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:

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    22nd September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Malletet

    by Paul Newman

    As athletics coaches are wont to say "marginal gains are key". so I suppose 2 more moths than last time probably counts as such !! There were 12 in total of 6 species this time, with one FFY, Angle Shades (2). Yet another Grey Chi, and an extremely battered and worn late Bright-line Brown-eye were the only others of even mild interest. Oh, and 2 large Caddises too.

    21st September 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    My second worst September catch - just 12 moths of 4 species. But I'm surprised I beat Paul! It was clear, cool and damp, so a low catch wasn't a surprise. So few that I can list them - Common Marbled Carpet (2), Lesser Yellow Underwing (1), Large Yellow Underwing (1) and Lunar Underwing (8).

    21st September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Well, I didn't think it was all that cold, but clearly the moths thought otherwise. 8 Lunar UW, 1 Silver Y and 1 Square-spot Rustic. That's the lot !!

    20th September 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton

    by Steve Chapple

    27 species with a nice selection of NFY autumnal moths including: Pearly Underwing (3rd garden record), Red Underwing, Brindled Green (2) and Lunar Underwing (2).

    Pearly Underwing
    Red Underwing

    17th September 2023 - Butleigh garden MV

    by Sue Davies

    Commonest spp, Box Moths-12 and Hornets-14! A meagre selection of seasonal moths, FFY Brindled Green, Lunar UW, Centre-barred Sallow, Black Rustic. Also Ostrinia nubialis, L-angled Wainscot, Cypress and fresh DS Pugs. Angle Shades, Rosy Rustics and a Large Fruit-tree Tortrix. In the field behind our garden plenty of mines of Chrysoesthia sexgutella on Many-seeded Goosefoot.

    Chrysoesthia sexguttella
    On Many-seeded Goosefoot
    Chrysoesthia sexguttella
    Leaving mine

    17th September 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon

    by Ian Mathieson

    Good numbers of moths were still in the trap after being saved from torrential rain and sheet lightning just before dawn. Highlights were Large Ranunculus, Large Wainscot,Sallow and Lunar Underwing as firsts for the year. 4 Delicates was the first time I've recorded this moth as anything other than singletons since the great migration year of 2006.

    The Delicate
    Two of the four
    Large Wainscot

    15th September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    After the poor showing last time out, it was a bit more encouraging to get more than twice as many moths this time - 70 in total, although again very little real variety with just 18 species. FFYs were Lunar Underwing (2) and a very late (? 3rd.generation) Double-striped Pug, the first one here since May 2022.

    13th September 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon

    by Ian Mathieson

    Less than a hundred macros in the trap this morning so it was a big surprise to find 2 Dewicks Plusias in the last but one egg box. Only my 3rd and 4th records and the first since 2015.

    Dewick's Plusia

    13th September 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    What a difference a couple of nights makes! Last night's total was 36 moths of 18 species, the total being 30% down on two nights ago. It was more like a late September catch. There was a first though - The Delicate. I can't say it was a garden first since I found it on the bathroom mat this morning! It must have entered through the open bathroom window. Otherwise, typical species for this time of year. One of interest was a Straw Dot, the second record for the year after one in June; so, a moth from each brood!

    The Delicate

    13th September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Send for Sherlock!! The case of the missing moths. Only 32 this time, of just 12 species - I can't even blame the Hornets, as I haven't had any this year. Dewick's Plusia - spot on, Peter, well done !!

    13th September 2023 - Westbury-sun-Mendip

    by Peter Bright

    Dewick’s Plusia early at MV light this evening. Have I got this right? Not a common moth?

    Dewick's Plusia

    11th September 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock

    by Tim Howard

    Scenes of carnage in the traps this morning. Ten Hornets in the actinic and four in the MV had feasted on mostly LYU, but also Burnished Brass, Copper Underwing, Frosted Orange and Feathered Gothic. The rest of the moths were all suffering PTSD! There were still 221 moths left of 51 sp. Two FFY: Lunar Underwing (3) and Autumnal Rustic (2). Others of note: Ypsolopha sequella ; Olindia schumacherana ; Box-tree Moth (2); Snout (19); Burnished Brass (8); Silver-Y (10); The Anomalous; Rosy Rustic (3) and LYU (19 + body parts of 7 or 8 more). Two dead Hornets probably died of indigestion.

    11th September 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    115 moths of 32 species. FFY were Double-striped Tabby (Hypsopygia glaucinalis), Copper Underwing, Lunar Underwing (2), Black Rustic, Large Ranunculus and Lesser Yellow Underwing. A distinct autumn feel now. It was my earliest Black Rustic by 8 days. Centre-barred Sallow is having a good year with 6, my highest total for a catch.

    Large Ranunculus

    11th September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Praise be for a cooler night - far more manageable catch to deal with. Just over 100 moths, but again, poor in terms of variety with just 25 species. Two FFYs - an early Black Rustic and a late quite worn Maple Pug (not seen here for some years). There was also a fresh second generation Elephant Hawk-moth, 3 more Dark Spectacles, and yet another Grey Chi. The usual by-catch of beetles, Shield-bugs, Craneflies and Caddises all add interest (to me anyway!).

    11th September 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon

    by Ian Mathieson

    Another 440 macros of 35 species last night. This September has already been busier than 15 of the previous 20 Septembers. Clifden Nonpareil was the highlight. I didn't record one last year having seen them every previous year since 2017 so it was good to have it back. An unseasonable Peach Blossom and a Vestal were the best of the rest.

    Clifden Nonpareil

    10th September 2023 - Lippetts Way, Catcott

    by Mat Ridley

    First venture in to the garden last night for my Robinson trap since moving to Catcott. Seventy moths of 25 species, over half of which were made up of Burnished Brass, Large Yellow Underwing and Setaceous Hebrew Character. Singles of Dusky, August and Canary-shouldered Thorns. L-album Wainscot was new to me, not caught in my years mothing in mid-Carmarthenshire, as were six Box-tree Moths.

    L-album Wainscot
    Cydalima perspectalis
    Box-tree moth

    9th September 2023 - September update, Norton sub Hamdon

    by Ian Mathieson

    A new month and at last some new moths. Although I have only trapped on 3 nights there have been some good numbers and good moths. On 3rd September I recorded 317 macros of 44 species with Cypress Pug and Copper Underwing being firsts for the year. LYU with 116 was the top scorer. On 7th September I recorded 662 macros of 54 species. 7 Centre-barred Sallows and 4 Frosted Orange were my first real autumn moths. Delicate, 2 Vestals and a Four-Spotted Footman showed evidence of migrants being about. 183 Setacious Hebrew Characters and 181 LYU made up the bulk of the catch. Highlight was my third Garden Dart. Last night was just as busy with 505 macros of 38 species. SHC was again most numerous with 194. Highlights were Barred Hook-tip, Hedge Rustic and what I have provisionally identified as my first ever Neglected Rustic. Maurice, that Passenger was a fantastic record. It must have been so exciting potting up such a rare but unmistakable moth. Many congratulations to you!

    Hedge Rustic
    Garden Dart
    Barred Hook-tip
    Neglected Rustic
    Unless anyone can tell me different.

    9th September 2023 - Light Emerald

    by John Day

    Yeovil

    Light Emerald

    9th September 2023 - Middlezoy moths

    by Simon Phelps

    Normal service resumed this morning, after the migrants on Wednesday. 44 species in my Middlezoy garden moth trap. Willow Beauty still in large numbers, 45 this time. 11 Box Tree Moth too. Highlights: Small Square Spot, Yellow Shell, Straw Dot, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Canary-shouldered Thorn.

    8th September 2023 - Curry Rivel

    by Maurice Pugh

    Trapped until midnight. 53 moths of 15 species. No NFY. Box-tree moths 12 and Willow Beauty 10 most numerous. Best of all was a NFG a Passenger. Administrator's note: this is a first for Somerset, let alone VC5. It is a very rare visitor from southern Europe and Africa and has been recorded mainly in south-east England. Well done Maurice!

    Passenger
    Passenger

    7th September 2023 - The Vapourer

    by Alick Simmons

    Despite the conditions being apparently ideal for migrant moths, over the last few nights, the best I have been able to catch is Silver-Y. However, I am still finding the odd NFG macro. I was very pleased with The Vapourer which came to light on the night of 7 September.

    The Vapourer
    Barrington, 7 September 2023

    7th September 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    11 moths of 24 species. Just 3 FFY, Spindle Knot-horn (Nephopterix angustella), Red Underwing and Centre-barred Sallow. The Red Underwing is only my 2nd record, the first being in 2017. I discovered it on my neighbour's garage wall in the gloom at 6.10 a.m and had almost overlooked it! Large Yellow Underwings provided their highest one-night total for 3 years (42). Four Burnished Brass were also nice to see. Perhaps the most intriguing 'catch' of the night was a female Souther Hawker on the wall first thing!

    Red Underwing
    Burnished Brass
    Burnished Brass

    7th September 2023 - Addendum to earlier report of 6/9

    by Paul Newman

    The "round-up of strays" produced a further 24 moths and 3 more species, including a FFY Small Dusty Wave. Common Wainscots finally totalled 50, which is a record for this species here.

    7th September 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton

    by Steve Chapple

    60+ species including a female Clifden Nonpareil (over 50 eggs laid), Old Lady, Hedge Rustic, Scarce Bordered-straw, Vestal, Centre-barred Sallow (4), Coptotriche marginea, Frosted Orange and two NFG: Euspilapteryx auroguttella and Acrobasis repandana (both subject to confirmation).

    Euspilapteryx auroguttella
    Acrobasis repandana

    6th September 2023 - Kestrels Rise, Little Quantock

    by Tim Howard

    Best night of the year ! 434 of 70sp. including a few immigrants. FFY : Argyresthia semitestacella ; Vestel (4) ; The Anomalous (6) -- a single in 2021 was my only other record. ; Pale Mottled Willow (2) ; Feathered Gothic (2) ; The Delicate and a White-Point. Others of note : Rusty-dot Pearl ; Rush Veneer ; Brimstone Moth (39) ; Dusky Thorn (11) ; Light Emerald (18) ; Pinion-streaked Snout ; Centre-barred Sallow (3) ; LYU (61) ; Square-spot Rustic (41) and Setaceous Hebrew Character (44).

    The Anomalous
    Argyresthia semitestacella
    The Delicate
    White-point

    6th September 2023 - Middlezoy moths

    by Simon Phelps

    A brilliant night in my Middlezoy garden. Amazing numbers of moths! 63 species in total, with high numbers of common species and some nice rarer ones. There were signs of migration, with sand/dust coating the trap and 3 Vestal and 1 White Point. Large numbers of some common species: 10 Brimstone, 19 Square-spot Rustic, 48 Willow Beauty, 32 Common Wainscot, 21 Setaceous Hebrew Character, 39 Large Yellow Underwing, 10 Snout, 14 Burnished Brass. Other highlights were: Box-tree moth, Centre-barred Sallow, Dusky Thorn, Brussels Lace, Lilac Beauty, Dark Spectacle, Pale Mottled Willow, Cypress Pug, L-album Wainscot, Rosy Rustic, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Peach Blossom, Frosted Orange, Carcina quercana, Garden Rose Tortrix, Lesser Cream Wave, Chinese Character, Treble Brown Spot, Eudonia pallida, Tinea semifulvella, Agonopterix alstromeria, Prays ruficeps.

    6th September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Well, the warm night certainly brought out the moths (in numbers if not variety). 170 moths, but only 29 species (so far - there will probably be some strays to round up in the morning). FFYs were Cypress Pug, Sallow and Centre-barred Sallow (2). A second-generation Caloptilia betulicola was a nice highlight, as was a late Scorched Carpet. Common Wainscot (41) again the main contributors to the total.

    5th September 2023 - Sand Point

    by Paul Bowyer

    I ran a single LED for 4 hours last night recording 82 species, not bad for September. The plan was to intercept any migrants but not many migrants turned up. Delicate, RDP, Rush Veneer, Silver Y and White-point may have given some indication of a little bit of movement. Bucculatrix nigricomella, Galium Carpet, Scrobipalpa costella, Acleris rhombana, Grapholita janthinana were more expected visitors to the light whereas Depressaria ultimella was a new moth for the area.

    Depressaria ultimella
    male Gen Det

    5th September 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton

    by Steve Chapple

    I only put out the actinic trap out for 90 minutes and was rewarded with two FFGs. A Dotted Clay - 'common' apparently but a new species for me here. The other was a Phyllonorycter species - Phyllonorycter dubitella? Any advice on the ID would be very welcome.

    Dotted Clay
    Phyllonorycter dubitella

    4th September 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    99 moths of 27 species. Just 2 FFY, Garden Rose Tortrix and Pale Mottled Willow (2). Large Yellow Underwing (25), Brimstone (12), Square-spot (11) and Vine's Rustics (9) provided the largest numbers. After a slow start, Brimstone has done well here this year. I've had the best year totals for Small Dusty Wave (6), Vine's Rustic (52) and Common Wainscot (24). In general terms, I've recorded just 220 species year so far, the lowest since 2018.

    4th September 2023 - Chesterblade Hills, 4 September 2023

    by Christopher Iles

    Plenty of moths in the fields, with the undoubted highlight being 11 Pale Eggar, a species I have never seen before, and which I was more than a little alarmed by when I first saw them as I took them for processionary moths...

    4th September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Back to what is "normal" here at this time of year - 110 moths, and still not much variety, 29 species with no FFYs. Common Wainscot (27) far and away the most numerous. And a second Wasp for the year ! How exciting is that?

    2nd September 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Another slight improvement, but little in the way of variety. 49 moths of 17 species, and no FFYs. Common Wainscot (10) and Snout (7) the biggest contributors, and 2 more Grey Chi. No "Autumn Specials" yet. Quite an interesting "bycatch" however to brighten things up a bit - 11 small black Beetles (I had a big black Dor Beetle a few nights ago too), 2 Ichneumon Wasps, 2 Shield Bugs and assorted Caddises. As yet this year, only 1 Common Wasp and no Hornets - maybe the forecast warmer weather will bring in a few - always nice to play with!!

    2nd September 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock

    by Tim Howard

    A very healthy 201 moths of 51 species. Best of the bunch was a very lost? Pretty Chalk Carpet - no chalk around here. Other FFY were : Box-tree Moth ; September Thorn and Pinion-streaked Snout. Top score of 20 shared by Snout and LYU.

    Pretty Chalk Carpet

    2nd September 2023 - Weston Moths

    by Paul Bowyer

    I trapped for an hour at Weston woods last night. At dusk around 30 Silver Y could be seen nectaring on Valerian along with a single Pearly Underwing. Best moth of the night was Dewick's Plusia. 19 species in total recorded.

    Dewick's Plusia

    2nd September 2023 - Middlezoy moths

    by Simon Phelps

    43 species in my Middlezoy garden moth trap. Great diversity for this time of the year. Highlights: Flounced Rustic, Dark Spectacle, Rosy Rustic, L-album Wainscot, Lilac Beauty, Orange Swift, Turnip.

    1st September 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    80 moths of 31 species. FFY were Pale Eggar, Bordered Beauty (only my 3rd record and first since 2014), Common Wave (first September record) and Svensson's Copper Underwing. Large Yellow Underwing still top scorer, with 23. Interesting to note some late records - my first September records of V-Pug and Poplar Hawk-moth. Common Wainscot has been doing well here this year; I've recorded a record number, 20.

    Pale Eggar

    1st September 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon

    by Ian Mathieson

    299 macros of 36 different species last night with nearly half, 145, being LYU. This sums up a typical August where I recorded nearly 4500 macros but of very little variety. Looking forward to the Autumn colours of September's moths which hopefully will be a welcome contrast to the dull brown of the last month. The only moth of any interest was a micro, Palpita Vitrealis.

    Palpita vitrealis

    31st August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    A bit better, but not a lot - 33 moths of 16 species, and no FFYs. However, there were another 2 Grey Chi - they do seem to be doing well here this year, which is good.

    31st August 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton, 28th and 30th August

    by Steve Chapple

    A short actinic session produced my first male Bulrush Wainscot (got quite excited briefly) and a worn Hedge Rustic - not seen since 2013 and 2014 despite concerted efforts to find it again here. A full trapping session on the 28th amassed 50 species but only a few FFY: Rusty-dot Pearl, The Engrailed (my 3rd record), Prays ruficeps, Cydia splendana and Matilella fusca.

    Prays ruficeps

    30th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    I suspect the majority of moths were dazzled by the "Blue" supermoon, so didn't see my trap light. In the event, only 17 moths did drop in. The 13 species comprised 11 singletons plus 3 each Light Brown Apple Moth and very surprisingly 3 more Grey Chi. I wonder if these have taken a liking to my "wildlife garden" (aka jungle) and bred here - it's certainly a nice surprise to get more than one in the same year!

    30th August 2023 - 6.002 Antispila petryi

    by Sue Davies

    Found on Dogwood tree in our garden, cut out for pupa 5mm diameter.

    Antispila petryi
    Antispila petryi

    29th August 2023 - Box Tree Moth Sighting

    by Kim Wheadon

    The Box Tree Moth flew into our house, in Cannington, Nr Bridgwater. We guided it out back into the night, but only after we’d turned out one of our lights, which it kept trying to fly through the glass to get to!

    29th August 2023 - Crook Peak

    by Paul Bowyer

    I ran a single LED trap at Crook Peak for an hour and a half recording 37 species. At dusk a Fox Moth larva was seen emerging from a clump of mixed Salad Burnet and Cotoneaster. Singles of Yellow Belle, Jersey Tiger and Box Tree Moth. Best macro had to be Annulet, I haven't seen one for a few years. Just a few micros seen including: Agonopterix arenella, Rush Veneer, Phyllonorycter messaniella, Mompha miscella and 2 Mirificarma mulinella both in a worn state, determined by dissection.

    The Annulet
    Yellow Belle
    Fox Moth
    Larva

    28th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Another poor night's trapping - only 40 moths of 20 species. The only moth of interest was a Grey Chi, a "northern" species which I get most years, but only usually comprising one or two singletons. Looking at the distribution map, it would seem that I am more or less on the southern fringe of its range in Somerset - VC5 hardly gets them at all. I suspect that I only get them when the wind is blowing southwards from the Mendips !!

    27th August 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    73 moths of 32 species. FFG was Garden Lance-wing (Epermenia chaerophyllella) and FFY were Lime-speck Pug, Angle Shades and Flounced Rustic. Large Yellow Underwing top scorer again, with 22, followed by Vine's Rustic (15). Also of interest was my 16th Mocha of the year, my best year for the species.

    26th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Where did all the moths go? A mere 37 this time, after regularly passing 100 a night for some while. Only 13 species, with just the one FFY, a Cloaked Minor, to relieve the gloom. Oh well, better luck next time (ever the optimist!).

    24th August 2023 - Jersey tiger moth

    by Ann F

    Found inside our house in Merriott, released through the window and saw the orange under the wings.

    23rd August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Life goes on in much the same manner as in recent times - 118 moths of 39 species, with FFYs Poplar Grey and Common Wave. Common Wainscot (21) and Large YU (17) the most numerous again. Another Jersey Tiger lurking at the bottom of the trap was the third this year so far - although they are now becoming much more common, they don't seem to call in here all that often.

    22nd August 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    An improvement in numbers, with 114 moths of 37 species. FFY were Black-tipped Ermine (Yponomeuta plumbella), Golden-brown Tubic (Crassa unitella) and Yellow-barred Brindle. A pretty unexciting haul overhaul, with Large Yellow Underwing again top scorer with 22. It was nice though to get a Yponomeuta species that could identified without dissection!

    22nd August 2023 - Halsway Manor moths

    by Alastair Stevenson

    Excellent start to David Brown's Butterflies & Moths course at Halsway Manor, near Crowcombe. Two Porter's Rustics, Ypsolopha alpella, Ypsolopha scabrella, Buccalatrix ulmella, Caryocolum tricolorella, Argyresthia semitestacella, Amblyptilia punctidactyla, and one Delicate.

    Porter's Rustic

    22nd August 2023 - Weston Moths

    by Paul Bowyer

    I trapped at Sand Bay 9pm to midnight with a single LED trap. At dusk Eucosma tripoliana and larva of Silver Y at the top of the marsh were found. In the marsh a good number of Bucculatrix maritima, some 50+ seen in a small area. Lots of noctuids were nectaring on the grasses and aster. The catch was initially poor but when the tide dropped the wind also dropped and things started to improve. 6 Gynnidomorpha vectisana, White-point and Porter's Rustic came to the light. 40+ species recorded in the 3 hours.

    Porter's Rustic
    Male Gen Det

    22nd August 2023 - Jersey Tiger moth

    by Caroline Tickner

    Jersey Tiger moth seen this morning in Mill Lane (Lower Backway) Bruton. Also seen a few days ago in garden of 42 High St Bruton but no photo taken to confirm.

    Jersey Tiger

    21st August 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock

    by Tim Howard

    340 moths of 73 sp. Just the four FFY : Rush Veneer (2) ; Garden Carpet (2) ; Rosy Rustic (2) and Hedge Rustic (2). Others of note : Beautiful Plume ; Garden Rose Tortrix ; Euzophera pinguis (4) ; Agriphila tristella (91) ; Catoptria pinella (3) ; Poplar Hawk-moth (3) ; Brimstone Moth (18) ; Jersey Tiger ; Common Wainscot (9) ; Six striped Rustic (5) and Setaceous Hebrew Character (19).

    21st August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    A bit of an improvement in numbers (130), although the variety could have been better - 34 species, with FFYs Rosy Rustic,and Cydia splendana, plus a FFG Dark Spectacle. Seeing this last, I am wondering if I may have trapped it before, but misidentified it as the commoner Spectacle, whilst being on autopilot - we will never know !! To be fair to myself, it does appear to be less common in this part of the County. That's my excuse anyway.

    20th August 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    71 moths of 26 species, with FFY Orange Swift, The Spectacle, Small Square-Spot and Setaceous Hebrew Character. Signs of autumn now! Large Yellow Underwing now clear top scorer, with 20.

    20th August 2023 - Weston Moths

    by Paul Bowyer

    I trapped for an hour and a half last night on the south side of Weston-s-Mare with a single LED. A pretty good catch of 54 species: Monochroa palustrellus, Bucculatrix maritima, Parornix torquillella and another Elachista consortella.

    Monochroa palustrellus

    19th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Another quiet night, even though warm and with little moonlight to distract the moths. Just 87 moths of 30 species, only one of which was a FFY, a Large Wainscot.

    19th August 2023 - Stock Hill

    by Paul Bowyer

    Dave Nevitt and I trapped at Stock Hill, despite the windy conditions we did quite well recording 110 species. Tawny Speckled Pug x3, Antler x2, Dotted Clay x1, August Thorn, Slender Brindle and a very worn geometrid Gen Det'd as Bordered Pug were the macro highlights. Micro's were well represented despite the wind included: Ocnerostoma friesei, Parornix scoticella, Coleophora striatipennella, Exoteleia dodecella, Acompsia cinerella and 5 Hemp Agrimony Plume hanging around it's food plant at dusk.

    Ocnerostoma friesei
    Female Gen Det

    18th August 2023 - Common Plume Moth Larvae

    by Sue Davies

    Clearing the Field Bindweed off my toms this morning I found a batch of Common Plume Moth larvae in various stages of development plus some adults. Will try and breed through, plenty of food plant!

    Emmelina monodactyla
    Emmelina monodactyla

    17th August 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon

    by Ian Mathieson

    Favourable conditions gave a bumper catch of 577 macros of 58 species. It was typical August mothing with 118 Vines Rustic, 93 LYU, 83 Lesser BBYU and 52 Setacious Hebrew Character making up the bulk of the catch. Migrants at last made an appearance with 2 Vestals, 5 White Points and a Pearly Underwing. I also had 3 Turnip moths which are about a month earlier than I normally see them which may also be migrants. Tawny Speckled Pug was another first for the year.

    Tawny Speckled Pug
    White-point
    The Vestal

    16th August 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock

    by Tim Howard

    A good haul despite a low of 11.4c . 334 moths of 86 sp. 12 FFY : Nemapogon clematella ; Yposolopha scabrella ; Argyresthia goedartella ; Oegoconia sp (prob O.quadripuncta) ; Chequered Fruit-tree Tortrix ; Garden Rose Tortrix (2) ; Cochylis molliculana (2) ; Chevron ; Maple Pug ; Canary-shouldered Thorn ; Straw Underwing (my second one in 9 years here) and Six-striped Rustic (6).

    Nemapogon clematella
    Cochylis molliculana

    16th August 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    An improvement on recent weeks, with 118 moths of 35 species. FFY were Ruddy Streak (Tachystola acroxantha), Oak Eggar (female), Poplar Hawk-Moth (2) and Square-spot Rustic. Joint top scorers were Pyrausta aurata and Large Yellow Underwing, with 13 each - a case of little and large! The former has been particularly abundant in the garden this year, on mint and oregano. Numbers of the latter are now beginning to pick up, this being the highest count so far this year. It's almost unbelievable to get my first record of Poplar Hawk-moth in August, usually it's in May.

    16th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    An average catch (for here) - 101 moths of 34 species, including 3 FFYs - Dusky Thorn (2), Rush Veneer, and Acleris laterana (3). There was a second 'spotless' male 4-Spotted Footman lurking on a wall, a few feet from the trap, and I almost missed it - still no sign of the 'spotty' female yet this year. I have finally reached 200 species for the year, several weeks later than usual.

    16th August 2023 - Cocklake

    by Steve Pilkington

    Last year I found 7 Convolvulus hawkmoth in my greenhouse and I suspected that this might be because a rogue Nicotiana had grown in one of our tomato pots. This year I planted 2 Nicotianas in the greenhouse and this morning found my first Convolulus HM. I imagine that it is the concentration of scent in the greenhouse and once in there may not find their way out. In the trap last night -74 species so far with FFY - Oak Eggar (male and female), Brown and Beautiful china marks, (alongside the Ringed china marks which have had a very good year here) and August thorn, From the 21st July two Coleophoras identified for me by Paul Wilkins - mayrella and albidella, the latter looks a good record for Somerset.

    14th August 2023 - Weston Moths

    by Paul Bowyer

    The garden trap in Weston has been a little disappointing with just a Shore Wainscot as the only noteworthy moth. Last night I ran a single LED trap at Bleadon Levels for 2 hours and recorded 37 species inlcuding: Scarce Bordered Straw, Lobesia abscisana, Agonopterix subpropinquella, Phtheochroa inopiana, Ptocheuusa paupella and Coleophora alcyonipennella.

    Scarce Bordered Straw
    Ptocheuusa paupella
    Shore Wainscot

    14th August 2023 - Curry Rivel

    by Maurice Pugh

    Trapped until midnight, 46 moths of 20 species. NFY were Agonopterix alstromeriana, Pyrausta despicata, Poplar Kitten and Straw Underwing. Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing with 12 and Vine's Rustic with 7 were the most numerous.

    14th August 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon

    by Ian Mathieson

    Overnight rain and strong winds kept numbers down here. However it didn't stop a Spectacle spectacle. I normally only record Spectacles in twos or threes and Dark Spectacles as singletons. Last night I had 12 Spectacles and 5 Dark Spectacles, my first of the year.

    Dark Spectacle

    12th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Another reasonable catch - 87 moths of 38 species, with 2 FFYs - Mocha and Copper Underwing agg. Lesser Broad-bordered YU and Large YU both with 11 the most numerous.

    12th August 2023 - Gold spot at Cocklake

    by Steve Pilkington

    Outside my kitchen window Gold spot nectaring on Daphne flowers.

    Gold Spot
    Gold Spot

    12th August 2023 - Shapwick Heath

    by Paul Bowyer

    Dave Nevitt and I trapped at Shapwick Heath in the brief weather window recording close to 120 species. We started the evening with a couple of Brindled Pug larvae on Hogweed. A good variety of species came to light with several Webb's Wainscot arriving throughout the night. A single Cream-bordered Green Pea, Dotted Clay, 3 species of Thorn, 2 Bordered Beauty and lots of Small Seraphim were the stand out macros. A good variety of micros: Metalampra italica, Stigmella roborella, Epinotia solandriana, Parornix betulae, Phalonidia manniana, Agonopterix ocellana and a rather worn Elachista that was identified by dissection as Elachista consortella

    Brindled Pug
    Larva
    Metalampra italica
    Elachista consortella - Male Gen Det

    11th August 2023 - Westbury-sub-Mendip

    by Peter Bright

    177 moths of 43 species. 6 Jersey tigers, 2 white-point, 1 copper underwing, 1 mocha, 1 gold spot, 5 rosy footman, 38 lesser broad-bordered yellow underwing and according to ObsIdentify 8 Vine’s rustic, 1 the rustic and 3 not determined in this group.

    The Mocha
    Vine's Rustic
    Copper Underwing

    11th August 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton

    by Steve Chapple

    This year I set myself a target to record all six clearwings that I have previously recorded in the garden. Yesterday, thanks to Rob, I set out the VES lure much later than usual and within a few minutes a Yellow-legged was secured. I now only have the Red-tipped to go despite several attempts and now probably too late. The light traps yielded 68 species with nothing much of note but a few FFYs: Oak Eggar (F), Rosy Rustic and my earliest Dusky Thorn (3).

    Yellow-legged Clearwing

    10th August 2023 - Middlezoy moths

    by Simon Phelps

    69 species in the trap in Middlezoy this morning. Some species in quite large numbers, such as 25 Straw Dot, 27 Brimstone, 10 Lime-speck Pug and 11 Gold Spot. Highlights: Magpie, Mocha, Shark, Marbled Green, Dark Spectacle, Cabbage, Light Emerald, Dog's Tooth, Jersey Tiger, Purple Bar, Pale Mottled Willow, Lychnis, Knot Grass, Aspilapteryx tringipennella.

    9th August 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock

    by Tim Howard

    297 moths of 89 sp. Ten FFY : Monopis laevigella ; Pyrausta aurata ; Water Veneer ; Tissue ; Dusky Thorn (3) ; Sallow Kitten ; Jersey Tiger ; Vines Rustic ; Ear Moth agg (4) and Square-spot Rustic. Others of note : Honeysuckle Moth (3) ; Beautiful Plume ; Plain Wave ; Mocha (6) ; Golden-rod Pug ; Brimstone Moth (11) ; Ruby Tiger (2) ; Rosy Footman (6) ; Muslin Footman ; Scarce Footman (11) ; Poplar Grey ; Small Rufous (2) and Lychnis. Top score went to LYU ( 38).

    9th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    A muggy warm night and the waning half-moon combined to raise the catch quite significantly to more usual levels. 120 moths, of 46 species, with 5 FFYs - 4-spotted Footman (a "spotless" male), Oak Eggar, Orange Swift, Shaded Broad-bar, and a second-generation Pebble Hook-tip. Also making a second-generation appearance were Swallow Prominent and Sharp-angled Peacock. Lesser Broad-bordered YU (13) again the most numerous species. Micros (41 of 16 species) a noticeable increase on my usual range.

    9th August 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    My first trapping session of the month produced 80 moths of 38 species. FFY were Satin Grass-veneer (Crambus perlella), Purple Bar, Wormwood Pug, Canary-shouldered Thorn, The Dun-Bar and Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (2). Top scorer was Eudonia mercurella, with 11, followed by Brimstone on 10 - finally a decent number of that species. A bit of a disappointment considering the weather forecast.

    9th August 2023 - Curry Rivel

    by Maurice Pugh

    Trapped until midnight. 72 moths of 30 species. NFY were Orange Swift, Scarce Footman, Four-spotted Footman and Square-spot Rustic. Others included Mocha, Yellow Shell 3, Magpie, Canary-shouldered Thorn, Dusky Thorn, Common White Wave, Jersey Tiger 4, Silver Y 2 and Straw Dot 3.

    Four-spotted Footman
    Female

    7th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Another poor night, with just 53 moths of 26 species, including only one FFY, a second-generation Iron Prominent. No species managed more than 4 individuals, so they were spread quite evenly for a change.

    7th August 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    Yellow-legged Clearwing attracted to VES lure this afternoon, my fifth clearwing species this year. I tried for it with the VES lure last month but kept getting Orange-tailed so decided to wait till this month. The big disappointment here this year has been the lack of Lunar Hornet Moths.

    Yellow-legged Clearwing

    7th August 2023 - Weston Moths

    by Paul Bowyer

    Today I was at Weston Sewage Works and found some Atriplex which had 2 freshly emerged Chrysoesthia sexguttella on it as well as some mines. I also found Coleophora anatipennella here and at Sand Point recently. At Hutton Moor, Weston I collected some mines from Narrowleaf Willow which emerged shortly afterwards as Phyllonorycter viminiella.

    Chrysoesthia sexguttella
    Adult
    Coleophora anatipennella
    Pistol Case Bearer
    Phyllonorycter viminiella
    Freshly emerged adult

    6th August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepron Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Pathetic, really, for early August - just 42 moths, although there were 29 species, just very few of any of them. There were 4 FFYs - Jersey Tiger, Ghost Moth, Canary-shouldered Thorn and Gold Spot. Lesser Broad-bordered YU (6) the only species to have more than 2 individuals, and there were, surprisingly, no Common Footman this time.

    6th August 2023 - Garden Tiger

    by Maurice Pugh

    One seen in the garden today.

    Garden Tiger
    Garden Tiger

    6th August 2023 - Jersey Tiger at Nailsea

    by Chris Pelmear

    Suburban garden Station Road Nailsea at 12:45.

    3rd August 2023 - Curry Rivel

    by Maurice Pugh

    Trapped until midnight. 35 moths of 15 species. NFY were Blood-vein and Purple Bar. Most numerous were 15 Brimstone moths. Others included Box-tree moth, Mother of Pearl 2, Yellow-barred Brindle, Jersey Tiger 3 and Common Rustic agg. 2.

    3rd August 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    No rain, and a light breeze, so again it must be the fullish moon which kept the moths at home. Just 51 moths of 23 species, and the only FFY was a Common Plume. Even the Common Footman (9) were thin on the ground (or in the air).

    3rd August 2023 - Lasiocampa quercus, female Oak eggar

    by Noelle Mace

    Seen basking in the sun in the open, conspicuously with its tawny furry wings and small white eye circled with in dark on the wings.It was resting on a Phlomis russeliana leaf, in a garden In Wells, Somerset, close to a street light. First time I had seen this moth in my garden. The identity of Oak eggar, female, was confirmed on the facebook group. Many thanks for that.

    Oak Eggar
    Beautiful furry moth.

    2nd August 2023 - Butleigh garden MV

    by Sue Davies

    At least the wind dropped. A very odd collection, commonest Ostrinia nubialis-12. Also White-point. FFYs, Dog’s Tooth, Canary-shouldered Thorn, Ypon. Plumbella. 3 plume spp, Common, Brindled and Crescent.

    White-point
    Dog's Tooth

    30th July 2023 - White Plume Moth

    by Noelle Mace

    In the garden in Wells: the first time I have seen this moth.

    Pterophorus pentadactyla
    Feathers and antennae blowing in the wind.

    30th July 2023 - Hummingbird Hawk-moth

    by Louise Bostan

    I saw a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in Wells in my parents' garden 20/7/23. I videoed it and took photos from that.

    Hummingbird Hawk-moth

    29th July 2023 - Caloptilia honoratella.....

    by Adam Gale

    Hi all, have recently started trapping at a new site local to me, just down the road in Barwick, on the outskirts of Yeovil. I caught this micro last Saturday night (29th July), which I thought might like good for Caloptilia honoratella. Still finding my way through the fascinating world of micros (and macros for that matter) so contacted some local Dorset moth-ers I occasionally trap with, and impressions are it looks good for C. honoratella. Was wondering what its current status is in Somerset, recent records, comments etc. Apologies for less than clear photos, one to work on!

    Caloptilia honoratella
    Barwick 29/7/23
    Caloptilia honoratella
    Barwick 29/7/23

    29th July 2023 - Jersey Tiger Moth

    by Nikki Ojiambo

    Super excited to discover a Jersey Tiger Moth in my garden in South Cadbury!

    Jersey Tiger
    Jersey Tiger

    29th July 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    No rain, but probably a light breeze and the 3/4 waxing moon brought the numbers down somwhat - 97 moths, but a slightly improved variety, with 43 species. This included 6 more FFYs - Lesser Swallow Prominent, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Lesser YU, Agriphela tristella, Acrobasis advenella (2), and Caloptilia betulicola.

    28th July 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock

    by Tim Howard

    A good night after the rain stopped at 9pm produced 383 moths of 105 species, of which 35 sp. were micros. 14 FFY: Tinea semifulvella ; Aspilapteryx tringipennella ; Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix; Cochylimorpha straminae ; Epinotia nisella ; Cydia splendana (2); Endotricha flammealis (3); Golden-rod Pug; Lime-speck Pug; Tawny- speckled Pug; August Thorn (3); Iron Prominent; Garden Tiger and Rosy Minor (5).

    28th July 2023 - Curry Rivel

    by Maurice Pugh

    Trapped until midnight. 39 moths of 20 species. NFG was a Lesser Wax Moth. NFY was a Double Lobed. Others included Scorched Carpet, Brimstone moth x5, Poplar Hawkmoth, Elephant Hawkmoth, Black Arches, Jersey Tiger, Dusky Sallow and a Silver Y.

    Achroia grisella
    Lesser Wax moth
    Poplar Hawk-moth

    28th July 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton

    by Steve Chapple

    Very mild, dull and drizzly. Perfect conditions and resulted in 280 moths of 85 species. One NFG, a Brown-tail - long overdue. I9 FFY included: Yellow Shell (2), Lesser Yellow Underwing (2), Plain Pug, The Nutmeg, Canary-shouldered Thorn, The Lychnis, Bulrush Wainscot (F), Six-striped Wainscot, Beautiful Plume, The Chevron (2nd record), Sallow Kitten, Maiden's Blush, Yponomeuta plumbella and Lathronympha strigana

    28th July 2023 - Jersey tiger moth

    by Robin Corey

    Seen on a wall in south Bristol on 28 July 2023 -this is the second one we’ve seen. First one was on a window of a terrace house on 27 July but didn’t take photo. Administrator note: This is outside of Somerset but have allowed the post because it's from VC6.

    Jersey Tiger

    27th July 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Another comfortably-not-too-large a catch - 123 moths of 39 species, including just one FFY, a Rosy Footman. Common Footman (33) still the top scorers. The Brimstone Moths have finally started to appear in numbers (well, 6 anyway!).

    27th July 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon

    by Ian Mathieson

    I recently returned home after a couple of weeks away and have managed to put the traps out a few times since. I have been pleased to find that if the conditions appeared suitable the moths would come in good numbers. 472 macros of 80 species earlier in the week and 474 from 76 species last night. It has been several years since the mothing has been so promising here. The butterflies also appear to be doing well with buddleia covered in vanessids when the sun shines. Nothing of great excitement last night with Bulrush Wainscot, Dusky Thorn, Rosy Minor and Square spot Rustic all firsts for the year. Others of interest were 22 Ruby Tigers, 20 Rosy Footmen, 10 White Spotted Pugs and 2 Latticed Heaths. 95 Common Rustics were the most numerous.

    27th July 2023 - Jersey Tiger

    by Chris Pelmear

    Seen in Pensford at approx midday.

    Jersey Tiger
    In Pensford under the viaduct

    27th July 2023 - Lippetts Way, Catcott

    by Mat Ridley

    A Hummingbird hawkmoth nectaring on our Verbena bonariensis for over a minute at 0900 this morning. A Jersey tiger, also this morning, rescued from the garage. Reports likely to be largely restricted to day-flyers until I get my traps down from Wales…

    Jersey Tiger

    24th July 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock

    by Tim Howard

    A good haul here despite two heavy downpours and a low temp. of 8.7c. 302 moths of 80 sp. came to the party, including 8 FFY: Ypsolopha dentella (Honeysuckle Moth) ; Ypsolopha sequella ; Catoptria pinella ; Shaded Broad-bar (2); Black Arches; Sycamore; Flounced Rustic and Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing. Others of note: Agapeta Zoegana (2); Oak Hook-tip; Drinker; Narrow-winged Pug; Coxcomb Prominent; Rosy Footman (3); Beautiful Golden-Y; Dun-bar (3) and True Lovers Knot (13).

    24th July 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Another reasonable catch, not so large as to cause whimpering in a dark corner. 133 moths of 40 species, with FFYs Flounced Rustic (4) and Ruby Tiger (2), plus FFGs Aethes cnicana and Scoparia basistrigalis. Common Footman (48) still the big hitters. And, at last, another Brimstone Moth - they have been very conspicuous by their absence this year to date.

    24th July 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton

    by Steve Chapple

    68 species from 300+ moths including a FFG Acleris aspersana. Ironic that Acleris species have been very scarce here with only 2 of the 12 species previously recorded here to date. Common Rustic was the most frequent with 63. Nothing much of note with a few FFYs: White-spotted Pug (2), Maple Pug (2), Four-spotted Footman (2), Oegoconia quadripuncta, Eupoecilia angustana and Dun-bar. Also yet another Dichomeris alacella and two beautiful orange/black Sexton burrying beetles.

    Acleris aspersana

    23rd July 2023 - Butleigh Garden MV

    by Sue Davies

    A warm damp dark night yielded 76 species. Highlight a FFG Calybites phasianipennella, FFY White-spotted Pug, Small Scallop, Ruby Tigers, Iron Prominent, Sharp-angled Peacock,Yellow Shell, Aethes rubigana and Caloptilia falconipennella. There were a surprise number of 9 Spotted Footman -3f, and 8 Ostrinia nubialis.

    Calybites phasianipennella
    White-spotted Pug

    23rd July 2023 - Jersey Tiger in Taunton

    by Mary Hart

    A Jersey Tiger moth flew into the conservatory today. It is probably 2 or 3 years since I last saw one in our garden. Welcome back!

    22nd July 2023 - Middlezoy moths

    by Simon Phelps

    55 species in my Middlezoy garden moth trap. Highlights: Swallow Prominent, Dingy Footman, Single-dotted Wave, Scorched Carpet, Box-tree moth, Pebble Hook-tip, September Thorn, Rosy Footman, Small Waved Umber, Phtheochroa inopiana. I also had a Palpita vitrealis, a new species for me and something relatively unexpected!

    22nd July 2023 - Weston Moths

    by Paul Bowyer

    Whilst out walking on a very wet day today I found a caterpillar wandering across the footpath which I later identified as Brindled Beauty. After its photo shoot I carefully placed it off the path to avoid it being stepped on. Etainia louisella on Field Maple seeds, Phyllonorycter platani on London Plane, Stigmella crataegella and Leucoptera malifoliella on Hawthorn plus Mompha raschkiella on Rosebay Willowherb were the best finds of the week so far.

    Brindled Beauty
    Larva
    Leucoptera malifoliella
    Sand Point
    Stigmella crataegella
    Sand Point

    22nd July 2023 - Correction

    by John Day - Yeovil

    The Light Crimson Underwing (tbc) noted on 21st July was in fact a Copper Underwing. Apologies for this error.

    21st July 2023 - Yeovil

    by John Day - Yeovil

    A bit more variety: Light Crimson Underwing (tbc|), Brussels Lace, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing and Jersey Tiger

    Brussels Lace

    19th July 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Not a very large number of moths (109), but a decent variety of species (39). This included no fewer than 7 FFYs - Dark/Grey Dagger agg., Coxcomb Prominent, Drinker, Dingy Footman, Mother of Pearl, Rusty-dot Pearl and Dusky Sallow. It was nice to see 3 different Prominents together, with Pebble and Pale as well as the Coxcomb. Common Footman (35) still far and away the most numerous species.

    18th July 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    A pretty uninspiring night, with 107 moths of 36 species, enlivened by FFG Dark Spinach. FFY were Blastobasis adustella, Euzophera pinguis, Calamotropha paludella (6th record and first for 8 years), Chinese Character, July Highflyer and Dingy Footman. Chrysoteuchia culmella (22), Common Footman (17) and Common Rustic agg (10) remain top scorers. Also of interest were 6 Nut-tree Tussocks (my highest count) and more Box-tree Moths.

    18th July 2023 - Hummingbird hawkmoth

    by Mat Ridley

    A hummingbird hawkmoth nectaring on buddleia on Dunster beach at 1800 hrs. No photo, but there was a very fresh painted lady nearby on the pebbles.

    18th July 2023 - White Speck

    by John Day - Yeovil

    Very poor trapping boosted by a first for the garden

    White-speck

    18th July 2023 - Lunar Hornet Moth

    by John Bebbington

    I tried the LHM lure this morning near Fivehead but gave up after 30 minutes. Just getting back into the car when I was buzzed by one! This is the first I have seen since 1963 when I found a femae on Malham Moss, North Yorkshire,

    16th July 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock

    by Tim Howard

    200 moths of 71 sp. Not great for mid July but the temp. was down to 10.5c. Perhaps they were all trying to get dry. Five FFY : Ypsolopha nemorella ; Caryocolum blandella (2) ; Aethes rubigana ; Eudonia mercurella and Agriphila geniculae. Best of the rest : Peach Blossom ; July Highflier (5) ; White-spotted Pug ; Brussels Lace (6) ; Pebble Prominent ; Dingy Footman ; Common Footman (40) ; Scarce Footman (5) ; Smokey Wainscot and True Lovers Knot (2).

    16th July 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    A new moon, little wind and no rain should have meant lots of moths - wrong !! Just 82 moths and only 22 species, with 2 FFYs - Scalloped Oak and Kent Black Arches. 46 Common Footmen made up over half of the total, so without them, it would have been a very poor night for the middle of July.

    14th July 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton

    by Steve Chapple

    I left the traps out for less than two hours and attracted four FFG: Jersey Tiger f lutescens, Rosy Footman, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing and The Herald. I also had my second Dichomeris alacella of the year, strange how it seem to be uncommon elsewhere.

    Dichomeris alacella

    13th July 2023 - Combe St Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    A disappointing session, numbers down to 59 moths of 28 species. FFY were Yellow Shell and Ruby Tiger. Chrysoteuchia culmella was back to top scorer, with 12. The most interesting catch was a Gatekeeper, found at 4.50 a.m. at the bottom of the trap funnel! I agree with Paul about a shortage of Geometers and Hawk-moths. Brimstones are low in number, and I've had only 20 Elephant Hawk-moths so far. I've yet to trap Poplar Hawk-moth this year.

    13th July 2023 - Butleigh Garden

    by Sue Davies

    A good result in spite of the wind and rain. Garden first Zelleria Hapariella. Lots of FFYs, Four-spotted Footmen -2m, Maple Pug, Small Rivulet, Dusky Sallow, Kent Black Arches, Oak Hook-tip. A nice collection of micros, Ostrinia nubialis-8, Crescent Plume, Calamotropha paludella, Donacaula forficella, Madder Pearl, Bird-Cherry Ermine and Orchard ermine agg.

    Kent Black Arches
    Donacaula forficella
    Maple Pug
    Zelleria hepariella

    12th July 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Fair numbers again, but lacking in variety, as nearly half (62) of the total of 141 moths were Common Footmans. The other 30 species included 3 FFYs - Small Fan-footed Wave, an early Square-spot Rustic and a Bud Moth (Spilosoma ocellana). I have noticed that this year seems to be very short of Geometers and Hawkmoths. Has anyone else registered this? For example, there would normally have been a lot of Brimstone Moths, but so far I have had barely a handful to date.

    9th July 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock

    by Tim Howard

    290 Moths of 91 species. FFG was Anarsia spartiella . FFY : Orchard Ermine agg ; Carcina quercana (2) ; Acleris hastiana ; Gypsonoma dealbana ; Cydia fagiglandana ; Garden Pebble ; Drinker ; Scalloped Oak ; Ruby Tiger ; Muslin Footman and Dot Moth.

    Anarsia spartiella
    Female

    9th July 2023 - Horner Wood

    by Paul Bowyer

    This weeks trapping session with Dave Nevitt was at Horner Wood. I have trapped there once a couple of years ago but unfortunately although it started well the temperature dropped rapidly and the numbers followed suit so I was keen to try on a better day. It didn't disappoint with 170+ species. Highlights were: Dotted Carpet, Double-line, Blotched Emerald and Satin Lutestring. Micros were also well represented with Caloptilia betulicola, Synaphe punctalis, Nemapogon ruricolella, Celypha aurofasciana and Acrobasis tumidana.

    Dotted Carpet
    Acrobasis tumidana
    Female Gen Det
    Celypha aurofasciana
    Male Gen Det

    9th July 2023 - Cocklake

    by Steve Pilkington

    334 moths. of 72 species. One FFG - Small rufous. A good number of FFY - 15, Orthotelia sparganella (2nd record), Pandemis cerasana, Acleris comariana, Calamotropha paludella, Pleuroptya ruralis(2), Endotricha flammealis, Rosy footman, Mocha, Small Scallop (2), Marbled Beauty, Angle Shades, Kent Black Arches.

    Orthotelia sparganella
    Endotricha flammealis
    Small Rufous

    8th July 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Quite a decent haul - 150 moths of 44 species, but only 4 FFYs - Broad-bordered YU, Yellow-tail, V-Pug and Phtheochroa inopiana. This last I thought initially was new here, but I see from the distribution map that it has occurred before, but I know not when. Common Footman (34) the main contributors again.

    8th July 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    A better night, with 121 moths of 38 species. A nice FFG was Large Emerald, a widespread species that surprisingly I'd not trapped before. FFY were Oegoconia agg. (probably quadripuncta), Cydia splendana, Agriphila straminella, Eyed Hawk-Moth (not annual here and only my 6th record), Blood-Vein (2) and Peppered Moth. Top scorers were Common Footman and Common Rustic agg., both with 12. Also of interest were 11 Mottled Rustics, first double-figure tally since 2012 and 2 Box-tree Moths, first recorded here last year.

    Large Emerald
    Eyed Hawk-moth

    8th July 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton

    by Steve Chapple

    A good day, the LUN lure came up trumps with a Lunar Hornet Moth and the mines that I collected from Hypericum (hidcote) in the garden a few days ago produced the tiny Ectoedemia septembrella (NFG) thanks to James McGill for confirmation. The moth trap yielded 78 species but with little of note except my second Kent Black Arches here, Mompha epilobiella and Crassa unitella all FFY. At least 300 Garden Grass Veneer - I left a small patch of lawn to grow this year and they seem to be the main beneficiaries!

    Ectoedemia septembrella
    Kent Black Arches
    Ectoedemia septembrella
    Lunar Hornet Moth

    7th July 2023 - Curry Rivel

    by Maurice Pugh

    Trapped until midnight. 65 moths of 22 species. NFY were Garden Grass Veneer, Bee Moth, Beautiful Plume, Small Emerald, Latticed Heath and Scalloped Oak. Box-tree moths went through the roof with 21 including 7 of the dark form.

    7th July 2023 - Middlezoy moths

    by Simon Phelps

    72 species in my Middlezoy garden moth trap. Highlights: Donacaula forficella, Nut-tree Tussock, Buff-tip, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Double Lobed, Herald, Lesser Cream Wave, Scorched Carpet, Dusky Sallow, Crescent Plume, Matilella fusca, Lobesia abscisana. Maurice Pugh - I believe your photo that you have labelled as a Pale Eggar for the 3rd of July is actually a Lackey moth. Administrator's note: Yes - photo caption corrected 9.7.23

    7th July 2023 - Cocklake

    by Steve Pilkington

    259 moths of 62 species. FFY were E.pinguis, Smoky wainscot, Lackey, Black arches and Anarsia innoxiella (2). The latter is my sixth record since the first in 2021 which suggests that it is established in the Field maples somewhere in our boundary hedges. Increasing numbers of Box tree moths, only 3 in previous years but already 4 this year, box hedges looking increasingly vulnerable.

    6th July 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Two nights of trapping (5/7 and 6/7) averaged 125 moths per night, and a total of 50 species, with 6 FFYs - Peppered Moth, Lesser Broad-bordered YU, Buff Footman, Plain Golden Y, July Highflyer, and Dun-bar. Common Footman (53 on 5/7) the most numerous.

    6th July 2023 - Curry Rivel

    by Maurice Pugh

    Trapped until midnight. NFY were Oegoconia quadripuncta, Yellow Shell, Common White Wave and Poplar Hawkmoth. 9 Box-tree moths with 2 dark form.

    Cydalima perspectalis
    Dark form

    6th July 2023 - Box-tree Moth

    by Tony OBRIEN

    Saw a Box-tree Moth in our garden this morning in Beckington

    Cydalima perspectalis

    5th July 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock

    by Tim Howard

    274 moths of 74 species produced 10 FFY including a FFG. Zeiraphera isertana (FFG); Eucosma campoliliana ; Rhodophaea formosa ; Rusty-dot Pearl ; Cloaked Carpet ; July Highflyer (2) ; Wormwood Pug ; Beautiful Snout ; Common Rustic agg (12) and Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing. Common Footman (29) just pipped Garden Grass Veneer (26) for top score.

    Rhodophaea formosa
    Eucosma campoliliana
    Zeiraphera isertana

    3rd July 2023 - Curry Rivel

    by Maurice Pugh

    Trapped until midnight. 27 moths of 15 species. NFY were Udea prunalis, Pale Eggar, Dwarf Cream Wave, V Pug, Engrailed and Yellow-tail. Also present Box-tree moths (4), Elephant Hawk-moths (3), Common Footman (4) and Silver Y (2).

    The Lackey

    3rd July 2023 - Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis)

    by John Day - Yeovil

    Second recorded specimen for my garden (first specimen last year)

    Cydalima perspectalis

    2nd July 2023 - Butleigh garden MV

    by Sue Davies

    A nice surprise in the trap this morning. My third record of Metalampra italica, the previous ones in late Aug. 20 and early Sept. 19. The trap is about 30m from a large rotting oak stump. Nothing else to report of interest.

    Metalampra italica

    2nd July 2023 - Holcombe, 2 July 2023

    by Christopher Iles

    An Argolamprodes micella basking on our garage door here earlier this morning. We have let part of our garden run to meadow the last few years and are being 'rewarded' with large numbers of Chrysoteuchia culmella which are now entering the house through any available open window. I'm thinking of trapping tonight and I think I know what I am going to get...

    2nd July 2023 - Cocklake

    by Steve Pilkington

    Although the wind eased here it was a cooler night and the numbers may reflect that.227 moths of 57 species.FFG was Catoptria pinella and FFY were L-album wainscot and Turnip. Big numbers were Common footman (73) and Dark Arches (19).

    Catoptria pinella

    1st July 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    It's full moon time again, (on 3/7), so the moths ignore MV lights! Down to 60 moths of 26 species, with 3 FFYs - Herald, Dwarf Cream Wave and Small Dotted Buff (VERY small, this one, pretending to be a Micro). Common Footman (10) the commonest now, and C. culmella down to a singleton.

    1st July 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    After the Lord Mayor's Show earlier in the week, back to earth with a bump - down to 77 moths of 29 species. FFG was Twin-barred Knot-horn (Homoeosoma sinuella). FFY were Common Grass-veneer (Agriphila tristella), The Phoenix (2), The Rustic, Common Rustic agg. (2) and Green Silver-Lines. Top scorer now Common Footman, with 11.

    The Coronet
    First time I've trapped this colour form
    Homoeosoma sinuella

    1st July 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon

    by Ian Mathieson

    A quieter night than last time with only 328 macros of 70 species. Firsts for the year were Blackneck, Clouded Brindle, Barred Yellow and surprisingly 2 Dark Sword Grasses were also the first of the year here.

    The Blackneck
    Clouded Brindle

    1st July 2023 - Cocklake

    by Steve Pilkington

    Tissue found floating on a water trough in the garden this morning, rescued. and dried out. A new one for the garden list.

    The Tissue

    30th June 2023 - Middlezoy moths

    by Simon Phelps

    72 species in my Middlezoy garden moth trap. Highlights: Peach Blossom, Miller, Oak Nycteoline, Cloaked Minor, Pale Prominent, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Double Square-spot, Least Carpet, Small Emerald, Buff Arches, Iron Prominent, Muslin Footman, Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet.

    29th June 2023 - Great Breach Wood

    by Paul Bowyer

    Dave Nevitt and I trapped at Great Breach Wood recording 190+ species, a good night despite both of our generators having problems with no AC output at various times during the night. Many highlights but the standout species were: Cydia illutana, Anarsia innoxiella, Celypha woodiana, Assara terrebrella, Gypsonoma oppressana, 5 species of Coleophora including kuehnella and Slender pug.

    Cydia illutana
    Male Gen Det
    Assara terebrella
    Male Gen Det
    Anarsia innoxiella - Female Gen Det

    29th June 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    A fairly quiet night, as a bit of a breeze and a nearly full moon kept the numbers down. Just 88 moths of 27 species with 3 FFYs - Buff-tip (2), Magpie Moth and Common Rustic agg (2). Common Footman (18) the most numerous of any species.

    29th June 2023 - Scarlet Tiger

    by John Day - Yeovil

    A welcome rare (for me) visitor to my garden.

    Scarlet Tiger

    28th June 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton - 4x FFG

    by Steve Chapple

    An exhausting 104 species (and counting) is my best ever haul, from 331 moths and at least a further 150 Garden Grass-veneer. I had an amazing 4 FFG: Orange Moth, Double Line, Ruddy Carpet and the micro, Nemapogon koenigi confirmed by James McGill. Numerous FFY included: Box-tree Moth, Hayworth's Pug, Pine Carpet, Wax Moth, Oak Nycteoline, Small Rivulet, Ghost, Scalloped Oak, Gold Triangle, Eucosma campoliliana, Spilonota ocellana and Dichomeris alacella.

    Nemapogon koenigi
    Ruddy Carpet
    Double Line
    Orange Moth

    28th June 2023 - Additions to last night's catch

    by Ian Mathieson

    This afternoon I was able to find two new species on vegetation near the trap that brings the final total of macros to 101 species. This included a first for the year Dingy Shell.

    27th June 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock

    by Tim Howard

    576 moths of 113 species, including 211 garden grass veneers + escapees. 25 FFY : Paraswammerdamia nebulella and Teleiodes luculella (both subject to confirmation) ; Large Fruit-tree Tortrix (2) ; Pseudargyrotoza conwagana; Nut Bud Moth ; Hypsopygia glaucinalis (2); Pyrausta despicata (2); Pyrausta purpuralis ; Crambus pascuella; Ringed China-mark (2); Small Elephant H-m ; Barred Straw (2) ; Dingy Shell ; Scallop Shell ; Lilac Beauty ; Swallow-tail Moth ; Barred Red ; Grass Emerald ; Rosy Footman ; Common Footman (6) ; Scarce Footman (3) ; Small Rufus ; Dun-bar ; Smokey Wainscot ; Green Silverlines (2). Worth getting up at 0330 for - just.

    27th June 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    My highest ever June count, and only the second time over 200 in that month - 271 moths of 51 species. FFY were Brown House Moth, Bud Moth, Mother of Pearl, Box-tree Moth, Meadow Grey (Scoparia pyralella), Buff Arches, Small Dusty Wave, Treble Brown Spot, Small Yellow Wave, Swallow-tailed Moth, Scarlet Tiger, Burnished Brass, Dot Moth, Turnip Moth and Triple-spotted Clay. Champion scorer was still Chrysoteuchia culmella, this time with 138. There are a few odds and ends to sort out.

    27th June 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon

    by Ian Mathieson

    An excellent night that produced 648 macros of 99 species. This is easily the most species I have ever recorded in a single night and the most individuals for at least 3 years. 11 firsts for the year take my total for macros over 200. This is 20 days earlier than average over the last 20 years. Only once have I reached 200 in June and that year I had caught over 5500 moths at that stage. This year I've done it with only 3500 individuals recorded. Best of the firsts were Small Mottled Willow, Leopard Moth and both Green and Scarce Silver- lines. This is the first time I have seen both together.

    Small Mottled Willow
    Green and Scarce Silver-lines

    27th June 2023 - Underwing?

    by Barrie Widden

    Found on the outside of my moth trap yesterday morning (27th). Can this be a Dark Crimson Underwing or just a very early Red Underwing?

    27th June 2023 - Caddis fly

    by Ian Mathieson

    25 years of mothing and I can't even identify what a moth is! That is why I stay away from micros. Thank you, Simon, for your help and for not laughing too loudly. At least I now know why I couldn't find it in the micro moth book.

    27th June 2023 - Toadflax Brocade

    by Paul Bowyer

    Whilst out walking in my street in Weston this afternoon I noticed two small clumps of Purple Toadflax, only half a dozen or so plants in each both of which had singles of the Toadflax Brocade larva nearing full size. Because of their colour they are very easy to pick out on the food plant. One to look out for if you haven't seen it in your area.

    Toadflax Brocade
    Larva

    27th June 2023 - Epiblema costipunctana

    by Steve Chapple

    Despite it being a very fresh specimen I had pondered this moth for several days as ID should have been easy. James McGill put me out of my misery and pointed me to Epiblema costipunctana, my first since 2015 and surely very under recorded in VC5? Other moths of interest over the last few days have been The Fern, Grapholita funebrana (2), Brindled Plume Eucosma cana (3) and three clearwings -Red Belted, Orange Tailed and Currant (all on 4 year old lures). Scarlet Tiger moths seem to be having a good year with 8 sightings here.

    Epiblema costipunctana
    Eucosma cana
    Grapholita funebrana

    27th June 2023 - Ian Mathieson - caddisfly identification

    by Simon Phelps

    Hi Ian, Your micro moth is not a moth, it is a caddisfly. I only know this as I had one of these last year and it puzzled me. My enquiries led me to the caddisfly species, Athripsodes albifrons. I am pretty sure that is what you have got. Do make other enquiries though to check if I am correct. Hope this helps! Thanks Simon

    26th June 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    A much cooler night, thank goodness, still managed to produce just over 150 moths, of 44 species. C. culmella, whilst still the most numerous, were down from 72 last time to 23, accounting numerically at least for the lower total. The 3 FFYs were all Micros - Epiblema foenella, Anania coronata and Scoparia ancipitella. This last seems to pop up here every year, but only ever one or two in all. However, it's nice to see them when they do appear.

    26th June 2023 - Heathfield TA4, VC5

    by Simon Davies

    116 moths of 46 species in MV light trap on 24th June. Of possible interest was the pictured micro-moth, possibly Acleris kochiella: I'd be grateful for review please. No specimen retained, sorry. I've also included an image of a beautiful blue tinted burnished brass from the same trap.

    Burnished Brass

    25th June 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon

    by Ian Mathieson

    A quieter night last night which still managed to produce a number of good records. I was pleased to see my first 2 Buff Tips after seeing my only previous one of the year back in April. Firsts for the year included Small Angle Shades, Large Emerald, Blue-bordered Carpet, Dun-bar, Small Dusty Wave and Plain Golden-Y. I do not record micros but occasionally put up what I think is interesting and easy to identify. I potted up this one this morning but cannot find it anywhere in the book. Can anyone tell me if it is of any interest and what it is so I can check to see where I am going wrong

    25th June 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Addendum to report for 24/6. A further 20 moths and 4 species rounded up (totals now 202/50) - with 1 FFY, a Heart and Club. There were 11 more C. culmella making 72 altogether, but still only 1 Crambus perlella to date. Maybe more later.

    25th June 2023 - Aleimma loeflingiana

    by John Day - Yeovil

    First record of this species in my garden.

    Aleimma loeflingiana

    24th June 2023 - Triscombe Stone

    by Paul Bowyer

    Dave Nevitt and I trapped at Triscombe Stone on Satuday 24th. A breezy night with temperatures holding up to 18 degrees, we logged 136 species in total. Notables included Clouded Buff, Lead-coloured Pug, Pempelia palumbella, Clavigesta purdeyi, Bucculatrix demaryella, Strophedra weirana and Piniphila bifasciana. Some Eriocrania mines found on Birch but they were proving difficult to nail down to the exact species.

    Piniphila bifasciana

    24th June 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    A bit of a dip after Wednesday night - 85 moths of 33 species. FFY were Yponomeuta agg., Pyrausta despicata, Udea prunalis (2), Garden Pebble, Eudonia mercurella (2), Grey Pug (2), The Fan-Foot and Bright-line Brown-Eye (2). Top scorer was again Chrysoteuchia culmella, but down to 21 this time.

    24th June 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Quite a good haul - 182 moths, of 46 species so far (bearing in mind tonight's round up of strays hiding behind the coats in the porch) with 9 FFYs - Short-cloaked Moth, Cypress Carpet, Mottled Rustic, Light Arches, Barred Yellow, Lilac Beauty, White Plume, Acleris forsskaleana and Udea prunalis (3). 61 C. culmella and 11 Dark Arches the big scorers.

    24th June 2023 - Cocklake

    by Steve Pilkington

    250 moths of 77 species, still lots of micros -110 of 29 species so far. FFG - Ruddy carpet (a very battered specimen). FFY -Yponomeuta evonymella, Acleris forsskaleana, Ostrinia nubilalis, Rhodophera formosa, Chinese Character, Grass Rivulet and Common Wave.

    Ruddy Carpet

    24th June 2023 - Middlezoy moths

    by Simon Phelps

    83 species in my Middlezoy garden moth trap. Highlights: Box Tree Moth, Gold Spot, Early Thorn, Yellow-tail, Peppered, Brussels Lace, Clay, Common Wave, Dun-bar, Broad-barred White, Swallow-tailed, Barred Yellow, Common White Wave, Spectacle, Small Angle Shades, Shoulder-striped Wainscot, Figure of Eighty.

    23rd June 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon

    by Ian Mathieson

    A reasonable night with 236 macros of 68 species. Although the species count is high, I would speculate that 15 years ago there would have been more than 400 moths in the trap with the good conditions we had last night. Neither Heart and Dart nor Dark Arches have recovered from their low numbers last year around here. There were some welcome returnees with both Little Emerald and Royal Mantle being my first records since 2014 whilst Broad-barred White was my first since 2018.

    Broad-barred White
    Little Emerald
    Royal Mantle

    22nd June 2023 - Westbury-sun-Mendip

    by Peter Bright

    Amongst some 150 moths of 50 species caught in a Robinson trap were 3 privet Hawkmoths, 2 elephant hawkmoths, a small elephant hawkmoth, a ruddy carpet and an L-album wainscot.

    L-album Wainscot
    Ruddy Carpet

    22nd June 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Somewhat better numbers, 127 moths of 43 species. I wonder if some of the local moths have zipped over to the brightly-lit Glasto fields (two miles or so away) , as this is fewer than other moth-ers are getting. Mind you, I'm not sure I really want too many more - it's a sweaty business on these warm mornings !! Anyway, there were 3 FFY micros - European Corn-borer, Gold Triangle and Crambus perlella, plus a FFG Scarlet Tiger. I have no idea why it's taken so long to catch one of these, as there is a lot of Comfrey (several species) in my garden, and they are well distributed all over. A mystery.

    22nd June 2023 - Double Line

    by Jacqueline Tonkin

    My first Double Line - with many thanks to Ray Barnett for identification. Langford, North Somerset

    Double Line

    22nd June 2023 - Cocklake

    by Steve Pilkington

    Decent night again 350 moths of 82 species. Highlight was Cosmopterix scribaiella, a second record for Somerset. Trapped next to our reed bed, which I hope that it has taken up residence in. Thanks to Neale and David for confirmation. Other FFYs were Opostega salaciella, Crambus perlella (4), Hypsopygia costalis, Sandy Carpet, Scalloped Oak, Swallow-tailed Moth (2), V pug (4), Ingrailed Clay, Grey dagger and Small elephant hawkmoth.

    21st June 2023 - Steart Marshes

    by Paul Bowyer

    Whilst out looking for diptera at Steart Marshes I netted a micro that turned out to be Cydia nigricana. It's the first time I have found this species and yet I see the foodplant often. It doesn't seem to come to light very often but can be found easily by day and comes to pheremone lure apparently.

    Cydia nigricana
    Cydia nigricana

    21st June 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock

    by Tim Howard

    264 moths of 48 species , a little easier to process than last week's nearly 700. 20 FFY : Agapeta zoegana ; Hedya ochroleucana (2) ; Cryptoblabes bistriga ; Pempelia palumbella ; Anania lancealis ; Anania coronata ; Udea prunalis (3) ; Agriphila straminella (3) ; Single-dotted Wave ; Small Fan-footed Wave (2) ; Small Yellow Wave ; Little Emerald ; Common Emerald ; Fan Foot (4) ; Beautiful Hook-tip ; Poplar Grey ; Rustic (2) ; Double Lobed (3) ; Clay and Heart and Club. 3 Diamond-back moths and 16 Silver-y show some migrant action while top score stays with Shoulder-striped Wainscot (31).

    21st June 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    Best night of the year so far, with 155 moths of 45 species, my highest June count for five years. FFY were Privet Tortrix (Clepsis consimilana), 2 Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella), Common Grey (Scoparia ambigualis), 2 Pied Grey (Eudonia delunella), Cypress Carpet (2nd record), Sandy Carpet, Freyer's Pug (first since 2015), Light Emerald, Straw Dot, The Snout, Common Footman, 2 Beautiful Hook-Tip, Marbled Green (only my 2nd June record), Pale Mottled Willow, 2 Uncertain and The Lychnis. Of the total, 61 were Chrysoteuchia culmella (Garde Grass-veneer), the largest count of this species for four years! I have a few micros that need further work.

    21st June 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon

    by Ian Mathieson

    A much more interesting selection of moths with several that I don't see every year. They included my first Shears since 2018, Grey Arches, Reddish Light Arches and Lobster Moth. Only 3 Silver Ys in the trap but I did see many more flying at dusk.

    21st June 2023 - Large Tabby at Pen Elm, Taunton

    by Steve Chapple

    First Large Tabby for seven years.

    Aglossa pinguinalis

    20th June 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    After the Lord Mayor's Show etc......., numbers down by two thirds to 65 moths of 33 species. 4 FFYs were Rustic, Common Emerald, Mottled Beauty and Common Footman, the first of what ought to be many - one lives in hope !!

    20th June 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon

    by Ian Mathieson

    Nothing particularly spectacular in last nights trap. 219 macros of 44 species with Marbled White -spot being the best of the catch. Most interesting were 21 Silver Ys, the most I've recorded in one night since 2013. I see on the Portland Bird observatory website that there were huge numbers there last night. Hopefully something more interesting will turn up alongside.

    20th June 2023 - Sand Dart in Nailsea

    by Ben Crabb

    Sand Dart caught overnight in actinic light trap in suburban Nailsea garden. I believe this moth is known to occur around Sand Bay and Berrow but is probably unusual in the Nailsea area.

    Sand Dart

    20th June 2023 - Beautiful Hook-tip - Yeovil

    by John Day

    First of these for a few years

    Beautiful Hook-tip

    19th June 2023 - Unidentified Gelechiid

    by Steve Chapple

    I usually get a few Scrobipalpa throughout the year and try and photograph one or two for the record. It wasn't until I studied the photograph (sadly too late to retain the specimen) that I realised it was probably a new species for me here. I showed the photo to Stephen Palmer of the Gelechiid Recording Scheme who said: I am fairly sure this is Scrobipalpa salicorniae but I'd be unwilling to say for sure without the opportunity to examine the specimen itself more closely. Those I have seen do have those three large, rather diffuse gingery brown spots present in the centre of the wing, but I've not encountered such an overly brightly coloured specimen before. The issue with Scrobipalpas generally (with some exceptions) is that a few species can be extremely variable in their markings, making identification tricky. Many will therefore require dissection to be certain.

    18th June 2023 - Leaf mine on Holm Oak, Langport

    by John Bebbington

    Several leaf mines of Brown Oak Slender Acrocercops brongniardella on a young Holm Oak tree. Thanks to Neale for identification. Seems to be the first record for the Langport area.

    Acrocercops brongniardella
    Leaf mine on Holm Oak

    18th June 2023 - Cocklake

    by Steve Pilkington

    414 moths half of which were micros. Macros 214 of 54 species. One FFG was a Marbled white spot which I thought must be a good moth until I looked at the distribution map which suggested that I was probably the last person in Somerset to get one. Amongst the 7 FFY were Lilac beauty, Treble brown spot (3rd record), Four dotted footman (3rd record), Cloaked minor, and Short cloaked moth. 210 Micros of 46 species. 3 FFG as a result of a visit David Aggassiz, Argyresthia cupressella, , Lathronympha strigana and probably the best of the bunch Parachronistis albiceps. There were 9 FFYs including Helcystogramma rufescens, Eucosma cana, Donacaula forficella ( although a regular here, this was the first time I had seen one without the dark markings on the leading edge of the fore wings), Hypsopygia glaucinalis, Acrobasis suavella, and Pterophorus pentadactyla.

    Parachronistis albiceps
    Marbled White Spot

    18th June 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    A drop in numbers after last week - 65 moths of 28 species. FFG was Green Oak Tortrix. I'm surprised it took so long to get one considering the recent big influx. FFY were Marbled Orchard Tortrix (2), Buff-tipped Marble, The Lackey, Single-dotted Wave, Poplar Grey and Heart and Club (6). Top scorer was Chrysoteuchia culmella, with 18.

    Tortrix viridana

    17th June 2023 - The Blackneck

    by Steve Chapple

    I sent in my Sighting Report for the 17th June but it seems to have been lost in the ether -probably over 10mb. 64 species were recorded including The Blackneck, FFG and a first for me. Other notable species amongst the 24 FFY were White-point (second record and earliest by 4 months), The Miller and Small Elephant Hawk-moth (both not seen for a few years), Swallowtailed, Lilac Beauty, Nemapogon clematella, Tortrix viridana (2), Ephestia unicolorella woodiella (2), Cochylis molliculana and Pammene fasciana.

    The Blackneck
    White-point
    Nemapogon clematella

    17th June 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Addendum to previous report for 17th. The evening round-up of strays produced a further 8 moths, including a second FFG, a Square Spot - not a common species, but well distributed across the County.

    17th June 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Moths galore (by my standards at least). 176 of 49 species, including 7 FFYs - Swallow-tailed Moth, Clay (2), Fan-foot (8), Blue-bordered Carpet, Barred Straw (2), Buff Footman and Agapeta hamana. Also one more FFG, a Hedya salicella. 31 Culmella chrysoteucha and 20 Minor agg. the big scorers.

    17th June 2023 - Another Clearwing!

    by Rob Grimmond

    Two Red-belted Clearwings to MYO lure this afternoon. My fourth species so far this month.

    Red-belted Clearwing

    16th June 2023 - Blair's Mocha

    by Andy Slade

    Blair's Mocha last night at Burnham-on-sea

    Blair's Mocha

    15th June 2023 - Middlezoy moths

    by Simon Phelps

    69 species of moth in my Middlezoy village garden trap on the night of the 15th June. Highlights: Privet Hawk-moth, Beautiful Hook-tip, Barred Straw, Tawny-barred Angle, Elephant Hawk-moth, Green Pug, Short-cloaked Moth, Diamond-back, Poplar Grey, Gold Triangle, Coronet, Fan-foot, Eyed Hawk-moth, Lackey, Shark, Small Elephant Hawk-moth, Kent Black Arches, Blue-bordered Carpet, Small Blood-vein, Dioryctria abietella, Rhodophae formosa, all 3 common Hedya (ochroleucana, nubiferana, pruniana).

    15th June 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    My biggest catch of the year, with 85 moths of 42 species. FFY were Common Swift, Ghost Moth (first for 4 years, a female), Red-barred Tortrix (2), Figure of Eighty, Small Elephant Hawk-Moth, Riband Wave (2), Pine Carpet, Mottled Pug, Clouded Border, Scorched Wing, Pale Prominent, The Shark (2), Small Angle Shades (first for 3 years), Dark Arches (5), Common Wainscot, The Flame and Large Yellow Underwing. Top scorers were Marbled Minor agg. (12) and Heart and Dart (9).

    Pale Prominent
    Small Elephant Hawk-moth

    15th June 2023 - Butleigh garden MV

    by Sue Davies

    First decent catch of 63spp. of note FFYs, 3 Blotched Emeralds, 3 Large Nutmeg, Muslin and Shoulder-striped Wainscots, 5 Eudonia delunella and a FFG Aethes beatricella.

    Large Nutmeg

    15th June 2023 - Clearwings at Combe St. Nicholas

    by Rob Grimmond

    I put the VES lure out this afternoon to attract Yellow-legged Clearwing but instead got an Orange-tailed, which is known to be attracted to this lure as well as to the AND lure!

    Orange-tailed Clearwing

    14th June 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Another warm night, and the moon is waning, ergo decent numbers. 133 moths so far of 45 species, with 6 FFYs - Beautiful Hook-tip the only macro, and micros Large Fruit-tree Tortrix (Archips podana (5)), Barred ditto (Pandemis cerasana (2)), Euzophera pinguis, Bramble Shoot Moth (Notocelia uddmanniana), and Catoptria falsella. Wth the newbies in the last three trappings, I have finally staggered past the 100-mark for the year - about time too !!

    14th June 2023 - Cocklake

    by Steve Pilkington

    Biggest count of the year following an overcast sky late evening but clear by daybreak. 293 moths with 84 species so far. I have been overwhelmed with micros -109 (33 species), 10 of which I am still working on so that will rise! There are 21 FFYs and one FFG a Crescent Plume. First time that I have had Green Oak Tortrix and Cream-bordered Green Pea in the same trap, very helpful.

    Marasmarcha lunaedactyla
    Crescent Plume

    14th June 2023 - Clearwings in Combe St. Nicholas

    by Rob Grimmond

    I've put lures out a couple of times in the last week, without success. Today, I hit the jackpot with a FFG Red-tipped Clearwing and 3 FFY Currant Clearwings. It brings the garden clearwing list to 6 species now. The former is particularly good because it is a species of fens, marshes and other damp localities. I have a couple of lakes just over half a mile away, so it probably came from there. Apologies for the quality of the Red-tipped photo.

    Red-tipped Clearwing
    Currant Clearwing

    13th June 2023 - Kestrels Rise, Little Quantock

    by Tim Howard

    Be careful what you wish for. 678 moths of 123 species including 28 FFY and 2 FFG. : Diamond-back moth (7) ; Neofaculta ericitella (2) ; Scrobipalpa costella ; Mompha lacteella ; Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix (4) ; Acrobasis consociella ; Euzophera pinguis ; Crambus Perlella ; Buff Arches ; Satin Wave (3) ; Ruddy Carpet (second year running) ; Grey Pine Carpet ; Cypress Carpet ; Northern Spinach ; Narrow-winged Pug (2) ; Alder Kitten ; Dingy Footman ; Miller ; Clouded Brindle and Small Square-spot. High numbers of Shoulder-striped Wainscot (85) and Bright-line Brown-eye (36). Think I'll take a few days off !

    12th June 2023 - Wall Common

    by Jack Oughton

    An early evening stroll around Wall Common produced only a handful of species, the highlight of which were 6 Wheeleria spilodactylus found resting on the White Horehound food plant. Best of the rest were Scrobipalpa occellatella, and abundant Platytes cerussella.

    12th June 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Having been a warm and muggy night, I was expecting vast numbers of moths, but surprisingly there were fewer than the Saturday night catch. Just 82 in total, of 34 species including 5 FFYs - Ingrailed Clay, Buff Ermine (2), Figure of Eighty, Thistle Ermine and Eudonia lacustrata, plus another FFG, a Seraphim. According to the distribution map, this last species seems to be relatively uncommon in this area, but I'm not really sure why, as the larval food plant, Poplar, is quite frequent locally.

    12th June 2023 - Combe St. Nicholas, South Somerset

    by Rob Grimmond

    I trapped on the nights of 9th and 12th June. The two sessions, each producing 63 moths, gave me 31 FFY. Of note were 8 Pale Tussocks on 12th, my second highest total. The numbers are now what I would expect for the time of year.

    Notocelia cynosbatella
    Poplar Kitten

    12th June 2023 - Grapholita caecana

    by Rob Grimmond

    I also recorded Grapholita caecana in Combe St. Nicholas, on Friday night (9th). Neale Mellersh has told me there were three records on Friday night, all from separate traps. These are the first county records, presumably as a result of migration. The UK Moths website says it is a scarce and local species only known from a few localities in the south of England, particularly Kent and Wiltshire.

    12th June 2023 - Update on Grapholita caecana

    by Steve Chapple

    I have now heard from Paul Wilkins and he has confirmed my 8th June record of a Grapholita caecana. Many thanks to Paul Wilkins for his invaluable help. Great to hear also that Tim Howard has also recorded this moth.

    10th June 2023 - Trap on June 10th

    by Steve Chapple

    Busy times... the day started with a Taleporia tubulosa that I disturbed in the garden. I set out my MV and Actinic traps out in cloudy, warm weather thinking and hoping that it would be the best night of the year and so it proved to be with 69 species of 158 moths. Surprisingly there were four large Scarlet Tigers sitting on the outside of the actinic (I have only had occasional singletons before) and a Cream-spot Tiger on the MV. I had 30 FFY that included Eyed Hawk-moth, Striped Wainscot, Alder Moth, Gold Spot, Clouded Brindle and Green Oak Tortrix. The following day I found a Blastodacna atra, Apple-pith Moth FFG indoors - thanks to James McGill for confirming.

    Blastodacna atra

    10th June 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    What a difference a change in the weather can make- far and away the biggest catch of the year to date, with 115 moths of 41 species, including 11 FFYs - Sharp-angled Peacock, Elephant Hawk-moth, Willow Beauty (3), Vine's Rustic, Uncertain, Brussels Lace, Scorched Wing, Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella), Udea olivalis (8), Celypha striana, and Eudonia delunella (3), plus 2 FFGs - Pale-shouldered Brocade and Timothy Tortrix (Z. paleana). There may also be one or two escapees to be rounded up later - hiding among the coats in the porch.

    10th June 2023 - Curry Rivel

    by Maurice Pugh

    Trapped until midnight. 19 moths of 14 species. NFY were Garden Pebble, Elephant Hawk-moth, Heart and Dart, Flame, Middle-barred Minor and Straw Dot. Only one Green Oak Tortrix after ten the previous evening and no Treble brow Spot, again after four last night. One more Cream-spot Tiger

    10th June 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon

    by Ian Mathieson

    Best night of the year with 212 macros of 62 species. It was one of those nights that I was glad I didn't record micros as they filled the trap. Most noticeable micro was Green Oak Tortrix. I normally record one or two here each year. Last night I estimate I had over 50. Best of the first for the year macros were Scalloped Hazel, Alder Moth, Miller, Brussels Lace, Elephant Hawk Moth, Pebble Hook tip, Oak Hook tip, Ingrailed Clay, Barred Straw and Lime Speck Pug.

    9th June 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock

    by Tim Howard

    Best night of the year - by far. 308 moths of 91 species. Best was Grapholita caenana - a second for Somerset assuming Steve Chapple's record on 8/06 is confirmed.( thanks to Neale Mellersh for confirming ID). In total 35 FFY - some of the best : Nematopogon metaxella (5) ; Elachista argentella ; Olindia schumacherana ; Scalloped Hook-tip ; Pebble Hook-tip ; Eyed Hawk-moth ; Elephant Hook-moth ; Dwarf Cream Wave ; Clay Triple Lines ; Green Pug ; Scorched Wing ; Mottled Beauty (2) ; Clouded Silver (7) ; Small Fan-foot (2) ; Coronet (2) ; Double Line (2) ; Common Wainscot (4) ; True Lovers Knot and Triple-spotted Clay. Apologies to the moths I've left out but you have probably stopped reading this by now.

    9th June 2023 - St Marys Park, Langport

    by John Bebbington

    I finally managed to repair my Robinson trap (overlong hibernation!) but only running a 20w actinic lamp. 34 moths of 15 species mostly Heart and Dart but including 1 Elephant Hawk-moth, 2 Green Oak Tortrix and a Silky Wainscot, a species I had never trapped before. .

    Silky Wainscot

    9th June 2023 - Curry Rivel

    by Maurice Pugh

    Trapped until mid-night. Numbers are picking up, 38 moths of 21 species. NFY were Clepsis consimilana, Green Oak Tortrix (10), Beautiful China-mark, Treble Brown Spot (4), Lilac Beauty, Iron Prominent, Buff Ermine, Light Brocade, Miller and Marbled White Spot.

    Nymphula nitidulata
    Beautiful China-mark
    Lilac Beauty

    8th June 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Slightly less of a breeze again, so fair numbers - 52 moths of 19 species, with 3 FFYs, Common Pug, Mottled Pug and Flame. Also 2 more Caddises and a FFY Crane Fly.

    8th June 2023 - Pen Elm, Taunton

    by Steve Chapple

    39 species, 74 moths and numerous FFY including: Lobster, Rustic Shoulder Knot, Figure of 80 and Hoary Plume (my second record). I also had an interesting micro that looks a lot like Grapholita caecana - not very likely but hopefully Paul Wilkins will be able to confirm one way or the other.

    Platyptilia isodactylus

    8th June 2023 - Shipham

    by Nigel Voaden

    164 of 54 overnight with NFG Homoeosoma sinuella and Monopis obviella and Red-belted Clearwing to lure during the day bringing the garden total to 500 species. Not that big yet but I've trapped here only 62 times as a visitor over the years which is equivalent to less than one year's effort. The potential therefore must be much higher.

    7th June 2023 - Shipham

    by Nigel Voaden

    137 of 58 overnight despite the strong breeze, clear skies and cool temperatures. NFG Common Swift, Notocelia cynosbatella, Anania fuscalis and Light Brocade with Alabonia geoffrella also NFG during the day. Best however was a singing Quail audible as I emptied the traps at dawn!

    7th June 2023 - Ethmia bipunctella in Weston

    by David Agassiz

    On the outside of my trap was Ethmia bipunctella; like Yponomeuta Ethmia spp emit ultrasound so this one gave me a recording!

    7th June 2023 - Norton sub Hamdon

    by Ian Mathieson

    First 3 figure count of the year with 107 macros of 30 species. Broken-barred Carpet, Treble Brown Spot,Green Pug, Snout, Ghost Moth and Small Elephant Hawk Moth were all firsts for the year. That was more encouraging and I am looking forward to bumper catches this weekend with the promised better mothing weather.

    7th June 2023 - Curry Rivel

    by Maurice Pugh

    15 moths of 12 species. NFY were Pyrausta aurata, Small Elephant Hawkmoths (2), Spectacle and Short-cloaked Moth. Another Cream-spot Tiger.

    Small Elephant Hawk-moth
    Cream-spot Tiger

    7th June 2023 - Mullein eaters

    by Paul Newman

    Dave - your caterpillars are almost certainly those of the Mullein Moth (Cucullia verbasca) which are quite common and are found at this time of year. Striped Lychnis larvae whilst quite similar, are later (found from July to September). As far as predation goes, the bright colours and apparent lack of camouflage means that they are probably distasteful to birds (or it might be a bluff !!)

    6th June 2023 - Mullein Moth

    by Dave Dixon

    Thanks for your help with identification Paul. Although the Mullein plants are fairly recently established we have Buddleia and have had a lot of Figwort in recent years, which I read are also a food plant of this moth caterpillar. They've probably been here some time, unnoticed despite their colouring!

    6th June 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    More cold breeze, ergo numbers down yet again. this time just 24 moths of 13 species, with 4 FFYs - Dark Arches (3), Clouded Border, Pale Mottled Willow and the only micro, a Garden Pebble. Plus a very late May Bug.

    6th June 2023 - Striped Lychnis Caterpillar?

    by Dave Dixon

    Two Mullein plants in my garden on the edge of the Somerset Levels are being consumed by caterpillars. Google identifies these as Striped Lychnis or Shargacucullia Lychnitis. They are said to be rarely recorded in Somerset, but are established in Hampshire. Is this identification correct? The plants are near the bird feeders, are these caterpillars likely to be predated?

    5th June 2023 - Kestrels Rise , Little Quantock

    by Tim Howard

    87 moths of 38 species after another chilly night. Ten FFY : Aethes cnicana ; Udea olivaris ; Eudonia lacustrata ; Peach Blossom ; Brussels Lace ; Beautiful Golden-Y ; Mottled Rustic ; Dark Arches ; Grey Arches and Purple Clay. All singles ,which adds to Ian's observation. The only moths in any number remain Treble Lines (18) and Shoulder-striped Wainscot (17). Others of note: Privet Hawk-moth (2) ; Brown Silverline ; Light Emerald (3) and Pale-shouldered Brocade (2). The forecast is for warmer nights at the weekend so here's hoping!

    5th June 2023 - Pseudargyrotoza and Dichrorampha

    by Paul Wilkins

    Pseudargyrotoza Conwagana and Dichrorampha vancouverana have been out in numbers today around their respective food plants Ash and Yarrow here in Bath today.

    5th 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 - Shipham

    by Nigel Voaden

    A short visit to the county apparently coinciding with less than favourable conditions. Trapping overnight wasn't too bad despite the clear, cool, and at times breezy conditions and backed up with a couple of daytime finds today yielded 202 moths of 52 species. Argyresthia cupressella, Eulia ministrana, Hysterophora maculosana, and Alder Moth were NFG. Arguably best were Callisto denticulella, which I have found the mines of many times including in the garden, but this was the first time I've seen the adult and Coleophora lineolea, for which I've recorded the adult before in the garden but today I finally tracked down the distinctive, fluffy larval cases. Garden list is not 490 which, considering I am only a very occasional visitor, is not too shabby. I'm sure if I lived there it would 800+ by now. Two hours on Fry's Hill this morning was disappointing for insects in general Psyche casta (case) and Mompha miscella were perhaps the best.

    4th June 2023 - Street-on-the-Fosse, Shepton Mallet

    by Paul Newman

    Something of an improvement, as the wind was slightly less of a problem. 49 moths of 22 species, with 6 FFYs - Blood-vein, Burnished Brass (3), Straw Dot, Coronet, Snout, and Large Yellow U/wing.

    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.

    Clouded Border
    Clouded Silver

    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)'

    Cream-spot Tiger

    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?

    1st June 2023 - White Point

    by John Day

    Firts record for my garden.

    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)

    Phyllonorycter trifasciella

    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

    Psyche casta
    Psyche casta

    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.

    Glaucous Shears

    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.

    Gold Spot
    Small Clouded Brindle

    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.

    Light Brocade

    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).

    Nematopogon swammerdamella

    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.

    Pretty Chalk Carpet

    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.

    May Highflyer
    Yellow-barred Brindle
    Alder Kitten
    Rustic Shoulder-knot

    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.

    Puss Moth
    Puss Moth

    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.

    Small Phoenix
    Lesser Swallow Prominent

    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.

    Coleophora lineolea
    Larval cases on Lamb's Ear

    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.

    Marbled Green
    Marbled Green

    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.

    Least Black Arches
    cocoon
    Least Black Arches

    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).

    Red Chestnut
    Brindled Beauty

    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

    Dotted Chestnut

    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).

    The Streamer

    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

    Brindled Beauty

    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)

    Dyseriocrania subpurpurella
    Dyseriocrania subpurpurella

    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.

    Brindled Beauty
    The Engrailed
    The Herald
    Twin-spotted Quaker

    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.

    Marbled Green
    Nyctobrya muralis larva 73.085

    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.

    Dotted Chestnut

    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.

    Red Sword-grass
    Curry Mallet

    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).

    Small Quaker

    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).

    Agonopterix alstromeriana

    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

    Ypsolopha mucronella
    Ypsolopha mucronella

    13th March 2023 - Diurnia fagella (March Tubic)

    by John Day

    Many thanks to Neale for the identification. A first for my garden.

    Diurnea fagella

    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.

    Common Quaker
    Hebrew Character

    6th March 2023 - 4 moths, Curry Mallet

    by Jane Cole

    Common Quaker 1, Early Moth 1, Hebrew Character 1, March Moth 1

    March Moth

    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.

    Tortricodes alternella

    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.

    Double-striped Pug

    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.

    Dotted Border

    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.

    Early Moth

    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.

    Caloptilia honortella mine

    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.

    Adult, ex mine on Rubus sp. - coll. 19/11/2022, emerged 24/12/22. Watchet, Somerset
    Adult, ex mine on Rubus sp. - coll. 19/11/2022, emerged 24/12/22. Watchet, Somerset
    Mine on Rubus sp. - 29/12/22 - Watchet, Somerset.
    Adult, ex mine on Rubus sp. - coll. 19/11/2022, emerged 24/12/22. Watchet, Somerset
    Mine on Rubus sp. - 29/12/22 - Watchet, Somerset.
    Habitat - Watchet, Somerset
    Adult, ex mine on Rubus sp. - coll. 19/11/2022, emerged 24/12/22. Watchet, Somerset
    Mine on Rubus sp. - 29/12/22 - Watchet, Somerset.

    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.

    December Moth

    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.

    Mottled Umber

    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.

    Mottled Umber
    Mottled Umber

    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.

    Feathered Thorn
    December Moth
    Winter Moth

    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.

    Cosmopterix pulchrimella
    Cosmopterix pulchrimella on Pellitory-of-the-wall

    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

    Feathered Thorn
    With Sprawler and Mottled Umber

    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.

    Scarce Bordered Straw

    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.

    Feathered Thorn
    Male
    Red-line Quaker

    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.

    Blair's Mocha

    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.

    Scarce Bordered Straw

    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.

    The Spectacle
    Larva on stinging nettle

    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.

    Crimson Speckled
    No 2
    Crimson Speckled
    No 1
    Crimson Speckled
    Released to continue the journey

    29th October 2022 - Palpita vitrealis, Barrington

    by Alick Simmons

    One worn individual came to light overnight 29/30 October.

    Palpita vitrealis

    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.

    female, Milton 29/10/2022

    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.

    Merveille du Jour
    Green-brindled Crescent

    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).

    Cydalima perspectalis
    Cydalima perspectalis and Palpita vitrealis
    The Gem
    White-point
    White-point and Scarce Bordered Straw

    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.

    Scarce Bordered Straw
    20w actinic, 27 Oct 2022
    Oak Rustic
    20w actinic, 27 Oct 2022

    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.

    Clancy's Rustic
    Possible?

    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).

    Convolvulus Hawk-moth
    Convolvulus Hawk-moth in Middlezoy by Simon Phelps
    Convolvulus Hawk-moth
    Convolvulus Hawk-moth in Middlezoy by Simon Phelps
    Convolvulus Hawk-moth
    Convolvulus Hawk-moth in Middlezoy by Simon Phelps
    Convolvulus Hawk-moth
    Convolvulus Hawk-moth in Middlezoy by Simon Phelps

    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.

    Clifden Nonpareil
    Abruptly flew off skimming over the garden wall like a Vulcan bomber.
    Figure of Eight
    Merveille du Jour

    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.

    The Brick
    Palpita vitrealis

    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.

    Red-line Quaker
    Cydalima perspectalis
    Turnip Moth
    Nomophila noctuella

    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

    The Mallow
    Merveille du Jour

    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.

    The Mallow

    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.

    Deep-brown Dart
    The Vestal
    The Delicate

    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.

    Flame Brocade

    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).

    Deep-brown Dart
    Scarce Bordered Straw
    Dark Spectacle

    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.

    Large Ranunculus

    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.

    Black Rustic
    Large Ranunculus

    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.

    Large Ranunculus
    Lilac Beauty

    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).

    Cydalima perspectalis
    Aproaerema anthyllidella

    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.

    Nephopterix angustella

    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!

    Bedellia somnulentella
    Bedellia somnulentella

    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)

    Plutella xylostella
    Brindled Green

    21st September 2022 - Clifden Nonpareil

    by John Elliott

    Brompton Ralph, Taunton

    Clifden Nonpareil

    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.

    The Vestal

    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

    Dewick's Plusia

    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.

    Agonopterix umbellana
    Olindia schumacherana

    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.

    The Vestal
    Lilac Beauty

    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).

    Feathered Gothic
    Pearly Underwing
    The Vestal

    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.

    The Vestal

    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

    Loxostege sticticalis

    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.

    Bordered Straw
    Pink-barred Sallow

    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.

    Ancylosis oblitella
    Convolvulus Hawk-moth
    Scarce Bordered Straw

    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!

    Pale Eggar
    Caloptilia stigmatella
    An easy micro!
    Centre-barred Sallow

    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.

    Acleris cristana
    Small Blood-vein
    Amblyptilia acanthadactyla
    Beautiful Plume
    Large Yellow Underwing
    Flounced Rustic
    Nomophila noctuella
    Rush Veneer

    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

    Bulrush Wainscot
    Scrobipalpa ocellatella
    possible

    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!

    Scrobipalpa ocellatella
    Scrobipalpa ocellatella

    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!

    Scrobipalpa ocellatella
    The best photo I could manage!
    Scrobipalpa ocellatella

    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.

    Old Lady

    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.

    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.

    Stigmella tiliae
    Stigmella tiliae
    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

    Dark Sword-grass
    The Vestal
    Mouse Moth
    Acleris cristana

    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.

    Cochylis molliculana

    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.

    Frosted Orange
    Antler Moth

    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.

    Scarce Bordered Straw
    The Delicate
    Convolvulus Hawk-moth

    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.

    Six-striped Rustic
    Pearly Underwing

    21st August 2022 - Cocklake

    by Steve Pilkington

    Found in the Greenhouse this morning - Convolvulus Hawk-moth, a first for this plot.

    Convolvulus Hawk-moth
    Convolvulus Hawk-moth

    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.

    Small Ranunculus
    Scarce Bordered Straw

    17th August 2022 - Dark Crimson Underwing

    by Jacqueline Tonkin

    Trapped at Lower Langford

    Dark Crimson Underwing
    Dark Crimson Underwing
    Dark Crimson Underwing

    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.

    Sharp-angled Carpet
    September Thorn

    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.

    Convolvulus Hawk-moth

    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).

    Pearly Underwing

    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

    Enjoying Nicotina flowers

    14th August 2022 - Barred Sallow

    by Maurice Pugh

    My earliest sighting. Previous sightings have been in September and October.

    Barred Sallow
    Barred Sallow

    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.

    Tree-lichen Beauty

    13th August 2022 - Otterhead Lakes, Blackdown Hills

    by Rob Grimmond

    Last night I attended a trapping s