I had these two moths in my actinic trap in west Oxfordshire today. One was very worn, which doesn't help with identification. The other one doesn't look worn but has few obvious markings.
Any suggestions gratefully received!
David Hastings
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| Mystery 1 |
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| Mystery 2 |
Hi David. Having had two mystery macros myself recently, perhaps I can help with yours! I think Mystery 1 is a knackered Orange Swift. From the shape, pose and time of year, I can't think of anything else it would be except maybe a Gold Swift, and the faint dark cross-line corresponds to where there is a black cross line on Orange Swift.
ReplyDeleteFor Mystery 2, I'd suggest Flounced Rustic, albeit that it is both lighter and more weakly-marked than many. The broad pale, wavy outer cross-band (from which it gets its vernacular name, I guess) corresponds, as does the dart mark near the centre of the wing (most visible on the left wing of your photo: on many individuals this is a full bar) and the outlining of the kidney mark (most visible on the right wing). The hindwing is also compatible: on the moth atlas site (link at top of the right-hand column here), there's a photo by John Thacker showing part of the hindwing, albeit that his individual has stronger markings.