Night of 13th August

Another sub-par catch, with around 90 moths of 44 species, but an interesting selection nonetheless.

 

I trapped 3 new species - Lunar Thorn, Canary-shouldered Thorn and Square-spot Rustic. 

Identifiable here as a second-generation moth, the rather lovely Lunar Thorn is described as fairly common in Jersey.

 

The name comes from the 'crescent moon'-shaped markings on the wings.

 

 

One of the night's more interesting moths was this Barrett's Marbled Coronet, the third I have trapped in my garden this year. This species is quite similar to a number of Noctuids, but as far as I can tell, the characteristically-shaped pale patch between the oval and the trailing edge of the forewing is diagnostic.

Taxonomic study suggests that the form occurring in the Channel Islands and France represent a different species from the UK resident population. It is listed as 'not common' in Jersey.

In my previous post, I discussed Jersey Mocha, and its similarity to other mochas, noting that the white wing spots lack a clear black borders.

The other regularly-recorded species is Blair's Mocha. This was first observed in Jersey in 1995, and is an increasingly recorded migrant and possible resident. The black borders to the white spots are obvious on this individual.

The lovely Peach Blossom is among the more attractive of Jersey's moths. It is considered common in the island, but this was my first for several weeks. Given its relatively fresh condition, it is presumably a second generation moth.

The larval food plant is Bramble; anything prepared to help keep this in check is more than welcome in my garden.

 

A rather more subtly attractive species, Chocolate-tip is an uncommon species in the island - this was just my third record. In common with the other members of its family (Notodontidae), the adults of this species are unable to feed.

 

And finally, a rather un-prepossessing, and distinctly un-rufous Barred Red. Considered locally common, this was just my second record - the first being worn almost beyond recognition.

Species	Count
Hoary Footman	2
Dun-bar	6
Agriphila tristella	3
Agriphila straminella	1
Flame Shoulder	2
Black Arches	1
Shuttle-shaped Dart	10
Pine Carpet	1
Zeiraphera isertana	2
Phycita roborella	3
Cabbage	1
Straw Dot	1
Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing	1
Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing	6
Least Yellow Underwing	1
Knot Grass	4
Nutmeg	2
Copper Underwing	1
Vine's Rustic	5
Buff Arches	1
Blair's Mocha	1
Jersey Tiger	2
Dingy Footman	1
Canary-shouldered Thorn	1
Four-spotted Footman	2
Dark Arches	1
Buff Ermine	2
Dark -barred Twin-spot Carpet	1
European Corn-borer	1
Common Rustic agg	3
Crescent Dart	1
Large Yellow Underwing	1
Cydia splendana	3
Buff Footman	1
Carcina quercana	2
Lunar Thorn	1
Peach Blossom	1
Barred Red	1
White-line Dart	2
Chocolate-tip	2
Turnip	1
Square-spot Rustic	1
Blastobasis adustella	3
Depressaria sp	1