Westcott, Bucks

Following the appearance of Lead-coloured Drab (5th, already mentioned in these pages) there was nothing new for this year's garden list until the 13th when a tiny Nepticulid moth was noticed indoors, running around on the bathroom floor (forewing length not much more than 2mm).  It could be one of a number of look-alikes so determination to species will have to await dissection.  The only adult I've seen previously this early in the year is Stigmella aceris, a couple of which were recorded during February 2019 (again, one of them indoors).

Stigmella species, Westcott 13th March

Last night (14th) was a better one than of late for the actinic light with two new species for the year-list turning up before the temperature dipped below freezing at about 11pm.  The regulars were joined by Small Quaker and a surprise Red Sword-grass:

Red Sword-grass, Westcott 14th March

Red Sword-grass, Westcott 14th March

It is difficult to work out the status of Red Sword-grass in our area because there are so few records of it, although this is the second for the garden here after a pre-hibernation example in November 2021.  It could be a migrant, or perhaps a wanderer from the west of the UK where the species is more widespread, but equally it could be resident at very low density.

Dave Wilton Westcott, Bucks