Notice Board 2004

IDENTIFICATION: Any member of the group is able to handle identification queries on moths at any of their stages and if in doubt will refer the matter on for a second opinion. At the outset the insect should be retained or a realistic photograph provided. In general we would like to hear of moths that are classed on the site as rare, scarce or very local at the time of recording.

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2004 Records: A NEW COUNTY RECORD FOR 2004: I have now reviewed the 2004 records and the following moth was a new record for the county.
23 June 2004. One Small Grass Emerald C. viridata taken at m.v. light in a Wellingborough garden (SP86) by Derek Larkin. This is the first positive record of the moth being taken in Northamptonshire.
All other significant moths picked up from late submitted records will feature in the maps and write ups in due course.
Once again excellent progress has been made during the 2004 season in the grid square coverage especially in the south-western area of the county. The up to date grid square coverage map is now available by clicking onto Request for Information/Records from the County Recorder

A Sad Announcement
Dr. Derek Howton died on 4th September 2004 after a long illness.  He was a first class all round naturalist and although specialising in butterflies and moths since boyhood he was especially knowledgeable on other insects as well.  He acted as the Northamptonshire County Recorder for Bumblebees and Wasps for many years.  Personally I have been mothing with Derek all over the country for well over 30 years during which time we experienced our fair share of successes, failures and odd incidents that befall individuals when they engage in such unusual night-time activities.   These memories, some amusing and others less so will always remain with me.  He was an excellent companion and over the years I learnt much from him. He will be greatly missed by his mothing friends.  John Ward.

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Northants Moth Group Meeting
The meeting held on Tuesday, 23rd November at 7:30pm was well attended. The group discussed the 2004 season, the web site and made a start on deciding a schedule for 2005. Click here to read the minutes. Note that the programme for 2005 will be posted on this site in the near future.

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Please note that an additional map showing the actual numerical grid square coverage at 31st December 2003 has now been placed on the site under the request for information / records section.

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31 December 2004. Two Early Moth T. primaria, one Pale Brindled Beauty P. pilosaria and three Spring Ushers A. leucophaearia were recorded in Hazelborough Forest (SP64) by Terry Stokes at actinic light. Further examples of abnormally early moths for Northants.

30 December 2004. Ten Early Moth T. primaria and two Pale Brindled Beauty P. pilosaria taken at actinic light in Hazelborough Forest (SP64) by Terry Stokes.

30 December 2004. Five Spring Ushers A. leucophaearia were recorded at both actinic and m.v. light at Everdon Stubbs (SP65) by Richard Baylis and Mark Hammond. An example of the early emergence of a moth more usually seen in February and March.

5th December 2004. One Pale Brindled Beauty P. pilosaria taken in Farthingstone (SP65) by Paul Egerton.

4 December 2004. A single Pale Brindled Beauty P. pilosaria taken at m.v. light traps in Fermyn Woods (SP98) by Richard Baylis and Mark Hammond.

25 November 2004. A single Pale Brindled Beauty P. pilosaria taken in m.v. light traps at Pitsford Reserve (SP77) by Philip Horsnail amongst a catch of late season moths. This moth was followed by three others in early December. Literature states that this moth is seen in, "January to March, and occasionally in late December." Clearly these are abnormally early occurrences of the species.

5 November 2004. The final Moth Group trip of the year to Newbottle Spinney (SP53) proved more successful than last year's outing, but once again did not turn up the target moth, Plumed Prominent. Eight species were recorded over a period of approximately 2.5 hours, most notable of which were seven Red-green Carpets C. siterata, mostly coming to an actinic trap hastily put up by the roadside, rather than the two 125W mercury vapour lights carefully placed under the thinning canopy. We also recorded a single melanic male Winter Moth O. brumata. Once again the actual number of individuals recorded was very low given the relatively good weather conditions for this time of year. Click here for full catch list.

15 October 2004. The Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Hazelborough Wood (SP64) was once again marred by poor weather conditions, with eight species being recorded. Despite the constant drizzle, there were as many moths seen at sugar as to the various MV and actinic light traps. Sadly, the target species was not seen on this occasion. Click here for full catch list.

30 September 2004. One Dusky-lemon Sallow X. gilvago taken in a garden m.v. light trap at Yardley Hastings (SP85) by Jeff Blincow.

24 September 2004. One Pale-lemon Sallow X. ocellaris taken at m.v. Light at Everdon Stubbs (SP65) by Richard Baylis and Mark Hammond.

17 September 2004. The Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Yardley Chase (SP85) resulted in only twenty species being recorded, the most significant of which were two Oak Lutestring C. diluta. Although the weather conditions were not ideal the overall catch was only seventy-four moths which is a low total for such a good site at this time of year. Generally moths have been far less plentiful and down in quality in recent weeks as is evident when comparing the current notice board with that of 2003. Click here for full catch list.

5 September 2004. One Dotted Rustic R. simulans taken at sugar in a Welllingborough garden (SP86) by Derek Larkin. In my experience when the moth was more plentiful some twenty years ago it was more often seen at flowers and sugar than at light.

30 August 2004. Three Small Mottled Willow S. exigua and one Dark Sword-grass A.ipsilon taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Wellingborough (SP86) by Derek Larkin. A welcome sign of migrant activity.

21 August 2004. The Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Titchmarsh Lakes Nature Reserve (TL08) resulted in only twenty-six species being recorded. Most numerous moth and first to be seen was Green Carpet C. pectinataria, with several being netted even before the lights were turned on. Last to come to light were a number of Rosy Rustics H. micacea, all appearing within a few minutes of each other just after 11pm. A number of species visited the sugar patches, including a single Old Lady m.maura. Once again however, the target moth, Webb's Wainscot A. sparganii, was not seen. Click here for full catch list.

15 August 2004. One Small Mottled Willow S. exigua taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Greatworth (SP54) by Terry Stokes.

13 August 2004. One Cream-bordered Green Pea E. clorana taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond.

6 August 2004. The Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Fermyn Woods (SP98) resulted in a seventy-four species catch. This included seven Mere Wainscot P. fluxa and a single Lunar-spotted Pinion C. pyralinia. Unfortunately, the target species, White-spotted Pinion C. diffinis, was not recorded on this occasion. Click here for full catch list.

6 August 2004. One Marbled Clover H. viriplaca taken in his Wellingborough garden (SP86) by Derek Larkin. This constitutes the fourth county record for this rare migrant species.

5 August 2004. Another The Four-spotted T. luctuosa was taken at m.v. light at Ring Haw, part of the Old Sulehay reserve (TL09) by Ron Follows. Also noted was The Crescent C. leucostigma and Small Rufous C. rufa as part of a ninety-nine species catch.

5 August 2004. A single Large Thorn E. autumnaria was taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Chelveston (SP96) by Simon Wantling. This is the second year running that this species has been recorded in his garden

30 July 2004. One Ear Moth A. oculea was taken at m.v. light at Yardley Chase (SP85) by Steve Brayshaw.

29 July 2004. One The Four-spotted T. luctuosa taken at m.v. light at Old Sulehay (TL09) by Ron Follows. A grid square update of the record of 28 July 1945 from Bedford Purlieus.

29 July 2004. One The Crescent C. leucostigma taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond. Still an under-recorded wetland species in the county.

28 July 2004. One Narrow-winged Pug E. nanata and one Ear Moth A. oculea taken at m.v. light in Greatworth (SP54) by Terry Stokes. The former presumably a vagrant from cultivated heathers.

24 July 2004. One Cream-bordered Green Pea E. clorana larva beaten from osier at Boughton Park (SP98) by John Ward.

23 July 2004. The Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Badby Wood (SP55) resulted in fifty-nine species being taken but nothing exceptional. The catch included, eight Slender Brindle A. scolopacina, six Buff Footmen E. deplana and a single Dark Umber P. transversata. Click here for full catch list.

22 July 2004. One Ear Moth A. oculea was taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. This is the second consecutive year that this moth has been recorded at this site.

22 July 2004. One Mere Wainscot P. fluxa taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond.

20 July 2004. Four Red-tipped Clearwing S. formicaeformis attracted to pheromone lures at Yardley Chase (SP85) by George Higgs. This supports our belief that the moth is much more widespread in the county than previous records suggest.

17 July 2004. One Heart and Club A. clavis taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond. A worn example but positively identified.

17 July 2004. The Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Titchmarsh Lakes (TL08) failed to record the target species, Red-tipped Clearwing, despite utilising pheromone lures for approximately three hours in various locations around the reserve. Several common, normally nocturnal, species were disturbed from low growing plants.

13 July 2004. One Least Carpet I. rusticata taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Wellingborough (SP86) by Derek Larkin. The second county record for this species.

12 July 2004. One Buttoned Snout H. rostralis larva beaten from hop at Ekens' Copse (SP98) by John Ward. The moth is seldom seen and almost certainly under-recorded in the county.

9 July 2004. Two Mere Wainscot P. fluxa, three Small Emerald H. chrysoprasaria, two Slender Brindle A. scolopacina, and singletons of Dingy Shears P. ypsillon and Scallop Shell R. undulata were the highlights of a sixty-two species catch recorded during the Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Salcey Forest (SP85). Neither of the two target species were noted on this occasion, but the species total was considered to be quite acceptable given the relatively poor weather for early July (temperature dropping to 6°C at 01:00hrs). It is perhaps significant that no Concolorous were taken as the moth would still be on the wing and numbers have declined in recent years in this locality. We were delighted to welcome members of local moth groups from both Lancashire and Bedfordshire on this occasion. Click here for full catch list.

6 July 2004. Six Six-belted Clearwing B. ichneumoniformis and two Red-tipped Clearwing S. formicaeformis seen at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) attracted to pheromone lures by Phil Horsnail. The latter record represents the third county record of this species since the VCH, further suggesting that it is an under-recorded species, which could be resident along more of the Nene Valley within the county.

5 July 2004. One Fen Wainscot A. phragmitidis taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Chelveston (SP96) by Simon Wantling. This is the second year running that this wetland species has been recorded in his garden.

5 July 2004. A single Humming-bird Hawk-moth M. stellatarum observed visiting Hosta flowers in their Sywell garden (SP86) by Marilyn and Jim Dunkley.

3 July 2004. Seven Six-belted Clearwing B. ichneumoniformis at Harrington Airfield (SP77) taken to pheromone lure by Jeff Blincow.

2 July 2004. Four Heart Moth D. oo taken at m.v. light in Yardley Chase (SP85) by Jeff Blincow and Phil Horsnail.

29 June 2004. Two Death's-head Hawk-moth A.atropos discovered by Jake Ward at Finedon (SP97) in cop amongst timber imported from Rumania. The moths were liberated in a neighbouring wood near to allotments.

29 June 2004. One The Concolorous P. extrema taken in an m.v. light trap at Geddington Chase (SP98) by Brenda and John Ward, part of a sixty-five species catch. This is the first time that The Concolorous has been seen in Geddington Chase since 1997 which is a further pointer towards the moths recovery. It is perhaps worth saying that the same light traps in the same positions within the site attracted fifteen examples of the moth on 25 July 1992.

28 June 2004. Twelve Heart Moth D. oo, half of which were form ab. renago, taken at m.v. light in a private area of Yardley Chase (SP85) by Jeff Blincow. No moths were seen at sugar, the first moth coming to light at 1.55 a.m. As all of the moths were very fresh it appears that they had not long emerged. It has long been suspected that this Red Data Book species could be hanging on amongst the massive old Northamptonshire oaks in this eminently suitable locality. Hopefully this heralds the return to the moths former status in the county.

28 June 2004. One Red-tipped Clearwing S. formicaeformis to pheromone lure at Borough Fen Duck Decoy (TF20) by Paul Waring. The first Northamptonshire record of this nationally scarce clearwing for 29 years and only the second in 114 years. This moth is easily overlooked and I think that it is much more widespread within the county than records suggest..

27 June 2004. Two Yellow-legged Clearwing S. vespiformis to pheromone lure at Castor Hanglands (TF10) by Paul Waring at the EN/BENHS event. Although nationally scarce this clearwing is certainly under-recorded in the county and with the advent of pheromone lures its true distribution is becoming apparent.

27 June 2004. Two Six-belted Clearwing B. ichneumoniformis at Priors Hall Quarry (SP99) and four Six-belted Clearwing B. ichneumoniformis at Harringworth airfield (SP99) taken to pheromone lure by Mark Hammond.

25 June 2004. One Heart and Club A. clavis taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Greatworth (SP54) by Terry Stokes.

25 June 2004. The Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Priors Hall Quarry (SP99) resulted in twenty-six species being taken, the highlight being a single Dotted Fan-foot M. cribrumalis netted flying over the reeds. This is an update of the 1939 record of this nationally scarce species and the second county record. In view of the moths predominantly eastern distribution it is a really significant record both nationally and for Northamptonshire. The Red Data Book The Concolorous P. extrema and nationally scarce Mere Wainscot P. fluxa were also included in the catch. Due to the prevalence of Calamagrostis on the site and this years apparent pick up in Concolorous fortunes both of these species were expected. The locally uncommon Heart and Club A. clavis was also taken. The numbers of moths recorded was exceptionally low due to the cold clear conditions and by midnight few moths were flying or to be found. Throughout the evening it was apparent that the extensive low lying reed bed, where the lights were run, is an exceptionally cold area within the site and the temperature was around 5 degrees centigrade here when we left at about 0030 hours. Click here for full catch list.

16 June 2004. One Brown Scallop Philereme vetula, two Satin Wave I. subsericeata and one hundred and sixty Reddish Light Arches A. sublustris taken in an m.v. light trap as part of a sity-eight species catch from Collyweston Quarry (TFOO) by Jeff Blincow and Phil Horsnail. Also included in the catch were six The Concolorous P. extrema, three Fox Moth M. rubi, five Small Elephant Hawk-moth D. porcellus, two Bordered Sallow P. umbra, four Marbled Coronet H. confusa and two Tawny Shears H. perplexa.

14 June 2004. Twenty-six The Concolorous P. extrema taken in an m.v. light trap as part of a 115 macro species catch from Ring Haw (TL09) by Ron Follows which also included Reddish Light Arches A. sublustris, False Mocha C. porata and Bordered Straw H. peltigera. The Concolorous seems to be enjoying a good season.

14 June 2004. One Bordered Sallow P. umbra and one Pine Hawk-moth H. pinastri taken in an m.v. light trap as part of a fifty-six species catch from Collyweston Quarry (TFOO) by Jeff Blincow; the latter being a new record for the site. Also included in the catch was one The Concolorous P. extrema. Six Reddish Light Arches A. sublustris were taken at sugar by Derek Larkin who netted a worn Beautiful Brocade L. contigua whilst leaving the quarry.

14 June 2004. Eight Currant Clearwing S. tipuliformis to pheromone lure at Brixworth allotments (SP77) and one Large Red-belted Clearwing S. culiciformis to lure at Overstone (SP86) by Philip Horsnail. The latter being the second Northamptonshire locality for this nationally scarce moth.

13 June 2004. One Bordered Sallow P. umbra taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Yardley Chase (SP85) by Steve Brayshaw. The first record of the moth in (SP85).

13 June 2004. One The Concolorous P. extrema taken in a Kettering town garden (SP88) m.v. light trap by John Ward. Although I did not run a light trap at the Moth Group outing on the 11th June at Yardley Chase and did not knowingly bring back any moths, in view of the numbers of Concolorous flying about there is a strong possibility that this moth was transported back in or under my car. There is however an earlier record of the moth having been taken in this garden on 1 July 1994.

13 June 2004. One Currant Clearwing S. tipuliformis to pheromone lure and one The Four-spotted T. luctuosa recorded on the wing in the afternoon at Harringworth airfield (SP99) by Mark Hammond.

12 June 2004. One Light Feathered Rustic A. cinerea and one Satin Wave I. subsericeata taken at Storefield Wood (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward. Part of a thirty-five species catch from this old quarried land.

12 June 2004. One Figure of Eighty T. ocularis ab. fusca taken in a Kettering town garden (SP88) m.v. light trap by John Ward. The first example of the melanic form of this species that I have seen in Northamptonshire.

11 June 2004. The Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Yardley Chase (SP85) resulted in twenty plus examples of the target moth The Concolorous P. extrema being taken, further confirmation that the species is at least well established in this locality. Overall sixty-seven species were recorded which included one Orange Footman E. sororcula, the first specific record for this recently spreading species in the Chase and the fourth new locality for the moth this year. It was nice to be joined by members of the Suffolk moth group who had come to see our target species, which pleasingly for the first time this year we produced to order. Click here for full catch list.

10 June 2004. Five Fox Moth M. rubi, forty-four Small Elephant Hawk-moth D. porcellus, twenty-one Reddish Light Arches A. sublustris, four Marbled Coronet H. confusa and five Tawny Shears H. perplexa taken in an m.v. light trap as part of a twenty-five species tally taken at m.v. light at Barnack Hills and Holes (TF00) by Jeff Blincow. This was an exceptional catch under adverse windy conditions, again highlighting the quality of the limestone grassland habitat in the north of the county.

8 June 2004. One Treble Brown Spot I. trigeminata taken at m.v. light at Old Sulehay (TL09) by Ron Follows.

8 June 2004. One Netted Pug E. venosata taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Chelveston (SP96) by Simon Wantling. The second successive year that the moth has been trapped in this garden.

7 June 2004. One The Concolorous P. extrema and one Treble Brown Spot I. trigeminata taken at m.v. light at Castor Hanglands (TF10) by Chris Gardiner.

7 June 2004. Three The Concolorous P. extrema were taken at m.v. light in Yardley Chase (SP85) by Jeff Blincow.

6 June 2004. One Clouded Magpie A. sylvata was taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. This is the third consecutive year that this moth has been recorded at this site.

6 June 2004. A single Small Elephant Hawk-moth D. porcellus was seen flying in his Northampton garden (SP76) by Bob Gill.

5 June 2004. Four Fox Moth M. rubi, one Netted Pug E. venosata, two Tawny Shears H. perplexa and three Marbled Coronet H. confusa were taken at m.v. light at Collyweston Deeps (TF00) by Jeff Blincow. Part of a forty plus species catch. It is perhaps significant that neither Beautiful Brocade L. contigua or Dark Brocade B. Adusta were recorded on the last three trips here. Both species were very much a feature of light trapping in May and June on the quarry in the 1980's.

4 June 2004. A further trip to Collyweston Deeps (TF00) by Philip Horsnail and Bob Gill resulted in a fifty-two species catch, including eight Fox Moth M. rubi, one Grass Rivulet P. albulata , two Marbled Coronet H. confusa, one Tawny Shears H. perplexa and two Small Elephant Hawk-moth D. porcellus.

31 May 2004. One Narrow-winged Pug E. nanata seen flying by day in Priors Hall Quarry (SP99) by Pete and Diane Sharpe. As heather does not grow on this site or generally in the county the moth was presumably a vagrant.

31 May 2004. One Orange Footman E. sororcula taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond.

29 May 2004. One Golden-rod Pug E. virgaureata taken at Storefield Wood (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward. Part of a twenty-six species catch from an m.v. light trap left overnight.

28 May 2004. The first of the Chimney Sweeper's O. atrata seen flying in the SSSI hay meadow at Barford Meadows (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward.

23 May 2004. Four Pale Oak Beauty S. punctinalis, two of the typical form but two ab Humperti, taken in an actinic light trap in Hazelborough Forest (SP64) by Terry Stokes. This form is a rarity in the county.

23 May 2004. Three Grass Rivulet P. albulata seen flying in Sudborough Meadow (SP98) by Mark Hammond. A local species for the county and in my experience sometimes absent where its foodplant grows commonly.

22 May 2004. The Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Collyweston Deeps (TFOO) to coincide with National Moth Night resulted in none of the target species being seen. Seventeen species were taken with Light Brocade L. w-latinum being the best moth. The prevailing cold, clear conditions were extremely detrimental to moth trapping with numbers well down at light and none at all at the twenty-four sugared posts. Click here for full catch list.

19 May 2004. Two Orange Footman E. sororcula taken at Old Sulehay (TL09) by Ron Follows. Further evidence of the recent spread of this footman within the county.

18 May 2004. Small Yellow Underwing P. tenebrata and Marsh Pug E. pygmaeata seen flying in the SSSI hay meadow at Barford Meadows (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward.

17 May 2004. Four Small Yellow Underwing P. tenebrata seen flying at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail.

14 May 2004. Three The Rivulet P. affinitata taken at m.v. light at Everdon Stubbs (SP65) by Richard Baylis, Mark Hammond and Simon Wantling, confirming that the primary distribution of this moth in Northamptonshire as westerly. Part of an eighteen species catch.

13 May 2004. One Orange Underwing A. parthenias seen flying at Twywell Hills and Dales (SP97) by Brenda and John Ward. Due to the cool damp conditions in the quarry this species flies late at this site and the record is an update of a moth seen on 29 April 1996.

13 May 2004. One Small Yellow Underwing P. tenebrata seen flying in Sudborough Meadow (SP98) by Perdita Cawthorne.

10 May 2004. Two Pinion Spotted Pug E. insigniata taken at m.v. light at Ring Haw (TL09) by Ron Follows. A rare pug in Northamptonshire.

9 May 2004. One Orange Footman E. sororcula taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Farthingstone (SP 65) by Paul Egerton. The second recent record in the south of the county.

24 April 2004. One Blossom Underwing O. miniosa taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Greatworth (SP54) by Terry Stokes, the second of this species within a week. Further confirmation that this moth is widely distributed in the south of the county.

23 April 2004. The Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Easton Hornstocks (TFOO) did not result in the target moth Early Tooth-striped T. carpinata being taken. A total of thirty-two species were seen, the most significant moth being Frosted Green P. ridens of which some forty were taken. This is an update of the single moth that was recorded at Easton Hornstocks on 22 April 1992. This clearly confirms that this species is now well established in the north of the county. Historically, although present at Castor Hanglands, despite being extensively worked it was never recorded at Bedford Purlieus which being less than two miles away could now reasonably be expected to support the moth. Click here for full catch list.

22 April 2004. Two Great Prominent P. anceps taken at an actinic light trap in Hazelborough Forest (SP64) by Terry Stokes.

16 April 2004. One Frosted Green P. ridens taken m.v. light in Fermyn Woods (SP98) by Mark Hammond and Simon Wantling. The first record of the moth in (SP98) since the moth was taken on 2 April 1906 by E. F. Wallis at Geddington Chase.

14 April 2004. One Orange Underwing A. parthenias seen flying in Whistley Wood (SP64) by Terry Stokes.

13 April 2004. Two White-marked C. leucographa taken at m.v. light in Fermyn Woods (S98) by Philip Horsnail and Mark Hammond. Part of a fourteen species catch.

12 April 2004. Eleven Blossom Underwing O. miniosa and nine Frosted Green P. ridens taken at m.v. light in Yardley Chase (SP85) by Jeff Blincow.

11 April 2004. One Blossom Underwing O. miniosa seen fluttering round a garden m.v. light trap at Lower Benefield (SP98) by Perdita Cawthorne. The first modern record for this grid square.

11 April 2004. Yet another unsuccessful trip for Barred Tooth-striped T. polycommata to Bedford Purlieus (TL09) by Mark Hammond. In mothing I have learnt never to say never, but it does now look as if this moth is no longer at Bedford Purlieus. With the amount of searching that has taken place this year, what is certain is that if it is there at all it is at very low density, but there again it always was.

9 April 2004. A further Dotted Chestnut C. rubiginea taken at m.v. light in Hazelborough Forest (SP64) by Terry Stokes. This adds to the likelyhood that the species is now resident there.

9 April 2004. Four Blossom Underwing O. miniosa, one Pale Pinion L. hepatica and one Frosted Green P. ridens taken at m.v. light in Hazelborough Forest (SP64), part of a twenty-six species catch by Richard Baylis, Mark Hammond and Simon Wantling.

7 April 2004. A further unsuccessful trip for Barred Tooth-striped T. polycommata was made to Bedford Purlieus (TL09). A larva of the Square-spotted Clay X. rhomboidea was found feeding on common nettle by Paul Waring. This species seems to be quite well established in the north-eastern part of the county.

7 April 2004. One Light Orange Underwing A. notha seen flying in the sunshine at Boughton Park (SP98) by Brenda and John Ward. A new Northamptonshire locality for this Nationally Scarce species.

3 April 2004. The further trip to Bedford Purlieus to try for the Barred Tooth-striped T. polycommata was unsuccessful and due to the adverse conditions few other moths were seen. I have heard today from Mark Parsons who found one of the 1987 moths and he said that it was sitting very low down on the privet and therefore not as easily seen as the moths that I saw at Castor Hanglands which were quite high up.

3 April 2004. Three White-marked C. leucographa taken at m.v. light in Rawhaw Wood (SP88) by Philip Horsnail. Members of the Suffolk Moth Group joined this trip.

1 April 2004. One Dotted Chestnut C. rubiginea taken at m.v. light in Hazelborough Forest (SP64) by Terry Stokes. This is a 113 year update for the species in the county. The last record was in about 1891 at Lilford (TL08) by W. Edwards. Apparently the moth is known to be increasing its range.

31 March 2004. One Tawny Pinion L. semibrunnea taken in the Pitsford Reservoir m.v. light traps (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. Currently generally producing less records than its congener the Pale Pinion L. hepatica.

31 March 2004. Four Orange Underwing A. parthenias seen flying in the Cherrylap/Slingsnook area of Fermyn Woods (SP98) by Perdita Cawthorne.

30 March 2004. One Humming-bird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum observed visiting garden flowers in Duston (SP76) by John Sharpe. Apparently moths have been seen in recent days in southern England.

27 March 2004. Two Blossom Underwing O. miniosa taken at an m.v. light trap at Denton (SP85) by Steve Brayshaw.

26 March 2004. The Northamptonshire Moth Group trip to Bedford Purlieus (TLO9) did not result in the target moth Barred Tooth-striped T. polycommata being taken despite the numerous stands of wild privet being well searched. The last occasion that the moth was seen in the Purlieus was 30 March 1987. My own field records suggest that at this stage 1987 was rather more forward than we are now so there is still a small chance that the moth may not yet be out. A total of twenty species were seen, the most significant of which were Pale Pinion L. hepatica ab. rufescens and White-marked C. leucographa, there was one melanic ab. hirschkei Brindled Pug E. abbreviata out of a total of some twenty and the most common moth was Small Quaker O. cruda with some 1500 recorded. Click here for full catch list.

17 March 2004 and 19 March 2004. Two Pale Pinion L. hepatica taken in the Pitsford Reservoir m.v. light traps (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. Since 1995, when it was recorded in the county after an absence of 133 years, this species continues to increase its range but still remains local.

11 January 2004. The first of the new season's species. One Early Moth T. primaria and two Pale Brindled Beauty P. pilosaria taken at m.v. light traps in Fermyn Woods (SP98) by Richard Baylis and Mark Hammond.