Storm Dennis Moths

Just to show that moths don't always go along with our view of "suitable weather", another four came to light in the garden at Westcott last night despite the wind and rain:  March Moth (1), Early Moth (1, the first here since 23rd January), Hebrew Character (1) & Chestnut (1), along with a caterpillar of Large Yellow Underwing, three of the as yet un-named winter version of ichneumon wasp Ophion obscuratus (which have been regulars here since 13th January) and a Smooth Newt which was presumably feasting on the many small flies around.  Even the RIS trap at Marsh Gibbon managed Tortricodes alternella (1) last night, only its seventh individual moth of the year!

Large Yellow Underwing caterpillar, Westcott

Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris, Westcott

Dave Wilton
Westcott, Bucks