Melanic Dotted Border

Last night's additions to the garden year-list comprised Agonopterix alstromeriana and Small Quaker, taking it up to 20 species which is about the average for mid-March.  I also got a melanic form of Dotted Border which seems to be something a little unusual.  This was a first for the garden (out of 180 sightings over 14 years), although I have recorded it three or four times previously in local woodland.

Agonopterix alstromeriana, Westcott 12th March

Dotted Border ab. fuscata, Westcott 12th March

It looks as though we'll have to make the most of the weather over the next few nights before things turn cold again by the weekend.

Dave Wilton
Westcott, Bucks