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.