Early Moth

Walking around the reserve it is always worthwhile to look on man made structures.  Even in winter there may be insects to be found.

Unfortunately, many times a closer inspection reveals an old seed or leaf, or even a bird dropping.  However today a little brown splodge on a marker post, was a female moth and when identified it was an Early Moth.

They are almost wingless and sit, usually on their larval food plant and emit pheromones, which attracts the male moth.  The larvae can be seen in early April to late May on Hawthorn and Blackthorn.  The adults are on the wing in January and February.  The males can sometimes be found on the front of the Field Center.