During the week I was lucky enough to have the chance to set up my moth trap, we all thought it was a good idea as my mum was away in London so it would keep us out of trouble.
We had just got back from Frodsham Marsh (seeing a Marsh Harrier, plenty of White Throats and a group of three Redshanks) when I thought of the idea. Just look at the sun shining through the primaries on this magpie at the marsh. I was very hopeful about the moth trap because it was a warmer night.
After eager anticipation over night I got up at 5:30am as I couldn't wait to see what I had caught. We have only set the trap up a few times this year (not catching much); however I have to say that night turned out differently.
The catch started off with a few smaller dart moths (like Shuttle Shaped Darts), but when we turned over the first egg box we saw and potted this stunning Chocolate Tip, a new species for me.
Chocolate Tip
Our second brilliant moth (well they all were) was the Pale Tussock, this would have to be one of the best moths I have ever caught. It was truly stunning, but wouldn't keep still for a photo (this moth is another first for me). It really is worth going to Google images and looking at the caterpillar for this moth, you won't believe it.
Pale Tussock
We set up the trap at the perfect time really as this is slap bang in the middle of their flight season.
Another new species for us was the Scalloped Hazel, this one below the more duller version than the second one we caught...
Scalloped Hazel
Now I said before the "dart" moths we caught included was the Shuttle Shaped Moth like these in the picture below.
Shuttle Shaped Darts
One of my favorite small moths included this beautiful Flame Shoulder, certainly easy to distinguish from most moths but dad (maturely) made me go and check it.
Flame Shoulder
Out of all the moths, the smallest was the Chinese Character, this was my dad's favorite and I have to admit it was quite nice and a bit mouse like.
Chinese Character
This moth below may look easy to i.d however it wasn't, we were tying between two moths that almost looked identical, however me and dad came to a final conclusion that it was a Dark Barred Twin Spot.
Dark Barred Twin Spot (maybe)
Now back to the Scalloped Hazel. In this picture you can clearly tell this moth on the right was much more striking and the f.nigra variety dark form. When we first saw the moth in the trap we had not a clue, but our copy of Field Guide to Moths by Paul Waring, Martin Townsend and Richard Lewington really helped.
Scalloped Hazel (we think).
To end the morning a male Sparrowhawk came to join us, sorry about the picture it was taken through the window.
Then after all that work in the morning it was time for school!
You got a great variety of moths in your trap Findlay.
ReplyDeleteCoincidentally, I saw my first ever Chocolate Tip whilst out with Trevor a couple of days ago. Beautiful moths aren't they.
Love the Sparrowhawk too.
they're all beautiful!
ReplyDeleteA cracking catch of moths there Findlay, you did much better than me. I set my trap up a couple of nights ago and caught a grand total of a single Shuttle Shaped Dart! It's always exciting to see what delights have turned up during the night though. The Chocolate Tip and the Pale Tussock are stunners.
ReplyDeleteSpot on with the ID for the Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet....[;o)
Well done Findlay. I took your advice and looked up the Pale Tussock caterpillar images - truly magnificent.
ReplyDeleteThe Sparrowhawk snap is great - got to take them when you can :D)
You captured some real beauties Findley... lovely images.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant Moths, I love the Chocolate Tip, superb.
ReplyDeleteA great selection of images.
ReplyDeleteWell, I learned more about moths than I could ever have expected to know, Findlay. Chocolate tip, huh? Who knew? The second photo of the Pale Tussock was especially interesting. I've never tried a moth trap. I hope they are freed after you've had a chance to identify and photograph them. Thank you for a most interesting post!
ReplyDeleteHello. They all get released again unharmed in a safe place. And I never set the trap up 2 nights running to avoid catching the same moth again and then it not having chance to feed.
DeleteGreat hawk and white throat.
ReplyDeleteI learned a lot from you on your moth commentary! Interesting.
That's a really good haul for one night, Findlay. Thank you for the useful tip about not overdoing the frequency of moth trapping.
ReplyDeleteAnother supper post. Thank you.
Best wishes to the rest of the family - - - Richard