First Early Grey of 2016 for me last night and what I think is a Lead-coloured Drab but would appreciate advice. If so, that's another newcomer for the year. Otherwise the warmish night brought one Powdered Quaker, two Common Quakers, two lovely Brindled Beauties and a Hebrew Character. Martin Wainwright, Thrupp, Oxon
Hello Martin, that's a Clouded Drab I'm afraid. What you are looking for are full-blown feathered antennae clearly visible to the naked eye. Compare your specimen's antennae with those on Steve Trigg's Lead-coloured Drab here: http://upperthamesmoths.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/is-this-common-quaker.html
I should also add that Early Grey seems to be one of the few moths doing quite well this year and I'm surprised you haven't had one before now. My garden first was on 29th February and it has been appearing quite regularly ever since. It's all swings and roundabouts though - you've had more than your fair share of Brindled Beauties and I haven't had a single one in the garden yet!
Hi Dave - many thanks for putting me right and yes, it's interesting about the patchiness of the various species. I'm just about to post again, with a birth announcement. Well, qujite a lot of births... All warm wishes, M
Hello Martin, that's a Clouded Drab I'm afraid. What you are looking for are full-blown feathered antennae clearly visible to the naked eye. Compare your specimen's antennae with those on Steve Trigg's Lead-coloured Drab here: http://upperthamesmoths.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/is-this-common-quaker.html
ReplyDeleteI should also add that Early Grey seems to be one of the few moths doing quite well this year and I'm surprised you haven't had one before now. My garden first was on 29th February and it has been appearing quite regularly ever since. It's all swings and roundabouts though - you've had more than your fair share of Brindled Beauties and I haven't had a single one in the garden yet!
ReplyDeleteHi Dave - many thanks for putting me right and yes, it's interesting about the patchiness of the various species. I'm just about to post again, with a birth announcement. Well, qujite a lot of births... All warm wishes, M
ReplyDelete