Very pleasing news: David Pinniger has found a caterpillar of Light Crimson Underwing in Berkshire (Maidenhead Thicket, 28 May 2023, first identified by Andrew Padmore). As far as I'm aware this is the first proof of Light Crimson Underwing breeding in the county since 1948.
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| Photo by David Pinniger |
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| Photo by David Pinniger |
The adult moth has been recorded much more frequently in the last few years. There are old Berkshire records dating back to the 19th century, and then a sighting at Windsor Forest in 1995 after a long gap. No more were then seen until 2020 (4 records), 2021 (3 records) and then an extraordinary year in 2022 with 14 records. So for the moment at least this is a moth that is doing well, although it is too early to judge whether it will become a long-term resident in the county.
Great news!
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