Moths at Marne

Last night volunteers set out the moth traps at various places in Marne Barracks.  The lights were turned off at 4am and the traps opened at 8am.  The first reports are that it was a good morning.  There will be a fuller report on Monday's blog.

Ghost moths fly during June and July.  The white male can sometimes be seen hovering over grassland at dusk, hence its name.  The female is yellow marked with orange.  Their larvae feed underground on the roots of grass and small plants.

Another beautiful moth caught was the Lime Hawk-moth.  Not only was the normal green coloured one caught but the more unusual brown variation.  These moths used to be confined to southern England but over recent years have spread northwards and can be found in North Yorkshire.  The larvae feed on Lime, birch, Alder and Elm.

A huge thank you to staff and volunteers who helped with this event.  It could not take place without this support.