What better on this rather miserable day than having a look at what was caught in the moth trap last week . It's the last day of volunteer week and I will point out that our volunteer Hedda runs the trap throughout the spring and summer. We also use some of the moths she has in the trap to show to visiting groups and at open days before they are released - another example of volunteering at it's best! Below are pictures of some of the easier to photograph ones(blame the photographer - me!). Although fairly common moths they are still nice to look at.
Poplar Hawk Moth - Flies from May to July their larva feed on poplar, aspen or sallow.
Scorched Wing - Fairly common moth with a flight period between May and June. I love moth names like this one as they describe exactly what you are seeing.
White Ermine and Buff Ermine - can you tell which is which? The buff ermine has the diagonal row of spots on the wing and is a slightly yellowish buff colour compared to the white ermine.
Full list of Moths caught are listed below. White ermine were by far the most numerous (38):
White ermine, Buff ermine, Map winged swift, Common Swift, Poplar hawkmoth, Fox moth, Clouded border, brimstone, S.G. carpet, Clouded silver, Scorched wing, Common carpet, Flame carpet, Pug, Middle barred minor, Clouded bordered brindle, The flame, Heart and dart, small square spot and broom.