Rosy Footman, Farcet Fen

Rosy Footman, Farcet Fen, 21 July 2007

This is one of thos species I've longed to pull out of my moth trap but given its habitat preference for wooded areas I thought it very unlikely out here on the open fen (despite the line of elsm by the house). But, as I was sifting through the less than spectacular overnight catch for the 21/22 July, my Sunday morning was significantly brightened up by this belter which was not only a tick for me but also a first for my 5km square (TL29sw). According to Barry Dickerson's most recent Hunts list (7 June 07), this is the 49th record for Hunts/VC31 (depending if any others have been caught sine 07/06/07!) which surprised me. I know they are a localised species, but I thought they were commoner than our VC31 records suggest.

Small Ranunculus, Cambridge, 22 & 24 July 2007

Another individual in just a few days.
This species must be doing well locally.



Just 13 moths of 11 species in last night's garden trap, but one of these was a Small Ranunculus.
The second record of this species here, the first having arrived in late August 2006.
Apologies for the hasty, low-quality image

pete
cambridge, vc29
22W actinic
Nikon cp4500

Hatley moths, July 2007

Poplar Grey

The Drinker - male

The Drinker - female

Black Arches

Scarce Silver-lines

Peach Blossom

Elton moths

Trapped recently at 125 MV in garden. The first two were new to the garden.

Catoptria pinella


Twin-spot Carpet Perizoma didymata


Brown-tail Euproctis chrysorrhoea



Dot Moth Melanchra persicariae


Acleris forsskaleana


© Brian Stone

Southern Wainscot, Farcet Fen

A new species for me and my 5km square (TL29sw) which is a wainscot species-rich area with this being the 12th species.

Thanks to David G for his early photos and post to Cammoths highlighting the forehead band on this species. When I noticed an unusual wainscot in the trap this morning I immediately looked at its forehead and found what I was hoping for!

I'm always fascinated by what moths remind me of, and doesn't this species' face look just like a buffalo!

The Nutmeg, Earith

Bordered Sallow, Earith

9th July 2007 (c) David Griffiths

Sitochroa palealis, Serpentine BP

I came across this moth today flying around the western end of the ridge and furrow at Serpentine BP (Hampton NR). Sitochroa palealis is an occasional immigrant species with only 26 previous records for Hunts (VC31). It is apparently established in some parts of the south and south-east, prefering coastal or calcareous areas. In view of the lack of migrants around at the moment it's tempting to suggest this one may be result of successful breeding locally following last year's bumper migrant moth year. The brick pits have some maritime characteristics and there's plenty of Wild Carrot (the larval food plant) about.

Sitochroa palealis


© Brian Stone

The Sycamore, Cambridge, 9 July 2007

Tentative identification: 755 Stenolechia gemmella, but suggestions welcome!

pete
cambridge, vc29
22W actinic
Nikon cp4500

Common Moths, Elton

Some common moths from Elton

Swallow-tailed Moth Ourapteryx sambucaria


White Plume Moth Pterophorus pentadactyla


Common Footman Eilema lurideola


Phtheochroa rugosana


© Brian Stone Canon A640

Least Carpet, Cambridge, 8 July 2007

The second of this species for 2007, found on the back gate, where it remained all day.


pete
cambridge, vc29
22W actinic
Nikon cp4500

Golden Plusia, Earith

5th July 2007 (c) David Griffiths

Buff Arches, Cambridge, 1 July 2007

The first of this speices in 2007, a real favourite.

pete
cambridge, vc29
22W actinic
Nikon cp4500

Lime Hawkmoth, Earith

2nd July 2007 (c) David Griffiths

Oak Nycteoline, Earith

1st July 2007 (c) David Griffiths