Westcott, Bucks

The night of the 20th brought 290 moths of 28 species to the garden, while the previous four nights had delivered a further 22 different species, so there are still plenty of moths out there waiting to be caught if only the temperature would hold up sufficiently.  New for the garden year list on the 20th were Cypress Pug and Dusky-lemon Sallow, while last night (22nd) saw the addition of Barred Sallow.  Bucks has fewer than 20 previous records for Cypress Pug.  The moth has been around as an adventive species for quite a while now (and there is certainly no shortage of leylandii for its larvae to feed on), so it seems odd that it is still quite scarce locally.

As usual, Lunar Underwing is trying its level best to become the year's most abundant garden moth. More than 600 have been recorded here over the past two weeks and I should get plenty more before its season comes to an end in late-October. 

Cypress Pug, 20th September

Dusky-lemon Sallow, 20th September

Barred Sallow, 22nd September

Dave Wilton