Warnham LNR - Moths

Bird's Wing

After a very very slow start to the mothing at Warnham LNR the last couple of weeks it's really started to pick up. Several scarce species have also reared their heads to add to the more common bits and bobs which all makes for a decent species list. Both Bird's Wing and Alder Kitten are both very pretty and suitable scarce species which are always pleasing to see. Whilst the species list may have been quite impressive the quantity of each species is pitiful at the moment but hopefully this will improve if the weather holds.

Alder Kitten

At the beginning of last week I noticed an increase in the migrant species with several Rush Veneer and Silver Y as well as a couple of Diamond-backed Moth too. It therefore wasn't too much of a surprise when I managed to trap a single female Gem (See below) which is a pretty scarce continental migrant especially this far inland.

The Gem

As the week progressed we saw an increase in the number of species as well as the quantity. Finally we had a decent night for hawk-moths too with a total of five species being caught. The highlight for me being this stunning Lime Hawk-moth.

Lime Hawk-moth

There has not been a lot of by-catch in the moth trap lately either which is unusual as there are normally many species of beetle, backswimmer and ichneumon wasps to keep you interested. This Hawthorn Shieldbug was however extracted this morning and not a species I have encountered coming to light before. The trap is out again tonight so hopefully there are a few more goodies to come yet.

Hawthorn Shieldbug