More garden results from Westcott

As already mentioned, 3rd August produced a Tissue (only the second ever record here) while other moths that night included Kent Black Arches (4th record here this year) and Svensson's Copper Underwing.  On 4th August Aspilapteryx tringipennella, Cochylis dubitana, Leopard Moth & Square-spot Rustic were added to the year list.  The next two nights were spent at a family event in Northumberland where I didn't expect to see any moths at all, but a very useful outside light there resulted in 40 species being recorded, including Dark Marbled Carpet, Northern Spinach, Dotted Clay and several Garden Tigers.  Back home on the 7th the trap added Tree-lichen Beauty and Ear Moth to the year list.  The latter will need dissection to prove its identity but, of the four Amphipoea species found in the UK, oculea (Ear Moth) is the only one resident in our region.  Last night's result (8th) was rather poor due to the temperature dipping well into single digits under clear skies.  Only 50 species were recorded, 105 moths altogether, and there was nothing new for the year other than Six-striped Rustic (and an Oak Bush-cricket Meconema thalassinum).  Surprisingly, however, one of this year's best garden micros made a return visit:  Prochoreutis myllerana.

Ear Moth, Westcott 7th August

Prochoreutis myllerana, Westcott 8th August

Dave Wilton
Westcott, Bucks