National Moth Night

Or if the last few years have been anything to go by National Non Moth Night in my trap..............Now in something like its tenth year, 2008 has, for the first time, a micro as one of the target species, Anania funebris. Other targets are Bordered Gothic and Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth. Another NMN first is that they are targeting a habitat, Orchards. In all seriousness it is a good event if for nothing other than publicity. Give it a try on Saturday, you're bound to have more luck than me...............

http://www.nationalmothnight.info/index.php

Anthophila fabriciana

At long last Anthophila fabriciana showed itself today. However it chose to ignore the acres of nettles and was found on a daisy................

Wednesday Night

Nice to catch up with everyone yesterday for a natter and a couple of pints of Adnams. I rate The Griffin at Swithland as one of the nicest pubs in the county. Top night. On the way home we managed a few Woodcock at Ulverscroft and everyone witnessed my stunning aerial acrobatics with a net as I caught Green Carpet, Brown Silver Lines and Clouded Border.

Ethmia pyrausta

What a belting record from over the border. This rare micro has been rediscovered in Scotland near Loch Morie. It was first discovered in 1853 and there have been four records since, including 2 moths together in the Cairngorms in 1996. A very enigmatic moth and an incredible find. Well done to all involved...................

Purple Cloud

Suffolk has pulled in its first county record of this cracking moth. A singleton was recorded at light at Westleton on May 30th. Quite a common moth on the continent having two generations but only 20 odd records for the UK. Belter...............

Banded Demoiselle

A fab male this lunchtime along the Soar, worth shouting about as it is one of the few of these fabulous insects that I can actually ID.

Trap Result 30/05/08

Not a bad night. 20 odd different species including my first Small Square Spot and Rustic Shoulder Knot. Dusky Brocade was only the second here. Other highlights were double figures of Clouded Bordered Brindle and only ever male Pale Tussock, always females here. All good until I bumped into Graham Finch at Morrisons on Sunday morning and my word did he have a productive night at Cloud Wood...................