Mayhem in the Moth Trap

Wednesday, July 10th 2013

Volunteers spent several hours identifying moths after a bumper catch during the warm still night.  Fifty seven species were identified in all with over 300 moths caught – the best catch for a couple of years!

Barred Yellow flies from June to early August.  The larvae feed on different species of rose many of which are found here at Foxglove.

Cinnabar Moths are unmistakable flying from mid-May to mid-August.  Unlike many moths there is very little variation in this species occasionally the pinkish-red markings are replaced by yellow.  The larvae feed on Common Ragwort, where populations are high the plants can be reduced to bare stems.

Ruby Tiger moths made an appearance in the trap again – we were luckier this week and managed to get a picture before it flew off!  This moth tends to be associated with open habitats and glades.

Moths are not the only insects attracted to the light trap, caddis flies, a water boatman, midges and this crane fly were also waiting this morning.

Thank you to everone who spent so much time today helping with this and the other tasks on the reserve!


(1) Comments:

Diana responded on 19th Jul 2013 with...

Hello, love your website.Thank you so much for such a valuable info. My husband and I are very ‘‘green people’’ and would be a pleasure for as to share it on our Fan page. Thanks 😊 Diana 😊


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