And now, MOTHS.

Everyone loves moths, and if they don't, they should.

I've been regularly moth trapping at Fairburn Ings since the end of March. It got off to a fairly slow start, the temperature throughout April not seeming to get much above freezing the entire month, but with the recent warmer weather things are REALLY starting to kick off.

After meeting the intern & residential volunteer from RSPB Saltholme a couple of weeks ago we have entered into a fierce competition to see who can count the most species over the summer. I’ve had at least 100 different species so far this year already so pretty sure I’ve got it in the bag!

 

Here's some of the highlights :)

 

Brimstone Moth Opisthograptis luteolata

 

Common Plume Emmelina monodactyla

 

Silver-ground Carpet Xanthorhoe montanata

 

Silver Y Autographa gamma

 

Lesser Swallow Prominent Pheosia gnoma

 

 

Muslin Moth Diaphora mendica

 

Waved Umber Menophra abruptaria

 

Lime Hawkmoth Mimas tiliae

 

Poplar Hawkmoth Laothoe populi

 

Elephant Hawkmoth Deilephila elpenor

 

Large Emerald Geometra papilionaria

 

Blood Vein Timandra comae

 

And last but definitely not least, this little guy.. the Spectacle Abrostola tripartita