An MV trap left running for the usual three hours in local mixed woodland last night, just to get a few December records, produced
Acleris ferrugana/notana (2), December Moth (3), Winter Moth (59), Northern Winter Moth (3), Feathered Thorn (1), Mottled Umber (3), Setaceous Hebrew Character (1, the latest I've ever seen it), Chestnut (3) & Brick (1). Plenty more Winter Moths were hanging around on adjacent oak trunks and amongst them I noticed one mated pair (easy to pick out because the male always faces down the trunk!).
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| Winter Moths in cop, 1st December |
I was surprised not to get Scarce Umber (it is known from the site) but otherwise the catch was pretty much as expected. Last night's garden actinic trap managed only Winter Moth (1) & Chestnut (1).
Dave Wilton
Westcott, Bucks
That's 2 more moths in your garden trap than I got.
ReplyDeleteIt was a mild night too. Tonight is equally as mild (although with light rain here now) and the garden actinic's catch so far is again two moths: Winter Moth (1) & Mottled Umber (1).
ReplyDeleteWhat's the best way to tell the difference between Winter and Northern Winter Moth? I saw somewhere that when at rest the underwings slightly show on the Northern ? Is this true?
ReplyDeleteI look for larger individuals which have a paler and less distinct pattern on the forewings then check their hindwings (brownish on Winter, whitish on Northern Winter - this difference is fairly obvious when you've got both side-by-side).
Deletethis site is good Darren: http://www.norfolkmoths.co.uk/?bf=18000
ReplyDeleteBut also, yes in answer to your last question, generally. Often seem to rest with wings slightly open too in my limited experience.