Speckled Bush-cricket

This is probably the most regular Bush-cricket to occur in our garden. We also have House Cricket calling again this year.

Speckled Bush-cricket Leptophyes punctatissima

Nikon Coolpix P4

Tree Wasp

A short run of these in the garden. Described as aggressive by some but I've not found them particularly troublesome.

Tree Wasp Dolichovespula sylvestris

Nikon Coolpix P4

Silver-washed Fritillary

I had been hearing about the possibility of these being present nearby and it was great to find them this morning. A few pictures of other insects follow.

Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia



White-letter Hairstreak Satyrium w-album


Chrysotoxum bicinctum



Dark Bush-cricket Pholidoptera griseoaptera, male


Female


Nikon Coolpix P4

Mini Motty

The excellent migrant insect season continues. I haven't trapped for a few days (just too knackered most of the time to make a decent job of it) but set the 125W MV in the garden last night and produced another Small Mottled Willow for Hunts. Formerly rather rare with only six reports prior to this year, that total will end up being doubled with recent reports.

Small Mottled Willow Spodoptera exigua


Scorched Carpet Ligdia adustata


Lime-speck Pug Eupithecia centaureata


Garden Pebble Evergestis forficalis



Sallow Kitten Furcula furcula


Nikon Coolpix P4

The trap list so far:
0227 Skin Moth (Monopis laevigella) 1
0411 Argyresthia goedartella 4
0464 Diamond-back Moth (Plutella xylostella) 11
0642 Batia unitella 1
0658 Carcina quercana 1
0779 Bryotropha affinis 3
0873 Blastobasis lignea 2
0970 Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix (Pandemis cerasana) 1
0972 Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix (Pandemis heparana) 8
0977 Large Fruit-tree Tortrix (Archips podana) 1
0977 Large Fruit-tree Tortrix (Archips podana) 1
0989 Timothy Tortrix (Aphelia paleana) 1
1016x Cnephasia sp. 5
1020 Grey Tortrix (Cnephasia stephensiana) 2
1048 Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana) 1
1219 Lathronympha strigana 1
1245 Grapholita janthinana 1
1292 Calamotropha paludella 1
1293 Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella) 1
1304 Agriphila straminella 34
1305 Agriphila tristella 16
1331 Water Veneer (Acentria ephemerella) 80
1348 Ringed China-mark (Parapoynx stratiotata) 3
1356 Garden Pebble (Evergestis forficalis) 3
1405 Mother of Pearl (Pleuroptya ruralis) 5
1424 Endotricha flammealis 1
1439 Trachycera advenella 1
1470 Euzophera pinguis 2
1708 Single-dotted Wave (Idaea dimidiata) 1
1713 Riband Wave (Idaea aversata) ab. remutata 3
1713 Riband Wave (Idaea aversata) typical 1
1725 Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe ferrugata) 1
1738 Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata) 1
1825 Lime-speck Pug (Eupithecia centaureata) 4
1884 The Magpie (Abraxas grossulariata) 3
1888 Scorched Carpet (Ligdia adustata) 1
1921 Scalloped Oak (Crocallis elinguaria) 3
1937 Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria) 2
1997 Sallow Kitten (Furcula furcula) 1
2000 Iron Prominent (Notodonta dromedarius) 1
2007 Swallow Prominent (Pheosia tremula) 1
2011 Pale Prominent (Pterostoma palpina) 1
2044 Dingy Footman (Eilema griseola) 3
2047 Scarce Footman (Eilema complana) 1
2064 Ruby Tiger (Phragmatobia fuliginosa) 3
2092 Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta) 2
2102 Flame Shoulder (Ochropleura plecta) 2
2107 Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) 3
2293 Marbled Beauty (Cryphia domestica) 6
2298 Svensson's Copper Underwing (Amphipyra berbera) 1
2303 Straw Underwing (Thalpophila matura) 1
2318 The Dun-bar (Cosmia trapezina) 2
2321 Dark Arches (Apamea monoglypha) 1
2341 Cloaked Minor (Mesoligia furuncula) 1
2343x Common Rustic agg. (Mesapamea secalis agg.) 15
2352 Dusky Sallow (Eremobia ochroleuca) 1
2381 The Uncertain (Hoplodrina alsines) 1
2385 Small Mottled Willow (Spodoptera exigua) 1
2441 Silver Y (Autographa gamma) 15
2441 Silver Y (Autographa gamma) f. gammina 1
2450 The Spectacle (Abrostola tripartita) 1
2474 Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis) 1

Small Red-eyed Damselfly

This struck me as a good place to try for the ever advancing Small Red-eyed Damselfly. Unless anyone knows different I don't think they have been found in the Peterborough area before. They were in the dyke next to The Boathouse pub, Longthorpe just beyond the small bridge over the dyke. There were plenty including many pairs ovipositing along with Large Red-eyed, Blue-tailed and Common Blue Damsels, a few Emperors and a Brown Hawker or two. Good nectar sources were attracting good numbers of Silver Ys and Painted Ladies.

Steve "Toadsnatcher" Dudley headed there soon after and got some better pictures which you can see here.

Small Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma viridulum


Digibinned with Nikon Coolpix P4 and Leica 8x42BA

Rush Veneers

A slightly more manageable catch which again included many migrants and another Harlequin Ladybird. The migrant Rush Veneer has only appeared once before in the garden so to get 3 in one session is remarkable.

Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella



Harlequin Ladybird Nomophila noctuella



Nikon Coolpix P4

220 moths of 57 species
0464 Diamond-back Moth (Plutella xylostella) 9
0642 Batia unitella 1
0695 Agonopterix alstromeriana 2
0873 Blastobasis lignea 2
0972 Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix (Pandemis heparana) 1
1010 Red-barred Tortrix (Ditula angustiorana) 1
1016x Cnephasia sp. 2
1020 Grey Tortrix (Cnephasia stephensiana) 2
1048 Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana) 2
1104 Endothenia quadrimaculana 2
1192 Eucosma conterminana 1
1205 Bud Moth (Spilonota ocellana) 1
1293 Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella) 17
1304 Agriphila straminella 21
1305 Agriphila tristella 11
1316 Catoptria falsella 2
1344 Eudonia mercurella 3
1348 Ringed China-mark (Parapoynx stratiotata) 1
1361 Pyrausta aurata 1
1390 Udea prunalis 1
1398 Rush Veneer (Nomophila noctuella) 3
1405 Mother of Pearl (Pleuroptya ruralis) 4
1424 Endotricha flammealis 4
1436 Conobathra repandana 1
1439 Trachycera advenella 2
1470 Euzophera pinguis 3
1708 Single-dotted Wave (Idaea dimidiata) 2
1713 Riband Wave (Idaea aversata) ab. remutata 5
1713 Riband Wave (Idaea aversata) typical 2
1724 Red Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe spadicearia) 3
1726 Large Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe quadrifasciata) 1
1738 Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata) 3
1917 Early Thorn (Selenia dentaria) 1
1921 Scalloped Oak (Crocallis elinguaria) 4
1937 Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria) 1
1994 Buff-tip (Phalera bucephala) 1
2007 Swallow Prominent (Pheosia tremula) 1
2030 Yellow-tail (Euproctis similis) 1
2031 White Satin Moth (Leucoma salicis) 1
2044 Dingy Footman (Eilema griseola) 1
2089 Heart & Dart (Agrotis exclamationis) 1
2092 Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta) 1
2102 Flame Shoulder (Ochropleura plecta) 1
2107 Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) 2
2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes) 4
2111 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (Noctua janthe) 4
2112 Least Yellow Underwing (Noctua interjecta) 2
2198 Smoky Wainscot (Mythimna impura) 1
2199 Common Wainscot (Mythimna pallens) 1
2293 Marbled Beauty (Cryphia domestica) 2
2318 The Dun-bar (Cosmia trapezina) 1
2321 Dark Arches (Apamea monoglypha) 7
2335 Slender Brindle (Apamea solopacina) 1
2341 Cloaked Minor (Mesoligia furuncula) 17
2343x Common Rustic agg. (Mesapamea secalis agg.) 28
2352 Dusky Sallow (Eremobia ochroleuca) 1
2381 The Uncertain (Hoplodrina alsines) 5
2441 Silver Y (Autographa gamma) 14
Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) f. succinea 1

Red-veined Darter

Not sure whether these have been confirmed in this area before but this is such a good year for migrant insects there must be more about. At least three were buzzing around Maxey gravel pits today along with a single male Lesser Emperor, another rare migrant.

Pics of both species are on Kevin's blog.

Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii

Digiscoped with Nikon Coolpix P4 and Leica APO77 20x

Sedge Warbler

Just to prove I haven't completely forgotten about birds. This Sedge Warbler provided a bit of digiscoping practice this morning.

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Digiscoped with Nikon Coolpix P4 and Leica APO77 20x

Oak Bush-cricket

Found this in the bedroom.

Oak Bush-cricket Meconema thallasiniuim

Nikon Coolpix P4

White-spotted Pinion

This pristine moth was a real treat this morning.

White-spotted Pinion Cosmia diffinis



Nikon Coolpix P4

Another interesting insect was my first Harlequin Ladybird.

512 moths of 88 species with rather a lot also retained for closer examination
0247 Tinea trinotella 1
0411 Argyresthia goedartella 9
0424 Bird-cherry Ermine (Yponomeuta evonymella) 2
0441 Paraswammerdamia lutarea 7
0464 Diamond-back Moth (Plutella xylostella) 8
0465 Plutella porrectella 1
0609 Elachista maculicerusella 1
0642 Batia unitella 2
0695 Agonopterix alstromeriana 4
0862 Juniper Webber (Dichomeris marginella) 2
0873 Blastobasis lignea 1
0898 Limnaecia phragmitella 1
0937 Agapeta hamana 2
0972 Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix (Pandemis heparana) 6
0977 Large Fruit-tree Tortrix (Archips podana) 3
0980 Variegated Golden Tortrix (Archips xylosteana) 2
1016x Cnephasia sp. 8
1020 Grey Tortrix (Cnephasia stephensiana) 4
1032 Aleimma loeflingiana 2
1037 Acleris holmiana 5
1043 Acleris aspersana 1
1104 Endothenia quadrimaculana 1
1113 Eudemis profundana 3
1205 Bud Moth (Spilonota ocellana) 4
1245 Grapholita janthinana 1
1260 Chestnut Tortrix (Cydia splendana) 1
1261 Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella) 1
1293 Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella) 84
1304 Agriphila straminella 30
1305 Agriphila tristella 11
1316 Catoptria falsella 3
1331 Water Veneer (Acentria ephemerella) 9
1338 Dipleurina lacustrata 2
1344 Eudonia mercurella 1
1348 Ringed China-mark (Parapoynx stratiotata) 2
1361 Pyrausta aurata 2
1376 Small Magpie (Eurrhypara hortulata) 1
1405 Mother of Pearl (Pleuroptya ruralis) 9
1424 Endotricha flammealis 4
1436 Conobathra repandana 3
1437 Acrobasis consociella 1
1445 Pempelia formosa 1
1470 Euzophera pinguis 3
1705 Dwarf Cream Wave (Idaea fuscovenosa) 1
1708 Single-dotted Wave (Idaea dimidiata) 2
1713 Riband Wave (Idaea aversata) ab. remutata 15
1713 Riband Wave (Idaea aversata) typical 3
1724 Red Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe spadicearia) 4
1727 Silver-ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata) 1
1738 Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata) 4
1742 Yellow Shell (Camptogramma bilineata) 2
1804 Barred Rivulet (Perizoma bifaciata) 1
1906 Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata) 2
1917 Early Thorn (Selenia dentaria) 2
1921 Scalloped Oak (Crocallis elinguaria) 1
2007 Swallow Prominent (Pheosia tremula) 1
2030 Yellow-tail (Euproctis similis) 1
2044 Dingy Footman (Eilema griseola) ab. stramineola 3
2044 Dingy Footman (Eilema griseola) typical 8
2047 Scarce Footman (Eilema complana) 4
2061 Buff Ermine (Spilosoma lubricipeda) 1
2064 Ruby Tiger (Phragmatobia fuliginosa) 4
2089 Heart & Dart (Agrotis exclamationis) 2
2092 Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta) 4
2102 Flame Shoulder (Ochropleura plecta) 2
2107 Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) 7
2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes) 11
2110 Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (Noctua fimbriata) 2
2111 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (Noctua janthe) 6
2112 Least Yellow Underwing (Noctua interjecta) 3
2128 Double Square-spot (Xestia triangulum) 1
2155 Dot Moth (Melanchra persicariae) 1
2160 Bright-line Brown-eye (Lacanobia oleracea) 3
2198 Smoky Wainscot (Mythimna impura) 4
2199 Common Wainscot (Mythimna pallens) 2
2283x Dark/Grey Dagger (Acronicta tridens agg.) 2
2293 Marbled Beauty (Cryphia domestica) 6
2299 Mouse Moth (Amphipyra tragopoginis) 1
2318 The Dun-bar (Cosmia trapezina) 4
2321 Dark Arches (Apamea monoglypha) 33
2341 Cloaked Minor (Mesoligia furuncula) 22
2343x Common Rustic agg. (Mesapamea secalis agg.) 53
2345 Small Dotted Buff (Photedes minima) 2
2350 Small Wainscot (Photedes pygmina) 1
2352 Dusky Sallow (Eremobia ochroleuca) 4
2377 Fen Wainscot (Arenostola phragmitidis) 1
2381 The Uncertain (Hoplodrina alsines) 21
2382 The Rustic (Hoplodrina blanda) 1
2384 Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua) 1
2441 Silver Y (Autographa gamma) 3
Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) f. succinea 1
Orange Ladybird (Halyzia 16-guttata) 2

Yet more moths

Another huge catch with more individual moths than a couple of nights ago and with those retained for identification probably about the same number of species.

Firsts included the miniscule rapid adventist, Horse Chestnut Leaf-miner. Fen Wainscot was another: odd it should fail to turn up in previous years then I get 5 in one go.

Fen Wainscot Arenostola phragmitidis


Lozotaeniodes formosanus


Nikon Coolpix P4


444 moths of 86 species
0247 Tinea trinotella 1
0366a Horse Chestnut Leaf-miner (Cameraria ohridella) 1
0424 Bird-cherry Ermine (Yponomeuta evonymella) 3
0427 Spindle Ermine (Yponomeuta cagnagella) 2
0440 Paraswammerdamia albicapitella 2
0464 Diamond-back Moth (Plutella xylostella) 2
0609 Elachista maculicerusella 1
0695 Agonopterix alstromeriana 13
0779 Bryotropha affinis 3
0787 Bryotropha terrella 2
0862 Juniper Webber (Dichomeris marginella) 1
0873 Blastobasis lignea 1
0898 Limnaecia phragmitella 3
0905 Blastodacna hellerella 3
0937 Agapeta hamana 1
0972 Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix (Pandemis heparana) 4
0977 Large Fruit-tree Tortrix (Archips podana) 3
0980 Variegated Golden Tortrix (Archips xylosteana) 3
1001 Lozotaeniodes formosanus 1
1010 Red-barred Tortrix (Ditula angustiorana) 5
1016 Cnephasia longana 1
1016x Cnephasia sp. 9
1020 Grey Tortrix (Cnephasia stephensiana) 2
1037 Acleris holmiana 4
1048 Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana) 2
1104 Endothenia quadrimaculana 1
1245 Grapholita janthinana 1
1247 Plum Fruit Moth (Grapholita funebrana) 1
1293 Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella) 101
1302 Crambus perlella typical 1
1304 Agriphila straminella 53
1305 Agriphila tristella 6
1331 Water Veneer (Acentria ephemerella) 39
1334 Scoparia ambigualis 1
1344 Eudonia mercurella 8
1348 Ringed China-mark (Parapoynx stratiotata) 3
1398 Phlyctaenia coronata 1
1405 Mother of Pearl (Pleuroptya ruralis) 5
1413 Gold Triangle (Hypsopygia costalis) 2
1424 Endotricha flammealis 13
1425 Wax Moth (Galleria mellonella) 2
1436 Conobathra repandana 2
1439 Trachycera advenella 1
1470 Euzophera pinguis 1
1651 Chinese Character (Cilix glaucata) 2
1682 Blood-vein (Timandra comae) 1
1690 Small Blood-vein (Scopula imitaria) 1
1702 Small Fan-footed Wave (Idaea biselata) 1
1707 Small Dusty Wave (Idaea seriata) 1
1708 Single-dotted Wave (Idaea dimidiata) 1
1712 Small Scallop (Idaea emarginata) 1
1713 Riband Wave (Idaea aversata) ab. remutata 15
1713 Riband Wave (Idaea aversata) typical 4
1724 Red Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe spadicearia) 3
1724x Red/Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe spadicearia/ferrugata) 3
1738 Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata) 2
1862 Double-striped Pug (Gymnoscelis rufifasciata) 1
1906 Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata) 1
1917 Early Thorn (Selenia dentaria) 1
1921 Scalloped Oak (Crocallis elinguaria) 4
1976 Privet Hawk-moth (Sphinx ligustri) 1
2007 Swallow Prominent (Pheosia tremula) 1
2011 Pale Prominent (Pterostoma palpina) 2
2044 Dingy Footman (Eilema griseola) 1
2047 Scarce Footman (Eilema complana) 4
2077 Short-cloaked Moth (Nola cucullatella) 1
2089 Heart & Dart (Agrotis exclamationis) 2
2092 Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta) 1
2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes) 1
2128 Double Square-spot (Xestia triangulum) 2
2160 Bright-line Brown-eye (Lacanobia oleracea) 3
2193 The Clay (Mythimna ferrago) 1
2198 Smoky Wainscot (Mythimna impura) 1
2279 The Sycamore (Acronicta aceris) 1
2293 Marbled Beauty (Cryphia domestica) 9
2312 The Olive (Ipimorpha subtusa) 1
2318 The Dun-bar (Cosmia trapezina) 3
2321 Dark Arches (Apamea monoglypha) 8
2341 Cloaked Minor (Mesoligia furuncula) 6
2343x Common Rustic agg. (Mesapamea secalis agg.) 14
2349 Mere Wainscot (Photedes fluxa) 1
2350 Small Wainscot (Photedes pygmina) 2
2352 Dusky Sallow (Eremobia ochroleuca) 1
2377 Fen Wainscot (Arenostola phragmitidis) 5
2381 The Uncertain (Hoplodrina alsines) 9
2382 The Rustic (Hoplodrina blanda) 1
2441 Silver Y (Autographa gamma) 4
2489 The Fan-foot (Herminia tarsipennalis) 1
Forest Shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes) 1
Orange Ladybird (Halyzia 16-guttata) 1

Lots of moths

My most diverse catch to date with 93 specied identified so far from the single garden MV light trap and a few more still to determine. Several were garden firsts including the first four of the ones pictured here.

Brown-line Bright-eye Mythimna conigera


Barred Rivulet Perizoma bifaciata


Black Arches Lymantria monacha



Epiblema foenella


The Magpie Abraxas grossulariata


Limnaecia phragmitella


Nikon Coolpix P4


442 moths of 93 species
0247 Tinea trinotella 2
0411 Argyresthia goedartella 3
0424 Bird-cherry Ermine (Yponomeuta evonymella) 3
0427 Spindle Ermine (Yponomeuta cagnagella) 1
0440 Paraswammerdamia albicapitella 3
0464 Diamond-back Moth (Plutella xylostella) 3
0642 Batia unitella 5
0695 Agonopterix alstromeriana 1
0779 Bryotropha affinis 2
0870x Oegoconia sp. 1
0874 Blastobasis decolorella 2
0898 Limnaecia phragmitella 2
0937 Agapeta hamana 2
0965 Cochylis hybridella 3
0972 Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix (Pandemis heparana) 1
0977 Large Fruit-tree Tortrix (Archips podana) 5
0980 Variegated Golden Tortrix (Archips xylosteana) 1
1010 Red-barred Tortrix (Ditula angustiorana) 6
1016x Cnephasia sp. 16
1020 Grey Tortrix (Cnephasia stephensiana) 2
1037 Acleris holmiana 2
1063 Celypha striana 1
1104 Endothenia quadrimaculana 1
1108 Lobesia abscisana 1
1183 Epiblema foenella 1
1205 Bud Moth (Spilonota ocellana) 1
1236 Pammene fasciana 1
1245 Grapholita janthinana 1
1288 Twenty-plume Moth (Alucita hexadactyla) 1
1293 Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella) 66
1302 Crambus perlella f. warringtonellus 2
1304 Agriphila straminella 19
1316 Catoptria falsella 1
1331 Water Veneer (Acentria ephemerella) 11
1338 Dipleurina lacustrata 2
1348 Ringed China-mark (Parapoynx stratiotata) 1
1390 Udea prunalis 1
1392 Udea olivalis 1
1405 Mother of Pearl (Pleuroptya ruralis) 13
1413 Gold Triangle (Hypsopygia costalis) 5
1424 Endotricha flammealis 8
1436 Conobathra repandana 3
1439 Trachycera advenella 2
1470 Euzophera pinguis 1
1483 Phycitodes binaevella 1
1513 White Plume Moth (Pterophorus pentadactyla) 1
1651 Chinese Character (Cilix glaucata) 1
1682 Blood-vein (Timandra comae) 1
1702 Small Fan-footed Wave (Idaea biselata) 1
1708 Single-dotted Wave (Idaea dimidiata) 3
1712 Small Scallop (Idaea emarginata) 2
1713 Riband Wave (Idaea aversata) ab. remutata 14
1724x Red/Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe spadicearia/ferrugata) 2
1726 Large Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe quadrifasciata) 1
1738 Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata) 1
1742 Yellow Shell (Camptogramma bilineata) 1
1804 Barred Rivulet (Perizoma bifaciata) 1
1862 Double-striped Pug (Gymnoscelis rufifasciata) 1
1884 The Magpie (Abraxas grossulariata) 1
1906 Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata) 2
1917 Early Thorn (Selenia dentaria) 1
1921 Scalloped Oak (Crocallis elinguaria) 5
1981 Poplar Hawk-moth (Laothoe populi) 2
2030 Yellow-tail (Euproctis similis) 1
2033 Black Arches (Lymantria monacha) 1
2044 Dingy Footman (Eilema griseola) 8
2047 Scarce Footman (Eilema complana) 4
2050 Common Footman (Eilema lurideola) 22
2089 Heart & Dart (Agrotis exclamationis) 1
2107 Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) 5
2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes) 1
2111 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (Noctua janthe) 2
2112 Least Yellow Underwing (Noctua interjecta) 2
2128 Double Square-spot (Xestia triangulum) 4
2160 Bright-line Brown-eye (Lacanobia oleracea) 2
2192 Brown-line Bright-eye (Mythimna conigera) 1
2193 The Clay (Mythimna ferrago) 3
2198 Smoky Wainscot (Mythimna impura) 3
2278 Poplar Grey (Acronicta megacephala) 1
2279 The Sycamore (Acronicta aceris) 1
2293 Marbled Beauty (Cryphia domestica) 8
2318 The Dun-bar (Cosmia trapezina) 6
2321 Dark Arches (Apamea monoglypha) 45
2322 Light Arches (Apamea lithoxylaea) 3
2337x Marbled Minor agg. (Oligia strigilis agg.) 3
2341 Cloaked Minor (Mesoligia furuncula) 12
2343x Common Rustic agg. (Mesapamea secalis agg.) 15
2352 Dusky Sallow (Eremobia ochroleuca) 2
2381 The Uncertain (Hoplodrina alsines) 22
2382 The Rustic (Hoplodrina blanda) 1
2418 Cream-bordered Green Pea (Earias clorana) 1
2441 Silver Y (Autographa gamma) 8
2477 The Snout (Hypena proboscidalis) 2

Brown Argus, etc.

Warm even at 8am this morning and the insect-rich corner NW of Serpentine BP was buzzing with leps.

Brown Argus Aricia agestis



Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris


Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta


Volucella pellucens


Nikon Coolpix P4

Assembling

Late yesterday morning the female Vapourer failed to attract a single male in the garden but this morning she finally had her wicked way with her choice of three males that were attracted to her between 9 and 10 (a process known as assembling). She has already laid a number of infertile eggs so it remains to see if there will be any more.

The Vapourer Orgyia antiqua


Nikon Coolpix P4

Shark and Pebble

A drastic reduction in numbers to the garden moth trap last night making it a much more manageable task to record them. A clear, cool night with waning but still gibbous moon probably contributed to the lower moth activity. The highlights were The Shark and Pebble Hook-tip, both second occurrences in the garden.

The Shark Cucullia umbratica


Pebble Hook-tip Drepana falcataria


129 moths of 44 species
0874 Blastobasis decolorella 1
0980 Variegated Golden Tortrix (Archips xylosteana) 1
1010 Red-barred Tortrix (Ditula angustiorana) 1
1016x Cnephasia sp. 2
1037 Acleris holmiana 1
1048 Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana) 1
1063 Celypha striana 2
1293 Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella) 4
1302 Crambus perlella 1
1304 Agriphila straminella 3
1331 Water Veneer (Acentria ephemerella) 2
1344 Eudonia mercurella 2
1376 Small Magpie (Eurrhypara hortulata) 1
1390 Udea prunalis 1
1424 Endotricha flammealis 5
1445 Pempelia formosa 1
1648 Pebble Hook-tip (Drepana falcataria) 1
1682 Blood-vein (Timandra comae) 1
1690 Small Blood-vein (Scopula imitaria) 1
1708 Single-dotted Wave (Idaea dimidiata) 1
1713 Riband Wave (Idaea aversata) ab. remutata 6
1758 Barred Straw (Eulithis pyraliata) 1
1887 Clouded Border (Lomaspilis marginata) 1
1921 Scalloped Oak (Crocallis elinguaria) 1
1931 Peppered Moth (Biston betularia) typical 1
2030 Yellow-tail (Euproctis similis) 2
2050 Common Footman (Eilema lurideola) 14
2061 Buff Ermine (Spilosoma lubricipeda) 1
2089 Heart & Dart (Agrotis exclamationis) 1
2098 The Flame (Axylia putris) 1
2107 Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) 1
2128 Double Square-spot (Xestia triangulum) 3
2160 Bright-line Brown-eye (Lacanobia oleracea) 3
2193 The Clay (Mythimna ferrago) 2
2216 The Shark (Cucullia umbratica) 1
2283x Dark/Grey Dagger (Acronicta tridens agg.) 2
2293 Marbled Beauty (Cryphia domestica) 2
2321 Dark Arches (Apamea monoglypha) 30
2322 Light Arches (Apamea lithoxylaea) 1
2343x Common Rustic agg. (Mesapamea secalis agg.) 7
2345 Small Dotted Buff (Photedes minima) 1
2381 The Uncertain (Hoplodrina alsines) 11
2382 The Rustic (Hoplodrina blanda) 2
2441 Silver Y (Autographa gamma) 1

Hummingbird Hawk-moth

There are plenty more migrant insects coming in at the moment. In addition to the 4 Diamond-back moths in last night's moth trap and at least 10 Silver Ys nectaring at bramble and Red Valerian at dusk this Hummingbird Hawk-moth was using the valerian in the afternoon.

Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum


Nikon CP P4

July Highflyer

Another garden first last night.

July Highflyer Hydriomena furcata

Nikon CP P4

370 moths of 72 species to garden 125W MV over homemade Robinson type box
0424 Bird-cherry Ermine (Yponomeuta evonymella) 3
0464 Diamond-back Moth (Plutella xylostella) 4
0642 Batia unitella 1
0862 Juniper Webber (Dichomeris marginella) 4
0874 Blastobasis decolorella 1
0937 Agapeta hamana 1
0972 Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix (Pandemis heparana) 2
0977 Large Fruit-tree Tortrix (Archips podana) 1
0980 Variegated Golden Tortrix (Archips xylosteana) 1
0989 Timothy Tortrix (Aphelia paleana) 2
0994 Clepsis consimilana 1
1010 Red-barred Tortrix (Ditula angustiorana) 3
1016x Cnephasia sp. 8
1037 Acleris holmiana 1
1063 Celypha striana 1
1076 Celypha lacunana 1
1293 Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella) 50
1316 Catoptria falsella 1
1331 Water Veneer (Acentria ephemerella) 50
1334 Scoparia ambigualis 2
1338 Dipleurina lacustrata 1
1344 Eudonia mercurella 2
1376 Small Magpie (Eurrhypara hortulata) 4
1390 Udea prunalis 2
1398 Phlyctaenia coronata 1
1405 Mother of Pearl (Pleuroptya ruralis) 11
1424 Endotricha flammealis 8
1438 Numonia suavella 1
1439 Trachycera advenella 3
1445 Pempelia formosa 1
1458 Thistle Ermine (Myelois circumvoluta) 2
1651 Chinese Character (Cilix glaucata) 2
1653 Buff Arches (Habrosyne pyritoides) 1
1708 Single-dotted Wave (Idaea dimidiata) 2
1713 Riband Wave (Idaea aversata) ab. remutata 17
1758 Barred Straw (Eulithis pyraliata) 3
1777 July Highflyer (Hydriomena furcata) 1
1860 Green Pug (Chloroclystis rectangulata) 2
1887 Clouded Border (Lomaspilis marginata) 6
1906 Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata) 3
1917 Early Thorn (Selenia dentaria) 1
1921 Scalloped Oak (Crocallis elinguaria) 3
1922 Swallow-tailed Moth (Ourapteryx sambucaria) 1
1931 Peppered Moth (Biston betularia) typical 1
1937 Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria) 3
1947 The Engrailed (Ectropis bistortata) 1
1976 Privet Hawk-moth (Sphinx ligustri) 1
1981 Poplar Hawk-moth (Laothoe populi) 2
2029 Brown-tail (Euproctis chrysorrhoea) 1
2030 Yellow-tail (Euproctis similis) 5
2044 Dingy Footman (Eilema griseola) 1
2047 Scarce Footman (Eilema complana) 2
2050 Common Footman (Eilema lurideola) 47
2077 Short-cloaked Moth (Nola cucullatella) 3
2089 Heart & Dart (Agrotis exclamationis) 4
2128 Double Square-spot (Xestia triangulum) 3
2160 Bright-line Brown-eye (Lacanobia oleracea) 11
2193 The Clay (Mythimna ferrago) 1
2198 Smoky Wainscot (Mythimna impura) 2
2199 Common Wainscot (Mythimna pallens) 1
2279 The Sycamore (Acronicta aceris) 2
2293 Marbled Beauty (Cryphia domestica) 6
2321 Dark Arches (Apamea monoglypha) 20
2341 Cloaked Minor (Mesoligia furuncula) 1
2343x Common Rustic agg. (Mesapamea secalis agg.) 10
2349 Mere Wainscot (Photedes fluxa) 1
2381 The Uncertain (Hoplodrina alsines) 19
2382 The Rustic (Hoplodrina blanda) 1
2441 Silver Y (Autographa gamma) 1
2450 The Spectacle (Abrostola tripartita) 1
2474 Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis) 2
2477 The Snout (Hypena proboscidalis) 1

There are Ladies present

Went to Star Pit with Weedon's World of Nature to see if the Lesser Emperor was still there. No sign of that but plenty of migrant insects including these gorgeous butterflies. The Six-spot Burnet moth is however most definitely a resident.

Painted Lady Vanessa cardui



Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta


Six-Spot Burnet Zygaena filipendulae


Nikon CP P4