The weather leading up to our last event of 2017 at
Llandinam Gravels was looking very good, with a southerly air flow, and the
temperature staying mild. This promised a good evening of mothing and we
weren’t to be disappointed. (click on any photo to see them all at full size)
 |
| Everyone gathered around the white sheet |
 |
| Merveille du Jour |
We were on site by 5:30 to give ourselves plenty of time to
see where the traps were going, then to get set up, and by 6:30 the lights were
switched on. It wasn’t too long before the first moth came to the table, a Spruce Carpet; this was closely
followed by other autumn species: a Red-green
Carpet, a Yellow-line Quaker, and
a Chestnut. Next in was a superb Black Rustic followed swiftly by a
stunning and very much crowd pleasing species the Merveille du Jour. The white sheet
proved very popular with many moths being attracted to it, indeed, two Red-green Carpets found it extremely
desirable and decide to mate on it, which was of interest for all to see.
 |
| Pale November Moth |
 |
| Common Marbled Carpet |
The November Moths and
other members of the genus were of course very much in evidence and we had a workshop
on the best ways to separate the well marked individuals.
 |
| The white sheet very busy with moths |
Unfortunately, although conditions were good for migrant
activity, we didn’t manage to trap any.
 |
| Red-green Carpet mating |
 |
| Angle Shades |
We did however record six micro species which included Epinotia nisella and Argyresthia
brockeella. For a full species list please click here.
 |
| A great head shot of a male Feathered Thorn |
 |
| Acleris emargana |
As the evening
progressed we added Svensson's Copper
Underwing, Snout, the Brick and the rather uncommon Dark Chestnut. The best moth of the
night was probably a lovely Figure of
Eight. Shortly before 11:00pm we decided to call it a night as no more new
species were being brought to the table.
 |
| Figure of Eight |
Many thanks to
those who brought traps and to those who helped setting up and taking down the
kit, and finally to Sue and Douglas for bringing along goodies for us all to
nibble at.
Peter.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On a personal note
Due to ongoing problems with my back this is the last event
I shall be directly involved with as I am handing over the reins to a newly
formed ‘Events team’ from the MMG members -
Douglas Boyes, Paul Roughley and Gavin Chambers. Between them they will
organise and run public events throughout the county very much as I have done
for the last 12 years, but of course, they will include their own take on
things.
 |
| A gift of a sponsored species (the Broom-tip) from the group |
I was pretty gobsmacked when, during this event, I was
handed a certificate by the group which said that the MMG had sponsored a moth
(the Broom-tip) and dedicated it to me in Butterfly Conservation’s, ‘Atlas of
Britain and Ireland’s Larger Moths’ due to be published in 2018. Such a lovely
gift. I have framed it and will cherish it with fond memories. Sue then brought
out a tin containing a chocolate brownie cake decorated with butterflies which
of course went down very well with everyone; very tasty indeed, thanks Sue.
 |
| A lovely chocolate brownie cake from Sue |
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone,
(past and present), who has supported the events over the years as these events
have been an integral part of getting the message out about our moths and the
pleasure they can give us. I have found that meeting people at these events has
been very rewarding and I’m sure that this has been a catalyst for encouraging
many more moth-ers in the county. I may not be directly involved with the
events from next year, but I shall be attending them and supporting the new
event team whenever I can. I’m absolutely sure that they’ll do a great job in
the future.
And finally, a footnote – the first event I organised in
Montgomeryshire in 2006 was at Llandinam Gravels – as was my last – this was
totally unplanned, funny how things work out, isn’t it!
Peter.
