Westcott, Bucks

The second half of December proved to be much like the first, although the garden species count since the 16th has actually been a couple higher:  Mompha epilobiella, Agonopterix alstromeriana, Scrobipalpa costella, Acleris schalleriana, Emmelina monodactyla, Winter Moth, Pale Brindled Beauty, Mottled Umber, Turnip, Chestnut, Dark Chestnut & Dark Arches, along with caterpillars of Angle Shades.  Despite wind and rain, last night's collection of moths comprised Mottled Umber (5) and, assuming that I do manage to get something tonight, there have been no blanks at all.  However, I was away on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so the light was not run on those two nights.  

Scrobipalpa costella, Westcott 18th December

Turnip Moth, Westcott 21st December

Angle Shades caterpillars wandered up the conservatory wall to the light on the 18th (two, almost fully grown, both colour forms) and on the 20th (one, a small mid-instar green example).  They are regular sightings here on mild nights between December and February.

Caterpillars of Angle Shades, Westcott 18th December

Although very windy at times, the mild weather we've had has produced other unexpected activity in the garden too, with the predatory shield-bug Troilus luridus coming to light at night on 16th December and a Buff-tailed Bumble-bee Bombus terrestris being seen flying during the daytime on the 22nd.  These conditions are likely to persist through the first few days of January at least, which should ensure that the 2024 garden list gets under way quite promptly.  Happy New Year everyone, and here's hoping for a really good moth season to come! 

Troilus luridus, Westcott 16th December

Dave Wilton Westcott, Bucks