Sunday 24 April 2011

First Hawk-moths of the year

The first Hawk-moths of the year have turned up.

I recorded a Poplar Hawk-moth last night and Douglas also recorded a Lime Hawk-moth.

Friday 22 April 2011

Chamomile Shark - a new county record

An excellent catch of moths last night at Llanfyllin (42 macro species in April is unprecedented for Montgomeryshire) got even better when I discovered a new county record resting on the edge of the trap.

At first I was unsure of the species - but knew it was something good so emailed Peter immediately to say 'unidentified shark species'. He was probably thinking I'd seen a Great White or something.

Once I'd taken the photo I could see that the fringe on the forewing trailing edge contained the tips of the black wing streaks. This identified the moth as Chamomile Shark Cucullia chamomillae rather than Shark Cucullia umbratica which has an unbroken wing-tip fringe.

2214 Chamomile Shark Cucullia chamomillae

Chamomile Shark - Wing-tip

The Chamomile Shark also has an earlier flight time than the Shark.

It was presumably attracted by the chamomile tea my wife occasionally drinks... or maybe not...

Tuesday 12 April 2011

Welcome to our Blog

Hello Everyone and Welcome to our latest feature on the web site - the Montgomeryshire Moth Group Blog.

If you have anything at all 'mothy' to say, please do so. This might be: listing a previous night's catch, telling us of a special record, posting a photo, selling or buying mothing equipment, a request for data, anything at all, it's up to you.

Please contact me to set up your contributor profile.
I hope you all use and enjoy this blog. If you have any questions, regarding this new feature, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes and good mothing to you all.

Peter.