My Moth Year July and August 2021

February 28, 2022

July started very well with a good catch on the 2^nd with 45 moths caught of 23 species with both Poplar and Privet Hawk Moths appearing, a Green Pug was a good catch as was an Elderberry Pearl. It was the 9^th when I next trapped this time 68 moths of 24 species with a Barred Marble and Small Phoenix being stand out species. 2 days later on the 11^th I had 56 moths of 24 species, a Single Dotted Wave and a Coronet were nice to see. On the 14^th I had 102 moths which as you can imagine took ages to sort Bird Cherry Ermines and Garden Grass Veneers made up of more than 50% of the catch, a Meal Moth was a new moth for me, and Beautiful Hook Tip and Small Blood Vein welcome catches. The 16^th brought another 100+ count Small Grey and Brown Elm Bell being new catches and Knot Grass and Grey Dagger being unusual. On the 18^th another 100+ catch where Clouded Border, Peppered Moth and Common Purple and Gold all new moths. The 21^st July proved to be extremely productive with 38 species caught 86 moths the best being Four Spot Obscure and a Black Arches. On the 24^th I had 31 species 74 moths Buff Ermine and Nutmeg were nice to see. The 26^th was an ok night a Rosy Tabby being the best moth caught.

August proved to be another great month and started with 36 species, 77 moths, Small Purple and Gold, Orchard Ermine, Yellow Spot Twist, Dark Fruit Tree Tortrix, Wainscot Smudge, Furness Dowd, Cinerous Neb and Long Horned Flat Body all being new species for me. The 3^rd was a bit slower but Wormwood Pug, Haworth’s Pug and Double Striped Tabby being new. On the 4^th while bird spotting at Chew we found a Shaded Broad Bar and a Straw Dot. Thursday the 5^th was another good night 38 species, 90 moths. Yellow Barred Brindle, Foxglove Pug and Dark Fruit Tree Tortrix all new catches. The 12^th was yet another good night 34 species 105 moths. Chequered Fruit Tree Tortrix, White Shouldered House Moth, Dingy Footman and Ribwort Slender all new catches. 14^th August 60 m0ths the best being Small Sober and Ringed China Mark. The 18^th 117 moths 36 species. Pale Mottled Willow, Setaceous Hebrew Character, and Orange Crest all nice catches. Numbers of moths are starting to fall but on the 24^th a Blood Vein and Small White Wave were the best catches. The 27^th was the start of Willow Beauty season with 14 caught and an Azalea Leaf Miner a new moth. On the 29^th a Jersey Tiger and a Flame Shoulder being the highlights.