European Corn Borer

 At last, after `Our Friends in the North` (JH & AW) making some catches of this species, one turned up in my Llanelli garden last night (Fri 29/8) within an otherwise poor catch (both numbers and variety). I had been uncertain whether to trap as the wind was so blustery (noting that it was not so in AW`s patch at Ffarmers!), but the forecast said that it would abate, which it did and out went the MV onto the south-facing garden bench under some trees. I subsequently added the actinic to my flat roof.

The forecast had warned that the rain would commence about 5.00 to 6.00am this morning, so I was up in the dark at 4.30am, having to check the contents by the light of the trap itself - not always the easiest option. Also it had started to `pick` with rain, making me rush - though the rain soon stopped and indeed it subsequently did not rain (and is so now, at c 8.00am!). Inside was a poor catch - just one each of the migrant rush veneer and rusty-dot pearl, plus an uninspiring very short list of residents. I then noticed a moth resting within the slats of the bench from where, with difficulty and luck, it was potted up in my half-sleep state. The actinic also had a poor catch.

Inside, I quickly checked the `bench moth` - it was not `jumpy` as some pyralids can be - and it seemed from memory to be an European corn borer. It was placed in the fridge to cool down for later photography.

A photo is offered below, not like Jane`s very aesthetically pleasing photos of this species, but sufficient.