You seem to be fixated on Swifts, Alan! Swifts are reasonably easy to tell apart from other moths because of their tiny, simple antennae (they're rather primitive species which is why they appear at the start of the British list, in amongst the micros). Of the two you are likely to see, Common Swift is over for the year and Orange Swift will only just be starting (I haven't seen one anywhere yet).
From its body shape and the way it holds its wings your moth is clearly a noctuid. This one is coming towards the end of its flight season and, as they do, has faded from the rich brown colour shown in the field guide, but the markings are still an exact match - have a look at Brown-line Bright-eye.
You seem to be fixated on Swifts, Alan! Swifts are reasonably easy to tell apart from other moths because of their tiny, simple antennae (they're rather primitive species which is why they appear at the start of the British list, in amongst the micros). Of the two you are likely to see, Common Swift is over for the year and Orange Swift will only just be starting (I haven't seen one anywhere yet).
ReplyDeleteFrom its body shape and the way it holds its wings your moth is clearly a noctuid. This one is coming towards the end of its flight season and, as they do, has faded from the rich brown colour shown in the field guide, but the markings are still an exact match - have a look at Brown-line Bright-eye.
Got it, thanks!
ReplyDeleteAlan