Moths
Monday, September 14th 2020
The moth traps have been set on a Tuesday evening as long as the weather has been suitable. Thanks to the reserve managers and volunteers who set them. Autumnal Rustic moths appear in the autumn. When they first emerge they have a red sheen to them. This fades as they age. The larva can be found between October and May, feeding on low growing plants such as Heather, Bluebell and bedstraws, Adults fly from August to October.
Angle Shades moth can be found all year round, but mainly from April to early July and then again from late July through to November. There are probably two generations, with the second being swelled in numbers by immigrants. The adult feeds on flowers including those of Common Reed (Phragmites australis).
Some moths can be found out and about. Hidden in some Gorse was a Bulrush Wainscot. Larva of this moth, as its name suggests, feed on the inside of Bulrush stems. It moves to new stems as it grows, leaving clear entrance and exit holes. The adults do not feed.
Another moth that can be seen during the day at this time of year, is a Silver Y. It can be identified by the fact that it rarely sits still, with wings always beating very quickly. This one was flying and nectaring from Devil's Bit Scabious. The proboscis is deep inside the flower. These moths are immigrants.
Thank you to Janet for providing the first two photographs. It is not always easy to get the moths to sit just where you want them!
(0) Comments:
There are no comments for this blog post yet. Why not start the discussion? - use the form below:
Help Support Foxglove

Friends of Foxglove
The Friends of Foxglove Covert is for those individuals, families and organisations who would like to support the reserve through an annual membership subscription. Friends receive a regular newsletter and invitations to attend our various activities and social events.
More DetailsUndergrowth Newsletter
View All The Newsletters
Recent Blog Posts
- Start Of Spring
- Ash Dieback
- Redpolls, Siskins and Blue Tits!
- Snowy Scenes
- More Snow and Ice
- Feeding the Flocks!
- Rescued Raptors
- Another Snow Day
- An Early Sighting
- A Virtual Tour
- Major (Rtd) Tony Crease
- Covid-19 Update
- Foxglove in the Snow
- Happy New Year!
- Dedication!
- Happy Christmas!
- Reasons To Be Cheerful!
- Mink Rafts and Marshmallows!
- A Special Glimpse!
- Weekly Round Up
- Spindle
- Christmas at Foxglove
- Working in the Willow
- Preparations
- Kestrels and Sparrowhawks
- Opening Up The Views
- A New Flock!
- More Fungi
- Coppicing Continues
- The Co-op, Thor and Straw!
- Let The Coppicing Commence!
- Some Good News
- Willows, Winners and Wildlife Houses!
- COVID-19 Update
- Larch
- Autumn Moths
- Owls, Trees and Pumpkins!
- More Meadow Management
- Extra Support
- The Fifth Kingdom
- Pumpkin Trail
- Things In The Pipeline!
- Volunteer Round Up
- Read All About It!
- Woodland Work
- Please Support Us
- Red, Yellow, Gold and Green
- Posts, Pathways and Prizes!
- Outwitted Again!
- Moorland and Meadow Management
- Autumn Tasks
- Staying Safe
- Insects In Flight
- Pillwort, Poaching and Planning Ahead!
- Bales, Bells and Bridges
- Warm Days
- Hawker Dragonflies
- Calling All Foxglove Covert LNR Supporters!
- Wonderful Webs
- Rowing Up
- Habitats and their Inhabitants
- September Sunshine
- Moths
- What An Achievement!
- Inspiration
- More Wetland Work
- A Very Busy Day
- Wanderers
- Autumn
- Busy Volunteers
- Butterflies
- Rain
- Late Summer Flowers
- Backgrounds
- Friends and Volunteers
- Family Fun
- CES 11
- Late Summer Jobs
- Ringathon!
- Wildlife Photography
- Minibeast Safaris
- Important Information
- Ducks!
- Reedbed Ringing
- Mulleins
- Summer Maintenance
- CES Preparations
- More Moths
- Bright and Beautiful
- Getting Stuck In!
- Dragonflies and Damselflies
- Shepherding Skills
- Walking Around
- Even More Owls
- CES Statistics
- CES Surprises
- Surprise Finds
- All Sorts
- The Foxglove Shop
- Weekly Round Up