Westcott, Bucks

I was beginning to think it was something I'd said ... until 6am this morning when I was greeted by the sight below while securing the actinic trap in the garden.  Better late than never!

  

Convolvulus Hawk and little friend, Westcott 28th September

Other recent additions to the 2016 garden list have included Small Wainscot (24th), Blair's Shoulder-knot (25th), Mallow & Red-line Quaker (26th), Orange Sallow (27th) and Yellow-line Quaker (28th).  Unfortunately, as far as macro-moths are concerned there are now only about a dozen regular species left to be seen here this year.  Last night's collection was typical of recent catches, comprising 143 moths of 21 species.  The highest counts were provided by Lunar Underwing, Setaceous Hebrew Character & Black Rustic, with Beaded Chestnut now into double figures and on the increase.

Last night I also took three MV lights to National Trust chalk grassland in the Hughenden Valley, Bucks for the usual three hours.  Despite the annoyingly strong breeze they produced a reasonable selection of seasonal moths, including my first Satellite of the autumn, but rather unexpected was a fresh Kent Black Arches.

Satellite, Hughenden Valley 28th September

Kent Black Arches, Hughenden Valley 28th September

My experience of Kent Black Arches this year is that it did exceptionally well at sites in the Chilterns (and in my garden, for that matter, where it appeared on four separate occasions).  It shouldn't really be a big surprise that it has joined the list of univoltine species now attempting a second brood.

Dave Wilton
Westcott, Bucks