Westcott, Bucks

Eighteen moths of six species came to the garden actinic light last night, fairly typical of results over the past week.  Amongst them, finally, was the last expected moth of the year:  Scarce Umber (three to be exact, none of them in tip-top condition).  They were accompanied by Emmelina monodactyla (1), Winter Moth (1), Feathered Thorn (3), Mottled Umber (1) & Sprawler (9).

Scarce Umber, Westcott 16th November

The trap was checked at 11pm and all of those moths apart from one Sprawler were in by then, so it is always worth the effort this late in the season, even if only for the first half of the night.  Other species seen here during the week included December Moth, Red-green Carpet, November Moth agg., Green-brindled Crescent, Grey Shoulder-knot, Black Rustic, Brick, Chestnut & Dark Chestnut, although I suspect numbers will decline fairly quickly now.

Dave Wilton
Westcott, Bucks