I forgot to add this one, Ingrailed Clay. New for me.
Yesterday there seemed more micro's than macro's in the moth trap. I often place the trap on a white sheet in an attempt to attract more insects to the light. After watching the behaviour of moths at the light, especially the noctuids, I think the sheet is actually deflecting them away from the catching area? So last night, no sheet. Only the light in the dark to head for...
Result! 172 of 60 species with less micros...
New for the garden were -
1758 Barred Straw 1 new
1937 Willow Beauty 1 NFY
2098 Flame 1 new
2345 Small Dotted Buff 1 new
2422 Green Silver Lines 1 new. I was well pleased with this one...
Of interest, I had a male Orange Tip today, I dont think I have ever seen one as late...
5 comments:
like the green silver lines!
The green silver lines is gorgeous.
What sort of time are you empting the trap Stewart? The white sheet will not necessarily help to attract the moths (but shouldn't deter them either - otherwise the lamp and sheet method wouldn't work). What it does do though is make the moths easier to see - which goes for the local Robins and Blackbirds as well. This is definitely more of a problem in the peak summer season. Over the years I've found that the earlier I bother to get up, the more individual moths I find around the trap site - but obviously getting up at 3:30am every day is untenable! Currently when I get to the traps at 05:30 there is already a Robin in the garden laughing at me.
Even without a sheet, there are some species that always seem to be as likely (or even more likely) to be sitting on the outside, either on the trap, a fence or bushes etc
The Green Silver Lines is a beautiful moth, Stewart - I bet you are pleased!
Mark - I usually cover the trap at 4-4.30am, checking the sheet etc in the process. I am not finding much outside, other than the one Peppered Moth I had plus a few odds and sods. But I'm not convinved that these individuals wouldnt have just gone into the trap had the sheet not been there in the first place!
I have a confession. The other morning I was emptying the trap and placing egg trays at my feet while writing notes. All of a sudden there was a clatter and a Robin took a Poplar Hawk from my toe end! It was cruel to watch it beat the poor creature off the path before taking it into the woods....Must be more careful.
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