Yesterday evening, against my take on the weather forecast, and as a break from the boredom of watching France vs Spain, yawn (dire wasn't it?**)
I set up the old moth trap in the howling gale, ignoring the forecast of more rain (oh goody).
Weighted it down with a brick and sheltered it under a garden table
(** If you're not into moths then this blog could be about as exciting as last night's football)
Took it in first thing, enjoying the soft summer rain and warmth - before brewing the tea I might add - had a quick look, nothing visible at first
After breakfast and chores, went to dry the trap out. To my immense surprise I found 38 moths of 17 species therein. Even better, in the first egg box there were 11 moths of 5 species, Common Pug, Shoulder Striped Wainscot being new to the "garden list", and Tawny Marbled Minor a new species for this year
The Common Pug declined to be photographed and headed for the door at speed, obviously well brought up!
Here are 3 of those in the first egg box
This is the Shoulder Striped Wainscot ignoring a Silver Y - presumably they not been introduced
This is the Tawny Marbled Minor, as usual for my garden a dark specimen, also showing signs of wear and tear. Hardly surprising considering the weather
Just to give an impression of it's size, and yes I know my thumbnail's a mess
This may be a Shears, but could be a Lychnis - this specimen is quite well worn whatever it is
Dark Arches, another new one for the year, I shall still be finding these in the trap come the autumn (tomorrow if this weather continues)
This is another small macro moth, a Marbled Minor, which often shows great colour variation here
This almost pristine moth is a Double Square Spot
Maybe tonight's footer could be more exciting, but somehow I doubt it
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