20 May 2013 - The very least.

Least Black Arches (Nola confusalis)

The Museums at Night moth-trap was a wild and wind-swept event - it rained solidly all evening, night and most of the following day.  The total catch was a single Waved Umber and a Hebrew Character.  Thanks to those who braved the weather.  Last night brought the first Poplar Hawkmoth (Laothoe populi) and this Least Black Arches (Nola confusalis) which is described as 'local'.
Its name possibly comes from the name of the town of Nola in Campania, Southern Italy.  If this is correct then it is one of the first moths to be named after a geographical location.  The confusalis refers to the uncertainty regarding the moth's classification.
This evening the temperature is dropping once again - and it is quite chilly.  The wind and the rain don't encourage a trap and even the cuckoo in Mrs Wiggins' wood is sounding rather doleful.

7 May 2013 - Artemis moth.

Clouded Drab (Orthosia incerta)

Five Clouded Drabs (Orthosia incerta) all reflecting their Latin name of incerta : uncertain.  This common species can be confusing to identify owing to the varieties of colour and markings - from black to orangey-buff.  The orthosia refers to the subterminal line being straight, but the word is also connected to the goddess Artemis.  Quite a lot for a moth to carry.  The number of Small Quakers is high this year - there were 10 in last night's trap and a Coxcomb Prominent (the darker version) turned up as well.  Even though the swifts have returned and Spring is really underway, the nights are still quite chilly.    

6 May 2013 - Overwintering over.

I had forgotten about them.  I had stopped to think about something or other and my gaze accidentally fell upon the plastic container behind the geraniums in the porch.  By some fortunate coincidence the seven remaining caterpillars had begun their search for food that very morning.  They ignored clover and buttercup but set their mandibles to work on the leaves of a rose.  Perhaps we will now find out what species they are.

The first moth trap of the season was a chilly affair.  It was a  National Gardens Scheme opening and the hope was the weather would be warm.  It wasn't.  But a few varieties of moth appeared - the same day as the return of the swallows.  Nine Hebrew Characters, an Early Thorn, Powdered Quaker,  two Twin-spotted Quakers, Small Quaker, and an Early Grey (Xylocampa areola).  The Latin name means 'wooden caterpillar' (Xylocampa) as the larva resembles a twig.  The areola describes the dark-ringed pale stigmata  on the forewings.
The next public trap will be on the evening of 18 May - Museums at Night.

Early Grey (Xylocampa areola)

2 March 2013 - Overwintering another way

The Herald (Scoliopteryx libatrix)

Here is another version of overwintering found in the dark in Nidderdale on 2 March.  Tom Taylor's cave is in the heart of the rock at How Stean Gorge. It is very black and the pathway through from the Gorge (passing the dripping stalagtite) is narrow.  Handy dynamo torches are available from the helpful assistants in the shop to help find the way safely.  About 20 yards from the exit, clinging to the wall above my head was a splash of colour in the torchlight - The Herald.  The weather was warm outside but cold and black (pitch black) inside the cave.  Had the moth emerged from hibernation after overwintering as an adult?  Was it still in its hibernation place and waiting like Lazarus to herald new life this year?  The torch illuminated the moth and my friend's mobile phone clicked the image of the crooked-winged sleeper.
This post is of a moth off-site and the only one to date.  Perhaps it's time to see what there is to be seen in the garden at Shandy Hall.

19 January 2013 - Overwintering differently

Snow has fallen all over the country and next year's life is locked with ice.  The upper surfaces of the apple tree branches have a thick covering of flakes but the undersides are sheltered and will remain so.  Another place to overwinter, but as a pupa not as a caterpillar.  Can you see it?  A silk thread has been attached to the bark on either side of the casing and the creature hangs suspended like a lifeboat on the side of a ship.  The camouflage is almost perfect and the position surely out of reach of most predators.  Perhaps a blue tit might see through the disguise?  They seek spiders in the corners of the windows and underneath the cills and, as they do so, they hover for brief periods.  Or perhaps the treecreeper?
And what is the pupa?  Probably a large white butterfly.  Have a closer look in the photograph below.

 

7 January 2013 - Overwintering

This is what the caterpillars are doing - overwintering.  In November they started to spin cocoons in the corners of the plastic container, one by one.  A couple of others decided a leaf was more to their liking and the silken threads anchored the leaf to the bottom of the container.  At first I thought they must be pupating - but, if they were, the moths that would hatch must be very small and they wouldn't have long to pupate and hatch into their flighty selves before the winter came.  I hadn't realised the caterpillars might overwinter when they were so small.  Presumably they will come out of their hibernation in Spring, resume eating and pupate accordingly.  Assuming they survive.  No further trapping at the moment - the odd December moth comes to the window but hardly a glimpse of moth-life in the headlights.  We overwinter as well.  Happy New Tercentenary Year. 

15 November 2012 - Arriving with the Frost

Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri)

Last night's hunt for a flightless female moth was unsuccessful but viewing tree-trunks by torchlight was a significant compensation as extraordinary habitats were revealed.  Wood lice, slugs, harvestmen, flies, spiders and millipedes were to be seen crawling over the trunks in large numbers on the mild autumn evening.  However, on searching the trap, very little evidence of the moth-world was to be found - except the bonus of two new species to the list.  The moth in the photograph above is Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri).  The Latin name lithophane, 'to appear to be like a stone,' is fitting; the second part of the name refers to the identifier of the species, M. Leautier, on the Isle of Wight in 1951.


Exapate congelatella

The second new species was extremely difficult to see as it was nearly as black as the plastic upon which it was resting.  No certainty it was a moth either - but when I looked at the Yorkshire Moths site to see which species might be flying tonight, there, at the bottom of the list, was Exapate congelatella - the moth that appears at the first sign of frost (congelatus : frozen); the exapate part means 'gross deceit' and is a complicated reference to the tortricid moth looking like a tineid. That's the gist anyway. The moth was keen to be off and was difficult to photograph - a collecting tube was turned upside down, positioned on a new book by the Incline Press and then carefully unscrewed.  A quick photograph to show its characteristics and then put outside to await release this evening.
It has just started to rain.  Another trap on Saturday if the weather stays mild.  Species list now grown to 257.

14 November 2012 - † - The Case of the Printer's Dagger

Mottled Umber (Erannis defoliaria)

Last night was relatively warm, a new moon and somewhat overcast - the combination of such benevolent ingredients produced four new species to Shandy Hall, but three were nearly overlooked.  The first was Erannis defoliaria (Mottled Umber) and a striking moth it is.  There were two in the trap, one slightly larger and with more clearly defined markings.  The underwings are a delicate off-white colour and the moth's legs are brown striped with cream.  If disturbed it tends to play dead so the photograph was taken by persuading the moth onto the seed-head of a Phlomis.  The moth's Latin name means 'the lovely one (erannos) that eats all its food plant'.  The female is wingless and can be found on tree trunks.  I'll have to see if there is one to be found.  This moth was definitely new.

Feathered Thorn (Colotois pennaria)

The second and quite spectacular moth was nearly overlooked as I mistook it for an August Thorn.  The white spot near the tip of the wing is a diagnostic mark (it can just be seen in the photograph) as are the feathery antennae.  The Feathered Thorn is the last of the Thorn family to fly and rests with its wings flat. Its name means 'with docked or stunted ears' (from the Greek: kolos and otoeis); pennaria meaning 'feather' which refers to the antenna.  The moth in the photograph was disturbed quite quickly and made a bid for cover in the morning sun.  It stayed close to the ground for a few moments then, with antennae held clearly aloft, it flew into the lower branches of an apple tree.  A sharp clap of the hands protected it from a marauding wren that dived down from the higher branches in an attempt to swallow it.

Scarce Umber (Agriopis aurantiaria)

This moth was resting just inside the trap and looked a little delicate.  It seemed familiar but then again not.  I forwarded the photograph to Dave Chesmore and he asked to see the moth as a live specimen, so I took it to the university where he confirmed that it was a Scarce Umber - and the first he had seen. The name Agriopis aurantiaria means 'the golden-forelocked wild-faced one' - the golden hairs can be seen quite clearly in the photograph.


Grey Pine Carpet (Thera obeliscata)

And finally this Grey Pine Carpet was found at the bottom of the trap.  It was thought it might be a Spruce Carpet (Thera britannica) but has been confirmed as Thera obeliscata - which is an appropriate Latin name for a literary house associated with the printed text, as obeliscata may refer to this: [ † ] the printer's dagger.  Obeliskos refers to any pointed instrument - a spit or a spire perhaps - but RD Macleod (Key to the Names of British Butterflies and Moths. 1959) suggests that the marking of a printer's dagger can be seen on the forewing and that's good enough for me.  The Grey Pine Carpet rests on Anaphalis margaritacea.
Four new records for Shandy Hall gives a total of 255

5 November 2012 - A month early...

December Moth (Poecilocampa populi)

The frost was thick this morning and the chances of finding anything in the trap seemed remote.  On first inspection there was nothing but then, on the white sheet that the trap is placed upon, two mothy shapes could be seen.  Both looked the same species but one not seen at Shandy Hall before.  They were cupped in my hands and placed carefully in the trap. What form of anti-freeze was keeping them alive?  When the egg-cartons were removed from inside the trap another similar moth was found - this one with clearly defined feathered antennae (see above) - the one in the photograph below looks quite bedraggled in comparison.  However, considering the fall in temperature it was exposed to last night, it had done well.  They were all December Moths (Poecilocampa populi) and their Latin name comes from the Greek meaning 'varied larva that lives on poplar' - apparently the caterpillar appears in a number of different patterns.  So here, a month early, is a new species. 

19 October 2012 - Kaleidoscope of Colours

Red-line Quaker (Agrochola lota)

Yellow-line Quaker (Agrochola macilenta)

Red-line Quaker (Agrochola lota) has wings the colour of rain-washed slate, which is an appropriate description as the Latin lota means ‘washed’ referring to the way the pattern on the wings merges the colours together.  The markings that give the moth its common name – the red lines on the wings – and the evidence of the deep black stigma, make for clear identification.  This is apparently a common moth along with the Yellow-line Quaker (Agrochola macilenta) but both are new species to Shandy Hall.  The two shown here are quite easily distinguishable but that, it seems, is not always the case.

Red-green Carpet (Chlorocylsta siterata)

Dark Chestnut (Conistra ligula)

The appearance of a Red-green Carpet (Chlorocylsta siterata) is a bit of a puzzle.  I felt sure this species had been recorded before but I can find no mention of it.  The moth hibernates over Winter and reappears in Spring – and that was the time I thought it had been spotted.  But then I am sure I would have remembered the Greek /Latin interpretation : from the greenish-yellow (khloros) colour that gets washed away (kluzo);  and siterata meaning ‘pertaining to corn’ which refers to the fact that as growing corn turns from green to golden as it ripens, so the forewing of this species fades from green to yellow after death.  All rather beautiful.  The moth rests with its abdomen slightly lifted.

The Dark Chestnut (Conistra ligula) is not a definite identification – it seems the most likely but awaits confirmation.  The November moths (Epirrita) are similar.  There are four species (Pale November, Autumnal, Small Autumnal and November) and the one that was attracted to the light would seem to be Epirrita dilutata – its rivulets (Epirrita) certainly look pale and washed out (dilutata) – hopefully Dave Chesmore will agree it is, at least, a member of the November moth family.

So, with these five species, three pretty certain, one reasonably certain and one from a family that hasn’t appeared at all (Epirrita), that could take the species list to 250 or 251. We’ll have to wait and see.

7 October 2012 - Growing

Yellow-tail (Euproctis similis)?

The caterpillars continue to grow and their identity remains uncertain.  When the eggs were laid they were covered with hairs - which is a characteristic of the Lymantriidae family.  The hairs were brown, not yellow, but the larvae seem to look more like the Yellow-tail than the Brown-tail.  The orange colour is really very bright - especially the two protruding lumps next to the head.

 
This group photograph shows their discarded skins and the remaining eight or nine  larvae in various stages of development. 
This caterpillar news replaces a proper mothblog because there is so little to report.  Last night the temperature fell and the resulting globules of ice on the lawn give an indication as to how cold it was.  A Pink-barred Sallow, four Green-brindled Crescents, a Large Yellow Underwing and two Angle Shades - nothing more.  How will the bats fare?

1 October 2012 - Poor Jenny Wren

Green-brindled Crescent (Allophyes oxyacanthae ab capucina)

The Green-brindled Crescent has flown this way before but only in its 'typical' form, with metallic shards of green decorating the fore-wing.  This plainer, browner version (ab capucina) takes its name from the Latin 'cappa' meaning a cap.  The French word 'capuce' - a pointed hood or cowl gave the name of Capuchin to the monks of the Franciscan order.  All because of that prominent crest that can be seen in the photograph.
There was only one other moth in the trap - and a dead wren.  This causes concern and I hope it will not happen again.  Wrens lurk around the trap and will occasionally pursue a carpet moth into the undergrowth but this is the first time one has flown into the light-trap and been unable to find its way out. 

26 September 2012 - In Search of Nectar

A day-flying moth in search of nectar is caught on camera by Elinor.  Can you see the Y shape on the forewing?  That means it's either the Silver Y (Autographa gamma) or the Scarce Silver Y (Syngrapha interrogationis) but most probably the former as that species flies well into Autumn. There were two or three busily feeding on the valerian bush by the front gate.   The nights are too wild or too cold to anticipate any catches in the trap.  No moths - no apples.  This time last year the lawn was covered in windfalls.  This year - none.

21 September 2012 - Moths at the Equinox

Ypsolopha sequella

This is a perky, inquisitive moth.  It seems particularly purposeful.  The antennae wave gently through the air in an exploratory fashion while the tiny head moves from left to right as if possibilities are being considered and alternatives appraised.  However, it was difficult to photograph.  Every time the camera was ready the moth decided to change its position so a photograph of it in the collecting canister seemed to be best.  From above the markings are quite clear and identification is definite - Ysolopha sequella.  The first part of the binomial refers to 'high crested' - the way the forewings lift at the back - but sequella just means 'following' or 'the next'.  For a moth with such character it seems a poor label by which to identify it.  A couple of moth recording websites refer to the moth as the 'Pied Smudge' - which is equally poor as the markings are so clear and exact. 

 

Agonopterix arenella

A wing 'without an angle' (Agonopterix) and a 'sandy' (aranella) one at that.  This scrap off the beach generally hibernates from the end of October and has a single brood in the Spring.  Agnopterix arenella feeds on thistles and knapweed so it is particularly welcome in the garden.  It flies throughout the year and must be pretty hardy to survive the winter months - today's post-equinoctial gale is ravaging the hollyhocks.

20 September 2012 - The Black Moth

Black Rustic (Aporophyla nigra)

This dark, glossy beauty was nearly missed on Wednesday night.  The black plastic of the trap was the perfect background for a stealthy hiding place.  The antennae of the male and female are not feathered - but the hindwings of the male are a pale colour. I didn't learn this until after the moth was released. Only time for one photograph before it disappeared into the night.  Aporophyla nigra refers to the problems that were faced when trying to classify this 'black (nigra), troublesome (aporos) tribe (phule)'.  The kidney marks on the wings are outlined in white. The blackness is almost impenetrable.

Large Wainscot (Rhizedra lutosa)

The Large Wainscot is a bit of surprise as its presence would seem to require reed-beds or at least a damp habitat as the larvae feed on the roots of common reed (Phragmites australis).  Perhaps the pond has attracted it? More likely the fact that as the whole of North Yorkshire is sodden it has resulted in the entire county becoming its pleasure garden.  The Latin name refers to the muddy (lutosus) roots (rhiza) that become the larva's home.
Two more species take the total to 245.

19 September 2012 - Beneath the Silvery Moon

Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa)
 

With its pattern of raised bands looking as tight as guitar strings, and the diagnostic stain (omphalos) or spot on the forewing, the Lunar Underwing makes its first recorded appearance in the garden.  Its defence mechanism is to appear emphatically dead - so apparently lifeless it could be gently rolled out of the egg carton and onto a woven surface without moving at all.  Then a sudden crawl of a couple of steps before it settled again.  It is marked very distinctly but appears in a variety of colours - sufficiently variable to throw me off the track until it was confirmed by Dr. Chesmore.
Species number 243.

Brindled Green (Dryobotodes eremita)

The Brindled Green appeared last year but wasn't photographed.  I didn't find this easy to identify either - the pinkish tones are quite prominent in this example but not as clearly present in the guides or online.  Hermit (eremita) feeding on oak (Greek : drus).  The larva lives in a spun cell in amongst the oak leaves.

Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa)

The third image is of the spectacular Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa).  This moth is just like an airborne leaf and comes with an interesting Latin name. Meticulosus means 'fearful' - in both senses of the word - I am fearful of a fearful monster.  One meaning refers to the way the moth quivers (as if with rage) before taking flight and the other from the way the moth holds its wings in repose, as if shrinking in the face of danger. Phlogophora means a flame carrier.   This moth is a dynamic combination of bravery and fear.  It is supposed to fly between May and October but it seems to occur only towards Autumn at Shandy Hall.
The caterpillars (see last post) now have a clearly marked golden stripe running the length of their bodies and what looks like a spur or tuft on their backs.  Not all have managed to make it through to the second instar but those that have are munching ...

14 September 2012 - Tracking the caterpillars

Moth eggs were found on the outside of the trap.  They weren't immediately apparent as they were covered with a blanket of tiny brown hairs.  A scalpel blade was used to slide beneath and lift them off the plastic and they were put into a specimen box.  After ten days they hatched and here they are four days later.  The green sprigs are stems of clover so that gives some idea of size - the caterpillars are extremely small.
The internet has been searched for similar images but nothing familiar yet.  We'll see how they grow.  The White Ermine caterpillars have been released as they were on the verge of pupating.  They can look after themselves without my help.
The nights are cold again and the wind is chilly.  One Pink-barred Sallow, a couple of Yellow Underwings and a few gloomy looking caddis flies was all the trap held.  A trap on Tuesday night might be better. 

Another batch of similar eggs on the outside of the trap

11 September 2012 - 'Mystically hid under the dark veil'

Brown-spot Pinion (Agrocola litura)

Only two moths in the trap this morning and hardly a midge in sight – how things change from day to day.  One was a Marbled Carpet (Chloroclysta truncata) and the other was new – and appropriately new as it seems to be Agrocola litura, a Brown-spot Pinion.  The meaning of the Latin name is from ‘agros’ – a field; ‘khole’ – gall or bile (from the colour of some species in the genus) and ‘litura’ – a smearing on a wax writing tablet or an erasure.  This refers to the black spots on the wings which may be said to block out what is ‘written’ beneath.  Or ‘mystically hid under the dark veil’ one might say if a Sternean reference was required.

This moth has probably emerged in the last day or two.  Its egg will have spent the winter tucked away somewhere for the caterpillar to hatch from in spring.  A couple of months chomping through meadowsweet, sorrel, or perhaps hawthorn as it grows larger, followed by a period of six weeks underground in a sturdy cocoon.  And now on the wing – or it will be again tonight when it is released.  The Brown-spot Pinion used to be very common but numbers have declined since the 1970’s and aren’t recovering.

This one has found its way onto the catalogue for the next exhibition 'Printed in Norfolk' – a writing tablet moth settled on a printer’s work. 

9 September 2012 - Rhomboid Tortrix

Rhomboid Tortrix (Acleris rhombana)

The name is too good to disregard.  Named after the parallelogram shape on the forewing, this moth displays the most intricate net-like pattern of intersecting lines.  The apex of the wings is also pointed - a diagnostic that should indicate the identification is accurate. The Rhomboid Tortrix can be found all over the UK and the food plants include a wide range of trees and shrubs.  It is a new species for the garden and is the 241st visitor.

Centre-barred Sallow (Atethmia centrago)

 The Centre-barred Sallow has been recorded before, but not photographed.  It is a tiny piece of autumn slightly ahead of its time.  The Latin name encourages a digression - ethmia means 'spotted', in the way a colander or a sieve is spotted or sprinkled with dots; atethmia means 'unspotted'.  So this moth differs from Ethmia pyrausta ('a moth that gets singed in the candle') by not being spotted. Search UK moths by putting ethmia in the search box and you will see some very spotted examples. Whether the logic of the nomenclature becomes clear I will leave to you.

7 September 2012 - Knot-horn and Button

New Pine Knot-horn (Dioryctria sylvestrella)

Helen Levins, our student intern from UPenn, was particularly good at identifying a new moth using the field guides.  She would have spotted this in half the time it took me this morning.  I think the identification is correct although it seems that this species, Dioryctria sylvestrella, is by no means common and can be confused with other members of similar species.  The Greek (dioruktes) refers to the larva's habit of boring into pine trees.  The moth didn't object to being disturbed and was quick to settle again.  The 'Knot-horn' name was found on the Norfolk moth records site.  It doesn't say who gave the moth this name, or when, but presumably it was after it was first recorded in Dorset in 1991.

Dark-triangle Button (Acleris laterana)

Acleris laterana is another new species for Shandy Hall - the total now stands at 240.  This tortrix moth varies in its appearance, but I am confident that Dave Chesmore will agree that it has been correctly identified.  The laterana refers to the brick-like reticulate forewing pattern, suggestive of a brick wall.  'Dark-triangle Button' seems somewhat less than convincing as a name. 

6 September 2012 - Fairy Longhorns

Moth on Cuckoo Flower

This image is out of sequence.  The photograph was taken in May and shows a Fairy Longhorn moth (Adela rumifitrella) resting on a Cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratense).  Or at least that is what it nearly certainly is...  The image was sent to Dave Chesmore in May and although he was happy to agree that it is a longhorn, he couldn't be completely sure which one.  The moth was in a group of seven or eight clustered on the petals of the flowers, their wings glinting in the sunlight.  This is the second year they have been spotted, so next May a clearer image will be taken and we'll see if there are fairies in the garden.
John Clare thought there were:
'One almost fancies that such happy things,
With coloured hoods and richly burnished wings,
Are fairy folk, in splendid masquerade
Disguised...'

3 September 2012 - How now Brown House Moth

Brown House Moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella)

Ottmar Hofmann was a German entomologist - his collection is in the Natural History Museum in London.  He must have had an interesting sense of humour as he claims to 'love' (philos) the Brown House Moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella) although it resembles a despised (spretus) but similar clothes moth.  This moth is around all year and the larva will eat virtually anything.  Cotton, wool, seeds, dried skins, books and even slug bait.  It is one of a very few that give moths a bad name.  This one was inspecting the lithographs in the gallery and no doubt thinking they would make an interesting variety of food for its young.  It is recorded as 237 on the list of species and was liberated - no doubt reducing Eva Wiseman to apoplexy (see post 2 July).
Otherwise the trap was full of midges, one or two carpet moths, a couple of water boatmen and various underwings.  The night's are not warm again - I do hope something of Summer still remains.

2 September 2012 - Double-striped Tabby

Double-striped Tabby (Orthopygia glaucinalis)

Crouching at the very bottom of the trap was a moth that hadn't been seen in the garden before.  The photograph shows the diagnostic feature - a double stripe across the forewing - but it was difficult to identify as the example in the field guide is much darker, almost chocolate-coloured.  However it was found and named as Hypsopygia glaucinalis.  The photographs on UK moths are a great help to identification but there was no trace of Hypospygia - this moth appears as Orthopygia glaucinalis.  One Latin name (Hypso) refers to the moth's abdomen being flexed upward when at rest - like the Phoenix or the Scorched Wing - and the other (Ortho) to acknowledge the straightness of the abdomen when at rest.  So which is it to be?  The name Double-striped Tabby was found on moth websites in Lincolnshire and Norfolk - the 'tabby' making reference to the brindled ground colour of the wings.  Kitten moths and tabbys - the cat theme continues. And species 236 is welcomed.

22 August 2012 - Peaceful Kittens

Sallow Kitten (Furcula furcula)

Mugshots seem appropriate for this rather beautiful insect whose name could be taken straight from this week's headlines. The Sallow Kitten (Furcula furcula) has been recorded once before but this is the first time it has been photographed in the garden.
Carl Clerck was an entomologist who was a contemporary of Linnaeus and he gave this moth its name (fercula meaning 'small fork') from the two-pronged appendage on the tail of the  caterpillar - rather like those of the Puss Moth. When this moth was persuaded to rest on an ash twig it went through a gentle ruffling routine as it settled.  A crouch, a kneading movement with the legs and then an abrupt stop as the moth appeared to almost clamp itself in position.  The Emerald moth and The Magpie both flap their wings in increasingly gentle movements as they settle - flap, flap, flap - then still.  Adjustments not dissimilar to those made by dogs and cats when they settle - round, round and slump.  Tiny behavioural movements that are astonishingly exact.

19 August 2012 - A Garden Rose

Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana)

The trap was full of Underwings, Sexton Beetles (Necrophorus vespillo), Ichneumon flies and Crane Flies – soft, delicate trembling ones and ramshackle monster varieties.  The crowds make it difficult to spot any new micromoth.  Every twitching foreleg disturbs a mad underwing which then zooms across the trap and collides with a Willow Beauty, that startles a Mother of Pearl and the next moment the whole trap is pandemonium.

So it was good to find one new species hiding amid the chaos. Bearing in mind there are approximately 100 varieties of roses in the garden, it seems strange that the Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana) hasn’t been recorded here before.  ‘Particoloured and unallotted’ is the meaning of the Latin name but Latin has crept into the common name as well – tortus : to twist, which refers to the silken pocket the larva makes inside a rolled-up leaf.
The Garden Rose Tortrix appears in different colours and markings but is quite distinctive.  And very easy to photograph as it is wrapped up very quietly.  Welcome species number 235.

Here is a photograph of the growing caterpillars just to mark their progress – their third instar, I think. 

13 August 2012 - Who are you?

Not yet identified*

I am pretty certain I haven't seen this moth before.  It looks like it should be a member of the Crambidae - which contain the grass moths and the china-marks.  The moths in this family are, it seems, superficially familiar, particularly if they have been living a turbulent and wearing life-style.  This one is clearly marked and it rests with its abdomen slightly curled and elevated.  It is almost translucent but doesn't appear to be worn.  It didn't like captivity and its restlessness gained its liberty after this photograph was taken - partly because I thought it would be simple to identify.  Anania perlucidalis looks the closest but the website UK Moths doesn't have an image where a comparison might be drawn.  In fact there are only two Ananias on the website - yet there are nine in the new Micromoths guide.  The perlucidalis part of the Latin name (per intensive, lucidus bright) would seem to fit as the moth is similar to the Mother of Pearl (Pleuroptya ruralis) although much smaller.  Looking for other photographs for comparison has been inconclusive and Phlyctaenia perlucidalis would be a contender if it wasn't described as scarce.  Phluktaina is Greek for a blister: from the circular pale blotches on the wings.  So, if you aren't one of those - who are you?
*Anania coronata - Dave Chesmore informs me.  I was fooled by the colour - still lots to learn.  So that's species number 234 - crowned with a wreath at Shandy Hall. 
Below is another micro.  This is Ysolopha scabrella - high-crested (Ysolopha) with rough (scabrella) raised scale tufts, behaving just as it is illustrated in the guide.
Last night there were over a hundred Lesser Yellow Underwings, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwings and Large Yellow Underwings in the trap.  The bats will be happy.

Ysolopha scabrella

4/5 August 2012 - Abracadabra

Catoptria falsella

Agriphila selasella

Catoptria falsella  has been spotted once before when Dave Chesmore was identifying moths at Shandy Hall, but this is the first photograph to appear on the blog. However, Agriphila selasella is a new record – if it is correct.  The longitudinal stripe on the forewing has a hint of banana colouring which distinguishes it from Agriphila tristella, a moth already recorded.  The agriphila part of its identity is easy to interpret (lover of fields) and selasella is from the Greek selas meaning ‘brightness’.  Tristella is the opposite 'sadness – from the heavy shading the moth sometimes has on the forewing.

Yponomeuta padella

Yponomeuta padella seems the most likely identity of the next moth.  Each Yponomeuta description, photograph and drawing (there are eight possibilities) has been carefully compared with the living specimen and the grayish form of padella seems to be this moth's most likely identity.  ‘Y. malinellus cannot be separated from Y. padella except by rearing from larvae’, I am reliably informed.  First catch your larvae…  Either way this moth is a new species but represents a number of possibilities.  It is definitely not a Bird Cherry-Ermine - the only similar species already recorded.

The Honeysuckle Moth is new : Ysolopha dentella – 'high-crested and wing-toothed'.  A rather sharply defined insect is the Honeysuckle and its distinctive shape should make identification straightforward.

Honeysuckle Moth (Ysolopha dentella)

Two macro moths have been recorded this weekend: The Magpie (Abraxas grossulariata) is the first. Abraxas is a Coptic word said to have been coined by Basilides, an Egyptian Gnostic, to express 365 – the number of days in the year.  Abracadabra comes from the same source. Grossulariata refers to the gooseberry which is the food source.  There is something startling about The Magpie – the combination of colours gives it a dramatic and almost talismanic appearance.  

Antler Moth (Cerapteryx graminis)

The Antler Moth (Cerapteryx graminis) was quite easy to identify with the ‘keras’ (horn) marked on the ‘pterux’ (wing).  The Antler Moth feeds on grass (graminis) and this moth remained motionless all day until its evening release.  With  the Yponomeuta – whichever one it is – counting as one species, then the total number now stands at 233.


 

The Magpie (Abraxas grossulariata)