I`ve trapped consecutively for the last three
nights but, although a suitably large container is ready for large and
glamorous VIP moths, the Clifden nonpareil has n`t turned up!
As is the case with trapping on warm nights,
the species mix can vary, suggesting local movement or dispersal of moths but,
until last night, the only migrant was a single silver y. Last night the
number of that species increased to three (!) and they were accompanied by a
dark sword-grass. A turnip moth may also be a migrant but, equally it could be
a coastal resident here in SE Carms.
Above: I pondered this moth for a while but believe it to be a turnip moth. Corrections welcomed.
Above: common wainscot - which is not that common in Carmarthenshire. A
few have been in my traps over the last few nights.
The moth gurus are predicting migrant possibilities
tonight (Weds, 8/9), with SW Britain along the route of thundery weather -
always good for moth trapping - coming from the south-east and the near
Continent. The forecast accompanying heavy rain means that my mains actinic has
been moved down from its normal flat roof habitat to the lawn, the latter a
less than satisfactory location due to loss of height and blocked sight lines
for passing moths. If the trap had been left on the roof, heavy rain would
result in many drowned or bedraggled and spoiled moths in the rain puddles that
gather there. Both the actinic and my MV traps will be sheltered from the worst
of the weather by my home-made screens.
Above: the actinic and MV traps - `fingers crossed` for a migrant or two!
For online moth predictions, see the weather maps
for tonight on Migrant Lepidoptera (@MigrantMothUK) Twitter.
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