When the term twitching is used in connection with wildlife then everyone immediately assumes the hoards of people rushing to some rare bird that has turns up lost on its way south or northwards during migration. However it is not only birds that migrate many invertebrates do as well. Many of the well known butterfly species that you see in your garden may have made the journey across the channel to feed on your flowers. Red Admiral, Large White and Painted Lady all migrate when the conditions allow. Moths as well are known for their long distance wanderings and many species will arrive in the UK from the near continent, and when the call comes from the public that they have a Hummingbird in the garden they are almost certainly mistaking the aptly named Hummingbird Hawk-moth.
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth
As with birds, when these insects migrate there is always the chance that something unusual will arrive with the commoner species. This will occur more readily when warm weather is dragging air up from southern Europe and North Africa. In previous blogs I mentioned a large arrival of Diamond Backed Moths which dominated the moth trap for a few days early in the year. This species regular visits the UK along with species such as Rusty Dot Pearl, Dark Sword-grass and Willow Ermine.
Willow Ermine
However in the last week a run of interesting and rare moths have been recorded at the visitor centre. The first indication that a more intensive period of migration was starting was a first reserve record of a Small Purple Barred. Normally a Heathland species this individual could have come across the channel from the heaths/dunes in northern France. Reports of other very rare species were being received from further west of here. Then on the morning of 21st July a Latin was discovered in the trap at the visitor centre. This species is from southern Europe and has reach the UK on only 6-7 times before, so there was great excitement. In the same trap a micro moth from the continent and the first record in West Sussex (as per Sussex Moth Group website), a Marbled Grass Veneer was also present. Could lightening strike twice – the answer was yes. To our astonishment a second Latin was trap the next night this time it was accompanied by a Splendid Brocade another rare Southern European migrant. The question is can it be repeated for a third night? Watch this space.
Small Purple Barred
the Latin
Marbled Grass Veneer
Splendid Brocade
Despite the excitement of all these rare species which have attracted a number of viewers, mothing can be very enjoyable and there are plenty of British species which are well worth seeing.
Leopard Moth
Maiden's Blush
Pyrausta purpuralis
Slender Brindle
Small Blood Vein
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon