Notice Board 2007

Site Images: We are keen to complete the species illustrations on the site, additionally some of the earlier photographs now look below par and could be improved. If anyone has photographs of the species that we have not yet pictured, or clear improvements, and does not mind us using them to fill some of our gaps will they please let John Ward know. Any photographs used will of course be acknowledged.

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

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 the following types of record at the time of recording: -
Moths that are new for the county.
Moths that are classed on the site as very local, scarce or rare.
Moths that are classed as nationally scarce and above in the Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland by Waring, Townsend and Lewington, 2003. Although in some instances the statuses quoted in this book are clearly out of date, particularly the Clearwings, I have established that these are the latest available and are likely to remain valid for some years.
Any exceptional or interesting captures, i.e. very high numbers, species seen months out of season and unusual extremes of variation or melanism etc.
To keep the project within reasonable bounds we will generally only enter the first recording from a locality on the notice board but would appreciate the actual numbers involved at the end of the season.

Target Species for 2007

We thought that it would be a good idea to introduce an annual target of a new species for the county and for this the first year we have chosen the Balsam Carpet Xanthorhoe biriviata. This is a species that is still without Northamptonshire records, is known to be spreading and has been recorded in neighbouring counties. We think that it is more likely than not to be present in the county amongst the Orange Balsam Impatiens capensis that mainly grows beside the River Nene and the Grand Union Canal. The distribution of the plant covers a wide area within Northamptonshire. The moth flies in two generations April to June and July to September and can be put up by day as well as having a late afternoon and evening flight in sunny weather. It also comes to light. The larva develops rapidly and is mainly on the food plant in June and August and can be beaten or swept. As with all moth species there are always many more caterpillars around than moths and larval searches may be more profitable, also making an evening stroll along the riverside more interesting. We ought to be able to add this moth to the county list so why not make a name for yourself by having a closer look at the Orange Balsam this summer!  If necessary there are plenty of us around to handle any identification difficulties.

2007 Records:

It would be most helpful if all 2007 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. Any records received after January 15th will be too late for the 2007 season records update.

5 November 2007. The latest Moths Count newsletter can be viewed by clicking here.

31 October 2007. One The Delicate M. vitellina taken in a Wellingborough garden light trap (SP86) by Derek Larkin. Along with Woodnewton this is the second locality where this species has been recorded at light in June and October of this year opening up the possibilities that either the moth has bred locally or that these are chosen migration routes. Certainly all of my attempts over the past couple of years to see this species in the Kettering area of the county have failed suggesting that its distribution is more selective than random.

28 October 2007. One The Delicate M. vitellina was recorded in a garden m.v. light trap in Northampton (SP76) by Bob Gill.

27 October 2007. One The Delicate M. vitellina was recorded in a garden m.v. light trap in Oundle (TL08) by Phil Horsnail. One of only two moths taken.

17 October 2007. One The Gem O. obstipata taken in a Wellingborough garden light trap (SP86) by Derek Larkin on what was a frosty night locally..

13 October 2007. A further The Delicate M. vitellina taken in a Woodnewton garden light trap (TL09) by Nick, Ben & Tom Smith (NB: specimen from 12th was retained for a photograph, so this specimen is the second in as many days). We have now seen a few reports from other areas of the UK indicating that migrant activity is on the increase, with this species featuring quite well.

12 October 2007. One The Delicate M. vitellina taken in a Woodnewton garden light trap (TL09) by Nick, Ben & Tom Smith. Nick and family recorded a number of this species in the same location last year.

15 September 2007. One Dusky-lemon Sallow X. gilvago taken at Storefield Wood and Quarry (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward, part of a low number, sixteen species catch from two 125 m.v. lights left overnight. The first time that I personally have seen gilvago in the county since 1991.

14 September 2007. A single Dusky-lemon Sallow X. gilvago was taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick, Ben & Tom Smith. Although only noted as local in the vice county lists, this moth is seldom encountered and seems to have declined in recent years.

14 September 2007. A further record of a single Large Thorn E. autumnaria was recorded in a garden m.v. light trap, this time in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond. This species is clearly having a good year!

12 September 2007. A single Large Thorn E. autumnaria was recorded in a garden m.v. light trap in Oundle (TL08) by Phil Horsnail. The moth was spotted outside the trap just after 10pm.

08 September 2007. One Large Thorn E. autumnaria and one Heath Rustic X. agathina taken at Luddington-in-the-Brook (TL18) by Steve Brayshaw, both new grid square records.

08 September 2007. A rather dissapointing evening was spent at Stanwick Lakes (SP97). With 100% cloud cover and temperatures of approximately 16 deg C, we anticipated a mammoth haul. Unfortunately, the skies cleared after about an hour and temperatures dropped dramatically. So much so that even the myriad of flies seemed to give up for the night! Twenty-five species were recorded over the three hour session, highlight of which was undoubtedly two Old Lady M. maura. Click here for full catch list.

07 September 2007. A single Square-spotted Clay X. rhomboidea was taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick, Ben & Tom Smith.

07 September 2007. A further three Large Thorn E. autumnaria were taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick, Ben & Tom Smith. This adds further evidence to suggest that the species is still breeding locally in the north-east of the county.

05 September 2007. A single Large Thorn E. autumnaria was taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick, Ben & Tom Smith.

01 September 2007. A total of thirty-seven species were recorded at Evenley Wood Gardens by the Moth Group, which sadly did not contain the target species (Devon Carpet). Numbers of moths and species were once again rather disappointing, despite the conditions being very favourable, which seems to be a theme running throughout this year. Click here for full catch list.

26 August 2007. One Great Brocade E. occulta taken in an m.v. light trap in Kettering (SP88) by John Ward.

25 August 2007. Two Great Brocade E. occulta taken in an actinic light trap left overnight at Evenley Wood Gardens (SP53) by Chris Williams. A new record for the grid square.

24 August 2007. One Great Brocade E. occulta taken in an Oundle (TL08) garden m.v. light trap by Philip Horsnail. A new grid square record.

23 August 2007. One Great Brocade E. occulta taken in an m.v. light trap at Sywell (SP86) by Jim Dunkley.

23 August 2007. One The Ni Moth T. ni taken in a Wellingborough (SP86) garden light trap by Derek Larkin. The second successive year that this rare migrant has been seen at this site.

22 August 2007. One Great Brocade E. occulta taken in an m.v. light trap at Greatworth (SP54) by Terry Stokes, and a further example on 25 August 2007. A welcome sign of migration at last and also a new record for the grid square.

13 August 2007. One Least Carpet I. rusticata taken in a garden m.v. light trap at Greatworth (SP54) by Terry Stokes. A new grid square record.     

11 August 2007. One The Coronet C. ligustri, ab.Coronula taken at m.v. light in Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick, Ben & Tom Smith.

11 August 2007. The Moth Group celebrated National Moth Night at Stanwick Lakes this year. It was never the intention to aim for any of the NMN target species on this occasion, but to participate in a public event run at the reserve, and to increase records for this as yet underworked site. A total of forty-three species were recorded including a number of interesting wetland-related species, namely seven Cream-bordered Green Pea E. clorana, eleven Twin-spotted Wainscot A. geminipuncta, two Olive I. subtusa and a single Double Lobed A. ophiogramma. However, the best moth of the night came in towards the end of the session and was potted on the side of one of the MV traps - this turning out to be Silky Wainscot C. maritimus. This species has not been recorded in the county since June 1986 by John Ward and the late Derek Howton at Blatherwyke Lake. Click here for full catch list.

8 August 2007. One Marsh Pug E. pygmaeata observed in good condition flying at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. This is normally a single brooded moth on the wing in May and early June in Northants and this must be an instance of double brooding. Presumably the exceptionally warm April produced a sufficiently early emergence to accomplish this.

5 August 2007. One The Coronet C. ligustri taken at m.v. light in Evenley Wood Garden (SP53) by Chris Williams along with a further Nut-tree Tussock C. coryli.

3 August 2007. One Nut-tree Tussock C. coryli taken at m.v. light in Evenley Wood Garden (SP53) by Chris Williams. A significant record in that the moth has not been recorded in south Northants before and was previously only known from the county's north eastern woodlands suggesting a discontinuous distribution within Northants.

14 July 2007. Two Red-tipped Clearwing S. formicaeformis seen at pheromone lure at Boughton Park (SP98) by Brenda and John Ward.

14 July 2007. Several Six-belted Clearwing B. ichneumoniformis seen at pheromone lure at Harrington (SP77) by Roger and Simon Payne.

8 July 2007. Several Six-belted Clearwing B. ichneumoniformis seen at pheromone lure at Brigstock Country Park (SP98) by Roger and Simon Payne.

8 July 2007. One Hornet Moth S. apiformis seen resting on the trunk of a poplar at Barnwell Country Park (TL18) by Roger and Simon Payne.

7 July 2007. One Mere Wainscot C. fluxa taken at light at Storefield Wood and Quarry (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward. This nationally scarce moth was part of a twenty-nine species catch from two m.v. light traps left overnight. An exceptionally low tally for the time of year but generally typical of the disappointing results that have been obtained locally over the past few weeks.

29 June 2007. The excursion to Wicken Fen went ahead despite threatening skies and the promise of further heavy rain. In the end, the event remained dry and was well attended. A final species count has yet to be determined as results from the twenty-six traps have yet to be returned for collation, but a number of the target species were seen, including good numbers of Reed Leopard P. castaneae, a single Lappet G. quercifolia, several Reed Dagger S. albovenosa and two Silver Barred D. bankiana. Click here for full catch list.

24 June 2007. One Currant Clearwing S. tipuliformis seen at pheromone lure in a Kettering town garden (SP88) by John Ward.

23 June 2007. Three Red-tipped Clearwing S. formicaeformis seen at pheromone lure at Ringstead Lakes (SP97) by Mark Hammond.

20 June 2007. One Treble Brown Spot Idaea trigeminata taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick Smith. A further welcome record of this species which appears to be slowly increasing its range within the county. The catch also included a single example of The Lackey M. neustria.

17 June 2007. Fifteen Red-tipped Clearwing S. formicaeformis attracted to pheromone lure at Thrapston Lakes (TLO7) by Mark Hammond.

17 June 2007. One The Festoon A. limacodes taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick Smith. A nationally notable species confined to northeast Northamptonshire.

16 June 2007. One Currant Clearwing S. tipuliformis found at rest on currant bushes at allotments in Wilby (SP86) by James Skinner.

16 June 2007. One The Delicate M. vitellina taken in a garden m.v. light trap at Greatworth (SP54) by Terry Stokes.

16 June 2007. One Cream-bordered Green Pea E. clorana taken at light at Storefield Wood and Quarry (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward, part of a thirty-nine species catch from two m.v. light traps left overnight. The catch also included a single The Lackey M. neustria a species that has declined dramatically in Northamptonshire in more recent years.

13 June 2007. Several Currant Clearwing S. tipuliformis seen at Parklands Allotments in Northampton (SP76) by Tony White. The species was common and about six were positively identified.

13 June 2007. One The Delicate M. vitellina taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick Smith part of a 666 moth catch from this high yielding site.

12 June 2007. One Cream-bordered Green Pea E. clorana taken in a Little Billing garden (SP86) by Hugh Matthews. As there are willows near to the site this could be part of the recent expansion of this species within the county.

10 June 2007. One Mere Wainscot C. fluxa taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick Smith and family.

10 June 2007. One The Delicate M. vitellina taken in a Wellingborough garden light trap (SP86) by Derek Larkin. This is the first of the season's important migrants and surprisingly comes at the end of a period of north easterly winds. The moth was in good condition and of the pale form strengthening the likelihood that it is a primary immigrant and not an instance of winter survival.

8 June 2007. One Cream-bordered Green Pea E. clorana taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick Smith. This nationally notable moth was part of another large catch from this locality.

2 June 2007. Two The Concolorous P. extrema taken at Storefield Wood and Quarry (SP88) by Brenda and John Ward, part of a hundred and fifty-seven moth catch covering thirty-eight species.

1 June 2007. The group's first trip to Stanwick Lakes this year yielded thirty-four species, with relatively low temperatures on the site reducing the catch. The highlight was a further three Cream-bordered Green Pea E. clorana, this species having already been noted on the site by Derek Larkin a few days earlier. Click here for full catch list.

31 May 2007. Five Marsh Pug E. pygmaeata seen flying in the sunshine between the deluges in the SSSI at Barford Meadows (SP88) along with the other late spring day flying species known from the site by John Ward.

29 May 2007. Two Marsh Pug E. pygmaeata seen flying at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail.

26 May 2007. Two Marsh Pug E. pygmaeata seen flying at Kings Heath Northampton (SP76) by Pete Sharpe.

25 May 2007. Five Orange Footman E. sororcula taken at m.v. light at Bedford Purlieus (TL09) by Philip Horsnail. Part of a twenty-eight species circa one hundred moth catch that also included three Brindled White-spot P. extersaria.

25 May 2007. One Lobster Moth S. Fagi taken in an m.v. light trap left overnight at Longmoor Spinney (SP63) by Chris Williams. A new grid square record, just, and further confirmation of the southern distribution of this species in the county.

23 May 2007. Six Cream-bordered Green Pea E. clorana taken in an m.v. light trap at Stanwick Lakes (SP97) by Derek Larkin. Although only a moderate catch at last this exposed wetland site has started producing reasonable results!

20 May 2007. A single Marsh Pug E. pygmaeata was seen in flight during an early afternoon stroll along a bridleway adjacent to Tomlin Wood, Apethorpe (TL09) by Mark Hammond. This is a new grid square record for the species.

18 May 2007. Brisk winds and falling temperatures heralded the NMG trip to Easton Hornstocks (TF00). Despite our worst fears the night proved to be quite a succesful one. The target species, Early Tooth-striped, was not seen (NB: this moth had been recorded in reasonable numbers in Scotland in early May, suggesting that the flight period is already over in the south), but a total of thirty-three species were recorded. Highlights included a number of nationally local species including singletons of Dingy Shell E. nebulata and Orange Footman E. sororcula, several Brindled White-spot P. extersaria and Lesser Cream Wave S. immutata. Click here for full catch list.

17 May 2007. Fourteen Orange Footman E. sororcula taken at m.v. light in Evenley Wood Garden (SP53) by Chris Williams.

17 May 2007. One Large Yellow Underwing N. pronuba taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. As this species is seen in high numbers annually in the county it is significant that this is some two weeks earlier than the earliest record for this species on the reserve and similarly some two weeks earlier than the earliest record that I hold for the moth on 30 May 1952 from Peter Gent's Wellingborough garden trap. Taken alongside other unusually early records, extra broods, new colonists, high migrations and numerical declines it does look as if we are living in times of change amongst the moths. Since this record I have been notified of further examples of the moth taken at Evenley Wood Garden (SP53) by Chris Williams and at Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick Smith on the same date.

16 May 2007. One The Concolorous P. extrema taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick Smith. The one hundred and sixty-three moth catch covered forty seven species and included one False Mocha C. porata and fifty four Treble Lines C. trigrammica which seems to be having a particulartly good year. Also included in the catch were ten hawk-moths; Lime, Poplar, Eyed, Privet and Elephant. Attention is drawn to the above average numbers of species and moths once again recorded from this site. My own rural garden tally on 16 May was four moths covering three species.

19 April 2007. One Great Prominent P. anceps taken in an m.v. light trap left overnight at Longmoor Spinney (SP63) by Chris Williams. A new grid square record and further confirmation of the southern distribution of this species in the county.

13 April 2007. Eight light traps were set out at the group trip to the privately owned Evenley Wood Garden (SP53) in support of ongoing survey work being conducted by Chris Williams. Twenty-seven species were recorded, many of which will be new records for this previously under-worked grid square. No significant moths were noted on this occasion, but there was an interesting mix of early spring moths along with the first showing of summer species. Click here for full catch list.

2 April 2007. Three Light Orange Underwing A. notha observed flying around the large old aspens at Grafton Park Wood (SP98) by Brenda and John Ward. To our knowledge this species has been resident in the wood for at least forty years.

31 March 2007. Well, we can’t be accused of not trying at our first group session at Hazelborough Woods (SP64)!  With the enthusiastic efforts from some friends from across the border in Leicestershire, coupled with a good smattering of local talent (and two hardy souls all the way from Manchester!), we put down 24 MV traps and 3 actinics – some of which ran until midnight before packing away, many until dawn.  Twenty species were recorded in total, but sadly the target species, Dotted Chestnut C. rubiginea, was not amongst them.  One single Blossom Underwing Orthosia miniosa was the highlight amongst the usual selection of various quakers, on what was quite a clear and cold night. Click here for full catch list.

31 March 2007. Seven Orange Underwing A. parthenias seen flying in Nassington Woods (TL09) by Nick Smith.

27 March 2007. One Dotted Chestnut C. rubiginea, a new grid square record, and one Blossom Underwing Orthosia miniosa taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Greatworth (SP54) by Terry Stokes.

17 March 2007. Two Orange Underwing A. parthenias seen flying in Yardley Chase (SP85) by Jeff Blincow.

12 March 2007. A single Tawny Pinion L. semibrunnea was taken in a garden actinic light trap in Thrapston (TL07) by Mark Hammond. This is a new grid square record for this rarely encountered moth.

23 February 2007. One Dotted Chestnut C. rubiginea taken at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. The second Reserve record for the species.

15 January 2007. One March Moth A. aescularia taken at m.v. light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77) by Philip Horsnail. This is the earliest that this moth has been recorded on the Reserve since recording commenced in 1994. There have been several Pale Brindled Beauty P. pilosaria recorded since the first one was seen on 14 November 2006. The only other species that have been seen this year are late flyers from 2006 season.