Moths of Northamptonshire

Notice Board - 2003

TWO NEW COUNTY RECORDS FOR 2003: I have now reviewed the 2003 records and the following two moths were all time new records for the county. This demonstrates the value of the addtional recording effort of last year and shows that there are still new moths to be found.

22nd May 2003. One Pauper Pug (Fletcher's Pug) E. egenaria taken at m.v. light at Old Sulehay Wildlife Trust Reserve (TL09) by Ron Follows, det. Andy Mackay. This is the first known record of this moth in Northamptonshire.

20th July 2003. One Least Carpet I. rusticata taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Bozeat (SP95) by Sandy David. The first Northamptonshire record for this species.

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Significant retrospective records picked up from end of year records submission.

20th July 2003. One Least Carpet I. rusticata taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Bozeat (SP95) by Sandy David. The first Northamptonshire record for this species.

31st May 1982. One Lunar Thorn S. lunularia taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Ravensthorpe (SP67) by Richard Baylis. The only post 1980 county record for the species.

3rd August 2003. One Brown-veined Wainscot A. dissoluta taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond.

21st September 2003. One Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Lower Benefield (SP98) by Perdita Cawthorne.

30th August 2003. One Oak Lutestring C. diluta taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond.

8th June 2003. One Yellow-legged ClearwingS. vespiformis taken at pheromone lure in a garden in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond.

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23rd November 2003. One Death's-head Hawk-moth A. atropos pupa found in a greenhouse in Syresham (SP64) notified by Darren Jeacock.

7th November 2003. Due to the cold clear conditions, the Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Newbottle Spinney (SP53) resulted in only two common moths being recorded. As the area is under-recorded both were new to the grid square.

18th October 2003. One Figure of Eight D. caeruleocephala taken at Boughton Park (SP88) by Derek Howton and John Ward. Part of a thirteen species catch from six traps left overnight. This species appears to have become much less common in the county in recent years. Although my own field records show that I have seen the moth in seven of the last ten years, it has always been in small numbers and the caterpillars are no longer readily seen in the hedgerows. As this also applies to the caterpillars of The Lackey M. neustria, could this be a consequence of greater vehicle pollution or indiscriminate hedge cutting?

17th October 2003. The Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Fineshade (SP99) resulted in fifteen species being taken; the most significant moth being Red-green Carpet C. siterata. Records for this species have markedly increased throughout the county over the past decade.

27th September 2003. One Death's-head Hawk-moth A. atropos found in a garden in Turweston (SP63) by Joyce Ball and notified by Roy McCormick, Devonshire county moth recorder. The moth was in very good condition and was audibly squeaking.

25th September 2003. One Dusky-lemon Sallow X. gilvago seen at Farthingstone (SP65) by Paul Egerton.

25th September 2003. One Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond.

25th September 2003. One Pale-lemon Sallow X. ocellaris taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Chelveston (SP96) by Simon Wantling.

25th September 2003. One Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Yardley Chase (SP85) by Steve Brayshaw. This species is clearly having a good year.

21st & 24th September 2003. Four Dusky-lemon Sallow X. gilvago taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Chelveston (SP96) by Simon Wantling.

21st & 24th September 2003. Two Convolvulus Hawk-moths A. convolvuli seen at Farthingstone (SP65) by Paul Egerton.

19th September 2003. The Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Ravensthorpe Reservoir (SP67) resulted in sixteen species being taken; nothing of any significance.

18th September 2003. One Pale-lemon Sallow X. ocellaris taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond.

5th September 2003. One Death's-head Hawk-moth A. atropos found in a house in Syresham (SP64) and handed to Darren Jeacock.

3rd September 2003. One Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli taken in a garden in Byfield (SP55) in June and subsequently handed to Ken Williams.

26th August 2003. One Heath Rustic X. agathina taken at a garden m.v. light trap at Kingsthorpe (SP76) by Peter Sharpe. The first Northamptonshire record of the moth for over half a century.

23rd August 2003. One The Gem 0. obstipata taken at Boughton Park (SP88) by Derek Howton and John Ward. Part of a fifty-five species catch from five traps left overnight. Common Wainscot M. pallens, primarily second brood moths, were noticeably plentiful with 1297 examples counted and others flying away.

23rd August 2003. One The Gem 0. obstipata taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Northampton (SP76) by Bob Gill.

23rd August 2003. One Large Thorn E. autumnaria taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Chelveston (SP96) by Simon Wantling. A very local species for VC32, possibly reinforced by migration.

23rd August 2003. One Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Yardley Hastings (SP85) by Jeff Blincow. A scarce migrant to the county.

21st August 2003. One Death's-head Hawk-moth A. atropos caterpillar found near Brigstock (SP98). Identified by drawing and verbal description by John Ward.

18th August 2003. One Small Mottled Willow S. exigua taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Daventry (SP56) by Ken Williams.

15th August 2003. One Small Mottled Willow S. exigua taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Brixworth (SP76) by Philip Horsnail.

15th August 2003. The Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) resulted in thirty-nine species being taken. The most significant moth seen was a singleton of the immigrant Bordered Straw H. peltigera.

13th August 2003. One Bordered Straw H. peltigera seen feeding at flowers of Purple Loosestrife at Billing Gravel Pit (SP86) by Jim Dunkley.

10th August 2003. One The Gem 0. obstipata taken at a garden light trap in Kingsthorpe (SP76) by Peter Sharpe.

9th August 2003. One The Gem 0. obstipata taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond.

9th August 2003. One The Crescent C. leucostigma taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Chelveston (SP96) by Simon Wantling. A local wetland species for VC32.

8th August 2003. One False Mocha C. porata taken at m.v. light at Fineshade (SP99) by Mark Hammond and Simon Wantling; new to the grid square. Part of a thirty-nine species catch, the lower numbers presumably due to the fullness of the moon.

8th August 2003. One Twin-spotted Wainscot A. geminipuncta taken at a garden light trap in Kettering (SP88) by John Ward. This and the previous wetland species were both males and are first time records for this garden trap that has been run for twenty-one years. This suggests a dispersal of moths from wetland in the current exceptionally hot weather.

8th August 2003. One Gold Spot P. festucae taken at a garden light trap in Kingsthorpe (SP76) by Peter Sharpe.

7th August 2003. One Gold Spot P. festucae taken at a garden light trap in Kettering (SP88) by John Ward. A rare species for VC32.

7th August 2003. One Vestal R. sacraria taken in a garden light trap in Wellingborough (SP86) by Derek Larkin. Further evidence of migrant activity.

7th August 2003. One Square-spotted Clay X. rhomboidea and eight Twin-spotted Wainscot A. geminipuncta taken at m.v. light at Old Sulehay Wildlife Trust Reserve (TL09) by Perdita Cawthorne, Ron and Judy Follows and Mike Rogers. Part of a sixty-three macro moth species catch. The most common moth being Setaceous Hebrew Character X. c-nigrum with 290 examples.

5th August 2003. The first of the large parkland population of August Thorn E. quercinaria at Boughton Park (SP88 & SP98) taken by Derek Howton and John Ward. Part of a seventy seven species catch from five traps left overnight. The traps contained many hundreds of moths and despite being in the shade due to the high temperatures the moths were extremely active with many flying away before they could be identified. The catch included numerous Nomophila noctuella, fourteen Dark Swordgrass A. ipsilon, the second county record of White-point M. albipuncta, the rare Silver Y A. gamma ab. nigricans and Dog's Tooth L. suasa.

4th August 2003. Two Small Elephant Hawk-moth D. porcellus larvae found feeding on willowherb at Arthingworth (SP77) by Derek Read. An example of a less well used foodplant for a species that normally uses bedstraws.

3rd August 2003. One Large Wainscot R. lutosa and one Twin-spotted Wainscot A. geminipuncta taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond. Both local for the county and both new to the grid square.

31st July 2003. One Antler Moth C. graminis taken in the Pitsford Reservoir m.v. light traps (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. A local moth for the county.

31st July 2003. Six Humming-bird Hawk-moth M. stellatarum larvae found feeding and one Wood Carpet E. rivata observed ovipositing on lady's bedstraw at Bradlaugh Fields (SP76) by Peter Sharpe. Apparently larvae of the former are currently being found unusually plentifully this year. Wood Carpet is an uncommon moth in the county.

27th July 2003. One Ear Moth A. oculea taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Brixworth (SP76) by Philip Horsnail.

24th July 2003. One Lesser-spotted Pinion C. affinis and one Square-spotted Clay X. rhomboidea taken at m.v. light at Old Sulehay Wildlife Trust Reserve (TL09) by Perdita Cawthorne, Ron and Judy Follows, Mike Rogers and Mark Skevington. Part of a ninety eight species macro moth catch which included several other local Northamptonshire moths.

23rd July 2003. One Ear Moth A. oculea taken in the Pitsford Reservoir m.v. light traps (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. A species with few recent records in the county.

19th July 2003. One Fen Wainscot A. phragmitidis taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Chelveston (SP96) by Simon Wantling.

18th July 2003. The Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Fermyn Woods (SP98) resulted in seventy species being taken. The most significant moths were singletons of Fen Wainscot A. phragmitidis and False Mocha C. porata, both local in the county.

18th July 2003. Numerous Six-belted Clearwing B. scopigera attracted to pheromone lure and twelve Chamomile Shark C. chamomillae larvae found feeding on mayweed at Harrington Airfield (SP77) by Peter Sharpe. Both local for Northants.

15th July 2003. One Clouded Magpie A. sylvata taken in the Pitsford Reservoir m.v. light traps (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. The second successive year that singletons of this species have been recorded in this locality.

14th July 2003. One White-line Dart E. tritici taken in the Pitsford Reservoir m.v. light traps (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. Always an uncommon moth for Northamptonshire and only previously known from the north of the vice county in recent times.

14th July 2003. Three Small Rufous C. rufa taken at a garden m.v. light trap at Kingsthorpe (SP76) by Peter Sharpe. An under recorded wetland species.

12th July 2003. The first of the Lesser-spotted Pinion C. affinis taken at m.v. light in Boughton Park (SP88 and SP98) by Derek Howton and John Ward. Part of a ninety two species catch from five m.v. light traps left overnight.

11th July 2003. One The Concolorous P. extrema taken at m.v. light at Fineshade (SP 99) by Mark Hammond. Part of a fifty three species catch. Although worn the moth was unmistakably extrema.

9th July 2003. One The Coronet C. ligustri taken at m.v. light at Old Sulehay Wildlife Trust Reserve (TL09) by Ron Follows and Mike Rogers. Formerly more widespread this species is currently only known from one other site in the county. The catch was exceptionally high with 113 species of macro moths seen and included other local moths for Northamptonshire, ie. The Suspected P. Suspecta, Bordered Sallow P. umbra and The Blackneck L. pastinum. With thirty seven examples Dark Arches A. monoglypha was the most plentiful species recorded on the night.

8th July 2003. Two Netted Pug E. venosata taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Chelveston (SP96) by Simon Wantling.

8th July 2003. Two Vine's Rustic H. ambigua taken at Storefield Wood (SP88) by John Ward. First recorded in mid Northants in 1996 and now regularly seen at light in small numbers. Part of a sixty species catch from two m.v. traps left overnight.

5th July 2003. One Small Emerald H. chrysoprasaria taken at Boughton Park (SP88 and SP98) in one of the park gardens by Derek Howton and John Ward. This is the second garden that this species has been seen in within the park. As there does not seem to be any traveller's-joy growing on the site the indications are that the species is feeding on cultivated forms of Clematis. Ten Lunar-spotted Pinion C. pyralina were also seen, the moth being present in all traps. These catches were part of a seventy three species tally from four m.v. light traps left overnight.

28th June 2003. Three Heart and Club A. clavis taken at light at Boughton Park (SP88 and SP98) by Derek Howton and John Ward, part of an eighty four species catch from six m.v. light traps left overnight. The two most common Cosmia species The-Dunbar C. trapezina and Lunar-spotted Pinion C. pyralina were both seen and are some two weeks early.

22nd June 2003. One Red-necked Footman A. rubricollis taken in the Pitsford Reservoir m.v. light traps (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. The moth would appear to be an immigrant.

16th June 2003. One Netted Pug E. venosata taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Brixworth (SP76) by Philip Horsnail.

16th June 2003. One The Concolorous P. extrema taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Yardley Chase (SP85) by Steve Brayshaw. The species was taken at Yardley Chase last year confirming the presence of an ongoing colony within the Chase.

13th June 2003. The Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Salcey Forest (SP75) resulted in seventy six species being taken. There were no species of particular note. After several years of decline in this former stronghold, it is perhaps significant that The Concolorous P. extrema was not seen. It was also not recorded at a Humbug meeting at Woodwalton Fen on 20th June 2003.

7th June 2003. One Heart and Club A. clavis taken at light at Boughton Park (SP88 and SP98) by Derek Howton and John Ward. Local in the county and part of a fifty six species catch from six m.v. light traps left overnight. One trap contained in excess of one hundred Large Nutmeg A.anceps.

2nd June 2003. One Marsh Pug E. pygmaeata seen at Pitsford Reservoir (SP76) ovipositing on flowers of Greater Stitchwort by Philip Horsnail.

30th May 2003. Five Small Yellow Underwing P. tenebrata seen along the Nene at Kingsthorpe (SP76) by Peter Sharpe. This species seems to be having a good year.

26th May 2003. Five species of day flying moths, Small Yellow Underwing P. tenebrata very common, Chimney Sweeper O. atrata just out, Burnet Companion E. glyphica, Mother Shipton C. mi and a single Marsh Pug E. pygmaeata seen at Barford Meadows (SP88) by Paul Fuller, Philip Horsnail and John Ward.

26th May 2003. Five Small Yellow Underwing P. tenebrata seen at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail.

26th May 2003. Seven Small Yellow Underwing P. tenebrata seen at Holes Field, Brixworth (SP76) by Philip Horsnail.

9th May 2003. Highlights of the Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Hazelborough Forest (SP64). One Scarce Prominent O. carmelita, the first record of the species in the forest and in the grid square. Eighty Great Prominent P. anceps, already known from the site and easily the most common moth on the night. Further confirmation that this species comes to light more readily than other moths of late spring when cool clear conditions prevail.

7th May 2003. One melanic Waved Umber M. abruptaria ab. fuscata taken in the Pitsford Reservoir m.v. light traps (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. The first known record of this melanic in a rural situation, see write-up on site.

7th May 2003. Nine Nut-tree Tussock C. coryli taken at light at Old Sulehay Wildlife Trust Reserve (TL09) by Ron Follows. Local in the county and almost entirely confined to north Northants woodlands.

22nd April 2003. One female Emperor Moth P. pavonia taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Kettering (SP88) by John Ward. The moth has laid a large batch of eggs in the trap. If anyone would like any of these for rearing to assemble next year and fill some of the unrecorded squares, see write up, please let me know. Larvae easily reared on bramble, sallow, hawthorn etc.

19th April 2003. Highlights of the Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Old Sulehay Wildlife Trust Reserve (TL09). Three Small Waved Umber H. vitalbata, local in the county and two Frosted Green P. ridens, a moth more associated with the county's southern woodlands.

15th April 2003. One Ruby Tiger P. fuliginosa and one Sallow Kitten F. furcula taken in garden light traps.
It is now conclusively apparent that the season is running abnormally early this year.

14th April 2003. One Small Eggar E. lanestris taken at m.v. light trap at Cherry Lap in Fermyn Woods (SP968853) by Mark Hammond.

12th April 2003. Some 2003 Northamptonshire National Moth Night Results

D. Read. Little Cransley village garden, SP835764. Partly cloudy with frost, min. temp. -1C. 1 x 125 m.v. light trap operated from dusk to dawn. Results, one Common Quaker O. cerasi and one Hebrew Character O. gothica.

J. Ward. Kettering town garden, SP868804. Partly cloudy with frost, min. temp. 0C. 1 x 125 m.v. light trap operated from dusk to dawn. Results one Common Quaker O. cerasi and one Hebrew Character O. gothica.

D. Howton and J. Ward. Boughton Park, old parkland, woodland and wetland, SP895815. Partly cloudy with a covering of white frost at 6 a.m. per resident shepherd. 1 x 6 watt actinic light trap, 4 x 125 m.v. light traps and 1 x 160 watt blended lamp operated from dusk to dawn. Results, one The Chestnut C. vaccinii, ten Clouded Drab O. incerta, eleven Common Quaker O. cerasi, one Early Thorn S. dentaria, thirty-nine Hebrew Character O. gothica, one Purple Thorn S. tetralunaria, five Small Quaker O. cruda and three Twin-spotted Quaker O. munda.

M. Hammond. Thrapston town garden, TL003784. 1 x 125 m.v. light trap operated from dusk to dawn. Results, four Clouded Drab O. incerta, three Common Quaker O. cerasi, four Early Grey X. areola, one Early Thorn S. dentaria, five Hebrew Character O. gothica, one The Spectacle A. tripartita and two Small Quaker O. cruda.

M. Hammond and S. Wantling. Public event at Fineshade, mixed woodland, SP978985. Very cold. 2 x 125 m.v. light traps operated from 20.10pm to 22.20pm. Results, five Brindled Pug E. abbreviata, two Clouded Drab O. incerta,eight Common Quaker O. cerasi, two Early Thorn S. dentaria, three Hebrew Character O. gothica, one Satellite E. transversa, one Shoulder Stripe A. badiata seven Small Quaker O. cruda, four Twin-spotted Quaker O. munda, two Water Carpet L. suffumata and one White-marked C. leucographa.

P. Egerton. Mantles Heath, woodland, SP55. Cool and clear. Actinic lantern, torch and net. Results, two Water Carpet L. suffumata and two The Engrailed E. bistortata.

P. Egerton. Farthingstone village garden, SP65. Cool and clear. 1 x 125 m.v. light trap. Results, two Hebrew Character O. gothica, one March Moth A. aescularia and one Shoulder Stripe A. badiata.

D. Larkin. Wellingborough town garden, SP86. Cold and clear. 1 x 125 m.v. light trap operated from dusk to dawn. Results, one Clouded Drab O. incerta, one Early Grey X. areola, two Hebrew Character O. gothica and one Small Quaker O. cruda.

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6th April 2003. Very Early Sightings Reported

5th April 2003. One Buff Ermine S. luteum taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Kingsthorpe Northampton (SP76) by Peter Sharpe.

5th April 2003. Two Common Swift H. lupulinus and one Scalloped Hook-tip taken at a Wellingborough garden light trap (SP86) by Derek Larkin.

5th April 2003. Ten Light Orange Underwing A. notha and three Orange Underwing A. parthenias flying around aspen and birch repectively in Hazelborough Forest (SP64) Peter and Diane Sharpe.

26th March 2003. Two Orange Underwing A. parthenias flying in Titchmarsh Wood (SP976828) Perdita Cawthorne.

25th March 2003. One Small Eggar E. lanestris taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Chelveston (SP96) by Simon Wantling.