The second generation of Latticed heath moths is now out and about (they fly during August and September), and I saw several during my walk. They often flit quickly away but this one was more cooperative.
#MothsMatter #UKMoths #BritishMoths #LatticedHeath

Very worrying. I reopened my bag of compost and found these caterpillars hiding in it.
I oddly instantly recognise them as spongy* moth caterpillars. These jerks fully defoliated trees back home in the states. Apparently they can do the same here. It felt kinda bad squishing them but it's for the good of the trees. I can still remember how weird it was to have naked trees like winter, in July. #UKMoths #moths #caterpillar

*These still have a derogatory name in the UK; I refuse to use it.

One of two new species from last night: a Dingy Shell. The name sounds a bit harsh, but its most (only?) distinctive feature is the way it holds its wings. So not unfair.

#moths #UKMoths #insects #Lepidoptera

One of two new species from last night: a Dingy Shell. The name sounds a bit harsh, but its most (only?) distinctive feature is the way it holds its wings. So not unfair.

#moths #UKMoths #insects #Lepidoptera

Not much in the moth trap again this morning, but here’s a Cherry-bark Moth, one of the more decorative species of micro moth.
#moths #UKMoths #lepidoptera

I went to some Surrey heathland yesterday and used pheromones to lure out this beauty. Not the best photo because (a) I took it with my phone and (b) the moth was in a frenzy of lust and wouldn’t sit still. Emperor Moth, Saturnia pavonia.

#UKMoths #moths #lepidoptera

Lunar Marbled Brown and Scorched Carpet were the two most decorative species from last night’s moth trap.

#UKMoths #moths #lepidoptera

Fairly quiet in the moth trap this morning, but there was a blackcap singing right by the trap, and a couple of shoveler flew over, which is a new one for the garden bird list.

This is a Brindled Beauty. #moths #UKMoths

Best moth in the trap this morning was probably this Early Grey. It’s not at all rare but it does have a very elegant outfit.

#moths #mothtodon #UKMoths

I bought a collapsible light box, which I think is intended for photographing things to sell on eBay and Etsy… but I got it to take pics of moths. The real test will be when I’ve got some tricky micromoths, but in the meantime, here’s the antenna of an Oak Beauty.

#moths #UKMoths

Today's moth is an Angle Shades, Phlogophora meticulosa. The wings fold along the body, and the markings resemble a withered brown leaf, for protection from predators.

All moths are humanely trapped, photographed, recorded on the Sussex & UK databases, & safely released.

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#Moths #Mothing #Insect #Insects #Lepidoptera #UKmoths #SussexWildlife #Sussex #Brighton #BrightonMoths #MothingMonday #AngleShades

This is a Buff Arches, Habrosyne pyritoides. It's really strange to look at - the patch behind the head almost looks like a hole, and is visually confusing.

All moths are humanely trapped, photographed, recorded on the Sussex & UK databases, & safely released.

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#Moths #Mothing #Moth#Insect #Insects #Lepidoptera #UKmoths #SussexWildlife #Sussex #Brighton #BrightonMoths #MothingMonday #BuffArches

This one is a Spectacle moth, Abrostola tripartita. Wonder why they called it that? ;-)

All moths are humanely trapped, recorded on the Sussex and UK databases, and safely released.

I usually follow back, and really appreciate boosts. 🙂

#Moths #Mothing #Moth#BackGardenWildlife #Insect #Insects #Lepidoptera #UKmoths #SussexWildlife #Sussex #Brighton #BrightonMoths #MothingMonday #SpectacleMoth

Leopard Moth Zeuzera pyrina. This is the only one I've managed to see so far. Not your usual 'little brown job'.

All moths are humanely trapped, recorded on the Sussex and UK databases, and safely released.

I usually follow back, and really appreciate boosts. 🙂

#Moths #Mothing #Moth#BackGardenWildlife #Insect #Insects #Lepidoptera #UKmoths #SussexWildlife #Sussex #Brighton #BrightonMoths #MothingMonday #LeopardMoth

Plume moth came in last night to shelter from the cold wind. As long as it behaves itself it can stay #gardenwildlife #mulbarton #ukmoths

Not many moths fly this time of year, but these two are aptly named December moths, Poecilocampa populi, and they have been around for about 6 weeks.

As you can see, they are built for the cold, having their own winter fur hat/scarf.

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This bundle of yellow fluff with wings is a Canary Shouldered Thorn moth, Ennomos lniaria. So beautiful, and so pleased to say it was my 250th species caught in the home made back garden trap.

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#Moths #Mothing #Moth#BackGardenWildlife #Insect #Insects #Lepidoptera #UKmoths #SussexWildlife #Sussex #Brighton #BrightonMoths #MothingMonday

Muslin moth, Diaphora mendica, from the garden light trap.

Very brightly coloured underneath, and, like many species, when first disturbed it played dead for a bit until it got confident and turned over. Like all my moths, has now been released back into the wild.

I usually follow back, & am really grateful for a boost

#Moths #Mothing #BackGardenWildlife #Insect #lepidoptera #ukmoths #sussexwildlife #sussex #brighton #BrightonMoths #MothingMonday

Muslin moth, Diaphora mendica, from the garden light trap.

Very brightly coloured underneath, and, like many species, when first disturbed it played dead for a bit until it got confident and turned over. Like all my moths, has now been released back into the wild.

I usually follow back, & am really grateful for a boost

#Moths #Mothing #BackGardenWildlife #Insect #lepidoptera #ukmoths #sussexwildlife #sussex #brighton #BrightonMoths #MothingMonday

One of my favourites, the really aptly named Burnished Brass - Diachrysia chrysitis. Images not enhanced. It really does look as metallic as this.

I follow back, & am always really grateful for a boost.

#Moths #Mothing #Moth#BackGardenWildlife #Insect #Insects #lepidoptera #ukmoths #sussexwildlife #sussex #brighton #BrightonMoths #MothingMonday