Westcott, Bucks

I've had few moths to the garden trap of late but last night's collection of 18 species to the actinic seemed quite reasonable, especially as it included Tawny Pinion which is one that I don't see here every year.  The others comprised Emmelina monodactyla, Common Marbled Carpet, Red-green Carpet, Willow Beauty, Large Yellow Underwing, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Common Wainscot, Green-brindled Crescent, Black Rustic, Red-line Quaker, Brick, Beaded Chestnut, Lunar Underwing, Pink-barred Sallow, Angle Shades, Silver Y & Herald.  The Tawny Pinion was a malformed individual but it seemed quite happy and was certainly able to fly.

Tawny Pinion, Westcott 6th October

Herald, Westcott 6th October

One species that seems to be having quite a poor season here is Deep-brown Dart with only 14 recorded, down from a high of 131 just three years ago.  That contrasts strongly with its stable-mate Black Rustic where this year's count is already at 222, making it the best year ever in the garden and beating last year's record total of 205.

Dave Wilton
Westcott, Bucks