In most years, the peak period for moth numbers and species variety occurs in July, but this year it was rather late, beginning at the end of July and continuing, albeit intermittently, through August. Our moth morning of 14 August saw our highest species number of the year (a total of 123 on show), and on 28 August we had our highest number of individual moths (well over 400). Our other two weeks in August suffered from poorer weather during the preceding nights, although there were never fewer than 80 species for visitors to see.
Among the highlights from traps on the reserve were the impressive Garden Tiger and Red Underwing, as well as a range of coastal and wetland specialists such as Rosy Wave, Oblique Carpet, Reed Dagger, several species of wainscots, Archer’s Dart and the unusually-shaped Saltmarsh Plume.
Garden Tiger Photo Credit: John Geeson
Red Underwing Photo Credit: John Geeson
Among the highlights brought in from elsewhere in the county by our regular visitors were Ruddy Carpet, Dewick’s Plusia and the spectacular Jersey Tiger, now becoming fairly common further south, but still in the very early stages of colonizing Norfolk.
Reed Dagger Photo Credit: John Geeson