Opportunities to set the moth-trap up during December can be few and far between but there were several mild nights in the lead up to Christmas which enabled me to put the trap out.
At this time of year, the moths attracted to the light are either winter specialists or hibernators that have been woken by mild conditions.
December Moth (Poecilocampa populi) (male)
Mottled Umber (Erannis defoliaria) (male)
Scarce Umber (Agriopis aurantiaria) (male)
The next two species are micro-moths that hibernate in the adult stage and I regularly see them on mild days during the winter, when I am working in the woods.
Agonopterix arenella
Agonopterix ocellana
Elephant Hawkmoth (Deilephila elpenor) (pupa)
This pupa was found laying on a pavement and had clearly been dislodged from its winter quarters in a nearby flower-bed by the scratchings of a cat or dog.
Peacock (Aglais io) (hibernating)
With its rich maroon ground colour and with each wing bearing a metallic eye, I think that the Peacock is arguably our most beautiful butterfly in Britain. It is one of a few species in the UK that hibernates as an adult and the almost black underside markings are perfect camouflage for hibernating in dark corners. I found this one in my garage on Christmas Eve.
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