Passenger, caught 23/9/2006 (National moth night).

Mothing at St Margaret's

Most of the Moth lists and Photographs are from my garden (TR359450) in the village of St Margaret's at Cliffe in Kent. It is situated about 1Km from the sea and has farmland with in 100 metres. The garden is well shrubbed and about 1600 sq metres. I normally run a 125 MV lamp and a 15W actinic light over-night and once the season gets going a couple of other traps. At the moment both are 25W black Lamps. previously I used a 160W blended lamp in one of them. All traps are home made. Trapping dates refer to the date the trap was put out.

Trap Update in 2017. A new 125W MV Robinson was added to a 125W MV Skinner, 15W Actinic Skinner, two 80W MV Morris modified Skinners and a 80W MVMorris Box trap.
Traps are now (2020 onwards) 2x 125W Robinsons, 2x 80W Skinner type and 1x 15W Actinic strip light on a Skinner type .

I try and identify all the Macro Moths, with the micros I am not at all systematic, I do more than I used to with the help of the new book, but there are some that do get through.


Tuesday 15 September 2015

Species List for 14/9/2015

I debated whether it was worthwhile putting out traps last night. I the end I did put out two, with the same protection as yesterday. It wasn't really productive with 31 moths of seven species.

Code Taxon Vernacular Individuals
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 16
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 5
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 3
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 2
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 3
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 1

Species List for 13/9/2015

The weather forecast was pretty bad, so just two traps out, each tucked away out of the rain. There were still quite a few moths, and one big surprise. Six days ago I caught a Hedge Rustic, and it was quite distinct because it had a crumpled bottom to the left wing. Today I caught a Hedge Rustic, again with a similarly damaged left wing. It would seem impossible that a second moth was similarly damaged and I have to  conclude that it is the same moth, which I think is remarkable. Overall there were 184 moths of 18 species.

Code Taxon Vernacular Individuals
998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 3
1309 Agriphila geniculea 2
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 2
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 3
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 69
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 14
2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 64
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 6
2177 Tholera cespitis Hedge Rustic 1
2255 Polymixis lichenea Feathered Ranunculus 1
2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow 1
2297 Amphipyra pyramidea Copper Underwing 1
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 1
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 5
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 7
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 2

Sunday 13 September 2015

Species List for 12/9/2015 National Moth Days 3

Far fewer moths, but still the same two dominating. The first Large Thorn of the year and three Scarce Bordered Straws were the highlights.

Code Taxon Vernacular Individuals
998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 19
1309 Agriphila geniculea 5
1365 Pyrausta despicata 1
1395 Udea ferrugalis Rusty-dot Pearl 2
1398 Nomophila noctuella Rush Veneer 6
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 2
1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 1
1776 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 1
1911 Ennomos autumnaria Large Thorn 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 1
1947 Ectropis bistortata Engrailed 1
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 2
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 4
2091 Agrotis ipsilon Dark Sword-grass 1
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 143
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 21
2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 2
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2123 Diarsia rubi Small Square-spot 8
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 198
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 8
2160 Lacanobia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye 1   
2194 Mythimna albipuncta White-point 2
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 4
2297 Amphipyra pyramidea Copper Underwing 1
2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 4
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 2
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 11
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 9
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 1
2400 Helicoverpa armigera Scarce Bordered Straw 3
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 5
2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 1

Species List for 11/9/2015 National Moth Days 2

It's National Moth Night(s), and I had a big night on the middle day in terms of numbers, but so far nothing particularly exciting.  Last night there were 858 moths of 45 species.
Code Taxon Vernacular Individuals
658 Carcina quercana 1
998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 39
1309 Agriphila geniculea 12
1342 Eudonia angustea 2
1356 Evergestis forficalis Garden Pebble 1
1395 Udea ferrugalis Rusty-dot Pearl 3
1398 Nomophila noctuella Rush Veneer 12
1439 Trachycera advenella 2
1702 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave 1
1707 Idaea seriata Small Dusty Wave 2
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 1
1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 1
1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 2
1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 1
1769 Thera britannica Spruce Carpet 1
1776 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet 2
1825 Eupithecia centaureata Lime-speck Pug 1
1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 1
1883 Acasis viretata Yellow-barred Brindle 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 6
1914 Ennomos fuscantaria Dusky Thorn 3
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 13
2051 Lithosia quadra Four-spotted Footman 1   
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 188
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 23
2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 3
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 2
2123 Diarsia rubi Small Square-spot 4
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 423
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 25
2154 Mamestra brassicae Cabbage Moth 1
2160 Lacanobia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye 2
2178 Tholera decimalis Feathered Gothic 1
2194 Mythimna albipuncta White-point 2
2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow 2
2297 Amphipyra pyramidea Copper Underwing 4
2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 9
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 6
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 8
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 16
2385 Spodoptera exigua Small Mottled Willow 3
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 7
2400 Helicoverpa armigera Scarce Bordered Straw 1
2434 Diachrysia chrysitis Burnished Brass 2
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 17

Friday 11 September 2015

Species List for 10/9/2015 National Moth Days 1

A total of 597 moths of only 31 species. The first Lunar Underwing of the year, and a rather odd looking Vine's Rustic.

 Rosy Rustic

Vine's Rustic
This is a rather odd Vine's Rustic The pattern almost looks like a faded Setaceous Hebrew Character,but the jizz is of a Vine;s Rustic.

Lunar Underwing

Code Taxon Vernacular Individuals
873 Blastobasis adustella 1
966 Cochylis atricapitana 1
998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 30
1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 2
1309 Agriphila geniculea 1
1398 Nomophila noctuella Rush Veneer 8
1415 Orthopygia glaucinalis 1
1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 1
1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 2
1883 Acasis viretata Yellow-barred Brindle 2
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 2
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 4
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 4
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 144
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 17
2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 2
2123 Diarsia rubi Small Square-spot 6
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 302
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 15
2160 Lacanobia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye 4
2194 Mythimna albipuncta White-point 1
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 1
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing 1   
2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 2
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 2
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 19
2361 Hydraecia micacea Rosy Rustic 1
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 14
2385 Spodoptera exigua Small Mottled Willow 1
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 3
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 3

Species List for 9/9/2015

The domination of Setaceous Hebrew Characters continues. In total 643 moths of 41 species.

 Scarce Bordered Straw

 Cabbage Moth

 Rusty-dot Pearl

L-album Wainscot

Code Taxon Vernacular Individuals
647 Hofmannophila pseudospretella Brown House Moth 1
648 Endrosis sarcitrella White-shouldered House Moth 1
873 Blastobasis adustella 1
998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 37
1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 1
1309 Agriphila geniculea 10
1356 Evergestis forficalis Garden Pebble 1
1395 Udea ferrugalis Rusty-dot Pearl 1
1439 Trachycera advenella 3
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1
1707 Idaea seriata Small Dusty Wave 1
1716 Rhodometra sacraria Vestal 1
1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 2
1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 2
1883 Acasis viretata Yellow-barred Brindle 2
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 1
1914 Ennomos fuscantaria Dusky Thorn 1
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 6
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 3
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 1
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 145
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 18
2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1   
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 2
2123 Diarsia rubi Small Square-spot 4
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 339
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 12
2154 Mamestra brassicae Cabbage Moth 1
2160 Lacanobia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye 1
2178 Tholera decimalis Feathered Gothic 1
2194 Mythimna albipuncta White-point 1
2202 Mythimna l-album L-album Wainscot 1
2297 Amphipyra pyramidea Copper Underwing 1
2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 1
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 4
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 13
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 14
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 1
2400 Helicoverpa armigera Scarce Bordered Straw 1
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 4
2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 1

Wednesday 9 September 2015

Species List for 8/9/2015

Large Yellow Underwings have nearly caught up with Setaceous Hebrew Characters. A very late Wood Carpet was a surprise. In total 557 moths of 29 species.

Code Taxon Vernacular Individuals
697 Agonopterix arenella 1
873 Blastobasis adustella 1
998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 20
1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 1
1305 Agriphila tristella 1
1309 Agriphila geniculea 4
1356 Evergestis forficalis Garden Pebble 1
1398 Nomophila noctuella Rush Veneer 1
1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 2
1739 Epirrhoe rivata Wood Carpet 1
1742 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 1
1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 3
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 10
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 2
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 195
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 21
2123 Diarsia rubi Small Square-spot 5
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 226
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 2
2194 Mythimna albipuncta White-point 1
2297 Amphipyra pyramidea Copper Underwing 1
2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 3   
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 2
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 24
2361 Hydraecia micacea Rosy Rustic 1
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 20
2400 Helicoverpa armigera Scarce Bordered Straw 1
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 5

Tuesday 8 September 2015

Species List for 7/9/2015

A similar night to the previous one with 524 moths of just 34 species. One surprise, however was Hedge Rustic. Unfortunately the crumpled left wing spoils the look a little. This is the fourth record of this species here.


Code Taxon Vernacular Individuals
15 Hepialus sylvina Orange Swift 1
998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 12
1309 Agriphila geniculea 3
1398 Nomophila noctuella Rush Veneer 1
1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 1
1439 Trachycera advenella 1
1497 Amblyptilia acanthadactyla 1
1707 Idaea seriata Small Dusty Wave 1
1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 2
1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 1
1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 3
1883 Acasis viretata Yellow-barred Brindle 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 2
1914 Ennomos fuscantaria Dusky Thorn 1
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 1
2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth 1
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 1
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 141
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 19
2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 295
2177 Tholera cespitis Hedge Rustic 1
2178 Tholera decimalis Feathered Gothic 1
2194 Mythimna albipuncta White-point 1   
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 1
2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow 1
2295 Cryphia muralis Marbled Green 1
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 3
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 1
2343 Mesapamea secalis Common Rustic 1
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 8
2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic 13
2400 Helicoverpa armigera Scarce Bordered Straw 1
2434 Diachrysia chrysitis Burnished Brass 1
2450 Abrostola tripartita Spectacle 1

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