MOTH MEDLEY

The moth trap was worth switching on in the Firs Chase garden during the last ten days of May with the warmer night temperatures. After the cold start to the spring nights during April and early May, the mothing has become more productive.
This lime hawkmoth was the main highlight on 25th May amongst 44 species of macro moth.

Two pale tussocks were resting outside the trap, in the their characteristic pose with front legs stretched out. A gentle blow of air over the body provoked the moth to stick its wings up in the air.

The coronet moth has become a common sight at the moth trap in recent years.

The distinctive black and white patterning of the pale form on the peppered moth.

The aptly named iron prominent showing the iron colouration on the wings.

The scalloped hazel doesn't appear to be a common moth on the Island, with only 3 previous records at Cudmore Grove since 2006.

The poplar grey is a common moth with several individuals noted each summer.

A latticed heath dropped into the trap on a couple of recent nights.

The tawny-barred angle has been a surprisingly scarce moth on the Island with the only previous record being last year at Cudmore Grove.

The figure of eighty is a common moth and has been recorded most recent years.

A sign of possible moth immigration was on 23rd May with two white-points being seen.

Another migrant on the 23rd was this micro-moth, the diamond-backed moth.