2008

Highlights at Durlston village included a Delicate, five Silver Y, a Vapourer, two White-point, and two Orange Swift (P England).

In slightly less windy conditions, singles of Diamond-back Moth, Rusty-dot Pearl and a Scarce Bordered Straw (M Cade).

A dead Dark Umber found near the Path, lab. in Dorchester Hospital (P Harris).

Strong winds kept activity low, the only immigrants at Portland were ten Silver Y and two Rusty-dot Pearl (M Cade). At Bridport, an Emmelina monodactyla, Yellow Shell and two Double-striped Pug amongst the usual suspects (M Budden).

A small increase in immigrant numbers in the Obs garden moth-traps included 15 Silver Y, eight Rusty-dot Pearl, three Dark Swordgrass, two Rush Veneer and singles of Ancylosis oblitella, Porter's Rustic and Gold Spot (M Cade). Highlights at Durlston village included five Copper Underwing, a Jersey Tiger, four Silver Y, seven White-point, three Lime-speck Pug and a Pine Hawkmoth (P England).

At Portland a Webb's Wainscot was unexpected, while routine immigrants were four Silver Y, two Rush Veneer, two Dark Swordgrass and a Rusty-dot Pearl (M Cade). A different Bloxworth Snout at Shaggs to yesterdays (L Hill). Highlights at Puncknowle were two Jersey Tiger, two White-point, and the first Pale Eggar, Common Wave and Angle Shades of the year there, and best year counts of 11 Brimstone and nine Common Wainscot (M Hetherington). At Burton, an Old Lady was a first fro the site, also of interest were two Angle Shades, Lime-speck Pug, Dark Spectacle, Cypress Pug, Burnished Brass, Yellow Shell and a single White-point (J Southworth).

Immigrants at Portland included seven Rush Veneer, six Silver Y, three Rusty-dot Pearl, three Dark Swordgrass and a Four-spotted Footman (M Cade). A Dark Spectacle and Jersey Tiger at Broadwey (P Harris). A Bloxworth Snout at Shaggs (L Hill). Nine Jersey Tiger and five White-point at Bridport (M Parsons). Also at Bridport, highlights included a Jersey Tiger, Svensson's Copper Underwing, Lime-speck Pug and a Yellow Shell (M Budden). At Kingston, with 550 moths of 51 species as the best catch of the year there, perhaps an indication of what a poor year it has been, but included six Rush Veneer, a Dark Swordgrass, a Silver Y and the first Pale Eggar of the year there (P Benham).

Five Rusty-dot Pearl, two Silver Y and a Dark Swordgrass at Portland (M Cade). Nearby at Broadwey, ten White-point and a Gem (P Harris). At Dorchester, a Dark Swordgrass,

two Silver Y, four White-point, singles each of Gem, Gold Spot and Twin-spotted Wainscot (J Down).

Just two Rusty-dot Pearl at Portland (M Cade). Two Ebulea crocealis at Preston (R Lambert). Migrants at Kingston, were two Rush Veneer and the first Rusty-dot Pearl of the year there, with a freshly emerged Poplar Hawkmoth and a fairly late Dark Arches (P Benham).

Just singles of migrants Dark Swordgrass and Silver Y at Portland, with classic resident Feathered Ranunculus, Beautiful Gothic and Feathered Brindle for the first time this year (M Cade). At Broadwey, the first two Red Underwing of the year there (P Harris). At Bridport, a reasonable haul, with highlights of Jersey Tiger, two Burnished Brass, and a Svenson's Copper Underwing (M Budden).

The poor show of migrants continued with just two Rusty-dot Pearl and a Silver Y at Portland (M Cade). Another good night a Tolpuddle, operating two traps again: 42 species of macros with large numbers of Large Yellow Underwing (99), Flame Shoulder (52), Setaceous Hebrew Character (27), Straw Dot (24) and Vine's Rustic (20); highlights were a Porter's Rustic, four White Point, two Gold Spot, two Angles Shades, singles each of Canary-shouldered Thorn, Early Thorn, Rush Veneer, Copper Underwing and Mullein Wave (J Francis). At Burton, 104 micros of 30 sp., with highlights of two Pale Mottled Willow, Silver Y, two Angle Shades, Dark Spectacle, Lime-speck Pug, White Point, Cypress Pug, Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet and Yellow-barred Brindle, and the most numerous species was Vines Rustic with 18 (J Southworth).

The only moth of note at Portland was the first Gem of the year there (M Cade). At Tolpuddle, despite the heavy rain, a maximum of 46 Large Yellow Underwing, and highlights were two White-point and a Gold Spot (J Francis).

The overnight tally of immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps included seven Silver Y, two Dark Swordgrass and singles of Diamond-back Moth, Rusty-dot Pearl, Rush Veneer, Pearly Underwing, Convolvulus Hawkmoth and a Red Admiral (M Cade). A White-point was the highlight at Tolpuddle (J Francis).

The first two Convolvulus Hawkmoth of the year at Portland, and other immigrants were eight Rusty-dot Pearl, six Silver Y, a Diamond-back Moth and a Pearly Underwing (M Cade).

Two Rusty-dot Pearl and singles of Dark Swordgrass, Pearly Underwing and Silver Y were the only immigrants at Portland (M Cade). A Dark Spectacle and two male Four-spotted Footman at Broadwey (P Harris).

A Convolvulus Hawkmoth at rest on a post by day at Rodhive (C Whitby per P Harris).

At Broadwey, a White-speck and the daily Jersey Tiger (P Harris) At Bridport, highlights included White-point and Jersey Tiger (M Budden).

Four Rusty-dot Pearl and two Silver Y were the only immigrants at Portland (M Cade). A Garden Carpet by day at Bridport (M Budden)..

A Great Dart was of note at Portland, and other immigrants included six Rusty-dot Pearl, three Rush Veneer, two each of Dark Swordgrass and Silver Y, and a Diamond-back Moth (M Cade).

A Garden Tiger found at rest during the day at Canford Heath (T Elborn) . A large colony of Vapourer moth larvae found in one of the inner courtyards at Dorchester Hospital (P Harris).

At Portland, immigrant moths included eight Silver Y, seven Dark Swordgrass, four Rusty-dot Pearl, singles of Diamond-back Moth and Rush Veneer (M Cade). Of interest at Bridport were Pyrausta aurata, Jersey Tiger, and Orange Swift (M Budden).

An Oncocera semirubella was a highlight at the monthly moth-trapping session run by the Dorset Wildlife Trust at the Corfe Mullen Beacon Hill Centre (per D & M Godfrey).

Of interest at Hurn was three Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, an excellent year so far for this scarcer species there (M Jeffes).

The overnight immigrant tally in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps consisted of five Dark Sword Grass, four Rusty-dot Pearl, four Silver Y, two Four-spotted Footman and singles of Diamond-back Moth, Pediasia contaminella and Brown-veined Wainscot (M Cade). Highlights at Bridport included Poplar Hawkmoth, Ruby Tiger, Marbled Beauty and Marbled Green (M Budden). A good haul at Burton with 160 macros of 43sp. and 90+ micros: highlights included Gold Spot (new for site), the first Swallow Prominent, Cloaked Minor, Rosy Rustic and Pine Hawkmoth for the year there; White-point, Silver Y and Saltern Ear were of interest whilst Burnished Brass, four Marbled Green, 32 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing and 25 Shuttle-shaped Dart helped to boost the numbers (J Southworth)..

A windier night at Portland, and of interest were five Silver Y, three Rusty-dot Pearl, three Dark Swordgrass and singles of Diamond-back Moth, Cydia amplana, Four-spotted Footman and Small Mottled Willow (M Cade). Another good night at Chickerell with singles of Four-spotted Footman, Kent Black Arches and Dark Sword Grass, two Silver Y and three Jersey Tiger; also the first Iron Prominent, Copper Underwing and Straw Underwing of the year (C Pinder). A record five Jersey Tiger for Broadwey, and two each of Gold Spot and Southern Wainscot and a single Four-spotted Footman (P Harris). Highlights at Bridport included a Crescent Dart, Silver Y, Ruby Tiger, Poplar Hawkmoth, Pyrausta aurata and Svensson's Copper Underwing (M Budden).

A busier night at Portland with immigrants that included 28 Rusty-dot Pearl, eight Silver Y, six Dark Swordgrass, two Gold Spot, and singles of Diamond-back Moth, Rush Veneer, Evergestis extimalis, Palpita vitrealis, Hummingbird Hawkmoth, Four-spotted Footman and Scarce Bordered Straw (M Cade). The biggest haul of the year there, at Broadwey, with highlights of a Small Rufous, eight Four-spotted Footman, and three Jersey Tiger (P Harris).

Not a great deal at Portland despite promising conditions: eight Rusty-dot Pearl, seven Silver Y, a Diamond-back Moth and a Four-spotted Footman (M Cade). Highlights at Chickerell were a female Four-spotted Footman and a Dark Swordgrass (C Pinder). At Broadwey, an obvious increase in Silver Y, and the best of the rest were Crescent Dart, Kent Black Arches and a female Four-spotted Footman (P Harris).

Migrant activity still very low at Portland: nine Rusty-dot Pearl, two Dark Swordgrass, a Silver Y and a Diamond-back Moth (M Cade). At Chickerell, Pempelia genistella was a first for the garden, and of interest were a Rusty-dot Pearl and a Dark Swordgrass (C Pinder). At Broadwey, two male and two female Four-spotted Footman, two each of Saltern Ear and Jersey Tiger, and a single Bordered Beauty (P Harris). A Jersey Mocha at Walditch (M Parsons). Of interest a Burton were two Coronet, single Dusky Brocade and Smoky Wainscot, and a Saltern Ear was a first for the garden (J Southworth). At Winterborne Stickland, Langmaid's Yellow Underwing, Dark Swordgrass and Straw Dot (L de Whalley). At Shapwick, a Four-spotted Footman and a Dingy Mocha (P Davey).

At Portland, migrants included six each of Rusty-dot Pearl and Silver Y, three Diamond-back Moth and a Dark Swordgrass (M Cade). A False Mocha in very worn condition at Chickerell (C Pinder conf. by P Davey).

At Broadwey, two Jersey Tiger, Four-spotted Footman, Tawny Speckled Pug, Chocolate-tip and Dusky Sallow (P Harris).

A Bedstraw Hawkmoth at Portland (per J Down). The best night's catch of the year at Chickerell included singles of Oak Eggar, Brussels Lace, Marbled Green, Rosy Footman, Kent Black Arches, Turnip Moth, Dark Swordgrass, Crescent Dart (first since 2005) and Spectacle, two Drinker, male and female Four-spotted Footman, and three Jersey Tiger (C Pinder). At Burton, highlights included, first for the year - two Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, Coronet, Marbled Green and Canary-shouldered Thorn; also singles of Pebble Hook-tip and Sharp-angled Peacock plus two each of Sallow Kitten, Rosy Footman and Black Arches (J Southworth).

At Chickerell, singles of July Belle, Marbled Green and Dun-bar were all firsts for the year; Jersey Tiger, two Ruby Tiger and a Turnip Moth were of note (C Pinder). Highlights at Bridport include an Endotricha flammealis, Jersey Tiger and a Coronet (M Budden). A Honeysuckle Moth and the first Brussels Lace of the year there at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

A Diamond-back Moth, Sallow Kitten, Pale Prominent, Clay were of interest at Gillingham, as was the first Square-spot Rustic of the year there (G Hopkins).

Four female and a male Four-spotted Footman, and three Jersey Tiger at Preston (R Lambert). At Tolpuddle, first Lesser Yellow Underwing and Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing for the year; also European Cornborer (female), Lackey, female Ghost Moth and True Lover's Knot (J Francis). At Burton, highlights included singles of Rosy Footman, Drinker, Elephant Hawkmoth, Pale Prominent, Dingy Footman, Sallow Kitten, Scalloped Hook-tip, Ruby Tiger, Fan-foot and Lackey (J Southworth). Two Diamond-back Moth and another Cydia amplana at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

A Silver Y at Chickerell (C Pinder). A male Four-spotted Footman at Broadwey (P Harris). Black Arches, four male Drinkers and a Lychnis were of interest at Tolpuddle (J Francis). A White-point was of note at Poole Park (V Giavarini). At Hengistbury Head, highlights included Small Yellow Wave, July Highflyer, Brussels Lace, Purple Thorn, Clouded Magpie, Dog's Tooth and a good one for Dorset, Reed Dagger (per J Southworth). At Kingston, Cryptoblabes bistraga was new for the site, also of interest were 41 Riband Wave, a September Thorn and an Olive (P Benham).

A good list of immigrant / wandering moths at Portland Bird Observatory: 71 Diamond-back Moth, 30 Rusty-dot Pearl, 21 Silver Y, two Cydia amplana, two Dark Sword-grass, and singles of Yponomeuta rorella, Eudemis profundana, Meal Moth, Orthopygia glaucinalis, Anania verbascalis, Four-spotted Footman, Reed Dagger, Fen Wainscot, and Dewick's Plusia (M Cade). At Chickerell, highlights include singles of Bordered Beauty, Chocolate Tip and Brussels Lace, along with two Jersey Tiger and four Kent Black Arches (C Pinder). A good night at Tolpuddle: 45 macros and good numbers, including two Nut-tree Tussock, a Peppered Moth insularia, two male Drinkers, singles each of Blood-vein, Sallow Kitten and Maiden's Blush all new for the year, a Plain Pug, and migrants were singles of Silver Y, Rush Veneer and European Cornborer (J Francis). Another Cydia amplana at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

At Portland, a good selection of immigrants / wanderers, with 51 Diamond-back Moth, 16 Rusty-dot Pearl, 13 Silver Y, and singles of Eucosma obumbratana, Bactra furfurana, Pammene fasciana, Donacaula forficella (third record for the island), Conobrathra tumidana, Maiden's Blush, Dark Spinach, and the first or second record of Lunar Thorn, a Tawny-barred Angle, and a remarkable influx of Cydia splendana (the total not counted, but 78 in one trap alone); similarly, there were 40 splendana at Southwell, Portland (per M Cade). Similarly, ten Cydia splendana counted at Chickerell (C Pinder). At Poole Park, two Silver Y, three Knot-grass, and singles of Ear Moth agg., Ruby Tiger, Dusky Brocade, True Lover's Knot and Herald (V Giavarini). Highlights at Broadstone: single Elephant Hawkmoth and Pine Hawkmoth, a Silver Y and two True Lover's Knot (K Clements). A Cydia splendana made it inland to Gillingham, being a first for the garden, also Coronet, Grey Dagger, and 100 Large Yellow Underwing, equaling the previous garden record (G Hopkins).

A Cream-bordered Green Pea was a first for the garden at Chickerell, and two Kent Black Arches were of interest (C Pinder). At Tolpuddle, a good night with 47 species of macros including two Grey Dagger, three more Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, three Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (first for the year), two male Drinker, two Nut-tree Tussock, three Dun-bar (first for the year), a very worn Dark Spectacle and a Silver Y (J Francis). 41 species at Gillingham, including a Dark Umber which was a first for the garden), Ypsolopha dentella, Rosy Footman and Scarce Silver Lines (G Hopkins),

22 July 2008

At Winspit, dispersive/migrant species included Ancylosis oblitella, two Black Arches, Olive, Slender Brindle, Four-spotted Footman, Dark Spectacle and Dewick's Plusia; noteworthy resident species included two Bordered Sallow, Chalk Carpet, eight Tawny-speckled Pug, two Agonopterix angelicella, Pimpinel Pug, two Sitochroa palealis, Muslin Footman, two Plain Pug, two each of Oncocera semirubella, Agonopterix rotundella and Kent Black Arches, six Crescent Dart, Selania leplastriana, two Aristotelia brizella, 50 Eurhodope marmorea, six Phoenix, Cochylis roseana, two Dolicarthria punctalis, five Platytes cerusella and singles of Mompha raschkiella, Eucosma conterminana and Eucosma tripoliana (P Davey). A Silver Y, Copper Underwing and Lackey only worthies of note from Poole Park (V Giavarini). At Burton, 63 moths of 30sp. including four Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, two Ruby Tiger, Lesser Yellow Underwing, two Scalloped Hook-tip all firsts for the year; of interest were six Rosy Footman, Chinese Character, Lime-speck Pug, Iron Prominent, White-line Dart, Pale Prominent and Sharp-angled Peacock, while a Small Fan-footed Wave was new for the site (J Southworth). At Bridport, Common Footman, Lychnis and Square-spot Rustic (M Budden).

Four each of Rusty-dot Pearl and Dark Swordgrass and three Silver Y at Portland (M Cade). At Chickerell: Dark Swordgrass, Drinker, two Brussels Lace (first of the year there), a Jersey Tiger and three Kent Black Arches (C Pinder). At Tolpuddle, Purple Thorn, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing were firsts for the year, and another male Drinker (J Francis).

A True Lovers Knot and a Silver Y were the only wanderers / immigrants at Portland (M Cade). A Grey Dagger, Nut-tree Tussock, and a male Drinker at Tolpuddle (J Francis).

At Arne, highlights included Synaphe punctalis, three Narrow-winged pug, Brown-tail, two True Lover's Knot, three Chevron, Small Blood Vein and 15+ Scarce Footman (A Hodgson).

At Portland, the only indication of migrant activity was a Silver Y and a Pearly Underwing (M Cade). 33 moths last night at Burton, including Lychnis, Nut-tree Tussock, nine Common Footman, Early Thorn, two Dun-bar and a new one for the garden, a Drinker (J Southworth). A good night at Garston Wood: highlights included Blood Vein, Light Emerald, four Poplar Hawk Moth, two Clouded Border, Pretty Chalk Carpet, two Mocha, five July Highflyer, Kent Black Arches (A Hodgson)

Some indication of immigration / dispersal at Portland, with five Rusty-dot Pearl, a Tawny-barred Angle and a Dark Swordgrass (M Cade). At Chickerell, a Dark Swordgrass was the highlight overnight, one of the few immigrants caught there this year; other species worth a mention were singles of Drinker, Kent Black Arches and the first Coronet of the year there (C Pinder). At Tolpuddle, of interest were singles each of Kent Black Arches and Cream-bordered Green Pea (J Francis). Twelve species at Bridport, including Early Thorn and Double-striped Pug (M Budden). At Gillingham, highlights in an otherwise uninspiring catch were Round-winged Muslin (new for the garden) and Small Scallop (G Hopkins).

Highlights at Tolpuddle, another worn male Gem, four Dingy Footman, Scalloped Oak, Pine Hawkmoth, two Dark Spectacle, four Drinker, True Lover's Knot, Lappet, Lackey, Black Arches and Leopard Moth (J Francis). At Bridport, three Willow Beauty, two Dark Arches, two Common Rustic agg, two Drinker, two Large Yellow Underwing, and singles each of Scalloped Oak, Bee Moth, Double-striped Pug and Early Thorn (M Budden).

A Jersey Tiger at Broadwey (P Harris). Four-spotted Footman and Pine Hawkmoth at Preston (R Lambert). At Tolpuddle, highlights included a male Gem, Knot Grass, Green Silver-lines, Dark Spectacle, Silver Y, Lackey and Lappet (J Francis). Paul at Kingston comments that about 250 moths of 75 species hardly reflects a good haul for the time of year but was a vast improvement over recent catches: Striped Wainscot was the most unusual visitor, probably dispersing from the Alner's Gorse area and other evidence of movement came in the shape of Pempelia formosa and two Rush Veneer; also of note was a Bordered Pug and two Lunar-spotted Pinion while it was encouraging to record a Garden Tiger after its absence last year and to count six Buff Arches, a single night max. at this site when numerous other species are faring so badly (P Benham).

A single Silver Y at Portland (M Cade). Drinker and Jersey Tiger new for the year at Chickerell (C Pinder). At Tolpuddle, highlights include: Silver Y, Dark Spectacle, Plain Golden Y, V-Pug, Early Thorn, Engrailed, two Kent Black Arches and a True Lover's Knot (J Francis). Jersey Tiger and Crescent Dart at Preston (R Lambert). At Broadwey, highlights include Gothic, Beautiful Hook-tip, Small Angle Shades and July Highflyer (P Harris). At Delph Woods: two Black Arches, two Buff-tip, five Common Lutestring and a Rosy Footman the best of 17 macros (V. Giavarini). A good haul overnight, with 99 macros of 48sp. including five Rosy Footman, two Early Thorn, Mullein Wave, Scarce Silver Lines, Birds Wing, Scarce Footman, Dingy Footman, Marbled Green, Silver Y and four Clay (J Southworth). At Verwood, highlights include: Calamotropha paludella, Ostrinia glaucinalis, Old Lady, Privet Hawkmoth, Sycamore, Chinese Character, Leopard Moth, Marbled Beauty, Grey Dagger sp., Kent Black Arches and Dingy Shell (C Court).

At Tolpuddle, 29 species and new moths for the year - including Buff Arches, Yellow-tail, Rosy Footman, one Drinker (male), Dark Spectacle and Early Thorn (J Francis).

At Portland, the only immigrants were singles each of Diamond-back Moth, Rusty-dot Pearl, and Dark Swordgrass (M Cade). Highlights at Tolpuddle include a Pyrausta cingulata and a Lappet (J Francis). At Verwood, Synaphe Punctalis, Rosy Footman, Fan-foot, Yellowtail, Birds Wing, Smoky Wainscot and Scalloped Oak (C Court).

The only migrants/wanderers at Portland were a Dark Spectacle and a Silver Y (M Cade).

Three Diamond-back Moth at Portland were a surprise in the windy conditions (M Cade). Despite the rain at Verwood, the following were new for the year there: Mother of Pearl, Beautiful Snout, Common Wainscot, E. flammealis, Oak Nycteoline, Vapourer, Dot moth, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Silver Y, Double Square-spot, Small dotted Buff, Dunbar, Turnip, Common Lutestring, Plain Wave, and Ebulea crocealis (C Court). At Bridport, highlights included Beautiful Hook-tip, Pale Mottled Willow and Light Arches (M Budden).

By day at Child Okeford, a Convolvolus Hawkmoth, egg-laying ( per Dorset BC website).

At Chickerell, two Silver Y and a Kent Black Arches (C Pinder). Highlights at Burton included two White-point, Cypress Carpet, the first Yellow-tail of the year there, and the first Miller there (J Southworth).

At Tolpuddle, the highlights were Peach Blossom, Miller, Coronet, Plain-dotted Wave, and Plain Golden Y (J Francis). Garden Pebble, Riband Wave and Fan-foot at Bridport (M Budden).

At Chickerell, single Silver Y and White-point, and the first Kent Black Arches of the year there (C Pinder). At Poole Park, two mint Dun-bar, and single Miller, Clay and Silver Y (V Giavarini). At Kingston, of interest was a Four-dotted Footman, being the footman recorded, also two Pempelia formosa, a Sharp-angled Carpet, Sycamore and a Small Emerald (P Benham).

At Portland, two Silver Y were the only migrants, and Eucosma obumbratana and Bordered Beauty were of note (M Cade). At Chickerell, 23 species, a Delicate the highlight, along with a single White-point and the first Short-cloaked Moth of the year there (C Pinder). 103 moths of 37sp at Burton, including two Swallow-tailed Moth (new for the site), while Dot Moth, Burnished Brass, Small Blood-vein, Single-dotted Wave and three Common Wave were all new for the year there (J Southworth). At Canford Heath, Slender Pug and Broad-barred White new for the site, and of interest were Cream-bordered Green Pea, Festoon, Oak Nycteoline, Swallowtail, Elephant Hawkmoth, Small Blood-vein, Peppered Moth and Bee Moth (T Elborn). An excellent night at Chedington Wood: Blotched Emerald, May Highflyer, two Cloaked Pug, Lilac Beauty, Orange, five Satin Beauty, Poplar Grey, Blackneck, Gold Swift, Telechrysis tripuncta (TBC), Argolamprotes micella, two Phalonidia manniana, two Olindia schumacherana, two Spatalistis bifasciana, Diaryctria abietella, Ancylis laetana, Cryptoblabes bistriga, five Assara terebrella, plus a new record for Dorset, Elachista adscitella (P Davey). At Gillingham, a wandering Calamotropha paludella, and a fine Leopard Moth (G Hopkins).

At Portland, a Silver Y and only the fifth island record of Grey Arches (M Cade). A Lobster Moth was new for the garden at Chickerell, and Shark, Common Emerald and Poplar Hawkmoth were new for the year there (C Pinder). At Delph Woods, three Tawny-barred Angle, two July Highflyer, and singles of Yellow-tail, Lobster Moth, and Barred Red (V Giavarini).

At Portland, just a solitary Diamond-back Moth was the only immigrant; a trawl through previous years shows that the totals of the usual immigrant species have never been so uniformly low (M Cade).

24 June 2008

At Broadwey, Blue-bordered Carpet, Cream-bordered Green Pea, Small Yellow Wave and four Bee Moth (P Harris). 127 species in total at Holt Heath, highlights include four Festoon, four Nemapogon clematella, Spatalistis bifasciana, Acleris logiana, eight Hedya salicella, Ancylis diminutana, 16 Epinotia demarniana, Pammene germmana, six Cryptoblabes bistriga, six Blotched Emerald, five Little Emerald, Birch Mocha, four Satin Beauty, Pale Oak Beauty, three Brindled White-spot, two Grey Arches, Beautiful Brocade, Striped Wainscot, Minor Shoulder-knot, two Poplar Grey and three Cream-bordered Green Pea (P Davey).

At Broadwey, Beautiful Hook-tip, Trachycera marmorea, and White-point (P Harvey). At Chickerell, White-point and Rush-veneer were the only moths of note (C Pinder). An Argotera nemoralis at West Bexington, apparently a new moth for the county (R Eden). At Bridport, highlights include an Elephant Hawkmoth and two Bee Moth (M Budden). At Kingston, a Small Dusty Wave, and a solitary Silver Y was the first for the year there, as was Light Emerald, Common Footman and Barred Straw; a lot of the common moths are only appearing in small numbers eg. four Large Yellow Underwing, a Mottled Rustic, and two Flame Shoulder and many that appear in ones or twos during the year have failed to show as yet, eg apamea sp most of which should be on the wing by now - are others having the same experience? (P Benham).

By day, Small Eggar larval group of about 50 ¾ grown larva, on Blackthorn on main road near Marnhull (D Law).

Overnight, 22 species at Tolpuddle, including Privet, Elephant and Poplar Hawkmoths, with Barred Yellow, Small Emerald and Dusky Brocade. At Burton, Christchurch, highlights were L-album Wainscot, and Green Silver-lines (first for the year there), and new for the site, Buff Arches (J Southworth).

109 moths of 41 species at Upton Country Park; the highlights were a pristine Goat Moth, Light Brocade, Burnished Brass, two Oak Nycteoline, Poplar Hawkmoth, four Elephant Hawkmoth, Figure of Eighty, Bordered White, Double Square-spot and Pale Mottled Willow (T Elborn).

Minor highlights at Broadwey include Brown Rustic, Small Seraphim and Oak Nycteoline (P Harris). ,

At Broadwey, minor highlights include Small Yellow Wave and two White-point (P Harris). At Burton, Common Footman, Lychnis and Common Wainscot were all new for the year there, otherwise Heart and Club, Grey Pine Carpet and Cypress Carpet were of interest (J Southworth).

Both Lime Hawkmoth and Elephant Hawkmoth always good value, with Cinnabar, Buff-tip and the first Short-cloaked Moth for the site at Burton (J Southworth).

A Lychnis, Large Yellow Underwing and Foxglove Pug at Bridport (M Budden).

The highlights at Broadwey were Green Silver-lines, White-point, Drinker and Brussels Lace (P Harris). At Burton, first Dark Arches of the year there, and Bee Moth new for the garden (J Southworth).

Highlights at Broadwey were Nephopterix angustella and a presumed Phycitodes maritma (P Harris). At Bridport: four Willow Beauty, Vine's Rustic, two Light Emerald, a Flame and a Common Marbled Carpet (M Budden).

By day, two Straw Dot, and single Common Carpet and Blood-vein at Deadmoor Common and Green Carpet and two Blood-vein (per Dorset BC website).

A single Green Oak Tortrix was the only migrant / wanderer at Portland (M Cade). Two Blood-vein were the highlight at Bridport (M Budden). At Burton, 61moths of 31sp. including - two Cypress Carpet, two Straw Dot, Mottled Rustic and a new one - Figure of Eighty (J Southworth). At Kingston warmer weather produced a much better catch than on NMN with 55 species coming to the trap: Satin Beauty was new for the recorder but a gust of wind disturbed it as it posed for its portrait; a Sloe Pug, possibly wandering from Alner's gorse, was more obliging. Among a number of first for the year were Beautiful Golden Y, Drinker, Mottled Rustic, and Brussels Lace (P Benham). At Stubhampton overnight: Cream Wave, Brindled White-spot, Green Arches, three Larch Pug, Lead-coloured Pug, 12 Little Emerald, Miller, two Pale Oak Beauty, two Red-necked Footman, Satyr Pug, three Valerian Pug, Cydia cosmophorana, five Ethmic dodecea, seven Epermenia illigerella, eight Adaina microdactyla, a single female Acentria ephemerella, Assara terebrella and Phtheochroa sodaliana. the latter buckthorn berry-feeding species has been found in just two other Dorset sites in recent years, Badbury Rings and Cashmoor (P Davey).

At Portland, on the busiest night of the year so far, only the one immigrant Rusty-dot Pearl, with two quality wanderers, a Donacaula forficella and a Poplar Kitten, both second records for the island (M Cade). A bumper catch reported from Burton, with 85 moths of 31 species: new for the garden were Lime Hawkmoth, four Green Pug, three Clouded Silver and a Small Seraphim (J Southworth).

By day, Six-spot Burnet Moths at Hod Hill, and Mother Shipton moths at Alners Gorse and Lydlinch Common (per Dorset BC website).

At Stanpit: 14 Dog's-tooth, Mathew's Wainscot, eight Obscure Wainscot, Oblique Carpet, Red-necked Footman, two Silky Wainscot, 30 Bactra furfurana, four Bactra robustana, Homoeosoma nebulella, Ostrinia nubilalis, three Donacaula forficella, 100 Platyptilia isodactyla, Clepsis spectrana, and two Diamond-back Moth (P Davey). At Verwood, least 20 species new for the year there, including Rosy Marbled, Four-dotted Footman, Scarce Merveille du Jour, Grass Rivulet, while Birch Mocha and Small Seraphim were also of interest (C Court). At Bridport 17 moths of 13 species, including Phlyctaenia coronata and Ingrailed Clay (M Budden).

By day, at Bulbarrow Hill, Mother Shipton and Burnet Companion, and potential sightings of two Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth at Melbury down awaiting verification (P Benham).

With no other migrants about at Portland, another Porter's Rustic may suggest this species now breeding there (M Cade). A White-point was the pick at Poole Park, although a good range of species, the totals down by two-thirds on same date last year (V Giavarini).

By day at Durlston, Grass Rivulet, Silver Y, Mother Shipton and Burnet Companion (per Durlston CP website).

At Broadstone, five Treble-lines, a Scorched Wing, three Light Emerald, and a first for the garden, a Straw Dot (K Clements). At Burton, the first Pebble Prominent of the year there, and Scorched Wing new for the garden (J Southworth).

The only moth of interest at Tolpuddle was an Eyed Hawkmoth (J Francis). A Eudonia angustea at Bridport (M Budden)

The highlight of the day was an unusual micro that landed on an observer while at work in Verwood; photographs were taken and sent to John Langmaid for confirmation, and confirmed as Chrysoclista lathamella, an RDB1 species found rarely in the south east of England (C Court).

An Obscure Wainscot at Broadwey, only the second garden record following one last year (P Harris). A good selection of mostly fresh moths at Tolpuddle, including a Rufous Minor and a somewhat worn Bird's Wing (J Francis). The best at Burton was six Willow Beauty and a Bright-line Brown-eye (J Southworth). Highlights at Bridport included Pale Mottled Willow and Poplar Hawkmoth (M Budden).

	Dorset Moth Group