Another new garden macro-moth

I was planning to do some away trapping last night but called it off because of the gusty north-easterly breeze and the consequent drop in temperature here as sunset approached.  That might have been a mistake because the collection of moths in the garden overnight was even better than usual, this time exceeding 150 species.  They included yet another Lappet (fifth of the season, a site record), a Privet Hawk-moth (sixth of the season, the most I've had since it first began appearing here in 2008) and another six Elephant Hawk-moths (taking their total to 104 so far, this being another species having a really good year).  Like most people, I never tire of seeing big moths!  New for the garden year-list were Dusky Thorn, Dark Sword-grass, Shark, Svensson's Copper Underwing, Small Wainscot, Marbled Beauty, Slender Brindle & Cream-bordered Green Pea.

Lappet, Westcott 9th July

Dusky Thorn, Westcott 9th July

Cream-bordered Green Pea, Westcott 9th July

The Dusky Thorn beats my earliest ever garden record (although only by a week) and, as it could still be around in October, makes me think that autumn must be only just around the corner!  The moth refused to sit still so the picture above is unfortunately of it back-lit on a window.  The Dark Sword-grass reminds me that I've noticed almost nothing in the way of migrant activity here so far this year, with just a handful of Diamond-back Moths Plutella xylostella and probably fewer Silver Ys than normal, so hopefully things will improve over coming months (a Painted Lady in the garden today was a good omen).  Leaving the best until last, the Cream-bordered Green Pea, although very worn, gets pride of place in last night's catch because it is the fifth completely new garden macro species so far this year. 

Dave Wilton
Westcott, Bucks