Moths

Here are some pictures of the moths caught in the Heath Trap the other night (23^rd-24^th May) at the farm. All were released after identification.

I must say, the Spectacle is a personal favourite!

Garden Carpet Xanthorhoe fluctuata

Garden Carpet - Lewis Yates

Common and widespread, but still very pretty! This species can be found between April and October.

Muslin Moth Diaphora mendica

Muslin Moth - Lewis Yates

A species being recorded a lot of at the moment. In Wales, England and Scotland the male is grey/brown (as above), but in Ireland they are buff. The females are white with black spots and fly by day. The males are nocturnal; therefore all the Muslin moths caught have been male. This species can be seen in May and June.

Spectacle Abrostola tripartita


Spectacle - Lewis Yates

Saving the best 'til last – the Spectacle is so named for obvious reasons; the tufts on the thorax create the two circles which look like spectacles, or flying goggles! This species flies between May and September and the larvae spend the winter as a pupa. The moths being caught at the moment are incredibly smart, with wing patterns very well defined. An all-round fantastic moth.

Sarah Harris
Assistant Warden