Rewards in the rain at Graig

 Stephen Ruttle once more produced a bumper catch at Graig Farm near Llandovery on Saturday 12/9, with c.650 moths of of 66 spp. Stephen has n`t been able to trap regularly at Graig this year due to other commitments but his catch from two MV traps, aided by an actinic, was impressive, particularly as it took place in `pouring rain` with `rivers running past one of the traps on concrete`. Among the magnificent haul were several noteworthy migrants including 3 Clifden nonpareils (possibly resident), striped hawk-moth, delicate, bordered straw, scarce bordered straw, Palpita vitrealis and some more frequent migrants. It is quite possible that the Clifden nonpareils are resident in north Carmarthenshire, with Arfon Williams and Jane Hand achieving repeat catches. Well done again, Stephen. Left click on the photo below to enlarge.

A damp gathering...

 As Sam has frequently advised us, trapping in the rain can be profitable and, after learning of Stephen Ruttle`s large diverse catch at Graig farm (near Llandovery) and Jane Hand`s success at nearby Rhandirmwyn, I set up my actinic last night in my west Llanelli garden.

The first photo shows (clockwise from top left): large ranunculus, hummingbird hawk-moth (in the trap), and three Palpita vitrealis. The 2nd photos shows two box moths (two colour forms shown - it was the most numerous moth in my trap with 36 compared to the most frequent -large yellow underwings with 40) and finally (3rd photo) a close-up of the large ranunculus, an annual resident moth in my trap. Left-click on photos to enlarge on your screen.

I`ll post Stephen Ruttle`s photos and details of his impressive catch later tomorrow...

A trap full of caddis-flies…..

Two mornings ago I found my trap heaving with caddis-flies and LYUs, hundreds and hundreds of them. But amongst the catch was a first for me, a L-album Wainscot and also present was a beautifully coloured Vestal. The `icing on the cake` was a stunning Clifden Nonpariel, resting near my `trapping chair`.

Abernaint, Ffarmers

Highlight of this morning's trap (on the wall behind the trap) was a Mugwort Pearl (Loxostege sticticalis). Can't find any prevous records in the 2016 Carms Moth list, however Pyralid and Crambid Moths states its been recorded in Carms in 2019.

Another new county record from Rhandirmwyn!

 A moth that I`ve certainly been waiting for (it still is the case) is the tree-lichen beauty. Jane Hand at Rhandirmwyn had one in her trap last night (6/9) and it was new to Carmarthenshire. It`s a variable species but one we all should be on the look out for. Well done, Jane!

Lobesia littoralis

 Potted up and placed in the fridge this morning and determined only about 30 mins ago was this Lobesia littoralis, a moth new to me. This coastal species was possibly blown over from the north Gower saltmarshes or somewhere on the Carmarthenshire coast. Colin Jones also recorded this moth (as a then 2nd county record) at Machynys in late August 2020.   

Much busier night in the actinic in Pontyberem!

 I ran the 15 watt actinic on the lawn last night instead of the mv.

In spite of soggy egg boxes, and rain at inspection time, there were 43 species, total 159 moths including a very surprising 65 Large Yellow Underwings!

There were a few regular migrants, nothing unusual, but who can resist a Frosted Orange?!

Also a fresh Maiden's Blush, but only a record shot of that.