Gypsy Moth

Not such an exciting species now as it was when I got my first here 12 years ago and the "Man from DEFRA" had to come and take it away, but a male Gypsy Moth came to light in the garden last night along with further newcomers for the year in the shape of Zelleria hepariella, Pseudargyrotoza conwagana, Epinotia brunnichana and Plain Pug.  Considering the number of ash trees around here it is surprising that conwagana hasn't appeared before now (I've averaged 25 a year in the garden over the past few years but the first usually appears in May).  Plain Pug is quite a large species and lives up to its name but is relatively easy to separate from the other large species which are around in mid-Summer, although I do have to be careful with Yarrow Pug which despite being a scarce species is fairly regular here.

Gypsy Moth, Westcott 22nd July

Plain Pug, Westcott 22nd July

Last night was another 120+ species night.  It was notable for an almost double-digit count of Lime-speck Pug with nine appearing (well, I thought it was unusual anyway!), while more than a hundred each of Cameraria ohridella and Acentria ephemerella came to light.  Our nearest horse chestnut is a couple of gardens away and the ohridella invasion from it has been going on since the 19th.  Like Andy Newbold there were no Large Yellow Underwings last night but that was actually an exception here as I've generally had at least one per session this month.  I suspect they'll be around in huge numbers soon enough.