In Hemsworth, the moth trap has been attracting some familiar species recently. In the following picture, clockwise from top left, there are maple button (Acleris forsskaliana), shaded broad-bar (Scotopteryx chenopodiata), peppered moth (Biston betularia) and scalloped oak (Crocallis elinguaria).

Moths trapped recently

When using a moth-trap, it’s always a good idea to check the outside of the box and any nearby objects as moths often settle there. This swallow-tailed moth was resting on the step below the trap.

Swallow-tailed moth

The swallow-tailed moth is a large, attractive species which often comes to the trap. When you first start using a moth trap, it is a surprise to find how many species visit an ordinary garden regularly. A favourite of mine is the common footman.

Common footman (Eilema lurideola)

The small “micro-moths” can be hard to identify but it is worth having a close look at them because of the range of colours and shapes. This diamond-back moth is also a common species. Its other name is cabbage moths and this moth may well be one of the culprits behind the damage to young cabbages in my garden.

The micro-moth Diamond-back moth (Plutella xylostella)