With the temperature dropping to 8 degrees last night, as expected there were fewer moths in the garden trap this morning (72 individuals, comprising 35 species). Even Large Yellow Underwing was down to just 12. There were however a couple of macros new for the year - Feathered Gothic and Lunar Underwing - and also one new micro - Beautiful China-mark (Nymphula nitidulata) pictured below.
I have a couple of small micros that I would like help with. They both had forewings measuring between 5-6mm.
The first I think is Aspilapteryx tringipennella?
The second I am not sure about, but I suspect it may be a candidate for the chop?
Steve Trigg, Cookham
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Nymphula nitidulata/Beautiful China-mark is a nice record, Steve. It seems to be the least common member of that group locally. Aspilapteryx tringipennella is correct and, as you say, the Coleophorid will need the chop to be sure because there are four or five lookalikes with that bronzy sheen.
ReplyDeleteIt's always a pleasure disagreeing with Mr Wilton, and such a rare event. These bronzy lookalikes can be separated without dissection (except for frischella and alcyonipennella). Your one is either one of the two just mentioned or deauratella. I can't quite see the antennae clearly enough. Can you photograph the antennae again please? The white tip is the giveaway here, but I need to see the other end of them more clearly..
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave and Peter. I still have the Coleophorid, so I'll try a better photo of the antennae tomorrow.
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