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 Report5th June 2023 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
My experience is slightly different in that it is not the number of species but the number of moths in the trap. I have also looked back and have decent numbers of light sessions for 6 of the years between 2016 and 2023. The species counts to the end of May starting at 2016 are : 89/100/82/166 (2020)/71 and 102. 2020 was clearly an exceptional year but 2023 turned out to be a decent year for species, the second highest of this set. What is different this year is the sheer number of singletons in the trap. New micro for the garden (29th May) Nemapogon cloacella thanks to Paul Wilkins for confirmation.
4th June 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
An improvement in both numbers and variety with 56 macros of 28 species. Still nowhere near where it could be with decent nothing weather. 9 firsts for the year including Dark Arches, Large Yellow Underwing, Blood Vein, Clouded Silver and Clouded Border. A more modest 5 Heart and Darts this year! I visited Cerne Abbas over the weekend and amongst hundreds of Burnet Moths I also saw at least 40 Foresters. I know this site is in Dorset but it was great to see so many day flyers.
4th June 2023
by Ian Mathieson
I've just been looking back in my records and notice I recorded 331 Heart and Darts on 4th June 2011. Any chance of a repeat tonight?
4th June 2023
by Ian Mathieson
Everything seems to point to this year being one of the poorest ever for moths and my catches here seem to support this. In May I recorded only 333 moths, the second lowest total ever here.( The May average over the last 10 years is 567) Only 3 times in the last 20 years I have not reached 100 macros by this date( I'm currently on 99). However the weather has been so poor overnight with hardly a cloud in the sky and cold north easterly winds that it doesn't seem fair to write off the summer yet. Given a change in the wind direction and a bit of cloud cover things could improve.
3rd June 2023 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Trapped until 23.30hrs. 22 moths of 15 Species. NFY were Small Magpie, Udea olivalis, Yellow-barred Brindle and Large Yellow Underwing. Amongst others Small Dusty Wave, Pale Tussock and Cream-spot Tiger (3)'
2nd June 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Again a fresh NE breeze and a full moon conspiring against all moth-ers (I feel victimised!!). Just 15 moths this time, 11 species, with nothing new. One thing I have noticed is that the fresh winds seem to be restricting the numbers of Geometers - I am wondering if their relatively large wings are affected by the wind, compared with the more compact wings of, say, the Noctuids. Anyone else got any theories?
31st May 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A fresh breeze and the almost full moon meant low numbers (again) - just 18 moths of 9 species, including FFY Bright-line Brown-eye (2). Minors (8) the most numerous again. I think a bit of rain might be helpful (during the daytime !)
31st May 2023
by Steve Chapple
Getting a little better with 37 moths of 24 species but still very few micros. The highlight was only my 4th recorded Cream Spot Tiger amongst 13 FFY that included Marbled White Spot, Small Mottled Willow, The Flame, May Highflyer, Common Swift, Willow Beauty, Small Square-spot, Heart & Dart (2), Marbled Minor agg. and Common Wainscot.
29th May 2023 - Clouded Brindle
by Alick Simmons
After a very slow start of the season, things are picking up slowly with an average of 20 individuals over the last three trap sessions. New for the garden last night was Clouded Brindle
28th May 2023 - Kestrels Rise, Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
159 moths of 51 species. 16 FFY + one to be nailed down. : Tachystola acroxantha (2) ; Grey Tortrix agg ; Poplar Hawk-moth ; Satin Wave ; Mocha ; Clouded Border ; Tawny-barred Angle ; Barred Umber ; Light Emerald ; Buff-tip ; Buff Ermine ; Brown Rustic ; Small Clouded Brindle ; Pale-shouldered Brocade (2) ; Broom Moth and Setaceous Hebrew Character. Others included : Phyllonorycter trifasciella ; Flame Carpet ; Orange Footman and Burnished Brass. Top scores Treble Lines (49) and Shoulder-striped Wainscot (25)
28th May 2023 - Street-on-the=Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
An interesting catch - 47 moths of 19 species, with 7 FFYs - Privet Hawkmoth, Heart & Dart, Common White Wave, Knot Grass, and micros Small Magpie, Celypha lacunana (2) and Notocelia cynosbatella, plus one very late Hebrew Character and 15 Marbled Minor agg. Jenny Vickers came over this afternoon (29th) and found several larval webs of Orchard Ermine (Y. padella) on an apple tree, with about 20 larvae.
28th May 2023 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
51 moths, 26 species. One FFG Tinea trinotella which must be the easiest Tinea to identify! 5 FFY - Scrobipalpa costella, Cochylimorpha straminea, Parapoynx stratiotata - nice to see some micros at last, Sharp angled peacock and Clouded border.
27th May 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Much the same as last time in terms of numbers (32) but less variety. Just 14 species, with only two FFYs, a Shoulder-striped Wainscot and a Setaceous Hebrew Character. I had a 'phone call last evening from Philip Stevens, a long-standing member who lives in Willett up in the Brendon Hills south of Minehead, to report that a large wriggling pupa that he had uncovered in his polytunnel a while back, and had re-buried, has recently emerged as a Convolvulus Hawkmoth. Just goes to show that you can never be too careful when tilling the soil !!
27th May 2023 - Psyche casta
by Jane Cole
Common Bagworm larval case
26th May 2023 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
Another step-up last night 64 moths of 29 species including 5 micros. 14 species were firsts for the year. 9 carpets including Cypress carpet which is a full month earlier than I have recorded it before. Others -Pale tussock, Lychnis, Scorched wing.... One new micro Spuleria flavicaput.., which looks like a good record for VC6. thanks Neale for confirmation.
25th May 2023 - Kestrels Rise, Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
116 moths of 47 species , now we're cooking ! 14 FFY : Teleiopsis diffinis ; Twenty Plumed Moth ; Thistle Ermine ; Small Magpie ; Chinese Character (3) ; Lead Belle ; Broken-barred Carpet ; Toadflax Pug ; Sharp-angled Peacock ; Brown Silverline (2) ; Pale Tussock (4) ; Burnished Brass ; Marbled Minor agg. and Small Square-spot. Top scorer, as expected was Treble Lines with 32.
25th May 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
No improvement on numbers here, just 12 moths of 10 species. FFY were Green Carpet and Heart and Dart (2).
25th May 2023 - Burnham-on-sea
by Andy Slade
Awful moth mothing so far this year, end of May and barely getting double figure moths. However a surprise was a Glaucous Shears last night.
25th May 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Something of a welcome sea-change !! 29 moths of 19 species, by far the greatest variety in one night so far this year to date, including 7 FFYs - Common Marbled Carpet (4), Broken-barred Carpet, Light Emerald (2), Scalloped Hazel, Shuttle-shaped Dart, and 2 micros, Eudonia angustea and Plum Tortrix (Hedya pruniana). Marbled Minor agg (7) the most of any one species. Four Cockchafers yet again (the same four?) and a Caddis completed the collection.
24th May 2023 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
Distinct improvement here, 46 moths - 25 species. Treble lines weighed in at 11. Of note - Puss moth which has become a regular since 2020, Dot moth (3rd record) White point (4th record) and Small clouded brindle(5th record). First sightings of Large yellow underwing, Setaceous hebrew character and Heart and dart. Early records (for me) of Pale mottled willow and Shoulder-striped wainscot
24th May 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Still low numbers but the firsts for the year keep coming. Best from last night was my first Small Clouded Brindle for 4 years and Gold Spot.
23rd May 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Staggered back into double figures - 16 moths of 9 species, with two FFYs, Cinnabar and Marbled Minor agg. (3). 3 more Dusky Brocades were the most ever here in one night. And I have finally passed 50 species for the year to date - last year, which I had at the time thought quite poor, had over 80 by this time.
23rd May 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
The first time I've reached 20 species this year but from only 25 moths. Ten FFY were: Peppered Moth, Garden Carpet, Iron Prominent, Mottled Pug (2), Poplar Hawk-moth, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Yellow-barred Brindle, Broken-barred Carpet, Oak-tree Pug and Snout.
21st May 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Well worth another go after the last poor showing. Only 9 moths, but quite an interesting collection. Singletons of Brimstone, Light Brown Apple Moth and Silver-ground Carpet, plus FFYs Dusky Brocade, Purple Bar, Pale Tussock and Common Wainscot (2), and one FFG, a Poplar Kitten. Four Cockchafers and a Caddis too.
21st May 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Numbers still low but 40 moths of 21 species was worth putting the trap out for. Nothing exciting but I was pleased to record 4 Light Brocades. This was the first moth I was able to Id with my new copy of Skinner's book and have had a soft spot for it ever since. It is not a regular here and 4 in one night is the most I've seen before.
20th May 2023 - Kestrels Rise, Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Temp. down again (5.1c) but still a good selection. 66 moths of 35 species including 13 FFY : Phyllonorycter quercifoliella ; Common Carpet ; Small Rivulet ; Common Pug ; Grey Pug ; Scalloped Hazel (4) ; Peppered Moth ; Chocolate-tip ; White Ermine (4) ; Orange Footman ; Marbled White-spot ; Angled Shades and Light Brocade. Others included : Silver-ground Carpet ; Scorched Carpet (2) ; Marbled Brown (2) ; Mullein ; Treble Lines (21) ; Shuttle-Shaped Dart ; Flame and Least Black Arches.
20th May 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another one of those "why do I bother?" nights. In spite of moderately mild temperature, light wind and new moon, just 5 singletons in the trap. Treble Lines, Muslin Moth, Rustic Shoulder-knot and FFYs Clouded Silver and Small Square-spot. I still haven't got near 50 species yet this year - normally I would expect to have reached 60 or 70 by now.
20th May 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Two FFY micros in the garden today- Psychoides filicivora and Pyrausta aurata. Both always common here but nice to see the first of the year.
18th May 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Conditions looked favourable but, in the end, produced just 16 moths of 12 species. FFY were Red Twin-spot Carpet, Common Marbled Carpet (2), Vine's Rustic, Treble Lines and Shuttle-shaped Dart.
18th May 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Onwards and ever so slightly upwards. 11 moths of 9 species. 2 White Ermines, 1 each Flame Shoulder, Green Carpet and Chinese Character, plus FFYs Scorched Carpet, Pebble Prominent, Treble Lines, Silver-ground Carpet and Grass Rivulet (2). This last comes every year to play with the Yellow-rattle n my "lawn" aka jungle (yes, I do indulge in "No Mow May" - sheer idleness!!)
18th May 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
Still very quiet for the time of year. Last night was more cloudy so worth a try but only 17 moths of 11 species with 6 FFY: Nematopogon swammerdamella, Buff Ermine, Treble Lines (2), The Cinnabar, Pale Prominent and Sandy Carpet (2).
17th May 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
AT LAST ! A milder night (min 10.7c) produced 83 moths of 41 species. One FFG: Small Waved Umber and a further 13 FFY: Eudonia angustea ; May High-flyer; Rivulet; Sandy Carpet (2); Foxglove Pug (2) ; Mottled Pug (3); Scorched Carpet; Marbled Brown (2); Pale Prominent; Treble Lines (9) ; Bright-line Brown-line; Lychnis and Shoulder-striped Wainscot. Others included: Epiblema scutulana (4); Maidens Blush; Flame Carpet; Water Carpet; White-spotted Pug (3); Waved Umber and Knotgrass (2). Happy days.
16th May 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Marginal gains, as athletics coaches are fond of saying. 7 moths, viz:- 3 Common Carpets, and singles of Hebrew Character (I thought I'd seen the last of these), Poplar Hawk-moth, Green Carpet and Muslin Moth. One more Cockchafer, and a Queen Common Wasp, quite dozy so no risk of a sting - I don't think she could be bothered).
15th May 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
There are times when I wonder why I bother - and this is one of 'em !! 3 Muslin Moths, plus a deceased Green Carpet at the bottom of the trap. Nowt else. This time last year I was catching well over 30 every night. I will NOT give up and I'll try again tonight - wish me luck!
14th May 2023 - Butleigh garden
by Sue Davies
Another miserable night for mid-May and min 9’C, singles of 8 species. FFYs Treble lines, Muslin, Pale Tussock, Orange Footman, Bactria lancealana, Poplar HM, also Brimstone and Angle Shades.
13th May 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A strange night's trapping: 15 moths of 13 species, of which 6 were a rather nice selection of FFY. They were Small Phoenix (2), Foxglove Pug, Pebble Prominent, Swallow Prominent, Pale Tussock and Orange Footman (my earliest record by 9 days). The odd Common Quaker and Early Grey is hanging on. In the afternoon of the 14th, I flushed a Flame Carpet in the garden, another FFY.
13th May 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another mixed bag, but only 8 moths in total. 3 Muslin Moths, 2 Flame Shoulders, and singles of (quite late) Small Quaker, FFY Poplar Hawkmoth and FFY Common Carpet. Also (at last) 2 Cockchafers plus a smaller black beetle. No Caddises this time.
13th May 2023 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Put the trap out as usual, went to check it an hour later and the lamp was not lit. Checked the electric connections, spare lamp etc. and again not working. Looks like the choke failed. Only plus side was one moth a Pretty Chalk Carpet, NFG.
12th May 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
30 moths of 21 species. The variety is there if not in any great numbers. Ten FFY : Pseudoswammerdamia combinella ; Epiblema combinella ; Garden Carpet ; Purple Bar ; Common Marbled Carpet (2) ; Green Carpet ; V-Pug ; Pebble Prominent (2) ; Great Prominent and only my second Mullein.
12th May 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
37 moths of 22 species shows the year is moving on. Lots of firsts for the year with only my third Alder Kitten being the best of the catch. Other firsts included Oak Nycteoline, Yellow-barred Brindle,Knot Grass,May Highflyer, Rustic Shoulder Knot, Purple Bar and Dark Sword Grass.
12th May 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Something of a mixed bag this time. Only two moths, a FFY Nut-tree Tussock and a female Light Brown Apple Moth (usually I get the males), plus no fewer than 5 very small Caddis Flies and an Ichneumon Wasp. Wot, no Hebrew Characters? And still no Cockchafers either - normally I would have had quite a few by now.
12th May 2023 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Still low numbers, 14 moths of 8 species. NFY were Tachystola acroxantha (5), Chinese Character, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Flame Shoulder and Lychnis. Just 3 cockchafers.
10th May 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Indifferent numbers still - just 14 moths of 10 species, including a worn, unidentifiable Pug. FFY were Semioscopis steinkellneriana, Puss Moth and Silver Y. Also of note were 2 Waved Umbers. Remarkably, my first Puss Moth record was in 2020, since when I have recorded it in small numbers each subsequent year. It's my earliest record by 16 days.
10th May 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A slight improvement, 15 moths of 9 species, including 4 FFYs, namely Chinese Character, Rustic Shoulder-knot, White Ermine, and Common Swift, all singles. 2 more Silver Ys of interest, as migrants are not common here. No Cockchafers yet.
9th May 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Still not a lot happening here. 9 moths of 5 species - 4 Hebrew Characters, 2 Green Carpets, plus singles of Flame Shoulder, Clouded Drab, and FFY Spectacle. At least the rain held off until I was bringing the trap in - a small positive!
8th May 2023 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
I trapped on both the 7th and 8th, what a difference a day makes. 7th yielded 22 moths - 7 species which included 10 Brimstones. On the 8th just 26 moths but 19 species, so things are looking up. Obviously mostly singletons and 12 FFY which included -2 Poplar Hawk-moths, Rustic Shoulder Knot, Silver Y(2), Pale Prominent, Swallow Prominent and Least Black Arches.
7th May 2023 - Holcombe, 7 May 2023
by Christopher Iles
Only 11 moths, but for four of them to be Waved Umber must be unusual. It is true that I had the trap underneath an overhanging lilac bush, but the bush in question has been there for a good few years now!
7th May 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A better night. Worth setting the alarm for 04.15 in an attempt to beat the rain. 41 moths of 19 species, including 6 FFY: Waved Umber (3) ; Common Wave; Puss Moth; Coxcomb Prominent; Silver-Y and Knot Grass. Others of note: Red Twin-spot Carpet (3); Small Phoenix (2) ; Brindled Beauty (2); Swallow Prominent; Spectacle; Tawny Pinion and Least Black Arches (3). 11 Hebrew Character was the top score.
7th May 2023 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Slightly less moth numbers from the previous evening. 12 moths of 7 species. NFY were Mocha and Twenty-plume Moth. 4 Brimstone Moths and 2 Light Brown Apple Moths made up the numbers. Others were singles. Cockchafer season has started with two in the trap!!
6th May 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
After all Saturday's "excitement" (gosh, that crown's heavy!) I thought a quiet bit of mothing was called for, and, and boy, was it quiet ! One Hebrew Character and one FFY Silver Y. And that's all, folks!
6th May 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Slightly better with another 5 firsts for the year. The firsts were Small White Wave, Green Carpet, Pale Prominent, Mocha and Muslin Moth.
6th May 2023 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
Second trap of the year produced 15 moths of 10 species. NFY were Common Plume, Green Carpet, Waved Umber, Lunar Marbled Brown and Least Black Arches (2).
6th May 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
Cool nights for much of the year here have certainly reduced numbers. The night seemed promising but yielded only 17 moths of 13 species with 9 FFYs: Cochylis atricapitana (strangely frequent here), Chinese Character, Common Pug, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Flame Carpet, The Mullein, Pale Tussock, Scalloped Hazel and Chocolate-tip, all singletons.
5th May 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The full moon strikes again ! Only 4 moths in the trap this time. Singles of Hebrew Character (surprise, surprise) and FFYs Green Carpet, Pale Prominent and Oak-tree Pug. Off to the Abbey now to take my allotted place in the front row.
5th May 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Really stuck in the May gap period. I thought the weather last night looked promising, the moths didn't agree. Just 9 moths of 8 species but at least 5 were firsts for the year. They were Lesser Swallow Prominent, Chinese Character, Spectacle, Small Phoenix and Grey/Dark Dagger agg. This leaves me just short of the half century of macros for the year on 49.
4th May 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
The theme continues. Just 23 moths of 15 species. FFY were : Maidens Blush ; White-spotted Pug ; Cinnabar and Least Black Arches. Highest total, of three, was shared by Double-striped Pug and Brimstone Moth. I have done a quick comparison between this year so far and the average of the past five years. Number of species : 57 this year compared with an average of 62.8 - down by 8%. Number of moths : 408 this year compared with an average of 504 - down by 19%. Could the extreme heat of last summer be a factor ?
3rd May 2023 - Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Yeovil
by John Day
Attracted to Wallflowers in our garden
2nd May 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Still going backwards - 12 moths of 8 species! FFY were V-Pug and Scorched Carpet. This time Common Quaker was top scorer, with 3. Surprisingly, no Hebrew Characters.
1st May 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Still not a lot (7 in total) - 3 Hebrew Characters, and singles of Muslin Moth, Early Grey, FFY Syndemis musculana and FFG Ancylis badiana. This last seems largely to be found in the hilly areas of the County, according to the distribution map, but I am on the edge of the Mendips, so not too surprising to get one here. There's been a north wind recently !!
30th April 2023 - Larval cases of Coleophora lineolea (Woundwort Case-bearer)
by John Bebbington
I am growing Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina) specifically to attract the Wool Carder Bee (Anthidium manicatum) - the females use the leaf hairs to line their nest holes. However I was pleased to find 8 larval cases of the Woundwort Case-bearer on the leaves.
29th April 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Numbers still low here - back to around the same level as a month ago- 13 moths of 11 species. FFY was Purple Thorn, only my 8th record. Interestingly records prior to 2022 were in July or August. For 2022 and 2023, the first record has been in April. I also had another Shoulder Stripe and Brindled Beauty. Early Grey and Hebrew Character numbers have dropped. Looking back at my old records, low figures at this time of year are not unusual. In 2020, I had 3 moths of 3 species at the end of April!
29th April 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Still not much in the way of numbers - just 8 this time. 3 Hebrew Characters, and singles of Clouded Drab, Brindled Beauty, Brimstone Moth, and FFYs Early Thorn and Pseudoswammerdamia combinella. Is this a candidate for the smallest moth with the longest name? Must be up there with the leaders !!
28th April 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another poor night in terms of numbers, but at least a modicum of interest. Just 7 moths - 4 Hebrew Characters, and singles of Brindled Beauty, FFY Brimstone Moth and FFG Parsnip Moth. Quite why this last hasn't appeared here before I have no idea, as the main larval foodplant, hogweed, is plentiful (actually a nuisance) in my garden !
27th April 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
Three FFYs last night from 17 moths of 11 species: Dark Sword-grass, The Streamer (first since 2020) and Green Carpet.
26th April 2023 - Combe St.Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Just 17 moths of 8 species - going backwards a bit! FFY were Parsnip Moth (2), Brimstone Moth and Waved Umber. Also of interest was 3 Streamers (just the third time I've recorded this number).
26th April 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Nice cloud cover ,no wind and no colder than 7.3c , I was expecting the best catch of the year so far. O dear! 27 moths of 14 species and only three FFY : Swallow Prominent ; Lesser Swallow Prominent and Dark Swordgrass. The only micro was a White-shouldered House Moth.
25th April 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Still not a lot happening here - 15 moths of 4 species - 11 Hebrew Characters, 2 Clouded Drabs and FFYs Muslin Moth and Flame Shoulder.
24th April 2023 - Marbled Green larva Nyctobrya muralis
by Jane Cole
On the house wall this morning.
22nd April 2023 - Least Black Arches
by Jenny Vickers
I collected a cocoon from the trunk of a Small-leaved Lime at the start of the month. Today a Least Black Arches emerged.
20th April 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Another cold night (min 3.5c). 41 moths of 16 species, including 3 FFY : Oak-tree Pug (last trapped in 2017) ; Purple Thorn and Muslin Moth. Others included Frosted Green ; Shoulder Stripe ; Streamer ; Brindled Beauty and my second Tawny Pinion in a week, or perhaps the same one twice!
19th April 2023 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
Six moths! 50% Brindled Beauty, also having a good year here. FFY Early Toothed-stripe, 3rd record after its first appearance here in 2020.
18th April 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
I left the actinic out for a few hours last night - only two moths turned up but both FFY: Nut-tree Tussock and a Lunar Marbled Brown.
17th April 2023 - Manor Road, Taunton
by John Connolly
After just one Hebrew Character last Friday to my 40W actinic Skinner trap I tried my Robinson last night with a 20W low energy actinic light with a little more success but not much. Double-striped Pug (2), Small Quaker (1), Hebrew Character (1), Light-brown Apple Moth (1) and Eudonia Angustea (1). A very slow start to the year but not entirely unrepresentative of my garden.
17th April 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Another typical April catch here in terms of numbers - 21 moths of 10 species. FFY were Muslin Moth and Nut-tree Tussock. Others were The Streamer, Double-striped Pug, Early Thorn, Brindled Beauty (5), Early Grey (6), Clouded Drab (3), Common Quaker and Hebrew Character. The number of Brindled Beauty was notable in that I'd never previously trapped more than 2! So, they are having a good year here (7 so far).
17th April 2023 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
I am still languishing in the 'Orthosia doldrums'. Just 7 species, I never thought I would be so pleased to see a Brimstone. Looking back my numbers are not untypical of Aprils here, apart from the Lockdown spring of 2020 when I recorded 52 species including 7 new for the garden.
17th April 2023 - Curry Rivel
by Maurice Pugh
First trap of the year, 13 moths of 7 species, all NFY, Shoulder Stripe (1), Brindled Pug (1), Double Striped Pug (4), Scorched Carpet (1), Brimstone Moth (4), Early Grey (1) and Nut-tree Tussock (1).
16th April 2023 - Holcombe, 16 April 2023
by Christopher Iles
7 moths of 6 species including Early Tooth-striped and Purple Thorn - the latter being I think new here.
15th April 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A bit more variety, with 18 moths of 10 species. FFY were Light Brown Apple-moth, Water Carpet, Common Pug (my earliest record) Early Thorn, Brindled Beauty (2) and Red Chestnut. Early Grey is still the most numerous species (7).
15th April 2023
by Steve Chapple
Woke up to unexpected heavy rain and two soggy traps containing 32 moths of 11 species. New for this year were: Pale Pinion, Swallow Prominent, Brindled Pug (3) and Brindled Beauty
15th April 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Much better conditions for trapping brought 87 moths of 21 species. FFY : LBAM ; Frosted Green ; Streamer (2) ; Small Phoenix ; Water Carpet (2) ; Brindled Beauty (2) ; Tawny Pinion ( only the second one here - the other was in 2019) and Flame Shoulder. Top score of 15 shared by Double-striped Pug and Hebrew Character.
15th April 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The waning moon is helping (a bit). 31 moths of 8 species, but still dominated by Orthosias (28/5). The others were singles of Brindled Beauty, and FFYs Streamer and Swallow Prominent.
10th April 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Best night of the year so far with 55 macros of 14 species. First for the year were Shoulder Stripe, Angle Shades, Dotted Chestnut and Garden Carpet
8th April 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Best trap of the year so far, with 31 moths of 8 species, but still not much variety yet. Only FFY was The Streamer. Others were Shoulder Stripe, Double-striped Pug (2), Early Grey (12, having a good year here), Clouded Drab (3), Small Quaker, Common Quaker and Hebrew Character (10).
8th April 2023 - Butleigh garden
by Sue Davies
First session of the year logged 10 sps, min 5’. Oak Beauty 1, Brindled Beauty 5, Early Grey 2, Common Q 1, Small Q 4, Early Thorn 1, Brimstone 1, Hebrew Ch 4, DS Pug 1, Clouded Drab 2
7th April 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallett
by Paul Newman
A bit of an improvement on the last disappointing catch - 20 moths this time, of 8 species, mostly the usual suspects, but with FFY Powdered Quaker (2). There were also a surprising 3 Brindled Beauty, which usually turn up as singletons.
6th April 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The full moon is taklng its toll - only 8 moths and 3 species - 6 Hebrew Characters, 1 Small Quaker, and 1 FFY Engrailed. Most years I only ever get a single Engrailed, or none at all, even though they are in theory relatively common (last year for example one appeared in September only). As they have a varied larval diet, this is somewhat surprising - maybe they don't like bright lights !
4th April 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Still not a lot happening - just 13 moths of 4 species, and no FFYs. 9 Hebrew Charactetrs, 2 Clouded Drabs, 1 Common Quaker and 1 Brindled Beauty. Must be the nearly-full moon distracting them.
4th April 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
FFY Hummingbird Hawk-moth nectaring in the garden this afternoon, also Brimstone ,Peacock and Speckled Wood .
3rd April 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton - Emperor Moth
by Steve Chapple
I attracted one Emperor Moth to the EMP lure this afternoon. I was hoping that there may be a local colony but it took over 2 hours to arrive so I would assume not. Should I count this as a garden record?
2nd April 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Another indifferent night, not untypical here at this time of year in terms of numbers. No FFY, just Early Grey, Clouded Drab, Common Quaker (2), Small Quaker and Hebrew Character (6). What is puzzling is the species variety - 21 this time last year, 13 this year.
2nd April 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Not a lot to report except for a FFY Grey Shoulder-knot. A chilly breeze and a nearly full moon didn't help to get the moths out and about.
2nd April 2023 - Pen Elm,Taunton - Dyseriocrania subpurpurella
by Steve Chapple
I fleetingly noticed this beautiful little moth in the greenhouse this morning. Luckily it flew into a web and I was able to box it and take a few pictures. At first I thought it was Eriocrania cicatricella having recorded that species here before but James McGill has identified it as Dyseriocrania subpurpurella, Common Oak Purple (FFG)
1st April 2023 - Curry Mallet
by Jane Cole
Brindled Beauty 1 ,Clouded Drab 4, Common Quaker 2, Dotted Border 2, Early Grey 4, Early Thorn 1, Hebrew Character 3, Marbled Green larva 15 March moth 2, Red-green Carpet 1, Scorched Carpet 1, Shoulder Stripe 3, Streamer 4, Epiphyas postvittana 1
1st April 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Reasonable numbers of the usual suspects but Herald, Brindled Beauty and Engrailed were all firsts for the year.
1st April 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
At last, a degree of variety ! 29 moths, of 9 species, with 3 FFYs - Dotted Border, Early Grey and Brindled Beauty. Apart from 2 more March Moths, everything else was the same old Orthosia mix.
31st March 2023 - Manor Road, Taunton
by John Connolly
Not very good weather with strong winds and some rain but managed to get two first for year moths out of only three in total. Very slow to get going here but I don't really get going compared to other sites anyway. 1 Common Quaker, 1 Early Grey (FFY) and 1 Dark Sword-grass (FFY). I don't think I got a Dark Sword-grass at all last year so that's quite good for my garden.
28th March 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A brief 'window' in the weather spurred me into putting the traps out. 52 moths of 16 species. FFY were : Engrailed agg ; Nut-tree Tussock ; Clouded Drab (7) and Red Chestnut.
28th March 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Well, hooray !! Something other than an Orthosia - a FFY March Moth. Last year I was getting these from the end of February right through to early April. Other than this excitement, we're back to the same old moths 14 Common Quakers, 4 each Clouded Drabs and Small Quakers, and oddly only two Hebrew Characters.
27th March 2023 - Marbled Green larva 73.085
by Jane Cole
Curry Mallet, on Blue Lias stone (ex. barn) wall.
27th March 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton, Dotted Chestnut
by Steve Chapple
13 moths of 5 species including a Dotted Chestnut - none seen here before 2020 and now recorded 3 out of the last 4 years. Early Grey was another FFY.
26th March 2023 - Red Sword-grass, Curry Mallet
by Jane Cole
2 Red Sword-grass, one on 22 and 2nd on 26 March, to garden trap.
26th March 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
13 moths of 7 species. FFY were Shoulder Stripe and Clouded Drab. Others were Early Grey, Common Quaker (3), Small Quaker, Hebrew Character (5) and Twin=spotted Quaker.
26th March 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Still only Orthosias - 29 Hebrew Characters, 10 Common Quakers, 2 Clouded Drabs, 6 Small Quakers and 1 Twin-spotted Quaker. It really would be nice to get something even a little bit different, like say a March Moth - one lives in hope, as ever.
24th March 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Still nothing but Orthosias, and far fewer of them this time than in recent trappings. Quite breezy in the night, so just 16 in total - 7 Hebrew Characters, 5 Clouded Drabs, 3 Small Quakers and only 1 Common Quaker.
23rd March 2023 - Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Norton St. Philip
by Barbra Lakin
Seen at 11.30 am in my parent's garden hovering in front of pink corydalis and great hyacinth. Flew away across to the neighbour's garden. A very surprising sight on a sunny march day. There is a greenhouse for tender plants in the garden. Fuschias still flowering in there. Perhaps overwintering. Unfortunately too quick for me to get my camera. I notice there have been a couple of other early sightings ( Dorset, Hampshire ).
22nd March 2023 - Acleris logiana in Weston super Mare
by David Agassiz
Only 4 moths in my trap last night but one of them was Acleris logiana.
19th March 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Another 'murky' night with low cloud and patchy mizzle. Min. temp 6.6c. 44 moths of 14 species. FFY : Double-striped Pug ; Brindled Pug (2) and Twin-spotted Quaker (2). Others included Ypsolopha ustella ; Depressaria daucella ; Early Thorn (3) ; March Moth (3) ; Oak Beauty (7) ; Early Grey (8) and Small Quaker (7). '
18th March 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
In view of the forecast of a mild night and light winds, I took the plunge and carried out my first overnight trapping of the year. The result was 10 moths of 7 species, all FFY, which were Diurnea fagella, Agonopterix heracliana, March Moth, Early Grey (2), Common Quaker (2), Small Quaker and Hebrew Character (2).
18th March 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Still more Orthosias - 37 Hebrew Characters, 18 Common Quakers, 3 Clouded Drabs and one no-longer-an-Orthosia Twin-spotted Quaker. All very nice, but where are the other species?
17th March 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by steve chapple
My first Diurnea fagella of the year was amongst 12 moths of 8 species last night. Twin-spotted Quaker, Small Quaker (2), Early Thorn and my latest recorded Pale Brindled Beauty were also new for 2023
16th March 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Best night of the year so far - the low cloud/hill fog helped keep the temp. from dropping. 30 moths of 13 species including 9 FFY. Ypsolopha mucronella ; Agonopterix alstromeriana ; March Moth (2) ; Early Grey (2) ; Grey Shoulder-knot (3) ; Quaker (2) ; Hebrew Character (2) and Oak Nycteoline. Top score went to Oak Beauty (6).
16th March 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another good collection (69) of Orthosias. 22 Hebrew Characters, 43 Common Quakers, 2 Clouded Drabs, and singles of Small Quaker and a FFY Twin-spotted Quaker. I see that this last has recently had its genus name changed from "Orthosia" - very confusing for us amateurs - I wish "they" wouldn't keep doing this !!
16th March 2023 - Holcombe, 16 March 2023
by Christopher Iles
Twenty-plumed Moth in the house tonight - the first adult moth I've seen this year. I've tried running the trap, putting out pheromones and using sugar - admittedly not very often - but without success so far. I've done a bit better with micros. Ectoedemia heringella continues to spread - lots of mines on holm oak at Clevedon and Tyntesfield (14/2), Bath (28/2) and Wells (5/3).
14th March 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
I trapped for the first time in a while, not really expecting much, as a frost was forecast (and happened). Wrong again !! 63 moths fell out of the egg-trays - 27 Hebrew Characters, 33 Common Quakers, and 3 Clouded Drabs. Pity about the lack of variety, but you can't have eveything.
14th March 2023 - Ypsolopha mucronella
by Steve Chapple
Nice to find a Ypsolopha mucronella at the office window last night - only four recorded in ten years
13th March 2023 - Diurnia fagella (March Tubic)
by John Day
Many thanks to Neale for the identification. A first for my garden.
11th March 2023 - Manor Road, Taunton
by John Connolly
A pretty slow start to the summer Garden Moth Survey in my Taunton garden. Blank last week and just two moths this week. 1 Hebrew Character and 1 Common Quaker.
6th March 2023 - 4 moths, Curry Mallet
by Jane Cole
Common Quaker 1, Early Moth 1, Hebrew Character 1, March Moth 1
2nd March 2023 - The Nocturnal Record 16B
by Sue Davies
Look out for the second section of the 2022 newsletter in your inbox.
1st March 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Two traps run - no moths ! I did find a Large Yellow Underwing larva munching away on Hollyhock so all was not lost.
1st March 2023 - Norton Sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Very little expected in the trap this morning and I was not disappointed. Chestnut and Early Thorn were firsts for the year and they were joined by 2 Common Quakers and a Hebrew Character.
28th February 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A (very) marginal improvement - 5 moths in total, 3 Hebrew Characters, 1 Common Quaker and 1 FFY Small Quaker. Onwards and ?upwards?
24th February 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Several trappings recently, but very few moths - Hebrew Characters and Common Quakers the only species and only ones or twos of those. Oh for warmer, more productive nights !
21st February 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton, Tortricodes alternella
by Steve Chapple
8 moths of seven species including only my second recorded Tortricodes alternella (Winter Shade). Other FFY were: Double-striped Pug, Dotted Border and Clouded Drab.
21st February 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A pristine Double-striped front inside our open porch today. An early sighting like last year, when I recorded three in February.
19th February 2023 - An early Diamond-back Moth
by Steve Chapple
An early Diamond-back Moth, Plutella xylostella was a surprise - two months earlier than my previous earliest record. Also Chestnut, Dark Chestnut, Common Quaker (3) and A. heracliana agg (2).
17th February 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Dotted Border and Hebrew Character were firsts for the year last night.
17th February 2023 - Butleigh garden MV
by Sue Davies
A perfect night, 10’, light breeze, but just 1 Agon. Heracliana agg. Where are they!
16th February 2023 - Kestrels Rise, Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
13 moths of 8 species. Thats more like it! The six FFY were: Ypsolopha ustella ; Mottled Grey; Oak Beauty (2); Spring Usher (2- six years since my only other sighting); Dark Chestnut and Small Quaker.
14th February 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A multiplicity of Lepidoptera, or, to translate, 3 moths. Singletons of Hebrew Character, Common Quaker and Clouded Drab. All FFY of course. Progress is being made.
12th February 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another minimal catch - just one FFY male Pale Brindled Beauty, and nowt else.
11th February 2023 - Pen Elm Early Moths
by Steve Chapple
I was really pleased to discover an Early Moth by the security light last night - only my third record here. Other February moths have been Angle Shades, Winter Moth, LBAM and A. heracliana agg.
11th February 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
At last, a night without rain or frost, but the moths are still reluctant to come out apparently. Just a solitary FFY Chestnut in the MV trap, accompanied by an early Ichneumon Wasp. Well it's a start.
11th February 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Early Moth and Common Quaker were both firsts for the year and were joined by a Dark Chestnut. Early Moths are not common here and this was my first since 2019.
4th February 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The Winter Moths seem to have ended their season, (the last one seen on 31st.Jan.), but have been superseded by 2 Agonopterix heracliana (FFY) on the kitchen window this evening.
4th February 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Pale Brindled Beauty, Winter Moth and Dark Chestnut in the trap last night, naturally all firsts for the year.
3rd February 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Two traps run - result was 1 Beautiful Plume and two Ichneumon wasps ( Ophion obscurata i think )
29th January 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
At the 3rd attempt my first moth of the year was a solitary male December Moth. Possibly my latest record for this species. Roll on warmer nights...
26th January 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
After an absence of about 12 nights, 2 male Winter Moths graced my kitchen window with their presence again - welcome back, guys !! It must mean that the temperature is becoming more moth-friendly again, so the trap will come out from storage.
25th January 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
The forecast of a low of 3 degrees tempted me to trap. The Met office lied ! by 0700 this morning it was below 0 , however , there was a solitary Chestnut shivering under an egg box.
16th January 2023 - Caloptilia honoratella - another new moth for Somerset
by Nigel Voaden
I came across a distinctive looking and completely unfamiliar mine on Sycamore in Shipham during my last visit in September. I took photos and then promptly did little more about it due to lack of time until recently. Jack Oughton (Dorset/Devon) quickly identified it as Caloptilia honoratella, a species he is familiar with and which first appeared in the UK in 2019 and has subsequently spread rapidly such that it is well established from Kent west to Dorset at least. The mine is not well described anywhere but a paper is due imminently I am told. It is an upper surface mine on Sycamore after which it forms cones which are indistinguishable from Caloptilia rufipennella. If it's made it as far north as Shipham it is presumably already widespread in Somerset and one to look out for in traps and as mines this year.
15th January 2023 - Kestrels Rise
by Tim Howard
First moth of the year , an Agonopterix arenella , flew out from the log basket I had just brought in from the garage. Well you have to start somewhere.
14th January 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
The forecast of a few dry hours tempted me to put out the LED trap for a few hours. Nothing was in the trap but there was a Winter Moth on the wall.
11th January 2023 - Stigmella auromarginella - new to Somerset
by Will Langdon
While back in Somerset in late November last year, I visited the slumped cliffs at Watchet where I collected a number of rather suspicious-looking Nepticulid mines on Bramble. I was able to rear adults from these, confirming that they were indeed Stigmella auromarginella, a species that in the UK is only known from the calcareous stretch of the Devon/Dorset coast (between Branscombe and the Isle of Purbeck, where it was first described), and then the Burren in Ireland. It has probably been lurking at Watchet all along, but like most leaf-miners it is easily missed, particularly given that its mines are quite similar to those of the much commoner Stigmella aurella which also mines Bramble, and I think you really need to breed the adults to identify them with certainty (at least at a new site). It seems that auromarginella is mainly restricted to sheltered, fairly coastal locations, which in the UK all seem to be calcareous (not sure whether this is a co-incidence and what the situation is on the continent), so if you want to track it down perhaps these are good places to start (eg. perhaps the stretch of limestone on the coast of VC6 around Brean). S. auromarginella is then much more gregarious than S. aurella, often with lots of mines on the same leaf, overlapping each other. S. aurella occasionally does this, but it's not very common, whereas there were many leaves like this at Watchet. The mines then tend to be quite reddish (though S. aurella can definitely develop this colour too), and contorted, often with quite a thick, chunky, frass line. All of these features can provide clues about the identification, and if you can find lots of mines that fit these features, in a suitable-looking location, then it's a good idea to retain them to confirm the ID. S. auromarginella is meant to be continuously brooded, with tenanted mines in all months of the year, so there's always time to go out and look for it. The adults are fairly easy to breed, if you just keep mines in a small, sealed pot with a bit of tissue in the bottom the larvae usually leave the mines and spin a cocoon on the leaf or the tissue and emerge within 4-6 weeks. The adults can then easily be told apart by the patch of shiny scales at the termen in S. auromarginella, which give it its name, and S. aurella lacks.
4th January 2023 - Street-on-the Fosse, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
4/1/23 - At last a forecast for a rain-free night to try trapping, (but in the event, there WAS a shower at some point)- result? 2 moths and some soggy egg-boxes - yet another Winter Moth, and the first non-Winter Moth moth of the year, a Light Brown Apple Moth. Not very exciting, but it makes a change !! 5/1/23 - three more Winter Moths on the kitchen window - still they keep coming.
2nd January 2023 - Nocturnal Record 16A
by Sue
First sighting of 2023 in your email, the section A of the 2022 newsletter. 16B on micros & mines will follow soon. The hard copy will be sent out is the next two weeks for those without email. Please let me know if you have not received it. Happy New Year to everyone and good ‘mothing’ in 2023.
1st January 2023
by Paul Newman
The first moths of the year (what a surprise) - 2 male Winter Moths on the window. Well, we have to start somewhere.
31st December 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
No trapping since Christmas, as the weather hasn't been helpful to say the least, but male Winter Moths have continued to appear on my kitchen windows each evening, albeit only in small numbers - the most being seven on Christmas Eve. May I wish everyone a very Mothy New Year?
25th December 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Only one Winter Moth in the trap, but this is not surprising, as there were up to 7 on my kitchen window during the evening - probably warmer there than in the trap!
23rd December 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Not a very productive night, even with a new moon and not too low temperatures. Just singletons of December and Winter Moths. I will continue to trap through the winter, if the forecasts are not too dire - a glutton for punishment, me !! May I wish any SMG members (or non-members) reading this, a very peaceful Christmas and a NewYear full of nocturnal fliers (including Hornets and Wasps, why not?)
23rd December 2022 - Holcombe
by Christopher Iles
Male December Moth to light - the latest I have had this species, I think.
22nd December 2022 - Mottled Umber
by Steve Chapple
There were lots of Winter Moths in my headlight beams as I neared home so I put the actinic moth trap out for a few hours. 11 moths were recorded up until 10.30: Winter Moth (8), December Moth (2) and, at a Mottled Umber (FFY), not seen in 2019 or 2021.
22nd December 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Definitely 60p well spent! 10 December Moths, a Winter Moth and 2 very different Mottled Umbers last night. The latter species takes me to 293 macros for the year, the most I've ever recorded here. The trap will now be away until we start it all again in the new year.
20th December 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
My first trapping for a fortnight, and the first moths for December as a result. The only visitors this time were 5 December Moths, including one female, a most unusual event. I don't recall seeing a female here before, and I only ever had two on separate occasions over 12 years at my former home in East Lydford.
20th December 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Unsurprisingly last night was the first time I have trapped for a while. I had 6 December Moths, 2 Feathered Thorns (easily my latest records) and a Winter Moth. The December and Winter Moths were firsts for the year and brings the total number of macros recorded this year to 292 which equals my previous best. A Mottled Umber in the next 10 days would be welcome.
8th December 2022 - Cosmopterix pulchrimella
by Paul Bowyer
Last year I found several mines of Cosmopterix pulchrimella on Pellitory-of-the-wall on Weston sea front along with a single adult and this year the mines look to be more numerous. Recently I found mines half a mile inland on Pellitory growing on pavement edges so looks to be doing well here.
6th December 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The first "Nil Return" of the Winter - no surprises there ¬ not even a December Moth in its sable fur coat.
5th December 2022 - Trapping costs
by Ian Mathieson
Paul, thanks for your answer. In my view spending nearly £2 on a single turnip is a tad expensive but 50p for 500 assorted macros in the summer is excellent value.
4th December 2022 - Trapping Costs
by Paul Newman
Ian - basic maths, as follows :- 125W x 16 hours (4pm to 8am at present) = 2kW hours. My provider charges me a tad under 34p. per kWh. Cost per night is therefore 68p, give or take a penny or two. Worth it? Personally I think so, but others may demur. Many other hobbies are much more expensive to pursue.
3rd December 2022 - Trapping costs?
by Ian Mathieson
My last 3 trappings have resulted in just one Turnip Moth. It has led me to wonder if anyone with a smart meter has been brave enough to check how much it costs to run a 125MV lamp. I don't think I want to know the answer but would be interested if anyone does know the cost.
29th November 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Close to a frost last night, so I wasn't expecting to find much evidence of lepidopteran activity, thus minimising the risk of disappointment. Very wise, as it turned out ! One moth, an exceptionally late Eudonia pallida was the only visitor - a full month later than any of this species I have caught before.
28th November 2022 - West Somerset coast
by Christopher Iles
Probably my last field trip of 2022 - among the usual suspects making leaf mines in the hedgerows, good numbers of the usually scarce Stigmella viscerella, around Wall Common and Lilstock.
27th November 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
After 10 nights of heavy rain and waiting for a replacement MV lamp (delivery delayed largely by the postal strike) I finally got to put the trap out. Result? 1 December Moth and 1 Feathered Thorn. I am not downhearted and will try again.
24th November 2022 - Curry Mallet
by Jane Cole
4 Feathered Thorn, 1 Mottled Umber, 1 The Sprawler. A night time gap between heavy showers and/or high winds. 6 deg C
17th November 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
"Woe, woe, and thrice woe" to quote the immor(t)al Bard of Avon. My MV light bulb appears to have (slightly) exploded during the night - although the filament was still shining this morning there were holes in the glass, and bits scattered all around and inside the trap. More expense !! After all that, only one December Moth actually in the trap, quite lonely and forlorn, poor thing.
15th November 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The forecast was for a chilly (45F) night with no rain - they lied !! Chilly, yes, but lots of soggy egg-boxes to deal with this morning ! Unsurprisingly, only 3 moths therein - one each Feathered Thorn, FFY December Moth, and a second Oak Rustic. (No more wasps). This last was quite worn, and I am wondering if it might be the same individual as the one I trapped on the 10th, as the chance of catching two specimens of these scarce moths around here is pretty small I think. Who knows?
15th November 2022 - Humming-bird Hawk-moth in Combe St. Nicholas
by Rob Grimmond
Remarkably, a brief visit by an HHM between showers this morning, nectaring on Abelia! It's just 9 days short of my latest record. I've had 16 records this year, the best since 25 in 2006!
14th November 2022 - Possible Scarce Bordered Straw
by Rod Cole
Scarce Bordered Straw, I believe. By all means confirm/correct. At light, Fiddington, TA5 1JG, 14 Nov.
13th November 2022 - Blair's Mocha
by Steve Chapple
James McGill has just let me know that he had a Blair's Mocha, only his second ever record. Other migrants were Diamond-back Moth and Rush Veneer.
13th November 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
13 moths of 11 species: Lesser Yellow Underwing (latest record), Dark Chestnut, Feathered Thorn, Red-green Carpet, Cypress Carpet, Yellow-line Quaker, Black Rustic (latest record), LBAM (3), Eudonia angustea and two migrants Rush Veneer and my 6th Scarce Bordered Straw of the year.
12th November 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another fairly breezy night, so numbers back down again - just 6 moths of 5 species, with nothing new. However, there was an exceptionally late Large YU, and yet another very late and dopey Common Wasp - there must be a nest somewhere in my jungle garden, but I know not where.
12th November 2022 - Kestrels Rise, Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A better night as the hill shelters me from any wind with a touch of easterly in it. 26 moths of 10 species, including one FFY : Mottled Umber. Others of note : Rusty-dot Pearl (5) ; December Moth (first of this winter) ; Feathered Thorn (4) ; Red-line Quaker ; Yellow-line Quaker (8) and a Merveille du Jour.
11th November 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Finally, some moths: 10 moths of 4 species! FFY were Feathered Thorn (male) and Re-line Quaker. The latter is a rare species here; this was just my 6th record. The other species of interest was Red-green Carpet (3). Before this year I had recorded 6; this year I've recorded 7! It seems to have had a good year generally. LBAM was top scorer with 5.
11th November 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Somewhat improved numbers this time, probably because the wind had largely dropped off. 16 moths of 7 species with one FFY, Cypress Carpet (2), and Feathered Thorn (5) the main contributors, and there was a second specimen of the uncommon micro species Caloptilia betulicola. The southerly airflow did bring in a few migrants - 3 Rusty-dot Pearls and 1 Rush Veneer, but nothing special.
10th November 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
It turned out to be worth it this time - three (wow!!) moths - Feathered Thorn (2) and a FFG minor celebrity, an Oak Rustic. Also a VERY late Common Wasp (even dopier than the last one a week or so ago), and several thousand small black flies (fungus gnats?).
9th November 2022 - andrewslade71@gmail.com
by Andy Slade
Burnham-on-sea 9th November Blair's Mocha was a surprise, from just 8 moths. Also, Oak Rustic, my second here this year.
8th November 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
On occasions such as this, I question my motivation. Just one solitary Red-green Carpet this time - and that's all, folks !!
5th November 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Two more moths found this morning (7th), leftovers from the last trapping - another Feathered Thorn and a second White-point for the season. All is not (quite) lost.
5th November 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Meagre picking this time, hardly worth the effort. Just 4 moths - Silver Y (2), November Moth agg., and Feathered Thorn. Maybe too much moonlight, as it wasn't all that cold or windy. Ho hum, better luck next time ?
30th October 2022 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Mild, but very breezy. 71 Moths of 16 species. One FFY: Palpita vitrealis. Other migrants: Rush Veneer (3); Vestal (2) and Silver-Y (2). The rest comprised: Spruce Carpet; Red-green Carpet (20); Common Marbled Carpet (2); November Moth agg (4); Svensson's Copperwing agg ; Barred Sallow (2); Red-line Quaker (2); Yellow-line Quaker (21); Chestnut; Dark Chestnut; Black Rustic and Merveille du Jour (5)
30th October 2022 - Scarce Bordered Straw
by Alick Simmons
A worn individual came to light 30/31 October.
30th October 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Nothing special in the trap this time, just 22 moths of 8 species, BUT I have had confirmation from Neale Mellersh of two FFG micros from recent trappings - Caloptilia betulicola (26/10) and Acleris umbrana (29/10), both quite uncommon in the County. My thanks to Neale.
30th October 2022 - Larva of Spectacle moth
by John Bebbington
Both actinic bulbs blew last night! Empty trap this morning. However I did find this Spectacle larva while gardening today.
29th October 2022 - Crimson Speckled, Curry Mallet
by Jane Cole
Two stunning Crimson Speckled from the Mediterranean or North Africa and two Convolvulus Hawk-moth amongst other migrants and locals in the garden on Saturday night.
29th October 2022 - Palpita vitrealis, Barrington
by Alick Simmons
One worn individual came to light overnight 29/30 October.
28th October 2022 - Weston moths
by Paul Bowyer
I have ran my garden trap for the last few nights trapping what I considered to be a likely Scrobipalpa ocellatella but having dissected it today the features of the genitalia are consistent with Tuta absoluta. I have trapped this species previously on 16th November 2018 which was also a female.
28th October 2022 - Knighton, Somerset
by Nick Wall
Merveille du Jour:1, Turnip Moth:1, Red-green Carpet:1, Lunar Underwing:2, Green-brindled Crescent:1.
27th October 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
As I hoped it was a very good night for migrants: White-point (NFG), Gem (FFY), Palpita vitrealis (my second garden record), Scarce Bordered Straw (5th of the year), Vestal and Rush Veneer (2). Where are the Silver Y's this year? Altogether I had 52 moths of 26 species, the other highlights were Hypsopygia glaucinalis (latest record) and four Box Tree Moths (hmm). Highest counts: Beaded Chestnut (5), November Moth agg. (4) and LBAM (4).
27th October 2022 - St. Mary's Park, Langport
by John Bebbington
Only 3 moths last night to 20w actinic but some quality - Black Rustic, Oak Rustic (possibly breeding locally as several Holm Oaks nearby) and Scarce Bordered Straw.
27th October 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Not as many moths as I hoped but some good migrants amongst what I did have. 4 Vestals and another Palpita Vitrealis were joined by this one which I have tentatively identified as a worn Clancy's Rustic. It looks like the illustration and doesn't behave like a Pale Mottled Willow which are much more fidgety when handled. There is a helpful illustration of the underwing in Waring that matches my moth. I would be happy for any comments. Unfortunately I no longer have anyone close by to check the specimen for me.
26th October 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A slight upturn in numbers to 44 moths of 15 species, including FFY Clepsis consimilana (2), probably second-brood specimens, and a FFG White-point (most likely a migrant, but possibly home-bred). The only other migrant was a Vestal. November Moth agg (11) the main contributors again. One late Common Wasp, very dozy and tame, and lots of small Caddises too.
26th October 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
I put the traps out until 11.30 as rain was threatening. Tonight looks better? Two Box Tree Moths (NFG) were a surprise, if not entirely welcome. Nothing else of note from 17 moths of 8 species.
25th October 2022 - Middlezoy garden moths
by Simon Phelps
I put my garden moth trap on last night in the hope of some migrants, as there is currently an exciting influx taking place. I was delighted to find a Convolvulus Hawk-moth sitting on the wall next to my trap. This is the first one I have ever caught; I have seen it twice before (once in some grassland on Dartmoor and another in Italy).
25th October 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another below-average catch, most likely due to the fresh breeze, and there was also some rain in the night. Just 23 moths of 10 species, no FFYs. Migrants were a Delicate and a Rush Veneer, both the second record this year, and there was a pale brownish Silver Y (? the pale f.pallida), which Waring suggests may be the result of hot temperatures in the larval stage. Therefore maybe a candidate for a home-bred specimen after the hot summer we had, rather than a migrant. Beaded Chestnut (8) and November Moth agg (6) the most numerous again.
24th October 2022 - Kestrels Rise, Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
65 moths of 16 species. Not bad but no Crimson Speckled! Like Steve, Feathered Thorn (4) was the only FFY. The others were: Rush Veneer (2); Eudonia angustea ; Vestal; Spruce Carpet (2) ; Red-green Carpet (12); Common Marbled Carpet (2); November Moth agg. (8); Green-brindled Crescent; Barred Sallow (3); Beaded Chestnut (4); Red-line Quaker (5); Yellow-line Quaker (9); Lunar Underwing (2); Chestnut (3) and Merveille du Jour (6).
24th October 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
I too was hoping for more moths, given the comditions, but compared with my previous trapping (86) quite a poor total. Just 27 moths of 13 species, including FFYs Large Wainscot and Grey Shoulder-knot. I am always a bit surprised to get the Large Wainscot here, as I am some distance from any notable area of reedbeds that I know of. They must be long-distance fliers. A third Vestal for the year was the only migrant, and again no micros.
24th October 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
Only one FFY, a Feathered Thorn, from 22 moths of 16 species. My third Scarce Bordered Straw of the year and a Rush Veneer were the only migrants - I was hoping for more on such a mild, dry night with a southerly breeze.
23rd October 2022 - Heathfield TA4, VC5
by Simon Davies
18/15 and quality over quantity on this occasion with Clifden Nonpareil and Merveille du Jour, both on a wall near the trap. Figure of eight was also NFY. 2 Rush Veneer and Agonopterix heracliana the only micros.
22nd October 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Despite very heavy showers there were a number of good moths in the trap this morning. They included my 2nd Gem of the year, Palpita Vitrealis and several Rush Veneers and Rusty Dot Pearls. A Brick was my only first for the year.
21st October 2022 - Taunton TA1
by John Connolly
19 moths of 8 species. 5 Rush Veneer, 3 Large Yellow Underwing, 3 Light-brown Apple-moth, 3 Eudonia angustea, 2 Box-tree Moth, 1 Turnip Moth, 1 Red-line Quaker and 1 Rusty-dot Pearl. I’m getting a bit nervous about the regularity of Box-tree moth in my garden as I have a small box hedge at the bottom of the garden, and I don’t want to lose it.
19th October 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
In spite of some quite hefty showers, the very mild night and waning moon produced a greatly improved catch, 82 moths of 24 species including 5 FFYs - Red-green Carpet, Feathered Thorn, Carcina quercana, Rush Veneer and Hypsopygia glaucinalis. Black Rustic (19) and November Moth agg (14) again the most numerous. A second Vestal for the year as well. Lots of Caddis Flies, and Green Clearwings too. (No Hornets though - I suspect they have more or less finished for this year).
19th October 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
27 moths of 17 species with two FFY (Red-line Quaker and Blair's Shoulder-knot) comfortably confirmed 2022 as my best macro year since moving here in 2012. Hopefully with more to add. I also had a fourth Dark Spectacle of the year having had only two in the last nine years.
18th October 2022 - Clifden nonpareil
by David Manners
A Clifden nonpreil came to a lighted door at my property in Nynehead, near Wellington at around 10pm. Not in the best of condition and flew off again before I was able to photograph it.
18th October 2022 - Heathfield TA4 VC5
by Simon Davies
Tuesday night my best since August with 58 moths of 21 species: Blastobasis lacticolella, Dark Chestnut, Yellow-line Quaker, Red-line Quaker all new to me and the garden as I gradually fill in the gaps in the common moth list. Vestal again, Rush Veneer the only "migrants".
18th October 2022 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
An interesting micro morning in the garden. As I cut back a prolific Jasmine I disturbed at least three Common Plumes. Also of interest in the garden were two Eudonia angustea and a Beautiful Plume. Autumn seems to be a good time to flush micros!
17th October 2022 - Combe St Nicholas
by Rob Grimmond
Having not trapped for over a week and looking at the forecast for the next week, I thought I should give trapping a try, despite the cooler night and clear sky. It turned out to OK for the time of year, with 17 moths of 11 species. FFY were November Moth agg. and Merveille-du-Jour. Also of interest were 2 Red-green Carpets. Top scorer was a micro - Eudonia angustea (4)!
17th October 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Quite disappointing really - it wasn't all that cold, and only half a moon, but in the end only 28 moths of 9 species came calling. Black Rustic (9) the most for any one species - they are definitely having a good year there have been noticeably more than in the past. My unkempt garden (a.k.a. Jungle) must suit them !!
15th October 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Interesting to see that Simon has recorded a record number of macro species in his Taunton garden this year. A Scarce Bordered Straw was my 286th macro of the year and I should get very close to my previous record high of 292 species. However I have only recorded about 11,300 individual macros this year which is one of the lowest totals in the last 20 years. Between 2003 and 2011 I recorded an average of over 15,000 a year. In the last 5 years the average has been nearer 12,000 despite having the trap out on a similar number of nights.
14th October 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A bit milder (only a few degrees, but still...) and less moonlight, so numbers up slightly. 36 moths of 10 species, with 2 FFYs, Red-line Quaker and November Moth agg. (3). Black Rustic (8) and Beaded Chestnut (7) the big hitters. Also, yet another Hornet and 2 Caddis Flies lurking in the corners.
13th October 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
47 moths of 21 species taking my yearly macro moth count equal with my best year here since 2014. Five FFY were Mallow, Yellow-line Quaker, November Moth agg., Pink-barred Sallow and my third (and first autumn) Satellite. Vestal, Spruce Carpet, Pine Carpet, Red-green Carpet (3), Black Rustic (6), Common Marbled Carpet (4), LYU (6), Setaceous HC (2), Angle Shades (4), Sallow, Barred Sallow (2), Dreen-brindled Crescent, Vine's Rustic, Lesser YU (4) and Lunar Underwing (5) made up the numbers.
13th October 2022 - Norton Sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
A reasonable October catch with 3 firsts for the year, November Moth (agg), Green-brindled Crescent and Merveille de Jour. A Vestal and a Turnip Moth were the only possible migrants. 10 Beaded Chestnuts were the most common species but only one Lunar Underwing this time.
12th October 2022 - Butleigh garden
by Sue Davies
12 spp last night and an odd mix. Lunar Underwings the commonest by far, 5 each Barred Sallow and Beaded Chestnuts, 4 very fresh Mallows, a benefit of growing Hollyhocks. Also, less welcome 4 Box Moths. FFY Merveille du Jour. Still popping up, 1 each of Eudonia Angustea, Straw Dot, Monopsis obviella and Hysopygia glaucinalis, Black Rustic and LYUW
11th October 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another cold and moony night, but a few more moths. 21 in total, of 8 species, with FFY a Yellow-line Quaker. Beaded Chestnut (5) and Lunar UW (5) still the most numerous.
11th October 2022 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Chilly night (7.2c) and a near full moon with partial cloud cover produced 31 moths of 14 species. Worth trapping though, with one FFG and Three other FFY. FFG was The Mallow. FFY: Green-brindled Crescent (2); Red-line Quaker and Merveille du jour. Others of note: Barred Sallow; Beaded Chestnut (2); Lunar Underwing (only 4): Brindled Green and Black Rustic.
10th October 2022 - Pylle, Shepron Mallet
by Paul Newman
It gets worse - just 13 moths of 4 species. Beaded Chestnuts (8) the tough guys, all the other wimps stayed home under their duvets (I didn't think it was all that cold !!). Try again tonight, and hope they get fed up with being indoors.
9th October 2022 - Heathfield TA4, VC5
by Simon Davies
Southerly switched to northerly overnight with rain. Rusty Dot Pearl of note, as was my first Pink-barred Sallow but only 7 moths trapped. One more go in a week with some mild nights and southerly airstream expected.
9th October 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
I found several thousand (probably) vacated mines of the Laburnum Leaf-miner (Leucoptera laburnella) this afternoon - impossible to count them with any accuracy, as the Laburnum tree is over 15 feet tall, and almost every leaf has mines, as many as 5 at a time. They appear every year, but for some reason I failed to record them last year - probably just forgot to look ! In spite of the large numbers of mines, I have never recorded the adult moths in my traps.
8th October 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A very disappointing haul, most likely due to the near-full moon and low temperature. Just 18 moths of 7 species, with Beaded Chestnut comprising half of the total. Chestnut was the first for the season, not FFY, as I had one in February.
7th October 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A clear, cold night, and a 3/4 moon, so numbers down sharply. Just 42 moths of 10 species, and no FFYs. The only ones of any passing interest were a very late Straw Dot, and a late second-brood Gold Spot. No Hornets this time !
7th October 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
65 moths of 20 species. Very pleased to have a Delicate, my first since 2015. Three other FFY were: Black Rustic (3), Green-brindled Crescent and Sallow. I also had a very pink Vestal, a late Eudonia pallida and another Deep-brown Dart - pleasingly a much fresher specimen this time.
6th October 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Not many moths on a clear night but it did include a big surprise with a Flame Brocade. The most exciting moth I've recorded this year. I think it may be a wanderer from the Dorset coast rather than a migrant as I haven't seen any others reported from around the country. According to the distribution map this is only the second Somerset record and the first from VC 5.
4th October 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Numbers up a bit more, with a milder night, even allowing for some breeze. 86 moths, and yet again not much variety - only 10 species, with one FFY, a Brown-spot Pinion. I usually get a few of these every year, so it was expected. Lunar UW (28) the top of the pile, and good numbers of Beaded Chestnut (17), Black Rustic (14) and Large YU (8). Lots of Craneflies, and yet another Hornet (very dopey, and tame, walked casually up my finger before falling off!).
3rd October 2022 - Kestrels Rise, Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
144 moths of 27 species. Four FFY: Clifden Nonpareil ; Yellow-line Quaker; Brindled Green (2) and Black Rustic (2). Others of note were: Rusty-dot Pearl; Rush Veneer (4); Eudonia angustea (3); Vestal (2); Pine Carpet; Red-green Carpet (10) and Beaded Chestnut (9). Lunar Underwing continue to dominate with 64.
3rd October 2022 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
The forecast promised much but nothing spectacular appeared here! 32 moths of 10 species, not a bad early October total here. There was just one FFY, Beaded Chestnut. Lunar YU still top species here, with 10 this time, followed by Common Marbled Carpet with 7. Also of note were another Black Rustic and my first October record of Square-spot Rustic, which has had its best year here in terms of numbers since 2014.
3rd October 2022 - Pen Elm Deep-brown Dart
by Steve Chapple
James McGill tipped me off that I should look out for Deep-brown Dart as he had 3 reasonably fresh specimens a couple of nights ago. Not a species I am familiar with, and the forecast was good, so I set both MV and Actinic traps out last night. The result was 82 moths of 24 species with the highlight my first Deep-brown Dart here a Pen Elm. Red-green Carpet was FFY, and Chestnut was first for the autumn, other notables were my third Scarce Bordered Straw and Dark Spectacle of the year. Other migrants were Silver Y (1) and Rush Veneer (1).
2nd October 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Decent numbers in view of the chilly night, 74 moths, but as seems to be the case recently, very little variety - just 9 species. Lunar UW (43) made up the bulk of the total. Two FFYs were an early Green-brindled Crescent, and a Merveille du Jour. I always think this is wrongly named - surely it ought to be "Merveille de la Nuit"? After all, it does fly at night ! Does anyone know the reason for the given name? It would be interesting to know.
1st October 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Good numbers despite the rain. 137 macros of 23 species. 45 Lunar Underwings and 29 Large Yellow Underwings made up made up over half the catch. 3 Sallows were the only firsts for the year.
30th September 2022 - Heathfield TA4 VC5
by Simon Davies
Large Ranunculus to the living room window this evening, a first for me and the garden. Grade 2 so submitted for check.
29th September 2022 - Combe St Nicholas
by Rob Grimmond
Having not trapped for over a week I decided to put the trap out last night, despite the forecast of cooler weather. The result was 29 moths of 9 species, not untypical here for the time of year. FFY were Black Rustic and Large Ranunculus (2). Lunar Underwing is still the most numerous species, this time 14. Of interest was a pristine Silver Y, which has been fewer in numbers here this year.
29th September 2022 - Kestrels Rise, Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
104 moths of 22 sp. including: Rush Veneer; Canary-shouldered Thorn; Snout (4); Angle Shades (3); Beaded Chestnut (3); Flounced Chestnut; Lunar Underwing (56); Chestnut (2); Pearly Underwing; Turnip Moth (2); LYU (12); Broad-bordered YU and Lesser YU (2).
27th September 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
An average sort of night - 69 moths, and again, very little variety, just 9 species with 1 FFY, a Blair's Shoulder-knot. Lunar UW (35) and Large YUW (15) the main contributor, and 4 Barred Sallows and 4 Black Rustics doing quite well. 2 Hornets and 3 Caddises the odds.
26th September 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
A reasonable night with 108 macros of 22 species. 2 Large Ranunculus were the highlight joined by a late Maiden's Blush and Lilac Beauty. 46 Large Yellow Underwings were the most numerous but 13 Common Marbled Carpets was a good showing.
23rd September 2022 - Manor Road, Taunton
by John Connolly
54 moths of 15 species, 1 Garden Carpet, 3 Willow Beauty, 24 Large Yellow Underwing, 11 Lunar Underwing, 1 Broad-bordered Yellow U/wing, 1 Lesser Yellow U/wing, 1 Pale Mottled Willow, 2 Square-spot Rustic, 3 Shuttle-shaped Dart, 1 Vines Rustic, 1 Carcina quercana, 1 Eudonia angustea, 2 Tachystola acroxantha and the highlights for me were a dark form of Box Moth and what I think is Aproaerema anthyllidella both of which are firsts for my garden. (Photos taken in pots so not the clearest).
23rd September 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A curious mix of moths, 93 in total. of which there were 58 Lunar UW and 25 Large YUW. This doesn't leave a lot between 7 other species! The only one of interest was a very late (probably an unusual 3rd.-brood) Engrailed, which was also a FFY. No more Hornets, and just two Caddises.
23rd September 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
Agnoea josephinae (second record), Nephopterix angustella, Large Ranunculus (first since 2018), Turnip Moth, Barred Sallow and Lunar Underwing (20) were all new for 2022. 71 moths recorded of 24 species.
23rd September 2022 - Butleigh garden
by Sue Davies
Reduced to 10 spp, dominated by over 200 Lunar Underwings! FFY Large Wainscot, Orange Sallow and Black Rustic. Also found occupied mines of Bedellia somnulentella on Field Bindweed by the back door…pays not to have been able to garden all summer!
22nd September 2022 - Heathfield TA4, VC5
by Simon Davies
67 moths of 17 species, dominated by Lunar underwing (23) & Large Yellow Underwing (17). Another 3 of The Vestal and new for me and the garden were *Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth) and a lovely *Brindled Green (Dryobotodes eremita). (*Images attached)
21st September 2022 - Clifden Nonpareil
by John Elliott
Brompton Ralph, Taunton
21st September 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another chilly night, and similar results to last time. 68 moths of 16 species, with no FFYs. Second-brood Willow Beauty and Angle Shades, and a late Straw Dot the only notables. Lunar UW (28) and Large YUW (19) the main contributors. Just one Hornet again.
20th September 2022 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Light winds tempted me to put out the trap. When I checked it before going to bed, I wasn't too optimistic, since there appeared to be few moths in and around the trap. I was surprised when I eventually added up the catch - 90 moths of 10 species. FFY were Dark Marbled Carpet and Barred Sallow (the latter my earliest record by 4 days). Also of interest was a late Willow Beauty (my latest record). It was an odd catch in that 2 species made up 75 of the moths caught - Lunar Underwing, 42, and Large Yellow Underwing, 33. There have been more of the latter in recent weeks, but the year's total will probably be the lowest since 2018.
20th September 2022 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
My Convolvulus Hawk-moth count is now up to 7.
19th September 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Although another cold night, there were more than double the numbers compared to the last few trappings. 63 moths, but again very little variety - only 11 species, including FFYs Sallow (2) and Barred Sallow. The bulk of the total was made up of 27 Large YUW and 20 Lunar UW. There was one pristine Angle Shades, presumably of a second brood. One Hornet and two Caddises for non-lepidopteran interest.
19th September 2022 - Kestrels Rise Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A very autumnal feel to things with the min. temp at 8.8c. Between the two traps were 141 moths of 25 species. FFY were: Acleris sparsana ; Pink-barred Sallow; The Sallow; Beaded Chestnut; Flounced Chestnut; Turnip Moth and Autumnal Rustic. Top scorers were LYU (54) ; Lunar Underwing (29) and Hornet! (14). Others of note - Garden Pebble; Maiden's Blush; Red-green Carpet (2); Pinion-streaked Snout and Pearly Underwing.
19th September 2022 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
I had my third Convolvulus hawkmoth this year, the first of which was FFG. All were found in our greenhouse where a large Nicotiana plant grew out of one of our tomato plant pots. I have grown Nicotiana in the garden for some years but never seen one or trapped one before. I closed the greenhouse door late last night because of the falling temperatures, leaving a small crack. The scent. in the greenhouse was almost overpowering.
18th September 2022 - Vestal at Heathfield
by Simon Davies
I flushed out this Vestal while mowing the lawn this afternoon. Third of this year here, 2 earlier sightings 2/8 and 27/8/22.
16th September 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Quite cold, so numbers down sharply - a mere 23 moths of 8 species, but at least there were 3 FFYs among them - Black Rustic, Beaded Chestnut and Pale Eggar. Lunar UW (13) by far the largest total.
15th September 2022 - Shipham
by Nigel Voaden
3 Dewick's Plusia overnight to the Ni moth lure. Traps not run.
14th September 2022 - Shipham
by Nigel Voaden
171 of 35 overnight, nothing much of great interest, late Elephant Hawk-moth and Single-dotted Wave, also Feathered Ranunculus, Hedge Rustic, 4 L-album Wainscot, Water Veneer, Carcina quercana and Pale Mottled Willow.
14th September 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Not a lot to report, really - only 47 moths of just 11 species. One late-ish Rosy Rustic, an equally late-ish Gold Triangle, and a FFY Rusty-dot Pearl. Large YU (18) taking the honours for numbers. Only one Hornet and a FFY Cranefly the only other entomological interest, and that's not saying a lot.
13th September 2022 - Burnham-on-Sea
by Andy Slade
Dewick's Plusia, European Corn Borer, Clifden Nonpariel and a Small Mottled Willow. 12th September, Convolvulus Hawk and a Vestal were the highlights
13th September 2022 - Shipham
by Nigel Voaden
No traps out but Dewick's Plusia and 2 Silver Y to Ni Moth lure overnight.
12th September 2022 - Shipham
by Nigel Voaden
A much better night with 363 of 57 species with most of the best species being migrants or potential migrants including Bordered Straw, Palpita vitrealis, Scrobipalpa ocelatella, 24 Rush Veneer, 2 Silver Y and 3 Diamond-back Moth. 2 Hedge Rustic, 2 Large Ranunculus, 2 Box-tree Moth, 2 Barred Hook-tip, 2 Tawny Speckled Pug and L-album Wainscot. I also spent 1.5hrs scouring Ivy and Blackberries along lanes around the village for 102 moths of 22 species, best was Tawny Pinion but also 2 Turnip Moth, L-album Wainscot and 2 Agonopterix arenella.
12th September 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
26 species, 73 moths - not a lot of note except 3 FFY micros: Elachista canapennella, Mompha subbistrigella and Acleris schalleriana
12th September 2022 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Not a bad night in terms of numbers - 75 moths of 23 species. Remarkably I had two FFG, Agonopterix umbellana and Olindia schumacherana. It's just the 9th county record for the former, and the first since 2000. The latter sometimes has a second generation in September. FFY were Garden Pebble (2) and Lunar Underwing. Migrants were Rush Veneer (5, my highest count, this has been an excellent year), Vestal and Silver Y (2). My previous concerns about Large Yellow Underwing have now abated - 31 last night! To finish a good day, there were three Hummingbird Hawk-moths on Buddleia in the garden earlier in the day.
12th September 2022 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A little better with cloud cover - 123 moths of 37 sp. FFY were: Lunar Underwing (2); Centre-barred Sallow and L-Album Wainscot. Migrants: European Corn-borer; Rusty - dot Pearl (2); Rush Veneer (5) and Vestal. A dozen Hornets were not welcome, especially by a Dusky Thorn and a Frosted Orange, the remains of which lay at the bottom of the trap.
12th September 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
A more productive night gave me over 200 macros of 41 species. Most numerous were LYU with 52. First for the year were Vestal, Barred Hook-tip, Small Dusty Wave, Feathered Gothic and Lunar Underwing. Along with 3 Vestals I also had 4 Silver Ys which made it one if the best migrant nights of what has been a poor migrant year here.
12th September 2022 - Butleigh garden MV
by Sue Davies
Numbers considerably down at 35spp.but at last LYUWs have materialised, over 10. Oak Hook-tips still doing well-5. FFY Lunar underwing, Centre-barred Sallow. A late pristine Riband Wave and second generation Lilac Beauty. Also Cypress Pug and Pale Mottled Willow. Joined the Vestal Club at last with a beauty. 2 White Points, about 10 Rush Veneers and a Diamond Back.
12th September 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Numbers up a bit, but not the variety. 48 moths but only 14 species, with two FFYs - a Cypress Pug and a Delicate. However, of somewhat more interest was the veritable cornucopia of other entomological activity - 3 Hornets, 3 Common Wasps, 1 Ichneumon Wasp, 1 Dor Beetle, 2 Caddis Flies, 3 Shield Bugs, and 2 Ladybirds (and hundreds of Fungus Gnats, but they don't really count). Until this year, I have never had Hornets here, and where they are coming from is a mystery. I don't really mind them, I just don't want them in my roof space!
12th September 2022 - Shipham leaf mines
by Nigel Voaden
A quick search along the lanes around the village on the morning dog walk yielded good numbers of tenanted Bedellia somnulentella, a species I've not recorded here before. On Hop there was a good candidate for a Cosmopterix ziegerella mine but the leaf is dry and whithered and the mine very difficult to see and photograph properly. Hopefully I can find a better example as I think this would be a new species for Somerset. An underside blister mine on Hornbeam had me excited thinking I'd found Phyllonorycter tenerella but the shape isn't right and I suspect it is just P. messaniella. Other decent finds included P. nigrescentella, Stigmella paradoxa, S. catharticella and Etainia louisella with Callisto denticulella in the garden (first record).
11th September 2022 - Shipham
by Nigel Voaden
A week back visiting but only the first couple of nights look prospective and the first was somewhat spoiled by a persistent breeze all night. 137 of 34 was a little disappointing but Anomalous was a good record, presumably blown in from Black Down. Single Aproaerema anthyllidella and 7 Rush Veneer were also noteworthy but best was a Dewick's Plusia to Ni Moth lure.
11th September 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Too much moon and too little cloud depressed the numbers, but it did include a possible Wood Carpet. Everything about it looks right apart from the time of year. It would be my first here since 2013 and only my 6th record.
11th September 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
I was really pleased to have a Feathered Gothic, last seen in 2014. Two other FFY were Pearly Underwing and Dark Spectacle with a lovely pink Vestal, Frosted Orange and Burnished Brass also of note. Of the 90 moths of 23 species LYU's were the most prolific with 23 followed by Square Spot Rustic (12) and Rush Veneer (10).
10th September 2022 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Disappointing condtions, with a generally clear night and full moon, so cooler and damper. Down to 40 moths of 16 species. One FFY, a nice, pink-striped Vestal. Rush Veneer was another migrant. Good to see Large Yellow Underwing as top scorer again, this time 16, biggest count of the year.
10th September 2022 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
94 moths of 23 sp. Numbers down as the moon was full but there were five migrant species : FFG Loxostege stictalis ; Rusty dot Pearl ; Rush Veneer (4) ; FFY Pearly Underwing and Dark Sword-grass. LYU (23) was top scorer
10th September 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The first trapping for a week or so, due to the (very welcome) rain. A cool night, so numbers down with a bang - only 28 moths of 15 species, and no FFYs, and just one Setaceous HC, after such large numbers hitherto. Dusky Thorn (8), and Square-spot Rustic (5) the. top scorers.
7th September 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
A quiet night with just 90 macros of 22 species. It was the first time this year that Large Yellow Underwings were the most numerous species with it making up 30% of the catch. Highlights were my first Pink-barred Sallow of the year and my 2nd Bordered Straw after one in May. This was a much smaller but brighter individual, perhaps home bred.
4th September 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
125 moths of 36 species yielded one NFG, an Ancylosis oblitella (many thanks to James McGill for confirming), a pristine Convolvulus Hawk-moth (my second here and must have bred locally) and my second Scarce Bordered Straw of the year. Plenty of LYU (22), Square Spot Rustic (16) and Setaceous HC (31) made up the numbers.
2nd September 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A better night than earlier in the week, with 93 moths of 31 species. FFG was a nice Caloptilia stigmatella. FFY were Pale Eggar (3rd record, first recorded last year), Centre-barred Sallow (3) and Flounced Rustic (2). I also had 5 more probable Beet Moths. Also of interest was the first of the 2nd generation Heart and Dart. Top scorer with 17 was Setaceous Hebrew Character, which seems to be having a good year generally, followed by Vine's Rustic (10) and Square Spot Rustic (9). I'm pleased to say that Large Yellow Underwings are on the increase - 8 now, biggest count of the year!
2nd September 2022 - Manor Road, Taunton
by John Connolly
86 moths of 22 species which is quite good for my garden this year. 26 Large Yellow Underwing is by far the most I’ve trapped this year to date, 2 Rush Veneer, 2 Small Blood-vein, 1 of the 130 odd varieties of Acleris cristana which I think is a first for my garden and 1 Beet Moth, Scrobipalpa ocelatella, which seems to be popping up everywhere at the moment.
2nd September 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A reasonable catch, 106 moths, but not much variety, only 24 species. Three FFYs - Centre-barred Sallow (5), Frosted Orange, and Vestal. Setaceous HC (27) again the most numerous, and a big increase in Large YU (15). As these last pupate underground, I suspect they may have been struggling to emerge from the very dry hard ground up to now, but if they can survive until we DO actually get some rain, they may recover. Time will tell.
2nd September 2022 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Just ran the actinic and still managed 156 of 36 species. Two FFY : Vestal and Feathered Gothic (5). Others of note : Rush Veneer (8) ; Agriphila inquinatella ; Scoparia pyralella ; Burnished Brass ; Frosted Orange (3) ; Hedge Rustic (4) ; Dark Sword-grass and - at last they are here in numbers - Large Yellow Underwing (53).
2nd September 2022 - Butleigh garden MV
by Sue Davies
Near perfect conditions, but surprisingly low numbers did 29spp. First decent catch of 11, LYUWs. Set.Heb.Ch. still dominant at 30+, followed by Square-spot Rustics, Common Wainscots, Dusky Thorns, Oak Hook-tips and Small Square Spots. First Bulrush Wainscot of the year, Frosted Orange and Cabbage Moth. I also trapped what appears to be a garden first Beet Moth, Scrobipalpa ocellatella - I will try to get Gen det done. They seem to be appearing all over the country in non-coastal locations, migrant or odd dispersal
1st September 2022 - Holcombe
by Christopher Iles
Setaceous Hebrew Character (10), Dusky Thorn (6), Brimstone (5), Centre-barred Sallow (5), Oak Hook-tip (5), Large Yellow Underwing (4), Agriphila tristella (2), Epiphyas postvittana (2), Common Marbled Carpet (2), Red Twin-spot Carpet, Square-spot Rustic, Garden Carpet, Feathered Gothic, Eudonia angustea. More Oak Hook-tips than Large Yellow Underwings! Even stranger, this is my 11th autumn of recording moths in this garden and I have never had this species here before. Feathered Gothic is also new to the garden. For both species, I sit at the centre of a large hole in their distribution, and have done plenty of trapping in the surrounding countryside. Is anyone else noticing them wandering, or having a good year? Plenty of Setaceous Hebrew Characters but very low numbers of Square-spot Rustics again. Dusky Thorn and Centre-barred Sallow are here in better numbers than usual, just as last year, despite the depredations of ash dieback which is very bad in this area.
1st September 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
I too had a suspected Scrobipalpa ocellatella (Beet Moth). It was almost impossible to photograph even after a quick chill in the freezer!
30th August 2022 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
There are a lot of these Scrobipalpa about as Rob has reported. I probably had one on the 28th and then definitely had 3 on the 30th. On the 28th I dismissed the idea that my micro could possibly be S.ocellatella- a costal shingle/saltmarsh species and convinced myself that it might be Tuta absoluta, the tomato pest, and sent it off to Paul Wilkins for confirmation. My lingering doubt is that I do not recall the light/white area on the trailing edge on the 28th specimen my recollection is that the ground colour and markings were across the whole wing. It was also comparatively sedentary unlike the 3 on the 30th!
30th August 2022 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
63 moths of 27 species. At 10.30 it looked encouraging with lots of moths on the wall but seemed to peter out as the cloud cleared and wind got up. A FFY macro was Rosy Rustic. The highlight was 6 Scrobipalpa ocellatella (Beet Moth). This is strictly speaking a category 4 moth (dissection job) but there seems to have been a widespread inland invasion as far north as the midlands, judging from reports and photos on Facebook and Twitter. They are always on the move and difficult to photograph! Also of interest was my highest count of Chines Character (3) and 3 Large Yellow Underwings. Yes, they have been so scarce that 3 is the highest count for several weeks!
30th August 2022 - Addendum to previous report
by Paul Newman
As well as moths, the trap was a cornucopia for entomologists, as there were the following in with the moths:- 6 Caddis Flies, 3 Common Wasps and 1 Hornet, 2 Dor-beetles, 2 Shield Bugs, and 1 Green Clearwing. No partridges in peartrees however !
30th August 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
My first trapping for a month produced 85 moths, but only 22 species, and only 3 FFYs - Dusky Thorn (5), Canary-shouldered Thorn (2), and my second ever Clifden Nonpareil. Setaceous HC (31) the most numerous by far.
30th August 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
This has been a typical August here with lots of moths but very few new ones for the year. There were signs of change last night to a more autumnal selection with my first Frosted Orange and Centre Barred Sallow. 335 macros of 40 species with 151 Setaceous Hebrew Characters the most numerous. Best moth of the night was my first ever trapped Old Lady. My only previous garden record was when I found one in a shed in 2017.
28th August 2022 - Butleigh Garden MV
by Sue Davies
44 spp, maxed out by over 50 Setaceous Hebrew Characters and 30+ Common Wainscots. Chinese Characters seem very abundant at the moment, 8 last night. A female Four-striped Footman, Mocha, Copper Underwing. Plenty of Rush Veneers and 1 Rusty-dot Pearl but no sign of more exotic migrants. Acleris variegana and Laterana and second ever Argyresthia semifusca.
28th August 2022 - Mines of Stigmella Tiliae on Tilia
by Sue Davies
Found for the first time here, on several mature Limes in Butleigh Court parkland and Churchyard copse. Most older and unoccupied, one fresh and occupied. Egg underside.
24th August 2022 - Halsway Manor
by Alastair Stevenson
More good moths at Halsway Manor grounds on David Brown's Butterflies and Moths Study Week. One Vestal, 3 Dark Sword-grass, Mouse Moth, Acleris cristana etc
23rd August 2022 - Butleigh garden
by Sue Davies
A full trap but not a lot of variety with only 36 spp. some lovely late summer moths, several each of Small Blood-vein, Maiden's Blush, Oak Hook-tip, Flounced and Rosy Rustic. Both Common and Orange Swifts, Straw Underwings and Swallow Prominents. Best of the micros Cochylis molliculana, plenty of Rush Veneers and a few Rusty-dot Pearls.
23rd August 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
An Antler Moth and Ypsolopha scabrella (2) were pleasing new records for this location. Eupoecilia angustana, Frosted Orange (first for three years), Cabbage (2) and Orange Swift (3) were all FFY.
23rd August 2022 - Halsway Manor
by Alastair Stevenson
Excellent start to David Brown's Late Summer Moths and Butterflies Course at Halsway Manor. Two Convolvulus Hawk-moths, Delicate, Scarce Bordered Straw. Also 3 Hedge Rustics. 58 Macros seen.
22nd August 2022 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Cloud on the deck with a light drizzle failed to produce another huge haul , possibly the bats patrolling overhead and the hornets in the trap almost as soon as I turned on had something to do with it. It must be like sharing a cell with Hannibal Lecter. In the end 222 moths of 58 species between the two traps. FFY : Cochylimorpha straminae ; Rusty-dot Pearl (2) ; Dark Marbled Carpet ; Frosted Orange and Hedge Rustic (2). Most surprising was a count of 17 Rush Veneer - my previous highest count being 4.
21st August 2022 - Heathfield, TA4
by Simon Davies
Numbers picked up a little and of 27 species 3 were new for the garden including the pictured smart Six-striped Rustic. Star finding was the second Pearly Underwing of the year, first was in May. Rush Veneer well represented again, 7 seen.
21st August 2022 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
Found in the Greenhouse this morning - Convolvulus Hawk-moth, a first for this plot.
20th August 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
I found a dead Common Swift in my porch window this morning - as it certainly wasn't there yesterday, it must have been indoors for a day or so. Presumably an uncommon second-brood individual.
20th August 2022 - Nr Stogumber
by Will Langdon
2 Convolvulus Hawk Moths feeding on Honeysuckle just after dusk in my parents' garden for the last couple of nights, both times making brief visits between 21:10 and 21:30, only caught one here previously, in my MV a few years ago. Other migrants were a lovely Palpita vitrealis to MV last night (2nd garden record) along with good numbers of Rush Veneer and a couple of Udea ferrugalis.
18th August 2022 - Alcombe Moths
by Alastair Stevenson
Couple of good records at home trap: Small Ranunculus, probably new for Exmoor and Scarce Bordered Straw. Also one Pearly Underwing.
17th August 2022 - Dark Crimson Underwing
by Jacqueline Tonkin
Trapped at Lower Langford
17th August 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
146 moths of 47 species, a big drop since Sunday. FFY were Nephopterix angustella (2nd record), Yellow Shell, September Thorn (2) and Dark Spectacle (7th record). Top scorer was Double-striped Pug, with 20, my highest total for this species; they seem to be having a good year. Also of interest were 2 Sharp-angled Carpets, my first multiple record of a species that seems to be more widespread in VC5 than VC6.
17th August 2022 - Convolvulus Hawk-moth
by Maurice Pugh
New for garden here at Curry Rivel. Although the last one seen was way back in 2010 when I was mothing in Hampshire.
15th August 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
What a difference a bit of cloud cover makes. Although the minimum overnight temperature was about the same as Sunday night I recorded 4 times as many moths . 563 macros of 62 species was the busiest night of the year. Vapourer was the only first for the year. Most numerous were 100 Flame Shoulders, 69 Setaceous HC, 51 LBBYU and 37 Common Rustic. 20 Jersey Tigers made a splash of colour. Migrants had their best night of the year with 3 Dark Sword Grass, 2 Pearly Underwings and a Silver Y. No Convolvulus yet. I must grow some Nicotinia next year.
14th August 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Sunday night, the last night of the heatwave, produced excellent results, with 252 moths of 55 species. When you go out to the trap at 10.30 p.m. and have moths flying around you, you know it's going to be a good night! FFY were Orange Swift, Bryotropha domestica, Agriphila selasella (5), Rusty Dot Pearl, Currant Pug (3), Pearly Underwing (my 4th record and first since 2017), Setaceous Hebrew Character (4) and Square-spot Rustic. In addition to Rusty Dot Pearl and Pearly Underwing, migrants were represented by Diamond-back Moth (6) and Rush Veneer (3). It was a good night for micros, with 18 species, including 12 Crambidae. Top scorers were Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (33) and Eudonia mercurella (31). I also had my biggest Jersey Tiger catch (8).
14th August 2022 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Last night of this heatwave brought 514 moths of 94 species. Two FFG : Nephopterix angustella and Catoptria falsella. Others of note were : Ypsolopha paranthesella ; Caryocolum blandella ; Epinotia ramella ; Box-tree Moth (the second trapping running - same individual ?) Agriphila geniculea (2) ; Mocha (2) ; Magpie (2) ; Satin Beauty ; Jersey Tiger (nectaring during the afternoon) ; Pale Mottled Willow ; Common Wainscot (14) ; Dotted Clay (2) and Six-striped Rustic (8). High totals of : Agriphila tristella (83) ; Brimstone Moth (36) Flame Shoulder (18) and S.Hebrew Character (26).
14th August 2022 - Convolvulous Hawk-moth
by Faye Allan
We had a visit from a Convolvulous Hawk-moth on Sunday evening at 21.28 , loved my Nicotiana plants . Have never seen one of these here before. Roadwater, West Somerset
14th August 2022 - Barred Sallow
by Maurice Pugh
My earliest sighting. Previous sightings have been in September and October.
13th August 2022 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
Amongst the 100's of dead Water veneers in the bottom of my trap were a hornet, 7 wasps, a Southern Hawker (is this a record?) was a Tree- lichen beauty which appears be a second record for Somerset and a first for VC6.
13th August 2022 - Otterhead Lakes, Blackdown Hills
by Rob Grimmond
Last night I attended a trapping session at the above site, the third in the last few years or so (followed this morning by a public event). With another clear, dry, night, numbers weren't high but we managed to add a few, common, species to the site list. The most numerous were Straw Dot and Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, with counts of each somewhere between 50 and 100. My trap was located next to a bank of long grass, so it was fascinating to watch the Straw Dots coming in and swaying with the grass stems. I tend to get just the odd individual so it was good to see them in proper breeding habitat. With all the recent talk about wasps and hornets, I must report that I had to move my trap twice because of hornet activity!
13th August 2022 - Butleigh Garden MV
by Sue Davies
Numbers surprisingly low, 52 spp. FFY Straw Underwings and Flounced Rustics. Commonest macros Dingy Footmen, Lesser BBYU and Set.Heb.Chs. Also Poplar HMs-4, Jersey Tigers- 5. Several Rush Veneers and 2 White-points. Nice to see 3 Nephopterix angustella amongst the common micros.
12th August 2022 - Hornets
by Tim Howard
Paul - I tip my hat to you but I'm not so brave , however, and this may help others who find them in traps, I use a garden cane to remove them. I find that they are happy to climb on and easy to tap off somewhere safe. No Hornets were harmed in the preparation of this tip !
12th August 2022 - Hornets
by Paul Newman
Tim - I have found that hornets are very docile as a general rule - I have frequently allowed them to walk on to my fingers for release from within the trap, with absolutely no concerns. In my former home in East Lydford, we had hornets using an old bird nestbox, and they were absolutely no bother at all. You could stand a few feet away and happily watch them going about their business, but I never touched the nest !!
8th August 2022 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Rob - I'll see your wasps and raise you 5 Hornets, but no stings thankfully. An excellent night brought 389 moths of 110 species. Three FFG + a couple more possibles : Box Tree Moth ; Small China-mark and Tissue with good candidates for Strawberry Tortrix and Golden Rod Pug. Other highlights : Scrobipalpa costella (2) ; Acleris forsskaleana ; Cochylis molliculana (2) ; Lesser Wax Moth ; Gold Triangle ; Rush Veneer (3) ; Chevron (2) ; Narrow-winged Pug (2) ; six species of Thorn ; Marbled Beauty ; Dun-bar (2) and Six-striped Rustic. Top scorers were Eudonia mercurella and Brimstone Moth at 25 each.
8th August 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
What we put up with for our passions! I went out to the trap at 5.30. a.m. on Tuesday and promptly suffered two wasp stings, on the hand and upper back, before I'd even touched the trap. Nonetheless it was a good session, with 129 moths of 46 species. FFY were Honeysuckle Moth, Notocelia roborana, Oak Eggar (2 females), Oak Hook-tip (3rd record and first since 2015) and Small Rufous (3rd record, first since 2015). The last named is occasional here and presumably comes from some lakes lower down in the valley. Top scorer was Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, with 23. After big numbers a few weeks ago, Common Footman was down to just a couple. Still few Large Yellow Underwings; just one again.
6th August 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
75 moths of 37 species, including one FFG - Eupoecilia angustana. FFY were Pyrausta despicata (2, six and seventh records) and Purple Bar. Common Footman now down to 2! Just one Large Yellow Underwing again.
6th August 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
I found a FFY female Orange Swift in my kitchen this morning - must have snuck in the open door last evening.
4th August 2022 - Jersey Tiger Moth
by Roger Harrison
Seen at Trymview Hall at about noon. Resting on a fence paling and then flew to a nearby tree.
3rd August 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
It turned out to be a somewhat flat night, with 77 moths of 37 species. FFY were Agriphila tristella (2), Canary-shouldered Thorn, Dusky Thorn (5) and Rosy Minor (first since 2019 and 5th record overall). Interestingly I had two Least Underwings, adding to one last week; previously I'd recorded just three, in 2013 (2) and 2015 (1). So the species seems to be doing well here this year, unlike its bigger cousin, Large Yellow. Autumn is definitely on the way!
3rd August 2022 - Butleigh Garden
by Sue Davies
Pretty poor considering the still warm night. Just over 50 species, only Migrants, Rush Veneers and Rusty-dot Pearls.FFYs Dusky Thorn, Rosy and Square-spot Rustics, Orange Swift and Oak Eggar. Pebble Hook-tip, Pebble and Pale Prominent reappeared. The pond is still producing Ringed, Small and Beautiful China-marks and Elephant HMs hanging on.
2nd August 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Slightly disappointing numbers as it looked as if it would be excellent conditions. In the end the wind was stronger than forecast and with less cloud cover I only recorded just over 300 macros of 67 species. Highlight was easily my first ever Barred Rivulet whilst Nutmeg was a first for the year.
1st August 2022 - Kestrels Rise, Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
I was expecting a good night with a min temp of 18.2c and low cloud and a little 'mizzle'. I was not disappointed. 414 moths of 108 species. FFG : Nemapogon koenigi ; Celypha cespitana ( both subject to confirmation) and Bordered Beauty at last. Other FFY included : Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix ; Eupoecilia angustana (2) ; Cydia splendana ; Northern Spinach ; Dusky Thorn (3) ; Small Rufous (3) - last one was 5 years ago , and Lesser B B Yellow Underwing (4). Dark Arches with 18 was the top score so it looks like the Footmen are nearly done for the year.
1st August 2022 - Heathfield, TA4
by Simon Davies
93 moths 46 species to MV in the garden. Vestal (last seen here 7/8/21), dusky thorn* and ear moth* (2) were highlights. Continuing to pick up "lifers" at pace, 5 micros, 6 macros, as year 3 proceeds. (* imaged)
1st August 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
93 moths of 40 species. FFY were Bryotropha affinis (3), Garden Rose Tortrix, Copper Underwing, Small Wainscot and Straw Dot (2).
1st August 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
Well, I have plenty of species on my 'wish list' but I wasn't reckoning on a Webb's Wainscot (NFG)! One species that was on that list was a Dusky Sallow (NFG). 65 species (and counting) including many FFY including: Rosy Rustic, Six-striped Rustic, Gold Spot (2), Copper Underwing, Narrow-winged Pug, Bryotropha affinis, Monopis laevigella, Yponomeuta plumbella (2), Water Veneer (3), Acrobasis advenella and Acleris laterana. I also had nine Jersey Tigers including one f. lutescens.
1st August 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
346 macros of 67 species dominated by Dingy Footman, Common Rustic, LBBY Underwing and Flame Shoulder. No obvious migrants but Marbled Beauty, Copper Underwing and Plain Pug all firsts for the year.
1st August 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
I found a FFY Pebble Prominent in the porch this morning, presumably it had been lurking since last trapping.
30th July 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another 'manageable' catch (night of 29/30) - 90 moths of 40 species, with 5 FFYs - Jersey Tiger, Lesser YU, Mocha, Dusky Sallow, and Epiblema foenella. Referring to this last species, the distribution map shows a large area of VC6 with no other records/locations than mine, but I catch it in small numbers every year, so it must be around.
30th July 2022 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A decent haul last night - 116 moths of 39 species. FFY were Codling Moth (2), Euzophera pinguis, Small White Wave (4th record, first since 2019), Lesser Swallow Prominent, Swallow Prominent and Least Yellow Underwing (4th record, others in 2013 (2) and 2015). Common Footman was top scorer again, this time 27. Of interest was the fact I had 4 yellow underwing species but not one of them was Large Yellow. That species is a bit of a puzzle this year. So far I've recorded 24 compared to 80 in the same period last year. Yet 2020's equivalent total was just 18. Perhaps it's just natural swings in the population.
29th July 2022 - Jersey Tiger
by Lynne Abbott
Spotted a Jersey Tiger Moth resting on our Fuscia bush here in Nether Stowey, Somerset.
29th July 2022 - Nether Stowey
by Lynne Abbott
Lots of Mint Moths on our Moroccan Mint at the moment.
29th July 2022 - Cinnabar Moth
by Rob Grimmond
A small clump of Ragwort appeared in our garden this year. On checking it this morning, I found a Cinnabar caterpillar munching away. It's the first larva I've found in the garden; previously I'd only had an adult to light in 2013. How good is Ragwort!
29th July 2022 - Middlezoy garden moths
by Simon Phelps
67 species in my Middlezoy garden moth trap this morning. Highlights: Magpie, Orange Swift, Iron Prominent, Garden Pebble, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Jersey Tiger, Dusky Thorn, Blood-vein, Burnished Brass, Cabbage, Straw Underwing, Canary-shouldered Thorn.
28th July 2022 - Ectoedemia septembrella in Radstock
by Neale Mellersh
Hello all. Caught Ectoedemia septembrella in garden a few days ago. Also confirmed my intial ID with the leafmines on Saint Johns wort as well.
28th July 2022 - Jersey Tiger
by J W Glaze
We spotted this moth, not knowing what it was, just outside Wookey Hole. We consulted our "Collins gem" and believe it to be a Jersey Tiger, which the book stated: "...but only in Devon in Britain." Thought you might like to know.
28th July 2022
by Paul Newman
You're quite right, "JW" - the Jersey Tiger has spread rapidly in recent years, and is now a regular in Somerset - known to be breeding here too.
28th July 2022 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
A relatively manageable 373 species of 98 species (compared with '' Heatwave night ''). 15 FFY : Ypsolopha scabrella ; Chequered Fruit-tree Tortrix ; Garden Rose Tortrix ; Notocelia roborana (2) ; Cydia fagiglandana ; Agriphila straminella ; Scorched Carpet (3) ; Canary-shouldered Thorn ; September Thorn (3) ; Gold Spot ; Copper Underwing agg ; Antler Moth ; B B Yellow Underwing and Kent Black Arches. Top scorers again Common Footman (72) followed by Bright-line Brown-eye (38).
28th July 2022 - Curry Mallet
by Ros Cole
Eucosma obumbratana Two-coloured Bell in garden
27th July 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Nicely manageable numbers - 116 moths of 44 species, including 4 FFYs - Flounced Rustic, Bee Moth (Aphomia sociella), Acleris laterana (2), and Acrobasis advenella. These bring the species total for the year to date past the 200 mark - quite a bit better than it was looking early on in the year.
26th July 2022 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A cooler night produced 95 moths of 26 species. FFY were Ypsolopha scabrella, Agriphila straminella, Four-spotted Footman (male) and Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing. The Footman was my 4th record in 15 years, but I've now recorded it two years running. It's cousin, Common Footman, vied with Common Rustic agg. for most numerous species but it was a tie with 17 of each.
25th July 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
I don't normally identify micros ( I'm very impressed by those who do) but this little moth caught my attention this morning. I have identified it as an idea fulvalis which looks like an good record according to the wonderful species map on the website.
25th July 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
My third Scarce Bordered Straw was a highlight along with two Ear Moths agg., my third in a week having had only two in the last ten years. Other notable species included: Small Phoenix, Black Arches (2), Oak Eggar (2), Dusky Thorn, September Thorn (2), Vestal, Least Yellow Underwing, Rivulet, Small Rivulet, Gothic, Dog's Tooth, Maple Pug (3), Svensson's Copper Underwing, Cydia splendana, Bactra robustana and Endothenia marginana.
25th July 2022 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
It is a month since I last posted and catches have varied between 70-90 species probably the best prolonged period I have experienced in my modest 'career'. I was grateful, yet again , to other contributors to 'Latest Sightings'. Rob's photo of the dark form of Box tree moth saved me hours of puzzling, after one turned up in my trap on the 25th. Amongst my catches I have had a steady stream of FFGs: 8th July - Lappet and Haworth's pug 9th July- Sandy carpet and Oak nycteoline 12th July -Ethmia dodecea. And confirmed by David Agassiz -Caloptilia semifascia and 2 Bilberry pugs. The latter appear to be firsts for VC6 and a strange moth to record down here on the moor. The nearest bilberry must be on Mendip at Black Down, a good 8 miles away. 13th July - Coronation tortrix and identified by Paul Wilkins - Parornix fifnitinella. 15th July - Dichomeris alacella and identified by Paul Wilkins - Oegoconia caradjai, which appears to be a first for VC6 and 3rd record for Somerset. 16th July - Mompha propinquella - another confirmed by Paul Wilkins and finally on the 20th - Evergestis pallidata. On the 13th I also had another Anarsia inoxiella, after the 3 I had in July last year, so this new species for Somerset is still around here.
25th July 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The cooler nights, whilst kind to me, have not been overly productive in terms of moths in traps. Only 61 of 19 species on 22/7, with a female Oak Eggar the only FFY, and Buff Ermine (13) the most numerous. Not much better on 25/7 - 71 moths, of a slightly more varied 35 species, but again only one FFY - a SIngle-dotted Wave. Migrants still thin on the ground here - a scattering of male Four-spotted Footman the only ones for some time.
24th July 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
A much quieter night due to the wind and it was a last minute decision to put the trap out only after seeing the migrants being recorded in Dorset. No Orache Moth but I did have a Splendid Brocade, a 2nd garden record. I also had my first ever Box Tree Moth. What an impressive micro it is!
24th July 2022 - Heathfield TA4
by Simon Davies
Quieter trap this week with 57 moths of 39 species but still 12 new for year species including 6 new micros: I was interested in Parapoynx stratiotata (Ringed China-mark) and Acentria ephemeralla (Water veneer), both new to me and perhaps benefiting from my new (2019) and maturing wildlife pond.
22nd July 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Another busy night with 472 macros of 78 species. Most numerous were Common Footman with 122 followed by Dingy Footman with 52. Firsts for the year included Lunar-spotted Pinion, Six-striped Rustic, Light Arches, Rosy Rustic, Ruddy Carpet and my first Ear Moth(agg) for 7 years.
21st July 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
After the Lord Mayor's Show on Monday night, a more manageable catch - 140 moths of 39 species. FFY were Agapeta zoegana (2nd record, first in 2014), Small China-mark (2nd record), Buff Footman, Dark Sword-grass and The Rustic (4). Common Footman still the big scorer, this time with 51. Also of note was another True Lover's Knot, different to the individual caught on Monday. I've been recording the species regularly and suspect it's breeding locally on garden heather.
20th July 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas 18th July Postscript
by Rob Grimmond
One of my photos was puzzling on me so, on re-checking I discovered I had a dark form Box-tree Moth, a garden first! The species is not illustrated in Sterling & Parsons and some websites show just the black and white form (but ours does!). It was first recorded in the county in 2017. Another FFG was Metzneria metzneriella. Final discoveries were my first Athrips mouffetella for 12 years (and just my 2nd record) and Metalampra italica, which I've now recorded in three successive years, so it appears to have become established locally.
20th July 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The first trapping for a week due to the heatwave produced 145 moths of 55 species, including 4 FFYs - Shaded Broad-bar. Agriphila tristella, Euzophera pinguis, and Crambus lathoniellus, plus one FFG, a Black Arches. What a stunning moth !!
20th July 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Addendum to earlier report - a round-up of strays from the last trapping produced a further 11 moths, and 6 species, including a FFY Ruby Tiger and a FFG Honeysuckle Moth (Ypsolopha dentella). Also of interest one of the unusual pale yellow form (f. stramineola) of the Dingy Footman. Totals now 156 moths, 61 species.
19th July 2022 - Red - necked Footman-Wellington
by Roy Kelly
Highlight was a Red- necked Footman, also Knot Grass, Sycamore, Coronet, Light Emerald, Small Phoenix, Lime-speck Pug , numerous Jersey Tigers. Micro’s included Ringed China-mark, Hypsopygia glaucinalis, Dark Fruit - tree Tortix and Euzophera pinguis.
19th July 2022 - Burnham-on-sea
by Andy Slade
Cydia Amplana the highlight at Burnham-on-sea, also had Acroerops brongniardella.
18th July 2022 - Lunar Hornet Moth at Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
So pleased to attract another Lunar Hornet Moth after many fruitless day of trying.
18th July 2022 - Striped Hawk-moth
by Carolyn Stroud
This came to rest in our back garden yesterday late morning, basking quite still for several minutes on an area of rather wild flower bed, in Woolavington. We noticed it fly in thinking it might be the hummingbird hawk moth which is not unusual here, but as it didn’t move on immediately we were able to get closer to it and grab this photo. We didn’t know what it was but friends on FB told us it was the striped hawk moth. I didn’t see it go but am so pleased to have seen it!
18th July 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
An extremely busy night with easily the most moths recorded for at least two years. A total of 554 counted macros of an amazing 93 different species. If I recorded micros as well I would have really struggled as at even 5.30 am everything was still very flighty. Most numerous were Common Footman with 111 followed by 33 Elephant Hawk Moths. 16 Coronets are worth a mention along with 3 male and a female Four-spotted Footman. Although I don't count micros I must have seen at least 25 European Corn Borers which must be resident as the only obvious migrant was a lone Silver Y. Highlights were my first Barred Red for 8 years and 3 Clay Triple Lines. In over 20 years I have only recorded this species 3 times and all as singletons.
18th July 2022 - Heathfield, Taunton
by Simon Davies
51 species in the garden MV trap for first time here: after a quiet start to 2022, many "catch-up" first-for-year moths in the 150+ identified. *Four-spotted footman, *Jersey tiger and *broad bordered yellow underwing were notable. (*imaged)
18th July 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
My best ever trapping session, with 382 moths of 74 species. FFG was Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet & FFY were Crassa unitella (3), Anania coronata (3), Rush Veneer, Gold Triangle, Pebble Hook-tip, Wormwood Pug, The Magpie, August Thorn, Dingy Footman (5), Lesser Yellow Underwing, True Lover's Knot (5th record), The Clay, The Dun-bar (4th record) and The Herald (2nd record, previous in 2013). I still have a few micros to sort out. Top scorer was Common Footman, with at least 160, the highest total I've recorded for this species. The Coronet seems to be having a good year here.
16th July 2022 - RSPB Ham Wall
by Rob Grimmond
Chris Iles and John Connolly carried out trapping at Ham Wall on Saturday night and I joined them for the public event on Sunday morning. There was a good selection of moths, including wetland species such as Chilo phragmitella, Donacaula forficella, Brown, Ringed and Small China-marks, Round-winged Muslin, Double Lobed and Bulrush and Silky Wainscots. More widespread species included Pebble Hook-tip, Peach Blossom, Sallow Kitten and Yellow-tail. My thanks to Chris and John for doing the trapping on behalf of the Moth Group.
15th July 2022 - Lunar Hornet Moth
by Ian Mathieson
After reading of successes with the pheromone lure elsewhere in the county I decided to give it a final go in the garden. After only a few minutes this beauty turned up. Definitely a first for me.
13th July 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another busy night, with 160 moths of 61 species, including 5 FFYs - Lesser Broad-bordered YU, Dark Brocade, Agapeta hamana, Acleris homiana and Gold Triangle. Also of interest, 2 more Kent Black Arches and 2 more Four-spotted Footman males. Common Footman (32) certainly living up to their name !
13th July 2022 - Vapourers at Radstock
by Neale Mellersh
After watching a pair of Vapourers quartering above our terrace and then observing as one found a flightless female on our wood shed!! (see photo) We should have known it would be a mad trap. Actinic trap twin 30w Skinner (modified) lights on at 9.30pm, lights off at 4am. So far have I identified 163 species which smashes our previous record set last July. I have not tallied up the numbers yet but it is easily (water veneers aside) the largest single trap I have ever recorded in some 50 odd years of mothing.
13th July 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
A record 95 species with two FFG: Beautiful Snout and Phalonidia manniana (thanks to James McGill for confirming). 25 FFY included: Dun-bar, True Lover's Knot (5 - a record), Small Emerald, Jersey Tiger (earliest recorded), Phoenix, Common Lutestring (only my second record), Pinion-streaked Snout, Cloaked Carpet (second record), Small Rivulet, Lesser-spotted Pinion, Mompha propinquella, Lobesia abscisana (2), Crassa unitella,Phycitodes binaevella, Euzophera pinguis (2). Phew!
13th July 2022 - White Satin moth - Yeovil
by John Day
Another "first" for the garden (I think!)
13th July 2022 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
626 moths of 136 species not counting the escapees and the the ones too worn to ID ! Two FFG in the shape of Ruddy Carpet and Small Argent and Sable. A further 20 were FFY. Highlights : Ghost Moth ; Honeysuckle Moth ; Anania coronata ; Anania crocealis ; Oak Eggar ; Drinker (2) ; Cloaked Carpet (2) ; Narrow-winged Pug ; Satin Beauty ; Grass Emerald ; Large Emerald (2) ; Black Arches ; Ruby Tiger ; Garden Tiger ; Pinion-streaked Snout ; Muslin Footman (6) ; Four-spotted Footman (3) ; Sycamore and Double Lobed (2). Highest totals were: Riband Wave (29) ; Rosy Footman (29) ; Common Footman (33) and True Lovers Knot (42).
13th July 2022 - Lappett and Sycamore
by Alick Simmons
Delighted with two species new for the garden - Lappett and Sycamore - came to a 40W actinic Heath trap in my Barrington garden.
12th July 2022 - Heathfield TA4
by Simon Davies
Garden MV trap 12th July Heathfield TA4, VC5. 104 moths: 30 sp macro, 12 sp micro 9 new for garden, 7 new (life). New for the garden were: *Double lobed lateroligia orthogramma Currant pug Scorched carpet Small fan foot Herminia grisealis Micro-moths : Nomophila noctuella (rush veneer) Acleris forsskaleana 2 Yponeuta cagnagella (spindle ermine) Notocelia uddmanniana (bramble shoot moth) *Achroia grisella (lesser wax moth)
11th July 2022 - Lunar Hornet Moth
by Steve Chapple
Spurred on by Rob's Lunar Hornet record yesterday I set out my two year old LUN lure at about 11am. I had no luck last year but thought it worth another try in the morning this time. Within a few minutes one had swept in and was circling the lure enabling a positive identification. Completely unprepared I located my net and swished at it but when checking the net found it wasn't there. It didn't return and I'm concerned that I may have hit it with the rim in my excitement. I continued in vain for another two hours without success. Such an exciting yet very fustrating morning!
11th July 2022 - Poplar Hawk-moth
by Pete Cutler
Two mating Poplar Hawk-moths photographed resting on Twisted Willow tree in private garden.
11th July 2022 - Middlezoy garden moths
by Simon Phelps
Have had some good catches in my Middlezoy garden recently. 77 species on the 11th, 55 species on the 9th and 52 species on the 6th. Highlights: Small Scallop, Blackneck, Muslin Footman, Olive, Blue-bordered Carpet, European Corn Borer, True Lovers Knot, Marbled Green, Rosy Footman, July Highflyer, Coronet, Chinese Character, Privet Hawk-moth, Kent Black Arches, Brussels Lace, Buff-tip, Dusky Brocade, Drinker, Carcina quercana, Lackey, Beautiful Hook-tip, Peppered, Oak Nycteoline, Shark, Tawny-barred Angle. I have also been having a Hummingbird Hawk-moth regularly in the garden over the past few weeks.
11th July 2022 - Wellington
by Roy Kelly
Good selection in trap included Swallow-tailedMoth, Clouded Border, Small Yellow Wave, BrownTail, Wormwood Pug, Toadflax Pug, Muslin Footman, Beautiful Hook-tip, micros included Ypsolopha sequella, Agapeta hamana . FFG was a Oak Nycteoline .
11th July 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A busy night, with 190 moths of 70 species, my best species count since July 2018. FFG was Parachronistis albiceps and FFY were Bird-cherry Ermine, Paraswammerdamia albicapitella (2nd record, previous in 2013), Teleiodes vulgella, Clepsis consimilana, Pseudargyrotoza conwagana (1st for 5 years), Eudonia mercurella (10), Royal Mantle (5th record, 3 of which have been in the last two years), Small Rivulet, Small Yellow Wave, Scarlet Tiger and Cabbage Moth. The Coronet seems to be having a good year, with 9 being my highest count since 2013. Micros have improved of late, with Eudonia lacustrata peaking at 24. Top scorer of the night was Common Footman, with 31.
10th July 2022 - Hummingbird Hawk Moth
by Jennifer Brown
I have seen the above twice now in our garden in Ashcott Somerset, not very clear as it doesn’t stop moving.
10th July 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Clearwings again this morning, this time two Lunar Hornet Moths and a Red-belted Clearwing attracted to lures at around 10.45, barely five minutes after the lures went out. That's five clearwing species added to the garden list in less than three weeks!
10th July 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Numbers down a little on previous catches, 110 moths of 50 species, with just one FFY, Acleris forsskaleana, but no fewer than three FFGs - Small Dotted Buff, Strawberry Tortrix (A. comariana) and Eucosma campoliliana.
9th July 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
186 macros of 59 species from a clear night was a reasonable catch. Scarlet Tiger, Small Rivulet, Clay,Small Phoenix and Leopard Moth were amongst the firsts for the year. 20 Elephant Hawk Moths were the most numerous. I also had this wainscoting which I have provisionally id'd as a Striped Wainscot. If that is what it is it would be a first for my garden.
9th July 2022 - Radstock
by Neale Mellersh
A Good night here in Radstock. Twin 30w Actinic Skinner. Light on at 9.30pm - light off at 4am. 83 species 227 moths including 32 Hawk moths. Which made things a wee bit lively. Weather is set and we are past transition and into overlap now with warm dry weather this will maximise the catches. First for garden was Epinotia subocellana.
9th July 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
An evening round-up of strays from the previous night's catch produced just 5 more moths, but included a FFY Short-cloaked Moth.
9th July 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A good Saturday night, 116 moths of 43 species. FFY were Mother of Pearl, The Drinker (female), Single-dotted Wave, Rosy Footman (2), Smoky Wainscot, The Sycamore, Marbled Green and Plain Golden Y (first for 5 years). Earlier in the day I added a third clearwing species to the garden list - Yellow-legged Clearwing.
8th July 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another warm night, with similar numbers to last time, but less variety - 125 moths of 48 species, including only 2 FFYs - Dun-bar (2) and Yellow-tail, plus one FFG, a Triple-spotted Pug. Common Footman (16) the most numerous.
7th July 2022 - Butleigh garden MV
by Sue Davies
Best night yet with 56spp. FFYs included, Fern, Kent Black Arches, Black Arches, Double Square-spot, Coronet, Dwarf Cream Wave, Common Wave, Green Pug, Light Emerald, Drinker, Four-spotted Footman m, and White-point. Elephant Hawk-moth still the commonest sp at 14!
7th July 2022 - Pine Hawk-moth in Yeovil
by John Day
Yet another "first" for my garden.
7th July 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
66 species last night including: Scarce Silver-lines (only my second record), Four-spot Footman, Bulrush Wainscot, Haworth's Pug, Dot Moth, Swallowtailed, Epinotia signatana, Rhodophaea formosa, European Corn-borer (2), Acleris forsskaleana, Epinotia signatana, Hypsopygia glaucinalis, Brachmia blandella, Endotricha flammealis (2) and Calamotropha paludella. Also a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in the garden today (my third garden record) to complete a really good day.
7th July 2022 - Heathfield, Taunton
by Simon Davies
Garden trap to MV was a record for me with 93 moths : 29 species macros, 8 species micros. 8 elephant and 2 poplar hawk moths also exceeded all previous. New for the garden were European corn borer, Pyraustra purpuralis and Rhodophaea formosa (beautiful knot horn).
7th July 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A good night with 83 moths of 39 species. FFY were Timothy Tortrix (only 2nd record, first in 2013), Crambus perlella, Eudonia delunella, European Corn-borer (first recorded last year), Anania crocealis (3rd record), Dwarf Cream Wave, July Highflyer, Dot Moth, Poplar Grey and The Fan-Foot. Not a bad night for micros!
7th July 2022 - Kestrels Rise Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Apologies for the belated report. Another big catch - 363 moths of 111 species. Two FFG : Wood Sage Plume (first for vc5. Thanks to Neale Mellersh for the ID) and Lead-coloured Pug. A further 21 were FFY : Blastobacna hellerella ; Epinotia nisella ; Eucosma compoliliana ; Gypsonoma dealbana ; Euzophera pinguis ; The Drinker ; Small Fan-footed Wave (4) ; Small Blood-vein (my second) ; Green Pug (2) ; Large Emerald ; Beautiful Snout (my second) ; Garden Tiger ; Rosy Footman ; Muslin Footman ; Miller and Shark (2) were the best of them. Top scorer was True Lovers Knot (17).
6th July 2022 - Pen Elm, Taunton
by Steve Chapple
Two second garden records today: a Red-tipped Clearwing was attracted to my ageing FOR lure and a Meal Moth found on my shed door - the last one was recorded in June 2016.
6th July 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A busy night, with 120 moths of 61 species, including no fewer than 10 FFYs - Swallow-tailed Moth (2), Buff Footman (3), July Highflyer (2), Dot Moth , Four-spotted Footman, Dark Umber (2), Small Ermine (Yponomeuta agg.), Crambus perlella, Mother of Pearl, and Anania coronata, plus one FFG., a Kent Black Arches.
6th July 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
Good numbers last night with nearly two hundred macros of 63 species. Firsts for the year included Kent Black Arches, Peach Blossom, Small Yellow Wave, Small Blood Vein and Slender Pug. Also of interest was a very well marked Riband Wave and my first dark Peppered Moth for at least 10 years. What is worrying though is the lack of common species I am recording. Heart and Darts and Dark Arches made up 34% of all moths between 20th June and 5th July two years ago. Last year the figure was just under 30%. This year it is less than 9%. What are the bats and birds feeding on?
5th July 2022 - Clouded Magpie at Yeovil
by John Day
The first record of this species in my garden in over 50 years of trapping - and very welcome too!.
5th July 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A much better night with 89 moths of 32 species. FFY were Brown House-moth, Red-barred Tortrix, The Lychnis, The Shark and Common Rustic agg. Dark Arches was the most numerous species, with 10.
4th July 2022
by Christopher Iles
Plenty of leaf mines of Enteucha acetosae at Ubley Warren today - as far as I know, just the third site in Somerset for this, Britain's smallest moth.
3rd July 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A cool night, apparently not too good for moths - just 60 of 27 species, and only one FFY, a Scalloped Oak. Beautiful Hook-tips (5) having a good year.
2nd July 2022 - Butleigh Garden MV
by Sue Davies
44 species in the trap this morning. FFYs included Orange Moth, Lilac Beauty, Lychnis, Gold Spot, Magpie, Ephestia woodiella, Bramble Shoot Moth, Bee Moth, Mother of Pearl and a White Plume in the garden yesterday. A garden first worn Barred Red, thanks to JC for the ID
2nd July 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A somewhat disappointing night, with 27 moths of 15 species. FFY were Small Fan-footed Wave and Common Emerald.
1st July 2022 - Unknown pug
by Ian Mathieson
I potted this pug at dusk last night feeding on thyme. I would appreciate any help in identification. The photo doesn’t really do it credit as it is very well marked. The most obvious feature is it’s large size, bigger than any pug I’ve seen before.
1st July 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another reasonable catch - 88 moths of 40 species, including 5 FFYs - Common Rustic agg., Rosy Footman, Drinker, Double Square-spot and Dingy Footman.
27th June 2022 - Butleigh garden
by Sue Davies
A good mix of 46spp, new for year, Grey/Dark Dagger, Lackey, Swallow-tailed Moth, Mottled Rustic, Single-dotted Wave, Garden Pebble, Eudonia delunella, Hawthorn Moth, Anania coronata, Beautiful Plume and Lozotaenia forsterana.
27th June 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A quiet night (especially now that Glasto has ended !!), and cool, so numbers not all that high - 85 moths of 35 species, with only 2 FFYs - Blue-bordered Carpet and Buff Arches.
27th June 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Yesterday's overnight forecast suggested dry conditions with lighter winds so I took a risk and put the trap out. It turned out to be a good decision, resulting in 65 moths of 30 species. FFY were Buff Arches, Scalloped Oak, Mottled Beauty, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Bordered Straw (2) and Burnished Brass. The clear stars were 2 Bordered Straws, my 3rd and 4th after 2 records of singletons in June 2015. Otherwise a good selection of FFY. 11 Buff Ermines provided the highest species total. Wednesday postscript - on clearing the trap on Wednesday morning, I discovered a third, albeit dead, Bordered Straw. So that's three in one night!
26th June 2022 - Curry Mallet Bordered Straw
by Ros Cole
Bordered Straw in trap last night.
26th June 2022 - Shapwick Heath
by Paul Bowyer
Epinotia cruciana found on a nettle leaf this morning at Shapwick Heath
26th June 2022 - Whitestaunton
by Roger Harris
Few moths on a cool, overcast night on the Blackdowns but ffy Buff Arches, Burnished Brass and Lesser Swallow Prominent. Also a single yellow-legged clearwing to lure in my Whitestaunton garden.
25th June 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Numbers down with a bang, mainly due, I suspect, to the cooler night, and a nice drop of rain for my noisy neighbours at Glasto. Ho! Ho! Ho! Just 61 moths of 33 species, and only one FFY, an Oegoconia agg. (probably "quadripuncta", but I'm not planning to have it chopped up to prove it).
25th June 2022 - Burnham on Sea
by Mike Strange
Only 22 Moths of 8 species last night. The most notable of which was a first for me, Obscure Wainscot.
24th June 2022 - Burnham on Sea
by Mike Strange
30 moths of 17 species last night. Among the usual suspects were Endotricha flammealis, Anania coronata, Udea prunalis, Rusty Dot Pearl and FFY Barred Yellow.
23rd June 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
After yesterday's success with Currant Clearwing, I decided to put out another two lures this afternoon. Incredibly an Orange-tailed Clearwing turned up within 10 minutes! I've since discovered that we have the foodplant in the garden (Wayfaring-tree).
23rd June 2022 - Burnham on Sea
by Mike Strange
A Sharp drop in temperature and showers last night resulting in 41 Moths of 18 species. Macro Smoky Wainscot and Burnished Brass, 1 of each. Micro 1 Ethnia dodecea.
23rd June 2022 - Norton Sub Hamdon
by IAN MATHIESON
Best night of the year so far despite heavy rain . 222 macros of 58 different species. Common Emerald, Clouded Border, Common, Scarce and Muslin Footman, Lilac Beauty, Smokey Wainscot and one of my favourite moths, Blue-bordered Carpet, were all firsts for the year. 20 Elephant and 5 Privet Hawk Moths were also notable.
23rd June 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Far and away the largest catch this year - 182 moths of 64 species, including 8 FFYs - Dark/Grey Dagger agg., Clay (2), Yellow Shell, Green Pug, Dusky Brocade (2), Bramble Shoot Moth (N.uddmanniana), Grey Tortrix agg. (4), and Eudonia pallida, plus a FFG Aethes tesserana.
22nd June 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
My first Clearwing, a Currant, attracted by a lure late this afternoon. After no success with lures last year, it was really good to hit the jackpot!
22nd June 2022 - Currant Clearwing
by Ian Mathieson
At least 6 Currant Clearwings on a patch of Creeping Thyme in the garden this morning. I also saw 3 Humming Bird hawk moths on lavender outside Bridgwater police station at dusk last night. This is more than I saw during a two week stay in Greece earlier this month where they were notable by their almost complete absence.
22nd June 2022 - Cocklake
by Steve Pilkington
Decent haul here, 69 species, 46 macros. Just the one new species for the garden Epinotia bilunana. Good year for Hummingbird HMs here as well after an absence of 5 years.
22nd June 2022 - Burnham on Sea
by Mike Strange
75 Moths of 30 species last night. 5 FFY`s Macros, Grey Pug. Middle Barred Minor, Small Dusty Wave, Single Dotted Wave, and as yet unidentified Minor spec. Micro FFY`s. Gypsonoma sociana, Hypsopygia glaucinalis.
22nd June 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A very good night, with 121 moths of 50 species. FFY were Large Fruit-tree Tortrix (2), Carnation Tortrix, Lozotaenia forsterana, Celypha striana, Thistle Ermine (2), Barred Yellow (2), Lobster Moth, Common Wainscot, The Miller, Marbled White Spot (first for 4 years) and Beautiful Hook-tip. It was nice to get a decent number of micros at last. Top scorer was Eudonia lacustrata (11), followed by Elephant Hawk-moth (10).
22nd June 2022 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
Another big catch provided 453 moths of 113 species between the two traps. Two FFG were : Argyresthia brockeella and Brown Plume. Another 16 were FFY including : Coleophora mayrella (3) ; Red-barred Tortrix ; Lozotaenia forsterana ; Bramble-shoot Moth ; Ringed China-mark ; Lackey ; Single-dotted Wave ; Small Yellow Wave ; Swallow-tailed Moth ; Grass Emerald ; Common Footman ; Coronet ; Double Lobed ; Clay (2) and True Lovers Knot. Others of note Fox Moth ; Poplar Hawk-moth (2) ; Privet Hawk-moth (5) Top scorers were : Shoulder-striped Wainscot (31) Heart and Dart (25) and Flame (22).
22nd June 2022 - Norton Fitzwarren
by Steve Chapple
2022 has been a good year so far here for macro moths with 153 species recorded to date but only 58 micros. I’ve had four new macro species (Small Seraphim (23/5), Brown Rustic (27/5), Striped Hawk-moth (23/5) and a Northern Drab (1/5*) and have also recorded three moths that I have only seen once here previously: Scallop Shell (18/6), Pinion-streaked Snout (22/6) and Scarlet Tiger (22/6). My ageing pheromone lures have attracted Red-belted Clearwing (15/6) and Currant Clearwing (2/6). My latest trapping session yielded 70 species with 20 FFY including: Lilac Beauty, Buff Footman, Scarlet Tiger, Blue-bordered Carpet, Light Arches, Homoeosoma sinuella, Pseudargyrotoza conwagana and Helcystogramma rufescens. The Elephant Hawk-moth was the most frequent with 10. *Please look at my Northern Drab picture and let me know if you disagree with my identification. I have compared hundreds of pictures and cannot see what else it could be.
21st June 2022 - Orange-tailed Clearwing
by Alick Simmons
On 21 June, three orange-tailed clearwings came to a pheromone lure placed in my Barrington garden.
21st June 2022 - Burnham on Sea
by Mike Strange
56 Moths of 23 Species. FFY Elephant Hawkmoth 1.FF Garden, Ochreous Pug 1. FFY Thistle Ermine 1. FFY White Plume Moth 1. FFG Ancylis achatania 1. And an Ephastia species 1.
21st June 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Again goodly numbers - 109 moths of 45 species, with 9 FFYs - Common Footman (3), Broad-bordered YU. V-Pug, Common Wave, Fan-foot, Small Fan-footed Wave, Light Arches, Dwarf Cream Wave, and L-album Wainscot. This last is the second record here, after last year's first appearance - clearly this species is spreading across the County.
20th June 2022 - Butleigh garden MV
by Sue Davies
First garden session for a while trapped 41spp. FFY Eyed HM, also 3 Small EHMs as well as 12 EHMs (commonest sp!) 3 Privet HMs and a Poplar HM. Other FFYs included Beautiful Hook-tip, Blotched Emerald, Barred Yellow, Cabbage, L-Album Wainscot and Variegated Golden Tortrix.
20th June 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
After the heights of last Friday night, back to earth with a bit of a bump - 50 moths of 26 species. FFY were Aleimma loeflingiana, Small Blood-vein, Privet Hawk-moth and The Snout. The Privet HM was only my third record, and the first for 7 years. Here it’s the second rarest HM after Lime.
19th June 2022 - Norton sub Hamdon
by Ian Mathieson
First trapping after a fortnight away. Great to see the website up and running. It looks great and many thanks to all who worked to make it happen. As would be expected lots of firsts for the year amongst 110 macros of 43 species. These included Treble Brown Spot, Marbled White Spot,Privet Hawk Moth and my first Bordered Straw since 2016.
19th June 2022 - Burnham on Sea
by Mike Strange
39 moths of 15 species last night FFY`s were Figure of Eighty 1. Rusty Dot Pearl 1. Green Pug 1. Poplar Grey 1. Anania coronata 1. Celypha striana 1.
17th June 2022 - Burnham on Sea
by Mike Strange
A grand total of 93 moths of 20 species last night. 57 of which were Heart & Dart. FFY were Privet Hawkmoth 3. Dark Arches 1. Flame 1. Common Wave 1. Riband Wave 2. Micros included Notocelia uddmanniana 1. Small marbled 1. Eudonia lacustrata 1. Endotricha flammealis 1. Udea prunalis 1.
17th June 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
An excellent night, with the best catch of the year so far, 131 moths of 54 species. FFY were Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix, Chrysoteuchia culmella (8), Ringed China-mark, Udea prunalis, Bee Moth, Peach Blossom, Blood-vein, Treble Brown Spot (2), Pine Carpet, Sharp-angled Carpet (only my 4th record and the first since 2018)), Foxglove Pug (3), Brussels Lace, Common Wave, Light Emerald and Small Square Spot. Heart and Dart (13) just beat Elephant Hawk-moth (12) for top species!
17th June 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Friday's "mini heatwave" clearly got the moths going - 131 of 52 species came calling, including 8 FFYs -Magpie Moth, Peach Blossom, Heart & Club, Poplar Grey, Small Yellow Wave, Common Emerald, Beautiful Hook-tip and Large Fruit-tree Tortrix (A.podana), plus a FFG Treble Brown-spot. A second Grass Rivulet as well - my Yellow-rattle is clearly attracting and proving of benefit to this declining species - it is now becoming a regular visitor!
17th June 2022 - Kestrels Rise ,Little Quantock
by Tim Howard
386 moths of 102 species - the first 'big' haul of the year. 33 were FFY, I won't list them all but highlights were : Diamond-back moth ; Agapeta hamana ; Cryptoblabe bistriga ; Anania lancealis (3) ; Scoparia pyralella ; Common Swift ; Oak Hook-tip ; Fox Moth ; Pine Carpet ; Tawny-barred Angle (form nigrofulvata) ; Common Emerald ; Bordered Straw (my first since 2015) ; Dot Moth (3) ; Double Line (7) ; Purple Clay (3) and Green Silverlines. Today ( 20/6 ) saw my first Hummingbird Hawk-moth of the year in the garden.
16th June 2022 - Burnham on Sea
by Mike Strange
First trap for a couple of nights. in amongst the usual Heart and Dart and Large Yellow Underwing were Lackey .1 Bright line Brown eye1. The Uncertain 1. Bee Moth 2. Garden Grass Veneer 4 and an Endotricha Flammealis.
15th June 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A good night, with 55 moths of 32 species, despite the moon. FFY were Chequered Fruit-tree Tortrix, Plum Tortrix, Ancylis achatana, The Lackey, Figure of Eighty, Flame Carpet, Green Pug, Small Elephant Hawk-moth (2), Common Footman, Turnip Moth, Dark Arches (2) and The Uncertain (2). It was good to get some micros at last!
14th June 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
After the previous night's mysterious drop in numbers, last night proved to be much more "normal", with 69 moths of 31 species, including no fewer than 8 FFYs - Large YU, Cinnabar(4), Barred Straw, Beautiful Golden Y, Grass Rivulet, Pale Mottled Willow, Garden Rose Tortrix (A. variegana), and Eucosma cana(2).
13th June 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Where did they all go? Only 14 moths of 10 species in the trap this morning. The fullish moon can't have been the sole reason, so I am wondering if there were a few bats around, or it might have been some marauding Great Tit getting into the trap, but there wre no tell-take wings left lying around. A mystery.
12th June 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Despite a clear, moonlit, night, I still managed 41 moths of 18 species. FFY were Small Magpie (2), Barred Straw, Grey Pug (2) and Double Square-spot. Also of interest was my third Puss Moth record of the year. My first record was as recent as 2020, so it seems to have become established here. Most numerous species were Heart & Dart (12) and Buff Ermine (7).
12th June 2022 - Westbury Beacon
by Christopher Iles
Scoparia pyralella beaten from gorse on the reserve. Also a few Burnet Companions pretending to be butterflies.
11th June 2022 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Interesting morning in the garden with FFY Nettle Tap and two Mullein larvae chomping on Buddleia! I haven't recorded the species since 2014, when I had my first adult after finding 2 larvae the year before. So hopefully I'll have adults next year.
11th June 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
The waxing moon is definitely having an effect on numbers (down to 51), but variety still fair - 28 species, including FFYs Uncertain, Mottled Beauty and Dark Arches.
10th June 2022 - Burnham on Sea
by Mike Strange
Numbers down last night with 26 moths 9 species. Heart and Dart down to 18. Only 1 LYU which is unusual for here. They are normally my most numerous. White Ermine, Buff Ermine, Common Pug and a Bee Moth were the best of the rest.
9th June 2022 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A disappointingly quiet night after recent improvement, with 24 moths of 18 species. FFY were Common Swift, Ephestia parasitella, Beautiful Plume and Large Yellow Underwing. It's nice to get some micros!
9th June 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Numbers down a bit here too, but not too bad, considering the moonlight is getting stronger. 70 moths of 28 species, including FFYs Smoky Wainscot, Syndemis musculana, Pandemis heparana (2), and Eudonia lacustrata.
9th June 2022 - Burnham on Sea
by Mike Strange
42 Moths of 10 species last night. Highlights being Freyer`s Pug, White Ermine and Mottled Rustic. Heart and Dart Numbers have been in double figures for the last 3 nights with 31 recorded last night. Good to see the website up and running again!
7th June 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A decent result - 84 moths of 32 species, with 5 more FFYs - Privet HM., Elephant HM., Brussels Lace (2), Gold Spot, and Common Swift. Setaceous Hebrew Characters (16) the most numerous.
6th June 2022
by Christopher Iles
Grapholita compositella by day, in our small garden meadow.
6th June 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
A good night with 52 moths of 25 species. FFY were Eudonia lacustrata, Garden Carpet, Willow Beauty, Clouded Silver, Least Black Arches, Ingrailed Clay, Shoulder-striped Wainscot (2) and Beautiful Golden Y.
6th June 2022 - Halsway Manor course on Moths and Butterflies, June 2022
by Simon Davies
I attended a 4 day course on "Butterflies and Moths" at Halsway Manor on the Quantock Hills, last week, 6-10 June 2022. The course was lead by David Brown, Warwickshire Macro-moth Recorder, with 12 attendees from all over the UK. 5 traps were set up each night around the estate and reviewed as a group with David each morning. Selected moths were then reviewed in a series of evening workshops. 132 species of macro-moths were identified, the most seen in 20 years of the course. While the full list will be submitted to Chris Iles, the most interesting moths included Clouded Buff, Lunar Thorn, Small Waved Umber, Wood Carpet, Little Emerald and Ruddy Carpet. A number of micro-moths were identified by course participants although micro-moths were not specifically studied on the course. This is an excellent course run by an expert with considerable energy and enthusiasm. It is residential with all meals included but can be attended as a non-resident without breakfast at a significant discount (as I did). There are 2 local courses, in June and August each year. Book early as they sell out very quickly! (report written in conjunction with fellow local attendee, Alastair Stevenson, to whom thanks are due).
4th June 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another good trapping session, in spite of some quite heavy rain (which served to soggify the egg boxes) - 100 moths of 33 species, including no fewer than 9 FFYs - Angle Shades, Coronet (2), Straw Dot (2), Small Fan-foot, Orange Footman, Alder Moth, Figure of Eighty, Sharp-angled Peacock and Garden Grass Veneer (C. culmella). These pushed the year's species total past the 100 mark.
4th June 2022 - Coleophora lusciniaepennella
by Christopher Iles
A case of this micro found on sallow today at Asham Wood, the first time I have seen this species locally for a few years. Also a Dichrorampha acuminatana fluttering around ox-eye daisy.
2nd June 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
After the disappointing results of 31/5, last night produced an excellent total of 114 moths, of 30 species. FFY were Riband Wave (4) and Pandemis cerasana (3). A remarkable 17 Clouded Silvers came in, by far the largest single night's catch of this species I have ever had.
31st May 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Strange are the ways of moths! (Who knew?) From over 60 two nights ago, down to 16 this time, in spite of similar weather and moonlight levels. 13 species, including just one FFY, a Cochylis atricapitana. This is an occasional, if not common, visitor here.
29th May 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Another reasonably good night's trapping - 62 moths of 28 species, with 7 FFYs - Snout (2), Silver Y, Peppered Moth (2), Middle-barred Minor, Bright-line Brown-eye, Common Wainscot (2),. and Vine's Rustic. There were 3 male Pale Tussocks, all on the outside of the trap - pushing their luck I think, given the various hungry birds around !
27th May 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
After a good night earlier in the week, a poorer night last night. A clear sky and cool breeze produced just 17 moths of 12 species. FFY were Peppered Moth, The Coronet and Mottled Rustic. The day before I found FFY Puss Moth on the milk caddy in the morning!
27th May 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Good to have the MV trap up and running again - it produced 40 moths of 20 species, including FFYs Willow Beauty and Heart and Dart, and a very unexpected FFG Lead Belle. I am very surprised to get this last, as the stated larval food plants are not to my knowledge found nearby. Maybe the moth drifted down from the Mendips on the northerly breeze. Who knows?
26th May 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
Still only able to use the Actinic trap, so just 16 moths last night, 8 species. FFYs were Blood Vein, Common White Wave and Plum Tortrix (Hedya pruniana). New MV bulb arrived today (27th), so back in business again soon.
25th May 2022 - 2022 records to date
by Christopher Iles
I've finally got around to using mains power for the moth trap this year, and have been rewarded by good numbers of moths on the few days I have managed to run it this year - Small Quaker doing particularly well. Micro records have mostly come from rearings and field work. I collected plenty of mines on oak from the woods along the coast west of Porlock, which have never been investigated for their miners before, and have reared plenty of Phyllonorycter harrisella and quercifoliella so far. The real highlight though was finding larvae of Lampronia capitella in the stems of wild currant at Harridge Wood in early April - this is only the fourth site nationally where this much-declined moth is now known to breed.
24th May 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
My MV trap having (presumably) had a bulb failure, I have only had the Actinic available for a couple of nights, resulting in very low numbers. The only FFY has been an early Willow Beauty last night (24rh.).
22nd May 2022 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
Best night of the year so far with 51 moths of 28 species. FFY were Silver-ground Carpet, May Highflyer, White-spotted Pug, Elephant Hawk-moth, Buff-tip (3), Orange Footman (3) and Clouded-bordered Brindle. Earlier in the day a Hummingbird Hawk-moth was FFY, nectaring on Valerian. Some signs of migration with a couple of Diamond-back Moths.
21st May 2022 - Garden Moth Trap last night
by John Connolly
Four new species for the year - Small Square-spot, Mottled Rustic, Heart and Dart and Eudonia angustea. Also caught Treble Lines, Common Marbled Carpet and Light-brown Apple-moth.
19th May 2022 - Barrington Hill NNR
by John Bebbington
Cocksfoot Moth Gliphypteryx simpliciella nectaring on Meadow Buttercup - numerous. Single specimens of Garden Carpet and Silver-ground Carpet.
19th May 2022 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset
by Rob Grimmond
An excellent night's trapping on Thursday, with 44 moths of 23 species. 10 FFY - The Mocha, Riband Wave, Red-green Carpet, Broken-barred Carpet, Mottled Pug, Sharp-angled Peacock, Poplar Kitten, probable Tawny Marbled Minor and Pale Mottled Willow. Green Carpet top scored with 10.
19th May 2022 - Pylle, Shepton Mallet
by Paul Newman
A good night's trapping, with 62 moths, of 32 species, including 10 FFYs Clouded Silver, Setaceous Hebrew Character (2), Swallow Prominent, Buff Ermine, Buff-tip, Scorched Wing, Burnished Brass, Small Magpie, Red-barred Tortrix, & Eudonia delunella, plus one FFG, a White-pinion Spotted.
18th May 2022 - Butleigh hedgerow
by Sue Davies
Activity in the hedgerow this morning, the beautiful Nemophora degeerella, male. Glyphipterix simpliciella, Cocksfoot moths and tiny Micropterix calthella. Anthophila fabriciana, Nettle-tap, plenty flying round nettles.
16th May 2022 - Butleigh garden MV trap
by Sue Davies
A better night min 13’, with 24spp, lots of FFYs including Scorched Wing, Orange Footman,Vines Rustic,Peach Blossom, Waved and Small Waved Umber,Small Square Spot,Mottled Pug and Garden Pebble. Esperia sulphurella on Maple in the hedge.
14th May 2022 - Jersey Tiger final instar larva
by Sue Davies
Found in Butleigh garden trimming a clump of marjoram.
9th May 2022 - Combe St Nicholas 8/5/22
by Rob Grimmond
Quiet night with 20 moths of 12 species. FFY were Pale Tussock (2), Common Marble Carpet and Tachystola acroxantha.
6th May 2022 - Rodden Nature Reserve
by Jenny Vickers
I was pleased to rediscover Bucculatrix cristatella on my local nature reserve on the outskirts of Frome earlier this month. At this time of year this tiny micro moth creates a ribbed cocoon on the leaves of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). I collected the cocoon to rear through and the adult emerged a couple of days ago.
