Although the prospects for the light trap seemed positive, like so many others this year, the content didn’t come up to expectations this morning although two new moths were found, one of which thrilled me immensely.
The total catch was Green Oak Tortrix 2, Peppered Moth 1,Buff Ermine 1,Heart & Club(New) 1, & my favourite the beautiful Blotched Emerald (New).
Something was telling me to check out my local garage SU819523 and although I couldn’t get past the parked truck on two occasions I went back a third time and was really chuffed with what came up. As I parked there in front of me was this massive “Beauty” type moth,the size I had never encountered before which immediately told me it wasn’t the Willow or Mottled Beauty but something really special. I was right it is the nationally scarce(Nb) moth called a Great Oak Beauty and a big thrill to find. Needless to say the larvae feed on Pendunculate Oak, which is why it is most likely to be found in places like the New Forest, which is of course and ancient woodland ideally suited to this moth.
I was about to leave when I caught something out of my eye in the extreme corner of the car park which gave me such a thrill,being the stunningly beautiful Phlyctaenia coronata,what a beautifully marked moth.
This is a member of the "Grass' moths in the family Crambidae.
Two Bee-moths made up the total moths at the garage.
The total catch was Green Oak Tortrix 2, Peppered Moth 1,Buff Ermine 1,Heart & Club(New) 1, & my favourite the beautiful Blotched Emerald (New).
Something was telling me to check out my local garage SU819523 and although I couldn’t get past the parked truck on two occasions I went back a third time and was really chuffed with what came up. As I parked there in front of me was this massive “Beauty” type moth,the size I had never encountered before which immediately told me it wasn’t the Willow or Mottled Beauty but something really special. I was right it is the nationally scarce(Nb) moth called a Great Oak Beauty and a big thrill to find. Needless to say the larvae feed on Pendunculate Oak, which is why it is most likely to be found in places like the New Forest, which is of course and ancient woodland ideally suited to this moth.
I was about to leave when I caught something out of my eye in the extreme corner of the car park which gave me such a thrill,being the stunningly beautiful Phlyctaenia coronata,what a beautifully marked moth.
This is a member of the "Grass' moths in the family Crambidae.
Two Bee-moths made up the total moths at the garage.
Heart & Club-no,you can work it out!!!!
Next is the Blotched Emerald which I think you will agree is a beautiful moth
Blotched Emerald
Settled on the fence this moth looked more like a bird when first viewed because of its size so I feel special to have found this Nationally Scarce (NB) moth.Sadly the photo doesn't really indicate the wingspan which is up to 68mm or nearly 3 inches in English money!!
Great Oak Beauty
Its OK to save the best until last but which one is best,I really dont know, but what I do know is this is a well marked moth and made this ol' man happy.
Phlyctaenia coronata
Hope you enjoyed them as much as I did-rain tonight so will be mothless by the morning.Panic not,good weathers on the way!!!
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