Some Moths during July

 Weather conditions have been excellent throughout July, for moth-trapping.

 The variety of species attracted to the light has been good and has included a first record for my garden of a relative common moth and multiple visits from what were once only rare migrants.

Privet Hawkmoth (Sphinx ligustri)

Drinker (Euthrix potatoria) (female)

This is the first record for my garden.

Jersey Tiger (Euplagia quadripunctaria) (form lutescens)

This once rare migrant is now becoming a frequent visitor to the light trap.

Ruby Tiger (Phragmatobia fuliginosa fuliginosa)

Alder Kitten (Furcula bicuspis)

Sallow Kitten (Furcula furcula)

Pale Prominent (Pterostoma palpina)

Vapourer (Orgyia antiqua) (male)

Black Arches (Lymantria monacha) (male)

Oak Hook-tip (Watsonalla binaria) (female)

Clay Triple-lines (Cyclophora linearia)

Riband Wave (Idaea aversata)

Phoenix (Eulithis prunata)

Small Phoenix (Ecliptopera silaceata)

July Highflyer (Hydriomena furcata)

Green Pug (Pasiphila rectangulata)

Lunar Thorn (Selenia lunularia) 

Purple Thorn (Selenia tetralunaria)

Scalloped Oak (Crocallis elinguaria)

Engrailed (Ectropis bistortata)

The next two Red Data Book species only occur as residents in the New Forest, Hampshire. However, in recent years, their numbers have been augmented by increased migration from Europe, leading to episodic breeding in southern England. They are both becoming frequent visitors to moth-traps.

They are very closely related and can be tricky to positively identify. Forewing markings can indicate one from the other but there is some overlap in wing size and markings. The only reliable way to separate them is by getting a good view of the central black band on the hindwing.

Light Crimson Underwing (Catocala promissa)  

The central black hindwing marking is thinner and less wavy than in the next species.

Dark Crimson Underwing (Catocala sponsa)

The central black hindwing marking has more acute bends which are thicker.

Waved Black (Parascotia fuliginaria)

Herald (Scoliopteryx libatrix)

Slender Brindle (Apamea scolopacina)

Common Wainscot (Mythimna pallens)

Clay (Mythimna ferrago)

Pyrausta purpuralis

Wax Moth (Galleria mellonella)