TRAPPED OLD LADY

The most interesting moth in the trap at the country park early on Wednesday 27th was this Old Lady. Although it's quite a common moth, none were noted here last year. It is a large moth and it's dark band across the middle of the wings is supposed to be a likeness to a shawl draped over the shoulders of an elderly woman.

The conditions were nearly ideal for moths with a cloudy sky and light breeze. Both traps were set out and by the morning thirty-eight species of macro-moths were found. The more interesting moths included 15 latticed heaths, silver-Y, frosted orange, rosy rustic, angle shades, maple prominent, light emerald, willow beauty and square-spot rustics.


Two canary-shouldered thorns were the first of the season, holding their wings upright like the posture of some butterflies.

Also attracted to the bright light was this lesser stag beetle, with its small sharp pincers at the front. These beetles are seen each year at the park, usually during the day as they walk across the ground.

Had the opportunity on Wednesday to visit the famous walk-in moth trap that operates just 4 miles to the south of West Mersea, near Bradwell. This purpose built moth trap has been operated by the Dewick family since 1946 and is one of the largest in eastern England. On some nights the very bright 400 watt ray of light can be seen from West Mersea as it lights up the night-time sky on the south side of the river Blackwater. Any passing moth is sucked in by a fan that draws air into the trap. Over the years nearly 50 species of moths have been added to the Essex list for the first time as well as two species new to Britain.