This month's Moth Night is this Saturday 8th at 1830.
All welcome. This event is FREE but donations are welcome to the Observatory.
Friday 7th
Five LEDs were spread around the Point and despite the chilly night, 332 moths of 48 species were caught. Admittedly, 152 were Sharp-angled Peacock however the remaining catch had many highlights of our coastal species - Our first TAWNY WAVE for over 40 years, our third record this year of Blastobasis rebelli, an Acroclita subsequana, a Wood Carpet, two Ruddy Carpets and four Sand Darts.
The main trap was fairly quiet as the temperature fell into single figures- 9.8°C. Small Mottled Willow continued its bid for world domination with 17 and there was a Vestal.
Thursday 6th
The small gains in the trap were properly stomped out overnight, a bitterly cold (by this years standards) 11°C night made numbers crash to 90 moths of 56 species. Small Mottled Willow persisted with 20 and there were singles of Scarce Bordered Straw and Dark Spinach.
Wednesday 5th
There was an improvement two nights ago and this continued last night, as the moon started to wane. It also remained warm with a minimum of 17.6°C.
The moths responded and there were 308 of 92 species in the trap. Small Mottled Willow continues to smash records with 75 last night. This more than we have had ever until the last two years. No other migrant reached double figures. There were six Silver Ys, four Bordered Straws, three each of Rush Veneer, Oak Processionary and Diamondback, plus singles of Cydia amplana, Sitochroa palealis and Dark Sword-grass.
There are also plenty of Hummingbird Hawk-moths around during the day.
Monday 3rd
Although it did feel warmer it did not feel as warm as the thermometer said (17.4°C). The moon won out again and there were just 47 moths of 30 species. Fortunately the moon is waning and catches should improve. Small Mottled Willow was most numerous with four individuals. There were also two Gypsy Moths and two Cydia amplanas both species are now establishing themselves in the South-east.
Sunday 2nd
It was a bit cooler last night with a minimum of 11.5°C. This combined with a bright moon reduced the catch to 75 moths of 39 species. It was more a case of quality over quantity with a very smart-looking Spurge Hawk-moth leading the way. There was also a September Thorn, which is only about our tenth record.
Migrants included ten Small Mottled Willows (the only species to reach double figures), five Silver Ys, four Rusty-dot Pearls, and singles of Rush Veneer and Cydia amplana.
Saturday 1st
The sky cleared and the wind dropped allowing the temperature down to 13.6°C. On this year's standards that is quite cool and the catch reduced to 138 moths of 60 species.
Resident species included Maple Prominent and Vapourer. Migrants included 18 Small Mottled Willows, five Rusty-dot Pearls and three each of Silver Y and Rush Veneer. Although most adults seem to be enjoying the weather it will be interesting to see if there is any knock-on from the drought on next years numbers. Current larvae which rely on herbaceous plants will not be finding plenty of nutritious food.