Notice Board 2015


Taxonomy/Classification/Numbering System: This site is currently set up to follow the classification as determined by Bradley (2000), often referred to as B&F. The recently published reclassification by Agassiz, Beavan & Heckford will be adopted once initial errors have been ironed out and the system has been incorporated into recording packages such as MapMate. Note that I hope to run the old B&F system alongside to assist in identification and following thread to previous sightings, write-ups, etc. This will be a long job to change on this website and probably therefore will not appear until early 2016.

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 the County Macro Moth Recorder Mark Hammond 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 AND NOTICE BOARD ENTRIES: 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 and a realistic photograph provided to confirm the identity. Due to the limitations sometimes imposed by photographic images of moths it is not always possible to identify difficult species from a photograph alone. Basically there is always a preference for a moth in the hand. Accordingly if there are still doubts the actual insect should then be seen by either Philip Horsnail, Mark Hammond, Pete Sharpe or John Ward who will act as determinators.

In general, at the time of recording we would like to hear of moths that are UK BAP species, new to the county, localised or rare for entry on the notice board. Additionally any exceptional or interesting captures, i.e. very high numbers, species seen out of season and unusual extremes of variation or melanism etc. will be welcome.

Any other records can be submitted at the end of the season for inclusion in the central database.


2015 Records and Notices:

STOP PRESS
John Ward has announced that his book, The Larger Moths of Northamptonshire and The Soke of Peterborough, is now available. Contact John direct for a copy, as per the flyer below

18th December 2015
Peter Terry has taken a single Clouded Drab Orthosia incerta in his garden light trap at Denton (SP85). This moth is usually encountered between February through to May, occasionally early June, so this represents an unseasonally early record. Other notable early pre-New Year VC32 records of this species include 17th November 2013 at Harrington (L. Ash), 30th December 1998 at Pitsford Reservoir (P. Horsnail), 19th December 1971 at Sywell Wood (B. Adams). It is interesting to note that other counties are also recording spring moths at the moment, testament probably to the rather warm December we are experiencing.

13th December 2015
Here is the latest copy of the Garden Moth Scheme newsletter.

12th November 2015
New Vice-county Record! Nick Smith has recorded a singleton The Cosmopolitan Leucania loreyi in his garden actinic trap in Nassington (TL09). This is a known migrant species which varies greatly year to year with regards to numbers recorded in the UK, with the bulk of records in the South-west. It is quite unusual to see one this far inland.

5th November 2015
The October issue of E-Moth, the Butterfly Conservation Moths Count newsletter is available here. Note that this includes a link for booking a place at the Moth Recorders Conference at the Birmingham Midland Institute on 30th January 2016. Always a thouroughly enjoyable day out with good talks and good company.

31st October 2015
Lisa Rowley reports a single Tachystola acroxantha in her Northampton flat (SP76). This is the fourth VC32 record of this Antipodean colonist, which appears to be spreading from the South-west of the UK. A previous example (third VC32 record) was taken by Martin Coles, Far Cotton (SP75) on 5th May 2014.

10th October 2015
A single Red Sword-grass Xylena vetusta has been taken at light by Andy Harding in his Old Stratford garden (SP74). The moth was discovered near to the moth trap, underneath a small plank of wood which is used to keep the trap electrics up off the ground! This is the second time the species has been recorded in VC32 this year following an absence of nearly 20 years (previous 19/03/2015, N. Smith).

10th October 2015
Here is the latest copy of the Garden Moth Scheme newsletter.

12th September 2015
The Moth Night event at Stanwick Lakes (SP97) was expertly handled by James and Peter. 22 species were redcorded over the course af a few hours, and despite the temperature dropping shortly after dusk. A full catch list is available here.

11th September 2015
Chris Weller has reported a single Convolvulus Hawk-moth Agrius convolvuli at rest on his garden greenhouse in Greatworth (SP54). Fitting for Moth Night, who's theme is migrant species!

10th September 2015
Peter Terry provided the light traps at the Friends of Abington Park event. Only 10 species were recorded, but did include a lifer for Peter, so well worthwhile. Catch list can be accessed here.

10th September 2015
Mischa Furfaro reports capture of a further Clouded Magpie Abraxas sylvata at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77). Mischa reports that the specimen was very fresh, suggesting a recent emergence, despite its appearance being well outside of the previously reported flight period for this species of June to July (maybe into early August).

9th September 2015
The midlands migrant storm continues with a single Pearly Underwing Peridroma saucia reported by Peter Terry in his garden trap at Denton (SP85).

9th September 2015
Following a few recent reports from other areas of the UK, Northants can claim its own Great Brocade Eurois occulta. Rachel Tate photographed one at rest by day on the outside of Lings (WT/NBRC offices) (SP86) in Northampton (per James Skinner). Worth noting that this is the first record for this species in VC32 since 2007 (two reported that year, following the "migrant year" of 2006).

1st September 2015
The 2015 edition of the Moths Count Newsletter is out. Downloadable from the Butterfly Conservation website, but as a PDF here for quick reference.

30th August 2015
A single Death's-head Hawk-moth Acherontia atropos larva reported from Barnwell Country Park near Oundle (TL08). Photo of the beastie below (from FaceBook):

28th August 2015
The second group trip to Bucknell Woods (SP64) of the year yielded approx. 60 species, including not one, but five Devon Carpet Lampropteryx otregiata. This is only the third time the species has been encountered in the vice-county, with the first record from Kingsthorpe on 29/08/2005, followed by another singleton in Yardley Chase almost ten years later on 19/05/2014. The catch list is posted here (couple of micros yet to be confirmed).

21st August 2015
Richard has also just sent me the most recent copy of the Garden Moth Scheme newsletter.

21st August 2015
The second group trip to Everdon Stubbs this year was hosted by Richard Baylis. A better catch than the earlier session, with much better weather conditions - list posted here.

16th August 2015
A short walk around the adjacent fishing lakes across the River Nene from Mark Hammond's house in Thrapston (SP97) yielded in a single Prochoreutis myllerana - seen at rest on a flower head of Common Fleabane. This is only the 3rd VC32 record of this spectacular member of the Choreutinae family, and a first for the recorder (who almost dismissed it at a glance as its congener, Nettle-tap, Anthophila fabriciana!). Previous records are from Ditchford Lakes (2003) and Pitsford Reservoir (2008). Well worth keeping an eye out for this species in damp or marshy locations.

16th August 2015
Tim Pridmore reports capture of a single Clouded Magpie Abraxas sylvata at the Farthinghoe Reserve (SP54), in an area of mixed woodland, using a 6w UV actinic portable light trap. This record comes exactly month after another at Pitsford Reservoir and is the second VC32 record since 2006.

15th August 2015
Darren Seaman hosted a group session at Sywell Reservoir (SP86) with 11 traps deployed, and much fun had by all. The species tally tops 94 species with 24 new for site micros, mostly thanks to James Skinner for his identification skills. The full catch list is posted here (NB: some require confirmation by DVM).

13th August 2015
John Showers reports seeing a Red-tipped Clearwing Synanthedon formicaeformis, on Wild Angelica whilst looking for flies in Horn Wood, Bozeat (SP85). John also notes that he saw a Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis, at Yardley Chase (SP85) on 16th July 2015. Clearwings are often overlooked as they are day-flying and easily mistaken for flies or small wasps. The use of commercial pheromone lures has greatly increased our knowlegde of the distribution of these insects and I would not hesitate to recommend the purchase of a set to try out! That said, keen daytime observation such as John's can be extremely rewarding.

7th August 2015
A 2nd VC32 record of Langmaid's Yellow Underwing Noctua janthina has been taken in a garden m.v. light trap in Kingsthorpe (SP76) by Pete Sharpe. The first county record for this species was also noted by Pete in the same location on 9th August 2011.

7th August 2015
July edition of Mothy Mutterings from the Butterfly Conservation team.

4th August 2015
Spotted a short article recently on the website Planet Earth On-line looking at moth populations in the UK with reference to climate change, penned by Richard Fox (Butterfly Conservation) and Tom Fox. Link to the piece is here.

1st August 2015
Darren Seaman reports a single Vitula biviella at Sywell Country Park (SP86) - this record constitutes the 2nd VC32 record . The first record was taken at Irchester Country Park (SP96) on 1st August 2014 (what a conincidence in the date!), by James Skinner. This species has only recently been recorded in the UK and appears to be extending its range, apparently having an association with conifer plantations. David Manning confirms that this species was first recorded locally in VC30, Bedfordshire, at the RSPB HQ at Sandy in 2011. Record confimred by David and pictured below:

28th July 2015
Phil Horsnail reports both Scarce Bordered Straw Heliothis armigera and Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigerahas in his Oundle garden (TL08) to MV light.

25th July 2015
Not everyone partakes in the Garden Moth Scheme, but here is the latest newsletter for perusal.

22nd July 2015
A further example of Obscure Wainscot Mythimna obsoleta has been recorded by Chris & Kate Colles at Byfield Pools NR (SP55).

21st July 2015
Stigmella acreis - new to VC32. Mines found on Maple leaves by James Skinner in Wellingborough (SP86). Confimred by David Manning. Mine pictured below:

21st July 2015
Further larvae of Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum recorded at Sywell CP (SP86) by the Ranger, feeding on Bedstraw - seen below in slightly unusual setting!

16th July 2015 (belated report received 25/08/2015)
Mischa Furfaro reports capture of a single Clouded Magpie Abraxas sylvata at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77), in one of the two 125W MV traps that are run on almost every night of the year as part of an ongoing survey. This is the first VC32 record since 2006 (a singleton at Yardley Chase), and only the 6th since 2000. The larvae feed on Wych Elm, which is quite widespread in the county.

16th July 2015
Pete Sharpe has recorded a single example of the migrant species Small Marbled Eublemma parva. This is only the third VC32 record. It is worth noting that this species has been reported in reasonable numbers in southern counties over the past couple of weeks, but always special for one to be recorded so far inland.

15th July 2015
The good run of form continues in Woodnewton (TL09) with Nick reporting singleton of Rosy Footman Miltochrista miniata.

14th July 2015
The fifth VC32 record of Dotted Fan-foot Macrochilo cribrumalis has been reported by Nick Smith in his Woodnewton garden (TL09). Other species of interest that night included single Yarrow Pug Eupithecia millefoliata, two Ruddy Carpet Catarhoe rubidata, seven Mere Wainscot Chortodes fluxa, two Concolorous Chortodes extrema, five Small Mottled Wilow Spodoptera exigua and three Festoon Apoda limacodes.

13th July 2015
Brian Laney reports seeing five larvae of Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum feeding on Ladies Bedstraw (Galium verum) at Bradlaugh Fields (SP76). Brian states these to be the green form, with some being half-grown and others appearing to be full-grown.

12th July 2015
A single larva of Great Prominent Peridea anceps was found on Oak in Hazelborough Wood (SP64) by Carol Wingate. This is a well-known location for the moth in the county but it is unusual to receive a record of immature stages. The larva is depicted below.

12th July 2015
Interesting to note that Scarlet Tiger Callimorpha dominula has now been reported by Mischa Furfaro at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77). Also noted recently is an interesting abberation of Light Emerald Campaea margaritata, as pictured below:

11th July 2015
A request from John Ward: A friend from Scotland is keen to rear through Red Underwing from egg stage. If anyone turns up a female in their light traps, please let me or John know as soon as possible, and we can see if we can encourage egg laying. The appearance of male and female Red Underwing abdomens is as follows:-

11th July 2015
Richard Baylis has sent in this interesting report seen in a US newspaper showing how moths might find nectar sources.

5th July 2015
As a follow-up to a previous record, a pair of Scarlet Tiger Callimorpha dominula has been reported in cop by Clive Trundle in his Silverstone garden (SP64).

4th July 2015
Phil Horsnail took this very nice abberation of Buff Ermine Spilosoma luteum in his garden MV trap (TL08).

3rd July 2015
Another Small Mottled Willow Spodoptera exigua reported by Pete Sharpe in Kingsthorpe (SP76).

1st July 2015

James Skinner took a very unusual form of the migrant species The Gem Orthonama obstipata in Stoke Wood (SP88), which has an incomplete central band. The moth is pictured below. Alongside this were three Scallop Shell Rheumaptera undulata, listed as a common moth nationally, but which has realtively few records in Northants.

1st July 2015

Nick Smith reports two Ethmia quadrillella to his garden light trap in Woodnewton (TL09). There are only two previous records for this rather attractive Nationally Notable species in VC32.

29th June 2015
A further two examples of Obscure Wainscot Mythimna obsoleta have been recorded - this time by Chris & Kate Colles at Byfield Pools NR (SP55).

29th June 2015
Another single specimen of Scarlet Tiger Callimorpha dominula has been reported by Clive Trundle, this time in his Silverstone garden (SP64). Clive reports that it had just emerged and was seen adjacent to a garden pond. Given the increase in records of this moth since 2010, and similer reports from neighbouring counties (Warks, Beds), there is a possibility that this moth is now colonising VC32. Most modern records are located in the south-west of the county and are a result of both light trapping and of casual daytime observations. The moth is reported to be especially fond of Comfrey for it's laval pabulum, but according to Porter (1997) can be found on a range of other plants including Bramble, Meadowsweet, and even Sallow and Blackthorn.

27th June 2015
James Skinner reports a single Dotted Fan-foot Macrochilo cribrumalis to light at Polebrook Airfield (TL08). This constitutes only the fourth VC32 record for this Nationally Notable species. The moth is local and apparently confined to the south and east of England, with Northants being on the western edge of it's current range.

24th June 2015
Further pleasing reports of Concolorous Chortodes extrema - this time at another known site at Strorefield Wood & Quarry (SP88) with two being taken at light by John Ward. John also reports taking an extreme form of Heart & Dart Agrotis exclamationis in his Kettering garden trap recently (SP88). Image of the moth is seen below (and another depicted on the species write-up). This moth can produce extreme examples, some of which are almost unrecognisable when compared to the standard reference literature.


23rd June 2015
A single Scarlet Tiger Callimorpha dominula was seen in the early afternoon, at rest, a Brackley garden (SP53) by Norman Jeffrey. Mr Jeffrey reported that the moth seemed quite content to remain stationery for some time, allowing easy observation. An image of the moth is seen below. This species seems to be spreading from the south-west of the UK.

23rd June 2015
Further reports of migrant species including Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigerahas at Old Stratford (SP74, Andy Harding) and Northampton (SP76, Pete Sharpe), and Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum in Desborough (SP88, Jeff & Elaine).

21st June 2015
Two more garden trap locations added themselves to the migrant list by recording singletons of Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigerahas - Peter Terry in Denton (SP85) and Mark Hammond in Thrapston (SP97).

20th June 2015
Phil Horsnail took a single Epiblema grandaevana in his garden MV light trap in Oundle (TL08). This is a Red Data Book species with fewer than ten previous records in VC32.

20th June 2015. Field Trip Report - Castor Hanglands (TF10)
Ron Follows and Phil Horsnail ran 12 light traps overnight, covering 3 main locations at the above site near Peterborough. The duo racked up an impressive list containing 146 species (45 micro & 101 macro, but with a couple of as yet unidentified Pugs which may yet add to the total). The highlight has to be the grand total of 99 Concolorous Chortodes extrema. A draft catch list is posted here.

19th June 2015
A single Obscure Wainscot Mythimna obsoleta has been recorded by Andy Harding in his garden light trap in Old Stratford (SP74). This is the first time this species has been recorded in VC32 for neary 20 years. An excellent record! This also goes some way to supporting John Ward's comment on the species write-up that this could be under-recorded in the vice-county, with most of the half dozen or so county records coming from garden traps.

17th June 2015
Four Concolorous Chortodes extrema and a single Small Mottled Willow Spodoptera exigua reported by Nick Smith to light traps in Woodnewton (TL09).

17th June 2015
A single Concolorous Chortodes extrema recorded at a garden light trap in Corby (SP88) by Adam Homer. Hopefully good omen for the forthcoming survey for this BAP species at Castor Hanglands on Friday 19th.

17th June 2015
No fewer than 7 Hornet Moth Sesia apiformis, including a mating pair, were seen by Brian Laney in Northampton (SP76) between 08:30 and 09:30am. This species is renowned for only being seen quite early in the day. This moth is also very keenly attracted to one of the commercially available pheromone lures, and thus may be relatively easily recorded in suitable habitat using this method - assuming you are up and out relatively early in the day!

16th June 2015
Andy Harding reports a single Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigerahas in a garden light trap in old Stratford (SP74).

16th June 2015
Nick Smith also reports a single Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigerahas nectaring in the evening on Valerian in his Woodnewton garden (TL09). This moth was accompanied by approximately 20 to 30 Silver Y autographa gramma

16th June 2015
A news item has been brought to my attention by Phil Horsnail. Reports of a repeat infestation of Ermine larvae on Cherry trees in Corby via the BBC news site. I'm assuming these may well be Yponomeuta evonymella or possibly Y. padella.

15th June 2015
Mark Hammond netted a single Commophila aeneana in the late afternoon on the former airfield and Thor missile site at Harrington (SP77). This Nationally Notable species seems only to occur on a limited number of sites, with fewer than ten records in VC32, and is well worth looking out for where Ragwort occurs - it really is a stunner!

14th June 2015
I was quite amazed to see a single Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum feeding on White Valerian at 6am in my Thrapston garden (SP97) - damp, cloudy conditions, with an air temperature of approx 8degC. Very satisfying accompaniment to my breakfast-time viewing!

13th June 2015
Another example of Small Mottled Willow Spodoptera exigua was recorded to light, this time at Sywell Reservoir (SP86) by Darren Seaman (a life-tick for Darren). The moth was taken as part of a 36 species catch, which only included one other migrant species (Silver Y).

12th June 2015
And another Ni Moth Trichoplusia ni reported by Derek Larkin in his Wellingborough garden moth trap (SP86).

12th June 2015
Another singleton of Ni Moth Trichoplusia ni reported by Phil Horsnail in his Oundle garden moth trap (TL08).

12th June 2015
A single Small Mottled Willow Spodoptera exigua was recorded in a Pitsford garden trap (SP76) by Angus Molyneux, part of a 20-species catch. Another migrant species, apparently taking shelter from the heavy rain that affected parts of the county last night! Interestingly my garden traps in Thrapston (SP97) were almost dry this morning, and yielded 68 species on moth - demonstrating clearly the difficulty in recent weather forecasting.

11th June 2015: Field trip postponement
Due to the forecast of heavy downpours and thundery storms for Friday night, the trip to record Concolorous at Castor Hanglands has been postponed to Friday 19th June. Please contact Ron Follows if you wish to attend.

10th June 2015
More evidence of migrant species reaching inland areas with a single Ni Moth Trichoplusia ni reported by Pete Sharpe in his Kingsthorpe garden (SP76). There are only half a dozen or so previous records for this moth in VC32.

7th June 2015
A single Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum reported by Andy Lumbard, nectaring on Red Valerian in his Brackley garden (SP53). This is a new 10Km grid square record.

6th June 2015. Field Trip Report - Polebrook BioBlitz (SP65)
Poor weather affected this BioBlitz night-time session. Despite running 9 traps, approx 40 species were recorded. A draft catch list is posted here (NB: there are some micros yet to be confirmed). Better news came during the daytime session on Sunday 7th June, when Brian Laney noted two webs of Small Eggar Eriogaster lanestris larvae on Hawthorn.

6th June 2015
A single Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigerahas been reported from a garden light trap in Northampton (SP76) by Bob Gill. This follows on from a significant number of records in the southern counties of various migrant species in the last few days. Some encouragin g news given the continued poor weather for this time of year!

4th June 2015
Ron Follows recorded two Concolorous Chortodes extrema to light at Ring Haw (TL09).

4th June2015. More moth-related research activity
Some more moth-related output via Moulton College is reported via Richard Baylis. Jamie Gould is a student at Moulton College, who has produced some work looking at macro moth assemblages at various stately/historic houses including Holdenby, Kelmarsh and areas in Leicestershire. James Skinner and Richard Baylis receive honourable mentions in dispatches! A link to the project poster is here.

3rd June 2015
Pete Sharpe reports several day flying moths at Kingsthorpe Meadow (SP76), including Chimney Sweeper Odezia atrata (in profusion), Small Yellow Underwing Panemeria tenebrata (numerous), Marsh Pug Eupithecia pygmaeata (approx 7) and a single Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum.

29th May 2015. Field Trip Report - Everdon Stubbs (SP65)
A rather disappointing second field trip of the season to Everdon Stubbs, with only 5 moths of 4 species being recorded (Silver Ground Carpet, Brown Silver-line, Small Square-spot & Pale Tussock). The weather had not been kind during the day, with moderate winds and some significant rainfall. The session was dry and winds had dropped.

27th May 2015. Thesis announcement
I am delighted to announce that Emma Coulthard has succesfully defended her thesis entitled "The possible benefits of linear boundary features for macro-moths (Lepidoptera) in intensive agricultural landscapes", and has therefore been awarded her PhD. Emma registered for this project at University of Northampton, undertaking her work based at Moulton College. Emma joined the Northants Moth Group for several local outings in the last couple of years and much of her fieldwork for her thesis was conducted in the county. Well done Dr Coulthard! A link to some of her work is here.

22nd May 2015. Field Trip Report - Bucknell Woods (SP64)
The field trip season opener was greeted (unusually) with decent weather - it was quite cloudy, dry, very little wind and mild (to start with, at least). Portent of a good catch? Well, I am please to report that those present were rewarded with a good list of moths, although nothing appeared in any great numbers. One of our number was even serenaded during trap set-up by a lone Nightingale, warming-up ahead of full song! A total of 16 traps were set (unfortunately a generator issue prevented more) and several of the group stayed until dawn to clear the catch. A draft list has established that the trip yielded approximately 100 species from this wonderful mixed broad-leaved and conifer woodland. Many of the species recorded were indeed conifer feeders, including several Dwarf Pug Eupithecia tantillaria, Ochreous Pug Eupithecia indigata (also new to grid square SP64), Tawny-barred Angle Macaria liturata and attractively marked micros Rhyacionia pinivorana and Pseudococcyx posticana. The catch also included another species new to Grid Square SP64 - The Seraphim Lobophora halterata. Of note were approx. 40 Great Prominent and a single, late White Marked Cerastis leucographa (in rather poor condition too!). Also of interest were two individuals of Pseudotelphusa scalella which only has three previous VC32 records. A draft catch list is posted here (NB: there are some micros yet to be confirmed). Many thanks to Richard for setting this up, warning of the local road closures and proving to be a very generous host for the night.

18th May 2015. Summary of 2014 records
Apologies for the lateness in publishing some results from the 2014 season. We received a total of 20,140 individual records for macro moths for 2014 (compared to 23,869 in 2013 and 17,716 in 2012), including a lot of macro moths new to 10Km grid squares. A summary of these data can be seen here (excludes aggregated records). Unfortunately this did not include any new species for VC32 but it is extremely pleasing to have received so many records, and I'd like to thank all contributors for submitting their records. Suffice to say that all these have now been submitted to the National Moth Recording Scheme operated by Butterfly Conservation.

12th May 2015 - Change of County Moth Recorder (Macros).
Please note that Mark Hammond, following communication with the local Wildlife Trust/Biodiversity Office, Butterfly Conservation, and a number of local moth recorders, has now taken over as the County Recorder for Macro Moths for VC32.
Personal statement from Mark:
I would like to thank John for his tireless work on local moths over the past 40 years. John has managed to collate many of the earlier records from the mid Nineteenth Century onwards, which has led to the establishment of this web site, and ultimately in establishing the local moth group. His work has resulted in a wonderful resource that has become a vital source of information to the moth community both near and far. Of course I cannot leave this here - I must extend our thanks to John's wife, Brenda, who as some of you will know has spent countless hours on website administration, correspondance and other unseen and often unsung activities. John is currently working on the latter stages of a book of macro moths in VC32, which is keenly awaited. On a personal level, I would like to thank John for his commitment to my early training and for showing me what moth hunting was all about, and for his patience when I used to get all the identifications wrong! John and his close friend, the late Derek Howton, took me under their joint wings (scaled of course) from the mid 1990's and took me out into the wilds of Northamptonshire, armed with generator and often home-made traps and pots of sugaring solution. Many happy hours were spent in numerous locations around VC32, some with amusing incidents (usually police related, assuming us to be a wild rave party!). I therefore wish John and Brenda the best of luck with the book, and am delighted to hear that he will remain as an active moth recorder. Thank you!

11th May 2015
Just to let people know that as from today I have resigned from the county recordership for Northamptonshire moths. This is due to the amount of work generated by writing a book on the county's moths, although the project is reaching the end now the two jobs collectively have become too much for us to manage effectively. As a matter of interest I have been doing the job for almost 40 years now.

30th April 2015
Northern Drab Orthosia opima was taken at m.v. light at Collyweston Deeps (TF00) by Pete Sharpe

10th April 2015
One Small Eggar Eriogaster lanestris taken at MV light in the Stonepit Close quarry area of Old Sulehay (TL09) by Mark Hammond, part of a 31 species catch which also included three Blossom Underwing Orthosia miniosa.

2nd April 2015
One Small Eggar Eriogaster lanestris taken at light in Woodnewton (TL09) by Nick Smith. A local moth in VC32, but only ever seen in small numbers as an adult and always a delight when it graces the trap!

19th March 2015
One Red Sword-grass Xylena vetusta taken in a garden blended bulb light trap by Nick Smith at Woodnewton (TL09). This is the first time this species has been recorded in VC32 since 1998, when one was seen at Sulby.