My trap is now serving for a couple of weeks as a Christmas illumination - but it's still attracting the odd moth. Last night's solitary arrival was this Winter Moth, actually sleeping just outside the bowl. Interesting how much dew it has collected without damage to itself. Merry Christmas one and all, and thanks again for the outstanding help. Martin Wainwright, Thrupp, Oxon
Update: more moths attracted by the curious structure last night - a Mottled Umber and what is probably a Winter Moth but am just submitting it for expert attention because of the amount of petticoat showing. MW
And a very Merry Christmas to you too, Martin!
ReplyDeleteAs you say, the protruding hind-wings in your lowest picture are perhaps suggestive of Northern Winter Moth but I wouldn't like to say for sure from that picture. To be sure of Northern I'd prefer to see an indication of size (they're generally larger than Winter Moth) and have a good view of the hind-wing colour (should be whitish rather than brownish). The moths are usually co-operative if you try to gently push one of their fore-wings forward with something like a pencil.
Many thanks Dave - and for all your generous and patient help and knowledge over the year. Looking forward to all the reports from you and other contributors in 2017 - may it be a good year for moths! All v best M
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