Sharing the results from my latest Moth Trap Session. I have written posts about setting up a moth trap and on collecting the results if you want some more background info on how and why I use a Moth Trap
Date: 8th June 2024
Weather:
Its been 3 weeks weeks since the last session. The weather is just too cold to warrant regular sessions at the moment. However my partner and I had a loveley day out earlier this morning to Chambers Farm Wood, and amongst other things, I saw the below Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoth:
Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoth
There was also several sightings of these Green Oak tortrix
As Chambers is in Lincolnshire, I have of course added them to my moth recording spreadsheet, as they will still be useful records.
When we arrived home, I sat in the garden for a little while to enjoy the sunshine, and managed to see the below Common Rustic moth resting near the bench
Along with the productive morning exploring, to then see another species in the garden only meant one thing. The Moth Gods had spoken, and had given me a Sign that it would be worth running the trap tonight.
The weather itself looked decidedly and cool still, but the plenty of sunshine gave me cause for hope that it was worth a shot. Besides, we're in flippin' June, its high time Summer got a move on!
Right, fingers crossed, and with faith in the Moth Gods, it was time to turn everything on and get this session underway
Lights on, pots at the ready... Here. We. Go!
Results: 8 moths of 7 species
Summary of Results:
Bah!
Those Moth Gods are cruel and fickle, teasing me with little bits of excitment, and then dashing my hopes!
I might be slightly overdramatic here... but goddammit this is getting tiresome
This is in stark contrast to my post last year... on the 9th June 2023, I was on holiday up in Scotland, and my moth trap was much busier:
I know that the location in Scotland is better for moths, but the difference is clear, this season seems to be going very slowly indeed, and there are plenty of species that I would expect to have seen by now, which still haven't shown up yet
Back to tonights slim pickings, once darkness fell it became obvious that the session would be poor, and there was so little going on.
The only thing orth sharing was the 3 species below, all of which are the first time they've been seen this year
Heart & Dart
Common Marbled Carpet
Common Wainscot
Bonus Species
Pffft, not even any bonus invertebrates tonight!
This is the forecast for the next 2 weeks... and still no noticeable improvement on the horizon
Instead of the Moth Gods, perhaps I need to start praying to the Weather Gods. Maybe that will help?
...well it can't get much worse, thats for sure!
What will happen in the next session? Will it be busy and chaotic? Will it be quieter? Will I find something new to record?
Well, once again, there is only one way to find out!
Notes on Pictures: Since I started moth trapping 5 years ago, I have been slowly building up collection of Library Images. The idea being that once I have taken a picture of a particular species of Moth, I don't need another picture of the same species a year later. It’s a waste of time and energy. I only take pictures of new species, or of moths that are difficult to ID, so I can get the records verified.
While in my care, all individuals are looked after, and after Photographs have been taken, they are all released safely outside.
All names confirmed and checked via Wikispieces
Further Research from UK Moths and NatureSpot
If you have any thoughts or opinions on this article then I'd love to see your comments.
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Check out my website for more of my work.
Well, they are beautiful fotos. And it makes me exceedingly happy to know that there are people who are as fond of moths as I am.
It’s good to see another aspect of you which means I know two things about you already. You love flowers and also love to run…
Love the fuzz on the common wainscot. But my favorite was the heart and dart.
Both smart looking little moths, if slightly understated!
Fingers crossed for a little more variety soon. I am now on holiday for a week, so hopefully a opportunity to trap during the week if the weather looks reasonable!
@dannewton I found this moth on the north side of the house at noon today, in Western Mass, US. Any idea what it is?
Hello!
Firstly, thank you very much for sharing, I'd love to see any moths you have from your side of the pond 🦋
Secondly, the US is a big 'ole place, and theres lots of species I've never seen before (or heard off before). But I like a challenge!!
I tried a google image search which was hit and miss, but on the 3rd attempt I managed to find something similar - it might be a Girlfriend Underwing? - Catocala amica
source - https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Catocala-amica
second source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catocala_amica
There may be similar species, but this is a good start, it does appear to have bright yellow underwings, have you seen your moth move? The yellow underwings would be visible when it flies
No, it was firmly staying on the siding, but I think you did find it! What a cool name, 'Girlfriend Underwing'! Thank you for looking for me! I've seen a few moths but never been able to get photos. My camera is SO slow, but this one wasn't moving, so I got lucky.
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