Initially I was disappointed - there was a vaguely familiar micro outside the trap and opening up the trap I didn't notice anything particularly interesting. There was a bit of what I thought was a funny looking Copper Underwing sitting at the top. I gave it a light prod expecting it to scuttle off - instead I got a flash of pinkish red. This was then nearly a tale of the one that got away and I'd not got a proper record, only a suspicion - but unlike Red Underwings that generally head off straight away, this one was docile enough to pot - and then it started up.
I'm thinking Dark Crimson Underwing (Now confirmed by Martin Townsend) which after the Clifden is probably the most spectacular moth I've caught.
Re the micro - I'm thinking perhaps Calamotropha paludella which is also new for me.
To the more mundane - I have a couple of Pugs. No idea re the first - the second White-spotted?
Then a Dusky Thorn (first of the year) rather than September?
Finally a quick question - are the 2nd gen Vine's Rustics out? I've had a couple of fresh greyish Rustics with clearer "watermarked" ovals.
Mark Griffiths, Garsington, Oxford
Hi Mark,
ReplyDeleteFirstly, congratulations on your Dark Crimson Underwing!
Your queried micro is indeed Calamatropha paludella. Of the Pugs I'll pass on the first but the second is White-spotted, while the final picture is, as you say, Dusky Thorn.
I've not seen second-brood Vine's Rustic yet but they should start very soon now (if they haven't already) and reach a peak again at the end of August.
thanks Dave!
ReplyDeleteTop pug Slender Pug lower one I initially thought Shaded but when I zoomed in realised how big it looks compared to the Rustic and Least Yellow Underwing above it so probably Yarrow Pug. Will need specimen to confirm.
ReplyDeletethanks Martin
ReplyDelete