A bit of an ID challenge here - can anyone hazard a guess at what looks like the hornet's picnic? Curiously, the predator was as dead as its prey. Heat? Choked by greed? Toxin?
And below, another hazard of the trap - a Pygmy Shrew (I think going on book advice about tail length), which was a bit too panicked to have its intended meal (a second major ID challenge). It's a hard life! Martin Wainwright, Thrupp, Oxon
Hi Martin,
ReplyDeleteInteresting pictures! I'd suggest the meals were Acentria ephemerella and something like Smoky Wainscot - but that's just a guess. The ephemerella (Water Veneer) would have been unlikely to survive the experience of coming to light anyway. I'm getting dozens of them amongst the debris at the bottom of the trap at the moment, such flimsy little things.
Thanks so much Dave - I knew that you'd rise to the challenge! I'm sure that you are right about the Water Veneer and the wainscot ID is likely as I've had quite a few recently of various sorts including Webb's - I think, though it may be Brown-veined. I'll post it shortly for your decision. All best and thanks as ever M
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