Autumn Butterflies along the Woodland Edge

 By the time August arrived, summer butterfly species had rapidly fallen away in my local wealden woods.

However, by September, salvation was at hand as the woodland edges became bathed in a blue wash, with beds of  Devil's-bit Scabious bursting into flower.

 This offers our late season butterflies the chance to feast as many of them prepare for hibernation or migration. 

Another source of  late season nectar is provided by my local National Trust gardens where I go in expectation of seeing good numbers of Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) during the autumn.

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

Comma (Polygonia c-album)

Peacock (Aglais io)

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Large White (Pieris brassicae)

(females)

(male)

Green-veined White (Pieris napi) (female)

(aberration)

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

Small Copper (L. phlaeas)

(ab. radiata)

 

Some Moths during August

 I find late summer and autumn to be the most interesting time of year for moth-trapping. It is migration time, when you can anticipate something special awaiting your attention.

Many formerly rare migrant and resident species of moth have been regularly appearing at moth-traps in recent years, as their numbers have been bolstered by migration from the continent and have become episodic breeders in Sussex and beyond.

Two such species made their first appearance at my garden trap this month. The Dark Crimson Underwing (Catocala sponsa) made two appearances, as did the formerly extinct Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar). Both species are now clearly breeding in the county.

Somewhat paradoxically, the Red Underwing (Catocala nupta), our commonest Catocala resident, only made its first appearance in 14 years at my garden light!

Red Underwing (Catocala nupta)

Dark Crimson Underwing (Catocala sponsa)

Gypsy Moth (Lymatria dispar) (male) 

Jersey Tiger (Euplagia quadripunctaria) (form lutescens)

Black Arches (Lymantria monacha) (female)

This is only the second female of this common species to ever appear at my moth-trap.

Bulrush Wainscot (Nonagria typhae) (male)

Straw Underwing (Thalpophila matura)

Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)

Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta) (male)

Sallow Kitten (Furcula furcula)

Lesser Swallow Prominent (Pheosia gnoma)

Swallow Prominent (Pheosia tremula)

Pebble Prominent (Notodonta ziczac)

Pebble Hook-tip (Drepana falcataria falcataria)

Rosy Footman (Miltochrista miniata)

Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata alternata)

Maiden's Blush (Cyclophora punctaria)

Lime-speck Pug (Eupithecia centaureata)

Musotima nitidalis

Meal Moth (Pyralis farinalis)