FlyinginFordham: Warm, muggy, moths!

Another warm day on Saturday, followed by a humid night and perfect for seeing a good variety of moths.

And indeed there were plenty to observe!

During the day, I recorded my 6th Dusky Clearwing to the TAB lure, incredible! I wonder whether next year will see the same numbers? I also continue to get Cydia pomonella to this lure, nearly a dozen records now spanning the last 2 weeks.

Argyrotaenia ljungiana I missed out on the spring brood, and instead recorded it on Saturday as the 2nd summer brood.

Another strange one was the Autumn/Spring form of semifascia showing up. Usually at this time of year semifascia sports a yellow wedge, the offspring of the over-wintering moths, so quite late considering this moth may have been on the wing since last September!

Also a really dark Phtheochroa inopiana was interesting, dark brown and completely deviod of markings, only identified from it's distinct triangular tent-like shape, coupled with the palps.

There was also a massive influx of Yponomeuta species, over 100 were noted counted, with over 20 of them Yponomeuta rorrella.

Other winners were over 30 Least Carpet and 26 Nutmegs.

The most interesting moth however went to a micro, a rather dark presumed Scriobipalpa. I've had several people suggest Tuta absoluta, though i'm not 100% convinced, although that would be a welcome new for garden and also a rare moth for Cambs. The moth has been retained for disssection.

Only new for year species listed below.