Brocade, Clouded-bordered Brindle, Marbled Minor,  Tawny Marbled Minor, Treble Lines and Vines Rustic (per Durlston CP website).  At Durlston, Swanage, 225 moths of 31 species including six Small Elephant, ten Large Yellow Underwing, two White-point and the first Figure of Eighty for the garden (P England).  At East Lulworth were Tinea trinotella, Brown House Moth, three Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix, three Pseudargyrotoza conwagana, three Green Oak Tortrix, a Celypha lacunana, two Apotomis turbidana, an Epinotia bilunana, Twenty-plume Moth, two Crambus lathoniellus, five Scoparia ambigualis, three Udea olivalis, a Rush Veneer, Mother of Pearl, two Fox Moth, a Pebble Hook-tip, Peach Blossom, Maiden's Blush, Blood-vein, Treble Brown Spot, Flame Carpet, four Silver-ground Carpet, two Common Marbled Carpet, a Pine Carpet, two Grey Pine Carpet, a Spruce Carpet, two Foxglove Pug, a Wormwood Pug, three Common Pug, a Grey Pug, four Small Yellow Wave, three Sharp-angled Peacock, a Tawny-barred Angle, three Little Thorn, 15 Brown Silver-line, 11 Scorched Wing, two Brimstone Moth, a Scalloped Hazel, Willow Beauty, Brindled White-spot, Clouded Silver, two Light Emerald, a Barred Red, Elephant Hawk-moth, Buff-tip, Lesser Swallow Prominent, Pale Prominent, seven Pale Tussock, 38 Orange Footman, a Clouded Buff, nine White Ermine, seven Buff Ermine, 22 Heart and Dart, two Flame Shoulder, two Large Yellow Underwing, 18 Ingrailed Clay, 22 Setaceous Hebrew Character, a Green Arches, Angle Shades, three Marbled Minor agg., three Treble Lines, eight Vine's Rustic, three Marbled White Spot, a Spectacle, four Straw Dot and three Snout (L Hill).  Highlights among 41 species at Gillingham are a Brown China-mark, two Udea olivalis, a Freyer's Pug, Privet Hawk-moth, Elephant Hawk-moth, 65 Heart and Dart and three Vine's Rustic (G Hopkins).

 

Clouded Brindle, Beaminster, 1 June 2011 © M Raper                               Pine Carpet, Beaminster, 1 June 2011 © M Raper

1^st June 2011

A Hummingbird Hawk-moth by day at Portland (per PBO website) and presumably another at Tout Quarry (P Forrest).  An early day-flying Six-spot Burnet Moth, at Durlston CP, along with Grass Rivulet and Burnet Companion (per Durlston CP website).  A Scarlet Tiger by day at Tolpuddle Manor (J Francis).  At least five Six-Spot Burnet Moth at Powerstock (P Forrest).  At Gillingham, Pseudargyrotoza convagana and two Pyrausta aurata by day (G Hopkins).

An increase in the common moths at Portland, but the only immigrant was a single Rusty-dot Pearl (per PBO website).  A much better night at Chickerell, with singles of Common Swift, Small Magpie, Pebble Hook-tip, Garden Carpet, Broken-barred Carpet, Common Pug, Grey Pug, Yellow-barred Brindle, two Willow Beauty, a Brussels Lace, 48 Heart and Dart, a Large Yellow Underwing, two each of Setaceous Hebrew Character, Common Wainscot, Dark Arches and Marbled Minor agg., a Treble Lines and eight Vine's Rustic (C Pinder).  Good numbers of moths at Burton, the highlights were the first Scalloped Oak for the garden and new for the year were Pebble Hook-tip, Pine Hawk-moth, Clay, White-point and Straw Dot (J Southworth).  At Beaminster, new for garden was a single Clouded Brindle, and new for year were singles of Small Yellow Wave, Pine Carpet, two Buff Ermine, and a Dark Arches (M Raper).  At Gillingham, Nematopogon metaxella, a Lobster Moth was new for the garden, Buff Ermine, and new for the year Light Arches and Snout (G Hopkins).

 

Lobster Moth, Gillingham, 1 June 2011 © G Hopkins

31^st May 2011

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

Two immigrant Dark Sword-grass at Portland (per PBO website).  Clear and relatively cool overnight, and at Tincleton, 55 moths of 24 species, with five new for the year: singles of White-point, Small Angle Shades, Dark Arches, Clouded Brindle and Green Silver-lines (R Cottle).  At Gillingham, Nematopogon metaxella, Agapeta hamana, Light Grey Tortrix and Ingrailed Clay (G Hopkins).

 

30^th May 2011

The only migrant overnight at Portland was a Dark Sword-grass (per PBO website).  At Durlston CP, overnight catch a little disappointing, with just Common Swift, Fox Moth, Light Feathered Rustic, Heart and Dart, Shears, and Treble Lines (per Durlston CP website).  The highlights at Gillingham were Agapeta hamana and Mottled Rustic (G Hopkins).

 

29^th May 2011

A good night at Tolpuddle. with 11 micro species and 37 macro species: firsts for the year there were singles of Fox Moth, Sandy Carpet, Green Pug, and Elephant Hawk-moth, and other highlights were four Privet Hawk-moth, two Lychnis, three White-point, and a very pale Silver Y (J Francis).  The highlights at Gillingham were Agapeta hamana, Elephant Hawk-moth, Small Square-spot and Uncertain (G Hopkins).

 

28^th May 2011

On a cool and windy night, the 63 moths in the trap at Durlston, Swanage, were mostly of the commoner species; the only of interest were the first Dark Arches of the year there and three White-point (P England).  A disappointing 11 macros in Poole, the pick of which were singles of Freyer's Pug and Green Pug; a number of common micros were more active with Apple Leaf Miner, Brown House Moth, Tachystola acroxantha, Light Brown Apple Moth, Plum Tortrix, Codling Moth, Eudonia angustea and Bee Moth (V. Giavarini).  A Piniphila bifasciana was new for the garden at Burton, while new for the year were Nematopagon swammerdamarella, Green Oak Tortrix, Epinotia bilunana, Treble Brown Spot, Riband Wave, Green Carpet, two Scorched Wing, Willow Beauty, White Ermine, Buff Ermine, Dark Arches and two Snout (J Southworth).  New for the year at Gillingham were Elephant Hawk-moth and Common Wainscot (G Hopkins).
 

27^th May 2011

By day, a migrant Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Portland, with Speckled Yellow on the wing too (per PBO website).  A Small Eggar nest at Radipole  RSPB reserve (per L Hill).  In a portable loo at Dorchester was a Triaxomera fulvimitrella (B Bewsher).

New for the year at Beaminster were two Brussels Lace and a Buff-tip (M Raper).  At Lydlinch Common, 25 species including Ghost Moth, eight Common Swift, Cyclamen tortrix, Sandy Carpet, Mottled Beauty, Brussels Lace, Light Emerald, two Pale Tussock, two Cream-spot Tiger and a Four-dotted Footman (per L de Whalley).

 

Triaxomera fulvimitrella, Dorchester 27 May 2011 © B Bewsher                                   Brussels Lace, Beaminster, 27 May 2011 © M Raper

26^th May 2011

The first migrant moth for a week at Portland was a lone Delicate (per PBO website).The first Cabbage Moth this year there at Chickerell (C Pinder).  At Shaggs, two Common Swift, a Diamond-back, Celypha lacunana, two Epiblema cynosbatella, a Blood-vein, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Silver-ground Carpet, Common Pug, Brown Silver-line, Peppered Moth, Buff-tip, Pale Prominent, Pale Tussock, three White Ermine, a Buff Ermine, eight Heart and Dart, a Dark Sword-grass, two Shuttle-shaped Dart, four Flame Shoulder, six Ingrailed Clay, six Setaceous Hebrew Character, a White-point, Common Wainscot, three Treble Lines, three Vine's Rustic and a Snout (L Hill).

 

25^th May 2011

A colony of Nemophora degeerella discovered on a small patch of waste ground at Alderholt (T Morris).

Singles of Common Marbled Carpet, Large Yellow Underwing and Small Square-spot at Chickerell, were all the first of the year there (C Pinder).  Reasonable numbers of moths at Broadwey given the windy conditions, however the only garden notable was Small Elephant Hawk-moth (P Harris).  At Shaggs, a Common Swift, four Nematopogon swammerdamella, a White-shouldered House Moth, Light Brown Apple Moth, three Celypha lacunana, two Epiblema cynosbatella, an Udea olivalis, four Silver-ground Carpet, a Common Carpet, three Common Marbled Carpet, two Green Carpet, two Rivulet, a Small Yellow Wave, Sharp-angled Peacock, Scorched Wing, Peppered Moth, two Poplar Hawk-moth, four Pale Tussock, eight White Ermine, two Buff Ermine, two Least Black Arches, nine Heart and Dart, two Shuttle-shaped Dart, four Flame, three Flame Shoulder, five Ingrailed Clay, 13 Setaceous Hebrew Character, a Lychnis, White-point, two Common Wainscot, Alder Moth, Clouded-bordered Brindle, four Marbled Minor agg., two Treble Lines, seven Vine's Rustic, a Marbled White Spot, and two each of Straw Dot and Snout (L Hill).  At Affpuddle, a Fox Moth, Common Marbled Carpet, White Ermine, Heart and Dart, Flame, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Common Wainscot, Clouded-bordered Brindle, Middle-barred Minor and Gold Spot (A Middleton).  A good night at Tolpuddle Manor, 37 macro species and 11 micro species, with a Tawny Marbled Minor and a Small Dotted Buff new for the year. while of interest were 11 male Common Swift, a Pale Tussock, Dark Sword-grass and a White-point (J Francis).  At Gillingham, Celypha lacunana, Scoparia ambigualis, two Udea olivalis (new for the year), Small Square-spot, a female Brown Rustic, Small Clouded Brindle and three Straw Dot (G Hopkins).

 

24^th May 2011

By day, two Hummingbird Hawk-moth at East Lulworth (L Hill).  Also noted during lunchtime about a dozen or so Speckled Yellow at Lodge Wood, Shaggs (S.Ellis per L.Hill).  New for the garden in Alderholt was a Nematopogon schwarziellus caught flying by day (T Morris conf. P Sterling).

The first Dark Arches of the year there at Chickerell (C Pinder).  The chilly night was reflected in the much reduced catch at Shaggs with just two Common Swift, a Scoparia ambigualis, Green Carpet, Poplar Hawk-moth, Heart and Dart, and a Spectacle (L Hill).

Nematopogon schwarziellus, Alderholt, 24 May 2011 © T Morris                         Nematopogon schwarziellus, Alderholt, 25 May 2011 © T Morris

23^rd May 2011

At East Lulworth, a Phyllonorycter harrisella, Clay Triple-lines, Red Twin-spot Carpet, two Silver-ground Carpet, a Scorched Wing, Poplar Hawk-moth, three Pale Tussock, a White Ermine, Heart and Dart, three Ingrailed Clay, nine Setaceous Hebrew Character, three Treble Lines and three Vine's Rustic (L Hill).

 

22^nd May 2011

At East Lulworth, three Coleophora albicosta, a Celypha lacunana, Spotted Shoot Moth, Cydia fagiglandana, Scoparia ambigualis, two Flame Carpet, a Silver-ground Carpet, Spruce Carpet, Tawny-barred Angle, Little Thorn, seven Brown Silver-line, a Scorched Wing, Peppered Moth, Privet Hawk-moth, three Poplar Hawk-moth, a Pebble Prominent, three Pale Tussock, a Red-necked Footman, four Orange Footman, a White Ermine, Buff Ermine, three Heart and Dart, a Shuttle-shaped Dart, two Flame Shoulder, two Ingrailed Clay, six Setaceous Hebrew Character, an Alder Moth, Marbled Minor agg., three Treble Lines, two Vine's Rustic and a Beautiful Golden Y (L Hill).

 

Beautiful Golden Y, East Lulworth, 22 May 2011 © L Hill                                        Carpatolechia notatella, Alderholt, 21 May 2011 © T Morris

21^st May 2011

A blustery night with some rain.  At East Lulworth, an Agonopterix ocellana, Capua vulgana, Epiblema cynosbatella, Scoparia ambigualis, three Silver-ground Carpet, a Broken-barred Carpet, Green Carpet, three Common Pug, 11 Brown Silver-line, four Scorched Wing, a Brimstone Moth, two Scalloped Hazel, a Peppered Moth, Waved Umber, Buff-tip, Lesser Swallow Prominent, two Pale Tussock, 12 Orange Footman, ten White Ermine, three Heart and Dart, two Flame Shoulder, two Ingrailed Clay, 15 Setaceous Hebrew Character, a Lychnis, Brown Rustic, two Small Angle Shades, a Marbled Minor agg., two Treble Lines, six Vine's Rustic and a Marbled White Spot (L Hill).  There were 31 macro species and 9 micro species at Tolpuddle Manor, with two White-point the highlight, a Willow Beauty and a Straw Dot were firsts for the year, while of interest were 21 Common Swift (mostly males), three Privet Hawk-moth, two Pale Tussock and two Light Brocade (J Francis).  A new moth for the garden at Alderholt was Carpatolechia notatella (T Morris).

 

20^th May 2011

A third record for Portland in the form of a May Highflyer (per PBO website).  The highlights at Durlston CP were Common Swift, Fox Moth, Poplar Hawk-moth, Light Feathered Rustic, 22 Heart and Dart, and Angles Shades (per Durlston CP website).  Orange Footman returned with a vengeance at East Lulworth among two each of Carpatolechia proximella, Celypha lacunana and Scoparia ambigualis, a Garden Pebble, two  Pebble Hook-tip, a Maiden's Blush, Clay Triple-lines, three Silver-ground Carpet, a Small Phoenix, Spruce Carpet, two Oak-tree Pug, a Sharp-angled Peacock, Tawny-barred Angle, two Little Thorn, seven Brown Silver-line, four Scorched Wing, Scalloped Hazel, Common Wave, Light Emerald, two Poplar Hawk-moth, two Buff-tip, a Lobster Moth, two Pale Tussock, 52 Orange Footman, seven White Ermine, two Ingrailed Clay, seven Setaceous Hebrew Character, Mullein, Alder Moth, five Treble Lines, five Vine's Rustic and a Straw Dot (L Hill).  In Poole, a nice catch of 36 moths overnight from a diverse range of habitats, with the highlights singles of Common Swift, Garden Pebble, Fox Moth, Iron Prominent, Light Brocade and Obscure Wainscot (V. Giavarini).  A clear chilly night produced 30 macros including new for the year Common Wave, Clouded Silver, two Pale Tussock, four Common Wainscot, Heart and Club, and two Setaceous Hebrew Character (J Southworth).  New for the year at Beaminster were singles of Sharp-angled Peacock, Large Yellow Underwing and Beautiful Golden Y (M Raper).

 

Cream-spot Tiger, East Lulworth, 19 May 2011 © L Hill                                  Shoulder-striped Wainscot, Broadwey, 20 May 2011 © P Harris

19^th May 2011

A Drab Looper seen by day at a new site on the restricted areas of the Lulworth Army Ranges (L Phillips).

A good haul at East Lulworth, with Common Swift, Celypha lacunana, Fox Moth, two Scalloped Hook-tip, Pebble Hook-tip, Clay Triple-lines, Treble Brown Spot, Red Twin-spot Carpet, two Common Marbled Carpet, a Green Carpet, Oak-tree Pug, Clouded Border, three Little Thorn, two Brown Silver-line, a Scorched Wing, two Brimstone Moth, a Scalloped Hazel, three Peppered Moth, two Poplar Hawk-moth, a Buff-tip, two Lesser Swallow Prominent, Pale Prominent, seven Pale Tussock, eight Orange Footman, a Cream-spot Tiger, White Ermine, Buff Ermine, Cinnabar, Heart and Dart, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Flame Shoulder, Large Yellow Underwing, three Ingrailed Clay, six Setaceous Hebrew Character, a Brown Rustic, Treble Lines, Vine's Rustic and two Spectacle (L Hill).  Nearby at Shaggs, Nematopogon swammerdamella, Plum Tortrix, two Epiblema cynosbatella, a Scoparia ambigualis, Scalloped Hook-tip, Silver-ground Carpet, Spruce Carpet, Small White Wave, Little Thorn, Peppered Moth, Common Wave, Iron Prominent, five White Ermine, two Heart and Dart, two Shuttle-shaped Dart, five Flame Shoulder, an Ingrailed Clay, two Setaceous Hebrew Character, a Hebrew Character, Treble Lines and six Vine's Rustic (L Hill).

 

18^th May 2011

A couple more Small Eggar nests today, one on the A35 east of Bridport, near Uploaders, and the other on the Blandford Forum by-pass (M Parsons).

the only immigrant at Portland was a single Diamond-back (per PBO website).  A much quieter night at East Lulworth, with Epiblema cynosbatella, Scoparia ambigualis, Bee Moth, four Silver-ground Carpet, a Green Carpet, Scalloped Hazel, Pale Tussock, Muslin Moth, Least Black Arches, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Flame Shoulder, Ingrailed Clay, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Lychnis, four Vine's Rustic and a Burnished Brass f. junca (L Hill).  A chillier night with a heavy dew at Tolpuddle Manor, but still some good moths: 28 macro species with new for the year; firsts for the site were Treble Brown Spot, Lime-speck Pug, Peppered Moth, Iron Prominent, Angle Shades, two Small Clouded Brindle and a very rusty Middle-barred Minor, while others of interest were two Common Swift, a Pale Tussock and a Lychnis (J Francis).  In Poole, the best of 12 species included three Yellow-barred Brindle and singles of Peppered Moth, Cinnabar, Lychnis and Rustic Shoulder-knot (V Giavarini).  New for the year at Gillingham were Small Square-spot and Ingrailed Clay, and of interest was a Burnished Brass f. aurea (G Hopkins).

 

Crambus lathoniellus, Alderholt, May 2011 © T Morris                           White Ermine, Alderholt, May 2011 © T Morris

17^th May 2011

Flushed in some numbers from the longer grass at Durlston by day were Grass Rivulet (per Durlston CP website).

The highlights at Durlston, Swanage were two Common Swift, a Pebble Prominent, Pale Tussock, Cream-spot Tiger, Light Feathered Rustic and Silver Y (P England).  At East Lulworth were Capua vulgana, Celypha lacunana, Garden Pebble, Silver-ground Carpet, Common Carpet, two Spruce Carpet, a Green Carpet, Common Pug, a Little Thorn which is having a good year here, four each of Brown Silver-line, Scorched Wing and Peppered Moth, a Buff-tip, four Pale Tussock, 22 Orange Footman, a White Ermine, Flame, Flame Shoulder, Ingrailed Clay, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Alder Moth, two Brown Rustic, a Treble Lines, four Vine's Rustic, two Marbled White Spot, Dark Spectacle and a new for the year Snout (L Hill).  A good night nearby at Shaggs with Common Swift, Diamond-back, Agonopterix ocellana, Scrobipalpa costella, Syndemis musculana, two each of Light Brown Apple Moth, Pseudargyrotoza conwagana and Celypha lacunana, an Epiblema cynosbatella, Crambus lathoniellus, Scoparia ambigualis, Oak Hook-tip, Blood-vein, Flame Carpet, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Silver-ground Carpet, two Common Marbled Carpet, a Green Carpet, three Common Pug, Oak-tree Pug, Brown Silver-line, Scalloped Hazel, Lesser Swallow Prominent, two Pale Tussock, four Orange Footman, seven White Ermine, a Muslin Moth, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Flame, four Flame Shoulder, three Ingrailed Clay, two Setaceous Hebrew Character, a Common Quaker, Common Wainscot, Small Angle Shades, eight Vine's Rustic, a Marbled White Spot, Spectacle, two Straw Dot and two Pinion-streaked Snout (L Hill).  A better catch than of late at Gillingham, with a few more early species: two Common Swift, Coleophora albicosta, Blood-vein, Broken-barred Carpet, White Ermine, Hebrew Character, Brown Rustic, eight Vine's Rustic, two Burnished Brass (both pristine specimens, one f. juncta, one f. aurea), and a Straw Dot (G Hopkins). 

 

Cream-spot Tiger, Durlston, 17 May 2011 © P England                                    Pebble Prominent, Durlston, 17 May 2011 © P England 

16^th May 2011

By day in a potato patch at Durweston, a Pammene aurana (T Hibbert).

Some more new for the years at East Lulworth, were Light Emerald, Flame, Marbled Minor agg., and Burnished Brass, in addition to well over 20 Coleophora sp., four Nematopogon swammerdamella, four Capua vulgana, a Celypha lacunana, Epiblema cynosbatella, Pebble Hook-tip, Clay Triple-lines, Red-green Carpet, two Common Marbled Carpet, a Broken-barred Carpet, two Tawny-barred Angle, two Little Thorn, a Brown Silver-line, White-pinion Spotted, Light Emerald, Pale Tussock, six Orange Footman, a Flame, Flame Shoulder, two each of Setaceous Hebrew Character, Brown Rustic, and Marbled Minor agg., and singles of Treble Lines, Marbled White Spot, Burnished Brass and Dark Spectacle (L Hill).  Nearby at Shaggs, Coleophora sp., six Celypha lacunana, two each of Cream Wave, Silver-ground Carpet and Common Carpet, a Small Phoenix, Green Carpet, Little Thorn, two Brown Silver-line, a Scorched Wing, Brimstone Moth, two Scalloped Hazel, three Common Wave, a Swallow Prominent, three Orange Footman, four White Ermine, a Muslin Moth, two Heart and Dart, two Shuttle-shaped Dart, three Flame Shoulder, two Ingrailed Clay, four Setaceous Hebrew Character, a Common Quaker, Common Wainscot, Clouded Brindle, Treble Lines, five Vine's Rustic, a Spectacle and a Small Fan-foot (L Hill).

 

15^th May 2011

By day an odd larval liaison between a Lackey and Brown-tail at Durdle Door, where also a handful of Six-spot Burnet adults mostly harassed by Adonis Blue males; nearby a Red-necked Footman at East Lulworth (L Hill).

At East Lulworth, Adela reaumurella, two Celypha lacunana, two Plum Tortrix, Scoparia ambigualis, Rusty-dot Pearl, Scalloped Hook-tip, Pebble Hook-tip, Birch Mocha, Maiden's Blush, two Common Carpet, a Purple Bar, Small Phoenix, two each of Common Marbled Carpet, Spruce Carpet and Mottled Pug, three Common Pug, two Oak-tree Pug, two Sharp-angled Peacock, a Tawny-barred Angle, two Little Thorn, five Brown Silver-line, Scorched Wing, Early Thorn, two Peppered Moth, a Common White Wave, Common Wave, Barred Red, Poplar Hawk-moth, two Coxcomb Prominent, three Pale Tussock, 19 Orange Footman, a Shuttle-shaped Dart, Flame Shoulder, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Common Wainscot, Treble Lines, Vine's Rustic and a Dark Spectacle (L Hill).  A warmish night, the wind dropped and there was cloud cover - so a good one at Tolpuddle Manor with 39 macro species: new for the year were three Mottled Pug, a V-Pug, two Buff Ermine, a Turnip Moth, Ingrailed Clay and a Snout, with other highlights of Pale Tussock, Least Black Arches, two Light Brocade, two Lychnis, three White-point and a Silver Y (J Francis).  The highlights at Beaminster were two Garden Carpet, a Red-green Carpet, two Common Marbled Carpet, a Flame, Ingrailed Clay, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Bright-line Brown-eye, Lychnis, Marbled Minor, and two Mottled Rustic (M Raper).

Lackey and Brown-tail larvae, Durdle Door, 15 May 2011 © L Hill                      Red-necked Footman, East Lulworth, 15 May 2011 © L Hill

 

Pale Tussock, male f. concolor, female and typical male, May 2011 © L Hill                                   Mottled Rustic, Beaminster, 15 May 2011 © M Raper

14^th May 2011

By day on Eggardon Down, dozens and dozens of chrysalises on grass stalks, but most on the sheep fence wire; there was just one hatched adult Six-spot Burnet Moth in the grass amongst them, so presumably most of the chrysalids were the same.  Previously seen loads of Burnet sp. larvae on 20th April at this site (M Raper).  A Cinnabar at Broomhill Estate near Kingston Russell (P Forrest).  On a site visit to a farm near Lydlinch, saw a minimum of 30 Forester in three small fields (M Parsons). 

The highlights at Durlston CP were Common Swift, Red Twin-spot Carpet, White Ermine, Light Feathered Rustic, Heart and Dart, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Common Quaker, and Treble Lines (per Durlston CP website).  At East Lulworth, two Nematopogon swammerdamella, Syndemis musculana, Pebble Hook-tip, Birch Mocha, two Spruce Carpet, a Common Pug, three Oak-tree Pug, a Sharp-angled Peacock, four Brown Silver-line, a Scorched Wing, Common Wave, Poplar Hawk-moth, two Coxcomb Prominent, a Marbled Brown, five Pale Tussock, five Orange Footman, two White Ermine, two Muslin Moth, four Setaceous Hebrew Character, a Brown Rustic, Vine's Rustic, Marbled White Spot, Silver Y and a Spectacle (L Hill).

 

Burnet sp. larva, Eggardon Hill, 21 April 2011 © M Raper                            Six-spot Burnet, Eggardon Hill, 14 May 2011 © M Raper

13^th May 2011

By day, a Brown Silver-lines at Eype Down (P Forrest).  Another Small Eggar nest, this time near Eggardon Hill; also about six Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth in cloudy conditions at Powerstock Common (M Parsons). 

At East Lulworth, two Nematopogon swammerdamella, a Celypha lacunana, Garden Pebble, Clay Triple-lines, Spruce Carpet, Oak-tree Pug, two Tawny-barred Angle, six Brown Silver-line, three Scorched Wing, an Early Thorn, two Peppered Moth (one typical and a f. carbonaria), Lesser Swallow Prominent, Marbled Brown, four Orange Footman, White Ermine, seven Muslin Moth, a Heart and Dart, Dark Sword-grass, two Ingrailed Clay, two Setaceous Hebrew Character, a Brick, Brown Rustic, Treble Lines ab. bilinea and Vine's Rustic (L Hill).  At Tincleton, 67 moths of 26 species, and new for the year were singles of Clouded Silver, Light Emerald, four Ingrailed Clay and a Poplar Grey, while others or note were two Little Thorn, two Great Prominent and 20 Treble Lines (R Cottle).

 

Peppered Moth, typical and f. carbonaria, East Lulworth, 13 May 2011 © L Hill                                               Marbled Brown, East Lulworth, 13 May 2011 © L Hill

12^th May 2011

It looks as if it may be a good year for Small Eggar nests, at least four were seen on roadsides around Blandford Forum during the day, but other possibles were also seen from the car. A stop at one site to look at one nest spotted from the car quickly revealed two further nests; Yponomeuta cagnagella nests are also conspicuous on spindle in the area.  At Stubhampton Bottom, nine Drab Looper were seen in rather cloudy conditions, but no Argent and Sable though. Other highlights included at least ten Scarlet Tiger larvae and larvae of Pterophorus galactodactyla on Burdock (M Parsons).

A Dark Sword-grass was the only immigrant at Portland (per PBO website).  At Chickerell, a Cream-spot Tiger was a first for the year (C Pinder).  Only nine macro-moth species at Durlston CP overnight, the most numerous being Light Feathered Rustic, Heart and Dart followed by Treble Lines and Common Swift, while a single Red Twin-spot Carpet lurked on the wall around the trap (per Durlston CP website).  The chill continues, and at East Lulworth the catch was Nematopogon swammerdamella, Celypha lacunana, Garden Pebble, Rusty-dot Pearl, Maiden's Blush, Clay Triple-lines, Spruce Carpet, Green Carpet, Common Pug, three Brown Silver-line, four Scorched Wing, three Brimstone Moth, a Waved Umber, three Poplar Hawk-moth, a Great Prominent, Coxcomb Prominent, Pale Prominent, four Pale Tussock, seven Orange Footman, two White Ermine, four Muslin Moth, a Heart and Dart, five Setaceous Hebrew Character, a Light Brocade, Common Quaker, four Treble Lines and a Spectacle (L Hill).  Nearby at Shaggs, two Common Swift, Silver-ground Carpet, Small Phoenix, Mottled Pug, Sharp-angled Peacock, Brown Silver-line, Scalloped Hazel, Common Wave, Poplar Hawk-moth, Lesser Swallow Prominent, Pale Tussock, two White Ermine, two Muslin Moth, a Shuttle-shaped Dart, five Flame Shoulder, two Setaceous Hebrew Character, a Light Brocade, Lychnis, Common Quaker and a Nut-tree Tussock (L Hill).

 

11^th May 2011

By day, Grass Eggar larva on Binden Hill (Lulworth Survey Team per L. Hill).

The only migrant at Portland was a Delicate (per PBO website).  At Chickerell, two Purple Bar, a Buff Ermine and a White-point were all new for the year there (C Pinder).  The ever attractive Green Silver-lines was the highlight at Broadwey (P Harris).  A chilly night at East Lulworth, and the catch somewhat reduced to Coleophora sp., Light Brown Apple Moth, Garden Pebble, Clay Triple-lines, Cream Wave, Red Twin-spot Carpet, two Silver-ground Carpet, a May Highflyer, three Oak-tree Pug, four Brown Silver-line, four Scorched Wing, two Peppered Moth, a Waved Umber, Common White Wave, Great Prominent, Lesser Swallow Prominent, 11 Orange Footman, three White Ermine, ten Muslin Moth, a Heart and Dart, two Setaceous Hebrew Character, a Tawny Shears, two Alder Moth, three Treble Lines, and a Vine's Rustic (P Harris).  Nearby at Shaggs, Elachista atricomella, Depressaria heraclei, Scoparia ambigualis, Silver-ground Carpet, Common Pug, Common Wave, Buff-tip, four Muslin Moth, a Heart and Dart, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Flame Shoulder, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Common Wainscot, Treble Lines ab. bilinea and a Spectacle (L Hill).  A bit cooler than of late and probably reflected by the lower catch at Tincleton, with 76 moths of 28 species: new for the year were singles of Bactra lancealata, Evergestis forficalis and Small White Wave, while of note were the number of Treble Lines with 22 recorded and that this was the first trapping session there since late February without a single orthosid being caught (R Cottle).  Highlights at Alderholt were Argyresthia trifasciata and Pine Hawk-moth, both first for year; also Aethes smeathmanniana, a first for the garden (T Morris).

 

Green Silver-lines, Broadwey, 11 May 2011 © P Harris                                      Argyresthia trifasciata, Alderholt, 11 May 2011 © T Morris

 

Aethes smeathmanniana, Alderholt, 11 May 2011 © T Morris                                             Pine Hawk-moth, Alderholt, 11 May 2011 © T Morris

10^th May 2011

By day, a Lackey larva at Durlston CP (per Durlston CP website).  Two Small Yellow Underwing at Cerne Abbas (L Phillips).

At East Lulworth were three Celypha lacunana, a Thistle Ermine, Pebble Hook-tip, three Clay Triple-lines, Cream Wave, four Spruce Carpet, a Common Pug, Oak-tree Pug, three Sharp-angled Peacock, a Tawny-barred Angle, Little Thorn, six Brown Silver-line, Scorched Wing, Brimstone Moth, Peppered Moth, White-pinion Spotted, four Lesser Swallow Prominent, two Coxcomb Prominent, two Pale Prominent, four Pale Tussock, 40 Orange Footman, three White Ermine, Muslin Moth, two Least Black Arches, a Setaceous Hebrew Character, Light Brocade, five Hebrew Character, a Clouded-bordered Brindle, Treble Lines and a Spectacle (L Hill).  With the wind dropping and it getting warmer, it proved to be the best night of the year so far at Tolpuddle Manor, with 39 macro species and 5 micro species, and lots of firsts for the year: two female Common Swift, a Small Magpie, a Scalloped Hook-tip, Small Waved Umber, Brown Silver-line, Scorched Wing, Privet Hawk-moth, Poplar Hawk-moth, Buff-tip, a Puss Moth, Chocolate-tip, two Pale Tussock, a Flame, three Light Brocade, a Lychnis, lots of Common Wainscot, six Rustic Shoulder-knot, two Treble Lines, a Burnished Brass and a Gold Spot (J Francis).

 

9^th May 2011

An Oak-tree Pug was a good record for Portland, while the only migrants were a Dark Sword-grass and two Silver Y (per PBO website).  A total of 17 species at Chickerell, including a White-pinion Spotted (a new garden record) and Puss Moth, four Setaceous Hebrew Character and a Rustic Shoulder-knot were all new for the year (C Pinder).  At East Lulworth, in a trap that was swarming with Orange Footman, were Phyllonorycter harrisella, Celypha lacunana, Twenty-plume Moth, Garden Pebble, Scalloped Hook-tip, Maiden's Blush, Mullein Wave, Red Twin-spot Carpet, four Spruce Carpet, May Highflyer, two each of Common Pug, Oak-tree Pug and Sharp-angled Peacock, six Brown Silver-line, three Scorched Wing, Brimstone Moth, two Scalloped Hazel, a Poplar Hawk-moth, two Pebble Prominent, a Lesser Swallow Prominent, two Pale Tussock, 76 Orange Footman, three White Ermine, three Muslin Moth, a Least Black Arches, two Alder Moth and a Gold Spot (L Hill).  At Tolpuddle Manor, windy (but from the south) and a little chillier; the highlight was a White-point, and firsts for the year were a Common Marbled Carpet and a Lychnis, while of interest were a Diamond-back, six Common Swift, three Orange Footman, an Alder Moth, Clouded-bordered Brindle, 12 Rustic Shoulder-knot, and four Treble Lines (J Francis).  At Tincleton, new for the year were singles of Parornix scoticella, Teleopsis diffinis, Epiblema cirsiana, Birch Mocha, two Common Marbled Carpet, Small Rivulet, Sandy Carpet, Scorched Wing, Common White Wave, Marbled Brown, Buff Ermine, Common Wainscot, three Clouded-bordered Brindle, four Rustic, a Silver Y and a Straw Dot: also of interest was a Diamond-back, four Little Thorn, ten Orange Footman and 18 Treble Lines  (R Cottle).

 

8^th May 2011

At Verwood, a female Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth in the garden, feeding and laying eggs on a bush type Lonicera; as has been reported in past years, Mark normally raise 10 - 20 of these each year collected as first instar caterpillars or eggs from the afore mentioned bush, but this is the first time he has actually witnessed a wild adult in the garden (M Weaver). 

A Silver Y was the only migrant at Portland (per PBO website).  23 species at Durlston CP,  including Blood-vein, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Brimstone, Yellow Belle, Buff-tip, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Light Brocade and Angle Shades (per PBO website).  Rather a cold night at Durlston, Swanage but highlights were Common Swift, two Orange Footman, Muslin, two Light Feathered Rustic, three Treble Lines, and a Spectacle (P England).  A very worn Dark Sword-grass was the only migrant at Chickerell, whilst a Common Swift, three Mottled Pug and Common Wainscot were the first of their kind this year (C Pinder).  At Burton, 24 micros including five Tachystola acroxanthe, two Diamond-back and new for the year macros were Maiden's Blush, Blood-vein, May Highflyer, Foxglove Pug, Freyer's Pug, Common Pug, Yellow-barred Brindle, Brown Silver-line, Peppered Moth, Cinnabar, Flame Shoulder and Vine's Rustic (J Southworth).  At Beaminster, a Puss Moth was a welcome addition to the garden list (M Raper).

 

Light-feathered Rustic, Durlston, 8 May 2011 © P England                           Puss Moth, Beaminster, 8 May 2011 © M Raper

7^th May 2011

Portland scored again with a single Thisanotia chrysonuchella; although still resident in south-east England it seems that this species hasn't been recorded in Dorset for 50 years or more and certainly hasn't been recorded at Portland before now. The only other immigrants in the traps were four each of Diamond-back and Silver Y (per PBO website).  Singles of Small Magpie, Maiden's Blush, Clouded Silver and Treble Lines were all new for the year at Chickerell (C Pinder).  At East Lulworth were Nematopogon swammerdamella, Diamond-back, Syndemis musculana, Capua vulgana, Scalloped Hook-tip, Oak Hook-tip, four Pebble Hook-tip, a Birch Mocha, Maiden's Blush, Blood-vein, two Red Twin-spot Carpet, a Silver-ground Carpet, Water Carpet, Broken-barred Carpet, May Highflyer, Common Pug, Brindled Pug, two Oak-tree Pug, a Tawny-barred Angle, Little Thorn, two Brown Silver-line, a Brimstone Moth, Scalloped Hazel, Peppered Moth, Small Engrailed, three White-pinion Spotted, six Pale Tussock, 18 Orange Footman, a White Ermine, three Muslin Moth, a Heart and Dart, Large Yellow Underwing, Common Quaker, four Hebrew Character and two Alder Moth (L Hill).  Wet and a little chillier than the previous night at Tolpuddle Manor but despite that a good catch of 26 species of macros and 7 micros: a number of firsts for the year there were a Blood-vein, Privet Hawk-moth, Poplar Hawk-moth, Least Black Arches, Large Yellow Underwing, three Alder Moth, Grey Dagger, and three Marbled Minor; other moths of interest included three female Common Swift, a Diamond-back, Pale Tussock, Orange Footman, two Light Brocade, two Clouded-bordered Brindle, three Rustic Shoulder-knot, and two Treble Lines (J Francis).  Highlights for Alderholt were an Ancylis apicella (tbc) which if confirmed is new to garden, and a Poplar Kitten (T Morris).

 

Ancylis apicella, Alderholt, 3 May 2011 © T Morris                          Poplar Kitten, Alderholt, 7 May 2011 © T Morris

6^th May 2011

An enviable night at Portland when after a series of thunderstorms had passed over, singles of Patton's Tiger and Square Spot were caught; the former is seemingly the fifth British record (the most recent two were recorded on the Isle of Wight yesterday) and the latter is a new species for Portland; also in the traps a Barred Red was a good local record but, somewhat bizarrely, the only routine immigrant caught was a lone Diamond-back (per PBO website).  32 macros at Tolpuddle Manor, including the first Setaceous Hebrew Character for the year there; other highlights were: a female Common Swift, Pebble Hook-tip, Pale Tussock, Orange Footman, Light Brocade, four Cloud-bordered Brindle, two Rustic Shoulder-knot, and a Treble Lines (J Francis).  Notable earlies in Alderholt were a Privet Hawk-moth and a Common Wainscot (T Morris).  New for the year at Gillingham were singles of Clepsis spectrana, Sandy Carpet, White Ermine, and Setaceous Hebrew Character, while others were two Flame Shoulder, three Heart and Dart, three Hebrew Character, and a Treble Lines (G Hopkins).

 

Patton's Tiger and Square Spot, Portland 6 May 2011 © M Cade

5^th May 2011

Two Diamond-back at Portland were the only migrants (per PBO website).  At East Lulworth, an Incurvaria masculella, Nematopogon swammerdamella, three Phyllonorycter harrisella, six Phyllonorycter maestingella, Phyllonorycter nicellii, Pseudoswammerdamia combinella, Cochylis atricapitana, Syndemis musculana, Light Brown Apple Moth, Capua vulgana, Acleris hastiana, two Celypha lacunana, a Cydia ulicetana, Twenty-plume Moth, two Scalloped Hook-tip, an Oak Hook-tip, Maiden's Blush, Cream Wave, four Red Twin-spot Carpet, six Spruce Carpet, May Highflyer, Common Pug, three Brindled Pug, four Oak-tree Pug, six Brown Silver-line, three Brimstone Moth, two Peppered Moth, a Waved Umber, Small Engrailed, Common Wave, two Pebble Prominent, a Lesser Swallow Prominent, two Pale Tussock, 31 Orange Footman, a White Ermine, five Muslin Moth, three Least Black Arches, a Flame Shoulder, two Light Brocade, three Hebrew Character, two Alder Moth and a Grey Dagger (Gen. Det.) (L Hill).  Nearby at Shaggs, two Tinea trinotella, Depressaria daucella, Cochylis atricapitana, four Syndemis musculana,, a Celypha lacunana, Epiblema cynosbatella, Twenty-plume Moth, Oak Hook-tip, Pebble Hook-tip, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Silver-ground Carpet, Red-green Carpet, two Spruce Carpet, a Brindled Pug, five Oak-tree Pug, four Brimstone Moth, two Scalloped Hazel, two Waved Umber, an Iron Prominent, two Lesser Swallow Prominent, a Pale Prominent, six Orange Footman, two White Ermine, 12 Muslin Moth, two Shuttle-shaped Dart, four Flame Shoulder, a Tawny Shears, Common Quaker, five Hebrew Character, and an Alder Moth (L Hill).  To light at Winterborne Stickland were a Puss Moth, Lime Hawk-moth, Privet Hawk-moth, Poplar Hawk-moth, two Lesser Swallow Prominent, Pebble Prominent, two Treble Lines, and a Clouded Drab (L de Whalley).

 

4^th May 2011

An estimated 50+ Micropterix calthella on buttercup flower-heads during the daytime at Shaggs (L Hill).  At DWT reserve at Tadnall, a Chocolate-tip, photograph taken by mobile phone, showing the wonders of modern technology.  A Red Twin-spot Carpet at Grimstone seen while on a transect walk (B Dicker).

 

Chocolate-tip, Tadnall DWT reserve, 4 May 2011 © L Hill

 

At East Lulworth Nematopogon swammerdamella, Adela reaumurella, Phyllonorycter harrisella, Oak Hook-tip, Barred Hook-tip, two Pebble Hook-tip, a Maiden's Blush, two Clay Triple-lines, two Grey Pine Carpet, eight Spruce Carpet, a Common Pug, eight Brindled Pug, seven Oak-tree Pug, a Small White Wave, two Tawny-barred Angle, three Brown Silver-line, a Brimstone Moth, Scalloped Hazel, two Poplar Hawk-moth, a Pale Tussock, 19 Orange Footman, a White Ermine, three Muslin Moth, a Cinnabar, two Least Black Arches, a Setaceous Hebrew Character, Light Brocade, six Hebrew Character, a Common Wainscot, Grey Dagger (Gen. Det.) and Knot Grass (L Hill).  Nearby at Shaggs, Nematopogon swammerdamella, two Aspilapteryx tringipennella, Phyllonorycter harrisella, Cochylis atricapitana, two Syndemis musculana, Maiden's Blush, Cream Wave, four Red Twin-spot Carpet, two Silver-ground Carpet, Red-green Carpet, Grey Pine Carpet, two Spruce Carpet, Wormwood Pug, Common Pug, Grey Pug, four Brindled Pug, five Oak-tree Pug, two Dwarf Pug, Sharp-angled Peacock, two Brown Silver-line, two Brimstone Moth, two Pebble Prominent, a Great Prominent, Pale Tussock, two White Ermine, seven Muslin Moth, Heart and Dart, Shuttle-shaped Dart, two Flame Shoulder, a White Spot, Lychnis, ten Common Quaker, eight Hebrew Character and an Alder Moth (L Hill).  The pick at Beaminster was another Poplar Hawk-moth and a Clouded-bordered Brindle (M Raper).

 

3^rd May 2011

At Shaggs, just the three Muslin Moth and a Lesser Swallow Prominent (L Hill).  At Alderholt, two new Geometers were Cream Wave (first for year) and a Grey Scalloped Bar which was a first for the garden (T Morris).

 

 

Grey Scalloped Bar, Alderholt, 3 May 2011 © T Morris                                         Cream Wave, Alderholt, 3 May 2011 © T Morris

2^nd May 2011

A slight deviation from moths but almost certainly of interest to most is this Vagrant Emperor in Weymouth during the day (per P Harris).

 

Vagrant Emperor, Weymouth, 2 May 2011 © B Spencer                                          Pale Tussock, showing variation, Tincleton, 1 May 2011 © R Cottle

1^st May 2011

Two Psyche casta cases today on mullein and hazel at East Lulworth by day (L Hill).

A Silver Y was the only immigrant at Portland (per PBO website).  Another good garden rarity in the form of a nicely marked Seraphim at Broadwey (P Harris).  Plenty of rain and breeze overnight but still a reasonably varied catch at East Lulworth, and the first Silver Y of the year there: a Scalloped Hook-tip, two Pebble Hook-tip, a Red Twin-spot Carpet, Common Carpet, Water Carpet, eight Brindled Pug, a Yellow-barred Brindle, Brown Silver-line, two Brimstone Moth, Engrailed, two Buff-tip, two Pebble Prominent, Lunar Marbled Brown, 20 Orange Footman, a White Ermine, nine Muslin Moth, a Least Black Arches, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Large Yellow Underwing, Pine Beauty, four Common Quaker, a Clouded Drab, eight Hebrew Character, and singles of Alder Moth, Silver Y and Spectacle (L Hill).  Despite the conditions a nice variety at Durlston CP including Common Swift, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Brimstone Moth,  Light Feathered Rustic, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Shears, Light Brocade and Knot Grass (per Durlston CP website).  New for the year at Tincleton were Platyptilia gonodactyla and Pseudoswammerdamia combinella and a Marbled Minor agg., while the highlights of the 40 moths there were a Poplar Hawk-moth, a Chocolate-tip, two Pale Tussock (one ab. concolor), six Orange Footman, and five Treble Lines (R Cottle).  A Poplar Hawk-moth was the pick of seven moths at Beaminster (M Raper).

 

Psyche casta, case, East Lulworth, 1 May 2011 © L Hill                                                                 Seraphim, Broadwey, 1 May 2011 © P Harris

 

At the Alners Gorse open day, where the contents of the previous nights traps were sorted through, much to the delight of the assembled throng.  Some of the species present were photographed by David and Margaret Godfrey.

 

Open day at Alners Gorse, 1 May 2011 © D Godfrey                               Micropterix calthella, Alners Gorse, 1 May 2011 © D Godfrey

Birch Mocha, Alners Gorse, 1 May 2011 © D Godfrey                                    Lead-coloured Drab, Alners Gorse, 1 May 2011 © D Godfrey

Alder Moth, Alners Gorse, 1 May 2011 © D Godfrey                                       Powdered Quaker, Alners Gorse, 1 May 2011 © D Godfrey

30^th April 2011

The only immigrants at Portland were a Diamond-back and two Dark Sword-grass (per PBO website).  A Chocolate-tip was the only highlight at Chickerell (C Pinder).  Not very inspiring of late at Broadwey, although a Flame Carpet was a good record for the garden there (P Harris).  At East Lulworth, singles of Tinea trinotella, Brown House Moth, a Meal Moth, Fox Moth, a female Emperor Moth, three Pebble Hook-tip, three Spruce Carpet, Common Pug, 14 Brindled Pug, five Oak-tree Pug, Clouded Border, Sharp-angled Peacock, two Brown Silver-line, Scorched Wing, Brimstone Moth, Scalloped Hazel, two Engrailed, a male Grey Scalloped Bar, two Great Prominent, Pale Prominent, Pale Tussock, Yellow-tail (larva), 21 Orange Footman, three Muslin Moth, five Least Black Arches, two Shuttle-shaped Dart, three Common Quaker, Clouded Drab, seven Hebrew Character, three Alder Moth, a Knot Grass and a Spectacle (L Hill).  Rather windy at Tolpuddle Manor, with only ten macro species, with a Chinese Character and a Pale Tussock as the most interesting; also the first Heart and Dart for the year there (J Francis).

 

Grey Scalloped Bar, East Lulworth, 30 April 2011 © L Hill                                   Flame Carpet, Broadwey, 30 April 2011 © P Harris

29^th April 2011

By day at Coombe Wood, Coombe Keynes: Adela reaumurella, Glyphipterix simpliciella, Coleophora serratella (case on hazel), Celypha lacunana and Svensson’s Copper Underwing (larva on oak).  At East Lulworth: Eriocrania cicatricella, Eriocrania sangii and Eriocrania semipurpurella – all tenanted mines on a single birch (L Hill).  By day, three Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth at Hod Hill again, including one newly emerged individual which thankfully remained still enough to photograph (G Freeman). 

An unseasonal Scarce Bordered Straw at Southwell, Portland, and a Pine Beauty at Portland (per PBO website).  A total of 39 species last night at East Lulworth, the best night for species abundance so far for 2011 (which currently stands at 149 species); the list was singles of Agonopterix alstromeriana, Agonopterix umbellana, Celypha lacunana, Pyla fusca, two Fox Moth, a Scalloped Hook-tip, Pebble Hook-tip, Maiden's Blush, Red Twin-spot Carpet, four Spruce Carpet, two Common Pug, five Brindled Pug, two Oak-tree Pug, two V-Pug, a Yellow-barred Brindle, Sharp-angled Peacock, Tawny-barred Angle, three Brimstone Moth, Early Thorn, Scalloped Hazel, Peppered Moth, Waved Umber, two each of Engrailed, Iron Prominent, Pebble Prominent, Great Prominent and Lesser Swallow Prominent, a Coxcomb Prominent, a Pale Tussock, three Orange Footman, two White Ermine, five Muslin Moth, four Least Black Arches, two Powdered Quaker, two Common Quaker, a Clouded Drab, four Hebrew Character, two Alder Moth and a Spectacle (L Hill).  In the rain overnight, just the 12 macro species with a Chocolate-tip as the most interesting (J Francis).  Rescued from a soggy pile of egg boxes at Burton, and new for the year were Incurvaria masculella, Tachystola acroxantha, Chinese Character, Lime Hawk-moth, Turnip Moth, Nutmeg, Bright-line Brown-eye, Treble Lines, while the pick of the rest were Muslin Moth, 16 Shuttle-shaped Dart and Knot Grass (J Southworth).  A Buttoned Snout to light at Winterborne Stickland (L de Whalley).

 

Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth, Hod Hill, 29 April 2011 © G Freeman                              Small Purple-barred, Martin Down, April 2011 © A Hodgson

28^th April 2011

A daytime larval search for Barred Tooth-striped at Durdle Door produced negative results; however, a Lackey larval web was found there and a handful of Oak Eggar of various instars (L Hill).  A Speckled Yellow at Lewesdon Hill (P Forrest).

Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps were ten Diamond-back, two Dark Sword-grass and a Silver Y (per PBO website).  At Chickerell last night produced the first Common Pug and Heart and Dart of the year, there, and the second (early) Vine's Rustic, in addition to two Light Brown Apple Moth, two Muslin Moth, seven Shuttle-shaped Dart, two Flame Shoulder, two Powdered Quaker, five Common Quaker and 11 Hebrew Character (C Pinder).  A poor return at Durlston CP, however of interest were singles of Brimstone, Light Brocade, four Light-feathered Rustic, a Shuttle-shaped Dart and a Knot Grass (per Durlston CP website).  In the trap at East Lulworth were 34 species: Carpatolechia proximella, Acleris hastiana, Acleris cristana, Scalloped Hook-tip, two Pebble Hook-tip, a Silver-ground Carpet, Water Carpet, two Spruce Carpet, three Common Pug, three Brindled Pug, two Oak-tree Pug, two V-Pug, three Yellow-barred Brindle, a Brown Silver-line, two Brimstone Moth, a Peppered Moth, Common Wave, two Iron Prominent, a Great Prominent, Lesser Swallow Prominent, Pale Tussock, ten Orange Footman, two White Ermine, four Muslin Moth, a Cinnabar, four Least Black Arches, two Flame Shoulder, a Pine Beauty, Powdered Quaker, two Common Quaker, a Clouded Drab, seven Hebrew Character, three Alder Moth and Spectacle (L Hill).  At Gillingham, Epiblema cynosbatella, Muslin Moth, Mullein, Powdered Quaker, three Shuttle-shaped Dart (G Hopkins).

 

Mullein, Gillingham, 28 April 2011 © G Hopkins                                                                   Shuttle-shaped Dart, Gillingham, 29 April 2011 © G Hopkins

27^th April 2011

A Yellow-barred Brindle by day near Shaggs (L Hill).  By day at Hod Hill the following were seen: a Red Twin-spot Carpet, Common Carpet, five+ Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth, two Mother Shipton and a Burnet Companion (G Freeman).  A daytime visit to Stubhampton Bottom produced an abundance of Cydia strobilella, five Drab Looper (UK BAP Priority species), and two Scarlet Tiger larvae, but no Argent and Sable, despite this being a former site and there being potential habitat - see request for information above (M Parsons).

Much colder last night, reflected by the catches reported.  At East Lulworth, a Phyllonorycter maestingella, two Common Pug, three Brindled Pug, two Oak-tree Pug, a Scorched Wing, Engrailed, Great Prominent, Muslin Moth, Cinnabar, Least Black Arches, Flame Shoulder, six Hebrew Character, an Alder Moth, Knot Grass, Nut-tree Tussock and a Spectacle (L Hill).  Nearby at Shaggs, a Fox Moth, Water Carpet, Brindled Pug, two Brimstone Moth, a Brindled Beauty, Buff-tip, Pebble Prominent, Great Prominent, Lesser Swallow Prominent, Lunar Marbled Brown, Muslin Moth, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Flame Shoulder, Common Quaker, six Hebrew Character and a Knot Grass (L Hill).  Nothing of interest at Tolpuddle Manor, with just nine macro species with 17 Muslin Moth (J Francis).  Typical broad-leaved woodland moths at Garston Wood, including Red Twin-spot Carpet, Small Waved Umber, Pretty Chalk Carpet, Small White Wave, Scorched Carpet, Brimstone Moth, Waved Umber, Common Wave, Pebble Prominent, Great Prominent, Orange Footman, Muslin Moth, Hebrew Character and Nut-Tree Tussock (A Hodgson).

 

26^th April 2011

Immigrants at Portland were ten Diamond-back and a Silver Y (per PBO website).  A White-point at Broadwey was the first of the year there (P Harris).  At East Lulworth, a leaner catch, with Clay Triple-lines, Red Twin-spot Carpet, two Spruce Carpet, seven Common Pug, seven Brindled Pug, an Oak-tree Pug, Brown Silver-line, Great Prominent,  Lesser Swallow Prominent, two Pale Prominent, a Lunar Marbled Brown, Orange Footman, two Muslin Moth, two Common Quaker, 14 Hebrew Character and an Alder Moth (L Hill).  Nearby at Shaggs, Celypha lacunana, three Red Twin-spot Carpet, Spruce Carpet, Narrow-winged Pug, Sharp-angled Peacock, Brown Silver-line, Brimstone Moth, Puss Moth, two  Great Prominent, an Orange Footman, two Muslin Moth, Flame Shoulder, five Common Quaker, Clouded Drab, six Hebrew Character, two Early Grey and two Knot Grass (L Hill).  The highlights at Walditch were a single slightly worn Marbled Pug was a nice addition to the garden list, accompanied by a single Tawny Shears, a moth  rarely recorded there (M Parsons).  A rather bizarre night in the garden at Okeford Fitzpaine - only seven moths (!) but these included singles of Lunar Thorn which was new for the garden, along with a Great Prominent and a Lunar Marbled Brown (M Forster).  No sooner do we slowly come to the end of the Hebrew Character season than the Heart and Dart season begins: at Gillingham a single Heart and Dart and Bright-line Brown-eye, both about three weeks earlier than usual, and a Nutmeg, retrapped from the previous night (G Hopkins)

 

Lunar Thorn, Okeford Fitzpaine, 26 April 2011 © M Forster

25^th April 2011

Immigrant interest at Portland were 20 Diamond-back and a Silver Y (per PBO website).  At Chickerell, the first Vine's Rustic of the year there was the only moth of interest (C Pinder). At East Lulworth, the main highlight was two White Spot, along with a Coleophora sp., Tortricid sp., Phyllonorycter maestingella, Celypha lacunana, Common Pug, 11 Brindled Pug, four Oak-tree Pug, singles each of V-Pug, Sharp-angled Peacock, Brimstone Moth, Waved Umber, Engrailed, Common Wave, Buff-tip, Pebble Prominent, two Great Prominent, three Lesser Swallow Prominent, a Pale Prominent, two Lunar Marbled Brown, 12 Orange Footman, six Muslin Moth, a Cinnabar, eight Least Black Arches, a Flame Shoulder, Pine Beauty, three Common Quaker, Clouded Drab, 11 Hebrew Character, and single Early Grey, Knot Grass and Nut-tree Tussock (L Hill).  Less variety at Tolpuddle Manor, with only 12 macro species: of interest were a Green Carpet, Orange Footman, a good count of 46 Muslin Moth, a Lunar Marbled Brown, Chocolate-tip and just the five Hebrew Character (J Francis).  Over a hundred macro moths species since the start of year to date at Alderholt, with a Buff-tip being the 101^st, and the micro moths yet to be counted (T Morris).  An early Clouded-bordered Brindle at Beaminster was a first for the garden and new for the year there were singles each of Brimstone Moth, White Ermine, Flame Shoulder, Treble Lines and two Bright-line Brown-eye (M Raper).

 

Clouded Bordered Brindle, Beaminster, 25 April 2011 © M Raper                       White Spot, East Lulworth, 25 April 2011 © L Hill

24^th April 2011

Despite a stiff breeze the Portland Obs garden moth-traps were quite busy, with 24 Diamond-back and four Silver Y being the immigrant species, while a single Pine Beauty was also of note there (per PBO website).  At Chickerell, singles of Incurvaria masculella, Light Brown Apple Moth, Currant Pug, Brindled Pug, two Oak Tree Pug, V-Pug, a Double-striped Pug, Yellow-barred Brindle, two each of  Brimstone Moth, Early Thorn, Waved Umber, three Muslin Moth, two Least Black Arches, four Shuttle-shaped Dart, a Flame Shoulder, four Powdered Quaker, seven Common Quaker, 15 Hebrew Character and a Knot Grass (C Pinder).  Two Seraphim in Weymouth (P Sterling per P Harris).  The best at Broadwey were Chocolate-tip, Turnip and Silver Y (P Harris). At East Lulworth, a Cydia ulicetana, two Maiden's Blush, Water Carpet, Spruce Carpet, Common Pug, 16 Brindled Pug, five Oak-tree Pug, two Brimstone Moth, a Brindled Beauty, two Pebble Prominent, three Great Prominent, Lesser Swallow Prominent, two Pale Prominent, three Lunar Marbled Brown, five Orange Footman, six Muslin Moth, 11 Least Black Arches, Shuttle-shaped Dart, two Flame Shoulder, Powdered Quaker, ten Common Quaker, two Clouded Drab, Twin-spotted Quaker, 12 Hebrew Character, Angle Shades and two Nut-tree Tussock (L Hill).  First for the year at Steeple, a Chinese Character, Pebble Hook-tip, a new for the garden Oak-tree Pug, a very early Sharp-angled Peacock and also a Scalloped Hazel, plus the usual suspects (P Ward).  The pick at Tolpuddle Manor were one each of Epiblema cynosbatella, Epiblema trimaculana, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Brindled Pug, Brimstone Moth, Brindled Beauty, Common Wave, Pebble Prominent, three Lunar Marbled Brown, a Chocolate-tip, two Pale Tussock, 13 Muslin Moth, a Ruby Tiger, Shuttle-shaped Dart, two Flame Shoulder, three Clouded Drab, four Hebrew Character, a Pale Pinion and a Rustic Shoulder-knot (J Francis).  New for the year at Dorchester were Buff-tip, Chocolate-tip, White Ermine and a Silver Y (J Down).  At Durweston, an Eupithecia sp., Pyrausta aurata, Pebble Hook-tip, two Chinese Character, a Clay Triple-lines, Satin Wave, two Red Twin-spot Carpet, singles of Scorched Carpet, Brimstone Moth, Scalloped Hazel, Waved Umber, Engrailed, Poplar Kitten, Lobster Moth, two Pebble Prominent and two Swallow Prominent, an Orange Footman, White Ermine, six Muslin Moth, a Cinnabar, Least Black Arches, three Shuttle-shaped Dart, five Flame Shoulder, four Light Brocade, a Bright-line Brown-eye, Powdered Quaker, Common Quaker, two Clouded Drab, 29 Hebrew Character, an Early Grey and an Angle Shades (T Hibbert).  The highlights at Gillingham were Garden Pebble, Currant Pug, Oak-tree Pug, Scorched Carpet, Iron Prominent, Pale Prominent, and three Knot Grass (G Hopkins). 

.

Oak-tree Pug, Gillingham, 24 April 2011 © G Hopkins                                                       Scorched Carpet, Gillingham, 24 April 2011 © G Hopkins

23^rd April 2011

At Portland, 16 Diamond-back and a Rush Veneer were the only migrants (per PBO website).   Also on Portland, at East Weares, were Chinese Character, Garden Carpet, Galium Carpet, Water Carpet, Small Waved Umber, Valerian Pug, Common Pug, Double-striped Pug, Brimstone Moth, Waved Umber, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Red Chestnut, Common Quaker,  Powdered Quaker, Hebrew Character and Rustic Shoulder-knot (R Darlow).  The best night so far at Chickerell with 16 species, including a Common Carpet, four V Pug, a Waved Umber, two Least Black Arches and a Silver Y, all of which were firsts for the year (C Pinder).  A good night at East Lulworth with singles of Eriocrania subpurpurella, Nematopogon swammerdamella, Adela reaumurella, Phyllonorycter maestingella and Syndemis musculana; the macros were three Scalloped Hook-tip, three Pebble Hook-tip (two pale specimens similar to ssp. scotica), a Clay Triple-lines, Streamer, Grey Pine Carpet, 11 Brindled Pug, three Oak-tree Pug, two V-Pug, Brown Silver-line, three Engrailed, a Common White Wave, two Iron Prominent, three Pebble Prominent, a Great Prominent, five Lesser Swallow Prominent, a Swallow Prominent, Coxcomb Prominent, Scarce Prominent, Pale Prominent, Lunar Marbled Brown, two Orange Footman, two Muslin Moth, four Least Black Arches, a Shuttle-shaped Dart, Tawny Shears, two Pine Beauty, four Common Quaker, three Clouded Drab, eight Hebrew Character and a Grey Shoulder-knot (L Hill).  First for the year at Steeple were Common Carpet, two Red twin-spot Carpet and Pale Tussock, along with a Brimstone Moth, two Lunar Marbled Brown, two Muslin Moth, a White Ermine, Shuttle-shaped Dart plus the usual orthosias (P Ward).  More variety at Tolpuddle Manor too with a Monopis weaverella, Chinese Character, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Shoulder Stripe, Red-green Carpet, Brindled Pug, Scorched Carpet, two Early Thorn, a Common Wave, Lesser Swallow Prominent, Swallow Prominent, White Ermine, 11 Muslin Moth, two each of Cinnabar, Flame Shoulder, and Clouded Drab, 11 Hebrew Character, a variety of Quakers, a Tawny Pinion, and two Nut-tree Tussock (J Francis).  New for the year at Dorchester were Red Twin-spot Carpet and Waved Umber (J Down).

 

Caloptilia alchimiella, Alderholt, 22 April 2011 © T Morris                                       Phyllonorycter blancardella , Alderholt, 22 April 2011 © T Morris conf by P Sterling

 

 

Carpatolechia proximella, Alderholt, 21 April 2011 © T Morris                 Lobster Moth, Alderholt, 20 April 2011 © T Morris

22^nd April 2011

During the day numerous swarms of Adela reaumurella around East Lulworth and Shaggs along with plenty of Cydia ulicetana (L Hill).  Several Speckled Yellow on Colmore’s Hill near Bridport (G Laing per L Hill).

Immigrant/wanderer activity at Portland with Diamond-back up to 16, and Brindled Pug increased to six (per PBO website).  A Dark Sword-grass the only moth of note at Broadwey (P Harris).  In the trap at Shaggs were singles of Pseudoswammerdamia combinella, Acleris cristana and Celypha lacunana; a Oak Hook-tip, a Common Marbled Carpet, 27 Brindled Pug, three Oak-tree Pug, a V-Pug, Early Tooth-striped, Waved Umber, two Great Prominent, two Lesser Swallow Prominent, six Lunar Marbled Brown, a Chocolate-tip, four Orange Footman, two Muslin Moth, a Least Black Arches, a Powdered Quaker, two Common Quaker, three Clouded Drab, 14 Hebrew Character, a Pale Pinion and a Nut-tree Tussock (L Hill).  At Steeple, Small White Wave and Powdered Quaker new for the garden, while new for the year were Frosted Green, Purple Thorn, Brimstone Moth, three Lunar Marbled Brown, a Pale Prominent, Muslin Moth, Flame Shoulder, along with the usual Orthosias (P Ward).  At Wareham Forest, near Bloxworth, were Brindled Pug, Brown Silver-line, Ringed Carpet, Engrailed, Iron Prominent, Great Prominent, Coxcomb Prominent, Lunar Marbled Brown, Common Quaker, Hebrew Character and Nut-tree Tussock (R Darlow).  At Tolpuddle, singles of Red Twin-spot Carpet, Oak-tree Pug, Brindled Beauty, Pebble Prominent, two Swallow Prominent, a Lunar Marbled Brown, 15 Muslin Moth, a Bright-line Brown-eye, four Powdered Quaker, a Common Quaker, seven Clouded Drab, 12 Hebrew Character, and three Nut-tree Tussock (J Francis).  In total 120 moths of 39 species caught at Tincleton, with new for the year were: a Syndemis musculana, Scalloped hook-tip, two Maiden's Blush, a Narrow-winged Pug, two Chocolate-tip, five Lesser Swallow Prominent, a Pale Prominent, Iron Prominent, four Flame Shoulder and a Rustic Shoulder-knot (R Cottle).  Immigrant interest at Dorchester with a Bordered Straw; also of interest were Chinese Character, Brindled Pug, Oak-tree Pug, V-Pug, Pebble Prominent, Least Black Arches, Pine Beauty, Mullein and Knot Grass (J Down).  A Poplar Kitten at Beaminster was a first for garden, and, new for year, were singles of Iron Prominent, Ruby Tiger and Heart and Dart, Ruby Tiger (M Raper).  In the far east of the county at Burton, another migrant Bordered Straw, along with a good selection including new for the year Twenty-plume Moth, Early Tooth-striped, Early Thorn, Dotted Border, Waved Umber, Chocolate-tip, Muslin Moth, two Least Black Arches, a Heart and Dart, Pine Beauty, and two Knot Grass (J Southworth).  With over 50 species per night over the last 4 nights at Alderholt, new for the garden were Caloptilia alchimiella  and Phyllonorycter blancardella (confirmed by P Sterling) (T Morris).  New for the year at Gillingham were Diamond-back, Mottled Pug, Iron Prominent, Swallow Prominent, Shuttle-shaped Dart and Flame Shoulder (G Hopkins).
 

Of interest, Les Hill's efforts in the south of the county, he has recorded 71 species during the past 7 days and 83 species over the past 14 days, and if he went back over the past 28 days it is 98 species!

Bordered Straw, Dorchester, 22 April 2011 © J Down                       Bordered Straw, Burton, 22 April 2011 © J Southworth

 

Poplar Kitten, Beaminster, 22 April 2011 © M Raper                                    Burnet sp. larva, west Dorset, 21 April 2011 © M Raper

    

21^st April 2011