Palpita at Cnwc

I haven’t trapped at Cnwc y Llwyn, Brechfa much this year, although a good number of moths have come to the porch light. Perfect conditions for migrants (and the nice autumn 6:30am starts) persuaded me to trap last night 23/10/22. I am glad that I did.

Palpita vitrealis was the highlight. This was a long term nemesis moth for me: until last year everyone else seemed to be catching them, but I had only ever seen one, on Scilly in the late 90s. I finally caught one at Dingestow in 2021, and now this one at Cnwc.

Most people would probably have considered Clifden Nonpareil the star moth, but this one was missing a hindwing and they have quickly become ‘old hat’ after 6 at Dingestow in the last couple of years (I’m not being serious, just winding up IKM). I am very glad to finally add this formerly mythical moth to the Cnwc list.

Also among the 85 moths of 22 spp were 2 Large Wainscot (possibly new for Cnwc as well), 3 Rusty-dot Pearl, 4 Rush Veneer, and a 2nd generation Chrysoteuchia culmella.

All this pales into insignificance given the Tunbridge Wells Gem at Graig, but it’s good to share in the migrant fun.