Some Moths during Early Autumn

 The weather during the first half of October was pretty good for moth-trapping and here are some fairly typical moth species that appear at this time of year.

Merveille du Jour (Dichonia aprilina)

Sallow (Xanthia icteritia)

Barred Sallow (Xanthia aurago)

Pink-barred Sallow (Xanthia togata)

Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa)

Chestnut (Conistra vaccinii)

Black Rustic (Aporophyla nigra)

Green-brindled Crescent (Allophyes oxyacanthae)

L-album Wainscot (Mythimna l-album)

Red-line Quaker (Agrochola lota)

Burnished Brass (Diachrysia chrysitis)

Grey Shoulder-knot (Lithophane ornitopus lactipennis)

Vestal (Rhodometra sacraria)

Red-green Carpet (Chloroclysta siterata)

Pine Carpet (Thera firmata)

Common Marbled Carpet (Chloroclysta truncata)

Some Moths during September

         As summer ends and autumn begins, an interesting variety of species can be attracted to the moth trap in the form of rare or regular migrants and late season residents.

Blue Underwing (Catocala fraxini)

This magnificent moth, also known as the Clifden Nonpareil, historically only occurred in Britain as a rare migrant but during the last decade or two it has become an occasional breeder in southern England.

Of the following images, the first three and the next three are of two different individuals.

Portland Ribbon Wave (Idaea degeneraria)

This species has only ever been a regular resident breeding species on the Isle of Portland in Dorset.

In recent years however, it has regularly been recorded at light traps in Sussex, most likely from migration across the English Channel and may now be an occasional breeder in the county.

Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata alternata)

Common Marbled Carpet (Chloroclysta truncata)

Centre-barred Sallow (Atethmia centrago)

Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)

Chestnut (Conistra vaccinii)

Svensson's Copper Underwing (Amphipyra berbera svenssoni)

Although a little worn, this specimen was displaying particularly drab markings.

Flounced Rustic (Luperina testacea)