Upper Thames Moths

Dear All

As some of you will be aware, the persistent SW wind and warm air originating in Iberia and western France has brought a considerable influx of migratory species. Crimson Specked (1), Oleander Hawk-moth (1), Slender Burnished Brass (at least 4), Tunbridge Wells Gem (1) and thousands of Udea ferrugalis have been recorded along and near the south coast among other things.

There is already some indication that the migrants have also penetrated far inland (vitrealis in Oxon, e.g.) and this is likely to continue over the next few nights especially. Elevated sites are the most liekly to produce something. With the unusual second broods as well, we all need to look extra closely at everything. I nearly overlooked a Heart & Club this week on the south coast as I was expecting them to all be Turnip Moth.

I would also like to make a plea - as CMR for VC 23 - that anything suspected to be unusual is both photographed and retained, please (with apologies to those who already do this). Preservation of the moth (in some cases with genitalia examination) may be necessary and I am willing to come and pick it up in order to remove any doubt (and also thereby remove any possibility of the record being rejected). Many thanks.