Thursday 31 August 2017
A bit of a Mug(wort)
I fear yesterday's best find will have to go down as unproven - frass extruded from small holes in the stems of Mugwort at The Nedern seems likely to be European Corn-borer (Ostrinia nubilalis). Unfortunately I didn't cut a stem open to examine the larva. There don't seem to be any references to other Mugwort stem borers though.
Otherwise my protracted searches of Mugwort stands were unproductive, with a couple of Red Herrings. I couldn't see any Coleophora cases (wrong time of year?) or larvae of The Wormwood (ditto); forgot that Leucospilapteryx omissella mines the leaves (although I did see several obvious fly mines I think/hope I would have spotted the blotches of this Micro); and got unnecessarily excited by an Elachista maculicerusella and three Emmelina monodactyla as I hoped that both originated from the Mugwort. There are several Mugwort specialities that should be in Gwent, but I failed on them all!
Two caterpillars - a Vapourer and a Knot Grass - were also noted.
Wednesday 30 August 2017
19th August
I first saw this micro moth at Black Rock a few years back but it now seems I do not need to go travelling because conveniently it turns up regular at my house.
This one was disturbed when my wife picked up the kettle to make a cup of tea this morning.
It obviously had flown in from the garden when the window had been open beforehand.
I'm sure Sam may correct me on this if he has further records to hand, but I'm sure this might be the 5th county record.
This is the 3rd record in-a-row here commencing from 2015. It seems I don't have go looking for it, it just turns up indoors at one time or another. This time though, credit must go to my wife for putting me onto it.
Chepstow
Tachystola acroxanthia here again
I first saw this micro moth at Black Rock a few years back but it now seems I do not need to go travelling because conveniently it turns up regular at my house.
This one was disturbed when my wife picked up the kettle to make a cup of tea this morning.
It obviously had flown in from the garden when the window had been open beforehand.
Tachystola acroxanthia (Ruddy Streak)
This is the 3rd record in-a-row here commencing from 2015. It seems I don't have go looking for it, it just turns up indoors at one time or another. This time though, credit must go to my wife for putting me onto it.
15th August
A cooling, progressively damp evening here due to clearing skies, did produce a pleasant new surprise at Llandevenny near Magor.
This moth had me puzzled for quite some time as the markings did not fit my book to anything specific and trying to find it on-line proved just as difficult.
Martin Anthony helped me out in the end giving forth the name of Small Seraphim. I had encountered a Seraphim earlier in the year but this is a completely new moth species to me and I don't remember seeing it featured on the blog so thought I'd put it up here.
It apparently frequents damp woodland, hedgerows and marshy areas of which this area fits the bill.
Sallow's are its food plant I'm led to believe which are quite frequent generally so it should be seen perhaps more often.
Martin's macro moth distribution maps as of December 2015 show only 7 squares shaded for this moth, so it seems it is not too often encountered.
Llandevenny surprise
A cooling, progressively damp evening here due to clearing skies, did produce a pleasant new surprise at Llandevenny near Magor.
This moth had me puzzled for quite some time as the markings did not fit my book to anything specific and trying to find it on-line proved just as difficult.
Martin Anthony helped me out in the end giving forth the name of Small Seraphim. I had encountered a Seraphim earlier in the year but this is a completely new moth species to me and I don't remember seeing it featured on the blog so thought I'd put it up here.
Sallow's are its food plant I'm led to believe which are quite frequent generally so it should be seen perhaps more often.
Martin's macro moth distribution maps as of December 2015 show only 7 squares shaded for this moth, so it seems it is not too often encountered.
Tuesday 29 August 2017
Early autumn surprises
I have caught plenty of Oak and Pebble Hooktips this year, and have been wondering why Barred Hooktips were eluding me - my last Dingestow record was in 2006 but it was annual before then. One graced the MV trap on 28/8, along with 39 other species. Devon Carpet was equally interesting, because I have never caught one in the garden before, although it is regular in Penyclawdd Wood on the southern edge of my home patch. Small Dusty Wave made its garden MV debut despite being quite common in outbuildings here. Supporting cast included a Pale Eggar, a Broad-bordered YU and a Copper Underwing.
Monday 28 August 2017
LIGHTHOUSE PARK
Ran the MV last night for 3 hours just 84 moths of 30 species. Best by far was this Small Mottled Willow.
Sunday 27 August 2017
IMPERIAL PARK
Had this Plume under the work security lights on 23/8. Now been confirmed by Sam as the 2nd county record of Citron Plume Hellinsia carphodactyla.
LIGHTHOUSE PARK
Ran the MV last night 26/8 up until 0000. 100 moths of 34 species. Highlights were:-
7 x Old Lady
1 x Sharp-angled Peacock
1 x Pinion-streaked Snout
1 x Marbled Green
1 x Cypress Pug
1 x Bordered Beauty
1 x Oak Eggar
7 x Old Lady
1 x Sharp-angled Peacock
1 x Pinion-streaked Snout
1 x Marbled Green
1 x Cypress Pug
1 x Bordered Beauty
1 x Oak Eggar
Saturday 26 August 2017
13th August
My first trap at home this year proved to be a bit of a disaster in part.
I blame the weather forecasters, well partly, as the incoming spell of rain was not expected to arrive after 8am BST. An early rise would give me plenty of time to look over the trap, but I'm afraid the rain had already got here by 6.15am and beat me to the moth trap leaving a bit of a mess.
Many moths had took off and departed I'm sure but out of any disappointment there comes a ray of sunshine I believe.
On this occasion three new micro's were new to the site, Pearl Veneer, Brown Knot-horn and Red Cosmet.
The latter two featured were a very nice surprise addition when I downloaded my camera to look through the photographs several days later.
Mompha locupletella (Red Cosmet) is supposedly common Nationally which I find hard to believe because getting hold of one is very difficult given their size.
It likes feeding on Willowherbs which I suppose are quite widespread, upon which I concur wholeheartedly here because they are common in the garden and surrounding area. Quite a beautiful tiny moth when viewed close up.
Matiella (Pyla) Fusca (Brown Knot-horn) I had seen before at Wentwood amongst heathers higher up on the ridge, but to find it here on my doorstep was a real surprise.
Evidence is apparently emerging that it is adapting to cultivated heathers locally so it could well be along with Sam's recent sighting that it is starting to arrive in urbanised areas lower down and in gardens locally which could contain forms of heather.
It is worth keeping an eye out perhaps if you live and trap in these urbanised areas to see if it appears in your trap!
Home Trap disaster, or perhaps not- Chepstow
My first trap at home this year proved to be a bit of a disaster in part.
I blame the weather forecasters, well partly, as the incoming spell of rain was not expected to arrive after 8am BST. An early rise would give me plenty of time to look over the trap, but I'm afraid the rain had already got here by 6.15am and beat me to the moth trap leaving a bit of a mess.
Many moths had took off and departed I'm sure but out of any disappointment there comes a ray of sunshine I believe.
On this occasion three new micro's were new to the site, Pearl Veneer, Brown Knot-horn and Red Cosmet.
The latter two featured were a very nice surprise addition when I downloaded my camera to look through the photographs several days later.
Mompha locupletella (Red Cosmet) is supposedly common Nationally which I find hard to believe because getting hold of one is very difficult given their size.
It likes feeding on Willowherbs which I suppose are quite widespread, upon which I concur wholeheartedly here because they are common in the garden and surrounding area. Quite a beautiful tiny moth when viewed close up.
Mompha locupletella
Matiella (Pyla) Fusca (Brown Knot-horn) I had seen before at Wentwood amongst heathers higher up on the ridge, but to find it here on my doorstep was a real surprise.
Evidence is apparently emerging that it is adapting to cultivated heathers locally so it could well be along with Sam's recent sighting that it is starting to arrive in urbanised areas lower down and in gardens locally which could contain forms of heather.
It is worth keeping an eye out perhaps if you live and trap in these urbanised areas to see if it appears in your trap!
Matiella (Pyla) Fusca
12th August
Never quite know what to expect when I get the opportunity to set up here at this site.
Not huge numbers of anything in particular that evening which is what I have come to expect with my actinic trap just quite a few species.
Lesser Swallow Prominent was quite prominent as Scalloped Hook-tip and a single Scarce Footman turned up but a few others caught my eye mainly because I had not encountered them before. Highlights for me were Dotted Clay, a beautiful Gold Spot, a Devon Carpet (which is a known site -Martin Anthony) and after fiddling around with close up photography a Stenolechia gemmella (Black-dotted Groundling).
Sam Bosanquet confirmed Stenolechia gemmella, informing me that this is only the second sighting made in the Vice county. The previous and only other sighting was by Sam 14 years ago in 2003.
The night started quite promising with good cloud cover but this scattered quickly and opened up skies to bring the temperature down close to 12c with a damp dew forming on the trap and grasses by the time I packed up.
A few owls hooted on the bird front but the best encounter was when a wildlife photographer and myself were chatting by the car at dusk about wildlife in general.
I'd already heard a Nightjar 'churring' in the locality beforehand but then one swooped down within 15 feet to inspect what was going on with the bright light. An amazing close encounter upon which he said that it could be attracted to the white sheet, or as I've just found out moths beetles and insects.
Would be interested to hear what any birders out there thought about this encounter?
I had this happened 2 years ago when two Nightjars swooped close to the trap close over the top of our heads.
Cleddon Bog- rarely seen micro
Never quite know what to expect when I get the opportunity to set up here at this site.
Not huge numbers of anything in particular that evening which is what I have come to expect with my actinic trap just quite a few species.
Lesser Swallow Prominent was quite prominent as Scalloped Hook-tip and a single Scarce Footman turned up but a few others caught my eye mainly because I had not encountered them before. Highlights for me were Dotted Clay, a beautiful Gold Spot, a Devon Carpet (which is a known site -Martin Anthony) and after fiddling around with close up photography a Stenolechia gemmella (Black-dotted Groundling).
Sam Bosanquet confirmed Stenolechia gemmella, informing me that this is only the second sighting made in the Vice county. The previous and only other sighting was by Sam 14 years ago in 2003.
Gold Spot
Devon Carpet (night photography)
Stenolechia gemmella (2nd ever sighting in V35)
I'd already heard a Nightjar 'churring' in the locality beforehand but then one swooped down within 15 feet to inspect what was going on with the bright light. An amazing close encounter upon which he said that it could be attracted to the white sheet, or as I've just found out moths beetles and insects.
Would be interested to hear what any birders out there thought about this encounter?
I had this happened 2 years ago when two Nightjars swooped close to the trap close over the top of our heads.
Friday 25 August 2017
Wednesday 23 August 2017
Like the good old times ... but with a Nutmeg
The white discal spots, black speckling and dotted border made me hope that this small Cyclophora might be False Mocha or Blair's Mocha, but the cross-lines seem too complete and I have concluded it's just a Clay Triple-lines
Tuesday 22 August 2017
12th August
Another new micro for the vice county list was confirmed by Sam Bosanquet just recently.
The list of new micro's this year must make quite impressive reading.
George Tordoff informs me that it has been found in Wales but only on two other occasions to date.
Cosmopterix pulchrimella (New Marsh Cosmet) is a relatively newcomer to the British Isles being found in Dorset in 2001.
I got a heads-up from Sam around late June I believe it was, about looking for this moth on a strange plant I've never heard of called Pellitory-of-the-Wall.
I decided I would have a go, but finding the plant let alone a leaf mine was my biggest problem to start with but at least I had one clue from Sam that it was in Chepstow.
I found it after searching for hours the plant that is! That was one part of jigsaw.
The more I looked around the more I found it in cracks, crevices, on walls in quite a few mini sites, I was becoming familiar with what it looked like, at least.
No breakthrough though after extensive searching this time.
Then I stumbled upon another site purely by accident some distance from Chepstow after simply turning off the road to visit a church. The plant was there also. I spent hours going these plants over two visits to see if the moth had arrived there. Again, another blank despite searching plants in its preferred shaded areas with broader leaves.
Another thorough check around the town of Chepstow over several hours and hundreds of plants again drew a blank. I was at the end of my searching, the point of giving up.
Sam concluded that perhaps the moth had not arrived here yet but to keep an eye out anyway.
I kept looking but nothing showed.
Then whilst on a walk around the town on the 12th August I went into little visited area to have a look around for Prickly Lettuce and Small Ranunculus and low and behold a clump of Pellitory-of-the-Wall appeared in the line of sight under a fir tree. I went over to it and then almost immediately started to find mines under the shade of the tree. Excitement and relief poured over me, this was the holy grail surely. Indeed it was.
Several mines were found within three leaves, upon which 4 larvae were photographed from within the clump of plants.
After all the hours and hundreds of plants checked it is very rewarding to have found it.
A bit luck and hard work was involved but it proves if you keep looking persistence may pay off.
New Micro for Vice County 35.
Cosmopterix pulchrimella
Another new micro for the vice county list was confirmed by Sam Bosanquet just recently.
The list of new micro's this year must make quite impressive reading.
George Tordoff informs me that it has been found in Wales but only on two other occasions to date.
Cosmopterix pulchrimella (New Marsh Cosmet) is a relatively newcomer to the British Isles being found in Dorset in 2001.
I got a heads-up from Sam around late June I believe it was, about looking for this moth on a strange plant I've never heard of called Pellitory-of-the-Wall.
I decided I would have a go, but finding the plant let alone a leaf mine was my biggest problem to start with but at least I had one clue from Sam that it was in Chepstow.
I found it after searching for hours the plant that is! That was one part of jigsaw.
The more I looked around the more I found it in cracks, crevices, on walls in quite a few mini sites, I was becoming familiar with what it looked like, at least.
No breakthrough though after extensive searching this time.
Then I stumbled upon another site purely by accident some distance from Chepstow after simply turning off the road to visit a church. The plant was there also. I spent hours going these plants over two visits to see if the moth had arrived there. Again, another blank despite searching plants in its preferred shaded areas with broader leaves.
Another thorough check around the town of Chepstow over several hours and hundreds of plants again drew a blank. I was at the end of my searching, the point of giving up.
Sam concluded that perhaps the moth had not arrived here yet but to keep an eye out anyway.
Clump of Pellitory-of-the-Wall which may have been mowed on my previous visit
Then whilst on a walk around the town on the 12th August I went into little visited area to have a look around for Prickly Lettuce and Small Ranunculus and low and behold a clump of Pellitory-of-the-Wall appeared in the line of sight under a fir tree. I went over to it and then almost immediately started to find mines under the shade of the tree. Excitement and relief poured over me, this was the holy grail surely. Indeed it was.
Several mines were found within three leaves, upon which 4 larvae were photographed from within the clump of plants.
Two larvae of Cosmopterix pulchrimella on one of the leaves
A bit luck and hard work was involved but it proves if you keep looking persistence may pay off.
Eupoecilia angustana at Dingestow
The warm night of 21/8 produced only a single migrant - a Nomophila noctuella - despite southerly winds, but resident species were out in good numbers at Dingestow Court. Slender Pug, Maiden's Blush and Treble-bar were pick of the macros, whilst micros included an Agriphila selasella hiding among abundant A. tristella (these are much harder than the 'never white' comment in the book suggests), a Batia unitella, a Lesser Wax Moth and an interesting-looking B&W Cochylid. I assumed that this last would be one of the suite of Cochylis species, but it turned out to be Eupoecilia angustana new for Dingestow (515th Micro for the site). I'm not at all sure why this species has not appeared here before, as it feeds on meadow plants such as plantain and yarrow and is one of the commonest micros in our garden in Carmarthenshire; I don't think the Dingestow individual belongs to the heather-feeding f. fasciella, which I saw earlier in the year on the Blorenge. I also have no idea why there are so few Gwent records of E. angustana full-stop: just 10 prior to 2017.
Friday 18 August 2017
12th August
A few weeks ago after hearing about Small Ranuculus arriving at Abergavenny in Sam's post dated 23rd July, I went in search of some at Chepstow.
I've found larvae and indeed captured an adult in the garden over the last few years, but I was very worried about a development that had started to place on a site that had contained 10's of larvae.
My worsts fears were realised when they tarmacked over the group of Prickly lettuce creating an entrance to the building site.
After searching on scattered plants that were starting to re-colonise gaps in pavements, rough stony ground, that was nearby, I come came up with a complete blank.
Still, it was positive that other plants were beginning to grow on edges of pavements after seeds had been scattered, until unfortunately they were then sprayed by the council. (This seems to happen everywhere with councils.)
Then several weeks later I came across a patch of wild flowers that presumably the council had seeded to encourage bees and insects. Looking closer I then espied Prickly Lettuce was in amongst the flower mix and rushed to have a look.
Great news as several minutes later a Small Ranuculus larvae came into view, then another and another.
I found 7 in all, but I'm sure others are there because these were at a quite small stage of development.
It is very positive news but I do wonder how the moth will fare and survive in the near future when on one hand plants are sprayed and possibly larvae killed and on the other, plants are inadvertently re-introduced in a seeded flower mix every year in selected areas by the council, time will tell.
Small Ranunculus still hanging on in there!
A few weeks ago after hearing about Small Ranuculus arriving at Abergavenny in Sam's post dated 23rd July, I went in search of some at Chepstow.
I've found larvae and indeed captured an adult in the garden over the last few years, but I was very worried about a development that had started to place on a site that had contained 10's of larvae.
My worsts fears were realised when they tarmacked over the group of Prickly lettuce creating an entrance to the building site.
2017 larvae, 4 in view.
Still, it was positive that other plants were beginning to grow on edges of pavements after seeds had been scattered, until unfortunately they were then sprayed by the council. (This seems to happen everywhere with councils.)
One larvae here, which are sometimes difficult to see as they lay along the stem
Then several weeks later I came across a patch of wild flowers that presumably the council had seeded to encourage bees and insects. Looking closer I then espied Prickly Lettuce was in amongst the flower mix and rushed to have a look.
Great news as several minutes later a Small Ranuculus larvae came into view, then another and another.
I found 7 in all, but I'm sure others are there because these were at a quite small stage of development.
Adult found in garden in 2013.
Thursday 17 August 2017
6th August
After arriving during a mild but breezy evening, a quick rethink of my position in the wood had to be worked out, so a more sheltered spot had to be found.
Finding one, and eventually feeling comfortable with the position of the trap, I sat back waiting with coffee in hand for things to develop. With the problem of the breeze eliminated I thought it was to be an easy evening listening to owls hooting and collecting moths, not a bit of it!
Another issue decided to rear its head.....Hornets!
I've had Hornets before but the number here took me by surprise and they kept arriving. They thankfully stopped after about 50 minutes but numbered 5 in total- the most I've seen before. They would be left in pots to buzz around until last thing.
With that out of the way, the night turned out to be not to bad at the end of the session with 94 moths of 25 species which was pleasing. 5 localised macro, one Scarce B macro and 1 localised micro were notable.
The best of the bunch turned out to be a little micro featured below.
A bit of a rare find in the county apparently with Sam informing me that there are 2-3 records only in the Database for V35.
The Shoulder-spot Marble, Hedya atropunctana is mainly a northern species according to many sources, but it is found in the south to a lesser degree.
It feeds on Bog-myrtle, Sallow and Birch of which the latter two which would makes sense at the site.
It would also seem that I caught the second generation in this instance.
St.Pierre's Great Wood, Mounton
After arriving during a mild but breezy evening, a quick rethink of my position in the wood had to be worked out, so a more sheltered spot had to be found.
Finding one, and eventually feeling comfortable with the position of the trap, I sat back waiting with coffee in hand for things to develop. With the problem of the breeze eliminated I thought it was to be an easy evening listening to owls hooting and collecting moths, not a bit of it!
Another issue decided to rear its head.....Hornets!
I've had Hornets before but the number here took me by surprise and they kept arriving. They thankfully stopped after about 50 minutes but numbered 5 in total- the most I've seen before. They would be left in pots to buzz around until last thing.
With that out of the way, the night turned out to be not to bad at the end of the session with 94 moths of 25 species which was pleasing. 5 localised macro, one Scarce B macro and 1 localised micro were notable.
The best of the bunch turned out to be a little micro featured below.
A bit of a rare find in the county apparently with Sam informing me that there are 2-3 records only in the Database for V35.
Hedya atropunctana
The Shoulder-spot Marble, Hedya atropunctana is mainly a northern species according to many sources, but it is found in the south to a lesser degree.
It feeds on Bog-myrtle, Sallow and Birch of which the latter two which would makes sense at the site.
It would also seem that I caught the second generation in this instance.
Tuesday 15 August 2017
31st July
I never expect much from this wood but am pleasantly surprised what turns up on occasion.
I had 36 species this evening which ain't too bad really considering.
A few micros but Macro's were order of the evening including notable Black Arches, Clay Triple-lines, Scallop Shell, Satin Lutestring, Scarce Footman, Oak Nycteoline and this nice surprise Welsh Wave.
Another new addition to the collection I thought the Welsh Wave, but looking back it appears I turned it up at Cleddon Bog in 2015 relatively close by.
Cleddon Bog was on of my first field trips away from the comfortable routine of my back garden, and it proved to be both exciting and daunting at the same time, but ultimately successful as it got me hooked.
Ninewells Wood, Cleddon
I never expect much from this wood but am pleasantly surprised what turns up on occasion.
I had 36 species this evening which ain't too bad really considering.
A few micros but Macro's were order of the evening including notable Black Arches, Clay Triple-lines, Scallop Shell, Satin Lutestring, Scarce Footman, Oak Nycteoline and this nice surprise Welsh Wave.
Another new addition to the collection I thought the Welsh Wave, but looking back it appears I turned it up at Cleddon Bog in 2015 relatively close by.
Cleddon Bog was on of my first field trips away from the comfortable routine of my back garden, and it proved to be both exciting and daunting at the same time, but ultimately successful as it got me hooked.
Welsh Wave
One of the most notable features to look out for is the two blackish spikes on the central cross-band, the other Martin Anthony points out is the familiar V-shaped posture when at rest to separate from Waved Carpet.
Belated June sightings
After a backlog of records to trawl through due to computer issues, Martin Anthony has confirmed the two macro moths featured below.
Both are welcome new additions to me which adds to the great excitement of not exactly knowing what will turn up of an evening.
The first one Waved Carpet was found at St. Pierre's Great Wood on the 15th June had me spending some time working it out. I first thought that it had lost some of its scales during its lifetime and I wondered about dismissing it completly. Then I started to look at a type of Seraphim and although similar the posture did not fit but after more searching on-line I eventually found it.
The moth has a scarce distribution apparently and I wonder if it does not like coming to light.
Waved Carpet
The second macro featured is Haworth's Pug.
This was captured 5 days later at a Private Wood which the owner kindly allowed me to trap at. Wallwern Wood is relatively small and an unknown quantity but seemed to produce quite a few species during a very warm evening of the 20th June.
Suffice to say, it is a new site for Haworth's Pug. The caterpillar reportedly feeds on Traveller's Joy or possibly cultivated Clematis of which the former I see quite often around hedgerows and woods.
Haworth's Pug
Friday 11 August 2017
A heathland wanderer - Matilella fusca new for Dingestow
The night of 11th August was relatively warm, and over 150 individuals of 44 species came to MV at Dingestow Court. Most were ordinary, with my first Six-striped Rustic of the year the most interesting of the Macros. However, two good Pyralids made an appearance: an Agriphila selasella and the dark but distinctive Matilella (Pyla) fusca. The latter was new for Dingestow, taking the site total to 514 spp of Micro. There are 9 Gwent records of this heather feeder: 7 come from lowland heath (Cleddon Bog, Wentwood) and upland edge (Cwmtillery, Sugarloaf & Blackwood), presumably indicating breeding colonies, whilst there are two records of wanderers to Dr Neil Horton's gardens in Usk and Llansoy. There was a long gap in records between Dr Horton's last one in 1987 and those by Nick Felstead (2015) and Kevin Hewitt (2016), and I have waited a long time to see this species in Gwent.
Tuesday 8 August 2017
Notocelia incarnatana new for VC35
Bob Roome caught this Notocelia on 6th August and identified it as N. incarnatana, although he said "it seems unlikely as it isn't even on the county list". I'm sure he is correct as the markings match perfectly, as does the long-winged appearance, even though this is a difficult genus. This species has a coastal distribution in Britain, although it also occurs inland in some areas, and I wonder whether Bob's moth wandered from the coast or perhaps from the limestone near Risca. Moths of Glamorgan mentions N. incarnatana as occurring in Cardiff.
Saturday 5 August 2017
Uskmouth Reedbeds 4th August
Every year in August I target an area of reedmace for Bulrush Wainscot. I'd noticed a good stand of it in one of the reedbeds at Uskmouth last winter when I was cutting the reeds in an amphibious reed-cutter. There was a culvert entrance nearby with a wooden platform over it which would make an ideal place to put the Skinner actinic trap. The only thing standing in my way was a thicket of bramble 8 foot high and about 6 foot deep! I decided to give my self 30 minutes to try and cut my way through with a pair of shears. It was easier than I had thought - within about 15 minutes I had reached the wooden platform. I set up the Skinner trap and came back this morning at 6am. Going through the egg trays there were only 7 Southern Wainscots, a Flame Shoulder, 2 Large Yellow Underwings and 7 Ringed China-marks on the 1st 3 trays I checked. Disappointment. Turning over the 4th tray I was delighted to see 3 Bulrush Wainscots!
Wednesday 2 August 2017
Plain Pug at Dingestow
In June 2014 a Plain Pug appeared on a window at Dingestow Court. I assumed this Orache/Goosefoot feeder was a wanderer from saltmarshes on the Gwent Coast, but yesterday (1/8/17) I found another one in the Court Farm yard (where Atriplex and Chenopodium are abundant). It is clearly now a resident species here!
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