Moth-Trapping in Hemsworth

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

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

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)

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)

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

Moth trapping at Ackworth School

I have been putting out the moth trap recently at Ackworth School  during the recent good weather. Here are pictures of a couple of the more colourful moths caught during the past week. Elephant hawk moth is a regular but this is the first ghost moth that I have caught in Ackworth.

ghost moth

ghost moth

Elephant hawk moth

Elephant hawk moth

Moth trapping: Buff Ermine and Muslin Moth

The moth trap has not been very productive recently because of the poor weather. Last night was clear but low temperature and an almost full moon meant that I trapped only two species: buff ermine (a single male) and muslin moth (two males.). Buff ermines mimic ermine moths, which taste unpleasant to birds. In this way, they reduce their chance of being eaten.

buff ermine moth

buff ermine moth

muslin moth

muslin moth