Garden & Woods- 21/12

For a while it was looking as if there would be no further chance for any more Mothing this year. But after a two week spell of cold, wet and windy weather, things improved. It was still a heady 10°C at 6.00pm last night, which is a massive difference from the 2°C just two nights previous.

I put on three lights last night; my usual trap, a 36w BLB tube and further down the garden, a 25w BLB compact lamp.

December Moth

I also took a last opportunity this year of putting a battery powered Actinic/UV Skinner in Home Wood. On arrival just after dark, I could see plenty of Winter Moths in the car headlights. It would have been a good idea to net some to check for Northern Winters. I may try this after Christmas as you seem to see more fluttering around early in the evening compared to the relatively small number recovered from the trap in the morning. I counted a good 30+ flying at night, but only found 4 in the trap.

Result for Upper Caldecote- 4 of 3 species-

• 1631 Poecilocampa populi December Moth 1 
• 1799 Operophtera brumata Winter Moth 2 
• 2256 Eupsilia transversa Satellite 1

Result for Home Wood- c63 of 4 species-

• 1631 Poecilocampa populi December Moth 26 
• 1799 Operophtera brumata Winter Moth c30 (4 in the trap) 
• 1935 Erannis defoliaria Mottled Umber 6 
• 2258 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut 1

28th Nov.

The weather has been shocking of late; if it isn't cold, it's blowing a gale. But the mild, unseasonal couldn't continue forever.

I put the trap on last night expecting not a great deal as the wind began to pick up. However, my reward was waiting under the egg boxes in the morning.

Scarce Umber

Not really that 'scarce' but difficult to get in my garden. This is only my second ever record after a single in 2009. I thought I'd missed out this year too; this one is on the late side.
This brings the overall species list for the year to 460, a nice round number. The only addition I could possibly make is Northern Winter Moth- as I have had it in the two previous years.

The only other highlight of late was a single December Moth, caught on 24/11.

22/23rd November

After a couple of blanks, (20th & 21st) it was back to winning ways. Nothing new, but the unusual late records continue with yet another Large Nutmeg and this- what looks to be an Uncertain! both caught along with Emmelina monodactyla on 22nd.

On the 23rd only one moth; a Shuttle-shaped Dart, which is also pretty late.

Uncertain?

Large Nutmeg again!

Unsurprisingly, not a lot in the traps of late. But another late Large Nutmeg under the egg boxes this morning proved it is still worth putting the lights on. I believe this is easily the latest one in VC30 to date, but it's difficult to see this being the last unusual record of the year.

All three moths were caught at the Twin 15w actinic/UV Skinner, even though there was another trap on at the bottom of the garden.

The result- 18-11-2011- 

• 0874 Blastobasis lacticolella 1 
• 1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1 
• 2333 Apamea anceps Large Nutmeg 1

Late records are not just confined to moths, there was a Wheatear found on Dunstable Downs today and the long staying Ivel valley Osprey is still fishing in the trout farm at Warren Villas! Both birds are the latest ever seen in Bedfordshire.

Home & Away 17/11

Despite the threat of a possible cold snap, the mild nights persist. This was certainly the case last night, though possibly hampered by a heavy dew.

The Garden trap claimed another NFY, as a December Moth obliged. In fact just two moths were caught, the other, an unusually late Dark Arches. Incredibly, two other VC30 moth-ers also caught one on the same night. Could this be a coincidence, or a possible foreign influx?.......

December Moth

 Dark Arches

I also persuaded Trent to go on another foray into Home Wood. This time we tried the 80w MV with sheet again, as not to many people bother at this time of year. We used this for about 1 1/2 hours, but left the battery trap over night. Trent collected it in the morning, there is a combined list at the bottom of the post.

 Winter Moth

461 Ypsolopha ustella

It was good to get another three new species for the survey. I will probably try one more time this year, possibly in mid December in the hopes of finding Northern Winter Moth.

The result- combined from location#1 & 4-

• 0461 Ypsolopha ustella 1 NFS 
• 1631 Poecilocampa populi December Moth 6 NFS 
• 1799 Operophtera brumata Winter Moth 6 NFS 
• 1923 Colotois pennaria Feathered Thorn 4 
• 1933 Agriopis aurantiaria Scarce Umber 2 
• 1935 Erannis defoliaria Mottled Umber 2 
• 2227 Asteroscopus sphinx Sprawler 16 
• 2258 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut 2

...........16-11

On the 15th November, I had the dubious honour of recording my first blank of the season. However, just one moth on the 16th proved to be a good one. Another NFY, the first for ten days- I suppose the only target I can possible attain now is to reach 460 species for the year. There's not too much more I can get now though........

Mottled Umber

Only my second record, the first was 18th January 2010. This one was found in the trap, under the egg boxes.

More from the Woods and Garden

Once again, I took the battery powered twin Skinner into Home Wood and secured a couple more species. It was an almost perfect evening; overcast and warm but with wind picking up towards midnight. No December Moth yet, but I can try again before the year is out.

Scarce Umber

 Mottled Umber

 November Moth agg.

A very dark specimen- retained for the recorders.....

The Result- Home Wood- 12-11-11- 38 of 6 species-

• 0874 Blastobasis lacticolella 2 
• 1795x Epirrita dilutata agg. November Moth agg. 5 
• 1933 Agriopis aurantiaria Scarce Umber 6 NFS
• 1935 Erannis defoliaria Mottled Umber 1 NFS
• 2227 Asteroscopus sphinx Sprawler 22 
• 2259 Conistra ligula Dark Chestnut 1

Surprisingly, a very good night in the garden too. I put 2 traps out to maybe add to this years species list. Highlights were another unusually late Vine's Rustic and Large Nutmeg.

The Result- Garden- 12-11-11- 8 of 8 species-

• 0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 1 
• 1288 Alucita hexadactyla Twenty-plume Moth 1 
• 1395 Udea ferrugalis Rusty Dot Pearl 1 
• 1923 Colotois pennaria Feathered Thorn 1 
• 2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 1 
• 2258 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut 1 
• 2333 Apamea anceps Large Nutmeg 1 
• 2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 1

More Late Stuff..........

..........And with the Iberian conditions continuing  until the weekend at least, who could bet against more migrants and odd late records turning up?

After other VC30 moth-ers have continued to catch migrants such as Gem and Scarce Bordered Straw, I have kept just one trap on over the last few nights just in case. I have still yet to record a 'blank', which is pretty good considering we are edging towards mid November. 

Only two moths last night- 874 Blastobasis lacticolella and this-

Large Nutmeg

This has to be the latest VC30 record so far this year- In the books, the flight time is June and July!

697 Agonopterix arenella

Result for 08-11-11- 4 of 3 species-

• 0697 Agonopterix arenella 1 
• 2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 1 
• 2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 2

998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth

Result for 07-11-11- 6 of 6 species-

• 0874 Blastobasis lacticolella 1 
• 0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 1 
• 1395 Udea ferrugalis Rusty Dot Pearl 1 
• 1795x Epirrita dilutata agg. November Moth agg. 1 
• 2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 1 
• 2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1

Half a Monkey o' Macros..........

...........and for those outside East London, that means 250 macros up for the year! After persevering with the trap(s) every night, it has finally paid off. I did think I had the total on 2nd when I found a Sprawler in the conservatory. But it could have been a stowaway from Home Wood as that is where I left the battery light rig.
Migrants have been in evidence for the last week or so, with a few Rusty Dot Pearls and Silver Ys. So it was a relief when this showed up just after 9.30pm.

Dark Sword-grass

At last!

 Sprawler

Smuggled from Home Wood me thinks.........

Silver Y

2 records in November so far.........

 A Witch and a Pumpkin!

Sending the kids out begging for sweets is OK when they're this age I suppose. Halloween wasn't really done when I was a kid. We used to beg for money with an effigy of Guy Faulkes  instead!

.............and this is my grand effort to impress the kids with some Pumkin Carving..........But I'll have to go a long way to compete with these guys! 

The result- 05-11-11- 2x Twin 15w Actinic/UV, Twin 25w Actinic skinners- 7 of 6 species-

•  1524 Emmelina monodactyla 2 
•  1795x Epirrita dilutata agg. November Moth agg. 1 
•  2091 Agrotis ipsilon Dark Sword-grass 1 NFY 
•  2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 1 
•  2259 Conistra ligula Dark Chestnut 1 
•  2264 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker 1

Home and Away. 30/10

Although warm, the wind persists. This renders the garden pretty useless at this time of year and as a concequence, only three moths were recorded- Yellow-line Quaker, Pale Mottled Willow and a Feathered Thorn.

I chose to dump a battery powered Twin Actinic/BLB Skinner in Home Wood. The salvaged 40 amp car battery certainly keeps the lights burning bright, still going strong after 13 hours. A good night temperature wise with a steady 15°C throughout, just a shame the wind was at times a little gusty.

Sprawler

New for the year and very common in Home Wood.

The result- Home Wood- 71 of 8 species-

• 0658 Carcina quercana 1 
• 1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 1
• 1795x Epirrita dilutata agg. November Moth agg. 6
• 1795 Epirrita dilutata November Moth 6- Gen Det A. Banthorpe
• 1796 Epirrita chistyi Pale November Moth 8- Gen Det A Banthorpe 
• 1923 Colotois pennaria Feathered Thorn 6 
• 2227 Asteroscopus sphinx Sprawler 14 
• 2245 Allophyes oxyacanthae Green-brindled Crescent 21-  5 of which ab. Capucina 
• 2258 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut 6 
• 2262 Agrochola circellaris Brick 2

Last chance to see?

Another warm front came through during the night with a thick bank of cloud cover . Perfect conditions for a good haul, including a couple that I thought I'd be waiting for until well into next year. I will have to find out what the latest VC30 dates are for Blood-vein and Vine's Rustic. If they're not the latest, they must be close! The Blood-vein is the equal latest record..........

It was also good to record a 2nd Rusty Dot Pearl, if migrants are still around it might not be too late to get a Dark Sword-grass.

Blood-vein

Vine's Rustic

 Green-brindled Crescent

A record 4 caught.

1395 Udea ferrugalis Rusty Dot Pearl

The result- 28-10-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV, twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinners- 21 of 14 species-

• 0695 Agonopterix alstromeriana 1 
• 1395 Udea ferrugalis Rusty Dot Pearl 1 
• 1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1 
• 1682 Timandra comae Blood-vein 1 
• 1795x Epirrita dilutata agg. November Moth agg. 4 
• 1923 Colotois pennaria Feathered Thorn 1 
• 1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 1 
• 2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 2 
• 2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 1
• 2245 Allophyes oxyacanthae Green-brindled Crescent 4 
• 2259 Conistra ligula Dark Chestnut 1 
• 2375 Rhizedra lutosa Large Wainscot 1 
• 2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 1 
• 2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 1

Late November......

Although I've only got three years of data to go on, this is well overdue. My 1st record for 2009 was 13th and in 2010 I recoded three on 10th. 

November Moth agg.

Result for 27-10-2011- Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 8 of 6 species-

• 1795x Epirrita dilutata agg. November Moth agg. 1 NFY 
• 1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 2 
• 2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1 
• 2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 2 
• 2240 Lithophane leautieri Blair's Shoulder-knot 1 
• 2245 Allophyes oxyacanthae Green-brindled Crescent 1

A mini revival 21-22/10

After a short cold snap the temperature rose again as the winds swung back round to southerlies. It is a little too windy at times, but I'm not quite giving up hope on a late migrant or two yet. Surprisingly, I have still yet to record any November Moth aggs. 

Mallow

15 recorded so far and still time for more yet...........

The result- 21-10-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV, Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinners- 16 of 11 species-

• 0874 Blastobasis lacticolella 1 
• 1745 Larentia clavaria Mallow 2 
• 2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 2 
• 2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 1 
• 2245 Allophyes oxyacanthae Green-brindled Crescent 3 
• 2262 Agrochola circellaris Brick 1 
• 2263 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker 1 
• 2264 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker 1 
• 2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 1 
• 2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 1 
• 2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 2 

Pale Mottled Willow

A very well marked individual- 248 trapped in the garden this year.

The result- 22-10-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV, Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinners- 13 of  9 species-

• 1923 Colotois pennaria Feathered Thorn 1 
• 2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 2 
• 2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 1 
• 2240 Lithophane leautieri Blair's Shoulder-knot 1 
• 2245 Allophyes oxyacanthae Green-brindled Crescent 2 
• 2247 Dichonia aprilina Merveille du Jour 1 
• 2264 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker 1 
• 2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 1 
• 2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 2

Another Merv..........

But before that, it was good to record a another NFY macro. In fact, there were two recorded including the dark form ab. capucina pictured below. I now need just two more species to make the 250 mark, but I may have to wait as the weather is about to take a turn for the worse.

Green-brindled Crescent

 Merveille du Jour

An unprecedented 6th record for the garden this year.

 Large Wainscot

Another good year for these with 8 so far.

Result for 16-10-11, Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 11 of 10 species-

• 1497 Amblyptilia acanthadactyla 1 
• 1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1 
• 1745 Larentia clavaria Mallow 1 
• 1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 1 
• 2245 Allophyes oxyacanthae Green-brindled Crescent 2 NFY 
• 2247 Dichonia aprilina Merveille du Jour 1 
• 2264 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker 1 
• 2375 Rhizedra lutosa Large Wainscot 1 
• 2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 1 
• 2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1

13-10...........

A quiet night, of note was the first of these for the Autumn.

Grey Shoulder-knot

Result- Twin 15w Actinic/UV and Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinners-22 of 14 species-

• 0229 Monopis obviella 1 
• 0648 Endrosis sarcitrella White-shouldered House-moth 1 
• 1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 2 
• 2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 3 
• 2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 2 
• 2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 1 
• 2237 Lithophane ornitopus Grey Shoulder-knot 1 
• 2263 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker 1 
• 2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 2 
• 2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 1 
• 2375 Rhizedra lutosa Large Wainscot 1 
• 2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 1 
• 2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 4 
• 2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1

Battered, but new...........

..........And after the south-western quarter of the country has been plagued with exotic immigrant species. I at last managed one of the expected and surprisingly, it's taken me three years to get it on the list- even though it's seen better days........

1395 Rusty Dot Pearl Udea ferrugalis

 

The night of the 12th was yet again very good, with a smattering of micros as well. No sign of any NFY macros at present, but hopefully time to get three more.

The result- 12-10-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV and Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinners- 43 of 22 species-

•  0874 Blastobasis lacticolella 1 
•  0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 2 
•  1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 2 
•  1395 Udea ferrugalis Rusty Dot Pearl 1 Garden 1st 
•  1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 1 
•  1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1 
•  1745 Larentia clavaria Mallow 1 
•  1760 Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet 2 
•  1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 4 
•  2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 5 
•  2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 2 
•  2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 1 
•  2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 3 
•  2240 Lithophane leautieri Blair's Shoulder-knot 2 
•  2252 Polymixis flavicincta Large Ranunculus 1 
•  2263 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker 1 
•  2264 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker 3 
•  2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 2 
•  2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 2 
•  2375 Rhizedra lutosa Large Wainscot 1 
•  2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 4 
•  2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1

11-10.......

A pretty good night as the temperatures reamined relatively high and the strong wind subsided. No new macro species but a good list for the time of year. Last Sunday, a quick look around the Alder with Andy Banthorpe revealed this tiny leaf mine, now confirmed.

272 Bucculatrix cidarella

Another new species for the garden and a mine that has no doubt been overlooked. This species was first recorded in VC30 in 2010- but I suspect only because no one was looking for it before!

The result- 11-10-11, Twin 15w Actinic/UV and Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinners- 33 of 16 species-

• 1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 3 
• 2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1 
• 2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 4 
• 2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 5 
• 2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 1 
• 2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 1 
• 2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 3 
• 2240 Lithophane leautieri Blair's Shoulder-knot 2 
• 2247 Dichonia aprilina Merveille du Jour 2 
• 2263 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker 1 
• 2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 2 
• 2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 1 
• 2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 2 
• 2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 1 
• 2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 3 
• 2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1

07/10.....Another 8

I am now more or less up to date and have added 4 posts this evening. As temperatures and counts have plummeted it seemed unlikely that I'd add a new macro to the list. But conditions on the 7th became more favourable and the outlook for the rest of the weekend looks pretty good too.  After recording 240 macro species in 2010, I set an ambitious target of 250 for this year. I then, in mid September calculated what I could possibly still catch. This was NOT on my list.....

Figure of Eight

After surprisingly recording 2 in Home Wood on 29th September, it came as a shock to find one in the garden trap!

The result- 07-10-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner- 15 of 11 species-

• 2020 Diloba caeruleocephala Figure of Eight 1 Garden 1st 
• 2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1 
• 2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 3 
• 2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 1 
• 2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 1 
• 2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 1 
• 2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 1 
• 2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 1 
• 2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 1 
• 2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 3 
• 2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1

I now have to record just 3 more species for 250 macro moths for 2011 and just 10 more species to reach 300 for the garden in total. I am hoping to reach this target during next year.......

Early October.........

............and the good weather continued with another good batch of seasonal moths. In fact, I ticked off most of the expected October moths in just 2 nights! But it was never going to last, so after recording over 30 species on 2nd and having a decent night on 3rd. The gravy train suddenly ground to a halt and list totals crashed down to just 11 species on 4th. Good while it lasted though................

Merveille du Jour

Not seen since 2009 and then 2 turn up on 1st October

.

Red-line Quaker

465 Plutella porrectella

This is a close relative of the Diamond-back Moth, in fact it's the next number along! Garden 1st, 1st October.

343 Phyllonorycter esperella

This was found on a Hornbeam shrub and is a Garden 1st. Confirmed by D. Manning.

The result 01-10-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV, Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinner- 59 of 24 species-

• 0075 Stigmella floslactella 1 Leaf Mine on Hornbeam  
• 0343 Phyllonorycter esperella1 Leaf Mine on Hornbeam Garden 1st 
• 0362 Phyllonorycter acerifoliella 1 Leaf Mine- Field Maple Garden 1st 
• 0464 Plutella xylostella Diamond-back Moth 1 
• 0465 Plutella porrectella 1 Garden 1st 
• 0658 Carcina quercana 1 
• 0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 1 
• 1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 1 
• 1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 3 
• 2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1 
• 2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 8 
• 2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 6 
• 2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 2 
• 2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 2 
• 2231 Aporophyla lutulenta Deep-brown Dart 1 
•  2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 2 
•  2240 Lithophane leautieri Blair's Shoulder-knot 1 
•  2247 Dichonia aprilina Merveille du Jour 2 NFY 
•  2263 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker 1 NFY 
•  2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 10 
•  2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 5 
•  2273 Xanthia togata Pink-barred Sallow 1 
•  2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 1 
•  2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 5

 Red-green Carpet

Good to see- I recorded it twice last year.

 Yellow-line Quaker

 Feathered Thorn

The result- 02-10-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV, Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinner- 82 of 32 species-

• 0227 Monopis laevigella Skin moth 1 
• 0229 Monopis obviella 2 
• 0658 Carcina quercana 1 
• 0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 1 
• 1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 1 
• 1342 Eudonia angustea 1 
• 1415 Orthopygia glaucinalis 1 
• 1425 Galleria mellonella Wax Moth 1 
• 1745 Larentia clavaria Mallow 1 
• 1760 Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet 1 NFY 
• 1769 Thera britannica Spruce Carpet 1 
• 1923 Colotois pennaria Feathered Thorn 1 NFY 
• 1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 2 
• 2026 Orgyia antiqua Vapourer 1 Flying during day. 
• 2064 Phragmatobia fuliginosa Ruby Tiger 1 
• 2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1 
• 2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 17 
• 2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 2 
• 2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 7 
• 2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 2 
• 2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 2 
• 2240 Lithophane leautieri Blair's Shoulder-knot 2 
• 2248 Dryobotodes eremita Brindled Green 1 
• 2263 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker 2 
• 2264 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker 1 NFY 
• 2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 13 
• 2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 7 
• 2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 1 
• 2297x Amphipyra pyramidea agg. Copper Underwings 1 
• 2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 1 
• 2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 2 
• 2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 3

Late September Garden Highlights......

I got well behind on all my records and who could be surprised? A prolonged heat wave at the end of September and into October is far from usual. As a result, counts were way over average and the new species just kept rolling in. The 200th micro for the year finally fell on 28th Spetember.

264 Bedellia somnulentella

A garden 1st 28th September. #200 for the year!

889a Mompha bradleyi

This landed on my PC screen while writing a blog entry! One of a few similar species; a Gen. Det. by D. Manning revealed it to be a 4th VC30 record. A garden 1st, 28th September

 1041 Acleris sparsana

A long awaited garden 1st, 28th September.

 Pink-barred Sallow

After one record last year, recovered from a spiders web- HERE. It was nice to find 1 in each trap, including this well marked individual.

The result- 28-09-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV Skinner, Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinner- 76 of 26 species-

• 0264 Bedellia somnulentella 1 Gen. Det. DVM Garden 1st 
• 0874 Blastobasis lacticolella 
• 0889a Mompha bradleyi 1 Gen. Det. DVM Garden 1st 
• 0998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 1 
• 1041 Acleris sparsana 1 Garden 1st 
• 1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 1 
• 1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 1 
• 1524 Emmelina monodactyla 2 
• 1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 2 
• 1745 Larentia clavaria Mallow 1 
• 1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 4 
• 1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 1 
• 2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 7 
• 2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 10 
• 2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 7 
• 2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1 
• 2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 5 
• 2231 Aporophyla lutulenta Deep-brown Dart 2 
• 2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 2 
• 2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 6 
• 2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 9 
• 2273 Xanthia togata Pink-barred Sallow 2 NFY 
• 2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 1 
• 2375 Rhizedra lutosa Large Wainscot 1 
• 2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 2 
• 2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 2  

Brick

NFY 29th September.

 Barred Sallow

NFY 29th September.

 Dusky-lemon Sallow

2 of 3 caught, NFY 29th September.

The result- 29-09-11- Twin 15w Actinic/UV, Twin 25w FUL Actinic Skinner- 56 of 21 species-

•  0697 Agonopterix arenella 2 
•  0874 Blastobasis lacticolella 1 
•  1745 Larentia clavaria Mallow 1 
•  1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 1 
•  1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 4 
•  2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 7 
•  2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 5 
•  2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 1
•  2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1 
•  2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 2 
•  2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 1 
•  2231 Aporophyla lutulenta Deep-brown Dart 2 
•  2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 3 
•  2262 Agrochola circellaris Brick 2 NFY 
•  2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut 8 
•  2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 4 
•  2272 Xanthia aurago Barred Sallow 1 NFY 
•  2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 3 
•  2275 Xanthia gilvago Dusky-lemon Sallow 3 NFY 
•  2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 2 
•  2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 2

Home Wood Survey 29-09

A very warm and pleasant evening (17°C) with very little wind. And for the time of year I suppose we did quite well. But when it's that 'Summery' you expect to be swamped, however this wasn't the case. We set up just after 7.15pm and were packed up and ready to go by 10.00pm. This will probably be the last of the 'manned' trips for this year, as we will be reverting to battery actinics for the final few months.

The set up

 A fairly basic 80w MV Bulkhead on a tripod and a vertical screen made from an old gazebo. So just one light in Location #4 running off one generator. The photo shows Mr T. Duval keeping vigil.

 Small Wainscot

The 1st customer of the evening, just one caught.

 Sallow

 Barred Sallow

The result- 1x 80w MV Bulkhead with vertical sheet- 41 of 24 species- 7.15-9.45pm

• 0293 Caloptilia syringella 1 ID DVM- Location #4 
• 0321 Phyllonorycter messaniella 1 ID DVM- Location #4 
• 0336a Cameraria ohridella  1 ID DVM- Location #4 
• 0423 Argyresthia semitestacella 1 Gen. Det. DVM- Location #4  
• 0858 Hypatima rhomboidella 1 Gen. Det. DVM- Location #4 
• 1245 Grapholita janthinana 1 Gen Det. DVM- Location #4 
• 1334 Scoparia ambigualis 1 Gen. Det. DVM- Location #4 
• 1745 Larentia clavaria Mallow 1 
• 1760 Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet 2 
• 1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 3 
• 1768 Thera obeliscata Grey Pine Carpet 1 
• 1769 Thera britannica Spruce Carpet 1 
• 2020 Diloba caeruleocephala Figure of Eight 2  
• 2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 1 
• 2247 Dichonia aprilina Merveille du Jour 1 
• 2248 Dryobotodes eremita Brindled Green 4 
• 2258 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut 2 
• 2262 Agrochola circellaris Brick 1 
• 2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow 1 
• 2272 Xanthia aurago Barred Sallow 2 
• 2273 Xanthia togata Pink-barred Sallow 1 
• 2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 2 
• 2350 Chortodes pygmina Small Wainscot 1 
• 2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 8

Leaf mine and larval records for Home Wood- David Manning, Trent Duval- 27 species- 

• 0029 Ectoedemia atricollis  Hawthorn
• 0037 Ectoedemia albifasciella  Oak
• 0042 Ectoedemia septembrella  St Johns wort
• 0050 Stigmella aurella  Bramble
• 0063 Stigmella lemniscella  Elm
• 0067 Stigmella plagicolella Blackthorn
• 0068 Stigmella salicis Sallow
• 0079 Stigmella perpygmaeella Hawthorn
• 0080 Stigmella ulmivora Elm
• 0089 Stigmella basiguttella Oak 
• 0092 Stigmella anomalella Rose      
• 0123 Tischeria ekebladella Oak  
• 0125 Emmetia marginea  Bramble
• 0159 Antispila treitschkiella Dogwood 
• 0274 Bucculatrix ulmella  Oak 
• 0275 Bucculatrix bechsteinella Hawthorn
• 0293 Caloptilia syringella  Ash
• 0297 Eucalybites auroguttella St Johns wort
• 0303 Parornix anglicella Hawthorn       
• 0308 Parornix finitimella Blackthorn
• 0329 Phyllonorycter spinicolella Blackthorn
• 0332 Phyllonorycter corylifoliella Hawthorn 
• 0352 Phyllonorycter schreberella Elm     
• 0356 Phyllonorycter tristrigella Elm       
• 0362 Phyllonorycter acerifoliella  Maple 
• 1097 Endothenia gentianaeana Larva in teasel-head 
• 1169 Gypsonoma dealbana Feeding signs on oak