Summer's end surveys at Bwlch Corog, Glas Pwll. 30/08 & 01/09/2024

It was with an uncertain weather forecast that two all-night surveys were conducted in different areas of Bwlch Corog on the change of seasons.

On Friday, the survey was located in a previously unrecorded area below the access track to the main site, in a narrow, mixed wooded gorge.

Three Skinner's 15w synergetic and a Skinner's 125wMV were set up along a linear path running down to the stream at the bottom. Being a very chilly night, they were probably better placed here, the tree canopy providing some protection from the cold.

38 macro species were recorded. Typical to the time of year,  Autumnal Rustic and Sallow sp. were present, along with Satin Beauty and Dark Marbled Carpet.  Amongst the seven micro species recorded were Acleris varieagana and Epinotia ramella.

Autumnal Rustic (pink form). PMcG.

Dark Marbled Carpet. PMcG

Highlights of the night were Anomalous and a slightly faded Beech-green Carpet.

Anomalous. PMcG

Beech-green Carpet. PMcG

Saturday night, being much milder, was a re-visit to the degraded peat land at the top of Bwlch Corog. With the threat of rain later in the night, only the three Skinner's 15w synergetic were used.

51 Angle Shades were noted, calmly feeding around in the dark on Common Rush flowers.  Locally common Haworth's Minor, Pine Grey Carpet and Neglected rustic were recorded from the traps,

Haworth's Minor. PMcG

Pine Grey Carpet. PMcG

along with a selection of forest edge/grassland species. 32 macro and oddly, only one micro species, Eudonia lacustrata were recorded.

Buff Footman. PMcG

Chevron. PMcG

Total species so far recorded at Bwlch Corog since June 2023 is now 163 macro and 37 micro.

In the unlikely event of a surprise warm spell, this probably marks the end of moth surveys at Coetir Anian/Cambrian Wildwood (https://www.cambrianwildwood.org/) for this year. Next year will be focussed on niche habitats around the site and looking for daytime Clearwings.

Phil McGregor.