A lucky visiting moth'er had a surprise in his trap in New Quay this morning, a Star-wort, Cucullia asteris. This nationally scarce species was last recorded in Ceredigion in 1992. There are only 11 county records between 1952 and 1992, 7 of which came from the RIS trap at Aberporth. One of the records is also from New Quay, on 24th July 1954. Thanks to David Kirk from Hemel Hempstead for catching and reporting this moth. Also thanks to Pete Skinner for the photographs below.
Tony & Ina
Recent sultry nights have produced pretty good catches for me at Troedrhiw Seiri, Bontgoch. Last night I had my first Bilberry Pug in the trap. The nearest bilberry bushes are probably around 300m away in Coed Troedrhiw Seiri. Below are some of my other captures though I'm less than certain about the Marbled Coronet!
A nice fresh Ear in the trap tis morning, which as it has flown off, will forever remain an "agg." Unless, of course, someone knows better.
(Background is 6mm squares)
Nice selection of moths in the trap this morning including a late and very worn Square Spot and a new record for me, Dingy Shell.
A surfeit of Aphelia paleana in the garden trap this morning (28), with Cydia splendana in second place (16). But the highlight was a new moth for me - Northern Rustic, which I read has a westerly distribution!
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| Northern Rustic |
Also first-for-year Short-cloaked Moth, True-Lovers Knot, and Lesser Yellow underwing. Along with an Antler and a Brown China Mark, I get the impression that there were some long journeys made last night.
Among the micros Piniphila fasciana, Carpatolechia fugitivella, Elachista albidella, Cydia fagiglandana and Epinotia nanana, some of which might need further examination.
Another first for me was a Bilberry Pug disturbed in Allt-y-Crib woods near Talybont today.
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| Piniphila fasciana |
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| Carpatolechia fugitivella |
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| Epinotia nanana |
Last night I set my trap in the wood, close to a large patch of Bilberry, so was very pleased to have one Bilberry Pug resting on the outside of the trap this morning.
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| Bilberry Pug |
There was also a very fresh-looking July Highflyer, with striking reddish cross-bands. For contrast here also is a greenish July Highflyer that hatched a few days ago (from larva collected inadvertently when sweeping in the wood).
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| July Highflyer |
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| July Highflyer |
We have picked up a record of Ashworth's Rustic in the last few days. This is not in an upland area but close to the coast near Clarach and not too far away from where 2 were recorded back in the 80s. This is the furthest south the species has been recorded.
Do we have a colony somewhere in the area? Is this a wanderer? Investigations are ongoing as to the habitat further north as I believe there may be some similar places on Anglesey where the moth occurs.
Ina and Tony
I set two traps last night, one at home and the other away, in mixed woodland in the Rheidol Valley. 80+ species in total. I was pleased to see several Satin Beauty in the woodland, as well as Purple Bar, Cloaked Carpet, Buff Footman, Scalloped Oak, Antler, Purple Clay, Slender Brindle, Pinion-streaked Snout, Pseudatemelia (Agnoea) josephinae, Spilonota laricana and Eudonia delunella. At home, the highlights were Haworth's and Freyer's Pugs, several Pammene fasciana, and a pristine Small Rivulet. Also my first Common Rustic this year, and a Phyllonorycter blancardella hatched from our apple tree.
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| Cloaked Carpet |
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| Large Fruit-Tree Tortrix |
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| Satin Beauty |
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| Small Rivulet |
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| Pammene fasciana |
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| Haworth's Pug |
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| Pinion-streaked Snout |
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| Spilonota laricana |
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| P. josephinae |
We found our second Large Tabby of the year lurking in the house today - confusingly a micro moth!
Carolyn & Evan
