Westcott, Bucks

Two interesting moths appeared in the garden trap here last night.  Amongst all the Marbled Minors was a smart Minor Shoulder-knot, a species I seem to get at least one of annually even though it is really more of a damp woodland specialist locally.  The other was my second Reddish Light Arches of the year, well away from its expected habitat on the chalk.  I suppose this is what makes light trapping so much fun - you never know what is going to turn up!  New for the year last night were examples of Acleris forsskaleana, Single-dotted Wave, Small Fan-footed Wave & Common/Lesser Common Rustic (which will need closer examination to confirm the species).  The Heart and Dart tally reached 135 which takes me past 1,000 individuals already for 2014.  The species seems to have bounced back very well after last year's disappointing garden total of 617 for the entire season.    Dave Wilton

Minor Shoulder-knot, Westcott 27th June

Reddish Light Arches, Westcott 27th June