SOME SUMMER MOTHS

Moth trapping has been carried out in the Firs Chase back garden nearly a dozen times in the last month. Numbers of individuals and species have dropped a bit since mid July. The highlight was this nationally scarce Marbled Clover on the 3rd August, which had only been recorded ten times in Essex up to end of 2023. There have been several others recently recorded in Essex in the previous fortnight. The Brecks is the national stronghold for them, so most likely from there, but could be an immigrant.

The White-spotted Pinion is a UK Priority species and listed as nationally scarce. The Colchester area is one of the strongholds in the UK. This individual was trapped on the 3rd and is the second garden record after the first two years ago.

Scalloped Oak on the 3rd.

Nutmeg on 3rd.

Scorched Carpet on 3rd.

Iron Prominent on 30th July.

Broad-barred White on 30th.

Cream-bordered Green Pea - on 30th.

Webb's Wainscot on the 28th July.

Lime Hawkmoth larva late on 30th July - accidentally brought inside the house, after clinging to the bare ankle of my wife. Probably hitched a ride from our driveway!

Oak Processionary on 25th and 28th July.

Brimstone Moth

Comfrey Ermine

Tufted Oak Knot-horn

Saltmarsh Knot-horn