RECENT GARDEN MOTHS

After a very poor spring for moths because of the constant flow of cold north-easterly winds, things have begun to pick up in early June. The most productive night was the humid night of the 11th with over 50 species recorded. One of the most colourful visitors to the garden moth trap in Firs Chase was the Elephant Hawkmoth on the 9th.

The large Privet Hawkmoth, minus a wing-tip, was seen on 11th.

Pine Hawkmoth on the 9th.

Poplar Hawkmoth on the 9th.

Finally found a Dewick's Plusia in the garden trap on 7th - the first record for the Island.

Toadflax Brocade on the 8th, has become regular in recent years.

Three Buttoned Snouts were noted on 11th - the second time this once scarce moth has been recorded in the garden.

A colourful Barred Yellow on the 11th.

There appears to have been a huge irruption of Green Oak Tortrix moths across Essex over the last few nights with 130 counted at the trap on the 11th.

Swallow Prominent on several nights.

Light Emerald on several nights.

Poplar Grey on 11th.

This Lesser Stag Beetle was found in the moth trap on the 11th - along with two Cockchafers.