Finemere Wood, Bucks

It was time for another trip to my local BBOWT reserve last night, my eighth night-time survey visit there so far this year.  With temperatures dropping a little lower than we've had of late under relatively clear skies and with a huge moon, I wasn't expecting record-breaking results from the two MV traps.  However one of them managed more than 100 species on its own from the usual three-hour stint.  The conditions meant that it was the smaller moths which were down in number more than the macros but 65 micro species between the two lights was a very acceptable total in the circumstances.  Plutella porrectella, Anania crocealis and Ostrinia nubilalis were all new for the site, while the very smart tortrix Epinotia cruciana is a woodland moth I don't see that often and I don't think the rather dull image in the field guide does it justice!

Epinotia cruciana, Finemere Wood 13th July

Anania crocealis, Finemere Wood 13th July

The macro species were very much as expected for the time of year but, again, there were a couple of newcomers to the already very extensive Finemere list:  Dingy Shell and Kent Black Arches.  The appearance of Dingy Shell is odd because there is no alder in the wood and in fact just about the only places you find alder locally are where so-called environmental planners have planted it at mitigation sites for housing and rail developments.  I was very pleased to see three individuals of Chevron, another moth I don't come across very often, while other nice moths included Round-winged Muslin, Four-dotted Footman & Olive.  Yellow-tail (51) and Common Footman (74) were the highest achievers, while Black Arches (24) is just starting out.

Chevron, Finemere Wood 13th July

Dingy Shell, Finemere Wood 13th July

Dave Wilton Westcott, Bucks