Suffolk Moth Group Newsletter

Field reports - Tony Prichard

SMG Moth Night at Lineage Wood - 6th May 2005

This mixed woodland site was visited with the intention of continuing are search for Sloe Carpet, the species having previously been recorded here in 1998. Given our recent luck in trying to track this species down it was not too surprising that we did not manage to find it, although weather conditions were not ideal. I suspect that this will be one species that we will come across while recording and will be hard to target unless we can find some sizeable blackthorn thickets. In all 37 species were recorded on the night with Caloptilia robustella, Streamer, Spruce Carpet, Oak-tree Pug, Orange Footman, Powdered Quaker being the most noteworthy.

SMG Moth Night at Bonny Wood - 13th May 2005

This meeting was cancelled due to bad weather.

SMG Moth Night at Belton - 20th May 2005

A repeat visit to this site in one of the under-recorded areas of the county. The last year's visit at this time of year suffered from low temperatures. We fared better with 44 species including Platyptilia gonodactyla, Grey Birch, andMay Highflyer and new for the ten kilometre square Common Swift, Monopis weaverella, Elachista maculicerusella, Cochylis atricapitana, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Small Seraphim, Flame Wainscot, White-pinion Spotted, Lime Hawk-moth, White Ermine, Clouded Drab, Hebrew Character and Oak-tree Pug

SMG Moth Night at Wyken Wood - 27th May 2005

This meeting was arranged by the Stanton Wildlife Action Group (thanks to Phil Harding) and included an invite for their members to come along and hopefully see some moths at this ancient broad-leaved wood. The weather was a bit against us with a bit of a breeze blowing and the only suitable site for a sheet light, considering the number of people who had turned up, appeared to be on the edge of a wood - not a good start. Although moths were a bit slow coming to the sheet there was a bit of interest for those who had come along. The traps placed further into the wood were more effective and made up most of the species list for the night, which finished at 113 species. Of note were Nemapogon cloacella, Caloptilia syringella, Prayx fraxinella, Phtheochroa rugosana, Epinotia rubiginosana, Poplar Lutestring, Cream Wave, White-spotted Pug, Grey Pug, Oange Footman, Alder Moth, Clouded-bordered Brindle, Large Nutmeg and Green Silver-lines.

Moth Night at Snape Warren - 29th May 2005

A heathland site where the RSPB has recently started management of the site with some scrub clearance. As this was rather a blowy night the lack of cover meant results were lower than expected with 44 species. Amongst these were Fox Moth, Narrow-winged Pug, Peacock Moth, Barred Red, Poplar Kitten, Cream-spot Tiger, White Colon and Tawny Shears. Poplar Kitten appears to be occurring more frequently at the moment with records from several locations each year.

SMG Moth Night at Westleton Common - 3rd June 2005

This event was cancelled due to inclement weather and lack of apparent interest. It appeared that some people did turn up for the event as well as myself. However, while I was waiting at Westleton Common they were waiting at Westleton Heath. It is always worth checking the grid references on the events list.

Moth Night at West Stow Country Park - 4th June 2005

While most of the moth group was away 'ticking' moths in France I ran this joint meeting with Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation. It was not too surprising that no members turned up as the weather had been wet and windy during the day but as evening approached conditions improved. A good number of public turned up for the event and after the initial wait for dark to descend there was a selection of colourful moths to see at the two lights I ran near the visitor centre. This is not one of the usual areas where we run lights and I managed to record five new species for the site; Rhyacionia pinivorana, Udea prunalis, Chinese Character, Alder Moth and Pinion-streaked Snout from the fifty-five species recorded in total. Other species of note included Nascia cilialis, Small Phoenix, Foxglove Pug, Narrow-winged Pug, Peacock Moth, Small Elephant Hawk-moth, Cream-spot Tiger, Great Prominent, Bird's Wing. Marbled White Spot and Cream-bordered Green Pea

SMG Moth Night at Barton Mills - 10th June 2005

A cold night! A few stalwart locals came along to see the few moths that were about. A measly 11 species! The habitat at this site certainly looks very promising and we'll be returning hopefully with better weather next year. Of possible note were Parapoynx stratiotata, Cream-spot Tiger, Small Clouded Brindle and Small Square-spot

Moth Night at Wordwell - 11th June 2005

Another visit to one of our regularly visited sites in the Brecks with reasonable conditions 71 species were recorded. Of interest were Cream Wave, Fern, Sharp-angled Carpet, Haworth's Pug, Satyr Pug, Grey Pug, Narrow-winged Pug, Barred Red, Small Elephant Hawk-moth, Great Prominent, Four-dotted Footman, Cream-spot Tiger, Clouded Buff, Lunar Yellow Udnerwing, White Colon, Pale-shouldered Brocade, Brown Rustic and Clouded-bordered Brindle.

SMG Moth Night at Old Hall Wood - 17th June 2005

Weather conditions improved in the latter half of June and this was the first night where it looked as though we would have a good haul. Initially I had some misgivings about this ancient woodland site, not far from Ipswich, due to previous extensive coniferisation of the wood, but some areas of broad-leaved woodland remain and it proved a very productive night with 140 species recorded. Certain species turned up in high numbers in the traps - Gold Swift, Festoon (100+) and Epinotia dermarniana. A singleton of a species I've not seen at light before Alabonia geoffrella found its way into one of the traps - more commonly recorded as a day-flying species. Some recent arrivals to this part of the county Pseudotelphusa scalella and Spatalistis bifasciana were also recorded. I suspect that there may be colonies of these latter two species around the Bentley area after previous encounters with these species in other woods in the area. A new moth for myself was Esperia oliviella, a dark-coloured micro, along the lines of Eidophasia messingiella but with a pale yellow basal patch as well as the pale yellow cross-band. Quite localised in its distribution and with the only other recent county record of the species being from Holbrook in 2000 - a pleasant sight to find in one of the traps. Other species of note were Incurvaria masculella, Brachmia blandella, Cochylis nana, Lobesia reliquana, Cydia fagiglanda, Cryptoblabes bistriga, Blotched Emerald, Clay Triple-lines, Cream Wave, Flame Carpet, Beautiful Carpet, Lobster Moth, Orange Footman, Purple Clay, Grey Arches, Pale-shouldered Brocade and Clouded-bordered Brindle.

Moth Night at Aldeburgh-Thorpeness - 18th June 2005

This site needs no introduction and can be a very productive site when not windy. As there was a breeze blowing the four MV lights were placed where we could find some shelter but with a total of 86 species record the results were a bit disappointing in terms of numbers. There were some highlights were Oblique Carpet, Water Ermine and Flame Wainscot and others of note were Phtheochroa rugosana, Schoeobius gigantella, Fox Moth, Rosy Wave, Sharp-angled Peacock, Small Elephant Hawk-moth, Cream-spot Tiger, Dog's Tooth, White-point, Bordered Sallow and Cream-bordered Green Pea.

Moth Night at Sizewell - 22nd June 2005

This visit was the first of a couple to search for Sand Dart amongst the dunes near to the power station. Neil Sherman and myself had previously looked for the larvae here - sieving the sand - with no luck. With four MV lights spread out amongst the dunes, including Matthew Deans' 'lighthouse' lamp. A reasonable selection of moths were recorded with the total at the end of the night being 64 species. Given that we were trapping in a coastal area it was interesting to pick up six species of hawk-moth - Lime, Eyed, Poplar, Elephant and Small Elephant with the best being a single Bedstraw Hawk-moth. On most other nights this might have qualified as 'moth of the night' but not on this occasion when a single Crambus pratella was also recorded at the sheet. This is a very rarely recorded species in the county although some submitted records appear to have arisen due to confuson with Crambus lathoniellus. There has been some suggestion that records of this species may be of migrants but it is possible that a local colony may exist with a previous record of this species having been reported from the Thorpeness area in 1966 (de Worms & Aston). Other species of note included Rosy Wave, May Highflyer, Cream-spot Tiger, Archer's Dart, White Colon, Bordered Sallow, Large Nutmeg and Bird's Wing.

SMG Moth Night at Ickworth Park - 24th June 2005

A rather dismal wet night that was saved by having a woodshed to shelter under where we also ran the sheet light. Despite the conditions a reasonable selection of moths turned up at the eight lights operated. Most lights were concentrated in the ancient woodland with a couple on the verges of the wood. It was noticeable that those lights under the canopy performed rather poorly compared to those open to the sky. Of the species recorded of most interest was a single Marbled Clover - not a species I would expect to see much of away from the Brecks and coastal areas. Other species of note recorded were Prays fraxinella, Archips crataegana, Olindia schumacherana, Celypha rosaceana, Scoparia basistrigalis, Ostrinia nubilalis, Phlyctaenia perlucidalis, Blotched Emerald, Mullein Wave, Pretty Chalk Carpet, Scorched Wing, Orange Footman, Green Arches, White-point, Dusky Brocade, Large Nutmeg and Small Clouded Brindle. In all 128 species were recorded.

Moth Night at Tangham Forest - 25th June 2005

After the rather dismal experience the previous night there was some discussion about whether it was worth going anywhere on the Saturday night, as conditions seemed very similar. Fortunately the optimists won out and we plumped for one of our regular spots that is quite sheltered and normally comes up with the goods. So it proved this time with more species recorded at the lights (143 species) as well as greater numbers of moths overall. Species of note recorded included Festoon (continuing its good season), Caloptilia populetorum, Eidophasia messingiella, Epermenia falciformis, Carpatolechia proximella, Cochylis nana, Sitochroa verticalis, Pempelia palumbella, Plain Wave, Small Seraphim, Peacock Moth and Sharp-angled Peacock, Barred Red, Grass Wave, Orange Footman, Cream-spot Tiger, Clouded Buff, Purple Clay, Grey Arches, Clouded-bordered Brindle, Rosy Marbled and Shaded Fan-foot.

Moth Night at Southwold - 29th June 2005

This was the second trip out to look for Sand Dart with the species having been previously recorded here in the past. After setting lights up in the area of the Southwold Denes we did not have to wait long for success with a Sand Dart being the first moth to the sheet light. Overall moth numbers were rather low and only 29 species were recorded - not too surprising given the restricted habitat. It was interesting to note that numbers of Shore Wainscot and Sand Dart were largely confined to those traps operating in amongst the sand dunes. Other species of interest were Anerastia lotella, Rosy Wave, Large Nutmeg and Crescent.

SMG Moth Night at Havergate Island RSPB reserve - 1st July 2005

Four people turned up for this event with an overnight stay on the RSPB reserve, offering mainly saltmarsh habitats. After a couple of years running where we have had to face rather windy and wet weather conditions on the night looked reasonably favourable. Eight lights were operated and left overnight. In the morning numbers of moths were rather low but produced 81 species in all. Species of note included Monopis monachella, Goniodoma limoniella, Anarsia spartiella, Phalonidia affinitana, Aphelia viburnana, Celypha rosaceana, Hedya ochroleucana, Pediasia aridella, Agdistis bennetii, Marasmarcha lunaedactyla, Ground Lackey, Rosy Wave, Shaded Pug, Plain Pug, Garden Tiger, Cream-spot Tiger, Water Ermine, Dog's Tooth, Mathew's Wainscot and Star-wort.

The determination of the Aphelia viburnana was not that straightforward. A few unusual tortrix were present in some of the traps and two that I had looked extremely good matches for Choristoneura lafauryana based on the plates in Razowski. As one individual was a good match for the male form of C. lafauryana and the other was a good match for the female form it seemed an outside chance that the moths would be anything else. On returning from the trip Jon Clifton, who had heard of the identifications, let me know how significant records of C. lafauryana would be - previously found only in Dersingham Bog in Norfolk and not noted since the 1970's. A photo of the moth was sent out and opinion seemed to be that it was a good determination. On consulting John Langmaid about the record he mentioned that Clepsis spectrana would need to be eliminated (although they were unlike any C. spectrana I have ever seen). Following this the moths' genitalia were determined by Jon Clifton and turned out to be A. viburnana - quite a variable species and not that common in saltmarsh habitats in Suffolk.

Thanks to Karen Coates for ferrying us around and putting us up for the night.

Moth Night at Buxhall - 2nd July 2005

A privately-owned site in mid-Suffolk that is of interest mainly due to its reed-bed but also with broad-leaved wet woodland. A useful venue given the lack of sites in this area where we can record species associated with reed-beds. A couple of lights were run along the footpath next to the woodland and reed-bed and in all 83 species were recorded. Of these the most notable were Eidophasia messingiella, Mompha ochraceella, Orthotaenia undulana, Nymphula stagnata, Green Arches, Clouded-bordered Brindle, Large Nutmeg and Dotted Fan-foot.

SMG Moth Night at Lakenheath Fen RSPB reserve - 8th July 2005

A event intended to look for Marsh Carpet at this RSPB reserve, where larvae have been occurring regularly in reasonable numbers in the last couple of years. Prospects did not look at the start of the evening with a strong breeze blowing across the reserve - not good when there is little in the way of shelter out on the fens. A search for the moth at dusk by John Chainey was unsuccessful and the lack of success continued for the rest of the night. Moth numbers were again low with only 77 species recorded. Included in these were Endothenia quadrimaculana, Calamotropha paludella, Schoenobius gigantella, Evergestis extimalis, Sitochroa verticalis, Spinach, Grey Carpet, White Satin, Garden Tiger, Dog's Tooth, Dingy Shears, Double Lobed, Silky Wainscot, Bordered Sallow and Dotted Fan-foot. We do not seem to be having much luck tracking down the Marsh Carpet adults at this site.

National Moth Night at Wordwell - 9th July 2005

A joint meeting with Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation. Attendance was rather poor with only four people turning up - and that included John Chainey and Jenny Spence from out of county. On arriving at the site it was a bit of surprise to see that an earth bank had been thrown up across the track that we normally use to get to the site. After some quick consultation with the map it looked as though we could still reach the site by a rather circuituous route. Not an ideal night and certainly not as good conditions as we have had previously on National Moth Nights. Amongst the 81 species recorded were several of interest - Ethmia dodecea, Pempeliella dilutella, Large Twin-spot Carpet, Royal Mantle, Wood Carpet, Fern, Toadflax Pug, Clouded Magpie, Four-dotted Footman, Grey Arches, White Colon, Broom Moth and Slender Brindle. The Wood Carpets producing the usual debate on distinguishing them from Common Carpets. A single Beautiful Hook-tip was a good record as this species now seems quite infrequently recorded in the county - with scattered records at infrequent intervals. The catch of the night was made by John and Jenny while we were clearing the traps away, a Cloaked Pug on the outside of the trap. A rare immigrant, associated with conifers, that might just possibly be resident in the area - although there have been no recent records in this frequently recorded part of the Brecks. A high note on which to end the night.

Moth Night at Bawdsey Marsh and Shore - 13th July 2005

A site with saltmarsh and vegetated shingle habitats. The lights on the saltmarsh fared not so well while those on the shingle brought in most of the interest. These included Ostrinia nubilalis, Agdistis bennetii, Ground Lackey, Least Carpet, Lilac Beauty, Kent Black Arches, White-line Dart, Mathew's Wainscot, Star-wort, Crescent and Dark Spectacle. 75 species in total.

SMG Moth Night at Redgrave Fen SWT reserve - 15th July 2005

A follow-up visit to the Suffolk part of this SWT reserve where the habitat appears greatly improved since the site management made the area look a bit like a moon-scape. Targets for the night included Fen Square-spot and Lempke's Gold Spot, recorded at a previous group visit. As we had also recorded Silver Barred on the previous visit there was always the possibility that this may turn up again if colonisation had occurred. While looking around for sites to run the lights the larvae of Valerian Pug were noted on its foodplant. Of the 164 species recorded the most notable is probably Brachmia inornatella - a rather localised species in Suffolk. Also of interest were Anarsia spartiella, Brachmia blandella, Acleris holmiana, Apotomis capreana, Rhopobota naevana, Pediasia contaminella, Schoenobius gigantella, Donacaula forficella, Evergestis pallidata, Pempelia formosa, Small Scallop, Garden Tiger, Suspected, Lunar-spotted Pinion, Slender Brindle, Double Lobed, Crescent, Bulrush Wainscot, Brown-veined Wainscot, Webb's Wainscot, Fen Wainscot, Small Rufous, Nut-tree Tussock, Herald and Dotted Fan-foot


© Tony Prichard - Redgrave Fen

Moth Night at Tangham Forest - 16th July 2005

A repeat visit this site with mixed woodland and fen habitats. Yet again this site came up with a good species list and some species of interest. A single Red-necked Footman lurked for a while on the sheet mimicking a caddis fly before being spotted. There has been some discussion as to whether this species may be locally resident at low density. There were certainly few migrants around at this time and the moth is now recorded annually in the county. Rosy Marbled has now been recorded more than once at the site and along with the record from Staverton Woods would seem to point towards a local colony. Included in the total of 114 species recorded were Orthotaenia undulana, Anania verbascalis, Grass Emerald, Common Lutestring, Plain Wave, Large Twin-spot Carpet, Broom-tip, Peacock Moth and Sharp-angled Peacock, Purple Clay, Dotted Clay, Broom Moth, Bird's Wing, Slender Brindle and Dotted Fan-foot.

Moth Night at Kessingland Sewage Works - 21st July 2005

A site we had not visited before but rather popular with the birding fraternity I gather and surprising given the rather ripe smell in the air. As there is a local effort to try to gain SSSI status for part of the site we went along to see what moths of interest might be found. In the company of the Lowestoft Lounge Lizards (something to do with birding again) we had rather a successful night, although the hoped for reed-bed specialities failed to appear. From four MV lights we had a total of 118 species. Of most note were Water Ermine, Kent Black Arches and Muslin Footman. The latter being known from around this area of the county but still a new site for this very local species in Suffolk. Other species recorded included Agapeta zoegana, Epiblema foenella, Calamatropha paludella, Scoparia basistrigalis, Phlyctaenia perlucidalis, Pempelia formosa, Garden Tiger, Suspected, Dingy Shears, Cream-bordered Green Pea and Herald.

SMG Moth Night at Trimley Marshes SWT reserve - 22nd July 2005

Under the lights of Felixstowe Port with low temperatures prospects did not look good for this evening. As little moth recording work has been done at the site though all records were of interest. With reed-bed and saltmarsh habitats there were no big surprises in the 54 species recorded, including Agriphila selasella, Agdistis bennetii, Least Carpet, Garden Tiger, Mathew's Wainscot, Reed Dagger, Crescent, Brown-veined Wainscot and Cream-bordered Green Pea. The site should certainly be more productive than this with better conditions based on the appearance of the habitat.

Moth Night at Minsmere RSPB Reserve - 23rd July 2005

The target of this evening was the Butterbur moth, with previous records from the vicinity of Eastbridge. As the Eastbridge area did not offer much in the way of shelter and as there was a bit of a breeze we set up a couple of lights next to the Butterbur and then went off to the Island Mere part of the reserve to run the rest of the lights in more sheltered positions. We need not have been so concerned as even the more exposed traps in the Island Mere area were full of moths. Over twenty White-mantled Wainscot were recorded, mainly in those traps closest to the Island Mere hide, but no Fenn's Wainscot. Other species of note amongst the 153 species recorded were Monopis monachella, Thiotricha (= Reuttia) subocellea, Endothenia quadrimaculana, Calamotropha paludella, Platytes alpinella, Small Scallop, Flame Carpet, Blue-bordered Carpet, Foxglove Pug, Sharp-angled Peacock, Garden Tiger, Kent Black Arches, White-line Dart, Reed Dagger, Slender Brindle, Crescent, Small Rufous, Cream-bordered Green Pea, Scarce Silver-lines, Dark Spectacle and Dotted Fan-foot. T. subocellea, a species feeding on Water Mint as a larva, was of interest as it seems to have cropped up in a few places this year. After closing down the traps in the Island Mere area it was back to Eastbridge to see if any Butterbur had turned up. Unfortunately not but 95 other species had. Of these Phtheochroa inopiana, Eucosma campoliliana, Garden Tiger, Short-cloaked Moth, Reed Dagger, Olive, Double Lobed, Cream-bordered Green Pea and Dotted Fan-foot were of most interest. This brought the species total for the night to 178 - an impressive total. As seems to have become a bit of a habit we totalled the number of species with Wainscot in their name that had been recorded. This indicated that it had been a good night with ten Wainscot species recorded at both sites - Southern, Smoky, Bulrush, Twin-spotted, Brown-veined, White-mantled, Webb's, Fen, Silky and Small. If only Common or Fenn's Wainscot had turned up.

SMG Moth Night at North Cove SWT reserve - 29th July 2005

As far as I am aware the group has not previously visited this reserve near Barnby on the Suffolk-Norfolk border. Offering wet woodland and fen habitats combined with favourable weather meant that prospects were good for the night. I had previously arranged this visit to see if we could pick up Fenn's Wainscot - there is an old record from the area and confirmation that it was still resident in the area would have been useful as it is a distance from it's usual haunts on the coast. Five MV lights were operated in both habitats. The sheet light kept us busy till the first trap round when all the traps were found to be rather busy. We had been joined again by the Lowestoft Lounge Lizards and they were in for rather busy session, with plenty of interest to see. As we closed down the traps the total started to creep towards the 200 mark but in the end stopped short at 196 species. However, there a few micros still to determine and this should push the night's list of the 200 mark. Species of note recorded were Ypsolopha nemorella, Orthotelia sparganella, Athrips mouffetella, Scrobipalpa costella, Thiotricha subocellea (again), Rhopobota naevana, Epiblema foenella, Agriphila selasella, Nymphula stagnata, Evergestis pallidata, Ostrinia nubilalis, Cryptoblabes bistriga, Dioryctria sylvestrella, Flame Carpet, Phoenix, Chevron, Blue-bordered Carpet, Slender Pug, Haworth's Pug, Marsh Pug, Triple-spotted Pug, Small Seraphim, Magpie, Garden Tiger, Slender Brindle, Double Lobed, Small Wainscot, Silky Wainscot, Dark Spectacle and Dotted Fan-foot. This was by far the best night so far this year and is unlikely to be surpassed this year.

Reports from Recorders around the county

Records reported in this section have not been checked by the Suffolk Moth Panel. Many thanks go to the recorders who provide write-ups for this section.

Eye Moths, March to mid-August 2005 - Paul Kitchener

March

An Acleris hastiana on the 23rd was probably the only notable moth of the month (two more were seen in July). Common Quaker, Clouded Drab and Hebrew Character all had their worst year out of four, at this site, with just a third of the numbers of 2003. This in spite of the earliest start (seen in January) ever for Common Quaker and Hebrew Character.

April

A quiet month, the night of the 30th producing the most interest with Lesser Swallow Prominent (the first of six this year following none last year), Buttoned Snout (the fifth site record and has now been seen every year in the last four) and two Esperia sulphurella in cop. on the trap perspex.

For the second consecutive year first generation Early Thorn were almost non-existent, only two being seen (at the time of writing only one of the second generation has been trapped).

May

There were first site records for Callisto denticulella on the 27th and Shears (long overdue), four of the latter between 25th and 15th June. Following the hottest May day for 60 years the night of the 27th was also notable for Plutella xylostella (four of the twelve seen this year on this one night), the first Figure of Eighty of the year (fourteen being seen this year, only five last year), May Highflyer (three, with five in three days), Treble Bar (only the second site record), the first Clouded Silver of the year (numbers of this moth have been well up on last year, peaking with twenty six on 23rd June) and the first Silver Y (of only seven this year, so far).

A Currant Pug on the 1st was the first of six this year, none at all being seen last year, but strangely only one Mottled Pug has been seen, this on the 26th. Eurrhypara hortulata has had an exceptional year, the first appearing on the 25th. This year’s total of 126 compared to the last three year’s of 23, 72 and 28. Another moth that has had it’s best year at this site is Bright-line Brown-eye. First seen on the 15th and peaking in early July the four year’s totals are 53, 53, 62 and 182.

All the regularly occurring hawk-moths had a very good season with Lime and Privet both appearing by the end of May. The total for Elephant Hawk-moth reached 67 individuals by mid-July which is more than twice the previous best total.

Ruby Tiger was seen in May (3rd and 6th) for the first time in nine years, it usually appearing in mid-July (in contradiction to flight period statements in both Skinner and Waring). Two species that have been much more evident this year than last are Heart and Dart and Flame (individual totals being 192/319 and 221/422 respectively).

Other occurrences of local interest this month were the third site record of Orange Footman, the second site record of Light Brocade (both, 26th) and the second site record of Mullein (13th).

June

Six species were seen in the garden for the first time. Luquetia lobella (2nd, another on 23rd), Eudonia pallida, Bird’s Wing (both, 18th with another of the former, 25th), Agapeta zoegana (22nd), Scythropia crataegella and Rhyacionia pinivorana (both, 23rd).


© Paul Kitchener - Luquetia lobella	© Paul Kitchener - Eudonia pallida

Several species were seen in greater numbers this year than in any of the previous three years at this site. These included Phlyctaenia perlucidalis (twelve between 17th and 17th July), Lozotaenia forsterana (sixteen between 17th and 23rd July, more than double the previous grand total), Udea olivalis (forty five between 2nd and 14th July), Common Emerald (twenty four, only nine seen before), Treble Brown Spot (thirty four, the previous best total was sixteen in 2003), Barred Straw (forty six, only eight last year), Swallow-tailed Moth (forty three between 24th and 23rd July), Dot Moth (‘02 - ‘05 numbers being 17/44/9/112), Poplar Grey (12/21/13/34), Sycamore and Small Angle Shades (both double last year’s totals). In contrast, only one Small Square-spot of the first generation was seen and it has remained scarce this autumn, with only three individuals. There was a decline of this moth over the previous four years, the total individuals for 2001 to 2004 being 264/223/48/7.

First records aside there was plenty of other interest in June, especially during the second half when minimum night time temperatures at last got into double figures. There was the fourth site record of Schoenobius gigantella (the fifth on 1st July), third record of Sciota adelphella (23rd, the previous two in 2003), second Amblyptilia acanthadactyla (also 23rd), second Twin-spot Carpet (27th), a little run of four Brown Silver-line (first record was only last year), fourth record of Maple Prominent (another in July), only the second Ingrailed Clay, four Green Arches (only one previous record, in 2002), four White-point (between 16th and 19th, five more in August) and the third Dark Brocade.


© Paul Kitchener - Bird's Wing	© Paul Kitchener - Green Arches

Moths seen this month but not recorded at all last year were Freyer’s Pug (four), Heart and Club (two; has consistently remained scarce in Eye), Dusky Brocade (three), Small Clouded Brindle (three), Beautiful Golden Y (ten) and Plain Golden Y (five).

So far eight Dark Spectacle have been trapped this year including the first ever June record (25th). This moth seems to be established in the area having been recorded in three of the last four years with fourteen of the fifteen individuals in July, August or September.

Two moths that had a very poor 2004 made something of a recovery this year. Buff Arches was noted only twice but this year fifteen individuals were recorded in a four week period and forty Mottled Beauty were seen in three weeks compared to six last year.

July

As in June six new species were recorded in the garden this month, four of them macros and three of these on the same night.

Short-cloaked Moth was seen frequently, every year, in my previous garden, half a mile away, but one on the 9th was the first in four years at this site. Also on the 9th a Peach Blossom (with another on the 13th) and a Shark were new, but not entirely unexpected. The other firsts were Morophaga choragella (27th), Hedya salicella (10th) and a Slender Pug (23rd).

Although nothing exceptional was seen this month, perhaps due to the changeable weather, it would be a very poor July indeed that didn’t provide some interest and variety. An Ypsolopha sequella (7th) was the first since three in 2001. Seven Monochroa palustrella were seen between 7th and 30th and a Mompha propinquella (21st) was the third record. Lozotaeniodes formosanus is always nice to see and one on the 10th was the first for two years. An Epiblema foenella on the 1st was only the seventh record and a Eucosma obumbratana the second record on the 26th. Two Calamotropha paludella (tenth and eleventh records), Ostrinia nubilalis (the second site record, 3rd), Ebulea crocealis (second, with another in August) and Galleria mellonella (only the second record, the first in 2001) complete the list of notable micros for the month.


© Paul Kitchener - Ypsolopha sequella	© Paul Kitchener - Ostrinia nubilalis

It was pleasing to see a Least Carpet on the 18th and, although this was the only one, it may indicate that this species is now established in the area, having been seen for the first time last year. Large Twin-spot Carpet and Small Rivulet had their best year ever (twenty three of the former in a four week period was more than occurred during the previous three years combined). A total of six Maple Pug, all in the last week of the month, was also good, four of them coming to actinic on the 29th.

Others of local interest were Tawny-barred Angle (fifth record, 10th, the same night as the L. formosanus, another Scots Pine feeder), Lilac Beauty (only the third record, 1st), Orange Moth (three, having occurred only twice before), True Lover’s Knot (second record, 11th), Gothic (now seen as singletons every year for five years) and Clouded Brindle (second record, 7th).

Scarce Footman is living up to it’s name, with only three being seen so far, whilst Common Footman has been in larger numbers than ever. The sight of the first Canary-shouldered Thorn of the year always triggers thoughts of autumn and this year this happened on the 26th.

August

So far there have been four new species recorded this month: Altenia scriptella, quite a distinctively marked gelechiid on the 2nd, Phoenix (6th), Oak Hook-tip (another moth that was frequent every year in the old garden, but I was surrounded by oaks then) and Fen Wainscot (10th).

It has been a poor year for migrants, only seven Silver Y (one this month) and one Dark Sword-grass (5th) but five White-point have reached the trap from somewhere this month (9th-18th).

No Iron Prominent of the first generation were seen at all and only five have been seen this month. The first Bulrush Wainscot since 2002 was sitting next to the Fen Wainscot on the 10th, a Red Underwing was a very welcome sight on the 17th (none being seen last year) and a Pinion-streaked Snout was a second garden record on the 18th. Two Nephopterix angustella (17th and 18th) have brought the year total to a best ever five.

Many "autumn" species are now well underway with Dusky Thorn, Square-spot Rustic, Six-striped Rustic, Copper Underwing, Straw Underwing and Mouse all appearing by the 9th.

News from Woolpit - Paul Bryant

May - Like everywhere else, it has been a very poor start to the year and it was not until the latter part of the month that things finally started to pick up in the garden. A Scarce Tissue attracted to a lighted window on 3 May looked like it might be the start of a run of records - akin to last year - but, alas, this was the only sighting.

The weather finally improved enough to allow regular trapping during the last week of the month. However, this only produced singles of the commoner garden species - Common Swift, Buff Ermine etc.

June - Very little trapping took place during the first few weeks of the month. The highlight was a call from a neighbour to have a look at a large grey moth that was sitting on the side wall of their house. From the description I was expecting to see a Poplar Hawk-moth but was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be a freshly emerged Privet. Then it dawned on me, their garden is surrounded by a 4' high privet hedge! Two days later I caught it, or another (there was no easy way of telling), in my garden trap. Odd singles were then caught on a few other days throughout June.

Other June highlights were single Cream-bordered Green Pea (19th) and 2 Varied Coronet, 4 Buff-tip and a Swallow-tailed Moth picked out amongst the 40 species recorded at actinic light on the 23rd - the highest species count so far this year.

July - After a three or four week break what appears to be the last Privet Hawk-moth of the season was trapped on the 29th. More amazingly, three came to my trusty actinic on the first day of the month (when a total of 34 species were recorded).

Scalloped Oak was fairly regular throughout the month, albeit mostly in one's or two's (max 4 on 21st). Other July highlights were two new additions to the garden list - a White Satin and the micro Stathmopoda pedella - with its funky leg action - both on the 29th. The latter is apparently an alder feeder and, despite being quite distinctive, is not a species that I recall seeing out anywhere with the group before or in our travels further afield.

August - I know we are still only mid month but I just thought I would squeeze in details of two more additions to the garden list at the start of the month - Least Carpet on the 1st and Oak Eggar on the 2nd.

Happy trapping


© Paul Bryant - Oak Eggar	© Paul Bryrant - Least Carpet

Bungay, June and July 2005 - Leigh Davis

Leigh has sent in the following records for the months June and July this year - Chrysoteuchia culmella, Dipleurina lacustrata, Eudonia mercurella, Eurrhypara hortulata, Phlyctaenia coronata, Pleuroptya ruralis, Pempelia formosa, Buff Arches, Small Emerald, Small Blood-vein, Small Fan-footed Wave, Single-dotted Wave, Riband Wave, Red Twin-spot Carpet, Common Carpet, Yellow Shell, Spinach, Barred Straw, Common Marbled Carpet, Small Rivulet, Green Pug, Clouded Border, Swallow-tailed Moth, Mottled Beauty, Common Wave, Clouded Silver, Privet Hawk-moth, Poplar Hawk-moth, Elephant Hawk-moth, Pale Prominent, Yellow-tail, Common Footman, Ruby Tiger, Heart & Club, Heart & Dart, Flame, Large Yellow Underwing, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Ingrailed Clay, Double Square-spot, Cabbage Moth, Dot Moth, Pale-shouldered Brocade, Bright-line Brown-eye, Broad-barred White, Campion, Varied Coronet, Clay, Smoky Wainscot, Suspected, Sycamore, Brown Rustic, Small Angle Shades, Dark Arches, Small Clouded Brindle, Marbled Minor, Tawny Marbled Minor, Middle-barred Minor, Burnished Brass, Silver Y, Beautiful Golden Y, Spectacle, Snout and Fan-foot.

Moths at Ipswich Golf Course - May to July 2005 - Neil Sherman

May can be summed up as such - warm, cold, warm! The month started with a cracking night on the 1st, when 52 species appeared in the traps. That was it basically for the first period. Things improved again late on, with a wonderful spell of hot sunny daytime weather around the 25th - 27th. The best species count for May occurred then, with 83 species noted in the 2 traps on the 26th, including some moths of local interest (more later on this). A few days later, it was cold again, with 2 traps catching a measly 18 species on the night of the 31st.

Lights were operated on 6 nights in total during the month, producing a species total of 159 (108 macros, 51 micros), better than 2004 when 129 species were recorded.

Macros of possible interest included the following. Fox moth (25th, very tatty due to being walked on by the 200+ Maybugs in the trap as well!), Red-green Carpet (1st and 26th), Dwarf Pug (18th), Brindled Pug (an amazing total of 66 trapped on the 1st), Seraphim (2 on the 18th followed by another on the 26th). Sharp-angled Peacock (26th reappearing after the first records last year). Small Elephant Hawk-moth (23rd), Lunar Marbled Brown (4 for the month, still in low numbers this year). Orange Footman (106 noted during the month - this is now a very common species here). Silver Y (25th first for year) and finally a new macro for the site, the Coronet (26th). This is only the second time I've seen this species in Suffolk, the other being on the west side of the county.

Micros of possible note were Cedestis subfasciata (25th), Phtheochroa rugosana (2 on the 26th), Lobesia reliquana (26th, second site record), Ancylis upupana (second record 25th), Pseudococcyx posticana (1st, a new site record) and Argyresthia trifasciata (26th, another new species for the site).


© Neil Sherman - Coronet	© Neil Sherman - Pseudococcyx posticana

Daytime sightings included Adela rufimitrella (on Ladies Smock) and Micropterix calthella (on buttercup flowers), both were common during the month in the wetland areas of the site. Mother Shipton moths were also noted at the end of the month, flying up on the open heath areas.

I was away on holiday in France at the start of June, so trapping did not begin until the night of the 9th. Lights were run on 8 other nights, mainly during the second half of the month when there was a spell of hot weather. This brought in many interesting species, including a macro new to Suffolk (more on this later). The best night was within that period - the 30th, when 149 species were recorded. Moth species total for the month was 262 (146 macros, 116 micros), lower than last year's impressive 366 species (conditions were much better for trapping for longer then).

Macros of possible note at this site included the following. Gold Swift (3 on the 21st), Festoon (a total of 18 during the month). Poplar Lutestring (uncommon here, one on the 14th). Grass Emerald (28th - first for year), Blotched Emerald (18 recorded - a good year), Satin Wave (one on the 21st). Spinach (22nd + 30th), Oak-tree Pug (a late one on the 28th). V-moth (22nd, found settled well outside the trap, following on from one last year after a few year's absence). Privet Hawk-moth (2 not all that common here in the last few years so nice to seen more than one), Eyed Hawk-moth (3 records), Small Elephant Hawk-moth (6, a good year). Lobster (21st, seen while trapping in the woodland), Lunar Yellow Underwing (30th, first for year), Purple Clay (21st, again seen within the woodland). Gothic (20th, a new macro for the site), Grey Arches (23rd, the only one so far this year). Dingy Shears (28th), Small Clouded Brindle (14th, another new macro for the site), Rufous Minor (30th, confirmed by dissection), Scarce Silver Lines (28th), Shaded Fan-foot (14 seen during the month).

The highlight of the month was the appearance of an Olive Crescent in the trap on the 22nd, not only a new moth for the site but also a new species for Suffolk. Others were recorded in both Kent and Dorset at around the same time, suggesting they were migrants.

Micro numbers increased in the traps as the warm weather arrived, with some of possible note for the site. This included Ectoedemia hannoverella (4 records of adults in the traps, mainly in the vicinity of Poplars). Lampronia corticella (2 records, first seen here last year), Morophaga choragella (2 records of this large tineid). Luquetia lobella (second site record, 20th), Pexicopia malvella (the Hollyhock seed moth, 4th and 5th records). Tortrix included Cochylis nana (5 records), Lozotaenia forsterana (3 of this large tortrix species, a good year). Aleimma loeflingiana (1377 recorded during the month, now the second commonest species recorded here!), Tortrix viridana (1369 recorded during the month, still just the commonest species here but being caught up by Aleimma loeflingiana!). Acleris logiana (23rd and 30th), Orthotaenia undulana (21st, a new site record), Epinotia demarniana (2 records, another new site record), Gypsonoma oppressana (3 records). Other micros seen were Capperia britanniodactyla and Eudonia pallida (3 recorded, a good year).

Moths noted during the day included 3 that were new to the site: Adela croesella (14th), Narycia monilifera (24th, found in the polytunnel, one of the bagworm moths) and Alabonia geoffrella (15th, again found in the polytunnel). Also noted were 2 Mother Shipton moths, disturbed from the acid grassland around the site.

July is traditionally the best month for moth recording, and this year has been no exception. In fact at this site it has been the best July since recording began (this is probably due to more moths being retained in the 2 Robinson traps I use now). 393 species were seen (196 macros, 197 micros), compared to last year when there were 370 species. Traps were operated on 11 nights, mainly during the first 2 weeks and the last week when conditions were warm. A cold wet spell mid month stopped recording for a short while. It was during the early warm spell that the best nights trapping total was noted - 182 species on the 3rd (this total also broke IGC's record for one night - 181 seen in July last year).

Here are the macros of possible note for this site. Gold Swift (17th), Leopard Moth (the 15 noted on the 10th was exceptional, normally only see one or two in a night). Festoon (68 noted during the month - record numbers. This species has been seen in good numbers at a few sites in Suffolk this year). Oak Eggar (2 females on the 28th), Common Lutestring (3 records). Small Emerald (2 records), Least Carpet (5 records, a good year. This species continues to increase across the county). Gem (13th, a female, the second site record). Chevron (2 records), Barred Yellow (3rd, a good record for the site as it is quite scarce here). Sharp-angled Peacock (3 records), Bordered Beauty (3 seen on the 17th), Lilac Beauty (only one this year on the 14th). Orange Footman (17th - an unusual date, well outside its normal flight period). Kent Black Arches (on the 12th - second site record). Lunar Yellow Underwing (27th) Suspected (3 records, a typical number here). Svennson's Copper Underwing (13th, back after a few year's absence). Olive (28th, the only record this year so far). Dingy Shears (3 records), Dusky Brocade (7th, another good record for the site as it is scarce here). Saltern Ear (2 records, wanderers from the coast). Brown-veined Wainscot (27th), Webb's Wainscot (27th), Silky Wainscot (28th, first site record). Scarce Silver Lines (4 records, a record year, normally only seen once a season), Shaded Fan-foot (4 records) and Dotted Fan-foot (2 records).


© Neil Sherman - Gem	© Neil Sherman - Barred Yellow

Of the numerous micros seen, the following are of possible note for the site. Acrocercops brongniardella (10th + 14th, the first records of the adult at the site - seen as a leaf mine previously). Acrolepiopsis assectella (the Leek moth, first site record on the 3rd). Agonopterix scopariella (28th). Thiotricha subocellea (14th + 28th, first site records, and possibly first records for the vice county). Stathmopoda pedella (17th, very characteristic resting posture with legs sticking out helps i.d this species!). Lozotaenia forsterana (13th, distinctive by its large size!). Spatalistis bifasciana (second site record on the 7th). Acleris holmiana (2 on the 14th), Acleris logiana (10th, regular here). Epiblema foenella (14th, second site record). Cydia fagiglandana (the 3 on the 10th were the second site records). Sitochroa verticalis (9th), Ostrinia nubilalis (the European Corn-borer, first site record on the 13th). Anania verbascalis (2 records - first seen last year). Pempelia genistella (28th, first site record - a potential colonist as there is plenty of the foodplant, Gorse here). Pempelia formosa (2 records, notable as it was only seen for the first time at the site last year). Pyla fusca (27th, first site record) and Dioryctria sylvestrella (2 records, now annual here).


© Neil Sherman - Acrolepiopsis assectella	© Neil Sherman - Pyla fusca

Daytime observations included a record of the Yellow-legged Clearwing, the second site record, and again in a polytunnel (same as last year!). Also found were the mines of Ectoedemia louisella on the 6th. This species mines Field Maple seeds (keys), and was another new site record.

Mendlesham Green Records to 31st July 2005 - Steve Woolnough

The first trap-night of 2005 was 15th March and tended to set the scene for the early months of the year, with a only a single March Moth and Hebrew Character. Adverse weather meant the trap was run on just four nights during the month, with common species only showing and numbers being considerably down on last year. A total of just nine species was recorded.

April started quite well with a very smart-looking Satellite which had obviously spent a comfortable winter somewhere on the first of the month, followed by a new moth for the garden, a Shoulder Stripe, the next night. However, any early promise was dashed and the month ended once again with fewer species and lower numbers than recorded in 2004.

May 1st saw another garden first with a Mullein, although the larva are frequently seen on the Great Mullein plants in the area during the summer. The month remained quiet until 27th, when on a mild night, 46 species were recorded. This number was over double the next highest total recorded during the month and included c15 Green Carpet and c30 Rustic Shoulder-knot. On this night, two more garden 'firsts' appeared, Least Black Arches and Orange Footman. Despite this one night special, species were still down on last year, with the month closing on 63 as against 79 for 2004.

Surely the weather would improve in June? Unfortunately not! Only 107 species were seen, whereas the same month last year produced 149. The trap was run on only 8 nights compared to 16 in 2004. Two records of note, however, were a Tawny Shears on 4th (not a garden first - another occurred almost exactly a year earlier on 3rd June, 2004), and a Gothic on 17th.

Finally, the weather improved and July was an excellent month. The 1st saw a new garden species record, with 108 recorded, of which 68 were macros. New moths included Freyer's Pug and Small Fan-foot, and there were over 20 Green Pug. This date also saw the first Orange Moth of the year, with five occurring, one of which was a female. On 9th July, the trap held 12 'hawks', seven of which were Privet. On 13th, three new garden moths appeared; Ghost, Round-winged Muslin and Double Lobed. My common 'hawk' garden record list was finally completed on 17th, when a Pine Hawk-moth appeared; both Convolvulus and Striped having previously occurred. The 29th was another bumper night with 102 species, amongst which was a Dark Sword-grass, a White Satin and another new garden moth, a very brightly marked Vestal. Total numbers on this night were impressive too, with c50 Mother of Pearl, c20 Dingy Footman, c50 Dark Arches, c100 Common Rustic agg. and over 20 Lime-speck Pug. By the end of the month, 214 species had been recorded against 170 for 2004.

Whilst a few good garden records were made during the first part of the year, apart from July, recording has not been good, with the weather clearly impacting. This is reflected in the number of nights the trap has been run, which to the end of July totalled just 38 for the year, as against 66 for the same period last year.


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© Tony Prichard - Cynaeda dentalis - unusual pupation sites