The trap that keeps giving

With a mild night forecast, I decided to put the moth trap out, more in hope than expectation as returns have, predictably, become rather scarce. 

On first inspection this morning it didn't look too promising with the top of the trap covered in water. Fortunately from a heavy dew, rather than rain. However, opening the trap brought my second Merveille de Jour, Dichonis aprilina just inside the lid. As always a smart moth, and already made it a worthwhile catch.

In total I had 7 moths, of 7 species - my best return for a few weeks. Even better, 3 of those moths were lifers, the highlight being the migrant moth Vestal, Rhodometra sacraria, though the Streak, Chesias legatella is a scarer moth in Glamorgan. As well as being new for myself, and my home 1km square, all three are the first records for the 10km square ST09.

 

                                             Vestal Rhodometra sacrari                  

                            

                                              Brick, Agrochola circellaris (lifer 2)

                                               Streak Chesias legatella (lifer 3)

                                                and Merveille de Jour, Dichonia aprilina

This is a Yellow Browed Warbler.

 

Good morning out with Mr Bevan last Sunday the highlight being this little stunner at Dare Valley Country Park. Its a rarity like me posting on here lately. Must do better. 

Not a Yellow-browed Warbler

 As expected the returns in the moth trap are dwindling and after a nil return on last Sundays efforts, I was contemplating stopping for the Winter. However, with others  still pulling in the odd moth or two, including a few that wood be lifers, I've kept going. 

I ran the trap on Thursday (8th) and it returned 4 moths, of 4 species. This included the first Red-green Carpet, Chloroclysta siterata for the trap and for the km square, and a lifer in the form of a Flounced Chestnut, Agrochola helvola.

I ran the trap again last night and a slightly small return of three moths of 3 species. But it did contain two lifers, Red-line Quaker, Agrochola lota and Yellow-line Quaker, A. macilenta. They don't quite live up to the Yellow-browed Warb' found by Phil and Martin in Aberdare Country Park yesterday, (Top find guy's, I couldn't even find a Chiffy) but it will do for me.