I put this picture on "Garden Moth Scheme" for identification and it is coming back as Small Ranunculus. Grateful for comments as I'm unsure and the book FS is somewhat earlier than end August. I'm in Benson and it was trapped in 15w actinic.
Yes, that's Small Ranunculus, Tom. It seems to have two generations locally so there's no problem with you finding it flying now. Although quite widespread it appears to be rather reluctant to come to light traps. My only garden record was on our fence, several metres from the trap, back in 2013. Caterpillars (on prickly lettuce) seem to be easier to find than the moth itself.
Yes, that's Small Ranunculus, Tom. It seems to have two generations locally so there's no problem with you finding it flying now. Although quite widespread it appears to be rather reluctant to come to light traps. My only garden record was on our fence, several metres from the trap, back in 2013. Caterpillars (on prickly lettuce) seem to be easier to find than the moth itself.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave - I guess the book is getting somewhat out of date.
ReplyDeleteThere are caterpillars about now. Worth having a look.
ReplyDelete