Moths in the Wind

I ran a single MV trap in a relatively sheltered spot in the garden last night and despite some rain and the constant high winds (frequent gusts in excess of 40mph all night) a total of 166 moths of 49 species reached the trap.  Contrary to what you might expect, moths (often some quite "delicate" species) do fly in high winds.  They simply operate lower to the ground and in the more sheltered spots.  After all, if you only lived for a couple of weeks and the survival of your species was dependant on finding a mate, the chances are you would think twice before taking a night off too!

Unfortunately the catch produced nothing of particular interest.  The only vaguely possible signs of migration were singletons of Plutella xylostella, Udea ferrugalis and Turnip.  A fresh Thistle Ermine Myelois circumvoluta was the first I've seen here since a run of 17 examples between 9th June and 18th July.  It is supposed to go on into September but I do wonder if this is just a single extended brood or not.  A Buff Ermine was also perhaps indicative of a second brood.  For the past five years or so I've seen the moth regularly during August so if nothing else it has extended its flight season.

Myelois circumvoluta, Westcott 9th August

Buff Ermine, Westcott 9th August

Dave Wilton
Westcott, Bucks