2008

At Portland, a few Winter Moths were again settled on the lit windows of the Obs after dark early evening, whilst the overnight catch in the Obs garden moth-traps included several Light Brown Apple Moths, two Acleris hastiana, a Rusty-dot Pearl and a late Brick (M Cade).

December Moths: four on 16th, two on 17th an one on 18th at Preston (R Lambert); two at Broadwey (P Harris).

At Portland, the first Winter Moth of the season attracted to the Obs windows during the evening (M Cade).

At Portland, the pick of the catch was a December Moth (a common enough species 'inland' but only the third Portland record and the first here for 10 years), whilst 12 Rusty-dot Pearl and a White-speck made up the immigrant list; resident species on the wing included Light Brown Apple Moth, Crocidosema plebejana, Double-striped Pug, Large Yellow Underwing, Beaded Chestnut, Lunar Underwing, Red-line Quaker, Satellite, Brick, Angle Shades and Feathered Ranunculus (M Cade).

Attracted to kitchen window, at Burton, the first Feathered Thorn of the year there (J Southworth).

By netting to car headlights at Durlston, at least ten Feathered Thorn, a Beaded Chestnut, an Oak Nycteoline, and a very unseasonal Early Grey (T A Box). Only Beaded Chestnut, Yellow-line Quaker and Winter Moth at Burton (J Southworth).

Due poor recent returns at Portland the moth traps were not switched on; however a moth potted at the Obs kitchen window around midnight turned out to be a Scarce Umber, a new moth for the island (M Cade).

At Portland, just four Rusty-dot Pearl, two White-speck and a Silver Y (M Cade). At Kingston, just the two moths, a December Moth, and the only Delicate of the season there (P Benham).

Just a few migrants at Portland: 12 Rusty-dot Pearl, four Silver Y, two Turnip Moth and a Diamond-back Moth (M Cade).

Overnight mothing at Portland Obs showed little change, with three Rusty-dot Pearl, two White-speck and a Silver Y the only immigrants and Brick the only commoner species to add to the list of residents still on the wing (M Cade). At Chickerell, still a few moths coming to the light when the weather is reasonable: five Rusty-dot Pearl, two Light Brown Apple Moth, five Feathered Thorn, a Beaded Chestnut and one Angle Shades (C Pinder). At Kingston, a Red-green Carpet and a Dark Chestnut were amongst six species in the trap whilst Epirrata agg. and Mottled Umber remain conspicuous by their absence (P Benham).

At Portland, the only immigrants were six Rusty-dot Pearl, two Silver Y and a White-speck, whilst Dark Chestnut, Yellow-line Quaker, Blair's Shoulder-knot and a late Cabbage Moth were the only additions to yesterday's list of resident species still on the wing (M Cade) At Burton, six Light Brown Apple Moth, two each of Common Marbled Carpet, Cypress Carpet, and Red-green Carpet, singles of Epirrita agg., Blair's Shoulder-knot, Pine Carpet, Yellow-line Quaker, Dark Chestnut and a Rusty-dot Pearl (J Southworth).

At Portland, the only immigrants caught were nine Rusty-dot Pearl, three Silver Y and two White-speck; resident species still on the wing included Anthophila fabriciana, Scrobipalpa costella, Light Brown Apple Moth, Crocidosema plebejana, Emmelina monodactyla, Large Yellow Underwing, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Beaded Chestnut, Lunar Underwing, Red-line Quaker, Black Rustic, Angle Shades and Feathered Ranunculus (M Cade). At Broadwey, Feathered Thorn and Yellow-line Quaker (P Harris). Six Feathered Thorn, and a Green-brindled Crescent at Winterborne Stickland) (L de Whalley).

A small improvement to four Rusty-dot Pearl, two White-speck, a Pearly Underwing and a Delicate at Portland (M Cade).

A wet and windy night, there were just five Rusty-dot Pearl at Portland (M Cade). At Durlston village, two Oak Rustic, singles each of Beaded Chestnut and Feathered Ranunculous (both rather worn), Green Brindled Crescent, Red-green Carpet (worn) and Black Rustic (P England).

At Portland, 18 Rusty-dot Pearl, three Silver Y and a Pearly Underwing (M Cade). A Merveille du Jour, two Brick and a Spruce Carpet at Broadwey (P Harris). At Kingston, a Dark Chestnut and an Oak Nycteoline (P Benham).

Immigrant moths lingering on at Portland included 40 Rusty-dot Pearl, seven Silver Y and a Dark Sword-grass (M Cade). A Merveille du Jour was the highlight at Broadwey (P Harris). At Corfe Castle, three Angle Shades, and singles each of Sallow, Merveille du Jour and Beaded Chestnut (R Caldow).

In milder, less windy conditions at Portland, 22 Rusty-dot Pearl, six Silver Y and a White-speck provided some immigrant interest (M Cade). At Chickerell, only 3 moths; a late Cypress Pug (the only record there this year), a Common Marbled Carpet, and a Feathered Thorn (C Pinder). A Feathered Thorn attracted to the house lights at Corfe Castle (R Caldow). At Kingston, nine species including December Moth, Feathered Thorn, Dark Chestnut and a late Snout (P Benham).

At Broadwey, Clancy's Rustic, White-speck and Turnip (P Harris). Only 4 macros at Burton, Pine Carpet, Common Marbled Carpet and two Yellow-line Quaker (J Southworth).

Just two each of Rusty-dot Pearl, Silver Y and a White-speck by way of immigrants at Portland (M Cade).

There were just four moths caught in wet and windy conditions at Durlston village, an Angle Shades, a Blair's Shoulder-knot, and two Oak Rustic (P England).

Despite the chilly conditions at Portland, immigrants included seven Silver Y, two Pearly Underwing, and single Rush Veneer and White-speck (M Cade).

The only immigrants at Portland included eleven Silver Y, three Rusty-dot Pearl, two each of White-speck and Rush Veneer (M Cade). At Broadwey, Clancy's Rustic, Green-brindled Crescent and Red-line Quaker (P Harris).

Eight Rusty-dot Pearl, two Rush Veneer and a Silver Y were the only immigrants at Portland (M Cade). At Durlston village, only five moths, but one of them was an Oak Rustic (P England). At Durlston C P, visiting trappers caught five Oak Rustic, two Clancy's Rustic, and other migrants included Delicate and Silver Y, with six Udea ferrugalis; also of interest were late examples of Agriphila inquinatella, Double-striped Pug, Shuttle-shaped Dart, and Vine's Rustic (M Deans, D Brown and S Whitehouse).

At Portland, immigrants included 27 Rusty-dot Pearl, three each of Rush Veneer and Silver Y, and two Pearly Underwing (M Cade).

At Portland eight Rusty-dot Pearl, a Delicate and a Clancy's Rustic were the only immigrant moths (M Cade).

A minor improvement in moth numbers at Portland Obs garden traps, with an overnight immigrant tally of 35 Rusty-dot Pearl, eight Silver Y, seven Rush Veneer, three White-speck and two Pearly Underwing, along with some local interest in the form of a single specimen of the gorse-feeder Agonopterix umbellana (of which the only other island record is of two at the Obs on 1st October 1994) (M Cade). At Burton, two Beaded Chestnut, a Pearly Underwing and a Yellow-line Quaker (J Southworth).

Cooler again, and few migrants on show at Portland: 11 Silver Y, nine Rusty-dot Pearl, two Rush Veneer and singles of Pearly Underwing and White-speck (M Cade).

There were very few immigrants at Portland: 15 Rusty-dot Pearl, two Silver Y and a Clancy's Rustic (M Cade).

A drop in immigrant numbers at Portland: 24 Rusty-dot Pearl and singles of White-speck, Clancy's Rustic and Silver Y (M Cade).

Immigrants at Portland consisted of 48 Rusty-dot Pearl, four Silver Y and two each of Delicate and Dark Spectacle (M Cade). Merveille du Jour, Red-green Carpet and two Red-line Quaker at Broadwey (P Harris). Nearby at Preston, three Clancy's Rustic (R Lambert per P Harris). At Durlston C P, the highlights were six Oak Rustic, a Dewick's Plusia, seven Clancy's Rustic, and a single Palpita vitrealis; other migrants included a Delicate, Pearly Underwing, four Dark Sword-grass, seven Silver Y, a Dark Spectacle, 16 Udea ferrugalis and a Rush Veneer (M Deans, P Clarke, J Chainey and J Spence). At Durlston village, a Cypress Carpet, a Feathered Thorn, nine Blair's Shoulder-knot, six Feathered Ranunculus, an L-album Wainscot, six Lunar Underwing, two Delicate and a Clancy's Rustic (P England). At Gillingham, two Merveille du Jour, and singles each of Diamond-back Moth, Flame Shoulder and Silver Y (G Hopkins and P Butter).

At Portland, 70 Rusty-dot Pearl, ten Silver Y, three Delicate, a Dark Sword-grass and a Clancy's Rustic (M Cade). Another Clancy's Rustic at Broadwey (P Harris). Of note at Burton were Cypress Carpet, Silver Y and three Epirrita agg. (J Southworth).

Cooler again, and a drop in the number of migrants at Portland: 11 Silver Y, five Rusty-dot Pearl, and a Delicate (M Cade). A Clancy's Rustic at Chickerell (C Pinder).

In cool and breezy conditions overnight the only immigrants attracted to the Portland Obs garden moth-traps were 11 Rusty-dot Pearl, nine Silver Y, a Pearly Underwing, a White-speck and a Clancy's Rustic (M Cade). A Clancy's Rustic at Broadwey (P Harris).

Immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps included 43 Rusty-dot Pearl, 19 Silver Y, two Delicate and singles of Vestal, White-speck and Clancy's Rustic (M Cade). A Clancy's Rustic at Preston (R Lambert).

In very good moth-trapping conditions overnight the immigrant list in the Portland Obs garden traps consisted of 125 Rusty-dot Pearl, 34 Silver Y, five Vestal, four Clancy's Rustic, two each of Diamond-back Moth, Rush Veneer, Four-spotted Footman and Delicate (M Cade). Nearby at Broadwey, Clancy's Rustic, Cypress Carpet and Merveille du Jour (P Harris). Singles each of Clancy's Rustic, Croidosema plebejana and Spoladea recurvalis at Eype's Mouth (M Parsons). A Silver Y at Tolpuddle (J Francis).

Late news from the night of the 12th at Durlston, where an unidentified noctuid has been identified as a Sombre Brocade, found on the near continent and the Channel Islands, but a first for mainland Britain. Resembling a very brown Brindled Green, but slightly bigger, and looking more like a 'Brocade', given the lack of green plus the pronounced reniform/orbicular stigmata The Sombre Brocade (Dryobotodes tenebrosa) falls within the same family group as the Brindled Green (Dryobotodes eremita). It is on the wing during October, a little later than the Brindled Green and a little earlier than the Oak Rustic (Dryobota labecula), but all three potentially overlapping in the first fortnight of October. The larva of the Sombre Brocade feeds on the same foodplant as the Oak Rustic, namely holm oak, so evidently there is scope for it to become resident in localities currently occupied by the Oak Rustic, if it has not already done so The distribution of these two holm oak-feeders in Europe overlap and is confined to the Mediterranean region plus the whole of Iberia (P Davey).

Sombre Brocade, a first for mainland Britain, Durlston, 12 October 2008 © P Davey A Gem, Durlston village, 11 October 2008 © P England

There wasn't too much change in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps, with the overnight immigrant tally consisting of 106 Rusty-dot Pearl, five Silver Y, four Clancy's Rustic, two each of Four-spotted Footman and Delicate and a Palpita vitrealis (M Cade). At Durlston, two Oak Rustic, Flame Brocade, L-album Wainscot, female Four-spotted Footman and a Red Admiral (P Davey); also two Vestal and a White-speck (D Brown per Mark Tunmore). At Corfe Castle, 11 Feathered Ranunculus, and single Vestal and L-album Wainscot (R Caldow). A female Gem and about a dozen Mallow at Burton Bradstock, and a male Gem and a Vestal at Walditch (M Parsons). At Burton, a Sallow, two Blair's Shoulder-knot, Black Rustic, Large Wainscot and a Mallow were all firsts for the year there, also two Feathered Ranunculus and a Pinion-streaked Snout (J Southworth). At Shapwick, Vestal, Pearly Underwing, two Turnip and an Orange Sallow (P Davey). At Kingston, Blair's Shoulder-knot and Green-brindled Crescent, and migrants were singles of Silver Y and Rusty-dot Pearl; Paul comments that Beaded Chestnut numbers have crashed, with only five so far this season (P Benham).

By day, the hairy black and orange larvae of a Fox Moth at Durlston Country Park (per Durlston C P website).

The immigrant moth tally from the Portland Obs garden traps was similar to yesterday: 81 Rusty-dot Pearl, two each of Delicate and Silver Y, and single Rush Veneer, European Corn-borer and Clancy's Rustic (M Cade); also on Portland at Cheyne Weare area a similar list, along with a single Flame Brocade (per M Cade). Another Clancy's Rustic at Broadwey (P Harris). At Durlston C P, a migrant White-point, also Beautiful Gothic, Green Brindled Crescent, Feathered Ranunculus and Barred Sallow (Durlston C P website). At Durlston village, six Feathered Ranunculous, six Black Rustic, five Blair's Shoulder-knot, three L-album Wainscot, a male Four-spotted Footman, a female Gem, and seven Angle Shades (P England). Six Feathered Ranunculus, and single Dark Sword-grass and Clancy's Rustic at Corfe Castle (R Caldow). At Puncknowle, a Red-line Quaker was first for the garden, Vapourer was a first for the year there; also of note were a surprising 19 Feathered Ranunculus, Pale Mottled Willow, and singles each of Dark Sword-grass, Black Rustic and Silver Y (M Hetherington). At Shapwick, male Four-spotted Footman, Pearly Underwing and three Dark Sword-grass (P Davey).

At Portland, 85 Rusty-dot Pearl, four Clancy's Rustic, two Silver Y and a Delicate (M Cade). A Clancy's Rustic at Broadwey (R Harris), and another at Preston (R Lambert). At West Bexington, a Scar Bank Gem and five Clancy's Rustic (R Eden per P Harris). A male Gem at Walditch (M Parsons). A Vestal was a surprise amongst a handful of common moths at Kingston (P Benham).

Firsts for the year at Gillingham were a Barred Sallow and a fresh Merveille du Jour, and a scruffy Brindled Green in through the bedroom window (G Hopkins).

Another small overnight catch of immigrants in the Obs garden moth-traps at Portland included 33 Rusty-dot Pearl, six Silver Y, two Dark Sword-grass, a Delicate and a Clancy's Rustic (M Cade). A Dark Sword-grass was the only immigrant at Chickerell and a Pink-barred Sallow was a first for the garden (C Pinder).

The second Clifden Nonpareil of the autumn at Spetisbury for one lucky trapper (D Kingman). A Green Brindled Crescent at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

Clifden Nonpareil, Spetisbury, 7 October 08 © D Kingman Larvae of Death's-head Hawkmoth, sent to me by the owner of the house I stayed at in France in August, a fabulous looking beast! © S Appleby

More of the same at Portland, with 53 Rusty-dot Pearl and 16 Silver Y (M Cade). At Broadwey, a Dark Spectacle (P Harris).

At Portland, a big increase in immigrant numbers rather than variety, with 142 Rusty-dot Pearl and 12 Silver Y (M Cade).

More late news - the very worn False Mocha at Chickerell on 2 August, has been dissected and re-identified by Phil Sterling as a Jersey Mocha (C Pinder).

Two Silver Y were the only immigrants in the otherwise very nearly empty Portland Obs garden moth-traps (M Cade).

News of a late reported Porter's Rustic at Tolpuddle on the night of 24th August (J Francis conf. by H Wood Homer).

Of interest, we are just about to celebrate three years of regular, almost daily updates on the Dorset Moth Group website. The site does have its regular visitors, and is one of two websites regularly acknowledged in the quarterly moth report in British Wildlife. The best daily average of different individual visitors to the site was in June 2007, when just under 200 different visitors logged on per day. 2008 in contrast has been rather quieter, and I suspect that this is due to the paucity of interesting records reflecting the general malaise experienced by us all when there is not much to report, and hope that it is not that the site is not of interest and fulfilling your needs. The site is only of use and successful when information and records of interest are received and shared, and I thank both the regular and casual contributors. I would urge everyone to send me details of sightings and any photographs to help liven up the pages, not forgetting that the records should still be sent to the relevant Recorder at the end of the year. A new feature I plan to introduce is trip-lists and details of moth type breaks both in the UK and abroad, to generate interest, and perhaps stimulate others into catching a few moths of interest outside the County. Any other suggestions on what you would like to see would be welcome. This is your website, and your support is gratefully appreciated.

Four Rusty-dot Pearl, two Silver Y and a Dark Spectacle were the only immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps (M Cade). Highlights at Chickerell were singles of Feathered Ranunculus, L-album Wainscot and White-point; also a late Common Rustic agg. (C Pinder).

A Vapourer flying in bright sunshine at Kingston (P Benham). At Verwood, firsts for the year there were Blair's Shoulder-knot, Southern Chestnut, Dark Spectacle, Sallow, Black Rustic and Brown-spotted Pinion, while Silver Y and Oak Nycteoline was also of interest (C Court).

A slight improvement at Portland with the following immigrant species: 12 Rusty-dot Pearl, nine Silver Y, a Diamond-back Moth, a Rush Veneer, a Delicate and a Clancy's Rustic

Still little of note in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps, with seven Rusty-dot Pearl, two each of Delicate and Silver Y the only immigrants recorded (M Cade). A Centre-barred Sallow at Chickerell, only the second there in four years of recording (C Pinder). At Puncknowle, singles each of Rusty-dot Pearl, Dark Sword-grass and Feathered Ranunculus were firsts for the garden; also of interest were two Light Emerald, two Large Ranunculus, a White-point and a Silver Y (M Hetherington).

22 Rusty-dot Pearl and five Silver Y at Portland (M Cade). New for the site at Broadstone were two Canary-shouldered Thorn, two Setaceous Hebrew Character, and a Feathered Ranunculus (K Clements).

Nineteen Rusty-dot Pearl and a Silver Y were the only immigrants in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps (M Cade). Second brood Archips podana, another Brindled Green, 44 Setaceous Hebrew Character and the first Sallow of the year at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

The only immigrants/wanderers attracted to the Portland Obs garden moth-traps overnight were six Rusty-dot Pearl, a Frosted Orange and a Silver Y (M Cade). At Gillingham, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing and the first Blair's Shoulder-knot of the year there (G Hopkins).

The only immigrants attracted to the Portland Obs garden moth-traps were seven Rusty-dot Pearl, six Silver Y and two Dark Sword-grass (M Cade). Pick of the bunch at Chickerell were Yellow Belle, White-point and Feathered Ranunculus (C Pinder). At Gillingham, the first Canary-shouldered Thorn there for the year, and a very late Marbled Beauty (G Hopkins).

At Portland, immigrants up to 12 Silver Y, 12 Rusty-dot Pearl and singles of Diamond-back Moth, Convolvulus Hawkmoth and a Delicate (M Cade). Just 15 moths at Chickerell, including a Silver Y (C Pinder).

At Portland, immigrants down to just six Silver Y, and two each of Rusty-dot Pearl and Dark Sword-grass (M Cade). A Brindled Green and Frosted Orange were firsts for the year there at Gillingham, also a Burnished Brass (G Hopkins).

At Portland, immigrants were 39 Silver Y, ten Rusty-dot Pearl, five Rush Veneer and a Dark Sword-grass (M Cade). Five Lunar Underwing at Tolpuddle were the highlight there (J Francis).

Still a few migrants at Portland with 25 Silver Y, 12 Rusty-dot Pearl, two each of Diamond-back Moth and Dark Sword-grass and a Pearly Underwing; a single Frosted Orange was also an unusual capture at the Bill (M Cade). Three Silver Y at Burton (J Southworth). At Durlston village, two Feathered Brindle, two Feathered Ranunculus, 13 Silver Y, and singles of Red Underwing, L-album Wainscot and Burnished Brass (P England).

At Portland, the immigrant tally in the Obs garden moth-traps included 25 Silver Y, nine Rusty-dot Pearl, four Dark Sword-grass and singles of Diamond-back Moth, Rush Veneer, Pearly Underwing, White-speck, Delicate and a Scarce Bordered Straw (M Cade). An Elephant Hawkmoth at Wyke Regis (D Foot). A very late Short-cloaked Moth at Chickerell (the previous latest there was 20th July (C Pinder). At Bridport, three Lesser Yellow Underwing, four Lunar Underwing and a Silver Y (M Budden).

A small selection of immigrants at Portland: 40 Silver Y, five Diamond-back Moth, three each of Rusty-dot Pearl and Dark Sword-grass, two Rush Veneer and singles of Pearly Underwing and White-speck (M Cade). A Clancy's Rustic at Wyke Regis (D Foot). An L-album Wainscot along with the first Black Rustic at Chickerell (C Pinder).

By day, three Silver Y nectaring at lavender flowers in Woolland (P Benham).

In chillier conditions overnight there weren't quite so many immigrant moths on the wing at Portland Bill; the Obs garden traps produced 26 Silver Y, 11 Diamond-back Moth, eight Rusty-dot Pearl, six Rush Veneer and singles of Vestal, Gem, Delicate, Porter's Rustic and Scarce Bordered Straw (M Cade). A Pyralis farinalis and a Convolvulus Hawkmoth at Wyke Regis (D Foot). Highlights at Puncknowle were a Lunar Underwing, Large Ranunculus, Silver Y and a Snout (M Hetherington). At Kingston, five Silver Y were recorded - the first time this year that the species has arrived as more than a singleton; also of note in the trap a late season Light Emerald, a Frosted Orange and the first Beaded Chestnut of the year there (P Benham).

By day, numerous Silver Y of the light form, nectaring on Red Valerian at Lulworth Cove (L Hill).

Of note at Portland was an Antigastra catalaunalis, although the second island record of Tachystola acroxantha was perhaps more notweworthy; other totals included 130 Silver Y, 30 Rusty-dot Pearl, 20 Rush Veneer, nine Diamond-back Moth, seven Dark Sword-grass, two Vestal, a Convolvulus Hawk-moth, a Pearly Underwing and a White-speck.(M Cade). At Verwood, seven Silver Y and a Four-spotted Footman (C Court). At Burton, a Silver Y and the first Brindled Green for the year there (J Southworth).

The recent improvement in immigrant numbers in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps continued, with totals this morning that included 50 Silver Y, nine Rusty-dot Pearl, eight Rush Veneer, three Delicate, two Porter's Rustic, a Dark Sword-grass and a Cosmopolitan (M Cade). A Silver Y at Chickerell (C Pinder). At Dorchester, an August Thorn, two Dusky Thorn and a Pearly Underwing (J Down). At Wareham, two L-album Wainscot were new for the garden, and three Lunar Underwing and an Angle Shades were both new for the year there (R Adams).

A Dewick's Plusia was the pick of the overnight catch in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps; commoner immigrants included 37 Silver Y, seven Rush Veneer, seven Rusty-dot Pearl, two Dark Sword-grass and a Pearly Underwing (M Cade). At Wyke Regis, two Mullein Wave, and singles of Dusky Thorn, Archer's Dart, White-speck and Scarce Bordered Straw (D Foot). Clear, cool, foggy conditions at Burton produced only 24 macros: four Lunar Underwing were the first of the year and three Angle Shades, and single Cypress Pug and Light Emerald were amongst the usual common species (J Southworth).

A slight improvement on migrant numbers at Portland, with 17 Silver Y, four each of Rush Veneer, Rusty-dot Pearl and Delicate, two Dark Sword-grass, two Pearly Underwing and a Porter's Rustic (M Cade). A Light Emerald by day at Bridport, and overnight two Green Carpet, and singles each of Garden Carpet, Square-spot Rustic, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Light Brown Apple Moth, Eudonia angustea and Flounced Rustic (M Budden). At Gillingham, single Dark Sword-grass and Silver Y, and three Dusky Thorn (G Hopkins).

A lone Convolvulus Hawk-moth was a welcome better quality immigrant in the Portland Obs garden moth-traps this morning; two Silver Y and a Dark Spectacle were the only other worthwhile captures (M Cade).

At Portland another disappointing catch of immigrant moths at the Obs included five Silver Y, two Dark Sword-grass, two Delicate, a Rusty-dot Pearl, a Rush Veneer and a Pearly Underwing (M Cade). A Vestal and a Silver Y at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

In daytime, a Clifden Nonpareil noted on the wall above the MV trap, at Spetisbury (D Kingman) - see photo on Home page.

At Portland, five Silver Y and singles of Rusty-dot Pearl, Rush Veneer, Dark Sword-grass and Red Admiral butterfly (M Cade). At Bridport, 13 Large Yellow Underwing, ten Lesser Yellow Underwing, six Square-spot Rustic, a Silver Y, two Setaceous Hebrew Character, a Double-striped Pug, two Garden Carpet, a Vine's Rustic, a Mother of Pearl, two Light Brown Apple Moth, and singles each of Shuttle-shaped Dart and Purple Bar (M Budden). A Rush Veneer (only the 2nd of the year there) and a Silver Y at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

The overnight immigrant tally in the Obs garden moth-traps consisted of 13 Silver Y, three Dark Sword Grass and a Delicate (M Cade). Due to the wonders of modern technology, within 15 minutes of netting a Clifden Nonpareil at Shaggs, the record appears on the website (L Hill).

Apologies for the lack of updates over the last week, but I have been in the sun near the Pyrenees catching a few moths like these.....

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 Sword-grass, 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 Sword-grass 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 for 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 Sword-grass 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 Sword-grass, a Silver Y and the first Pale Eggar of the year there (P Benham).

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

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 Sword-grass 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 Sword-grass 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 Sword-grass, 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 Sword-grass 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 Sword-grass, 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 Sword-grass 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 Sword-grass, 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 Sword-grass (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 Sword-grass, 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 Sword-grass (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 Sword-grass 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 Sword-grass (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 Sword-grass, 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 Sword-grass and three Silver Y at Portland (M Cade). At Chickerell: Dark Sword-grass, 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 Sword-grass (M Cade). At Chickerell, a Dark Sword-grass 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 Sword-grass (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).

In tropical monsoon, mosquito-infested conditions two light traps were run at Holt Heath until 2am and these produced a nice range of moth species including: two Birch Mocha, four Cream-bordered Green Pea, four Silver Hook, Poplar Kitten, six Beautiful Brocade, four Fox Moth, Freyer's Pug, two Pinion-streaked Snout, Oak Nycteoline, Scallop Shell, three Pale Oak Beauty, 12 Small Seraphim, Square-spot, White Pinion-spotted, two Argyresthia conjugella, Incurvaria masculella, Pammene germmana, two Ancylis diminutana, Perinephela lancealis, Cochylis nana, Lobesia reliquana, and two Parapoynx stratiotata (P Davey). At Bridport, Lime-speck Pug, Pale Mottled Willow, two Vine's Rustic, and a male Pale Tussock (M Budden).

At Burton, Christchurch, five new species for the site: Pale Tussock, Small Fan-foot, May Highflyer, Dark Spectacle and a Fox Moth with eggs; also the first White-point of the year (J Southworth). At Bridport, a male Pale Tussock, Common Pug and a Marbled Minor agg. (M Budden).

By day at Blackdown: 12 probable Lead Belle and singles of Grizelda myrtillana and Speckled Yellow (P Davey).

At Broadway, highlights included second garden record of Alder Moth, also Scorched Wing, Puss Moth, Broken-barred Carpet, Orange Footman, and two Cypress Carpet (P Harris). At Winspit: among 85 moth species, the following were noteworthy: L-album Wainscot, Light Feathered Rustic, a mint Portland Ribbon Wave (third Dorset site?), seven Shaded Pug, eight Sloe Pug, Tawny Shears, 15 White-point, eight Valerian Pug, Monopis obviella, Callisto denticulella, two Selania leplastriana, two Luquetia lobella and Agonopterix pallorella; evident dispersives included Figure of 80, Pinion-streaked Snout and a female Water Veneer Acentria ephemerella; the only migrant species was Diamond-back Moth of which there was seven (P Davey). Highlights at Verwood included Pale Oak Beauty, Small Seraphim, Orange Footman, Beautiful Brocade, Light Brocade, and an unseasonal Buttoned Snout (C Court). The highlights at Bridport were two Willow Beauty, a Light Emerald and a Broken-barred Carpet (M Budden). A late report from Kingcombe Centre, the highlights were a Map-winged Swift, two Galium Carpet, and Lobster Moth (J Bebbington).

By day at Verwood, Yellowshell and Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoth (C Court).

At Burton, the best catch of the year there - 40 moths of 19 species including two Sharp-angled Peacock, two Treble Lines, a Treble Brown Spot, Bright-Line Brown-eye and nine Vine's Rustic (J Southworth). Nine moths of five species at Bridport, including Vine's Rustic and Pale Tussock (M Budden).

Highlights at Portland were Porter's Rustic, Diamond-back Moth, Cream-spot Tiger and a Silver Y (M Cade). A Worth Matravers, highlights included a Cream-spot Tiger, two Light Feathered Rustic, two Shears, five Light Brocade, and three White-point (R Foreman). An Eyed Hawkmoth, at Bridport (M Budden).

By day, a Birch Mocha seen on a silver birch in the Ring-tailed Lemur enclosure at Monkeyworld, Wareham Forest and overnight highlights at Worth Matravers included Light Feathered Rustic, two Light Brocade, a White-point and a Treble Lines obscura (R Foreman).

At Chickerell, a Yellow Belle and a Flame were first for the year (C Pinder). Highlights at Worth Matravers included Light Feathered Rustic, two Light Brocade, and a White-point (R Foreman). A Light Brocade at Gillingham (G Hopkins).

At Chickerell, a Red Twin-spot Carpet was new to the garden (C Pinder). At Burton, Christchurch, 14 moths of 10 species in spite of torrential rain in the early hours: these included the first Large Yellow Underwing, Turnip and Sharp-angled Peacock of the year there (J Southworth). At Bridport, 31 moths of 15 species, including Garden Pebble and Codling Moth, and a migrant Silver Y (M Budden).

A Cream-spot Tiger was of note, Broadwey (P Harris). Highlights at Worth Matravers included Diamond-back Moth, Light Feathered Rustic, Light Brocade and four White-point (R Foreman).

Slim pickings at Portland, with a Rusty-dot Pearl being the only moth of interest (M Cade). A Narrow-winged Pug at Broadwey (P Harris). At least 39 moths of 18 species at Bridport, including Lobster Moth and Sycamore (M Budden). At a Durlston garden, an Eyed Hawkmoth and three Orange Footman were of note (P England). At Burton, 15 moths of 12 species: Birch Mocha, Heart and Dart, Small Square-spot and Common Marbled Carpet being new for the year there (J Southworth). An all night stint in Chedington Wood produced in excess of 100 moth species and included nine Alder Kitten, two Lunar Thorn, seven Mocha, a Narrow-winged Pug, 80 Dwarf Pug, two Red-necked Footman, seven Devon Carpet, 16 May Highflyer, a Barred Umber, a Poplar Grey, two Argyresthia glabratella (new to Dorset), a Pammene ochsenheimeriana (new to Dorset this year), a Glyphipterix forsterella and a Lampronia praelatella (P Davey). At Shapwick, a Grey Birch and a Pale Oak Beauty, evident dispersives from heathland five or more miles to the east (P Davey). A Dark Spectacle was a first for the garden at Kingston, while others of interest appearing for the first time this year included Orange Footman, Light Brocade, Poplar Kitten, Shark, Peach Blossom and Lime Hawkmoth (P Benham).

Overnight, the only moth at Chickerell, was a Setaceous Hebrew Character, the first of the year there (C Pinder). Three Pale Tussock and singles of Marbled Brown, Peacock, Coxcomb Prominent, Iron Prominent and Little Thorn were highlights to Heath Trap operated overnight at Delph Woods, Poole (V Giavarini).

A Rusty-dot Pearl at Portland (M Cade). At Chickerell, the first Privet Hawkmoth, Ingrailed Clay and Treble-lines of the year there (C Pinder).

By day, a search for Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth at Combe Bottom proved unsuccessful (P Davey). Overnight, no migrants at Portland, but an Oblique Striped was a good catch (M Cade). At Kingcombe NR, highlights included Lime Hawkmoth and Small Yellow Underwing and a selection of micros - see photos (J Bebbington).

A single Olethreutes arcuella netted by day at Chetterwood (P Davey). At least 79 moths of 35 species at Kingcombe NR, highlights included Waved Umber, both Sallow and Alder Kitten, Chocolate-tip and Orange Footman (J Bebbington).

At Burton, 26 moths, Pebble Hook-tip first for the year there, three Yellow-barred Brindle, and new for the garden were Little Thorn, Pale Pinion and Treble-lines (J Southworth). At Bridport, an Eudonia angustea, two Green Carpet, and a Common Pug (M Budden).

A Birch Mocha was a birthday garden tick at Broadwey, supported by a White-point, Rusty-dot Pearl, Puss Moth and Orange Footman (P Harris). Highlights at Bridport were single Vine's Rustic, male Muslin Moth and a Pale Mottled Willow (M Budden).

At Stubhampton by day, no Argent and Sable were recorded, but several Drab Looper and a female Muslin Moth were seen (P Davey).

Two White Spot were the highlight at Portland, along with two Rusty-dot Pearl, a Pearly Underwing, and a Silver Y (M Cade). At Chickerell, a Silver Y, and rather belatedly the first Clouded Drab of the year there (C Pinder). A Lime Hawkmoth at Verwood (C Court). Heavy rain at Dorchester improved the numbers of moths, and Small Mottled Willow, Silver Y, Clouded-bordered Brindle, Turnip, Cabbage, Common Marbled Carpet, Orange Footman, Ruby Tiger, Lime Hawkmoth and Currant Pug were all new for the year (J Down). At Bridport, two male Muslin Moth, four Green Carpet, Heart and Dart, Common Marbled Carpet and a Silver Y (M Budden).

At Chickerell, the first Willow Beauty and Currant Pug of the year there, and Alder Moth was a garden first. Clive also comments that the number of species recorded so far is similar to 2006, though only half the number recorded by the same stage in 2007; the mean number of moths per trap night, on the other hand, is only half that recorded by mid-May in the two previous years (C Pinder). At Burton, two Waved Umber, singles of Great Prominent, Pale Prominent, Willow Beauty, Tawny Pinion and Light Brocade (J Southworth).

At Bridport, highlights included two Vine's Rustic, Pale Tussock and a Chocolate-tip (M Budden).

About a dozen Diamond-back Moth nectaring on thrift, Cogden Beach (J Bebbington).

The traps at Portland at last producing some moths, with the first Portland and third British record of Dorset Cream Wave to actinic at Reap Lane, Southwell (J Lucas per M Cade). Meanwhile the Obs trap pulled in the first Portland record of Tachystola acroxantha; the only other migrants were four Rusty-dot Pearl, two Diamond-back Moth, and single Small Mottled Willow and Silver Y (M Cade). A Poplar Kitten was the highlight at Bridport (M Budden). At Kingston, Grey Birch was new for the garden; newly emerged species included Purple Bar, Rivulet, Silver-ground Carpet, White Ermine, Buff Ermine and an Oak Nycteoline; micros included Eulia ministrana and Tinea trinotella, and evidence of migration, a Rush Veneer (P Benham).

At Garston Wood overnight: Great Prominent, Dark Sword-grass, Yellow-barred Brindle, Brimstone, Hebrew Character, Small Phoenix, Muslin Moth, Peppered Moth, Pebble Prominent, Scalloped Hazel, Broken-barred Carpet, Small Waved Umber, Pale Tussock, Nut-tree Tussock, Northern Drab, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Green Carpet and an early Pretty Chalk Carpet (A Hodgson).

At Broadwey, the first White-pinion Spotted there for several years (P Harris). At Burton, a Poplar Hawkmoth, and new for the garden were Waved Umber, Brown Silver-line, Water Carpet and an early Sandy Carpet (J Southworth). A Ringed Carpet and Ochreous Pug were highlights at Verwood (C Court).

By day, Small Yellow Underwing seen at Corfe Mullen DWT reserve (D & M Godfrey).

At Portland, the only migrants were single Dark Sword-grass and Silver Y (M Cade). At Broadwey, species of interest were Dark Sword-grass, Dark Spectacle, Streamer and Pale Tussock (P Harris). An all-night trip to Winspit in calm and damp conditions yielded an impressive sixty-one species and included in excess of 100 Valerian Pug (many flying around their foodplant at dusk), one Chamomile Shark, 16 Light Feathered Rustic, two Mullein Wave, 11 Rustic Shoulder-knot, one Cream-spot Tiger, one Large Yellow Underwing, four Dark Sword-grass, two Silver Y, two Turnip, three Diamond-back Moth, three Puss Moth, four Agonopterix pallorella, two Garden Pebble, one Rush Veneer, two Agonopterix rotundella, one Maiden’s Blush, one Yellow-barred Brindle, 14 Waved Umber and a Buttoned Snout (surprising given the supposed complete absence of hop in this coastal locality) (P Davey). Meanwhile at Shapwick, singles each of Rush Veneer, Chocolate-tip and Tawny Pinion were highlights (P Davey). At Kingston warm and humid conditions really boosted the catch with 150 moths of 48 species, the majority of which were new for the year; it was a good night for pugs with 5 species turning up the best being a slightly washed out Marbled Pug and amongst the prominents only Lesser Swallow failed to appear; best of the rest included Alder, Maiden's Blush, Figure of 80, two Poplar Grey, and Least Black Arches (P Benham).

By day, a good garden tick in Verwood in the form of a Large Red-banded Clearwing feeding off berberis sp. (M Weaver).

At Durlston: Angle Shades and White Ermine among the most striking, with Flame Shoulder, Red Chestnut, Hebrew Character, Dark Sword-grass and Common Quaker also found (per Durlston C P website). Highlights at Shraggs: singles each of Maiden's Blush, Great Prominent, and a White-spot (RDB2) (L Hill). At Kingcombe meadows, the highlight was Poplar Hawkmoth (N Croton). Flame Shoulder, White Ermine and Pale Prominent, new for the year at Tolpuddle (J Francis). At Canford Heath, another female Emperor Moth, which when released attracted a couple of males (T Elborn). At Merley, the first spring record there of Red-green Carpet, four Orange Footman, Great Prominent, Poplar Grey and Scorched Carpet (D & M Godfrey). Highlights at Verwood included Scarce Prominent, and a Maiden's Blush (C Court). At Burton, new for the site were Great Prominent, Muslin Moth and Chocolate-tip, with Maiden's Blush new for the year there (J Southworth).

Migrants at Poole Park included Blair's Mocha and a Diamond-back Moth (V Giavarini).

By day, a Ruddy Highflyer at the toilet block lights at Seatown (M Parsons).

At Portland, the only migrants were two Diamond-back Moth and a Rusty-dot Pearl (M Cade). New for the year at Dorchester were: Iron Prominent, Waved Umber, Rustic Shoulder-knot, Twenty Plume, Heart and Dart, V Pug, Swallow Prominent, Mullein, Flame Shoulder, Bright-line Brown Eye, Knot-grass and Pale Mottled Willow, while migrants included three Rush Veneer (J Down). Highlights at Tolpuddle included a couple of Lead-coloured Drab, a very fresh Dark Sword-grass and a Common Lutestring (J Francis). A small selection at Burton, including Green Carpet, Poplar Kitten and the first Spectacle of the year there (J Southworth). At Gussage all Saints, Dotted Chestnut, V Pug, Flame Shoulder, Red Twin-spot Carpet, and Frosted Green among others (R & T Hibbert).

At Portland, the first eight migrant Diamond-back Moth there (M Cade). Migrants at Dorchester included two Rush Veneer and a Silver Y (J Down). At Gillingham, another Eudonia angustea, with Currant Pug, Powdered Quaker and a Spectacle (G Hopkins).

A stunning female Emperor to actinic, Canford Heath (T Elborn). At Kingston, 22 species, a migrant Diamond-back Moth, and a Semicopsis steinkellneriana, which if confirmed, will be new for the garden; Pale Prominent, Pebble Prominent, Puss Moth, Common Wave and Mullein all first for the year there (P Benham). At Gillingham, Swallow Prominent, Powdered Quaker and an early Eudonea angustea (G Hopkins).

Overnight, a Rusty-dot Pearl at Portland (M Cade). At Durlston, a Light Feathered Rustic, a notable B species (per D, M & K Godfrey). Highlights at Verwood included Ringed Carpet and Scarce Prominent (C Court). At Tolpuddle, highlights included Waved Umber and Pale Pinion (J Francis). New for the garden at Burton were Least Black Arches, Lunar Marbled Brown and Red Twin-spot Carpet (J Southworth).

At Hunters Moon, Wareham Forest, single Hebrew Character and Flame Shoulder (S Elcoate).

Two Rusty-dot Pearl, Portland Obs (M Cade). At Broadmayne, Great Prominent and Pebble Prominent (P Bruce-Jones). A few Hebrew Character and a Spectacle, Gillingham (G Hopkins).

Very little to report recently from Portland, and a Silver Y at Fortuneswell was the first immigrant for many weeks; first records for the year for Purple-bar, Pale Mottled Willow, Nutmeg, Rustic Shoulder-knot, Herald and Yellow Belle (M Cade). At Chickerell, Least Black Arches was the highlight, with Brimstone the first for the year (C Pinder). There was Maiden's Blush and Green Carpet at Broadmayne (P Bruce-Jones). At Harman's Cross, singles each of Streamer, Satellite, Tawny Shears, Double-striped Pug and a Clouded Drab (S Elcoate). At Tolpuddle, 11 Hebrew Character, singles of Swallow Prominent, Herald, Shoulder-stripe, an early Spectacle, two Lead-coloured Drab, a Clouded Drab, four Common Quaker, two Small Quaker, two Muslin Moth, a female Brindled Beauty, Brimstone and Tawny Pinion (J Francis).

A welcome improvement on recent weeks. GMS night at Chickerell produced 12 moths: singles of Light-brown Apple Moth, Double-striped Pug, Streamer, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Early Grey, two Flame Shoulder (first of year), and two Common Quaker, and three Hebrew Character (C Pinder). A Flame Shoulder, Broadmayne (P Bruce-Jones). At Verwood, new for the year there were Scalloped Hazel, Brimstone, Knotgrass, Garden Carpet, Sallow Kitten, Scalloped Hook-tip, Horse Chestnut, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Herald, Lesser Swallow Prominent, Frosted Green, Pale Mottled Willow, Early Tooth-stripe, Ringed Carpet, Least Black Arches and Red Chestnut (C Court). At Burton: six Light Brown Apple Moth, one Emmelina monodactyla, three Nut-tree Tussock, one each of Hebrew Character and Shuttle-shaped Dart, two Early Grey, a March Moth, three Double-striped Pug and a Silver Y (J Southworth).

At Broadstone: singles each of Lesser Swallow Prominent, Puss Moth, Hebrew Character, Nut-tree Tussock, Grey Pine Carpet, and two Common Quaker and Double-striped Pug (K Clements).

At Chickerell, Silver Y and Shuttle-shaped Dart were new for the year there, and Purple Thorn was new for the garden (C Pinder).

At Broadmayne, Shoulder-stripe and Brimstone (P Bruce-Jones). Three Nut-tree Tussock, Brindled Beauty and Frosted Green were all new for the year at Kingston (P Benham).

New for the year at Verwood was Narrow-winged Pug, Nut-tree Tussock, Spectacle, Grey Pine Carpet, Spruce Carpet and Purple Thorn (C Court).

At Chickerell, Brindled Pug was new for the garden (C Pinder). Both Pale Pinion and Tawny Pinion at Broadwey (P Harris).

Among the usual seasonal moths at Duncliffe Wood and before the snow began to fall were singles each of Engrailed, Red Chestnut and Brindled Pug (G Hopkins).

A Shoulder-stripe and an Oak Beauty at Broadwey (P Harris). Among four species trapped at Poole Park was a Dotted Chestnut (V Giavarini). Better than of late at Burton: seven Hebrew Character, an Early Thorn, two Oak Beauty, seven Common Quaker, two Early Grey and a Clouded Drab (J Southworth).

By day at Portland, Hummingbird Hawkmoth at Weston and Fortuneswell (per M Cade). At Broadstone, two Pine Beauty, two Clouded Drab, a Twin-spotted Quaker, four Common Quaker, and singles each of Hebrew Character, Early Grey and Lunar Marbled Brown (K Clements). At Kingston, 18 species, including an Angle Shades and two Blossom Underwing (P Benham).

Only two moths at Dorchester, a Small Eggar and a Hebrew Character, the former being a first for the garden (J Down). Highlights at Kingston, among a sprinkling of spring moths were a Lead-coloured Drab and an early Flame Shoulder (P Benham).

Still very meagre fayre, with just a Rusty-dot Pearl at Broadwey reported (P Harris).

At Broadway, 29 moths, including a Pale Pinion and Oak Beauty (P Harris). At Broadmayne, a Pale Pinion, Clouded Drab and three Hebrew Character (P Bruce-Jones).

At Broadmayne, the highlight was a Dark Sword-grass, also a Hebrew Character and two Early Grey (P Bruce-Jones).

Moth records very poor at Portland of late, but overnight was the second island record of Yellow Horned (M Cade). At Durlston, species noted included Depressaria daucella, Brindled Pug, Double-striped Pug, Oak Beauty, Common Quaker, Small Quaker, Twin-spotted Quaker, Hebrew Character, Early Thorn, Angle Shades, Red Chestnut, Early Moth, Early Grey, Dotted Border and a Dark Sword-grass (per L Hill).

At Kingston, a Caloptilia stigmella was new for the garden, and Shoulder-stripe new for the year there (P Benham).

A soggy hours trapping at Alners Gorse produced: Blossom Underwing, Dotted Border, Pale Brindled Beauty, Spring Usher and two Lead-coloured Drab (G Hopkins).

At Alners Gorse, 200 moths of 15 species, including five Small Brindled Beauty and seven Lead-coloured Drab (P Davey).

At last a hint of spring. At Shaggs: singles each of Diurnea fagella, Acleris ferrugana / notana, and Emmelina monodactyla, five Yellow-horned, a Double-striped Pug, two Early Tooth-striped, a Pale Brindled Beauty, two Dotted Border, a Common Quaker and two Hebrew Character (L Hill).

The highlight at Broadwey was an Acleris literana (P Harris). At Kingston, seven species including Oak Beauty, Clouded Drab and Early Thorn making first appearance there, and another Small Brindled Beauty (P Benham).

An Oak Beauty at Broadwey (P Harris). An Emmelina monodactyla, Clouded Drab and a Pale Brindled Beauty at Broadmayne (P Bruce-Jones). Evidence of at least a concerted emergence at Kingston: seven Small Quaker, and new for the year were three Hebrew Character and singles of Common Quaker and Small Brindled Beauty (P Benham).

A Dotted Border attracted to lit kitchen window in freezing conditions, at Chickerell ( C Pinder).

At Kingston, an Agonopterix heracleana, Small Quaker and a Dotted Border (P Benham).

A single Euchromius ocellea flushed by day near Dancing Ledge on Purbeck (P Davey).

At Shaggs: Acleris hastiana, Hebrew Character, Chestnut and Early Grey (L Hill).

A single Euchromius ocellea to outside light in garden, Preston (M Forster).

Another single Euchromius ocellea at Portland (M Cade). At Durlston before 2300: two Early Moth, Light-brown Apple Moth, Angle Shades, Double-striped Pug, Acleris boscana, three Dark Chestnut, and five Euchromius ocellea (P Davey). An Euchromius ocellea at Broadwey (P Harris), and another at Walditch by 2100 (M Parsons).

A few more migrants about, with a Rush Veneer and five Euchromius ocellea at Portland (M Cade). An Euchromius ocellea at Broadwey, with two Hebrew Character (P Harris).

Another Euchromius ocellea and the first Hebrew Character of the year at Portland (M Cade).

Poor overnight conditions, and only two moths in the traps at Portland: Emmelina monodactyla and Crocidosema plebejana (M Cade).

The Saharan dust plume did bring a few migrants to the UK, especially the south-west, with a few in Dorset. Portland managed two Euchromius ocellea, and a Rusty-dot Pearl; Dark Chestnut, Acleris hastiana, Light-brown Apple Moth and Crocidosema plebejana were the only residents caught (M Cade). Nearby at Durlston, there were four Euchromius ocellea, with residents represented by two Mottled Umber, two Pale Brindled Beauty, Double-striped Pug, Acleris boscana, Acleris hastiana and Light-brown Apple Moth (P Davey). At Walditch, just the two moths, an Oak Beauty and an Euchromius ocellea (M Parsons).

At Durlston, four Double-striped Pug, and singles of Early Moth, Mottled Umber and Dark Chestnut (P Davey).