Off the mark

Last night looked as though it was going to be the first half-decent night for moths this year so I ran one MV and one actinic trap in Bernwood Forest, Bucks for a few hours, just to see what might be about.  Despite quite foggy conditions in the centre of the woodland there was still a reasonable amount of activity and, much as expected, most of it came from Winter Moth (79) and Mottled Umber (77).  However, there were a couple of new emergences amongst the other species which comprised Acleris ferrugana/notana (3), Pale Brindled Beauty (1), Spring Usher (1) & Chestnut (1).

Twin-30wt actinic trap, Bernwood 7th January

Pale Brindled Beauty, Bernwood 7th January

Spring Usher, Bernwood 7th January

Back home at Westcott I ran another twin-30wt actinic light overnight and that brought in Winter Moth (1) and Mottled Umber (3), getting my garden list off the mark for the year too.

Dave Wilton
Westcott, Bucks