A windy nightAt 3am I heard some very gusty winds outside so I decided to empty the light trap and put it away. Although I was half asleep, I managed to find 4 macro moths 2 of which where new backyard species for the year. The new species were a somewhat worn, Hoary Pinion (Lithophane fagina) and a Western Swordgrass Moth (Xylena thoracica). The other species were: Plush-naped Pinion (Lithophane pexata) While at Glenmore today I think I managed a better photograph of the Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon).
A second new backyard moth species for the year
There were 5 moths in the light trap last night. 2 Speckled Green Fruitworms (Orthosia hibisci), 2 Subdued Quakers (Orthosia revicta) and a Variable Carpet Moth (Anticlea vasiliata) which is another new species for my backyard. I also had a trip around Glenmore reservoir today and saw good numbers of Spring Azures (Celastrina ladon), Mourning Cloaks (Nymphalis antiopa) and Milbert's Tortoiseshells (Nymphalis milberti), plus one species that I still need to identify. In addition to butterflies, I also came within a few feet of a juvenile Northern Goshawk with what looked like a freshly killed Snowshoe hare.
First new macro moth species of the yearAs I had hoped it was a better night with 6 species in the light trap. 1 micro and 5 macro moths. The new backyard species was Plush-naped Pinion (Lithophane pexata). I will ask for help with regards to the micro moth ID. Here’s the macro list and photographs. The Subdued Quaker was quite a nice specimen. Dot-and-Dash Swordgrass Moth - Xylena curvimacula
Just two moths…Last night there was one Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci) in the light trap and one Nameless Pinion Moth (Lithophane innominata) in the bait trap. The latter is a new backyard moth for the year. Still very slow but after another warm day perhaps there will be more tomorrow?
A rainy night
In spite of the rain I did get the first moth of the year in my bait trap. The light trap was empty. I’m pretty sure this is a Three-Spotted Sallow (Eupsilia tristigmata). I’ve only recorded this moth once before on the 1st Oct 2011. It was a little bedraggled…
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