Titchwell’s Moth Mornings sightings June 2024 by Sue Bryan
Poor weather dominated the first half of the month, with not only a lot of rain, but low night temperatures as well. This had a huge effect on the numbers of moths flying and moth catches throughout the county of Norfolk where the number of both moths and the number of moth species were very low.
Poplar Hawk-moth Photo Credit: Paul Hooper
Buff Tip Photo Credit: Paul Hooper
By the morning of 5th June only 35 species had been trapped with the highlight being a Purple Clay. Purple Clay is a woodland species with a patchy distribution in Norfolk, it is single-brooded and on the wing in mid-summer. However visitors love to see Poplar Hawk Moths and Buff Tips, both of which were trapped overnight.
Purple Clay Photo Credit: John Geeson
By the morning of 12th June 28 species had been caught and it was good to see an equally fresh Green Arches that has been a scarce moth in Norfolk during the last few years.
The weather then improved in the middle of the month with a few sunny days and more importantly higher temperatures, although night temperatures were not as high as might have been expected. By 19th June it was pleasing to have trapped a Lunar Hornet which is a clearwing moth which mimics a hornet and Red-tipped Clearwing when a pheremone lure had been put out. The “Red-tip” refers to the red patch near to the tip of the forewing. It is single brooded flying from late-May into July, and like most clearwings is mostly recorded when attracted to pheromone lures; although it is classified as Nationally Scarce B, the use of lures has greatly increased the knowledge of its distribution through most of England. The larva feed in the trunks of various willows.
Red-tipped Clearwing Photo Credit: John Geeson
The number of species trapped on 19th June increased to 79.
By the morning of 26th June, the numbers of species of moths increased to 112 that we were able to show to visitors, which included Scarce Pug, a nationally rare moth almost wholly confined to the saltmarshes of NW Norfolk, Shore Wainscot, Green Silver-lines and Scarce Silver-lines. Four species of hawk-moth were on show during the month: Lime hawk-moth, Eyed Hawk-moth, Poplar Hawk-moth and Privet Hawk-moth, the last of these is the U.K.’s largest native moth.
Privet Hawk-moth Photo Credit: Paul Hooper
Traditionally, July is the peak time of year for both species variety and overall moth numbers, so we’re looking forward to seeing what the coming month brings.