I thought I'd start a new thread for 2017 & THIS is a link to the previous thread. To newcomers, all are welcome & you can post your moths, identified or not, on here. Any items related to moths too & of course caterpillars (all contributions of caterpillars welcomed by Wendy who is their substitute mum!)
Here are my first of the year, one from yesterday morning on the door, White-speck,
Which encouraged me to do a trap under the garden table & the White-speck came back along with a Black-spotted Chestnut
Unfortunately they were both dead, no sign of the spider, but it may be living under the garden table. Ah well, I suppose we all have to eat! I don't think I'll be doing another one for a while, this is just 2 or 3 warm days before it gets cold again.
Best wishes
Hazel in Southwest France
Thanks for that H, might have guessed it would be 'common' Lol but do believe it's a first for here (that I can remember) or maybe one still sitting in last year's 'for ID' file!!
Can't wait to get going again!!
Yes me too! I had planned to go out one night but it turned cold & lost my enthusiasm! Frosty night tonight & cold wind so not even checking the rope.
Had a Chocolate tip this morning! Yum yum
I did the trap under a table, but managed 6 species so not too bad for a damp night.
Lovely & very unusual shape H ... must plant me an Aspen, might get Clifden NP as well!
It was a bit early in the season & was suprised to see it! They are saying this was the 2nd warmest winter since records began so I guess there will be a few earlies this year.
Some interesting news for you H copied from Twitter ...
collecting deep rooted sea hogs fennel plants from @EssexWildlife for #FEMoth captive breeding programme at @ColchesterZoo
Gosh that looks like hard work. Shame about the spade!
Are the plants for regrowing in pots to feed the caterpillars on? Or are they putting them into a garden? Thanks for posting for me Wendy.
I had a really WOW factor 10 last night. I was doing 2 traps in the reserve, one either side of the railway. I dropped off the first & headed for the second & main area & a big sign appeared, level crossing shut for repairs. I didn't have time to go around so went off & did another spot. So it was pure chance that this beautiful Tau Emporer moth came to the trap. I was gobsmacked!
I had 30 species in all & will post more photos tomorrow but just had to put this one on. I was hoping it might lay eggs which I could send to someone I know (LOL) but no such luck.
Hazel C said:I was hoping it might lay eggs which I could send to someone I know (LOL) but no such luck.
Wonder who that might be H??
Fabulous Moth, never heard of it before, do we get them over here?
No Wendy, I don't think so. It was so lovely & quite docile after it had calmed down. The caterpillars are interesting too.
Hi all. I've nothing to show that is as exceptional as your moth pics but a lovely touch of colour (yellow) in my garden this morning. (I need to practise my moth taking photographic skills - it's been a while!) 2cm across its widest points