In participation with National Moth Week, the common land at Melinbyrhedin was a new recording site for the moth group. Centred in the heart of the village and immediate surroundings, not many official records have been generated since 2013. This was a good opportunity to build on those records.
Over the past 25 years the bracken on the common ground has intensified substantially, particularly on the lower slopes. It is always interesting and useful to obtain data to record such changes in a landscape.
Melinbyrhedin setting.
image: © https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/File:Melinbyrhedin_-_geograph.org.uk_-_791696.jpg
Arriving on site for 8pm, traps and the white sheet were set up and switched on around 9pm, just as some of the local residents arrived to find out what we were doing and why.
Rosy Footman was the first moth of the night, captured with a net on this occasion. There was general consensus by those present that this moth had not been observed flying at dusk before. Several were seen, unmistakable in the twilight thanks to their bright pinkish/orange colour.
Rosy Footman. P. McGregor
As visitors were introduced to moths and a first walk around the traps commenced, A likely hungry, young Hedgehog was the first fauna stumbled upon, heading in the direction of one of the traps, perhaps looking for an evening meal?!
Some of the earlier evening moths potted included Silver Y, Ruby Tiger and Green Carpet. Along with an uncommon Small Rufous and Nimphula nitidulata (Beautiful China-mark)
Small Rufous. S. Spencer.
It was not long after dark that the familiar silhouette of a tweed trilby was spotted near the white sheet with a very welcome Peter Williams underneath it! We were very pleased to see him again and receive his expert help with identifications.
As the evening progressed, a distinct chilly dampness set in at the valley bottom, leaving the higher altitude traps busiest with moths. Nonetheless, a steady flow of moths were brought to the table. Sallow Kitten, Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet and Black Arches amongst them.
Sallow Kitten. S. Spencer
Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet. P. McGregor.
Nomophila noctuella (Rush Veneer) and a fine Cloaked Carpet were added to the list as the traps were packed away.
Nomophila noctuella (Rush Veneer). P. McGregor
Cloaked Carpet. P. McGregor.
A decent 70 species were recorded. 59 Macro and 11 Micro species. (Blood-vein was added to a later version of the final list).The full list will be available HERE in due course.
As always, thanks and appreciation to the residents of Melinbyrhedin for their welcome and willingness for the event to go ahead. Also for those who were able to attend.
Thank you to Peter Williams for his assistance with identification.
We would also like to thank Butterfly Conservation for our insurance cover and Y Senedd and Powys Nature Partnership's administration of the Local Place's for Nature grant funding support of the moth group.
Our next event is a return visit to Cors Dyfi on Saturday 15th August, 9pm onwards.
Many thanks,
Phil & Simon.
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