A modest catch on Tuesday (30 March) has kept me busy ever since and with my fingers in ruins from scratching my wooden head. I still need expert help for two species witch are shown below. Only 14 species were found, but many of them were firsts for the site. Among these was this very striking Brindled Pug:
The moths that have defeated me included this Geometrid which I am sure will be obvious to most who inhabit this sight - I confess to significant brainfade and am relying on your expertise and help, if you will:
Unfortunately, I forgot to measure wing length before releasing the moth.
This micro seems to resemble a Cnephasia sp. in its markings, but not in its shape - I have never seen one of those and am likely to be way off the mark here. Wing length about 10mm. The second picture shows the wings bent due to its positioning in the pot lid - this was not a permanent injury. Again, help would be welcomed:
Sorry to hear about your loss of computer data, Steve, how annoying for you. These computers do let us down badly sometimes. As to your moths above, I suggest Grey Birch for the grey geometer. The micro looks like an Acleris species, perhaps A. laterana but I wouldn't be sure, it'll be interesting to have a more experienced opinion. P.S. my PC has mixed up Google accounts, my wife's and mine, so I don't know whose name will appear on the comment - if any!
ReplyDeleteSo the comment turned out to be anonymous! It's Chris Handoll, Steve, who's responsible.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Unknown - much appreciated. If only I had measured the wing length of the Beauty. My best effort is male Mottled Beauty, with it's massive antennae, but it's far too early for this. A. laterana looks pretty good to me for the little fellow. Best wishes to to you and the wife for Easter and beyond.
ReplyDeleteThe pale Geometer looks like Pale Brindled Beauty, although it's a touch late. The 'Tortricid' is an Oak Nycteoline.
ReplyDeleteLooks like I was wrong on both counts, Steve, sorry about that. Perhaps I'm getting a bit too old for this game! The four dark blotches on the leading edge made me think of GB, SBB is a larger moth so some idea of size might have been helpful there. Can't excuse overlooking Oak Nycteoline though, the Field Guide points out its Tortricid similarities. Best wishes to you and yours as well, lets look forward to some good (and less confused) mothing and no more computer-related problems.
ReplyDeleteOak Nycteoline - it's interesting how raw beginners and rapidly failing oldies can be fooled by the same moth! My poor excuse is that I have not seen one before and am still eager to learn. There's no excuse for the Pale Brindled Beauty, however: failing to provide essential and easily gathered data (wing length) is just poor work. Much indebted to you both, Chris and Sam, grateful thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt may actually be Brindled Beauty given the date. Please check the wing markings just in case.
ReplyDelete