My top 10 moths of the year

This was very difficult to choose! all ten were new species for me this year.

Here goes....

1. (Chalk Carpet) : Not seen in Essex since 1984, we chanced upon this specimen at Grays Chalk Pit in Essex, the Moth's last stronghold, it must still be present at low density.

2. (Cream-spot Tiger) : Having seen Garden Tiger last year at this same location, it was nice to see this species in abundance with 8 individuals turning up to our light on Canvey Island.

3. (Dog's Tooth) : On the same night we managed a single specimen of this uncommon species confined to coastal areas.

4. (Festoon) : Gray's Chalk Pit at Thurrock again came up trumps with this scarce Essex species, which seems to be doing better in recent years and a colony was also found at Thorndon Park in Brentwood.

5. (Green Arches) : Having driven nearly 100 miles to a field trip on a relatively cool June evening with the Bedfordshire Moth Group at Marston Thrift, I was wondering if it was worth it! it was indeed as this beauty turned up, although listed as common, it is far from it in the South-East.

6. (Pearly Underwing) : During the great migrant spell which saw many Dark Sword-grass, Rusty Dot Pearl and singles of Scarce Bordered Straw and Small Mottled Willow, this turned up unexpectedly and was one of two trapped the same week on my farmland.

7. (Pine Hawk-moth) : Another Hawk-moth tick and 1 became 3 as I recorded them in 3 succesive weeks in the back garden/farmland, this being the most vividly marked

8. (Red-necked Footman) : Was pretty pleased with this one from the farmland, as I was recording a video when I made the discovery of it on one of my egg trays, it made it all the more special I think.

9. (Small Marbled) : Earlier on in May some of us reaped the rewards of early season migrants, not to be left out I promptly trapped 2 of these stunning little moths, possibly the best species for the farmland to date.

10. (Reed Dagger) : Not a rare species but typically confined to Salt-marsh and Shingle, several turned up at Canvey Island during another memorable trapping session.