13 October 2014

13 October 2014 – Cryptic Moths

Chestnut (Conistra vaccinii) and Brick (Agrochola circellaris)

The Chesnut is easy to see but the Brick has almost disappeared into the leaf.  Two good examples of moths that fly in October and on landing, merge into the background of dun and sallow colours and so break up their visual outline.  The moon was near full last night and the skies clear – the worst combination for moth-trapping.  The temperature dropped to below 9 degrees after midnight and the heavy, chilled dew all combined to make the species count a small one.  A Snout, Beaded Chestnut, November Moth, Angle Shades and the two above was the total. Sexton beetles and dor beetles have been common all year but even they seem to have moved into another stage of their life-cycle.  No more underwings.

Another trap in York – where it might be warmer at night – will take place very soon.