Notice Board 2006

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. The up to date grid square coverage map is now available by clicking onto:
Request for Information/Records from the County Recorder

2006 Records: - 

MIGRANT MOTHS IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE DURING 2006
We have now worked through the 2006 migrant records and have passed the information on to Philip and Bob for them to prepare a more comprehensive analysis for inclusion in their newsletter. Meanwhile we are providing a bare listing of the species and numbers involved in alphabetical order below.
1 Blair's Mocha C. puppillaria. - A new county record.
17 Bordered Straw H. peltigera
22 Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli
28 The Delicate M. vitellina
6 The Gem O. obstipata
12 Great Brocade E. occulta
1 Marbled Clover H. viriplaca
1 Ni Moth T. ni
158 Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera
1 Silver-striped Hawk-moth H. celerio
39 Small Mottled Willow S. exigua
1 Striped Hawk-moth H. livornica
1 Tree-lichen Beauty C. algae. - A new county record.
53 The Vestal R. sacraria
1 White-point M. albipuncta.
Hopefully 2007 will bring more interesting migrants to the county.

A Further note on 2006 record submissions: -

Currently less than half of the expected records have been received, consequently the start of the production of the newletter and the updating of the maps and write ups has had to be delayed. As we now urgently need to complete the required work on the website the amendments arising from any records received after 15th January will have to be left until next years revisions. The records received so far have revealed a third county record for The Ni Moth T. ni taken on 4 August at Wellingborough (SP86) by Derek Larkin.

It would be most helpful if all 2006 records could be sent to John Ward as soon as possible once recording for the season has finished with any new species for each site marked please. Due to it becoming necessary to restrict the migrant record entries on the notice board this year, I would also like a note of the actual numbers and dates seen for migrants that have previously been regarded as less than common.
As this has been such an unusual year for moths in the county, Bob Gill and Philip Horsnail are producing a newsletter for circulation to recorders.  Along with items of general interest this will also include detailed coverage of the high migrant activity, out of season appearances of moths and notes on some of the species that seem to be in major decline in Northamptonshire.  If anyone would like to include an article, even if it is just a single interesting record, please contact Philip direct at pitsford@cix.compulink.co.uk As much of the material for this newsletter will be dependent upon the records submitted please make an extra effort to send these in early this year. Thanks.

31 December 2006. The cumulative number of species recorded for 2006 at the end of December for Sywell Country Park = 210 with 3901 moths and for Pitsford Reservoir = 308 species with 30,333 moths.

1 December 2006. One The Gem O. obstipata, three Silver Y A. gamma and one Dark Arches A. monoglypha were taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail.. The Dark Arches was in very fresh condition and presumably a second brood moth. This is the latest date that I have for the species, the previous latest being 4 October 1953, presumably also a second brood moth..

30 November 2006. The cumulative number of species recorded for 2006 at the end of November for Sywell Country Park = 210 and for Pitsford Reservoir = 308.

14 November 2006. A single Pale Brindled Beauty P. pilosaria was taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. The previous earliest record for this species was 24th November 2004 (as noted at the foot of this page!). Entomological literature quotes the typical flight period for this moth to be from January to March.

11 November 2006. The final NMG trip of the year to Hazelborough Forest failed to turn up the target species. Eleven species were recorded in total, a full list of which can be found here.

7 November 2006. A single Dotted Chestnut C. rubiginea taken at m.v. light in Evenley Wood (SP53) by Chris Williams.

31 October 2006. The cumulative number of species recorded for 2006 at the end of October for Sywell Country Park = 205 and for Pitsford Reservoir = 307.

21 October 2006. A rather disappointing group excursion to Newbottle Spinney. Despite mild conditions, there was a distinct paucity of moths. Only ten species were recorded in total, none of particular note, with the target species once again eluding us. The only event of particular note was the arrival of a single Red Admiral V. atalanta to a 9W actinic light. The butterfly spent an hour clutching the light tube! Click here for full catch list.

17 October 2006. One The Gem O. obstipata taken in a garden m.v. light trap at Greatworth (SP54) by Terry Stokes.

17 October 2006. One The Gem O. obstipata taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail.

14 October 2006. One The Delicate M. vitellina taken at a garden m.v. light trap at Grimscote (SP65) by Angus Molyneux.

13 October 2006. One Dotted Chestnut C. rubiginea taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Northampton (SP76) by Bob Gill. The first Northamptonshire garden record for this species.

12 October 2006. One The Gem O. obstipata taken in a garden light trap in Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick Smith.

12 October 2006. One Silver-striped Hawk-moth H. celerio taken in a garden m.v. light trap at Greatworth (SP54) by Terry Stokes. This is the third county record for this nationally rare immigrant and the first time that the species has been seen in the county for over forty years. Presumably this spectacular moth will represent the high point in what has become a record year for moth migration to Northamptonshire. A photograph of the actual moth will appear on the website in due course.

October 2006. One The Delicate M. vitellina taken in an m.v. light trap in a Kingsthorpe garden (SP76) by Pete Sharpe.

2 October 2006. One Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli, one The Delicate M. vitellina and one The Vestal R. sacraria taken at m.v. light at Sywell Country Park (SP86) by Derek Larkin.

30 September 2006. The cumulative number of species recorded for 2006 at the end of September for Sywell Country Park = 192 and for Pitsford Reservoir = 301.

27 September 2006. One Striped Hawk-moth H. livornica found dead at Delapre Golf Course Northampton (SP75) by Paul Fox. Although dead the moth was clearly identifiable and thought to have died a day or so ago.

27 September 2006. One Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli taken in a garden m.v. light trap at Greatworth (SP54) by Terry Stokes.

25 September 2006. One Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera taken at light in Daventry (SP56) by Ken Williams.

24 September 2006. Singletons of The Vestal R. sacraria and Large Thorn E. autumnaria were taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Chelveston (SP96) by Simon Wantling.

24 September 2006. Singletons of Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli and Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera taken at a Warmington garden light trap (TL09) by Garry Heath.

24 September 2006. Two The Delicate M. vitellina and one Small Mottled Willow S. exigua taken in a garden m.v. light trap at Greatworth (SP54) by Terry Stokes.

24 September 2006. One The Delicate M. vitellina taken in a Wellingborough garden light trap (SP86) by Derek Larkin.

23 September 2006. Three Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera, one Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli and one The Delicate M. vitellina taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Farthingstone (SP65) by Paul Egerton.

23 September 2006. Four Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli, four The Delicate M. vitellina and eleven Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera taken in a garden light trap in Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick Smith; part of a 653 moth catch that included other uncommon species. An outstanding tally for a garden light trap at this time of the year.

23 September 2006. Conducive mothing weather was at last experienced for a National Moth Night event! The Northants Moth Group made its second visit of the year to Stanwick Lakes in order to contribute to the above event, which was attended by quite a number of members of the public. Twenty-six species were recorded during the evening, most notable being a single Old Lady M. maura in an actinic light trap. This species is quite localised in Northamptonshire and is usually not attracted to light, with most records resulting from the use of sugar and wine ropes. Click here for full catch list.

23 September 2006. Two The Vestal R. sacraria and four Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera both new to the site taken at m.v. light at Storefield wood and quarry (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward; part of a 403 moth, 45 species catch. Additionally included were two Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli, 119 Lunar Underwing O. lunosa, 47 Beaded Chestnut A. lychnidis and 30 Deep-brown Dart A. lutulenta.

21 September 2006. One The Vestal R. sacraria and one Hedge Rustic T. cespitis taken in a garden light trap in Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick Smith. The Hedge Rustic is a grid square update of a pre 1961 record from Bedford Purlieus.

21 September 2006. A single The Delicate M. vitellina was recorded at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. This is only the fourth record of this species in the county.

20 September 2006. A further single Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera was taken at a garden actinic light trap, this time in East Haddon (SP66) by Richard Baylis. This is another new grid square record for the species.

20 September 2006. One Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli recorded in a garden m.v. light trap at Chelveston (SP96) by Simon Wantling.

16 September 2006. One Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail.

16 September 2006. One The Vestal R. sacraria taken in a garden light trap in Kettering (SP88) by John Ward.

16 September 2006. One Small Mottled Willow S. exigua taken at a garden m.v. light trap at Grimscote (SP65) by Angus Molyneux.

16 September 2006. One Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli and one The Vestal R. sacraria taken at an m.v. garden light trap at Yardley Hastings (SP85) by Jeff Blincow.

15 September 2006. One Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli taken at an m.v. light trap at Storefield wood and quarry (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward. The moth was resting high up on the side of an outhouse well above the trap.

15 September 2006. Two Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli taken in an m.v. light trap in a Kingsthorpe garden (SP76) by Pete Sharpe.

15 September 2006. One The Vestal R. sacraria taken in a Daventry garden light trap (SP56) by Ken Williams.

14 September 2006. One The Vestal R. sacraria taken in a garden m.v. light trap at Greatworth (SP54) by Terry Stokes.

14 September 2006. One The Vestal R. sacraria taken at m.v. light in a Sywell garden (SP86) by Jim Dunkley.

13 September 2006. One The Vestal R. sacraria disturbed from grass during the day at Maxey GP (TF10) by Brian Stone. This constitutes a new grid square record for this species.

13 September 2006. One Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli taken in excellent condition in a garden light trap in Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick Smith.

13 September 2006. One The Vestal R. sacraria taken in a Wellingborough garden light trap (SP86) by Derek Larkin.

13 September 2006. One Bordered Straw H. peltigera in fresh condition taken at the Pitsford light traps (SP77) by Philip Horsnail.

13 September 2006. One Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera and one The Vestal R. sacraria taken at an m.v. garden light trap at Brixworth (SP76) by Philip Horsnail.

12 September 2006. One The Vestal R. sacraria taken at m.v. light in a Lower Benefield garden (SP98) by Perdita Cawthorne.

12 September 2006. Two Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera and one The Vestal R. sacraria were taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail.

8 September 2006. One Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera taken at light at Evenley (SP53) by Chris Williams. A new record for this under recorded square.

8 September 2006. One Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera was taken in a Thrapston garden m.v. trap (TL07) by Mark Hammond. The trap contained no other known migrant species but had recorded Rush Veneer N. noctuella on the previous three nights.

2 September 2006. One Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera taken in a Kingsthorpe garden (SP76) by Pete Sharpe.

31 August 2006. The cumulative number of species recorded for 2006 at the end of August for Sywell Country Park = 174 and for Pitsford Reservoir = 281.

31 August 2006. Two Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera, one taken at a garden m.v. light trap at Grimscote (SP65) by Angus Molyneux. A new grid square record. The other was taken at a garden m.v. light trap at Sywell (SP86) by Jim Dunkley.

27 August 2006. One Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli seen at rest by day at Harlestone (SP76) by Pete Sharpe.

21 August 2006. Two Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera, showing the markedly different colour forms that can occur in the species, taken at m.v. light in a Lower Benefield garden (SP98) by Perdita Cawthorne.

21 August 2006. One Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera taken in a garden m.v. light trap at Greatworth (SP54) by Terry Stokes.

20 August 2006. One Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera taken in a garden light trap in Kettering (SP88) by John Ward.

18 August 2006. One Bordered Straw H. peltigera seen on a bedroom wall in Northampton (SP75) by Kevin Daniels.

17 August 2006. A further Great Brocade E. occulta was taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. This now brings the total number of captures of this species at this site to five. Viz:- 3 August - 1, 4 August - 2, 9 August - 1, 15 August - 1 and 17 August - 1. It is interesting to note that the last two moths were in fresh condition compared to the earlier captures, this was also the case with a second Great Brocade E. occulta taken on 16 August in John Ward's m.v. light trap in his Kettering garden.

11 August 2006. Two Scarce Bordered Straw H. armigera taken in a Wellingborough garden light trap (SP86) by Derek Larkin. Having regard to records from previous years this is an early date for this migrant to be seen in Northamptonshire.

10 August 2006. Roger Payne's Clearwing records for June and July 2006 are as follows:- 11 June. One Currant Clearwing S. tipuliformis to pheromone lure at Brixworth allotments (SP76). 1 July. Two Hornet Moth S. apiformis observed in cop. at Barnwell Country Park (TL18). 1 July. One Red-belted Clearwing S. myopaeformis to pheromone lure at Great Harrowden (SP87).

9 August 2006. A web of Small Eggar E. lanestris larvae seen at SP99 by John Wright. Precise locality unknown at present.

8 August 2006. One Bordered Straw H. peltigera taken in a garden mv. light trap at Yardley Chase (SP85) by Steve Brayshaw.

7 August 2006. Two more Great Brocade E. occulta both taken in garden light traps one in Kettering (SP88) by John Ward and the other in Yardley Hastings (SP85) by Jeff Blincow. Having regard to historical records, this year has seen the most Northamptonshire sightings of the species although the number of light traps being operated is greater than some of the earlier peak immigration years. The record for the most moths recorded in a single light trap was on 29 July 1973 when Frank Adams took three moths in his 80w m.v. garden light trap in Broughton. I recall that two of these moths were exceptionally large for the species and in good condition.

6 August 2006. A single Small Mottled Willow S. exigua taken in a East Haddon garden actinic light trap (SP66) by Richard Baylis. This is another new grid square record for the species.

6 August 2006. One Gem O. obstipata and two Gold Spot P. festucae taken in a Kingsthorpe garden (SP76) by Pete Sharpe.

6 August 2006. One Great Brocade E. occulta taken in a Wellingborough garden light trap (SP86) by Derek Larkin.

5 August 2006. One Great Brocade E. occulta taken in a garden m.v. trap at Moulton (SP76) by Fiona Illing.

5 August 2006. One Bordered Straw H. peltigera and one Gold Spot P. festucae taken in a Wellingborough garden light trap (SP86) by Derek Larkin.

5 August 2006. One Great Brocade E. occulta taken at m.v. light in Salcey Forest (SP75) by Pete Sharpe. Additionally the following interesting moths have been taken by Pete at his Kingsthorpe (SP76) garden trap, 24 July 2006, three Small Mottled Willow S. exigua, 27 July 2006, one Fen Wainscot A. phragmitidis and one Bordered Straw H. peltigera and on 29 July one Mullein Wave
S. marginepunctata.

4 August 2006. A further two Great Brocade E. occulta were taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail.

3 August 2006. A single Great Brocade E. occulta was taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. This constitutes a new grid square record for the locally scarce moth. The species is resident in Scotland, so most records in this region are believed to be of migrant individuals.

31 July 2006. The cumulative number of species recorded for 2006 at the end of July for Sywell Country Park = 160 and for Pitsford Reservoir = 250.

29 July 2006. One Small Mottled Willow S. exigua taken in a Woodston (Peterborough) garden actinic light trap (TL19) by Tony Parker.

25 July 2006. A new Northamptonshire record: a single Tree-lichen Beauty C. algae was taken in a Thrapston garden m.v. trap (TL07) by Mark Hammond. The trap once again contained numerous known migrants such as Silver Y A. gama, Diamond-back Moth P. xylostella and Rush Veneer N. noctuella.

25 July 2006. One Small Mottled Willow S. exigua taken in a Wellingborough garden light trap (SP86) by Derek Larkin.

24 July 2006. One Small Mottled Willow S. exigua taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. As a further indication of migrant activity numerous Silver Y A. gama were also included in the catch along with the migrant micro moths Diamond-back Moth P. xylostella and Rush Veneer N. noctuella.

23 July 2006. One Bordered Straw H. peltigera taken at m.v. light at Sywell Reservoir (SP86) by Derek Larkin.

21 July 2006. One Fen Wainscot A. phragmitidis taken in a Wellingborough garden light trap (SP86) by Derek Larkin.

20 July 2006. One Small Mottled Willow S. exigua taken in a Thrapston garden m.v. trap (TL07) by Mark Hammond. The trap also included a number of Diamond-back Moth P. xylostella and Rush Veneer N. noctuella.

19 July 2006. One Fen Wainscot A. phragmitidis and one Small Rufous C. rufa taken at m.v. light in an Oundle garden (TL08) by Philip Horsnail. The latter species being a new grid square record.

19 July 2006. One Oblique Carpet O. vittata taken in a garden m.v. light trap at Grimscote (SP65) by Angus Molyneux. A new grid square record of this distinctly uncommon moth in Northamptonshire.

19 July 2006. One Fen Wainscot A. phragmitidis taken in a Little Billing garden (SP86) by Hugh Matthews. A new grid square record for the species which has certainly become more widespread within the county in recent years.

19 July 2006. One Least Carpet I. rusticata taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) Philip Horsnail. Further confirmation that this species is spreading within the county.

18 July 2006. One Ear Moth A. oculea taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) and 142 Silver Y A. gama taken in a garden m.v. light trap at Brixworth (SP76) by Philip Horsnail.

18 July 2006. One Fen Wainscot A. phragmitidis and one Least Carpet I. rusticata taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Northampton (SP76) by Bob Gill. The fourth county record for Least Carpet.

17 July 2006. One Least Carpet I. rusticata taken at a garden mv. light at Yardley Chase (SP85) by Steve Brayshaw. A new grid square record for this apparently spreading species.

17 July 2006. One Fen Wainscot A. phragmitidis taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail.

15 July 2006. One Brown-tail E. chrysorrhoea taken at Storefield wood and quarry (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward. The species was clearly well established in this part of Northamptonshire until the late 1940's and this is an update of the 1948 record for SP88. Taken along with other recent records it is also perhaps a further indication that the species is recolonising the county again.

14 July 2006. One Brown-tail E. chrysorrhoea taken at Kingsthorpe (SP76) by Robin Gossage. An update for the grid square.

13 July 2006. One Garden Tiger A. caja taken at m.v. light at Storefield Wood and Quarry (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward.

11 July 2006. Two Six-belted Clearwing B. ichneumoniformis observed pairing at Wakerley old railway line by Perdita Cawthorne.

9 July 2006. A single Red-belted Clearwing S. myopaeformis taken at pheromone lure in Werrington (Car Dyke, TF10) by Brian Stone. A further three were seen at the same site on 11th July by Keith Tailby.

9 July 2006. One Small Ranunculus H. dysodea was recorded in a garden m.v. trap in Westwood, Peterborough (TF10) by Tony Parker. Identification was confirmed by Paul Waring. This moth has not been recorded in the county since the late 19th Century. The moth is believed to have become temporarily extinct in the UK, but has recently re-established itself in the South-East.

8 July 2006. Seven Garden Tiger A. caja taken at m.v. light between the 1st and the 8th July in a Kingsthorpe garden (SP76) by Pete Sharpe. This species has become increasingly scarce in the county in recent years and as this is an abnormally high catch hopefully it heralds an upturn in the fortunes of the moth in the county.

6 July 2006. One Ruddy Carpet Catarhoe rubidata and two Blackneck L. pastinum were taken in an m.v. light trap at a private area of Yardley Chase (SP85) by Jeff Blincow.

5 July 2006. One Hornet Moth S. apiformis seen flying and at rest near the Billing brook at Lumbertubs Northampton (SP76) by Ann Smith. An updated record for the grid square.

5 July 2006. Two Heart Moth D. oo, both form ab. renago. were taken in an m.v. light trap at a private area of Yardley Chase (SP85) by Jeff Blincow. Also seen was one The Concolorous P. extrema, one Mere Wainscot P. fluxa, one Brown-tail E. chrysorrhoea and one Clouded Magpie A. sylvata. The Heart Moth records for Yardley Chase on 04/05 July 2006 were found in a different section than those recorded in the previous two years. All five individuals appeared after 2.00 am, the three on the 4 July appeared after 2.30 am.

4 July 2006. Three Heart Moth D. oo, two of which were form ab. renago. were taken in an m.v. light trap at a private area of Yardley Chase (SP85) by Jeff Blincow. Also seen were two The Concolorous P. extrema, two Mere Wainscot P. fluxa and five Small Elephant Hawk-moth D. porcellus.

4 July 2006. Two Heart Moth D. oo were taken at m.v. light at an undisclosed site in mid-Northants by Philip Horsnail.

General note. I have received several records of Cream-bordered Green Pea  E. clorana over the past few days, including Warmington garden (TL09, Garry Heath), Kingsthorpe garden (SP76, Robin Gossage), Northampton garden (SP76, Bob Gill), Thrapston garden (TL08, Mark Hammond) and several at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77 Philip Horsnail). This further supports the comment made regarding its increased frquency made by John Ward following the NMG meeting at Stanwick Lakes in June.

3 July 2006. One Tawny-barred Angle M. liturata of the melanic form nigrofulvata was taken at an m.v. trap at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. This is first melanic Philip has seen out of a total of 101 individuals noted during eight years of regular recording at the site.

1 July 2006. One Red-belted Clearwing S. myopaeformis taken at pheromone lure in a Duston garden (SP76) by Pete Sharpe. A new grid square record.

1 July 2006. One Cream-bordered Green Pea  E. clorana taken at m.v. light in a Lower Benefield garden (SP98) by Perdita Cawthorne. Yet another record of this nationally scarce species.

1 July 2006. One Brown-tail E. chrysorrhoea taken at m.v. light at Sywell Reservoir (SP86) by Derek Larkin.

1 July 2006. Two Orange-tailed Clearwing S. andrenaeformis were attracted to pheromone lure at Bedford Purlieus (TL09) by Mark Hammond.

1 July 2006. A single Lunar Hornet Moth S. bembeciformis was seen by Mark Hammond at approximately 2pm on the north-west shore of Thrapston Lake (SP97). The moth seemed to be attracted to the "Myo" lure deployed on an Osier, being used at the time (unsuccesfully!) to attract Red-tipped Clearwing, flying directly to the lure and landing immediately beside it. I have found no reference to this species being attracted to synthetic lures currently available.

30 June 2006. The cumulative number of species recorded for 2006 at the end of June for Sywell Country Park = 111 and for Pitsford Reservoir = 181.

30 June 2006. One Humming-bird Hawk-moth M. stellatarum seen at Yardley Hastings (SP85) by Jeff Blincow.

30 June 2006. A single Brown-tail E. chrysorrhoea and one Small Elephant Hawk-moth D. porcellus was taken in a garden m.v. light trap at Piddington (SP85) by Richard Vandersteen.

30 June 2006. One Netted Pug E. venosata was taken at a garden m.v. light trap in Kingsthorpe (SP76) by Robin Gossage.

30 June 2006. A single Brown-tail E. chrysorrhoea was taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond. This is a new grid square record for this locally scarce moth.

29 June 2006. Some five hundred and fifty macro moths covering seventy-five species were taken at two 125 m.v. light traps left overnight at Storefield Wood and Quarry (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward. A good catch of common and not so common moths. As moths are now becoming much more to the forefront, particularly in view of Butterfly Conservation's publication on populations trends, it may be of interest for me to comment briefly on a few of the species caught that feature as in decline in the report. The Cinnabar T. jacobaeae, twenty-three seen, still plentiful here as the ragwort has not been pulled. Double Dart G. augur, one seen, much less common than a few decades ago. The Lackey M. neustria, four seen in one trap, greatly decreased and the first time that I have seen four in a trap for years. In this context I also think that apart from habitat loss or change most species of moth are naturally more or less cyclical in terms of their abundance and definitely have good and bad periods. The fall and subsequent rise in the fortunes of The Concolorous over the past decade or so in Northamptonshire well illustrates the point.

29 June 2006. One Garden Tiger A. caja taken in a Wellingborough garden light trap (SP86) by Derek Larkin.

28 June 2006. One Heart Moth D. oo and two The Concolorous P. extrema taken at m.v. light at an undisclosed site in mid-Northants by Philip Horsnail. The Heart Moth came to light at around 2 a.m. The discovery of a further site for the moth within the county is extremely encouraging and is a pointer to the likely existence of further extant and new colonies in some of the other localities that are suitable for the species. In trawling through old records it has become apparent that historically this species was much more widespread in the county than was generally realised, please see the species map in M.O.B.G.B.I., Vol. 10 and the map on this site.

26 June 2006. One Reddish Light Arches A. sublustris taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. A site and grid square record for this local species.

25 June 2006. One Red-belted Clearwing S. myopaeformis taken at pheromone lure at Harrington Airfield (SP77) by Pete Sharpe.

25 June 2006. One Gold Spot P. festucae taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. The second year in succession that the moth has been taken at this site.

25 June 2006. A single Bordered Straw H. peltigera was taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond. Significant numbers of this migrant species were seen by the recorder on the beach near to Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory on the Friday evening, but only a single moth seen in the same area the following night despite continued south-easterly winds. As Mark did not set traps on the beach area, it is unlikely to have been an accidental introduction to the garden. This record is accompanied by a single Diamond-back Moth P. xylostella also being present, suggesting some migrant activity.

24 June 2006. Warm, dry, still conditions prevailed for the N.M.G. trip to Stanwick Lakes (SP97), just those favoured by gnats and midges that duly attended the lights in their thousands causing much discomfort and restriction of recording. Sixty species of larger moths were recorded between dusk and 12.30 a.m. including the following wetland species:- Six of the nationally scarce Cream-bordered Green Pea  E. clorana, (In recent years this species is being seen increasingly frequently in the county.) two Dingy Shears P. ypsillon, one Double Lobed A. ophiogramma, two Round-winged Muslin T. senex, two Small Clouded Brindle A. unanimis  and one Southern Wainscot M. Straminea. The target moth the Obscure Wainscot M. obsoleta was not seen. This however is a 600-acre wetland site with considerable wildlife potential containing established stands of the larval food plant, common reed. If worked more extensively it must represent one of our best chances of updating Northamptonshire’s records of the species. Click here for full catch list.

24 June 2006. Two Currant Clearwing S. tipuliformis seen at pheromone lure in a Kettering town garden (SP88) by John Ward. An update of the 1998 non-pheromone record for the species in this garden.

23 June 2006. One Currant Clearwing S. tipuliformis seen at rest in the neighbourhood of currant bushes in a Northampton garden (SP76) by Gavin Boyd.

17 June 2006. The second group trip to Sywell Country Park (SP86) was blessed with very warm temperatures and only a gentle westerly breeze. Fifty-five species were recorded between dusk and 12:30am, including singletons of Pale Oak Beauty S. punctinalis and Dingy Shell E. nebulata. Click here for full catch list.

16 June 2006. Some six hundred macro moths covering sixty-one species were taken at two 125 m.v. light traps left overnight at Storefield Wood and Quarry (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward. Although the catch included local species there was nothing special. It is however significant that there were eighty-one examples of Large Nutmeg A. anceps. This is also a nationally declining species highlighted in the recent Butterfly Conservation publication, "The State of Britain's Larger Moths," but unlike the Small Square-spot D. rubi mentioned below to my knowledge does not seem to be in decline in any of its Northamptonshire sites.

14 June 2006. One False Mocha C. porata taken in a Wellingborough garden light trap (SP86) by Derek Larkin.

13 June 2006. One Humming-bird Hawk-moth M. stellatarum seen at Creaton (SP77) by Adrian Russell. Earlier in the week a moth was seen at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. This is a new record for SP77.

12 June 2006. Further singletons of the Cream-bordered Green Pea E. clorana were taken in garden light traps at Raunds (SP97) by Hilary Brown and in Kettering (SP88) by John Ward. This nationally notable species clearly appears to be more common in recent years in the county. Philip Horsnail tells me that he has seen it in every year at the Pitsford Reservoir light traps for the past few years with a maximum of seventeen taken in 2005.

11 June 2006. A single Cream-bordered Green Pea E. clorana was taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond.

10 June 2006. One The Festoon A. limacodes taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Lower Benefield (SP98) by Perdita Cawthorne.

10 June 2006. Two The Concolorous P. extrema, one Cream-bordered Green Pea E. clorana and one Orange Footman E. sororcula part of a seventy-three species catch taken at two 125 m.v. light traps left overnight at Storefield Wood and Quarry (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward. The Orange Footman is a grid square record for SP88. The decline in numbers of the Small Square-spot
D. rubi has been particularly noticeable to me at Storefield over the past few weeks with only five examples being recorded out of the 1,000 or so moths seen; the site is eminently suitable for the species and it used to occur here commonly. This decline reflects that highlighted in the recent Butterfly Conservation publication, "The State of Britain's Larger Moths" and is typical of what I have seen and been able to establish for Northamptonshire.

9 June 2006. Two The Concolorous P. extrema one Orange Footman E. sororcula, part of a sixty-three species catch taken at Bedford Purlieus (TL09) by Bob Gill and Philip Horsnail.

7 June 2006. Some three hundred and fifty macro moths covering sixty-one species were taken at two 125 m.v. light traps left overnight at Storefield Wood and Quarry (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward. Although the catch included a number of local species there was nothing special. Numerically there is a considerable difference between this and the forty-four moth catch covering sixteen species of 3 June 2006 when the moon was in its first quarter with similar clear skies.  This tends to show that on this occasion the very hot weather that we have experienced over the past few days has overcome the usual adverse effect of a waxing moon on light trap catches.

7 June 2006. One Grass Wave P. strigillaria taken at m.v. light at Fineshade (SP99) by Perdita Cawthorne. A local species confined to the north of the county.

7 June 2006. Three The Concolorous P. extrema taken in an m.v. light trap at Yardley Chase (SP85) by Jeff Blincow. Other notable species were six Brindled White-spot P. extersaria, one Orange Footman E. sororcula, three Poplar Lutestring T. or and one.Alder Moth A. alni.

7 June 2006. A single Chimney Sweeper O. atrata seen flying at Barford Meadows (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward.

3 June 2006. A single Bordered Straw H. peltigera was taken at m.v. light by Richard Baylis in his East Haddon garden(SP66).

2 June 2006. The rescheduled group trip to Twywell Hills & Dales (SP97) resulted in forty-four macro species being recorded. Clear skies meant a rapid drop in temperature, which always affects open ground more than when under the cover of an established canopy and probably had a detrimental effect on the number of species seen during the night. Most numerous moth of the evening was Common Swift H. lupulinus with approximately 120 being recorded. The Shears H. plebeja was also seen in good numbers, especially in the traps located in the former quarry area. Most notable species were two Shaded Pug E. subumbrata, a new grid square record for this localised grassland species, along with singletons of Netted Pug E. venosata and Small Elephant Hawk-moth D. porcellus. Click here for full catch list.

2 June 2006. Two Marsh Pug E. pygmaeata, twelve Small Yellow Underwing P. tenebrata and Chimney Sweeper O. atrata seen on the wing at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail.

31 May 2006. The cumulative number of species recorded for 2006 at the end of May for Sywell Country Park = 57 and for Pitsford Reservoir = 83.

27 May 2006. Two 125 m.v. light traps left overnight at Storefield Wood and Quarry (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward attracted eighteen species of macro moths, the most significant being a single over wintered Red-green Carpet C. siterata still in good condition and a single Satyr Pug E. satyrata. It is perhaps more of interest that when setting up the traps a male Poplar Hawk-moth L. populi that was recorded a week ago was found resting on the egg packaging inside one of the light traps. After checking the catch, to avoid predation, our practice is to store the traps in an open state at the back of a large open fronted storage barn allowing the moths to fly away at their will. The moth was perfectly healthy, in the same very fresh condition as last week and had clearly not flown all week presumably not finding the weather conditions to its liking. Several times in the past I have seen moths fly out of my mothing gear after periods of non-use, sometimes when my previous trip has been out of the county in pursuit of some localised rarity. For a long time I have thought that this “bringing home” factor may be material in some of our unexplained records.

26 May 2006. One Orange Footman E. sororcula taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail, the second record for the reserve. The species was recorded commonly earlier in the month at Salcey Forest by Pete and Diane Sharpe and is now well established there.

25 May 2006. Two Marsh Pug E. pygmaeata and three Small Yellow Underwing P. tenebrata seen flying at Barford Meadows (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward during one of this Mays few dry sunny periods. The Marsh Pugs looked as if they had been out for some time, perhaps appropriately presenting a more washed out appearance than usual.

12 May 2006. One Small Yellow Underwing P. tenebrata seen flying at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Dave Francis. An early date for this local day flying moth.

11 May 2006. Another singleton male Emperor Moth S. pavonia was assembled at approximately 4:20pm to a captive bred female moth just north of Daventry at Whelton, adjacent to the Grand Union Canal (SP56), by Richard Baylis. This sighting also constitutes a new grid square record for this species.

9 May 2006. A single male Emperor Moth S. pavonia was assembled to a captive bred female moth at Ravensthorpe Reservoir (SP67) by Richard Baylis. This sighting constitutes a new grid square record for this species.

6 May 2006. Two 125 m.v. light traps left overnight at Storefield Wood and Quarry (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward produced further evidence that after the past couple of days of abnormally high temperatures the season is now running more on a par with previous years. Although the most common moth was Powdered Quaker O. gracilis with thirty examples being seen, the twenty-two species catch also included Lime Hawk-moth M. tiliae, The Mullein C. verbasci, Muslin Moth D. mendica, Sallow Kitten F. furcula, and five May flying pugs.

5 May 2006. Two generator failures, clearing skies and falling temperatures resulted in a disappointing Moth Group trip to Salcey Forest (SP75/85). Thirty-two species were recorded, Lunar Marbled Brown D. ruficornis being the most numerous moth of the evening with approximately forty individuals being recorded in nine traps. It was interesting to note that several of the early spring species were still being recorded, well after their normal flight periods, including five White-marked C. leucographa. This is further evidence of the late start to the season we have been experiencing. Once again though, the target species (Marbled Pug E. irriguata) was not seen. Despite regular attempts to relocate this moth, with traps being left in Salcey overnight during the flight period, this very localised species has not been recorded since 6th May 1995 - 11 years ago. It must now appears likely that this species is no longer present in Salcey Forest and certainly that it doesn't occur in the numbers that it once did. Click here for full catch list.

3 May 2006. A single Blossom Underwing O. miniosa was taken at M.V. light in Warmington (TL09) by Garry Heath. This species has also been recently recorded in the neighbouring county of Huntingdonshire (VC31) at Elton by Brian Stone, also located in grid square TL09, and only a few miles away from the Warmington site. It is difficult to determine whether these sightings represent a local breeding population or passing migration activity, which has been evidenced by the many current records of Diamond-back Moth P. xylostella and Silver Y A. gamma. Prior to the Warmington record the species was last recorded in the Northamptonshire part of TL09 in 1964 at Bedford Purlieus.

30 April 2006. The cumulative number of species recorded for 2006 at the end of April for Sywell Country Park = 22 and for Pitsford Reservoir = 32.

28 April 2006. Nine 125W MV and one actinic trap left overnight in Hazelborough Forest (SP64) by Mark Hammond, Keith Tailby and Richard Baylis yielded twenty-eight confirmed macro species. Amongst these were three Great Prominent P. anceps, three White-marked C. leucographa, one Blossom Underwing O. miniosa, a single Oak Nycteoline N. revayana and 187 Frosted Green P. ridens.  Most numerous species was Brindled Pug E. abbreviata, of which approximately 800 were noted, several of which were the melanic form.  Sadly we didn't see Dotted Chestnut C. rubiginea, which was the target species for the night.

22 April 2006. Two female Emperor Moth S. pavonia taken at two 125 m.v. light traps left overnight at Storefield Wood and Quarry (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward; part of a ten species catch which also included thirty-two Powdered Quaker O. gracilis. One of the Emperors was retained for egg laying. As the males assemble so freely and this is an entertaining way of determining the presence of the species, if anyone would like any eggs to rear through for next year to try assembling please let me know.

14 April 2006. As a relief from some of the recent indifferent catches, Terry Stokes has been having much better fortune with his six watt actinic heath trap left overnight in Hazelborough Forest (SP64) culminating in a thirteen species 145 moth catch on 31 March 2006. To date the most significant species seen have been three Blossom Underwing O. miniosa, two on 25 March and one on 31 March 2006. In the past I have found these traps to be particularly effective at this time of the year when left overnight in woodland.

7 April 2006. The second group outing of the year to Twywell Hills & Dales (SP97) suffered from the extended winter that we seem to be currently experiencing. A fresh north-westerly wind kept temperatures down over much of the reserve, and not even the lure of several brand new moth traps was enough to encourage a crepuscular flight. Four species were seen, representing some of the more hardy spring species. The target species (Northern Drab O. opima) was not seen on this occasion. The exceptionally cold start to the year has probably delayed emergence of many species, and so a further attempt for this moth at this site may be undertaken in a couple of weeks time. Click here for full catch list.

1 April 2006. Two birds with one stone; One Light Orange Underwing A. notha observed flying from aspen and one Orange Underwing A. parthenias seen flying along the edge of birch woodland at Grafton Park Wood (SP98). Neither species are yet generally on the wing due to the late season.

31 March 2006. The cumulative number of species recorded for 2006 at the end of March for Sywell Country Park = 14 and for Pitsford Reservoir = 22.

31 March 2006. A single Light Orange Underwing A. notha was netted during the afternoon at Grafton Park Wood (SP98) by Keith Tailby and Mark Hammond. Another was seen in flight shortly afterwards, flying up towards the top of the Aspen trees, but was not captured. However, no Orange Underwing A. parthenias were seen flying around nearby Birches. The weather was only intermittently sunny with strong winds, both species preferring good sunshine to become active.

28 March 2006. One Tawny Pinion L. semibrunnea taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Chelveston (SP96) by Simon Wantling. Nowadays this moth generates fewer county records than its congener the Pale Pinion L. hepatica.

25 March 2006. One Humming-bird Hawk-moth M. stellatarum seen flying at 11a.m. by David Keen in Burton Latimer (SP87). As this is such an early record, I think that it is is unlikely to be an immigrant and is more likely to have over-wintered under cover in the vicinity of the sighting.

24 March 2006. The first Northants Moth Group trip to Sywell Country Park (SP86) followed an exceptionally prolonged period of cold weather and hard frosts, although milder on the night the catch was badly effected by the previous cold weather that we have experienced locally. No moths were seen until some three quarters of an hour after dusk, there then followed a brief flight period of a further three quarters of an hour until under clearing skies and dropping temperatures the moths stopped coming. It is interesting to note that all of the moths apart from one came to traps sited at the lower level; an m.v. trap run throughout on higher ground failing to catch any moths at all. The most common moth was Common Quaker O. cerasi and some of these appeared to have been around for some time, other than that all of the other species that were seen appeared to be in very fresh condition suggesting that the extremes of frost may have killed off some of the earlier emerging moths. Forty-two moths were recorded covering eight species. Click here for full catch list.

28 February 2006. The total number of species recorded at the end of February for Sywell Country Park = 6 and Pitsford Reservoir = 8.

31 January 2006. We thought that it would be interesting to provide monthly species counts for the Sywell Country Park (SP86) survey and as a comparison to show the figures from the Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) traps for this year. The total number of species recorded at the end of January for Sywell (one trap run for two nights) = 1, and Pitsford (two traps run every night) = 6.

19 January 2006. One Pale Brindled Beauty P. pilosaria taken at m.v. light at Sywell Country Park (SP86) by Derek Larkin. The first record for the 2006 survey site.

17 January 2006. One Early Moth T. primaria taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. The species was first seen on the 30 December in the 2005 season.

15 January 2006. Numerous Brown-tail E. chrysorrhoea webs were seen on the roadside hawthorn hedges near to Peterborough (TL09) by Philip Horsnail. These webs are from the same colony that was seen by Philip last year but they have now spread to occupy both sides of the road.

2 January 2006. Two Pale Brindled Beauty P. pilosaria taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail, the first of the new season's moths. In the 2005 season this species was first seen on 25 November 2004 which was an abnomally early date.