I've been running my Moth Trap every evening in recent weeks. The light is only a 15W actinic - small fry compared to the super-bright MV (mercury-vapour) lights....but it has still been pulling in some special species.
This morning I had a couple of moths that are probably migrants, though there are small populations in the Hants & IOW area:
After weeks of recording Common & Scarce Footman, this male Four-spotted Footman is massive by comparison!
I've recorded Four-spotted Footman on a few occasions last year, but I've never seen one of these before: L-album Wainscott!
This is Mecyna asinalis, a micro that's primarily found in coastal locations, the larvae feeding on Wild Madder, which is pretty common hereabouts.
And this is a species that I've been eagerly waiting to find in the trap: the spectacular Burnished Brass. It's not uncommon, but that doesn't take away from the wow factor - it's a real beauty!
I also put a couple of Longworth Mammal traps out overnight at Golden Hill Country Park and managed to catch these two Bank Voles, the second one looking very young and fit:
What beautiful Moths, I am always amazed by the variety of species.
ReplyDeleteLovely little Voles too, you are lucky.
Compared to Mice, Voles are very placid - they're wonderful little creatures!
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