What you staring at?

Large Emerald (by Tony Fox)

Apologies for all two and half regular readers for the three month sabbatical, but we have been having a baby. Pleased to report that she is hitting the 12 hour nights already. Well done Mum. x

Last night, the vice-Chairman of S.M.O.G. and I were invited to a private meadow/woodland fringe site across the border in Tattingstone to set their two MV lights. With such great weather recently hopes were high this morning for the trap rounds.

As seems to be the theme this year, the range of species was good, but the volume of common species was poor. For example, there were only single specimens of Dark Arches and Turnip.

After two hours of checking, we came away with 75 species worked out and a bag full of pots for checking. For the rest of the morning it was a case of going through these and the list has topped out at 97 species (26 micros). I still consider myself a novice with micros, but I know that I left behind enough of what I consider the trickier species which would have taken the count over the three-figure mark.

Hawkmoths are thinning out now and were represented by just two Poplar Hawks. Best of the macros were Marbled White Spot, a tired looking Sharp-angled Carpet and a Bordered Beauty. The tiniest micro was the pick of the bunch, a smart little chap called Argyresthia bonnetella. You will have to look on UK Moths for a pic of that I am afraid.

Burnished Brass (by Tony Fox)