Westcott, Bucks

The last week has seen a further reduction in active adult moth species (19 recorded in the garden here over the past seven nights, although no more than eight on any given night) and I suspect numbers will fall dramatically now because we seem to have seen the last of the milder weather.  Last night was relatively good with a dozen moths from eight species and it included Northern Winter Moth, a species which a few other people seem to have had over the last few nights too.  I don't see it often here and this was the first for five years.

Northern Winter Moth & Winter Moth, Westcott 24th Nov

The silkier appearance of the forewings doesn't come out well in a photo, especially at this time of year when there is so little natural light available.  However, that coupled with the larger size, lighter forewings and whitish hind-wings are the points to look for.  They'll usually put up with a bit of prodding around to show the contrasting hind-wings (like Phil Tizzard's splendid photo from yesterday) but this one didn't want to play ball!

The only long-distance travellers seen on the warmer nights were Udea ferrugalis and Silver Y, although a Turnip and Angle Shades on the 23rd may possibly have been migrants too.

Angle Shades, Westcott 23rd November

There are very few micro-moths around now but I was pleased to get a late example of Phyllonorycter messaniella on the 21st, following another adult which came to light back in May.  I've yet to find mines of this species in the garden but it presumably makes use of our hornbeam hedge. 

Phyllonorycter messaniella, Westcott 21st November

Dave Wilton Westcott, Bucks