Latest Sightings
This page contains recent moth sightings submitted by members across VC5 (South Somerset) and VC6 (North Somerset). Please note that these don't constitute as formal records - we still require records to be submitted to us at the end of each year using the methods outlined on the Submit Records page.
If you would like to submit your own sighting report to be displayed here, please click the link below:
Submit a Sighting Report1st September 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Busiest night of the year with 649 macros of 47 species. Large Yellow Underwing, 228, and Setaceous Hebrew Character,146, made up the bulk of the catch. 38 Brimstones, 2 Frosted Orange and a first for the year Centre-barred Sallow provided a welcome splash of colour.
31st August 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Nothing like Ian and Steve's numbers here. 179 moths of 54 sp. 5 FFY including a FFG in the form of Agonopterix nervosa (Burnt-tip Buff). The others were : Acleris comariana (Strawberry Tortrix) ; Neocochylis molliculana (Tawny-fronted Straw) ; Tissue and Centre-barred Sallow. Diamond-back Moth(2) and a Dark Swordgrass showed a hint of migration. Top scorer was LYU with 22.
31st August 2024 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
560 moths of 55 species. Setaceous HC (172) Large YU (93) Common Wainscott (41) and Brimstone (42) accounted for two thirds of the count. Two FFYs - Y.sequella and Lilac beauty. A sprinkling of migrants/ potential migrants - Palpita vitrealis(2), Rush veneer, Angle shades (7) White point (6) and Silver Y(6).
White point has been abundant this year - 16 so far. I first saw this here in 2021(1) 2022(3) and 2023(2), 6 in one evening suggests to me that it is established here(?).
Angle shades is another species having an unusual year; I have only ever trapped ones or twos, but 7 last night 14 for the year and 1, 5 and 6 for the past 3 years
31st August 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Best night of the year numerically with 565 macros of 50 species. Highlight was my first Porter's Rustic. Most numerous were Setaceous Hebrew Character with 162 and Large Yellow Underwing with 153. 11 Chinese Characters were the most I've had in one night.
My first Straw Underwing for 7 years was the best of the rest.
26th August 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
An upturn in numbers but still only 38 moths of 24 species. FFY were Blood-Vein, The Vestal, Dusky Thorn, Copper Underwing (2) and Square-spot Rustic (3). As well as The Vestal there were a couple of Diamond-backs, so obviously some migration was going on. Top scorer was Flame Shoulder, with 6.
26th August 2024 - Eyed Hawk-moth larvae
by John Bebbington
I have not trapped for a while - unfortunately the street lamp at the end of our garden has been repaired and my 20w actinic can't compete! However on Monday morning I found 3 fully grown Eyed Hawk-moth larvae on our young crabapple tree.
26th August 2024 - Lippetts Way, Catcott
by Mat Ridley
33 species, although nothing very notable, perhaps the best being singles of White-point and Small Dusty Wave. Most numerous were Setaceous Hebrew Character (30), Flame Shoulder (11) and Large Yellow Underwing (11). Nice to have several Orange Swift and Burnished Brass.
26th August 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
155 moths of 54 sp. Star of the show was Anania verbascalis (Wood Sage Pearl) Confirmed by Neale Mellersh and the first for Somerset. Other FFY were : Oegoconia sp. (prob. quadripuncta) (3) ; Dark Marbled Carpet ; Dusky Thorn (3) and Hedge Rustic (2). The days of large numbers seem to be over and top score went to Setaceous Hebrew Character (11)
26th August 2024 - Dark Spectacle
by Alick Simmons
Numbers and diversity have dropped precipitately in the last ten days. However, this was offset somewhat by the presence of a single Dark Spectacle, a species new to my Barrington garden.
21st August 2024 - Butleigh garden MV
by Sue Davies
Cool, windy, full moon, not a lot to report by FFY Flounced Rustic and male and female Orange Swifts. Acrolepia autumnitella larvae collected from Woody Nightshade, one has pupated overnight forming its
gold netted cocoon.
20th August 2024 - Join the Somerset Moths WhatsApp Group
by Dave Nevitt
As you will know if you were at the winter meeting, there has been a very successful WhatsApp Avon moth group for some years now and I have set up a similar one for Somerset. Its aim is “To communicate the more unusual and interesting moth sightings within Somerset. Also to post photos to assist in identifying or confirming ID.” The Avon one works very well with people sticking to the aim & not posting about catches daily. Therefore there aren’t too many posts. It’s a great way to stay in touch with other moth folk, to hear what others are catching and to get help with IDs. If you would like to join, ping me your mobile number to 07979088603. Dave.
18th August 2024 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
An unexpected amount of rain last night so I woke up to a soggy trap. So it was surprising to find 3 FFY outside the trap - Pale eggar, Palpita vitrealis and Vestal. A total of 269 moths of 69 species including 6 more FFYs - Calybites phasianipennella, Ypsolopha dentella, Elachista albifrontella, Scrobipalpa costella, Udea ferrugalis and a Parornix spp. probably anglicella but I also get devoniella here as well, both every year.
Gold spot has done particularly well here, I usually get 7-8 singletons throughout the summer but this year I have trapped 31 so far with high counts of 7 and 8.
17th August 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A 3 degree drop in temp resulted in a drop of 100 moths. A handful of FFY : Larch Pug ; Canary-shouldered Thorn ; Jersey Tiger ; Small Wainscot (2) and Lychnis. There was also a good candidate for Spilonota laricana / Larch Bud Moth which will probably fail to make the cut as it is a cat.4 for identification.
16th August 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Another poor night for mid-August, with 29 moths of 18 species. FFY were Garden Carpet (my latest first record) and Setaceous Hebrew Character (2). Vine's Rustic was top scorer, with 4. I'm beginning to think now that numbers here aren't going to pick up at all this year.
15th August 2024 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
142 moths of 52 species was a decent haul for this cooler night. Just 5 FFYs -Ypsolopha scabrella, Cochylis molliculana (5), which has become a regular here, Cydia splendana(2), Agonopterix alstromeriana, and Orange swift.
13th August 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
Much needed rain was forecast so I just used the 'waterproof' actinic. Annoyingly it didn't rain as it could have been a bumper night. 52 species of 167 moths were recorded including 7 FFYs: Vapourer Moth, Mouse Moth, Orange Swift (3), Phycitodes binaevella, Argyresthia goedartella, Cochylimorpha straminea (3) and Eupoecilia angustana. I also had an unusually attractive Agriphila geniculea.
Earlier I took Rob's advice and put out the VES lure and had two Yellow-legged Clearwing (FFY) in quick succession.
13th August 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Groundhog night again with another disappointing catch considering the good conditions. 275 macros of 65 species. The only first for the year was a Small Rivulet. Dingy Footman still the most numerous on 44 with Straw Dot(23) and Flame Shoulder(20) on the podium. Signs of migration were 2 Olive tree Pearls and singles of Silver Y, Gem and Scarce Bordered Straw.
12th August 2024 - Jersey Mocha
by Alastair Stevenson
Trapped at Greenaleigh Point overnight. New for Somerset but perhaps predictable given its recent spread in the South West. No other moths or migrants of note between 2 traps.
11th August 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
286 of 95 sp. Not too bad for micros 6 FFY: Scrobipalpa costella/ Bittersweet Moth (2); Acleris laterana/ Dark-marked Tortrix (3); Acleris hastiana/ Varied Tortrix; Eupoecilia angustana/Dark-barred Straw (2); Cydia splendana/Marbled Piercer (2) and Acrobasis advenella/Hawthorn Knot-horn. Macro FFY: Vestal; Chevron; Maple Pug; Copper Underwing and Straw Underwing (2). Flame Shoulder (20) was top scorer.
Others of note : Garden Rose Tortrix, Endotricha flammealis/Rose Tabby , Rusty-dot Pearl , Garden Pebble , Four-spotted Footman , Slender Brindle , Dun-bar and Six-striped Rustic.
11th August 2024 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
Not surprising that this was the biggest catch of the year. 505 moths of 82 species. Footman, small ermine agg, Brimstone and Flame shoulder beefed up the numbers. FFY was Copper underwing, Small rufous, Dark swordgrass, Currant pug, Jersey tiger(2), Catoptria falsella, Blastobasis adustella (2), and an odd looking Small waved umber. As a result of Steve Chapple's post I went back to it but as hard as I tried to convince myself it might be a Portland ribbon wave, I had to settle for a worn and damaged umber.
11th August 2024 - Middlezoy moths
by Simon Phelps
Another disastrous catch, this time only 36 moths of 24 species. What is going on?! Surely there can't be that few moths around? Wondering if something is wrong with my trap! Very depressing.
Not really any highlights due to such a low catch, but Small Rufous and Calamatropha paludella were nice to see.
11th August 2024 - Death's-head Hawk-moth caterpillar reports
by Simon Phelps
I have come across two reports of Death's-head Hawk-moth caterpillars in Somerset recently. Both seen online, so thought I would share here to alert everyone!
7th August - Pamela Morgan found one on the canal path between Church Road North Newton and the Boat Centre. She posted a photo of it in the Somerset Levels Friends Facebook group.
Week of 5th August - RSPB Ham Wall recent sightings blog posted on 9th August about previous week reports that reserve visitor Terry Stock saw one (a photo is shown on the blog) on the main path through the reserve.
Keep your eyes peeled and check potatoes and bittersweet plants!
10th August 2024 - Lippetts Way, Catcott
by Mat Ridley
56 species, most numerous being Dingy Footman (53), Straw Dot (44) and Common Rustic agg. (25). FFY include Peach Blossom, Iron and Swallow Prominent, Cabbage Moth, Knot Grass and Oak Eggar. Best of the bunch though was a Webb’s Wainscot, no doubt drifted up from the Avalon Marshes. Micros included Euzophera pinguis and Double-striped Tabby (Hypsopygia glaucinalis). I’d be grateful for confirmation, or otherwise, on the (rather poor) photo labelled Vine’s Rustic.
10th August 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A better night, though numbers still below par for the time of year - 73 moths of 35 species. FFY were Common Masoner (Blastobasis adustella), Gold Triangle (Hypsopygia costalis), Common Grass-moth (Agriphila tristella), The Magpie and Straw Dot.
10th August 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton - Portland Ribbon Wave
by Steve Chapple
By a strange coincidence both James McGill (1 mile away) and I had a Portland Ribbon Wave (NFG) last night. Has anyone else had one?
I put out three traps and was rewarded with 81 species. Ptocheuusa paupella was another NFG (thanks to James for the identification), 8 FFY's were: Turnip Moth, Rush Veneer (2), Dusky Thorn, Small China-mark, Acrobasis repandana, Blood Vein, Rosy Rustic and Cochylis molliculana (2).
10th August 2024 - Higher Vexford
by Will Langdon
A busy night on 10/8 with 99 species. Highlights were P. paupella (3), Goldenrod Pug (1) and Y. sedella (1) all of which were new for the garden, while I think Chevron was just the second here. Also trapped on 05/08, Blair's Mocha (1), Acleris umbrana (1) were also new for the garden, and True Lover's Knot was nice to see. I've had a few here that I guess wander down from the Quantocks or Exmoor.
9th August 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
My 6th Clearwing species of the year, Yellow-legged, to the VES lure in the afternoon. It completes the regular set here. I have to leave this species till August because otherwise I'll keep getting Orange-tailed to that lure!
9th August 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Another disappointing night with half the numbers I would normally expect. There were a few decent moths amongst the catch with Dusky Thorn and White Point being firsts for the year. Other good moths were a very fresh Peach Blossom and my second Nutmeg and Ear Moth(agg) of the season.
7th August 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
My worst catch for the first half of August - just 32 moths of 20 species! FFY were Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix, Box-tree Moth, Yellow-barred Brindle, Smoky Wainscot, The Clay (2), Shuttle-shaped Dart and
Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing.
7th August 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Still low numbers here. Just over 200 macros of 54 species was about half of what I would expect in a normal year.
A second Scarce Bordered Straw in a week was the highlight.
6th August 2024 - Butleigh garden mv
by Sue Davies
Generally disappointing, but a FFG Orthotelia sparganella.
5th August 2024 - Chesterblade Hills, 5 August 2024
by Christopher Iles
An excellent night running two lights on this de-intensifying agricultural site, one picking up hedgerow moths, the other rough grassland species. A surprise for Ruby Tiger (40 moths) to be the most numerous species, with good numbers of Flame Shoulder, Common Wainscot, Common Rustic agg etc. Also plenty of Magpie moths, though these were more frequent observed by torchlight along the hedgerows rather than actually at the traps themselves. Interesting/unusual species included Kent Black Arches, Scorched Carpet and the micro Nemapogon clematella, a new species for me.
5th August 2024 - Actinic Trap in Barrington
by Alick Simmons
The last week has been excellent. Numbers are higher than anytime this season with varieties continuing to increase. Nothing terribly although Rush Veneer is a likely migrant. Aesthetically pleasing were Oak Eggar (only 2nd garden record), Sallow Kitten and Grey/Dark Dagger.
4th August 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
45 species is not a bad return but numbers still seem very low. Five FFY's were: Scarce Bordered Straw, Pinion-streaked Snout, Agriphila selasella, Currant Pug and pleasingly, my first Magpie for a couple of years. Small Ranunculus were buzzing around the prickly lettuce at dusk.
On August 1st I had an Angle-barred Pug (NFG), Gold Spot, Oak Eggar and Catoptria falsella were FFY's.
4th August 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Cooler night (12.1c) = fewer Moths - 227 of 77 sp. Just 7 FFY : Batia lunaris / Lesser Tawny Crescent ; Pandemis corylana / Chequered Fruit-tree Tortrix ; Agriphila tristella / Common Grass Moth (2) ; Cydalima perspectalis / Box-tree Moth ; Tawny-speckled Pug ; Rosy Minor and Dotted Clay.
4th August 2024 - Clifden Nonpareil
by Neil Galton
Not trapped. Arrived at our Long Load garden around lunch-time and eventually settled under the eaves of our car-port.
Still present at 9pm but had left by 10.
2nd August 2024 - From VC10
by Sue Davies
Thought you might like to see these foreigners from Freshwater Bay. Channel Island Pugs have emerged and first ever Dentated Pug and Plumed Fan-foot. Migrants otherwise disappointing.
2nd August 2024 - Middlezoy moths
by Simon Phelps
A surprisingly poor catch in my Middlezoy garden moth trap. A warm night at the start of August and only got 54 moths of 36 species. Very depressing and not what I would normally get.
Highlights:
Mocha, Ruby Tiger, Bulrush Wainscot, Jersey Tiger, Black Arches, Straw Underwing, Small Wainscot, Agonopterix purpurea, Bactra robustana (awaiting confirmation).
31st July 2024 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Trapped until midnight, a slight shower at 11pm.
282 moths of 27 species. 200 of which were Ermine species agg. They were everywhere.
NFG were Gem and Small Wainscot. NFY was a Canary-shouldered Thorn.
Others of note were European Corn Borer (5), Box-tree moth (4), Elephant Hawk-moth (4), Iron Prominent, Jersey Tiger (15) and Silver Y (6).
31st July 2024 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
Also my best night of the year. 342 moths of 87 species ...so far. Just 1 FFG - Argyresethia trifasciata. 8 FFYs - Horse chestnut leaf miner, Limnaecia phragmitella, Pammene aurita, Water veneer, Acrobasis advenella, Wormwood pug, Dwarf cream wave and Sallow kitten.
30th July 2024 - Lippetts Way, Catcott
by Mat Ridley
61 species in my garden trap last night, most numerous being Dingy Footman (34), Riband Wave (19), Brimstone Moth (15) and Rosy Footman (10). Two Four-spotted Footman, two Jersey Tiger and singles of Early, August, September and Canary-shouldered Thorn. Nice to record species that I rarely or never caught in Carmarthenshire such as Yellow-tail and Mocha.
Pretty confident with identification, but someone might like to check the photos….
30th July 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Easily the best night of the year so far with 532 macros of 84 species. 90 Dingy Footman, 60 Common Footman and 57 Large Yellow Underwings made up the bulk of the catch.
A Ling Pug would have been a first for the garden but unfortunately it will have to be recorded as a sub species of Wormwood Pug.
30th July 2024 - Chrysoesthia drurella in the garden, Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
I was lucky enough to pot and snap this beautiful Chrysoesthia drurella found in the garden today.
29th July 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
At last ! 427 moths of 113 sp. Micro Highlights : Yosolopha dentella ; Ypsolopha scabrella ; Crassa unitella ; Carcina quercana (2) ; Anarsia spartiella ; Pandemis heperana ; Acleris forsskaleana ; Endotricha flammealis (4) and Anania coronana. Macro Highlights : Pebble Hook-tip (2) ; Drinker (3) ; Plain Wave ; Mocha (2) ; White-spotted Pug (4) ; Golden-rod Pug ; Narrow-winged Pug ; Magpie Moth ; Swallow-tailed Moth ; Grass Emerald ; Iron and Pebble Prominents ; Black Arches (3) ; Ear Moth agg. ; Small Rufous (2) and True Lovers Knot. Good Numbers of Footmen : Rosy (23) ; Common (59) and Scarce (24).
29th July 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Despite a warm night, no great increase in numbers - 63 moths of 36 species. I suspect it's now too late for a big increase in numbers this year. FFY were Codling Moth, Double-striped Tabby, Canary-shouldered Thorn, Scalloped Oak, Jersey Tiger (4) and The Coronet (2).
29th July 2024 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Trapped until midnight.
108 moths of 30 species.
Ermine species with 30, Light Brown Apple Moth with 11, Box-tree Moth with 7, Brimstone Moth with 7 and Jersey Tiger with 12 made up the majority. Others of note were Mocha, Latticed Heath, Early Thorn, Privet Hawk-moth, Black Arches and Marbled Green.
NFG was a Bordered Beauty, NFY were Magpie and Square-spot Rustic.
29th July 2024 - Middlezoy moths
by Simon Phelps
54 species in my Middlezoy garden moth trap. Highlights:
Magpie, Least Yellow Underwing, Canary-shouldered Thorn, Small Scallop, Jersey Tiger, Pebble Hook-tip, White-spotted Pug, Dark Spectacle, Lobesia abscisana, Blastobasis lacticolella.
I also got what I am almost certain is a Morophaga choragella. This appears to be quite a rare micro moth in Somerset and the south west. I will get it confirmed but it is so large and distinctive I am quite confident in my identification! An impressive looking species.
28th July 2024 - Gold Spot
by Alick Simmons
A nice fresh Gold Spot in my actinic trap last night.
28th July 2024 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
3 trappings recently have produced 55- 65 species each. Lots of FFYs which is more a reflection of previous poor results. Just one FFG - Small Ranunculus finally arrived here. This morning, I had a well-marked Pine Hawkmoth, my second record, first in 2021.
27th July 2024 - Midsomer Norton
by Rob Welch
From trap in garden.
26th July 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Numbers still not brilliant for the time of year but a decent yield - 70 moths of 24 species. FFY were Pebble Hook-tip (11th record, not annual), Satin Wave (3rd record, and first for 4 years), Small Fan-footed Wave, Ruby Tiger and The Dun-Bar (well-marked individual). An Elephant Hawk-moth count of 7 was the best of the year.
26th July 2024 - Actinic light trapping in Barrington
by Alick Simmons
Only 57 overnight and dominated by Common Footman (25+) and Elephant Hawk Moth (7). Of interest was Coxcomb Prominent and Least Carpet. The latter appears to be a rare species in Somerset (c.15 records) so it was just as well I looked beyond the trap since it was clinging to the washing-line pole a few metres away. Also a Smokey-barred Marble.
25th July 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
If it wasn't for the Footmen, it would be another very poor result for July. Altogether 103 moths of just 29 species, with no FFYs. Common (46), Rosy (3), Dingy (2) and Buff (2) combined made up over half. The only other ones of interest were a second-generation Iron Prominent, and another Agriphila geniculea. The Cinnabar "stripeys" have started to appear on my Ragwort flowers, so they at least look set to contnue in future.
24th July 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
204 of 72 sp. Star of the show was my second Leopard Moth, the first was 5 years ago. A FFG in the form of Evergestis pallidata (Chequered Pearl) was another nice find. Other FFY were: Garden Rose Tortrix; Shaded Broad Bar (2); September Thorn; Purple Thorn (2); Large Emerald; Nut-tree Tussock and Small Rufous. The only ones to make double figures were Footmen with 25 Rosy, 30 Common and 11 Scarce. ...... Still waiting for the heatwave!
23rd July 2024 - Butleigh garden LED
by Sue Davies
Experimenting with Fred’s new LED trap. Small number generally of spp in MV. FFY a nice Dusky Sallow, Ruby Tiger last night.
22nd July 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Yet again, numbers going the wrong way - slightly (this time) down to 73 moths of 31 species. No FFYs, but one FFG, Agriphela geniculea. Somewhat surprising not to have had this one before, as it's fairly common, but there you are.
22nd July 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
As is usual at this time of year the Footman are dominating the numbers. Last night I had 58 Common, 23 Dingy, 10 Rosy and 2 Muslin Footmen.
A Delicate was the pick of the rest.
21st July 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Scarce Bordered Straw and True Lover's Knot, my first for 6 years were the highlights of a varied but numerically limited catch.
20th July 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A similar story to last time - Common Footmen (30) comprising the great majority of an otherwise poor catch - 73 moths of 31 species, with FFYs Dun-bar, Eudonia pallida and Acrobasis advenella.
19th July 2024 - Four scarce micros, Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
Over the last six weeks I've had four micros rarely recorded in VC5: Gelechia sororculella, Exoteleia dodecella, Pammene germmana and Gypsonoma oppressana. Most required help to identify so many thanks to all those involved.
19th July 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
An exhausting 336+ moths of 108 species with 26 FFY's on a near-perfect mothing night - the best were Dingy Shell, V-pug (2), Phoenix, Bordered Beauty (2), Peppered Moth, Oak Hook-tip, Common Lutestring, September Thorn, Wax Moth, Limnaecia phragmitella, Brachmia blandella, Dioryctria abietella, Acrobasis advenella, Eucosma hohenwartiana (2), Oegoconia quadripuncta and Pyrausta despicata (2). 40+ Orchard Ermine agg, 27 Common Footman, 28 Common Rustic agg. and 35 C. culmella made up the bulk of the numbers and only 4 LYU and 4 H&D.
19th July 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
249 of 93 sp. Only two days since I last trapped but I couldn't resist the mildest night of the year. Plenty of FFY : Teleiopsis diffinis/ Common Groundling ; Aethes rubigana / Burdock Straw (2) ; Gypsonoma dealbana / Common Cloaked Tortrix (3) ; Euzophera Pinguis / Ash-bark Knot-horn ; Hypsopygia costalis / Gold Triangle ; Scoparia subfusca / Large Grey ; Catoptria pinella / Pearl Grass Moth (2) ; Agriphila inquinitella / Barred Grass Moth (2) ; Drinker (3) ; Muslin Footman ; Slender Brindle (first for 5 years) ; Broad-bordered YU ; Lesser BBYU and Six-striped Rustic. Most surprising for me were 14 Agapeta hamana / Garden Straw.
19th July 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Numbers going up gradually, with 71 moths of 41 species. Lots of FFY - Orchard Ermine agg., Diamond-back (3), Dark Neb (Bryotropha affinis), Red-barred Tortrix (Ditula angustiorana), Common Cloaked Shoot (Gypsonoma dealbana), Acorn Piercer (Pammene fasciana), Elder Pearl (Anania coronata), Mother of Pearl (Patania ruralis), July Highflyer, The V-Pug, Grey Pug, Early Thorn, Brussels Lace and The Flame.
Not a bad night for micros!
19th July 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Best night of the year so far but the numbers were at least half of what I would expect from a normal year. 220 macros of 65 species with 2 Kent Black Arches, 3 Dusky Sallows and only my second ever Slender Brindled being the highlights.
A well marked Dunbar was also of interest. Most of the ones I record here are a dull brown colour.
18th July 2024 - Large Emerald
by Alan Payne
Seen on a tarmac footpath in Dulverton, Somerset. It flew off after photographing.
18th July 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Take away the 38 Common Footmen, and the rest were yet again disappointing. Altogether 81 moths of 26 species, with 4 FFYs - Rosy Footman, Dingy Footman (2), Lesser Broad-bordered YU nad Kent Black Arches, plus a FFG Large Emerald. Lots of small Caddises, and a pair of Common Wasps. For a warm night in July, pretty pathetic.
18th July 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
3 Orange-tailed Clearwings to the Yellow-legged lure this afternoon. This happened last year so I need to wait till the Orange-tailed have finished before trying for Yellow-legged again!
17th July 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
221 moths of 74sp. Acleris umbrana / Dark-streaked Tortrix was a FFG. and Agnoea josephinae / Orange-headed Concealer would be another if confimed. Six other FFY : Satin Beauty (3) ; Dingy Footman (2) ; Coronet ; Smoky Wainscot ; Kent Black Arches and Oak Nycteoline . Totals picking up for a few species ; Mother of Pearl (12) ; Riband Wave (7) ; Barred Straw (7) ; Brussels Lace (9) ; Common Footman (22) ; Scarce Footman (12) ; Uncertain (10). Others still very low ; Heart and Dart (2) and LYU just one. A funny old year.
17th July 2024 - A mega in Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset!
by Rob Grimmond
A better night though numbers still low for the time of year, with 42 moths of 23 species. There was great compensation though, in the form of FFG Beautiful Knot-horn and Bloxworth Snout. The latter looks to be the first county record. It is resident on the Devon coast and is a specialist feeding on Pellitory-of-the-wall. It is spreading in the South and here is one that has crossed the border! FFY were Bramble Shoot (Notocelia uddmanniana) and Rosy Minor.
I also had a Psychoides filicivora coming to the Sallow Clearwing lure!
17th July 2024 - 'Home grown' Dewick's Plusia?
by Steve Chapple
After unwittingly rearing a Dewick's Plusia from a larva found in the garden late last year, I wondered if I would get a 'home grown' specimen' in the trap this year. Well, last night I did! I suppose it could be an early migrant?
Other FFYs were: Black Arches, Cloaked Minor, Rosy Footman (2), Four-spotted Footman, Dunbar, Ringed China-mark and Elachista canapennella. I also found what looks like a Pammene germmana earlier in the conservatory.
17th July 2024 - Butleigh garden MV
by Sue Davies
Excellent night with 65 spp.highlights, FFY Dot Moth, Campion, Drinker, Lappet, Muslin Footman, Kent Black Arches, 12 m Four-spotted Footmen, Diamond-back, Rusty Dot Pearl, European Corn Borer. There seem to be lots of Brussels Lace this year, 12 last night.
17th July 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
A good selection of moths last night but a bright moon lowered numbers. When we have a warm overcast night? Dingy Shell, Bordered Beauty,Black Arches, Lunar-spotted Pinion and Vestal were all firsts for the year. The Vestal was my first real migrant apart from Silver Ys since a Gem back in February.
17th July 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
The fourth and fifth Clearwing species of the year, attracted to lures - 3 Lunar Hornet Moths and 1 Red-belted Clearwing. The former is good, because I didn't record it last year.
16th July 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Yet another average sort of a night - 74 moths of 34 species, with 4 FFYs - Yellow-tail, July Highflyer, a second-generation Engrailed and a Small Phoenix, the first here for several years. Only 22 Common Footmen this time, which in part explains the drop in numbers from the last trapping.
16th July 2024 - Little Emerald
by Alick Simmons
Of the 60 0f 25 species to light last night, one was new for the garden: Little Emerald
14th July 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
A Cinnabar in the garden this afternoon ( incredibly my first for 3 years. What has happened to them?) was my 200th macro species of the year. This is a few days earlier than the 20 year average of 17th July. This sounds encouraging but it is the quantities of moths that are worrying. By this time last year I had recorded about 4400 macros. This year I've recorded less than half this number.
13th July 2024 - Great Breach Wood
by Paul Bowyer
Dave Nevitt and I trapped at Great Breach Wood last night. Total for the night yet to be confirmed but somewhere around 160 to 170 species including Harpella forficella, Parachronitis albiceps, Epinotia nanana and Pine Hawk-moth.
13th July 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
I found a batch of 20+ white eggs on prickly lettuce in the garden on the 7th July. They subsequently turned colour to a muddy orange. I'm assuming Small Ranunculus? I've found many larvae in the vicinity but never yet recorded them here.
12th July 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepron Mallet
by Paul Newman
The Footmen have arrived, your Grace !! 31 Common and 1 Buff so far (probably some more strays lurking in the porch to round up later). Overall 88 moths of 34 species, with FFYs Swallow-tailed Moth, Poplar Grey, and Lesser Common Rustic (very small, very black with a pure white kidney-mark, so I'm pretty sure of the ID). Normally I would aggregate with Common Rustics, but this one was exceptional. Also a FFG Shark.
Excluding the abovementioned Footmen, the overall catch was still poor for the time of year however.
12th July 2024 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Trapped until midnight.
34 moths of 23 species.
NFG was a well worn Pine Hawk-moth.
NFY were Bird-cherry Ermine, Mother of Pearl, Blotched Emerald, Purple Bar, Iron Prominent, Scarce Footman, Jersey Tiger, Sycamore and Uncertain.
11th July 2024 - Recent sightings of interest
by Simon Davies
a. 10th July on bracken below fenced mire on hillside below Crowcombe Park, Quantock Hills VC5 : Olethreutes arcuella. As per website, last Quantock hills report 1986. Mobile phone image only. Dark green fritillary (last seen here 2022) and numerous silver Y nearby.
b. 11th July to my Heathfield TA4 (VC5) MV trap : Helcystogramma rufescens . (Again per website) no Somerset reports west of Taunton although Devon moths website has a small number of south Devon reports.
11th July 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
158 of 66 sp. --- still around 50% down compared with recent years. 8 FFY : Palpita vitralis / Olive-tree Pearl ; Eudonia mercurella / Garden Grey ; Small Blood-vein ; Scalloped Oak (2) ; Garden Tiger ; Heart and Club ; True Lovers Knot and Double Square-spot. Others of note included : Pseudargyrotoza conwagana / Yellow-spotted Tortrix ; Aethes cnicana (2) ; Eyed Hawk-moth ; Privet Hawk-moth ; Yellow Shell ; July High-flyer (3) ; Early Thorn (6) ; Buff-tip (7) ; Rosy Footman and Burnished Brass.
11th July 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Another underwhelming night's trapping - 29 moths of 19 species. FFY were Eyed Hawk-Moth (7th record), Slender Pug, Peppered Moth, Buff-tip, Rosy Footman, The Rustic, Common Rustic agg. and Cabbage Moth. Top scorer was Common Footman, with 6. Where are the Heart and Darts? By this date last year, I'd recorded 99. This year so far, the total has been 16.
11th July 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
After a few fruitless attempts in recent weeks, an Orange-tailed Clearwing came to the AND lure within 5 minutes at lunchtime today.
10th July 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another disappointing catch, given decent conditions. Just 50 mothe of 28 species, with only one FFY, a Buff-tip. The only (slight) surprise was an Agonopterix alstromeriana, only the third one in the last 3 years, and much later in the year than usual. All very odd. Only 1 Grass moth (C. culmella) - usually here in their dozens at this time of year.
10th July 2024 - Pearl Grass-Veneer
by Alick Simmons
It's still slim pickings in Barrington. Very few of the common species such as Heart and Dart although Common Footman numbers are picking. An interesting micro from last night, Pearl Grass-Veneer is the only the second that I have had come to light.
9th July 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
The forecast looked good at 13°C and no rain before a long string of colder nights so I put out three traps (2x Actinic and 1x MV). The result was 312 moths (including 60+ C. culmella) moths of 93* species with a good number of micros.
Just one FFG, a White Satin Moth and 21 FFYs that included: Small Fan-foot (2), Clay (3), Rosy Minor, July Highflyer, Hypsopygia costalis (Gold Triangle), Eudonia delunella, Archips podana, Endotricha flammealis, Hypsopygia glaucinalis, Cydia fagiglandana, Aethes rubigana, Lathronympha strigana, Gypsonoma dealbana, Ancylis achatana and Epinotia signatana.
* Two moths are still under investigation
9th July 2024 - Middlezoy moths
by Simon Phelps
Not as many moths as I was hoping for, considering the favourable conditions overnight. However perhaps to be expected during this poor year for moths. I had 54 species in my Middlezoy garden trap. Highlights:
Marbled Green, Dusky Sallow, Acrobasis suavella, Rusty Dot Pearl, Small Emerald, Shoulder-striped Wainscot, Small Rivulet, Acrobasis advenella.
7th July 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
No moon to speak of , very little cloud but chilly (min 9.9c)--130 moths of 57 sp. FFY : Map-winged Swift (first one for 5 years) ; Single-dotted Wave; Small Fan-footed Wave; July Belle; July High-flyer; Common Rustic agg. and Clay. Others of note: Yarrow Plume; Garden Pebble; Privet H-m; Barred Straw (3); Lobster Moth; Burnished Brass. Strangely - no Garden Grass Moths or Snout. After setting up the traps I went up to Woodlands Hill to do my patch for the Nightjar survey (5 churring males). Two Gold Swifts and a Four-dotted Footman were flying before dark.
7th July 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Having not trapped since late June, in desperation I decided to run the trap last night. The result was 27 moths of 19 species, my lowest figures ever for this point in July. Normally I'd expect a three-figure moth count. Just one FFY, Bright-line Brown-eye. The only other moth of note was my second Privet Hawk-moth of the year, the first time I've had more than one in a year.
4th July 2024 - Holcombe, 4 July 2024
by Christopher Iles
A reasonable night's trapping with plenty of the usual suspects for this time of year, Chrysoteuchia culmella and Dark Arches being the most common. Very few LargeYellow Underwings in the trap, though I am disturbing them by day regularly so they are out there. No LBBYU's but a Broad-bordered, which is not common here. Two Swallow-tailed, the first for some years, and two Sycamores, which may be new for the garden. Garden Pebble seems to be having a good year here too.
3rd July 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
Cool and breezy so just the actinic out last night. Only 28 species/50 moths but a Bordered Pug (NFG) was a great surprise and not one on my 'possible' list. Marbled Orcherd Tortrix, Ghost Moth (female), Small Emerald and Dingy Footman were all FFYs.
2nd July 2024 - Butleigh garden MV
by Sue Davies
At last a decent trap-full. 53 spp and decent numbers. Highlight - Blackneck, lots of Short-cloaked Moths-10, and Beautiful China-Marks have emerged from the pond. Crescent, Beautiful, Common and White Plumes in garden.
1st July 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
5 degrees cooler and quite breezy meant numbers down to 127 of 61 sp. A first for garden in the shape of Beautiful Brocade and a further 9 FFY : Tinea semifulvella / Orange-tipped Nest Moth ; Buff Arches (2) ; Satin Wave (2) ; Barred Straw ; Grass Emerald (2) ; Common Footman (2) ; Beautiful Hook-tip (3) ; Grey Dagger and White Point. Garden Grass Moth (22) was the only species to make double figures.
1st July 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Numbers down with a bump, but fair by comparison with much of the year to date. 103 moths of 40 species, with 7 FFYs - Common Footman (5), Fan-foot (2), Middle-barred Minor (2), Cypress Carpet, Thistle Ermine, Garden Rose Tortrix and Anania coronata.
1st July 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
189 macros of 52 species last night. 18 Elephant hawk moths were the most obvious whilst 29 Heart and Darts were the most numerous. Scarlet Tiger, Dot Moth and a well marked Grey Arches were firsts for the year. A cryptically marked Mottled Beauty kept me interested for a while.
30th June 2024 - Addendum to last report for 29/6.
by Paul Newman
Quite a few strays came out from lurking behind the coats in the porch through the day. Another 11 moths and 6 species, including 4 more FFYs - Nutmeg, Short-cloaked Moth, European Corn-borer and Spindle Ermine agg. (Yponomeuta spp.). Totals now 150 moths, and 50 species.
29th June 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
80 species, 255 moths with 19 FFys and one NFG - Diorycline simplicella (thanks to James McGill for confirmation). Selected FFYs were: Dingy Shears, Sycamore (2), Haworth's Pug (2), Marbled White-spot, Homoeosoma sinuella, Piniphila bifaciana, Eucosma campoliana, Cydia splendana and Lozotaeniodes formosana.
29th June 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Finally a decent catch - 134 moths of 43 species, with 7 FFYs - Scalloped Oak, Small Fan-footed Wave, Single-dotted Wave, Common White Wave, Dusky Brocade, Mother of Pearl and Grey Tortrix.
29th June 2024 - Norton Sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Another reasonable night with Oak Nycteoline and Ruddy Carpet being the best of the catch. Neither species is an annual here.
I reply to the early Square-spot Rustic enquiries, I have recorded my first one twice in the last week of June but the average first sighting here is the third week in July.
29th June 2024 - Moth trap
by Danielle Yumang
2 Privet hawk moths and 5 elephant hawk moths.
29th June 2024 - Privet Hawk moth
by Danielle Yumang
2 Privet hawk moths in Martock, Somerset. Caught in moth box and released.
29th June 2024 - Middlezoy moths
by Simon Phelps
55 species in my Middlezoy garden moth trap this morning. Highlights:
Gold Triangle, Clouded Silver, Rosy Footman, Box-tree, Yellow-tail, Garden Rose Tortrix, Pyrausta despicata, Lilac Beauty, Argolamprotes micella.
27th June 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another slight increase in numbers, bit a corresponding slight decrease in variety. 69 moths, of 31 species, with 5 FFYs - Riband Wave, Turnip Moth (first here for several years), Buff Footman, Smoky Wainscot and Udea prunalis. Heart & Dart (8) the most numerous, which isn't sayimg much.
27th June 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
First trapping for over 2 weeks after being away. Easily the best night of the year so far with 206 macros of 65 species. I think 26 firsts for the year is a record for me on one night. Nothing exceptional but 2 Broad barred Whites was unusual. I have only recorded this species a few times before and only ever as singletons.
27th June 2024 - Lunar Hornet Moth
by Alick Simmons
Two males came to a pheromone lure this morning. What extraordinary Batesian mimics they are.
26th June 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Last of the current run of warm nights (Low of 15.3c) brought 272 moths of 80sp. FFY were : Brindled Plume ; Celypha striana ; Notocelia uddmanniana/Bramble Shoot Moth (2) ; A probable Dichrorampha alpina ; Cryptoblabes bistriga/Double-striped Knot-horn ; Dwarf Cream Wave (5) ; Cloaked Carpet ; Wormwood Pug ; Common Emerald ; Beautiful Snout ; Buff Footman and Scarce Footman. Garden Grass -moth ( C. culmella) was, as expected, top scorer (69). Hawk Moths did well again with 3 Poplar ; 2 Privet and 5 Elephant all in the actinic but none in the MV.
26th June 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Somewhat lower numbers than the other night but plenty of quality - 61 moths of 38 species. I had a superb FFG in the form of a White Satin Moth, a scarce and local species in the county. FFY were Thistle Ermine (Myelois circumvoluta), Scoparia ambigualis, Crambus perlella, Figure of Eighty (2), Privet Hawk-Moth (not annual here, just my 4th record), Riband Wave (4), Royal Mantle (6th record, another non-annual species), Lobster Moth, Common Footman, Burnished Brass, The Miller, Marbled Green, Mottled Rustic, Dot Moth and Double Square-Spot another non-annual species here). It's not been a bad week, with 39 FFY.
26th June 2024 - Langmaid's Yellow Underwing in Weston
by David Agassiz
One specimen in my trap. The early date suggests this species, it is distinguished from Lesser Broad-bordered by slightly larger size, dark colouration and more black on hindwing
26th June 2024 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Trapped until midnight.
Fewer moths with only 21 moths of 12 species.
NFG was a Small Ranunculus, NFY were Large Tabby and Heart and Dart.
Box-tree moths (6) and Elephant Hawkmoths (5) made up the majority in the trap.
25th June 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
53 species, nothing new but a lot of good FFYs: Scarce Silver-lines, Blue-bordered Carpet, Fern, Single-dotted Wave, Double Square-spot (2), Engrailed, Common Emerald (2), Lilac Beauty, Fanfoot (2), Phtheochroa rugosana and European Corn-borer.
25th June 2024 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Trapped until midnight.
Several bats seen above the lamp, only 38 moths of 15 species.
NFY were Lozotaenia forsterana, Twenty Plume Moth, Lappet, Common Emerald and Scarlet Tiger. Others - Box-tree moths, Privet Hawkmoths, Elephant Hawkmoths and Small Elephant Hawkmoth.
25th June 2024 - Middlezoy moths
by Simon Phelps
Less species this time, perhaps surprisingly as seemed to be a warmer night. 51 species. Highlights:
Miller, Lackey, Poplar Hawk-moth, Thistle Ermine, Dog's Tooth, Clay, Lilac Beauty, Muslin Footman, Lychnis.
Had the most Privet Hawk-moths I have ever had, with 5 being in the trap.
I also got another Square-spot Rustic and checked it and got a photo. Definitely that species! Normal flight period late July, so quite early. Someone else has got one in Sussex. Anyone else seen any this early?
24th June 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The apparent increase in numbers for other trappers elsewhere has not yet reached this neck of the woods! Just passed 50 individuals this time, but the variety wasn't too bad, with 36 species, of which there were 8 FFYs - Drinker, Beautiful Hook-tip (2), Common Emerald, Privet Hawkmoth, Dark Arches, Pale Mottled Willow, Eucosma cana, and Euzophera pinguis. Numbers were quite evenly spread, with only Plum Tortrix (H. pruniana) managing 4 individuals.
Hawkmoths here have been very thin on the ground (or in the air) with barely half a dozen altogether.
24th June 2024 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
Much improved numbers here as well, 135 moths of 63 species so far, 5 micros to continue to ponder over. Nothing of great note just familiar species that have finally turned up, 17FFY. Of note, my second only Lobster and Parachronistis albiceps, both first seen here last year.
Privet hawkmoth are having an unusual year here, 9 so far, exceding Poplar(4) and Elephant(3) which are normally the most populous.
First Boxtree moth of the year - too late I cry (literally) you have already done my beautiful box hedge which I grew from cuttings 20+ years ago.
23rd June 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A filthy night with hill fog and drizzle produced 245 moths of 80 sp. Best of the micros : Nematopogon schwziellus /Sandy Longhorn ; Coleophora mayrella (5) ; Orthotaenia undulata / Dusky Marble ; Cydia fagiglandana / Beech Mast Piercer ; Grapholita janthinana/ Hawthorn Piercer ; European Corn Borer. Macros : Peach Blossom ; Poplar H-m (2) ; Privet H-m ; Elephant H-m (5) ; Northern Spinach ; Barred Red ; Straw Dot (22) ; Pinion-streaked Snout ; Burnished Brass and Grey Arches.
23rd June 2024 - Middlezoy moths
by Simon Phelps
61 species in my Middlezoy garden moth trap. Nice variety and some new species for me. Highlights:
Rosy Footman, Beautiful Hook-tip, Swallow-tailed, Shark, Privet Hawk-moth, European Corn Borer, Pale Mottled Willow, Barred Straw, Poplar Grey, Pebble Prominent, Carcina quercana, Barred Yellow, Scarlet Tiger, Aethes beatricella, Monochroa lucidella.
I am pretty positive I caught an early Square-spot Rustic too! I identified it as normal with this species, then realised how unusual it was to see at this time of the year. Before I could check further and get a photo, it flew off. I note in the Moth Atlas it can appear in June and July, but rarely. I am confident in my identification, unless someone can suggest confusion species? Will probably trap again this week so will see if I get any more! Keep your eyes peeled!
23rd June 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Finally, lots of moths! 71 moths of 42 species, FFG was Pine Marble (Piniphila bifasciana). FFY were Ghost Moth, Monopis crocicapitella, Lozotaenia forsterana, Timothy Tortrix, Agapeta hamana, Eucosma cana (2), Bee Moth, (2), Udea prunalis, Eudonia lacustrata (4), Buff Arches, The Lackey, Elephant Hawk-Moth, Small Yellow Wave, Willow Beauty, Common White Wave, Light Emerald, Scarlet Tiger, The Fan-Foot, The Spectacle, Small Angle Shades, Dark Arches (3) and Ingrailed Clay. I have a couple of micros to investigate.
23rd June 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
60 species and incredibly three new FFG macro moths - The Shark, Royal Mantle and my first Privet HM here at Pen Elm (I came across a mating pair near my school fifty years ago aged 8 and was responsible for sparking a lifelong interest).
Four Hawk-moth species (Privet, Poplar, Elephant (2) and Small Elephant), Rivulet, Peach Blossom, Wormwood Pug, Rhodophaea formosa (2), Anania lancealis, Calamotropha paludella (2) and Epinotia abbrieviana were other highlights in a fantastic catch. Apologies to all those still struggling for numbers.
23rd June 2024 - Lutestrings
by Alick Simmons
Ohh, that's embarrassing. No need to apologise, Will. Accuracy is important. I had my doubts but was persuaded otherwise - but it remains my fault.
I've caught another one this morning and after further careful scrutiny, I've concluded that this one is a Common Lutestring too.
Always learning.
23rd June 2024 - Satin Lutestring - Correction
by Will Langdon
Sorry to be a party pooper (and if someone else has already pointed this out), Alick, but your Satin Lutestring is a Common Lutestring. It has the paired dots under the dark band which Satin lacks, and is generally a broader and less contrastingly marked moth than Satin Lutestring which has a darker, more clearly-defined central band, and clear pale wavy cross lines below it.
22nd June 2024 - Westbury-sub-Mendip
by Peter Bright
On the same day last year -2023, 191 moths of 50 spp. and this time, 2024, 67 moths of 23 spp. is this a common comparison? Maybe coincidentally on this date in 2023 and 2024 I had an L-album wainscot. A third of these 67 were small magpies.
22nd June 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Two hungry caterpillars had me baffled for a while but I finally nailed them as Chamomile Shark , Kindly confirmed for me by Neale Mellersh. Totally different from each other but , presumably from the same batch of eggs.
22nd June 2024 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Back from a holiday chasing butterflies (132 species seen) in Bulgaria and Serbia.
Trapped until 23.59hrs. 33 moths of 23 species.
NFG was a Mecyna asinalis. NFY were Anania coronata, Riband Wave, Yellow Shell, Small Yellow Wave, Privet Hawkmoth, Beautiful Hook-tip and Fan-foot.
22nd June 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Msllet
by Paul Newman
There I was, thinking things were improving - wrong again !! Just 35 moths, and only 20 species, but with 4 more FFYs - Magpie (3), Knotgrass, Uncertain and Yellow Shell. Onwards and downwards it seems.
21st June 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
After Currant yesterday, Red-tipped Clearwing to FOR lure this afternoon. This is a tiny species of sallow carr and swamp, osier beds, riverbanks, flooded gravel pits and pond edges. Whether it comes from lakes in the valley below us or one of the ponds in local gardens is intriguing. I had no luck in the front garden this morning, but when I moved the lure to the back garden, bingo!
20th June 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Four Currant Clearwings to tip lure this afternoon, between 2.15 and 3.30.
19th June 2024 - Satin Lutestring
by Alick Simmons
This came to light in my Barrington, S Somerset garden on 19 June. It's taken me a while to confirm an identification as at first I was convinced it was a species of Geometer. Of course, it wasn't and I was getting nowhere until I consulted my friend James Lowen who immediately knew what it was. Obviously it's NFG. It also seems quite a scarce beast particularly in this part of Somerset.
19th June 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another (very) slight inprovement - 54 moths of 31 species, with 9 FFYs - Large YU, Clay, Square Spot, Blue-bordered Carpet, Purple Thorn (first for several years), Eudonia lacustrata (2), Celypha striana (2), Archips podana, and Acleris forsskaleana. Again, there were more micros than macros in number. I have at last reached 100 species for the year to date (last year 124 by comparison at this point).
Onwards and slowly upwards.
18th June 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
68 moths of 36 species that included my first Ingrailed Clay for ten years. Other FFYs were: Sallow Kitten, Heart & Club, Yellow Shell, Dwarf Cream Wave, Helcystogramma rufescens and Aleimma loeflingiana.
18th June 2024 - Butleigh garden mv
by Sue Davies
Still dire here, very low numbers of 28 spps. Hardly any micros. FFY Privet HM and a FFG Shears.
17th June 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
134 moths of 63 sp. - sounds a lot but its about 50% down on what I was getting mid June last year. 13 FFY : Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix ; Orthotaenia undulana /Dusky Marble ; Notocelia trimaculata / Hawthorn Shoot Moth ; Grapholita funebrana /Plum Fruit Moth ; Aphomia sociella /Bee Moth ; Eudonia Lacustrata / Tawny Grey ; Green Pug ; Yellow Shell ; Iron Prominent ; Pinion-streaked Snout ; Beautiful Golden-Y ; Purple Clay and Triple-spotted Clay (7). On Sunday 16/06 I netted a day flying Micro which turned out to be Endothenia nigricostana / Hedge Marble. A first for the garden and - according to the web site , only the fifth for Somerset. I would post photos but after a Microsoft update my computer won't let me ! That's progress I suppose.
17th June 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepron Mallet
by Paul Newman
A slight improvement, but still not all that good. 37 moths of 18 species, with 5 FFYs - Barred Straw, Peppered Moth, Mottled Pug, Culmella chrysoteuchia (3) and Eudonia delunella (3). The most surprising aspect of this catch was the preponderance of micros - 25 of the total - normally here the micros are noticeably in the minority. Just shows what an odd year it has been.
17th June 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
The first trapping effort since the beginning of the month produced a better result than last time, 22 moths of 17 species. At this time of the year, I'd typically be expecting 70+ moths of 30-40+ species The last comparably bad June here was in 2013.
FFY were Marbled Orchard Tortrix (Hedya nubiferana), Bud Moth (Spilonota ocellana), Triple-blotched Bell (Notocelia trimaculana), Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella), Barred Yellow, Foxglove Pug, The Uncertain, Marbled Minor agg., Heart and Club and Large Yellow Underwing (2). Best of the bunch was the Barred Yellow, which is not annual here.
15th June 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Oh dear, another night of low numbers - just 17 moths of 12 species, with a Mottled Beauty the only FFY. Last year, this date produced over 120 moths of 40+ species here, so one wonders what the cause of this year's dire results can be. I presume that it's probably weather-related (yes, really!!), but I wonder if there may be other reasons as well. I admit that I do get a bit irked by the TV weather forecasters consistently whingeing about the lack of hot weather, but I truly don't feel that it's been all that awful - personally I prefer it cooler anyway.
Steve - can you get your Porter's Rustic photos on to the "Species" section of the website? You never know, someone else may see one, and it will help with ID !!
13th June 2024 - Pen Elm Porter's Rustic!
by Steve Chapple
It was wet and windy but 11 degrees C so I put out the Actinic trap. The catch was poor for June (43 moths 25 species) exept for one unfamiliar dull brown moth. At 4 am I initially thought of the small brown wainscots, tortrix, Oak Nycteoline perhaps? I had a quick look in the book and Porter's Rustic looked a possible fit.
The next day I was eager to photograph it but somehow it escaped in the blink of an eye. I searched everywhere without success and had then to travel to Cardiff fretting. When I got back late it was on the kitchen ceiling and subsequently boxed. Phew! This morning I managed successfully to photograph it although very skittish and James McGill came over to confirm that it is indeed a Porter's Rustic.
10th June 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Yet another poor night - only 9 moths of 8 species, with 2 FFYs, Barred Yellow and Burnished Brass. Yes, it was chilly, but even so.....
7th June 2024
by Steve Chapple
I caught this, apparently scarce, Gelechia sororculella on June 7th. The picture was in my camera but I never downloaded it until the 13th July. Luckily it was the first picture I took on this SD card and I accidentally reviewed the latest pictures on the camera in the wrong direction and this came up. I remember now but I completely forgot it and somehow didn't download for processing at the time. I often take hundreds of pictures after every trapping and is my best excuse for a 'senior moment'. Many thanks to James McGill for confirmation.
7th June 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Night of 5/6/24 - 5 moths - wow! Night of 7/6/24 up to the dizzy heights of 19 moths, and 15 species (12 of them singletons). 7 FFYs were Bright-line Brown-eye, Elephant Hawkmoth, Blood-vein, Pandemis heparana, P. cerasana (2), Notocelia uddmanniana (Bramble-shoot Moth) and Scoparia ancipitella. This last is apparently an uncommon moth in the County, but pops up regularly here every year in small numbers. I presume there must be a small population resident in the area, maybe lurking in my garden.
7th June 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
141 moths of 60 sp. including another 16 FFY : Phyllonorycter maestingella (subject to confirmation) ; Coleophora mayrella (2) ; Bryotropha terrella (4) ; Agapeta hamana ; Eudonia delunella ;Ringed China-mark ; Sharp-angled Peacock ; Willow Beauty ; Brussels Lace (4) ; Swallow Prominent ; Vines Rustic ; Dusky Brocade ; Small Clouded Brindle (2) ; Pale-shouldered Brocade ; Broom Moth (2) and Double Line.
3rd June 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A better night, with 21 moths of 15 species. FFY were Buff Long-horn (Nematopogon metaxella), just my 3rd record, Barred Marble (Celypha striana), Small Magpie (2), Fulvous Pearl (Udea fulvalis), Freyer's Pug, Brimstone Moth, Vine's Rustic and Heart and Dart.
3rd June 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A slight improvement, but nothing to get excited about. 39 moths of 23 species, with 6 FFYs - Vine's Rustic, Brussels Lace, Setaceous HC, Clouded Border, Garden Pebble and Cochylis atricapitana. A solitary May Bug and 3 Caddises were the only o & s.
3rd June 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
54 species was the highest count of the year to date. An infrequent Small Angle Shades was the pick of the 20 FFYs that included: Pale Mottled Willow, Small Clouded Brindle, Herald, Green Pug (3), Figure of 80, and a nice selection of micros - Hedya pruniana (2), Notocelia trimaculana (2), Tinea semifulvella (2), Ditula angustiorana (Red-barred Tortrix), Pseudargyrotoza conwagana (Yellow-spot Tortrix), Ephista woodliella and Bactra lancealana
2nd June 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
I thought that May had been quiet but looking at previous records it instead appears to have been quite typical . Interestingly I recorded almost the same number of moths last month as I did in the Mays of 2005 and 2006 which both turned out to be excellent migrant years. I reached 100 macro species on 24th May which again is about the average date.
Still not much from the first trapping of June. Straw Dot, Brussels Lace, Small Blood Vein and Cypress Carpet were new for the year whilst these two are always a pleasure to see.
1st June 2024 - Avalon Marshes Centre moth trap results
by Simon Phelps
I ran a moth trap at the Avalon Marshes Centre on the night of the 1st of June. I got 51 species. Highlights were:
Buff-tip, Pebble Hook-tip, Orange Footman, Poplar Hawk-moth, Marbled White-spot, Small Square-spot, Cream-spot Tiger, Blood-vein, Gold Spot, Dog's Tooth, Obscure Wainscot, Donacaula forficella, Blotched Emerald, Peach Blossom, Cyclamen Tortrix.
1st June 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
184 moths of 72 sp. including 24 FFY. The highlight was FFG Buttoned Snout. Other choice FFY : Nematopogon metaxella / Dark-dotted Longhorn ; Aethes cnicana / Thistle Straw(2) ; Privet (2), Elephant and Small Elephant Hawk-moths ; Narrow-winged Pug ; Clouded Border ; White-pinion Spotted ; Clouded Silver ; Lobster Moth ; Small Fan-foot ; Brown Rustic (2) ; Middle-barred Minor and Common Wainscot.
1st June 2024 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
A much improved night even though the sky was clear for most of the night. This was another poor spring return with the species count up to May down on last year whic was itself a poor year.
79 moths of 38 species with 11 FFYs - Scoparia ambigularis (thanks Neale), Ringed china mark, Udea olivalis, Barred straw, Double striped pug, Small yellow wave, Common wainscot, Poplar grey, Coronet, Light arches and a Lime hawkmoth, only my 7th in 20 years.
1st June 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Same old story - just 27 moths of only 12 species. FFYs were Iron Prominent and Common Wainscot. Unusually, over half of the total were micros, which are most often in a noticeable minority here for some reason.
31st May 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Another poor night, with 14 moths of 9 species. Even more disappointing in that I wanted to take a good selection to the Envirofair at Stoke St. Gregory! There were 4 FFY, Olive Pearl (Udea olivalis), Pebble Prominent, Marbled White Spot (6th record) and Dark Sword-Grass (my earliest record).
I've had a look at my previous May trapping results, going back to 2012. Of the 12 years, this May turned out to be the fourth worst in terms of average catch per session, with just 17.17. The best Mays were in 2015 to 2020 inclusive, with average catches in the 20s to 30s. Since then, apart from 2022 (28.5), average catches have ranged from 10 to 17.17.
29th May 2024 - Pale Tussock Moth at Merriott
by Hannah
Pale Tussock moth soaking up the sun at 6.30pm on a south facing wall
29th May 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Another indifferent night in terms of numbers - 17 moths of 13 species. There were some FFY though, namely Common Marble (Celypha lacunana), Silver-ground Carpet, Mottled Pug (3) and Pale Mottled Willow. Also FFY were two species flushed in the garden earlier in the day, Small Purple & Gold (Pyrausta aurata) and The Snout.
29th May 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
After a few nights off, due to rainfall either forecast or actual (or both), another trapping, anothet dismal result. This time just 25 moths of a varied 16 species, including 2 FFYs - Light Emerald and a very early Straw Dot. The most numerous were Cinnabar, White Ermine and Small Magpie, with 4 each - the rest all singles. Extras were 2 May Bugs, 3 Caddises and a somewhat dozy queen Common Wasp.
29th May 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
Five Puss moths was a record for me in a catch of 99 moths of 40 species. Eyed Hawk-moth, Eucosma cana and Enormonia formosana were the pick of 10 FFY's.
28th May 2024 - Butleigh garden MV
by Sue Davies
Not saying a lot but best night of the year! 26 macro and 8 micro spp. Best was a Large Nutmeg, FFYs Brussels Lace, Vine’s Rustic, Small Sq Spot, Common Swift, Gold Spot, Snout, Udea Olivalis, Ringed China-mark and Red-barred Tortrix.
27th May 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Good 'murky' conditions but with rain due in by 5am I was up at 3.30 to round them up ! 160 moths of 49 sp. including 14 FFY : Capua vulgana / Pale-shouldered Tortrix ; Celypha lacunana / Common Marble ; Small Magpie ; Udea olivaris / Garden Pearl ; Chrysoteucha culmella / Garden Grass Moth ; Eyed Hawk-moth ; Scorched Wing ; Mottled Beauty ; Light Emerald ; Straw Dot ; Marbled White-spot ; Light Brocade ; Small Square-spot and Setaceous Hebrew Character (2). Others of note : Barred Umber ; Peppered Moth (2) ; Pebble Prominent (2) ; Buff-tip (4) ; White Ermine (11). Top scorer again was Treble Lines (62)
23rd May 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Still lowish numbers here, but not untypical here for the time of year. 13 moths of 12 species. FFY were ,
Yellow-faced Bell (Notocelia cynosbatella), Narrow-winged Grey (Eudonia angustea), Poplar Hawk-Moth,
Small Dusty Wave, Marbled Pug, Buff Ermine, White Ermine and Treble Lines (2).
22nd May 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by PauL Newman
I suppose the full moon isn't helping, but even so, numbers are still disappointing, albeit with a degree of variety. 27 moths of 18 species this time, with 5 FFYs - Small Magpie (2), Flame, Clouded Silver, Buff Ermine and Small Square-spot.
"Extras" included a second May Bug (usually there will have been lots by now), 2 small Caddises and another Ichneumon Wasp.
20th May 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
I now see why I am getting so few moths here - they have all migrated to Tim's patch !! A slight improvement this time, though, with 25 moths of 14 species, including 3 FFYs - Common Swift, Heart and Dart and Udea olivalis. Two more early Snouts and another Orange Footman, still uncommon here.
19th May 2024 - Westbury-sun-Mendip
by Peter Bright
Garden Robinson got 18 species 35 moths and including a hoary plume. Thanks to Neale for looking at the picture. Included 7 common marbled carpet, 5 green carpet, 5 treble lines and a snout.
19th May 2024 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Clear skies gave only 17 moths of 7 species.
Light Brown Apple Moth (6) and Willow Beauty (5) made up the majority with singles of Lime-speck Pug and Flame Shoulder.
New for year were Cream-spot Tiger and Bright-line Brown-eye (2).
New for garden was a Cydia fagiglandana (Thanks Neale)
18th May 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another poor night - just 10 moths of 9 species, with 3 FFYs - Treble LInes, Celypha lacunana and a very early Snout.
18th May 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Biggest catch this year -so far. 180 moths of 49 sp. FFY : Incurvaria masculella ; Monopis weaverella ; Gracillaria syringella ; Scoparia ambigualis ; Treble Brown-spot ; Mocha ; Clay Triple-lines ; May High-flyer ; Purple Bar (4) ; Mottled Pug ; Grey Pug ; Tawney-barred Angle ; Barred Umber ; Lunar Thorn ; Common White Wave ; Buff Ermine ; Ruby Tiger and Ingrailed Clay. 67 Treble Lines by far the most numerous, followed by Green Carpet (13) and Common Marbled Carpet (11)
17th May 2024 - Ebbor Grove Farm Priddy
by Peter Bright
A first light trapping here. 74 moths of 24 species including 2 Chinese characters, an orange footman, an alder moth, 8 white-pinion spotted, a broken-barred carpet, a least black arches and 2 small phoenix.
17th May 2024 - Butleigh garden MV
by Sue Davies
First Lime Hawk-moth of the year. Good conditions but Small Catch of 21 sps, no excitements! Most numerous, Treble Lines, Pale Tussock and White Ermine, also Silver-ground, Green and Common Marbled Carpets, Buff-tip, Rustic Shoulder-knot, a single Silver Y, only micros Bee Moth, Notocelia rosaecolana, Celypha lacunana.
16th May 2024 - Lippetts Way, Catcott
by Mat Ridley
17 species in the MV this morning, all in single figures with Green Carpet (8) and Flame Shoulder (4) the most numerous. Most notable, singles of Silver Y, Pale Tussock, Dark Spectacle and Alder Moth. A Red Chestnut was perhaps a wanderer from Shapwick Heath.
15th May 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Yet another night of low numbers but of varied species - 16 moths of 12 spp., of which 4 were FFYs - Silver Y, Marbled Minor agg., Nut-tree Tussock and Dark Spectacle. It was nice to have this and the "ordinary" Spectacle side by side for comparison.
14th May 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
The Gem was a nice addition to the 2024 list and my earliest sighting by three months. Also a suspected Monopis weaverella.
14th May 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A little cooler (min 10.1c) but conditions reasonable. 76 moths of 28 sp. including 11 FFY : Nematopogon schwarziellus / Sandy Longhorn ; Syndemis musculana / Dark-barred Tortrix ; Garden Pebble ; Garden Carpet ; Rivulet ; Sandy Carpet ; Foxglove Pug ; Scalloped Hazel ; Buff-tip ; Small Angle Shades ; Shears and Shuttle-shaped Dart. Treble Lines had a good turnout (23) and Green Carpet (14) was the only other one in double figures.
12th May 2024 - Exmoor/ Brendon Hills area
by Adam Gale
A few days away in the Exmoor/Brendon Hills area produced a few firsts for me, although apologies if I have mis-identified them. An Epinotia subocellana flew on to my trouser leg at Haddon Moor, Micropterix aruncella were a treat to see in the Monksilver area, although they rarely stayed still. And I think the Psychidae is Luffia lapidella, on a gravestone in Brompton Ralph church yard. A wonderful churchyard, sympathetically managed, I hope others take note and follow suit!
12th May 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Numbers down from two nights before - this time 13 moths of 9 species. Such variability is not uncommon here in May. 4 FFY were Chinese Character (2nd earliest record), Scalloped Hazel, Puss Moth and Pale Tussock.
12th May 2024 - Barrington
by Alick Simmons
It's picking up a bit but still dispiritingly low numbers. However, Poplar Kitten and Alder Moth were welcome with the latter NFG.
12th May 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Similar to last time, albeit with slightly fewer individuals. 28 moths of 15 species, with FFYs Spectacle (2), Common Marbled Carpet (2), Common Pug, an early Hedya pruniana (Plum Tortrix) and Pale Tussock. Green Carpet (5) the most numerous species.
12th May 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
2 pristine Silver Ys to Ni moth lure overnight.
12th May 2024 - Cockchafers
by Ian Mathieson
I know this a moth group but one non moth species we all encounter is the cockchafer. I love these beetles which are often the most numerous insect in the trap. They are more regular than any moth species I record with the first record being within a few days of the first of May every year. It was only when I was removing turf from my lawn in March that I found out that they were more interesting than I knew. I found hundreds of larvae of all sizes from 1cm first years to 4cm final instars. I also found several adults weeks before I first see them in the trap. I never knew that they pupate in the Autumn and hatch in midwinter. They then live underground before entering our traps in May. I'm sure everyone else already knew that but it surprised me. Now I know why badgers keep ripping up my lawn.
11th May 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
A few days ago my wife and I were enjoying a glass of wine in a corner of our garden that receives the last rays of the evening sun. Above my head were a few wispy branches of a damson type plum tree that I was idly inspecting (as you do) and was surprised to find a pupa on the underside of a folded leaf. I boxed it and today I was delighted to find a Ptycholoma lecheana (Brindled Tortrix) had emerged - a new species for me.
I trapped last night (mainly to avoid the Eurovision Song Contest!) and had, relatively speaking, 51 moths of 29 species. A selection of the 14 FFYs were: Seraphim, Lime HM, Orange Footman, Sandy Carpet (2), Poplar HM and Pebble Hook-tip.
10th May 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A good May night for me, with 28 moths of 17 species. FFY were Ruddy Streak (Tachystola acroxantha), The Mocha (2), Common Marbled Carpet, Small White Wave, Common Pug, Brown Silver-Line, Common Wave, Iron Prominent (2), Nut-tree Tussock and Flame Shoulder. Also the first Cockchafers of the year!
10th May 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Something of an improvement, but still not yet what one might hope for. 33 moths of 14 species, of which 5 were FFY - Mocha, Sharp-angled Peacock, Least Black Arches, Peach Blossom and an early Cinnabar. White Ermines doing well with 6.
Also of interest, the first Cockchafer of the year, along with the small Caddises.
10th May 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
I was surprised to find a fresh Pearly Underwing at the window, my earliest record by four months. It may have been lurking after the previous nights trapping which yielded 8 ffys: Common Pug, Common Carpet, Chinese Character, Buff Ermine, Pale Tussock, Swallow Prominent, Notocelia cynosbatella and Mompha subbistrigella (2)
10th May 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
When I checked the egg boxes in my trap this morning to make sure everything had flown away overnight I found this beauty. How I missed it yesterday morning I do not know.
9th May 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Floodgates have opened! 3 Species of day flying micro in the afternoon: Micropterix aruncella ; Psychoides filicivora (8) and best of all Pachyrhabda steropodes - Fern Signaller, netted as I was setting up the traps. Confirmed by Neale Mellersh as the 3rd record for Somerset. In the traps this AM 109 moths of 47 sp.
FFY : Epiblema scutulana ; Elachista argentella ; Barred and Pebble Hook-tips ; Maidens Blush ; Flame Carpet (4) ; Silver-ground Carpet (2) ; Small Phoenix (3) ; Small White Wave ; Dwarf Pug ; Yellow-barred Brindle ; Scorched Carpet ; Brown Silverline ; Marbled Brown ; Pale and Great Prominents ; Herald ; White Ermine ; Orange Footman (2) ; Spectacle ; Treble Lines (2) and Least Black Arches (5)
9th May 2024 - Lippetts Way, Catcott
by Mat Ridley
It was only when I was putting away the trap just now that I realised I’d over looked an Orange Footman, clinging to the underside of the lid… best of the bunch I think.
9th May 2024 - Lippetts Way, Catcott
by Mat Ridley
First outing for the trap this year, having been a bit busy with bird surveys etc of late. Single figures for Green Carpet, Muslin Moth and Flame Shoulder; single Bright-line Brown-eye and Chinese Character.
8th May 2024 - Sightings at Bilbrook
by James Penny
Swallow Prominent x 1, Flame Shoulder x1, Muslin Moth x 2, Brindled Beauty x 2, Brimstone x 1, Chinese Character x 1, Common Wainscot x 1, Cypress Carpet x 1, Light Emerald x 1, Eudonia sp. x 1.
8th May 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
25 macros of 20 species. Firsts for the year were Small White Wave, Knot Grass, Mocha,Pale Tussock, Sandy Carpet, Spectacle, Common Pug and Bright-line Brown-eye. Late Streamer and Brindled Beauty were bit of a surprise.
8th May 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Still poor numbers, even with promising conditions - only 15 moths, but a very varied 11 species. 4 Muslin Moths, 2 Green Carpets, and singles of Hebrew Character, Red Twin-spotted Carpet and Light Brown Apple Moth, plus 6 FFYs - White Ermine, Orange Footman, Broken-barred Carpet, Silver-ground Carpet, Rustic Shoulder-knot and Clouded-bordered Brindle. The kitchen window also atttracted another Green Carpet and a Brimstone Moth.
A small Caddis and an Ichneumon Wasp in the trap added further interest - for me, anyway.
8th May 2024 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
19 species from 21 moths is a decent return. 5 micros of 2 species yet to ID. FFY were Eudonia angustea, Small magpie, Orange footman, Green carpet (2), White pinion spotted, Common carpet, Willow beauty, Peppered moth, Shuttle shaped dart, Flame shoulder (2), Poplar hawk, Pale tussock and a Galium carpet - only my 5th and first since 2018.
7th May 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A reasonable night last night, with 15 moths of 12 species. FFG was a nice Pine Beauty, a species thinly recorded in the county. FFY were Many-plume Moth (2), Garden Carpet, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Small Phoenix, Green Carpet, White-spotted Pug and Knot Grass. Also of note was a nice, though smelly, Black Sexton Beetle, my first for a couple of years!
7th May 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Back down from the dizzy heights of 21 moths to the now more usual 7 - 2 each Muslin Moths and Green Carpets plus 3 FFYs - Pebble Prominent, Red-green Carpet and Poplar Hawk. Better luck next time?
6th May 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
What a difference a day makes! 54 macros of 26 species was easily the busiest night of the year so far. 8 firsts for the year included one of my favourites , Scalloped Hazel.
At the AGM we were shown some excellent slides illustrating the difference between a couple of problem species including Oak Hook-tip and an adventive hook-tip I've forgotten the name of. It was suggested these slides would be available on the website. I can't find them. Are they available?
I also saw this Pyrausta Nigrata at Thurlbear this afternoon whilst enjoying some sunshine and a few spring butterflies.
Administrator's note: there was an article on separation of the Hook-tips on page 15 of issue 17A of the Nocturnal Record (2023).
6th May 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
The sunshine encouraged two long-horns to shake off the chilly blues and visit the garden. Cauchas rufimitrella, Meadow Long-horn and Nematopogon swammerdamella the Large Long-horn. Also a Plutella xylostella, Diamond Back, Agonopterix arenella, Brindled Flat-body and five Anthophila fabriciana Common Nettle-tap also made an appearance.
6th May 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
21 moths of 14 sp. including 6 FFY. One short but violent thunderstorm came through but none of them drowned. FFY : Tachystola acroxantha ; Common Carpet (2) ; Common Marbled Carpet ; Coxcomb Prominent and Pale Tussock.
5th May 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
To quote Macduff, ' Horror, horror, horror. " A moonless early May night and just 5 moths. 2 Green Carpets were firsts for the year and a very minor highlight.
4th May 2024 - Westbury-sub-Mendip
by Peter Bright
MV Robinson over night 6 muslin moths and 1 each of campion, rustic shoulder-knot, iron prominent and a buff-tip. 3 weeks ago a dotted chestnut and a least black arches overlooked as a post.
4th May 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Nallet
by Paul Newman
Even more excitement (I'm easily pleased). 21 moths, but only 4 species. 13 Muslin Moth males (my highest ever total - it's a good year for them it seems), 2 each Hebrew Characters and Light Brown Apple Moths, and 4 FFY Green Carpets.
4th May 2024 - Daytime observations
by Jane Cole
Morning sightings of Acleris schalleriana Viburnum Button larvae in spun, twisted Guelder Rose leaves, a Spuleria flavicaput Yellow-headed Cosmet adult and Monopis weaverella Carrion moth adult both moving around freely, all on mixed garden hedge. Early evening sightings of Cochylichroa atricapitana (Cochylis) Black-headed Conch and many Tachystola acroxantha Ruddy Streak over grass and possible others that I didn't manage to keep up with. Oh and of course Nettle-tap.
3rd May 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Oh joy !! Into double figures for the first time in 3 weeks. 17 moths of 6 species - 10 Muslin Moths, 2 Hebrew Characters, and 1 each Clouded Drab and Brindled Beauty, plus FFYs Flame Shoulder (2) and Common Carpet.
Warmer nights are coming to us soon, they say - we'll see.
2nd May 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A touch less cold (min 6.8c) but still a pesky wind gusting above 20mph. 13 moths of 10 sp. including 3 FFY : Diamond-back Moth , Depressaria daucella / Water-dropwort Brown and Poplar Hawk-moth. Better conditions coming next week so they say.
1st May 2024 - Chrysoesthia sexguttella
by Sue Davies
Chrysoesthia sexguttella, Six-spot crest, 3mm long, emerged today from mines collected from Orache mid Sept.23, pupated early Oct. Kept in a dry pot overwinter. Earlier stages in library.
28th April 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Slightly less cold, slightly less moon, slightly less wind - must mean slightly more moths, right? Well, in theory maybe, but in practice no, not really. Just 4 brave souls ventured out into the trap - 2 Muslin Moths, 1 each Hebrew Character and Brindled Beauty. However, there was a Brimstone Moth on the kitchen window - probably a bit warmer there.
Yje Met. Office is promising warmer times ahead - we can but dream.
25th April 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Absolutely dire mothing recently but unsurprising considering the weather. Almost a complete waste of time last night saved only by my first hawk moth of the year, a Poplar Hawk. 2 Hebrew Characters were the only others who braved the north westerlies.
23rd April 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
It has finally dawned on me why my catches are so low - I have actually believed the Met Office forecast !
Last night the low temp was actually 4.3c rather than the 7c forecast. 2 moths inside the traps and 7 outside plus a Silver-Y nectaring on 'Honesty' at 2230. Of note : Streamer (3) ; Brimstone Moth (2) ; Waved Umber and Muslin Moth. A Nettle-tap was flying during the afternoon.
20th April 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Still pathetic numbers, even though the conditions were not all that bad - cold and moony, yes, but not windy. Just 5 moths this time - 3 Muslin Moths, and single Hebrew Character and Brindled Beauty.
Oh for a warm, muggy and moonless night!!
19th April 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
20 moths of 9 species - always pleasing to get a Streamer, also a Garden Carpet and Pebble Prominent were FFYs. A surprise was a very late March Moth.
18th April 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A warmer day and the prospect of a cloudier night tempted me to put the trap out. In hindsight it wasn't the best idea, since I had just 4 moths of 3 species, 2 Early Grey, 1 Hebrew Character and a 1 Small Quaker. I'd have been delighted with Tim's catch!
18th April 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Still no improvement - in fact quite the opposite. An overnight low of 7c and a moderate breeze resulted in just 13 moths between the two traps. one FFY : Flame Shoulder (2). The rest comprised : Twenty plumed Moth ; Red Twin-spot Carpet (2) ; Oak-tree Pug ; Early Grey ; Powdered Quaker and Hebrew Character.
14th April 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Two nights' worth of trapping, and not a lot to show for it - the combined total of 16 moths of 5 species. Most numerous, 5 each Muslin Moth and Brindled Beauty. The forecast for the next few nights is not looking promising, so I will probably not bother for a bit.
12th April 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Less than expected last night but a Great Prominent was very welcome. Only my third ever record and the first for 10 years. I assume that this was an early record as my previous 2 sightings had been in mid May.
Mullein, V Pug and Purple Bar were other firsts for the year.
12th April 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
34 moths of 19 sp. was far fewer than I had expected from a ''mild'' night (min 10.2c) but the variety was not bad at all. 8 FFY : Agonopterix arenella ; Epinotia immundana ; Frosted Green ; Streamer (4) ; V-Pug (2) ; Oak-tree Pug ; Common Pug and Brimstone Moth. Also of note: Twenty plumed Moth (3) ; Acleris literana ; Shoulder Stripe ; Early Thorn (4) ; Brindled Beauty (2) and Engrailed.
12th April 2024 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
Another dry night thankfully. 18 moths of 11 species FFY were The Streamer (only third record) Least black arches, Waved umber and Tawny pinion.
12th April 2024 - Re: P. stenopodes
by Paul Newman
Steve C - is it possible to upload your photos to the "Species" section please ?
11th April 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
Contrary to what most are finding I am having a good year here in Pen Elm with lots of FFYs, if not in good numbers: Nut-tree Tussock, Waved Umber, Water Carpet, Beautiful Plume, Tachystola acroxantha on the10th April and Scorched Carpet, The Mullein, Purple Thorn, Pale Prominent and Oak Nycteoline on the 11th (all singletons).
11th April 2024 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
17 moths 9 species - Herald, Pebble prominent, Early grey, Muslin moth amongst the macros. Just a single micro - a very early Elachista maculicerusella which I have only ever seen on 3 occasions previously, all in July/August. Neale M. tells me that the earliest record prior to this was the 30th April in 2005
11th April 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
The forecast looked promising but a cool wind and some clear skies produced a disappointing tally - 7 moths of 4 species. The only FFY was Brindled Beauty.
11th April 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
An improvement in variety, if not much in numbers. 21 moths of 12 species this time, - the usual bunch of Orthosias, as well as Brimstone Moth, Brindled Beauty, Oak-tree Pug, Herald and Light Brown Apple Moth, and 4 FFYs - Muslin Moth (2), Pale Pinion, Mullein Moth (first adult for many years, not seen larvae here either for two or three years), Pale PInion and Waved Umber (first for 2 years). Quite a nice collection, plus 3 more small Caddises and an early Cranefly, plus hundreds of mini-flies (only a specialist dipterist would know what species !!)..
11th April 2024 - Pachyrhabda steropodes
by Steve Chapple
A trip into the garden for salad leaves resulted in the capture to this lovely little moth. Thanks to James McGill for confirmation. Our website gives this as a description:
This moth, an adventive species on ferns, was reported new to Somerset from the Radstock area in 2022
9th April 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Well, the wind did drop, but the effect on the moths was minimal. Just 17 of 6 species this time - 10 Hebrew Characters, 2 each Common Quakers and Clouded Drabs, plus singles of Brindled Beauty, and FFYs Brimstone Moth and Oak-tree Pug. 2 small Caddises lurking in a corner too.
7th April 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
The gales from Kathleen abated as the evening wore on so I took a chance. Result , 49 moths of 18 sp. 6 FFY : Agonopteryx heracliana ; Brindled Beauty ; Lunar Marbled Brown (2) ; Angle Shades ; Powdered Quaker and Red Chestnut. Also of note ; Shoulder Stripe and Muslin Moth.
6th April 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
I haven't bothered with the trap recently due to the weather but was pleased to find an Angle Shades clinging onto the edge of the front door, where it's stayed for the last two days!
6th April 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The forecast outer fringes of Storm Kathleen made the prospect of large numbers of moths a mere dream, and most of them stayed at home, surprise, surprise. Only 8 Orthosias ventured out here - 4 Hebrew Characters, 3 Common Quakers and one Twin-spotted ditto, plus a very small Caddis, made up the grand(?) total. Better luck next time when the wind drops (I hope).
6th April 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
A nice selection of moths (41 of 18 species) included my third recorded Frosted Green and first since 2019. Other FFYs were: Brimstone Moth (2), Oak-tree Pug (5), Brindled Beauty, Iron Prominent, Dyseriocrania subpurpurella and a suspected Northern Drab. Other moths of interest were: Brindled Pug (3), Pale Pinion, Lunar Marbled Brown and a late Oak Beauty.
3rd April 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
A Lunar Marbled Brown here last night was my first for 4 years having previously recorded it every year since 2003. Other firsts for the year were Muslin Moth and Nut-tree Tussock.
2nd April 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
15 moths of 10 species that included 3 FFYs: Lunar Marbled Brown, Grey Shoulder-knot and Shoulder Stripe
1st April 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Still very little about but two Dark Sword Grass were a surprise.
30th March 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
56 moths of 7 sp. but again nothing new. Brindled Pug (5) ; Early Grey (20) ; Clouded Drab (6) ; Common Quaker (14) ; Small Quaker ; Hebrew Character (9) and Twin-spotted Quaker.
30th March 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Similar numbers to recent trappings, but at least a bit more interesting - 24 moths of 6 species, including 10 Hebrew Characters, 4 Clouded Drabs & 3 Common Quakers, plus 3 FFYs - Brindled Beauty (5), Powdered Quaker and Herald. Another large Caddis too.
30th March 2024 - Heathfield TA4
by Simon Davies
Happy Easter everyone!
35 moths of 7 species : 3 beautiful Powdered Quaker were new for the year, and the garden.
27th March 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
26 moths of 7 species - a fresh Dark Sword-grass was the only FFY in the actinic. Earlier I disturbed 3 FFY micros in the garden: Caloptilia falconipennella, Caloptilia semifascia and Esperia sulphurella (thanks to James McGill for ID confirmation).
26th March 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Cold, full moon, breezy - might as well put the trap out! Result? 20 moths of 6 species, which was fair in the circumstances. 7 each Hebrew Characters and Common Quakers, 2 each Clouded Drabs and March Moths, and 1 each Small Quaker and Twin-spotted ditto. All very symmetrical. Also one large Caddis, and there was a March Moth on the kitchen window earlier in the evenng. Could have been worse.
24th March 2024 - Hestercombe gardens
by Simon Davies
This morning on alkanet, large numbers of scarlet tiger caterpillars.
21st March 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
60 moths of 16 sp. but the only FFY was found when I opened the fridge door and discovered a White-shouldered House Moth ! Best of the rest : Diurnia fagella (2) ; Brindled Pug (15) ; Early Tooth-striped and Dotted Border. Orthosia numbers dropped dramatically.
21st March 2024 - Butleigh garden
by Sue
Expected a good night, but no, just 4 Clouded drab and 2 Hebrew Characters!
20th March 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
12 moths again, this time 5 species. FFY were Twin-spotted Quaker and Hebrew Character (2). The remaining 9 were all Orthosias!
19th March 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A very mild night should have produced a goodly number of moths, but it didn't. Just 20 individuals, but at least there was a degree of variety, with 8 species, viz: 4 Hebrew Characters, 6 Common Quakers, 1 Small Quaker, 3 March Moths, 2 Twin-spotted Quakers and 1 Clouded Drab, plus FFYs Agonopterix alstromeriana (2) (first for 2 years), and Small Eggar (first for some time). These last have occurred here at irregular intervals for over 20 years, so I assume there must be a small persisting resident population hereabouts.
19th March 2024 - Fiddington
by Rod Cole
Hummingbird Hawk nectaring from daffodils, 5.30 pm. Not an obvious association.
18th March 2024 - Butleigh garden
by Sue Davies
First MV trap of the year, 1-2 each of expected Orthosias, Early Grey, Early Thorn and a nice Oak Nycteoline.
17th March 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
At last, up and running this year, with my first overnight trapping. 12 moths of 9 species, all but 3 FFY - White-shouldered House Moth, Light Brown Apple-moth (2), Shoulder Stripe (2), Double-striped Pug, March Moth, Early Grey (2), Clouded Drab, Common Quaker and Small Quaker.
17th March 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Despite a low of 5.7c a good night was had by all. 116 moths of 20sp. including 6 FFY : Ypsolopha mucronella ; Diurnia fagella ; Spruce Carpet ; Brindled Pug (18) ; Engrailed and Pale Pinion. Also in the traps : LBAM ; Shoulder Stripe (2) ; Red-green Carpet ; Double- striped Pug ; March Moth (3) ; Oak Beauty (2) ; Dotted Border(2) ; Early Grey (16) ; Chestnut (11) ; Clouded Drab ; Common Quaker (20) ; Small Quaker (19) ; Hebrew Character (11) and Twin-spotted Quaker (3). and one for Paul -- Nicrophorus humator - the Black Sexton Beetle.
17th March 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Well, the weather relented (a bit) but it had little effect on the moths. Just 23, of 5 species, with nothing new. 9 Hebrew Characters, 5 March Moths, 4 each Clouded Drabs and Common Quakers, and an Oak Beauty. There were two male March Moths on the kitchen window the previous evening, taking over the places of the A. heracliana.
15th March 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Quite a bit colder, under 40F, so numbers down proportionally. 10 Hebrew Characters, 4 Common Quakers, and singles of March Moth, Oak Beauty and Clouded Drab. Better luck next time, when the weather relents.
14th March 2024 - Combe Down, Bath
by Paul Wilkins
Only my second trap so far this year. Small Actinic trap in my suburban garden with lots of light pollution so I never expect too much!
Brindled Beauty
Common Quaker
Small Quaker
Dotted Chestnut
Hebrew Character
March Moth
Dark Chestnut (despite the time of year it has all the characteristics of this species)
12th March 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
At last better conditions if a little breezy. 44 moths of 14 species was my best return of the year so far. FFY's were Pine Beauty (a welcome return after three years), Twin-spotted Quaker, Dotted Border, Ypsolopha mucronella and Depressaria daucella. A fresh Depressaria ultimella was a FFG - many thanks to James McGill for confirmation.
12th March 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Considering the mildness of the night, fewer moths than one might expect. 43 of 7 species this time. 24 Hebrew Characters, 9 Common and 1 Small Quakers, 6 Clouded Drabs, 1 late-ish Early Moth, 1 FFY Light Brown Apple Moth and another Acleris umbrana, this one a bit frayed around the edges. Also 2 Ichneumon Wasps
12th March 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Best of the year, so far. Min temp 9.7c with damp but not wet conditions. 85 moths of 12 species. FFY were: Shoulder Stripe; Muslin Moth (my earliest - previous being 11 April); Clouded Drab and Twin-spotted Quaker. The rest were: Early Thorn (3); March Moth (2); Oak Beauty (3); Early Grey (4); Chestnut (24 -my highest count) ; Common Quaker (26); Small Quaker (10) and Hebrew Character (8).
12th March 2024 - Fiddington
by Rod Cole
A solitary and handsome Nut-tree Tussock sat upon the wall was a surprise, so early. Its chums? Twin-spotted Quaker (1), Clouded Drab (4), Common Quakers (6), Small Quakers (9), Hebrew Character (1), Early Thorn (1), March Moths (3), Brindled Pug (1).
12th March 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Best night of the year here last night with 31 macros of 11 species. Best of the catch were Water Carpet and Pale Pinion, both firsts for the year.
10th March 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
More moths and more variety this time - 46 moths of 6 species, viz: 30 Hebrew Characters, 10 Common Quakers, 2 each Clouded Drabs and Small Quakers, and FFY singles of Twin-spotted Quaker and Early Grey. Onwards and ever so slightly upwards.
6th March 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A min temp of 2.6c led to an underwhelming catch of 21 moths of 8 species. March Moth was the only FFY. The rest comprised : Mottled Grey ; Oak Beauty ; Dotted Border ; Early Grey (2) ; Common Quaker (6) ; Small Quaker (7) and Hebrew Character (2).
6th March 2024 - Fiddington
by Rod Cole
Small Quakers (8) now outnumbering the Common ones (3): there were at least 18 of the latter a week or so ago, remarkably early in the season. 4 Hebrew Characters, 3 March Moths and an Early Grey: sum total by 10 pm and lights out.
5th March 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Fings is gettin' better. 23 Moths of 4 species - 13 Common Quakers, 7 Hebrew Characters, 2 Small Quakers, and a FFY Oak Beauty, the first here for two years.
5th March 2024 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
My 4th species of the year (no trapping yet) on the porch wall - Double-striped Pug. The only months I haven't recorded the species are November through to January.
2nd March 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
In spite of the forecast frost (which duly happened) I put out the MV trap in hope, and was rewarded with the princely total of 8 moths. 3 Hebrew Characters, 2 each Common and Small Quakers and a Clouded Drab. Tough cookies, these Orthosias!
29th February 2024 - RSPB West Sedgemoor
by Simon Davies
Agonopterix arenella found in viewing hide and Ypsolopha mucronella flew in an overgrown old apple orchard on the reserve, both found in daylight.
28th February 2024 - Westbury-sub-Mendip
by Peter Bright
3 Common Quakers, 3 Hebrew Characters, a March Moth, a Clouded Drab and a pale Brindled Beauty. A damp but a bit warmer than days before.
26th February 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Yet another cold and moon-ridden night, so expectation was not high. Just as well !! Only 8 moths this time, and nothing new.
19th February 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
After the remarkable moth bonanza of 16th, back to normal this time (well, it was a couple of degrees colder). Just 15 moths of 4 species - 9 Hebrew Characters, 3 Common Quakers and 2 March Moths in the trap, and another A. heracliana on the window.
18th February 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
A big improvement with 24 moths of 11 species - 4 FFY were Pale Pinion, Clouded Drab (2), Early Thorn and March Moth.
18th February 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
19 moths of 8 species after a cooler night than forecast (min 6.4c) Four FFY : Double-striped Pug ; Early Thorn ; Early Grey and Common Quaker (4). Others were Acleris literana - my second this year ; Spring Usher ; Dotted Border and Chestnut (9). In response to Ian's thoughts on a good start to the year , I recall last year having a terrible start but I finished with my highest species count since moving here in 2014. You just never know !
18th February 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Small Quaker, Early Grey and a tired looking Dark Sword Grass were my 19th,20th and 21st macro species this year. It is normally around mid April when I get to this number and on one occasion I didn't record 20 species until May.
Do early records relate to a good future year? The only years that have come close to this were 2007 and 2012 ( both around 10th March) which turned out to be 2 of the worst mothing years this century.
18th February 2024 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Eudonia angustea first moth of the year found 10pm outside on kitchen wall
18th February 2024 - Agonopterix umbellana
by Rob Grimmond
In September 2022 I trapped an Agonopterix umbellana, the first county record since 2000. This gorse feeder is a rare moth in the county nowadays. This morning, I found a tatty moth on the porch wall which turned out to be this species. So, I imagine there is a local population. I'm on the eastern slope of the Blackdowns, which has good areas of gorse.
16th February 2024 - Westbury-sub-Mendip
by Peter Bright
10 moths, 7 Hebrew Characters, 1 Dotted Border, 1 Common Quaker and 1 March Moth.
16th February 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A veritable flood of Orthosias (plus a few others) !! 60 Common Quakers, 50 Hebrew Characters, 2 Small Quakers and a FFY Clouded Drab, plus 1 Early Moth, 1 Chestnut, 2 FFY Grey Shoulder-knots, 1 FFY(very) Early Thorn and 1 FFY March Moth. Quite astonishing numbers for mid-February. Could this be a portent of a good year to come? One can but hope.
15th February 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
In the words of the gentleman in "One Foot in the Grave" -- I don't believe it !! An Acleris umbrana in an almost identical place on the inside porch wall this evening. I KNOW I released the one yesterday, so unless it's the same one which prefers my house to the gatden, it must presumably be a second one. Have they been hibernating in the house? Will there be more? Watch this space.
15th February 2024 - Bryopsis muralis - Curry Mallet
by Jane Cole
A 3rd for 2024 Bryopsis muralis (Nyctobrya) Marbled Green 73.085 larva, with pale blue variable pattern on Blue Lias wall. It's an ideal mild and murky morning.
14th February 2024 - Heathfield TA4
by Simon Davies
12 moths of 7 species to MV last night, best so far. Dotted border 70.255 new to the garden. Early thorn and A. alstromeriana (2) new this year. Hebrew character, Common Quaker (3) and The Chestnut (3) made up the rest with one Agonopterix sp. for ID please : see second image.
14th February 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
11 moths of 7 species was a fair return on a damp, murky night. Min temp. 11.5c Five FFY : Acleris literana ; Dotted Border ; Early Moth ; Small Quaker and Dark Swordgrass. The others were Chestnut (5) and Hebrew Character.
14th February 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A very fortunate sighting, this one - I was about to take my dog out, and spotted a small Tortrix on the porch wall, seemingly poised to nip outside when I opened the door. I boxed it in order to ID it on my return. On close inspection I found that it was an Acleris umbrana, still an uncommon moth in Somerset, although increasing in numbers. This is my second record here, the first in October 2022 (confirmed by Neale Mellersh). Happy days !!
13th February 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
A nice selection of early season moths included: Oak Beauty, Small Quaker, Pale Brindled Beauty, Hebrew Character, Angle Shades and Tortricodes alternella all singletons and FFY. The latter I have now recorded here for the last 3 years - none before that. Other moths were Common Quaker (5) and Chestnut.
13th February 2024 - Taunton
by Simon Davies
The Chestnut came in to the bedside light last night, after just Hebrew Character and A. heracliana to MV overnight 11/2/24. Nicotiana sylvestris germinated overnight in the kitchen, after 10 days patiently waiting.
12th February 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Quite a bit colder, so fewer moths out and about. 8 Hebrew Characters and 3 Common Quakers in the trap, plus another Agonopterix heracliana on the kitchen window (or maybe the same one as before, making a return to its old patch).
12th February 2024 - Common Quaker
by John Paterson
Apart from a Twenty-plume Moth I found in the house a week or so ago, this is the first moth I have trapped this year after a number of attempts.
10th February 2024 - Overwintered migrant
by David Agassiz
A little gardening yesterday revealed a moth which turned out to be Udea ferrugalis which must have emerged from an overwintering larva.
10th February 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
That's better! A cool moonless night, with some light rain later on, yielded 32 moths of 6 species. 16 Hebrew Characters, 9 Common Quakers, 2 Early Moths, plus 3 FFYs - Small Quaker (2), Chestnut and Pale Brindled Beauty (2). We're off (not before time) !!
10th February 2024 - Westbury-sub-Mendip
by Peter Bright
My first moth of year and fourth light trapping.
5th February 2024 - Dewick's Plusia breeding in garden
by Steve Chapple
I reared to pupation an unidentified larva found in October on nettles in the garden. Returning home yesterday from a trip abroad I was amazed to discover that a Dewick's Plusia had emerged but had unfortunately died in the box.
5th February 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
CORRECTION -- My posting for 02/02 should have read Hebrew Character rather than Setaceous H. C.
It comes to us all in time !
4th February 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The kitchen window did as well as the MV trap this time - 2 moths each. On the window, 1 Early Moth and 1 FFY Agonopterix heracliana, and in the trap, 1 Hebrew Character and 1 FFY Common Quaker. Exciting times we live in.
4th February 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Three firsts for the year last night, Oak Beauty, Dotted Border and Grey Shoulder-knot.
I don't normally look to closely at the micros but whilst looking out for a Silver-spotted Veneer without success I came across this Acleris umbrana which appears to be a reasonable record
3rd February 2024 - Heathfield TA4
by Simon Davies
First trap of ‘24 : Hebrew Character, Common Quaker, Agonopterix heracliana and Tortricodes alternella, a common moth (vernacular name Winter Shade or Spring Harbinger: take your pick!) not previously seen here albeit that my trap is usually still tucked away for the winter at this time.
3rd February 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Well, what do I know? Not a lot apparently. I had thought that the Winter Moths were finished for this season, but lo! and behold!! one turned up on the window - exactly one month since the last one. It ain't over yet - the fat lady is still silent.
2nd February 2024 - Court House, Barwick & Stoford
by Adam Gale
The first full year of being able to trap at this site, (when time allows), so jumped at the chance to get some new site records with milder conditions on the Friday night. Singles of Pale Brindled Beauty, Common Quaker, Early Thorn and Ypsolopha ustella. 3 Tortricodes alternella were pleasing firsts for me, and a rather stunning non-moth catch of a single Cream-striped Darwin Wasp (Ophion obscuratus).
2nd February 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Two traps run for 3 moths - not very economical ! At least they were all FFY Acleris cristana , Oak Beauty and Setaceous Hebrew Character. Also in the actinic : Yellow-spotted Sedge and Cream-striped Darwin Wasp.
2nd February 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
I put my trap out last night hoping to catch up with the early migrant action. I was rewarded with a very early and very surprising Gem. I have recorded this moth about 20 times since 1996 and apart from one in early April all the other records have been from the late summer onwards.
1st February 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another trapping, another moth (or was it the same individual as the previous one, 2 nights before?). In spite of less wind, less moonlight and a few more degrees of mildness, just the one Hebrew Character again. Ho hum.
31st January 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
5 moths last night all unsurprisingly firsts for the year. They were my first ever January Double-striped Pug, Common Quaker, Hebrew Character, Chestnut and Dark Chestnut. There was a possible Spring Usher flying about the trap in the evening but it never made its way inside. I haven't recorded one here for over 10 years so it would have been a good record.
30th January 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A cold night, and a 2/3 moon - not conducive to many moths. And so it turned out - just one extremely early Hebrew Character, and nowt else. Still, it 's a start. Carry on chaps.
29th January 2024 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
Mild and no rain: Spring Usher (first for a 3 years), Common Quaker (2) and Agonopterix alstromeriana - all 3 are my earliest records.
28th January 2024 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
As Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer would say... And Awaay ! A mild night (min 9.6c) and not too much wind produced 10 moths of 7 species. Common Plume ; LBAM ; Red-green Carpet ; Mottled Grey ; Pale Brindled Beauty ; Spring Usher and 4 Chestnuts.
27th January 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
My first trapping of the year, after all the "weather" we've been having, produced a moth - yes, a whole one !! Appropriately, a male Early Moth, the first here since January 2022. Onwards and upwards.
25th January 2024 - Cream-spot Tiger moth larva - Curry Mallet
by Jane Cole
A larva on the wall this afternoon.
25th January 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Well, I was right about the Winter Moths ending their regular visits to my kitchen windows - the last ones were on 3/1, none since - unsurprising given the long spell of frosty nights and the howlings of storms Henk, Issa and Jocelyn.
Maybe the trap can go out again soon? One lives in hope !!
22nd January 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
After seeing a Peacock in the garden during a brief sunny spell I was inspired to put my trap out for the first time this year. A strong breeze ,a clear sky and a nearly full moon wasn't encouraging so the single moth, a Red-green Carpet, wasn't a surprise.
21st January 2024 - Shipham
by Nigel Voaden
Two new locations for the mines of Phyllonorycter nigrescentella today, on Lyncombe Hill and in Star, to the NW and N of the village. It seems to be quite a common species around the lanes in this area.
17th January 2024 - Nocturnal Record
by Sue Davies
All our members should have received both copies. Please let me know if you haven't got them. Thank you to everyone for their invaluable contributions and to Maurice Pugh and Jane Cole for their cover images. Sue
3rd January 2024 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The new year has started much the same as the old one ended - Winter Moth males having a boys' night out on my kitchen windows !! 8 on 1/1, 5 on 2/1 in spite of the remnants of Storm Henk still blowing a bit of a hooley all evening, but only one on 3/1 however, so maybe they are coming to an end for this winter? Watch this space.
2nd January 2024 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Wind and rain are not good for trapping but it is good for letting you catch up with your records.
I have a basic system for rating the year as a whole and using this 2023 came out the 14th best year out of the last 21.
There were some winners with Heart and Club(96) and Flame Carpet(17) both recording 3 times as many records as any previous year.
Of the 417 macros I've recorded in the garden 138 have been ever presents. The moth with the sharpest decline here appears to be the Scalloped Oak. From averaging 50 records a year a decade ago I was down to just 2 last year. Hopefully it is just a short term blip but I fear that it will be lost from my ever present list.
30th December 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The weather has been consistently too dire to be bothering with the trap for the past two weeks or so, so I have been contenting myself with monitoring the male WInter Moths on my kitchen windows each evening. Since their first appearance 3 weeks ago, there have never been more than 3 at a time (they stay in the same spots all evening, so it's easy to observe this). However, this time there were a remarkable 9 , all in place from about 6.pm until bedtime. Why the sudden mass appearance, is a mystery. Maybe the start of a global take-over.
24th December 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse etc
by Paul Newman
Wishing all readers (yes, that's you!) a very Merry Xmas and a New Year full of many and varied moths.
17th December 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another trapping, another moth. This time a second Mottled Umber of the year, a different one to the last, as the earlier one was the dark form, this one had the white background. No Winter Moths on the windows either.
17th December 2023 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
A late appearance of a Agonopterix alstromeriana on the outside of the kitchen window last night.
15th December 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A fair return for the time of year - 14 moths of 5 sp. December Moth (10) ; Angle Shades ; Yellow-line Quaker ; FFY Brick and a Chestnut.
15th December 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A mild, dark and relatively windless night promised much. Ho ho ho !! More moths (3 Winter) on the kitchen window than in the trap. BUT - alongside 2 small Caddises the sole moth in the trap was actually worth the effort, a FFG late White-speck. A nice surprise, as I don't usually get all that many migrants here.
14th December 2023 - Elachistids from VC5
by Will Langdon
Very late to the party, but I have only just finished sorting my photos of a few Elachistid species that I found as larvae and reared in VC5 this spring.
The highlight was the mysterious Elachista tengstromi, split from the externally-identical E. regificella a few years ago. I found young mines on Hairy Wood-Rush (Luzula pilosa) along Worthy Toll Road and in Hawk's Nest Combe and reared adults that were dissected by Peter Hall to confirm the identification. This appears to be new to VC5, and Somerset as a whole (barring the records of E. regificella on L. pilosa from Leigh Woods that probably refer to this species). The habitat was not particularly unusual where I found it and it seems likely that it will be more widespread on Exmoor, as the foodplant is pretty common, although I don't normally find it in the abundance that L. sylvatica sometimes occurs in.
The next best was Elachista bisulcella, reared from Tall Fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) growing on the crumbling limestone cliffs at Watchet. This species also occurs on Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) in woodland. I have not been able to find it until this year when I searched a bit later than previously, finding it at other sites in mid-May, June and early July. It looks like this species is new to VC5. Earlier in the year I also reared E. obliquella from mines found on Brachypodium sylvaticum (False Brome) near here, E. cinereopunctella from mines on Carex flacca (Glaucous Sedge), and E. stabilella also on Tall Fescue, the latter two species are very common on the cliffs here.
The final excitement was Elachista trapeziella, a species which feeds on Luzula that I have been hoping to see for a while. It seems it had not been seen on Exmoor for a little while, but it was common on both Luzula pilosa and sylvatica in Hawk Nest Combe (where it has been seen previously) and Yearnor Wood on the same day as E. tengstromi, and also E. regificella.
All of these species are beginning to mine now, and are a really fun way to keep the mothing going over the winter if you are comfortable with learning a few grasses (or know a tame botanist who can help you).
11th December 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
In spite of the forecast offering (guess what?) possible showers, I decided to see what moths were about, if any. The result? 2 male December Moths and a Mottled Umber, both FFY. A certain amount of water in the bottom of trap, but not really a lot, so the exercise was just about worth it. The Winter Moth males are sitting on my kitchen windows every evening, but still only in small numbers. They seem to like the fluorescent light, as they don't come to other windows..
7th December 2023 - Curry Mallet
by Jane Cole
Raining all day but then it stopped so I put the trap out for the night, 9C down to 4.5C:
Angle Shades 1
December moth 2
Feathered Thorn 3
Scarce Umber 1 (1st this winter)
Sprawler 1 (7th this winter)
Winter moth 1 (2nd this winter)
Emmelina monodactyla Common Plume 1
Epiphyas postvittana LBAM 1 very worn
7th December 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
A surprisingly dry night let me put out an actinic trap for the first time for a while. 2 Mottled Umbers and 6 December Moths was a fair return.
7th December 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
4 male Winter moths on my kitchen windows - there all evening from about 7.00 until bedtime. Technically not FFY, as there were some in January, but certainly the first this winter.
6th December 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A FFY Winter Moth on the house wall yesterday. Still there late afternoon but being blown about a bit!
22nd November 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
At last a mild night and only a little rain. 35 moths of 14 sp. : Acleris ferrugana/notana ; Rusty-dot Pearl ; December Moth (5) ; Spruce Carpet ; Red-green Carpet (5) ; November Moth agg ; Double-striped Pug ; Feathered Thorn (8) ; Angle Shades ; Red-line Quaker ; Yellow-line Quaker (4) ; Chestnut (3) ; Dark Chestnut (2) and Satellite. I would add images but my computer has hidden them and refuses to tell me where they have gone. Ho hum.
22nd November 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Well, that was barely worth the cost of the electricity for the trap ! The sole moth therein was another Dark Chestnut, definitely a different individual to the last one, as this one had not been shredded by a passing Osprey or whatever, but was in relatively good nick. The only other live inhabitants of the trap were 2 Caddises and another small black beetle. With the forecast cold snap coming soon to a garden near me, I will probably save on my energy bills and wait till next week to try again.
20th November 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
A very good night here for late November. 13 macros of 8 species. No highlights and the full list is as follows.
3 Yellow Line Quaker, 2 each of Red-green Carpet, Spruce Carpet and December moth. Singles of Double striped Pug, Silver y, Feathered Thorn and Red line Quaker.
20th November 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
There ought really to be more moths about, given the relatively mild weather and only a half-moon, but not here !! Just 2 Feathered Thorns, and singles of Rusty-dot Pearl and Dark Chestnut. The last-named was somewhat frayed at the edges, but at least the square termen was clear enough for a sound ID. Also there were 3 small Caddises and a few tiny flies, but all in all a poor catch.
18th November 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
8 Feathered Thorns was a record for me here. I also had Silver Y (2), LBAM (2), Rush Veneer, Setaceous HC, Turnip and November Moth agg. (2).
18th November 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Possibly a bit too breezy for many moths, but there were 2 each of Silver Y and Feathered Thorn in the trap.
There was momentarily a surprise earlier in the evening - I spotted two moths on the outside of my kitchen window, and at first thought they might be Winter Moths, the first since February, but when I looked a bit more closely, I thought they were a bit too big, so went outside to see, and they turned out to be Feathered Thorns. I imagine it won't be long before the Winter Moths do arrive, so I will leave the light on in the evenings for the moment.
17th November 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
My first Mottled Umber of the year was the best of last night's few moths. The others were a Common Marbled Carpet, 2 Feathered Thorns and a late Dark Arches.
14th November 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Showers forecast, showers came, what a surprise. They did not come alone however - the trap held (apart from some rainwater) 1 Feathered Thorn, 1 Silver Y, 2 Caddises, 1 small black beetle, and (this was a surprise) 1 comatose Wasp. A bit late in the year for her to be flying at night, I think, but then what do I know?
10th November 2023 - Beautiful Plume
by Sue Davies
Disturbed in the greenhouse today
8th November 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
A Feathered Thorn (NFY) and Acleris schalleriana, both attracted to a lit window, were the only highlights in a otherwise drab spell of weather.
8th November 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
A forecast dry night tempted me to put out the trap, too. Only 3 moths for me. A Silver Y, a Chestnut and a Sprawler.
The Sprawler was only my 7th record and the first since 2018 so worth the effort.
8th November 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Like Paul I was tempted by the prospect of a dry night, so put the trap out until 22.30. Just 4 moths, but 2 FFY, December Moth and The Chestnut. The latter was the first for 3 years, mainly because I don't trap much at this time of year. The others were 2 Light Brown Apple Moths.
8th November 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
No rain forecast (first time for 2 weeks) - hooray !! And none fell - even more hooray !! 7 moths made it into the trap - 3 November agg. plus singles of Beaded Chestnut, Red-line Quaker, Red-green Carpet, and Feathered Thorn. More heavy rain due tonight (9/11) apparently. Oh well.
7th November 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Agonopterix alstromariana disturbed from the log pile in the garage this morning.
5th November 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
A battered Brick (NFY) and a late Acleris sparsana were the pick plus several Red-green Carpets (having a good year here), Green-brindled Crescent, LBAM, Common Plume, November Moth agg. (2) and Merveille du Jour (2), were the only takers in short sessions between the showers.
5th November 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Hummingbird Hawk-moth again this morning, this time nectaring on Salvia and, surprisingly, Schizostylis (Lily).
1st November 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A nice, bright, beacon in these dismal days - a Hummingbird Hawk-moth nectaring on Abelia in the garden this morning.
27th October 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Just 19 moths of 11 sp. Must be the Moon. Nothing new this time , just the 'dying embers' of the mothing year: Pine, Spruce, Red-green and Common Marbled Carpets ; November Moth agg (4) ; Feathered Thorn (2) ; Silver-Y ; Barred Sallow (having a good year) ; Red, and Yellow-line Quakers and a Chestnut.
27th October 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The forecast was for some light rain in the early part of the night, plus a nearly full moon, but I put out the trap anyway. In the event, there was only a very small amount of rain, but even so there were only 6 moths in the trap - 5 November Moth agg., and a FFY Feathered Thorn.
25th October 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Autumn moths never seem to be as numerous here in the south of the county as they appear to be elsewhere. Most species only come in ones or twos and I don't anticipate getting double figures of any species until the spring.
Last nights catch of 10 macros of 7 species was very typical for the time of year. However I do seem to record a good number of migrants and last night, amongst the Rush Veneers and Rusty-dot Pearls, I had another Vestal and my first Gem of the year.
24th October 2023 - Convolvulus Hawk-moth
by Sue Davies
A friend found one inside her garden parasol in Somerton today.
23rd October 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
I found a rather ugly, shiny caterpillar inside the actinic moth trap a few weeks ago, it pupated and emerged today - a Turnip Moth (NFY)
22nd October 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Typically, I get low numbers late in October but 3 moths of 3 species was a bit much! They were Light Brown Apple Moth, November Moth agg. and FFY Pearly Underwing. With the latter, I did at least manage to continue a good, recent, run of migrants.
22nd October 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Several degrees colder, so the wimps stayed at home. Just 19 moths of 8 species, none new. The only slightly unusual one was a late Large YU, otherwise the same old stuff.
21st October 2023 - Westbury-sub-Mendip
by Peter Bright
1 large wainscot, 1 chestnut, 4 November moths agg. and 2 beaded chestnuts in small haul from garden.
21st October 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
I reluctantly brought the traps in at 1am when the rain became too persistent. There were plenty of moths around and a good prospect for a really good haul. Nevertheless I had 34 moths of 22 species with one FFY a pristine Grey Shoulder-knot and one NFG a Zelleria hepariella.
20th October 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A nice mild misty night, with no rain (hooray) and overcast, so not a lot of moonlight, produced 47 moths of 15 species, including FFYs Dark Chestnut and Acleris cristana, both the first for two years. Also 3 Chestnut (not quite FFY, as I had one of last year's brood in February), and a late Lesser YU. The only migrants were a Silver Y and a Rusty-dot Pearl. November Moth agg (14) and Beaded Chestnut (8) the main contributors again.
20th October 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Another damp night, but mild, with a low of 12.9c. 140 moths of 31 sp. brought 3 FFY: Phyllonorycter messaniella -- only my second one here, the other was in 2017; Feathered Thorn and Large Wainscot --again, only the second one here after a six-year gap. Others of note: Rusty -dot Pearl (2); Vestal (2); Red-green Carpet (23); November Moth agg (14); Green-brindled Crescent (2); Barred Sallow (5); Chestnut (21); Dark Chestnut; Grey Shoulder-knot; Merveille du jour and Shoulder-striped Wainscot which seems to be having a second brood. Late addition - Scoparia ambigualis - I think! Please correct me if I'm wrong.
20th October 2023 - Continuing migrants in Weston
by David Agassiz
Last night despite a certain amount of rain there were some more migrants in my town centre garden: M. albipuncta (White-point), H. armigera (Scarce Bordered Straw) and O. leucogaster (Radford's Flame Shoulder) - the second one of these this month. Maybe some of these are becoming established locally since they continue to appear.
19th October 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
I had a rush of blood to the head after seeing the forecast of a generally dry night with light winds and decided to put the trap out. It was a good decision, as the outcome was 11 moths of 8 species, with a FFG in the form of Scarce Bordered Straw and 2 FFY in the form of November Moth agg. and Large Wainscot. It was only my 5th record of the latter.
14th October 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Unsurprisingly, in view of the cold, a mere 8 moths of 4 species, viz. 3 each Beaded Chestnut and Lunar UW, and singles of November Moth agg., and Red-line Quaker. Maybe better luck next time.
12th October 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
I was surprised to find a Palpita vitrealis (third garden record) on the office window last night during a heavy rain storm. For the record I also recorded a Dewick's Plusia (my second garden record) on Sept 27th.
12th October 2023 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
75 moths of 21 species. 32 of which were Box tree moths. 13 were FFY as I had not been able to trap most of this autumn. Figure of Eight and Dark chestnut had not been seen here since 2018. Others were Black rustic, Flounced chestnut, Beaded chestnut,,Brown spotted pinion, Feathered thorn, Barred sallow, Sallow, Green brindled crescent, Large wainscot, A.yeatiana and November moth agg.
12th October 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
A really odd collection of species last night. Apart from a Sallow this lot could have come from any month of the year. Migrants were 3 Delicates, 2 Silver Ys and a Dark Sword Grass. Others included 2 Straw dots, Ghost Moth, Gold Spot, 2 Double Striped Pugs,Brimstone, Pale Mottled Willow and a Vines Rustic. Hardly a typical October haul.
11th October 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
A 2nd generation Swallow-tailed moth was my first here for at least 10 years . Prior to this nearly a third of my records were from the Autumn. Looking at the phenology on the website shows that it wasn't just here that they stopped having an Autumn generation. Why what appeared to be a successful strategy suddenly stopped is a mystery to me.
10th October 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
It was showing a rediculous 16.5 degrees when I brought the traps in at 5am and was probably my best ever October count with 68 moths of 34 species. Four FFY were November Moth agg., Green Brindled-crescent, Blair's Shoulder-knot (3), and my first Crocidosema plebejana for a few years. Other notable moths were Vestal (4), Red-green Carpet (2 - one very well marked), Shoulder-striped Wainscot, Pine Carpet, Deep-brown Dart, Carcina quercana, Large Wainscot and the main numbers taken up with Barred Sallow (8) and Box-tree Moth (8).
10th October 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
As Rob said, last chance for a while to trap brought a good return of 61 moths of 26 sp. Two FFY : Pine Carpet and Green-brindled Crescent (2). These have brought the total species for the year here to 417 - my highest total in the 9 years I've been here. Did not expect that back in April/May when all was doom and gloom. Blood-vein and Shoulder-striped Wainscot (2) were unexpected this late in the year. Others of note: Rusty-dot Pearl (2) ; Box-tree Moth (2) ; Red-green Carpet (4) ; November Moth agg.(2) ; Barred Sallow (3) ; Flounced Chestnut ; Red-line Quaker (2) ; Yellow-line Quaker (7) and Delicate.
10th October 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
With an unsettled period in prospect, I decided to put out the trap. Numbers continuing to be low but better than a couple of days ago - 12 moths of 7 species. One FFY was Barred Sallow. I put the Ni Moth lure out again but had just a Silver Y.
Also of note was my highest count of Box-tree Moths - 4. My first was in 2022, when I recorded 2. This year I've recorded 20 so far, which suggests they've become established. There must be some local Box hedges on which they are feeding!
9th October 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallett
by Paul Newman
Slightly more interesting - 40 moths, but only 9 species, including FFY Red-green Carpet and FFG (Boo! Hiss!) 2 Box-tree Moths. It was only a matter of time before rhey got here, so I can now look forward to my Box bushes being shredded in due course. Beaded Chestnut (21) by far the most numerous again.
One mystery - a small plain grey Tortrix (no obvious markings at all) - the right shape and size, but I think a bit too late for a Timothy T (which I did get earlier this year) - any ideas, anyone?
8th October 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Onto familiar ground here for this time of year - just 9 moths of 5 species. There was a FFY though, The Vapourer (male), sitting at the trap entrance all night. The only migrant was a Rusty-dot Pearl. Also of interest in a small catch was my first October record of Willow Beauty.
I was interested to see Ian's comments about Blair's Shoulder Knot. I was recording it quite regularly between 2012 and 2017 but haven't recorded it since.
8th October 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Not a very inspiring catch this time - 35 moths, but only 11 species, with FFY Autumnal/November Moth (agg), a very dark melanic specimen (actually very attractive). Also very late appearances for Broad-bordered Yellow UW and Straw Dot, and a second Large Wainscot for the year. Beaded Chestnut (18) again the top scorers.
7th October 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
A clear night did little to help moth numbers here last night. No migrants at all. Merveille de Jour and Blair's Shoulder Knot were both firsts for the year. The latter moth has become something of a rarity around here. As recently as 2014 I recorded 37 of them but have not recorded it twice in the last 3 years. I thought it might be due to felling a huge leylandii type tree a few years ago. However, looking at the reporting rates on the website it might be just a case of an adventive reaching its peak and then becoming less common which seems to be a regular occurrence.
7th October 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Hummingbird Hawk-moth in the garden today, nectaring on Abelia. Also a Ruby Tiger caterpillar ambling across the lane into the garden!
6th October 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
After recent nights, a disappointing trap, with just 12 moths of 7 species. There was a Vestal, though, and two more Box-tree Moths, which have been ever-present this year.
Making up for the poor catch was the highlight of the night - FFG 2 Dewick's Plusias to the Ni Moth lure. I've tried the lure a few times in recent weeks, not even getting a single Silver Y, and would probably have not bothered any more this year if I'd had another blank. So, patience paid off in the end!
There were 10 county records before this year, which alone seems to have surpassed that total. Whether they are immigrants or colonists, only time will tell.
6th October 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A quiet night produced 63 moths of 26 sp. Two FFY were November Moth agg. and Merveille du Jour (2). Others included Box-tree Moth; a rather late Barred Hook-tip; Beaded Chestnut (5); Flounced Rustic; Delicate and L-album Wainscot.
6th October 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A fair catch this time - 35 moths of 15 species, with 3 FFYs - Green-brindled Crescent, Vestal and Carcina quercana (very late, so a possible second brood). Beaded Chestnut (13) again the biggest contributors. One each very late and battered Blood-vein and Common Wainscot - both certainly looked to have been round the block a few times!! Several assorted Caddises, 2 small black beetles and an Ichneumon Wasp added to the variety.
6th October 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
44 moths of 18 species including a late and very fresh Four-spotted Footman, Large Wainscot (NFY), Pine Carpet, Red-line Quaker (NFY), Vestal (3), Cypress Pug and Red-green Carpet.
4th October 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A poor night on 2/10, mainly due to bringing the trap indoors early (as "heavy rain" had been forecast for later in the night) resulting in a total catch of only 4 moths and a few other beasts, this trapping (4/10) was more productive, with 28 moths of 8 species, with just one FFY, a Red-line Quaker. Beaded Chestnut (13) surprisingly outnumbered Lunar UW (8). Again quite a few other insects, including 4 Harlequin Ladybirds, which seem to be regular visitors recently.
4th October 2023 - Clancy's Rustic in Weston
by David Agassiz
One Caradrina kadenii in my trap this morning.
2nd October 2023 - Palpita vitrealis
by Stephen Massey
Trapped with Robinson MV at my garden Stoke St Michael VC 6
1st October 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
36 moths of 17 species. No FFY but I recorded my second Delicate of the year and my first October Straw Dot. I also had my third Vestal in the last week.
1st October 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A lovely murky night with Hill fog and drizzle. Min temp 14.6c. Several migrants: Rusty-dot Pearl (3) ; Rush Veneer (2); Vestal; Silver-y; Scarce Bordered Straw and Delicate (3). Others of note: Garden Rose Tortrix; Box tree Moth; The Mallow; Clifden Nonpareil; Barred Sallow (4); Flounced Chestnut; Yellow-line Quaker (3); Red-line Quaker; Brindled Green; Black Rustic (19) and L-Album Wainscot (2). In all 133 moths of 34 sp.
Must not forget the Hornets (19) !
1st October 2023 - Vestal moth
by Nigel Dudley
Vestal moth seen today at Dolebury Warren confirming the note in the 29th
30th September 2023 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
A poor count last night, up to 23.30hrs, most numerous were 4 Lesser Yellow Underwings.
But best of all was a NFG a Dewick's Plusia. Never had one either back in my Cadnam days.
30th September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The full moon is still having a detrimental effect on numbers. This time much better than the last, (it was warmer), but still not all that good for early Autumn. 30 moths of 11 species, with FFYs Beaded Chestnut (3) and Barred Sallow (3). Lunar UW (13) the main contributors again. A solitary SiIver Y the only likely candidate for a migrant, although at this time of year it could well be a home-grown specimen.
29th September 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmnd
Judging by reports here and on social media, I had a good night, with 14 moths of 8 species!!! FFY were Acleris sparsana, Rusty Dot Pearl and The Vestal (2). A strange catch really, considering that three of the moths on a quite night were migrants. Others were Light Brown Apple Moth, Common Marbled Carpet (4), Double-striped Pug, Lunar Underwing (3) and Large Yellow Underwing. From reports on social media, there seems to have been an influx of The Vestal.
29th September 2023 - Dewick’s Plusia
by Alick Simmons
I’m still trying for migrant months whenever the conditions look right. I have in mind Vestal or Striped Hawk-moth. However, when I went to the trap this morning things looked very thin. In the final reckoning there were three macro-moths in total. However, one of them was Dewick’s Plusia which made up for the poor numbers. I’ve only ever seen this at Portland Bill and it seems scarce in Somerset so all good.
29th September 2023 - Holcombe, 29 September 2023
by Christopher Iles
Only six moths to light in the garden, but one was the first L-album Wainscot I've had here.
29th September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Full moons are the bane of all moth-ers I'm sure. 6 Lunar UW were the sole occupants of the trap. Barely worth the effort.
26th September 2023 - Butleigh garden MV
by Sue Davies
Not the migrant bonanza I hoped for, just one Palpita Vitrealis, a trap full of Lunar Underwings that I gave up counting, Common Wainscot, Straw Dots, Barred Sallow, Willow Beauty, Frosted Orange, Lesser and Large YUWs, Setaceous Hebrew Character and micros Eudonia angustea, Box Moths and LBAM.
26th September 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve chapple
Two Deep-brown Darts (NFY) and a Carnation Tortrix (FFG) were the pick out of 21 species from last night.
Also, 97 Lunar Underwings, 17 Box-tree Moths, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing and my earliest Beaded Chestnut.
26th September 2023 - Blackthorn mines
by Sue Davies
Waiting for my lift after our committee meeting today, the car park produced:
26th September 2023 - Changes to Latest Sightings Reports
by Administrators
The formatting of the latest sightings page has been changed so that new paragraphs can be used. Previously some users had tried to create paragraph breaks, but it would not work. Now it's possible to create them.
25th September 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
92 moths of 23 sp. Two FFY : Beaded Chestnut and Black Rustic (9). Best of the rest : Tinea semifulvella ; Box-tree moth (dark form) ; Common Marbled Carpet (18) ; Red-green Carpet (4) ; Pale Mottled Willow ; Lunar Underwing (23) and Oak Nycteoline. 15 Hornets were less welcome.
25th September 2023 - Combe St Nicholas
by Rob Grimmond
Somewhat better than the previous session - 37 moths of 13 species. FFY were Garden Carpet and Beaded Chestnut. I was quite surprised that my first Garden Carpet of the year should be on such a late date. I usually get double figures each year, so perhaps something has happened to the local population. I also had my latest record of Celypha lacunana. Lunar Underwing (15) was top scorer.
25th September 2023 - A special visitor
by John Paterson
The night of 25th September was not promising for trapping here in Frome. First there was a bright moon and then quite heavy rain in the early morning hours. The moths were few in number but included 8 Box Tree Moths, 4 Angle Shades and 3 L-album Wainscots. There was my first Black Rustic of the year and in addition this fine Clifden Nonpareil.
25th September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A bit more productive this time - 44 moths of 11 species, with 27 Lunar UW the bulk of the catch. FFY was an L-album Wainscot, and a FFG was a Dewick's Plusia (no photo, but seen/confirmed by Committee members).
25th September 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
141 macros of 28 species was a good return for late September. Lunar Underwing led the way on 26 which shows how the season is changing. Barred Sallow and Red-green Carpet were firsts for the year.
An helice Clouded Yellow in the garden yesterday afternoon increased the anticipation for overnight migrants. Possible candidates were 2 more Dewick Plusias, 4 Silver Ys, a Vestal and an L-album Wainscot. The latter was my second this month after not recording one since 2006.
22nd September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Malletet
by Paul Newman
As athletics coaches are wont to say "marginal gains are key". so I suppose 2 more moths than last time probably counts as such !! There were 12 in total of 6 species this time, with one FFY, Angle Shades (2). Yet another Grey Chi, and an extremely battered and worn late Bright-line Brown-eye were the only others of even mild interest. Oh, and 2 large Caddises too.
21st September 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
My second worst September catch - just 12 moths of 4 species. But I'm surprised I beat Paul! It was clear, cool and damp, so a low catch wasn't a surprise. So few that I can list them - Common Marbled Carpet (2), Lesser Yellow Underwing (1), Large Yellow Underwing (1) and Lunar Underwing (8).
21st September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Well, I didn't think it was all that cold, but clearly the moths thought otherwise. 8 Lunar UW, 1 Silver Y and 1 Square-spot Rustic. That's the lot !!
20th September 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
27 species with a nice selection of NFY autumnal moths including: Pearly Underwing (3rd garden record), Red Underwing, Brindled Green (2) and Lunar Underwing (2).
17th September 2023 - Butleigh garden MV
by Sue Davies
Commonest spp, Box Moths-12 and Hornets-14! A meagre selection of seasonal moths, FFY Brindled Green, Lunar UW, Centre-barred Sallow, Black Rustic. Also Ostrinia nubialis, L-angled Wainscot, Cypress and fresh DS Pugs. Angle Shades, Rosy Rustics and a Large Fruit-tree Tortrix.
In the field behind our garden plenty of mines of Chrysoesthia sexgutella on Many-seeded Goosefoot.
17th September 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Good numbers of moths were still in the trap after being saved from torrential rain and sheet lightning just before dawn. Highlights were Large Ranunculus, Large Wainscot,Sallow and Lunar Underwing as firsts for the year. 4 Delicates was the first time I've recorded this moth as anything other than singletons since the great migration year of 2006.
15th September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
After the poor showing last time out, it was a bit more encouraging to get more than twice as many moths this time - 70 in total, although again very little real variety with just 18 species. FFYs were Lunar Underwing (2) and a very late (? 3rd.generation) Double-striped Pug, the first one here since May 2022.
13th September 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Less than a hundred macros in the trap this morning so it was a big surprise to find 2 Dewicks Plusias in the last but one egg box. Only my 3rd and 4th records and the first since 2015.
13th September 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
What a difference a couple of nights makes! Last night's total was 36 moths of 18 species, the total being 30% down on two nights ago. It was more like a late September catch. There was a first though - The Delicate. I can't say it was a garden first since I found it on the bathroom mat this morning! It must have entered through the open bathroom window. Otherwise, typical species for this time of year. One of interest was a Straw Dot, the second record for the year after one in June; so, a moth from each brood!
13th September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Send for Sherlock!! The case of the missing moths. Only 32 this time, of just 12 species - I can't even blame the Hornets, as I haven't had any this year.
Dewick's Plusia - spot on, Peter, well done !!
13th September 2023 - Westbury-sun-Mendip
by Peter Bright
Dewick’s Plusia early at MV light this evening. Have I got this right? Not a common moth?
11th September 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Scenes of carnage in the traps this morning. Ten Hornets in the actinic and four in the MV had feasted on mostly LYU, but also Burnished Brass, Copper Underwing, Frosted Orange and Feathered Gothic. The rest of the moths were all suffering PTSD! There were still 221 moths left of 51 sp. Two FFY: Lunar Underwing (3) and Autumnal Rustic (2). Others of note: Ypsolopha sequella ; Olindia schumacherana ; Box-tree Moth (2); Snout (19); Burnished Brass (8); Silver-Y (10); The Anomalous; Rosy Rustic (3) and LYU (19 + body parts of 7 or 8 more). Two dead Hornets probably died of indigestion.
11th September 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
115 moths of 32 species. FFY were Double-striped Tabby (Hypsopygia glaucinalis), Copper Underwing, Lunar Underwing (2), Black Rustic, Large Ranunculus and Lesser Yellow Underwing. A distinct autumn feel now. It was my earliest Black Rustic by 8 days. Centre-barred Sallow is having a good year with 6, my highest total for a catch.
11th September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Praise be for a cooler night - far more manageable catch to deal with. Just over 100 moths, but again, poor in terms of variety with just 25 species. Two FFYs - an early Black Rustic and a late quite worn Maple Pug (not seen here for some years). There was also a fresh second generation Elephant Hawk-moth, 3 more Dark Spectacles, and yet another Grey Chi. The usual by-catch of beetles, Shield-bugs, Craneflies and Caddises all add interest (to me anyway!).
11th September 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Another 440 macros of 35 species last night. This September has already been busier than 15 of the previous 20 Septembers.
Clifden Nonpareil was the highlight. I didn't record one last year having seen them every previous year since 2017 so it was good to have it back. An unseasonable Peach Blossom and a Vestal were the best of the rest.
10th September 2023 - Lippetts Way, Catcott
by Mat Ridley
First venture in to the garden last night for my Robinson trap since moving to Catcott. Seventy moths of 25 species, over half of which were made up of Burnished Brass, Large Yellow Underwing and Setaceous Hebrew Character. Singles of Dusky, August and Canary-shouldered Thorns. L-album Wainscot was new to me, not caught in my years mothing in mid-Carmarthenshire, as were six Box-tree Moths.
9th September 2023 - September update, Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
A new month and at last some new moths. Although I have only trapped on 3 nights there have been some good numbers and good moths.
On 3rd September I recorded 317 macros of 44 species with Cypress Pug and Copper Underwing being firsts for the year. LYU with 116 was the top scorer.
On 7th September I recorded 662 macros of 54 species. 7 Centre-barred Sallows and 4 Frosted Orange were my first real autumn moths. Delicate, 2 Vestals and a Four-Spotted Footman showed evidence of migrants being about. 183 Setacious Hebrew Characters and 181 LYU made up the bulk of the catch. Highlight was my third Garden Dart.
Last night was just as busy with 505 macros of 38 species. SHC was again most numerous with 194. Highlights were Barred Hook-tip, Hedge Rustic and what I have provisionally identified as my first ever Neglected Rustic.
Maurice, that Passenger was a fantastic record. It must have been so exciting potting up such a rare but unmistakable moth. Many congratulations to you!
9th September 2023 - Light Emerald
by John Day
Yeovil
9th September 2023 - Middlezoy moths
by Simon Phelps
Normal service resumed this morning, after the migrants on Wednesday. 44 species in my Middlezoy garden moth trap. Willow Beauty still in large numbers, 45 this time. 11 Box Tree Moth too. Highlights: Small Square Spot, Yellow Shell, Straw Dot, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Canary-shouldered Thorn.
8th September 2023 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Trapped until midnight. 53 moths of 15 species. No NFY. Box-tree moths 12 and Willow Beauty 10 most numerous.
Best of all was a NFG a Passenger. Administrator's note: this is a first for Somerset, let alone VC5. It is a very rare visitor from southern Europe and Africa and has been recorded mainly in south-east England. Well done Maurice!
7th September 2023 - The Vapourer
by Alick Simmons
Despite the conditions being apparently ideal for migrant moths, over the last few nights, the best I have been able to catch is Silver-Y. However, I am still finding the odd NFG macro. I was very pleased with The Vapourer which came to light on the night of 7 September.
7th September 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
11 moths of 24 species. Just 3 FFY, Spindle Knot-horn (Nephopterix angustella), Red Underwing and Centre-barred Sallow. The Red Underwing is only my 2nd record, the first being in 2017. I discovered it on my neighbour's garage wall in the gloom at 6.10 a.m and had almost overlooked it! Large Yellow Underwings provided their highest one-night total for 3 years (42). Four Burnished Brass were also nice to see. Perhaps the most intriguing 'catch' of the night was a female Souther Hawker on the wall first thing!
7th September 2023 - Addendum to earlier report of 6/9
by Paul Newman
The "round-up of strays" produced a further 24 moths and 3 more species, including a FFY Small Dusty Wave. Common Wainscots finally totalled 50, which is a record for this species here.
7th September 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
60+ species including a female Clifden Nonpareil (over 50 eggs laid), Old Lady, Hedge Rustic, Scarce Bordered-straw, Vestal, Centre-barred Sallow (4), Coptotriche marginea, Frosted Orange and two NFG: Euspilapteryx auroguttella and Acrobasis repandana (both subject to confirmation).
6th September 2023 - Kestrels Rise, Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Best night of the year ! 434 of 70sp. including a few immigrants. FFY : Argyresthia semitestacella ; Vestel (4) ; The Anomalous (6) -- a single in 2021 was my only other record. ; Pale Mottled Willow (2) ; Feathered Gothic (2) ; The Delicate and a White-Point. Others of note : Rusty-dot Pearl ; Rush Veneer ; Brimstone Moth (39) ; Dusky Thorn (11) ; Light Emerald (18) ; Pinion-streaked Snout ; Centre-barred Sallow (3) ; LYU (61) ; Square-spot Rustic (41) and Setaceous Hebrew Character (44).
6th September 2023 - Middlezoy moths
by Simon Phelps
A brilliant night in my Middlezoy garden. Amazing numbers of moths! 63 species in total, with high numbers of common species and some nice rarer ones.
There were signs of migration, with sand/dust coating the trap and 3 Vestal and 1 White Point.
Large numbers of some common species: 10 Brimstone, 19 Square-spot Rustic, 48 Willow Beauty, 32 Common Wainscot, 21 Setaceous Hebrew Character, 39 Large Yellow Underwing, 10 Snout, 14 Burnished Brass.
Other highlights were: Box-tree moth, Centre-barred Sallow, Dusky Thorn, Brussels Lace, Lilac Beauty, Dark Spectacle, Pale Mottled Willow, Cypress Pug, L-album Wainscot, Rosy Rustic, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Peach Blossom, Frosted Orange, Carcina quercana, Garden Rose Tortrix, Lesser Cream Wave, Chinese Character, Treble Brown Spot, Eudonia pallida, Tinea semifulvella, Agonopterix alstromeria, Prays ruficeps.
6th September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Well, the warm night certainly brought out the moths (in numbers if not variety). 170 moths, but only 29 species (so far - there will probably be some strays to round up in the morning). FFYs were Cypress Pug, Sallow and Centre-barred Sallow (2). A second-generation Caloptilia betulicola was a nice highlight, as was a late Scorched Carpet. Common Wainscot (41) again the main contributors to the total.
5th September 2023 - Sand Point
by Paul Bowyer
I ran a single LED for 4 hours last night recording 82 species, not bad for September. The plan was to intercept any migrants but not many migrants turned up. Delicate, RDP, Rush Veneer, Silver Y and White-point may have given some indication of a little bit of movement. Bucculatrix nigricomella, Galium Carpet, Scrobipalpa costella, Acleris rhombana, Grapholita janthinana were more expected visitors to the light whereas Depressaria ultimella was a new moth for the area.
5th September 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
I only put out the actinic trap out for 90 minutes and was rewarded with two FFGs. A Dotted Clay - 'common' apparently but a new species for me here. The other was a Phyllonorycter species - Phyllonorycter dubitella? Any advice on the ID would be very welcome.
4th September 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
99 moths of 27 species. Just 2 FFY, Garden Rose Tortrix and Pale Mottled Willow (2). Large Yellow Underwing (25), Brimstone (12), Square-spot (11) and Vine's Rustics (9) provided the largest numbers. After a slow start, Brimstone has done well here this year. I've had the best year totals for Small Dusty Wave (6), Vine's Rustic (52) and Common Wainscot (24). In general terms, I've recorded just 220 species year so far, the lowest since 2018.
4th September 2023 - Chesterblade Hills, 4 September 2023
by Christopher Iles
Plenty of moths in the fields, with the undoubted highlight being 11 Pale Eggar, a species I have never seen before, and which I was more than a little alarmed by when I first saw them as I took them for processionary moths...
4th September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Back to what is "normal" here at this time of year - 110 moths, and still not much variety, 29 species with no FFYs. Common Wainscot (27) far and away the most numerous. And a second Wasp for the year ! How exciting is that?
2nd September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another slight improvement, but little in the way of variety. 49 moths of 17 species, and no FFYs. Common Wainscot (10) and Snout (7) the biggest contributors, and 2 more Grey Chi. No "Autumn Specials" yet. Quite an interesting "bycatch" however to brighten things up a bit - 11 small black Beetles (I had a big black Dor Beetle a few nights ago too), 2 Ichneumon Wasps, 2 Shield Bugs and assorted Caddises. As yet this year, only 1 Common Wasp and no Hornets - maybe the forecast warmer weather will bring in a few - always nice to play with!!
2nd September 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A very healthy 201 moths of 51 species. Best of the bunch was a very lost? Pretty Chalk Carpet - no chalk around here. Other FFY were : Box-tree Moth ; September Thorn and Pinion-streaked Snout. Top score of 20 shared by Snout and LYU.
2nd September 2023 - Weston Moths
by Paul Bowyer
I trapped for an hour at Weston woods last night. At dusk around 30 Silver Y could be seen nectaring on Valerian along with a single Pearly Underwing. Best moth of the night was Dewick's Plusia. 19 species in total recorded.
2nd September 2023 - Middlezoy moths
by Simon Phelps
43 species in my Middlezoy garden moth trap. Great diversity for this time of the year. Highlights: Flounced Rustic, Dark Spectacle, Rosy Rustic, L-album Wainscot, Lilac Beauty, Orange Swift, Turnip.
1st September 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
80 moths of 31 species. FFY were Pale Eggar, Bordered Beauty (only my 3rd record and first since 2014), Common Wave (first September record) and Svensson's Copper Underwing. Large Yellow Underwing still top scorer, with 23. Interesting to note some late records - my first September records of V-Pug and Poplar Hawk-moth. Common Wainscot has been doing well here this year; I've recorded a record number, 20.
1st September 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
299 macros of 36 different species last night with nearly half, 145, being LYU. This sums up a typical August where I recorded nearly 4500 macros but of very little variety. Looking forward to the Autumn colours of September's moths which hopefully will be a welcome contrast to the dull brown of the last month.
The only moth of any interest was a micro, Palpita Vitrealis.
31st August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A bit better, but not a lot - 33 moths of 16 species, and no FFYs. However, there were another 2 Grey Chi - they do seem to be doing well here this year, which is good.
31st August 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton, 28th and 30th August
by Steve Chapple
A short actinic session produced my first male Bulrush Wainscot (got quite excited briefly) and a worn Hedge Rustic - not seen since 2013 and 2014 despite concerted efforts to find it again here. A full trapping session on the 28th amassed 50 species but only a few FFY: Rusty-dot Pearl, The Engrailed (my 3rd record), Prays ruficeps, Cydia splendana and Matilella fusca.
30th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
I suspect the majority of moths were dazzled by the "Blue" supermoon, so didn't see my trap light. In the event, only 17 moths did drop in. The 13 species comprised 11 singletons plus 3 each Light Brown Apple Moth and very surprisingly 3 more Grey Chi. I wonder if these have taken a liking to my "wildlife garden" (aka jungle) and bred here - it's certainly a nice surprise to get more than one in the same year!
30th August 2023 - 6.002 Antispila petryi
by Sue Davies
Found on Dogwood tree in our garden, cut out for pupa 5mm diameter.
29th August 2023 - Box Tree Moth Sighting
by Kim Wheadon
The Box Tree Moth flew into our house, in Cannington, Nr Bridgwater. We guided it out back into the night, but only after we’d turned out one of our lights, which it kept trying to fly through the glass to get to!
29th August 2023 - Crook Peak
by Paul Bowyer
I ran a single LED trap at Crook Peak for an hour and a half recording 37 species. At dusk a Fox Moth larva was seen emerging from a clump of mixed Salad Burnet and Cotoneaster. Singles of Yellow Belle, Jersey Tiger and Box Tree Moth. Best macro had to be Annulet, I haven't seen one for a few years. Just a few micros seen including: Agonopterix arenella, Rush Veneer, Phyllonorycter messaniella, Mompha miscella and 2 Mirificarma mulinella both in a worn state, determined by dissection.
28th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another poor night's trapping - only 40 moths of 20 species. The only moth of interest was a Grey Chi, a "northern" species which I get most years, but only usually comprising one or two singletons. Looking at the distribution map, it would seem that I am more or less on the southern fringe of its range in Somerset - VC5 hardly gets them at all. I suspect that I only get them when the wind is blowing southwards from the Mendips !!
27th August 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
73 moths of 32 species. FFG was Garden Lance-wing (Epermenia chaerophyllella) and FFY were
Lime-speck Pug, Angle Shades and Flounced Rustic. Large Yellow Underwing top scorer again, with 22, followed by Vine's Rustic (15). Also of interest was my 16th Mocha of the year, my best year for the species.
26th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Where did all the moths go? A mere 37 this time, after regularly passing 100 a night for some while. Only 13 species, with just the one FFY, a Cloaked Minor, to relieve the gloom. Oh well, better luck next time (ever the optimist!).
24th August 2023 - Jersey tiger moth
by Ann F
Found inside our house in Merriott, released through the window and saw the orange under the wings.
23rd August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Life goes on in much the same manner as in recent times - 118 moths of 39 species, with FFYs Poplar Grey and Common Wave. Common Wainscot (21) and Large YU (17) the most numerous again. Another Jersey Tiger lurking at the bottom of the trap was the third this year so far - although they are now becoming much more common, they don't seem to call in here all that often.
22nd August 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
An improvement in numbers, with 114 moths of 37 species. FFY were Black-tipped Ermine (Yponomeuta plumbella), Golden-brown Tubic (Crassa unitella) and Yellow-barred Brindle. A pretty unexciting haul overhaul, with Large Yellow Underwing again top scorer with 22. It was nice though to get a Yponomeuta species that could identified without dissection!
22nd August 2023 - Halsway Manor moths
by Alastair Stevenson
Excellent start to David Brown's Butterflies & Moths course at Halsway Manor, near Crowcombe. Two Porter's Rustics, Ypsolopha alpella, Ypsolopha scabrella, Buccalatrix ulmella, Caryocolum tricolorella, Argyresthia semitestacella, Amblyptilia punctidactyla, and one Delicate.
22nd August 2023 - Weston Moths
by Paul Bowyer
I trapped at Sand Bay 9pm to midnight with a single LED trap. At dusk Eucosma tripoliana and larva of Silver Y at the top of the marsh were found. In the marsh a good number of Bucculatrix maritima, some 50+ seen in a small area. Lots of noctuids were nectaring on the grasses and aster. The catch was initially poor but when the tide dropped the wind also dropped and things started to improve. 6 Gynnidomorpha vectisana, White-point and Porter's Rustic came to the light. 40+ species recorded in the 3 hours.
22nd August 2023 - Jersey Tiger moth
by Caroline Tickner
Jersey Tiger moth seen this morning in Mill Lane (Lower Backway) Bruton. Also seen a few days ago in garden of 42 High St Bruton but no photo taken to confirm.
21st August 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
340 moths of 73 sp. Just the four FFY : Rush Veneer (2) ; Garden Carpet (2) ; Rosy Rustic (2) and Hedge Rustic (2). Others of note : Beautiful Plume ; Garden Rose Tortrix ; Euzophera pinguis (4) ; Agriphila tristella (91) ; Catoptria pinella (3) ; Poplar Hawk-moth (3) ; Brimstone Moth (18) ; Jersey Tiger ; Common Wainscot (9) ; Six striped Rustic (5) and Setaceous Hebrew Character (19).
21st August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A bit of an improvement in numbers (130), although the variety could have been better - 34 species, with FFYs Rosy Rustic,and Cydia splendana, plus a FFG Dark Spectacle. Seeing this last, I am wondering if I may have trapped it before, but misidentified it as the commoner Spectacle, whilst being on autopilot - we will never know !! To be fair to myself, it does appear to be less common in this part of the County. That's my excuse anyway.
20th August 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
71 moths of 26 species, with FFY Orange Swift, The Spectacle, Small Square-Spot and Setaceous Hebrew Character. Signs of autumn now! Large Yellow Underwing now clear top scorer, with 20.
20th August 2023 - Weston Moths
by Paul Bowyer
I trapped for an hour and a half last night on the south side of Weston-s-Mare with a single LED. A pretty good catch of 54 species: Monochroa palustrellus, Bucculatrix maritima, Parornix torquillella and another Elachista consortella.
19th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another quiet night, even though warm and with little moonlight to distract the moths. Just 87 moths of 30 species, only one of which was a FFY, a Large Wainscot.
19th August 2023 - Stock Hill
by Paul Bowyer
Dave Nevitt and I trapped at Stock Hill, despite the windy conditions we did quite well recording 110 species. Tawny Speckled Pug x3, Antler x2, Dotted Clay x1, August Thorn, Slender Brindle and a very worn geometrid Gen Det'd as Bordered Pug were the macro highlights. Micro's were well represented despite the wind included: Ocnerostoma friesei, Parornix scoticella, Coleophora striatipennella, Exoteleia dodecella, Acompsia cinerella and 5 Hemp Agrimony Plume hanging around it's food plant at dusk.
18th August 2023 - Common Plume Moth Larvae
by Sue Davies
Clearing the Field Bindweed off my toms this morning I found a batch of Common Plume Moth larvae in various stages of development plus some adults. Will try and breed through, plenty of food plant!
17th August 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Favourable conditions gave a bumper catch of 577 macros of 58 species. It was typical August mothing with 118 Vines Rustic, 93 LYU, 83 Lesser BBYU and 52 Setacious Hebrew Character making up the bulk of the catch.
Migrants at last made an appearance with 2 Vestals, 5 White Points and a Pearly Underwing. I also had 3 Turnip moths which are about a month earlier than I normally see them which may also be migrants.
Tawny Speckled Pug was another first for the year.
16th August 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A good haul despite a low of 11.4c . 334 moths of 86 sp. 12 FFY : Nemapogon clematella ; Yposolopha scabrella ; Argyresthia goedartella ; Oegoconia sp (prob O.quadripuncta) ; Chequered Fruit-tree Tortrix ; Garden Rose Tortrix (2) ; Cochylis molliculana (2) ; Chevron ; Maple Pug ; Canary-shouldered Thorn ; Straw Underwing (my second one in 9 years here) and Six-striped Rustic (6).
16th August 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
An improvement on recent weeks, with 118 moths of 35 species. FFY were Ruddy Streak (Tachystola acroxantha), Oak Eggar (female), Poplar Hawk-Moth (2) and Square-spot Rustic. Joint top scorers were Pyrausta aurata and Large Yellow Underwing, with 13 each - a case of little and large! The former has been particularly abundant in the garden this year, on mint and oregano. Numbers of the latter are now beginning to pick up, this being the highest count so far this year. It's almost unbelievable to get my first record of Poplar Hawk-moth in August, usually it's in May.
16th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
An average catch (for here) - 101 moths of 34 species, including 3 FFYs - Dusky Thorn (2), Rush Veneer, and Acleris laterana (3). There was a second 'spotless' male 4-Spotted Footman lurking on a wall, a few feet from the trap, and I almost missed it - still no sign of the 'spotty' female yet this year. I have finally reached 200 species for the year, several weeks later than usual.
16th August 2023 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
Last year I found 7 Convolvulus hawkmoth in my greenhouse and I suspected that this might be because a rogue Nicotiana had grown in one of our tomato pots. This year I planted 2 Nicotianas in the greenhouse and this morning found my first Convolulus HM. I imagine that it is the concentration of scent in the greenhouse and once in there may not find their way out.
In the trap last night -74 species so far with FFY - Oak Eggar (male and female), Brown and Beautiful china marks, (alongside the Ringed china marks which have had a very good year here) and August thorn,
From the 21st July two Coleophoras identified for me by Paul Wilkins - mayrella and albidella, the latter looks a good record for Somerset.
14th August 2023 - Weston Moths
by Paul Bowyer
The garden trap in Weston has been a little disappointing with just a Shore Wainscot as the only noteworthy moth. Last night I ran a single LED trap at Bleadon Levels for 2 hours and recorded 37 species inlcuding: Scarce Bordered Straw, Lobesia abscisana, Agonopterix subpropinquella, Phtheochroa inopiana, Ptocheuusa paupella and Coleophora alcyonipennella.
14th August 2023 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Trapped until midnight, 46 moths of 20 species.
NFY were Agonopterix alstromeriana, Pyrausta despicata, Poplar Kitten and Straw Underwing.
Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing with 12 and Vine's Rustic with 7 were the most numerous.
14th August 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Overnight rain and strong winds kept numbers down here. However it didn't stop a Spectacle spectacle. I normally only record Spectacles in twos or threes and Dark Spectacles as singletons. Last night I had 12 Spectacles and 5 Dark Spectacles, my first of the year.
12th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another reasonable catch - 87 moths of 38 species, with 2 FFYs - Mocha and Copper Underwing agg. Lesser Broad-bordered YU and Large YU both with 11 the most numerous.
12th August 2023 - Gold spot at Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
Outside my kitchen window Gold spot nectaring on Daphne flowers.
12th August 2023 - Shapwick Heath
by Paul Bowyer
Dave Nevitt and I trapped at Shapwick Heath in the brief weather window recording close to 120 species. We started the evening with a couple of Brindled Pug larvae on Hogweed. A good variety of species came to light with several Webb's Wainscot arriving throughout the night. A single Cream-bordered Green Pea, Dotted Clay, 3 species of Thorn, 2 Bordered Beauty and lots of Small Seraphim were the stand out macros. A good variety of micros: Metalampra italica, Stigmella roborella, Epinotia solandriana, Parornix betulae, Phalonidia manniana, Agonopterix ocellana and a rather worn Elachista that was identified by dissection as Elachista consortella
11th August 2023 - Westbury-sub-Mendip
by Peter Bright
177 moths of 43 species. 6 Jersey tigers, 2 white-point, 1 copper underwing, 1 mocha, 1 gold spot, 5 rosy footman, 38 lesser broad-bordered yellow underwing and according to ObsIdentify 8 Vine’s rustic, 1 the rustic and 3 not determined in this group.
11th August 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
This year I set myself a target to record all six clearwings that I have previously recorded in the garden. Yesterday, thanks to Rob, I set out the VES lure much later than usual and within a few minutes a Yellow-legged was secured. I now only have the Red-tipped to go despite several attempts and now probably too late. The light traps yielded 68 species with nothing much of note but a few FFYs: Oak Eggar (F), Rosy Rustic and my earliest Dusky Thorn (3).
10th August 2023 - Middlezoy moths
by Simon Phelps
69 species in the trap in Middlezoy this morning. Some species in quite large numbers, such as 25 Straw Dot, 27 Brimstone, 10 Lime-speck Pug and 11 Gold Spot.
Highlights: Magpie, Mocha, Shark, Marbled Green, Dark Spectacle, Cabbage, Light Emerald, Dog's Tooth, Jersey Tiger, Purple Bar, Pale Mottled Willow, Lychnis, Knot Grass, Aspilapteryx tringipennella.
9th August 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
297 moths of 89 sp. Ten FFY : Monopis laevigella ; Pyrausta aurata ; Water Veneer ; Tissue ; Dusky Thorn (3) ; Sallow Kitten ; Jersey Tiger ; Vines Rustic ; Ear Moth agg (4) and Square-spot Rustic. Others of note : Honeysuckle Moth (3) ; Beautiful Plume ; Plain Wave ; Mocha (6) ; Golden-rod Pug ; Brimstone Moth (11) ; Ruby Tiger (2) ; Rosy Footman (6) ; Muslin Footman ; Scarce Footman (11) ; Poplar Grey ; Small Rufous (2) and Lychnis. Top score went to LYU ( 38).
9th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A muggy warm night and the waning half-moon combined to raise the catch quite significantly to more usual levels. 120 moths, of 46 species, with 5 FFYs - 4-spotted Footman (a "spotless" male), Oak Eggar, Orange Swift, Shaded Broad-bar, and a second-generation Pebble Hook-tip. Also making a second-generation appearance were Swallow Prominent and Sharp-angled Peacock. Lesser Broad-bordered YU (13) again the most numerous species. Micros (41 of 16 species) a noticeable increase on my usual range.
9th August 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
My first trapping session of the month produced 80 moths of 38 species. FFY were Satin Grass-veneer (Crambus perlella), Purple Bar, Wormwood Pug, Canary-shouldered Thorn, The Dun-Bar and
Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (2). Top scorer was Eudonia mercurella, with 11, followed by Brimstone on 10 - finally a decent number of that species. A bit of a disappointment considering the weather forecast.
9th August 2023 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Trapped until midnight.
72 moths of 30 species.
NFY were Orange Swift, Scarce Footman, Four-spotted Footman and Square-spot Rustic.
Others included Mocha, Yellow Shell 3, Magpie, Canary-shouldered Thorn, Dusky Thorn, Common White Wave, Jersey Tiger 4, Silver Y 2 and Straw Dot 3.
7th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another poor night, with just 53 moths of 26 species, including only one FFY, a second-generation Iron Prominent. No species managed more than 4 individuals, so they were spread quite evenly for a change.
7th August 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Yellow-legged Clearwing attracted to VES lure this afternoon, my fifth clearwing species this year. I tried for it with the VES lure last month but kept getting Orange-tailed so decided to wait till this month. The big disappointment here this year has been the lack of Lunar Hornet Moths.
7th August 2023 - Weston Moths
by Paul Bowyer
Today I was at Weston Sewage Works and found some Atriplex which had 2 freshly emerged Chrysoesthia sexguttella on it as well as some mines. I also found Coleophora anatipennella here and at Sand Point recently. At Hutton Moor, Weston I collected some mines from Narrowleaf Willow which emerged shortly afterwards as Phyllonorycter viminiella.
6th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepron Mallet
by Paul Newman
Pathetic, really, for early August - just 42 moths, although there were 29 species, just very few of any of them. There were 4 FFYs - Jersey Tiger, Ghost Moth, Canary-shouldered Thorn and Gold Spot. Lesser Broad-bordered YU (6) the only species to have more than 2 individuals, and there were, surprisingly, no Common Footman this time.
6th August 2023 - Garden Tiger
by Maurice Pugh
One seen in the garden today.
6th August 2023 - Jersey Tiger at Nailsea
by Chris Pelmear
Suburban garden Station Road Nailsea at 12:45.
3rd August 2023 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Trapped until midnight.
35 moths of 15 species. NFY were Blood-vein and Purple Bar.
Most numerous were 15 Brimstone moths. Others included Box-tree moth, Mother of Pearl 2, Yellow-barred Brindle, Jersey Tiger 3 and Common Rustic agg. 2.
3rd August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
No rain, and a light breeze, so again it must be the fullish moon which kept the moths at home. Just 51 moths of 23 species, and the only FFY was a Common Plume. Even the Common Footman (9) were thin on the ground (or in the air).
3rd August 2023 - Lasiocampa quercus, female Oak eggar
by Noelle Mace
Seen basking in the sun in the open, conspicuously with its tawny furry wings and small white eye circled with in dark on the wings.It was resting on a Phlomis russeliana leaf, in a garden In Wells, Somerset, close to a street light. First time I had seen this moth in my garden. The identity of Oak eggar, female, was confirmed on the facebook group. Many thanks for that.
2nd August 2023 - Butleigh garden MV
by Sue Davies
At least the wind dropped. A very odd collection, commonest Ostrinia nubialis-12. Also White-point. FFYs, Dog’s Tooth, Canary-shouldered Thorn, Ypon. Plumbella. 3 plume spp, Common, Brindled and Crescent.
30th July 2023 - White Plume Moth
by Noelle Mace
In the garden in Wells: the first time I have seen this moth.
30th July 2023 - Hummingbird Hawk-moth
by Louise Bostan
I saw a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in Wells in my parents' garden 20/7/23. I videoed it and took photos from that.
29th July 2023 - Caloptilia honoratella.....
by Adam Gale
Hi all, have recently started trapping at a new site local to me, just down the road in Barwick, on the outskirts of Yeovil. I caught this micro last Saturday night (29th July), which I thought might like good for Caloptilia honoratella. Still finding my way through the fascinating world of micros (and macros for that matter) so contacted some local Dorset moth-ers I occasionally trap with, and impressions are it looks good for C. honoratella. Was wondering what its current status is in Somerset, recent records, comments etc. Apologies for less than clear photos, one to work on!
29th July 2023 - Jersey Tiger Moth
by Nikki Ojiambo
Super excited to discover a Jersey Tiger Moth in my garden in South Cadbury!
29th July 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
No rain, but probably a light breeze and the 3/4 waxing moon brought the numbers down somwhat - 97 moths, but a slightly improved variety, with 43 species. This included 6 more FFYs - Lesser Swallow Prominent, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Lesser YU, Agriphela tristella, Acrobasis advenella (2), and Caloptilia betulicola.
28th July 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A good night after the rain stopped at 9pm produced 383 moths of 105 species, of which 35 sp. were micros. 14 FFY: Tinea semifulvella ; Aspilapteryx tringipennella ; Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix; Cochylimorpha straminae ; Epinotia nisella ; Cydia splendana (2); Endotricha flammealis (3); Golden-rod Pug; Lime-speck Pug; Tawny- speckled Pug; August Thorn (3); Iron Prominent; Garden Tiger and Rosy Minor (5).
28th July 2023 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Trapped until midnight.
39 moths of 20 species. NFG was a Lesser Wax Moth. NFY was a Double Lobed. Others included Scorched Carpet, Brimstone moth x5, Poplar Hawkmoth, Elephant Hawkmoth, Black Arches, Jersey Tiger, Dusky Sallow and a Silver Y.
28th July 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
Very mild, dull and drizzly. Perfect conditions and resulted in 280 moths of 85 species. One NFG, a Brown-tail - long overdue. I9 FFY included: Yellow Shell (2), Lesser Yellow Underwing (2), Plain Pug, The Nutmeg, Canary-shouldered Thorn, The Lychnis, Bulrush Wainscot (F), Six-striped Rustic,, Beautiful Plume, The Chevron (2nd record), Sallow Kitten, Maiden's Blush, Yponomeuta plumbella and Lathronympha strigana
28th July 2023 - Jersey tiger moth
by Robin Corey
Seen on a wall in south Bristol on 28 July 2023 -this is the second one we’ve seen. First one was on a window of a terrace house on 27 July but didn’t take photo. Administrator note: This is outside of Somerset but have allowed the post because it's from VC6.
27th July 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another comfortably-not-too-large a catch - 123 moths of 39 species, including just one FFY, a Rosy Footman. Common Footman (33) still the top scorers. The Brimstone Moths have finally started to appear in numbers (well, 6 anyway!).
27th July 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
I recently returned home after a couple of weeks away and have managed to put the traps out a few times since. I have been pleased to find that if the conditions appeared suitable the moths would come in good numbers. 472 macros of 80 species earlier in the week and 474 from 76 species last night. It has been several years since the mothing has been so promising here. The butterflies also appear to be doing well with buddleia covered in vanessids when the sun shines.
Nothing of great excitement last night with Bulrush Wainscot, Dusky Thorn, Rosy Minor and Square spot Rustic all firsts for the year.
Others of interest were 22 Ruby Tigers, 20 Rosy Footmen, 10 White Spotted Pugs and 2 Latticed Heaths.
95 Common Rustics were the most numerous.
27th July 2023 - Jersey Tiger
by Chris Pelmear
Seen in Pensford at approx midday.
27th July 2023 - Lippetts Way, Catcott
by Mat Ridley
A Hummingbird hawkmoth nectaring on our Verbena bonariensis for over a minute at 0900 this morning. A Jersey tiger, also this morning, rescued from the garage. Reports likely to be largely restricted to day-flyers until I get my traps down from Wales…
