First Moth Trapping Results

Tuesday, April 6th 2021

Weather forecasts were scrutinised, several as they can all give different temperatures and wind speeds but last Tuesday night was looking good, so the traps were set. Nearly one hundred moths were recorded.

One moth was identified as Dark Sword-grass. This was confirmed as the first migrant of the year in the county and the earliest record in VC 65.

As an immigrant this moth has been recorded in every month of the year, but it is mainly seen between July and October. It is thought that those that arrive in early spring lay eggs and the larvae develop probably feeding on herbaceous plants. These larvae swell the number of autumn immigrants. However breeding has not been confirmed.

A moth that always gives pleasure, as its name is indicative of its characteristics, is the Yellow Horned Moth. Unfortunately this one has tucked away his yellow antenna! The larvae are quite specific feeders eating Silver and Downy Birch.

As the name suggests the larvae of Pine Beauty feeds on pine needles, especailly the fresh growth. The adults feed from willow catkins.

Hebrew Characters are easily identified even though their characteristics may vary. They can arrive in large numbers in the trap from March to early May.

Thanks to the moth team for identifying the moths and to Chris for the photographs.

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