Soggy moths!

Rain, a bit of drizzle, then heavy rain, then some more rain for a change. It's been like that for a few days here now in East Cambs, great for the garden, not so good for our delicate mothy friends.

That's why I use two cellular sponges in the bottom of my trap to soak up any rain that manages to get past the beefy 'over-sized' rain-guard, which is set on a tilt to allow run-off.

A healthy 34 species were recorded, not bad for a damp and breezy night, the mild conditions must have helped somewhat.

 

A nice variety of species including Buff Ermine, an early season Caloptilia stigmatella, Middle-barred Minor, Riband Wave and an alive Small Square-spot this time.

 

4 new for year species, the best was a single groggy specimen of Hypochalcia ahenella. I've taken this moth before in several counties, but it is far from common, this one was a bit tatty but still a great addition to the garden.

A knackered Agonopterix could be a number of species...I did contemplate getting it dissected, but it's so horribly worn that i've just let it go.

Moth garden list for 2022 stands at 276 species

05/06/22 - Back Garden - Fordham - East Cambridgeshire - Actinic Trap

 

Macro Moths

Buff Ermine 1 [NFG]
Middle-barred Minor 1 [NFG]
Riband Wave 1 [NFY]
Bright-line Brown-eye 1
Buff-tip 1
Common Marbled Carpet 1
Common Pug 1
Common Wainscot 2
Clouded Silver 1
Flame 1
Garden Carpet 5
Grey Pug 1
Heart & Dart 2
Large Nutmeg 2
Light Brocade 1
Peppered Moth 1
Poplar Grey 2
Rustic Shoulder-knot 1
Shears 1
Silver Y 1
Small Square-spot 1
Snout 3
Treble Lines 1
Turnip Moth 2
White Ermine 2
White-point 1
Willow Beauty 8

 

Micro Moths

 

Hypochalcia ahenella 1 [NFG]
Agonopterix sp 1
Argyresthia cupressella 1
Caloptilia stigmatella 1

Cnephasia sp 1
Hedya pruniana 1
Tortrix viridana 5

 

Buff Ermine

Caloptilia stigmatella

Hypochalcia ahenella

Middle-barred Minor

Riband Wave

Small Square-spot