Emmelina monodactyla

Another moth by torchlight photo this time of Emmelina monodactyla found on Ragwort this evening whilst walking the dog. This species can be found virtually all year round but more so in spring and autumn. The emerging moths in autumn can be found overwintering in long grass where they are especially camouflaged amongst dead grass.

Emmelina monodactyla

Buff Ermine larva

Whilst walking the dog yesterday evening I found this larva feeding at ground level on a creeping plant which I haven't identified yet. Several flicks through the book and some searching on the internet confirmed it as Buff Ermine. Not surprising as this is a common moth to the moth trap so they must be feeding in numbers in surrounding gardens.

Buff Ermine larva final instar

Buff-tip larva

It's been quiet on the mothing front lately but today I bumped into the this final instar Buff-tip larva on a fence post. See how the rear end has been raised to warn off unwanted attention. This species feeds on a variety of trees and can be found from mid-September.

Buff-tip larva final instar

Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)

The Small Tortoiseshell is a common butterfly in the UK being found on the wing in spring, late summer and early autumn. The larval foodplant is Nettle.

Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae

Dark Sword-grass (Agrotis ipsilon)

2012 has been a poor year for migrant moths so far and my best migrant to date has been Dark Sword-grass. This is a regular migrant to the UK occurring mainly between July and October. Last night I trapped 2 on the coast along with a Rush Veneer and 7 Silver Y.

Dark Sword-grass Agrotis ipsilon

Silver Maple Acer saccarinum

Whilst waiting outside the local Tesco I happened to notice some larval activity overhead on Silver Maple Acer saccarinum. I took it home for further investigation and found a spun white case of Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix Pandemis cerasana.

Case of Pandemis cerasana

Leaves of Silver Maple Acer saccerinum

Nectaring moths by torch light

I don't do it very often but have found looking for nectaring moths very productive. I first started back in July when my buddleia was in flower. I had Small Ranunculus two weeks before the first one reached the trap. Recently I got a lifer by looking for moths by torch light a Clepsis spectrana. Tonight in just half an hour I had 5 Silver Y nectaring on Campion, 5 Pretty Chalk Carpet (3 of which were on the food plant Traveler's Joy), 2 Angle Shades, Dingy Footman at rest on grass, Magie, Acleris rhombana, Square-spot Rustic and 2 Snout around Nettles. Not bad for a windy night. Take a look at the photos below. I think the moths look better in their natural environment.

Angle Shades moth Phlogophora meticulosa

The Silver Y  Autographa gamma