Calderdale Moths , Butterflies and Dragonflies

Walking for Butterfly Consevation

2012-01-30T09:29:00.001-08:00

http://www.justgiving.com/epicbutterflywalk

Lewington's micro book out soon.

2012-01-29T00:40:00.000-08:00

For all you micro lovers out there (and hopefully for all you micro haters as well) it looks like the new micro "bible" will be out in May. At thirty quid it covers 900 species with perhaps another book to follow to fill in the gaps.It looks worth buying for the art work alone and hopefully it will be the starting point for ID-ing the majority of micros in the UK - time will tell.

Here's a thread on the subject from Back Garden Moths.

http://back-garden-moths.co.uk/community/showthread.php?10468-Lewington-Micro-moths!

Mottled Grey 11 01 12

2012-01-27T11:47:00.000-08:00

Found this Male Mottled Grey today while working at Meadows Edge,the earliest ive ever seen.Regards Bri.

My first of the year

2012-01-26T02:30:00.001-08:00

my first Moth of the year turned up last night, a chestnut

despite having a go all winter this is my first Moth since 14th November

Early Moth

2012-01-25T02:10:00.000-08:00

http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=6078 This is a good early species to keep an eye out for at the moment,Large areas of hawthorn,Cromwell Bottom should be a good spot.Also the female is another flightless species and may well be found locally.

Sleeping Beauties

2012-01-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

Had a look at the Ghost Moths Cats today,seem to be doing ok at 20mm .!!

A nep from last spring.

2012-01-16T22:46:00.000-08:00

Harry's just had a look at this one and is confident it's Stigmella lapponica. It was disturbed from Silver Birch in North Dean wood in April last year. Not a rare species by any means but the adults are not often reared because the larvae mine in June/July and the adults don't appear again until the following spring.

Wingspan 5-7mm.

Many thanks

2012-01-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who sent in records for 2011 they are now sent off to the Yorkshire recoreder to be included in the annual report.There were some great records from Calderdale so well done. Also thanks to all who posted on the blogg and also all those who read it .All the best for the new year ahead.

Can you guess what it is yet?

2012-01-14T02:31:00.000-08:00

After last night's frost I thought I'd take a look of three of my charges to see how they were coping. No clues as to whether anything is still alive inside but no reason to suggest otherwise. It's little wonder the camouflage is so good having to over winter in such a vulnerable position.

Not much else on the go at the moment other than a few phyllo mines on cherry.

Happy new year

2012-01-06T10:47:00.000-08:00

So here we are again,in the quiet of winter.I am planning a trip to hardcastle Craggs tomorrow evening sat,to look for Spring Usher etc...will be there from 4.30 till 7 latest.All the best for the year ahead..........A couple of hours tree searching with torches produced nothing but 2 yellow spot ladybirds and a few spiders...Next week going up langfield common looking for anomalouse larvae..
Some Highlights of 2011 were
Devon Carpets 86 recorded at Hardcastle Craggs only a handful of yorkshire records from one other site..
Pine Carpet ,Buff Footman and Grass Rivulet first calderdale records from Hardcastle Craggs
Southern wainscot..32 in one night
Silky wainscot....28 same night as southerns.
Golden Rod Brindle at Luddenden Village light trap
Humming Bird Hawkmoth beeding in Charlies garden
Fox Moth to light at Hardcastle Craggs along with dark form of Northern eggar,and eventually finding female Winter moths and sorting out Nov aggs at last..........This year 2012 we will be consentrating our efforts around Cromwell Bottom....Allthe best Andy

Priority Species Workshop POSTPONED

2012-01-03T03:39:00.000-08:00

Please note this event has been POSTPONED until February. The new date will be confirmed ASAP. If you would like more information please contact Hugh Firman: hugh.firman@calderdale.gov.uk

Christine

January Priority Species workshop

2011-12-28T04:37:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

To celebrate the new year there will be a priority species workshop on Weds 4th January at 7.15 in the Mytholmroyd Countryside Services Office (above the library). The meeting will include an update on Calderdale's Biodiversity Action Plan and small discussion groups for different species.

It will be a opportunity to discuss actions for priority species in Calderdale for the coming year with Hugh Firman and other interested parties. If you would like to come along and represent Calderdale's lepidoptera please email Hugh to express your interest: hugh.firman@calderdale.gov.uk.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Christine

Arctic Woolly Bear Moth

2011-12-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

After our chilly conversation about Frozen Planet, while Winter moth hunting at Hardcastle Crags, I looked up the mysterious 'Woolly Bear' that David Attenborough told us about. It appears that is is the Arctic Woolly Bear Moth, Gynaephora groenlandica, found in Greenland and Northern Canada.
There seems to be some uncertainty about the length of it's freeze-thaw cycles, the estimate of 14 years that Frozen Planet went with, having been revised to 7 years by some sources. However long, it is pretty amazing, and you can still see the clip here in case you missed it.
Christine.

Charlie's back

2011-11-30T14:36:00.000-08:00

Glad to see Charlie's blogg is back,,,,,,,,,,,,I for one have missed this great blogg.

http://charlielepidopteraofcalderdale.blogspot.com/

Winter Moths(males and females)and id request..

2011-11-28T23:16:00.000-08:00

Hi all, yes, a fantastic night on Sunday at Hardcastle Craggs with the predominent species being Winter moth Operophtera brumata (see below)

With females as well as males being found on trunks

Also (What surely must be) a female Scarce Umber Agriopis aurantiaria. ID comments appreciated.

Pt 2 was a 1 hour session tonight at 5pm in my local woods just to the East of Hebden Bridge. Again a fine display of maybe 30 Winter moths flying and settling on trunks and twigs. 2 females also found and a Scarce umber male.
Win

Sunday Hardcastle Craggs

2011-11-26T07:48:00.001-08:00

|Meeting at 4.15/30 in top car park for a couple of hours,,,,,

Female Winter Moth steals the show at Hardcastle Craggs Sat 19 11 11

2011-11-20T02:29:00.000-08:00

Interesting nights mothing, Winter Moths most of the 27 males and 1 female found by trunk searching with a few males coming to car headlights ,2 species came to actinic ie red green carpet and a small autumnal moth id on size all the others to mv light,about 3ft from base of ash tree we found these winter moths in cop the pair slowly made their way up the tree female 1st with male in-tow stopping and seperating when reaching about 5ft up the trunk,whereby the female slowly crawled upto nearly 7ft higher up and stopped on a knot on the trunk presumably laying her eggs,frustratingly out of our view.we also found a few males expanding their wings.also a few of this form of mottled umber,Bri/Andy

Acleris sparansa x 1
Exapate congeltella x1
Winter Moth x 27
Mottled umber x 6
Chestnut x1
Dark Chestnut x 1
Spruce Carpet x 1
Red Green Carpet x 1
Autumnal Moth x 1
Small Autumnal Moth x 1

Craggs Saturday Night

2011-11-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

This saturday meeting 5.15 top car park..target species Sarce Umber , December Moth (not much chance ) and Sprawler..??(cancelled ;last week due to crap weather) All welcome...Any Records for this year asap please so I can send them to the YNU in time for next years report.....My computer has blown up this week and has caused no end of trouble..Ive lost all this years records on mapmate,hopefully I will be able to salvage some off the old hardrive but if not i will putting them in to the new year.all the best Andy

Craggs Friday Night

2011-11-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

1041 Acleris sparsana 2

1760 Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet 1
1795 Epirrita dilutata November Moth 3
1795x Epirrita dilutata agg. November Moth agg. 8
1797 Epirrita autumnata Autumnal Moth 5
1935 Erannis defoliaria Mottled Umber 4
2258 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut 7
Couple of good hours hours before the rain,

What a beauty!

2011-11-03T03:16:00.000-07:00

The first of the Mottled Umbers emerged overnight and lo and behold it's a female.It's practically wingless as well as flightless but quite distinctive and should be easy to find by trunk hunting if they are present.Might try and assemble this one tonight.

Autumnal Moth

2011-11-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

After finally getting to grips with the Epirrita gen det,I managed to id 4 Autumnal moths from Hardcastle Craggs on sat night.If any one catches any in the next week or so can the keep them for me.

Harlequin Ladybird - EGP

2011-10-31T10:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/186782-a-spot-of-bother-in-the-ladybird-worldHad a Harlequin Ladybird in the car park at Cromwell Bottom this afternoon.
I didn't i.d. it until I got home and had a quick google on tinterweb. Apparently, they are an invasive alien species new to Britain and even bite people.....allegedly.

The following link is for an article in t'metro.
http://www.metro.co.uk/news/186782-a-spot-of-bother-in-the-ladybird-world

Craggs sat night

2011-10-30T01:08:00.000-07:00

Northern Winter Moth....

1026 Exapate congelatella 1
1760 Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet 11
1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 1
1795x Epirrita dilutata agg. November Moth agg. 12
1798 Epirrita filigrammaria Small Autumnal Moth 3
1799 Operophtera brumata Winter Moth 4
1800 Operophtera fagata Northern Winter Moth 9
1923 Colotois pennaria Feathered Thorn 3
1935 Erannis defoliaria Mottled Umber 7
2256 Eupsilia transversa Satellite 1
2258 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut 10
2262 Agrochola circellaris Brick 2
A realy good night despite the weather plenty of moths still about , torrential rain at 9 stopped us.

A couple of flightless winter moths - sort of....

2011-10-28T06:11:00.000-07:00

At last a female Northern Winter Moth has emerged today,albeit looking a bit bedraggled after emergence.No worries about her flying off during the photography session.

Also this other, quite different moth emerged today - any ideas anyone? Should have labelled the pots :-)

Just waiting for the Mottled Umbers now.

All the larvae were collected from Silver Birch in N.Dean wood in late Apr./early May. Northern Winter Moth was one of the most common surprisingly.

Dark Chestnut

2011-10-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

Ive never recorded Dark Chestnut locally and records suggest it is not common in Calderdale.This is the closest Ive seen what does anyboby else reckon.???,Also last night Yellow Line Quaker,Barred Sallow,Spruce Carpet,Red Green Carpet,Silver Y, 4 Exapate congellatella and Acleris Sparana

SaturDAY NIGHT GOING TO RUN TRAP AT HOLLINS HALL FOR A FEW HOURS 6.30 ONWARDS ALL WELCOME

Carpet type

2011-10-16T07:29:00.001-07:00

Took me a while to sort this one out.??What does anyone think.??

The Many faces of Mottled Umber 2

2011-10-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

The Many faces of Mottled Umber 1.

2011-10-16T07:16:00.001-07:00

Hardcastle Craggs Sat night 15th october

2011-10-15T06:22:00.000-07:00

Meeting tonight at 7ish in top car park
22 Nov Moth agg
1 Red Green Carpet
1 Brick
2 satellite
Very cold indeed but not bad for a couple of hours,,,,,,,,,

Larvae

2011-10-13T10:37:00.001-07:00

Bumped into Martyn at Ringstone today and as we chatted we both noticed larvae Martyn saw the Ruby Tiger and Me the Broom Moth on the wall next to us.??

Last Nights Moths 11th october

2011-10-12T10:34:00.000-07:00

First night for a while produced...
Feathered Thorn.....1
Blairs shoulder Knot    6
Common Marbled Carpet 1
Light Brown Apple Moth   3
Mottled Umber            2
Red Green Carpet      3
Yellow Line Quaker 1
Nov Moth agg         1
Spruce Carpet         1
Acleris Sparasana    3
Looks ok for thew next few days..

SAT Night meeting at Shepards rest and going up Langfiled Common all welcome.....

Brick or Flounced Chestnut or what?

2011-10-06T02:10:00.000-07:00

caught this one on 1st October and I just cannot make my mind up what it is, any suggestions?

also this worn carpet on the same date

I take my photo's in RAW format and JPEG, does anyone know how to keep the quality on JPEG's, I know it's not going to be as good as RAW but it does seem to loose a lot of quality, any ideas

Bare Head Tunnel..Shibden(bits and bobbs)

2011-10-05T06:16:00.000-07:00

Had a look in the tunnel today,3 Small tortoiseshell,1 Peaock and 1 Herald......
Sat night will be at Hardcastle Craggs 7 onwards
Anyone got any moth reords for this year.???

Late September

2011-10-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

Barred sallow with small micro underneath.??

Orange sallow 2 reorded this september

Ghost Moth larvae doing well and ready for there first winter

A very late Bee Moth reorded on the 29th september

Northowram last night

2011-09-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

998 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 2

1041 Acleris sparsana 4
1048 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 3
1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 1
1760 Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet 2
1761 Chloroclysta miata Autumn Green Carpet 1
1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 2
1795x Epirrita dilutata agg. November Moth agg. 2
1935 Erannis defoliaria Mottled Umber 1
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 2
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 2
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 2
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 6
2240 Lithophane leautieri Blair's Shoulder-knot 5
2263 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker 3
2298 Amphipyra berbera svenssoni Svensson's Copper Underwing (agg) 1
2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 1
2361 Hydraecia micacea Rosy Rustic 2
2364 Gortyna flavago Frosted Orange 1

Wenesday night at the Craggs,

2011-09-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

I will be setting two lights at Hollins hall on Wenesday evening.from 7.30 onwards if anyone would like to join me...............Weather looks perfect...................It was hrad going sorting through all the common Marbled carpets and Nov aggs but not bad for a couple of hours..Gonna try Monday night about 7ish.at Cromwell bottom..............

1760 Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet 3
1762 Chloroclysta citrata Dark Marbled Carpet 3
1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 35
1767 Thera firmata Pine Carpet 1
1769 Thera britannica Spruce Carpet 1
1795x Epirrita dilutata agg. November Moth agg. 18
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 1
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 3
2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic 1
2247 Dichonia aprilina Merveille du Jour 1
2258 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut 6
2262 Agrochola circellaris Brick 12
2263 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker 1
2264 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker 38
2273 Xanthia togata Pink-barred Sallow 1
2367 Celaena haworthii Haworth's Minor 1

Hardcastle Craggs Sat24 09 11

2011-09-25T02:58:00.000-07:00

17 species of macros last night,the pick being 2 Pine carpets,2 Merveille du jour 1 was nectaring on Buddliea,1 Black Rustic and 30 Yellow Line Quakers pic of mervielle du jour.

Lime-speck Pug

2011-09-23T13:57:00.001-07:00

first pug for weeks and a new species for me, what's the status of this locally Andy

Friends of Cromwell Bottom

2011-09-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

This evenings meeting in Brighouse proved to be quite eventful with the formation of an interim committee of the Friends of Cromwell Bottom. It's early days but the next meeting in October will thrash out the details of the constitution.
I will post details later regarding proposed meetings, who to contact, how to get involved, etc, etc.
Many issues were raised at the meeting, and there is a central core of like-minded people who are prepared to have their say in the management of one of Calderdales most important wildlife habitats.
Anybody who has an interest in the flora and fauna of Cromwell Bottom, and its management, is encouraged to get involved.
More to follow.

Micro for id

2011-09-20T06:28:00.000-07:00

Caught last night .??

Devon Carpet Habitat Hardcastle Craggs

2011-09-17T00:36:00.000-07:00

Some pics showing Devon Carpet habitat near Hollin Hall,foodplant Marsh Bedstraw which seems to like the wetter juncus flushes,also quite a lot down at Gibson Mill near the Dam, theres quite a lot of suitable areas around Calderdale,incidently Fen Bedstraw another possible foodplant grows in this area also.Devon Carpets must be out there in other places in Calderdale ! ps 84 Devons have been recorded so far ,and we have seen 2 generations,which is amazing ! regards Bri,Andy Martyn.

Autumn is with us...............

2011-09-16T11:54:00.000-07:00

With 7 Pink barred sallow, 3 Black Rustic , 2 red Green carpet and Canary shouldered Thorn at Elland last nightt and Blair s Shoulder knot , Pink - Barred , Barred , Orange and Sallow ,Feathered Rannunculus ,turnip Moth ,Frosted Orange,dark Marbled Carpet,Silver Y ,Diamond Backed Moth,Lunar Underwing at Northowram oveer the last few days its definatly autumn................

Elland Gravel Pits (thursday night)

2011-09-14T10:18:00.001-07:00

Gonna try at EGP thursday night meet 8ish at car park.

Saturday evening

2011-09-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

Meet at craggs 8.00ish hopfully run a couple of traps if weather behaves................

1751 Lampropteryx otregiata Devon Carpet 2

1759 Ecliptopera silaceata Small Phoenix 2
1760 Chloroclysta siterata Red-green Carpet 2
1762 Chloroclysta citrata Dark Marbled Carpet 2
1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 9
1768 Thera obeliscata Grey Pine Carpet 1
1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 1
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 1
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 10
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 6
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 1
2264 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker 1
2265 Agrochola helvola Flounced Chestnut 1
2273 Xanthia togata Pink-barred Sallow 2
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 3
2343x Mesapamea secalis agg. Common Rustic agg. 2
2350 Chortodes pygmina Small Wainscot 1
2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y 1

Spot the Moth ?

2011-09-04T02:25:00.000-07:00

This July Highflier looked nice and cryptic on the tree trunk !

Hardcastle Craggs Fri 02 09 11

2011-09-03T01:03:00.000-07:00

Cracking night at Craggs,top 2 Neglected Rustics,2, Oak Hook-tip,3,this superb Heath Rustic,and last, one of our target species a Pine Carpet a 1st for Calderdale,good numbers of Devons Carpets again.Bri /Andy.

1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 3

1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 1
1646 Watsonalla binaria Oak Hook-tip 1
1708 Idaea dimidiata Single-dotted Wave 1
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 1
1722 Xanthorhoe designata Flame Carpet 10
1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 3
1742 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 4
1751 Lampropteryx otregiata Devon Carpet 16
1759 Ecliptopera silaceata Small Phoenix 7
1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 4
1767 Thera firmata Pine Carpet 1
1777 Hydriomena furcata July Highflyer 1
1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Double-striped Pug 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 1
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 5
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 3
2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 3
2117 Eugnorisma glareosa Autumnal Rustic 5
2132 Xestia castanea Neglected Rustic 2
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 30
2135 Xestia agathina Heath Rustic 1
2176 Cerapteryx graminis Antler Moth 9
2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow 11
2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 4
2297x Amphipyra pyramidea agg. Copper Underwings 1
2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth 2
2318 Cosmia trapezina Dun-bar 5
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 5
2343x Mesapamea secalis agg. Common Rustic agg. 1
2350 Chortodes pygmina Small Wainscot 9
2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 1
2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 4
2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 1
2484 Schrankia costaestrigalis Pinion-streaked Snout 1

Friday evening

2011-09-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

Craggs again should be good weather looks perfect ..all welcome about 8.30..........

A Skircoat-found chrysalis

2011-08-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

Produced this.

Anybody?

Closest I can get is a species of swift?

Golden-rod Brindle

2011-08-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

after a rather poor August this Golden-Rod Brindle was a surprise in the trap on Saturday morning, presumably it had come down off Midgley Moor. This is the first record of an adult since the sixties, there must be more on the moors with a caterpillar being found at Ogden a couple of years ago

Craggs sat night

2011-08-27T05:04:00.000-07:00

Running trap tonight at 9ish,,,all welcome..............
1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 3

1702 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave 3
1722 Xanthorhoe designata Flame Carpet 5
1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 4
1751 Lampropteryx otregiata Devon Carpet 6
1759 Ecliptopera silaceata Small Phoenix 4
1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 1
1777 Hydriomena furcata July Highflyer 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 2
2006 Pheosia gnoma Lesser Swallow Prominent 3
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 10
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 3
2117 Eugnorisma glareosa Autumnal Rustic 6
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 17
2176 Cerapteryx graminis Antler Moth 2
2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow 4
2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 1
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 1
2318 Cosmia trapezina Dun-bar 3
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 7
2343x Mesapamea secalis agg. Common Rustic agg. 4
2367 Celaena haworthii Haworth's Minor 1

Hardcastle Craggs Fri 26 08 11

2011-08-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

Having a try at Craggs Fri 26 08 11,weather permitting,bout 9pm.

1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 2

1722 Xanthorhoe designata Flame Carpet 7
1751 Lampropteryx otregiata Devon Carpet 4
1759 Ecliptopera silaceata Small Phoenix 6
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 1
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 20
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 2
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 8
2117 Eugnorisma glareosa Autumnal Rustic 10
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 12
2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow 1
2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades 1
2357 Amphipoea lucens Large Ear 1
2394 Stilbia anomala Anomalous 1

Female Brimstone Butterfly 22 08 11

2011-08-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Butterfly numbers finally picking up in the garden today,with Peacock,red admirals,large and green veined whites small copper,large skipper,meadow brown,speckled wood,small tortoiseshell,the most interesting being a Female Brimstone Butterfly,we are hoping she might have laid eggs on the Buckthorn we specifically planted up in this garden quite a few years back,hoping to attract this species,as a few wandering Males had been seen !also single Brown and Common Hawker Dragonflies were finally seen only the 2nd/3rd dragonfly species along with a Male Broad Bodied Chaser earlier on in May seen so far this year.

Large Ear 13 08 11

2011-08-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

This Large Ear turned up at Hardcastle Craggs 13 08 11,checked by Charlie Fletcher.Bri/Andy.

Message from C.Fletcher

I can't believe Crinan Ear doesn't occur in VC63. It's all over the uplands of VC64 and they are ten a penny at Malham where it is by far the commonest Ear. Crinan is commonest particularly where Yellow Iris grows though it does use other food plants. Try to stick some traps up in some nice wet upland areas and get a VC63 first.

Craggs Cancelled 20 08 11

2011-08-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

Cancelling tonight at Hardcastle Craggs due to the heavy rain.

Crescent 19 08 11 Elland Gravel Pits

2011-08-20T03:38:00.001-07:00

Some great local moths last night including 4 Crescents pic,along with single Silky/Southern and Bulrush Wainscots,a cracking night,Bri Andy.
Also brilliant numbers of Sallow and Least yellow Underwing a real autumn feel about lets hope for some migrants this year.!!

Friday evening EGP

2011-08-19T07:19:00.000-07:00

Meeting tonight at 9.30..going into lagoon 1 and setting trap there.All welcome..tomorrow night Hardcastle Craggs..................

1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 2
1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 18
1759 Ecliptopera silaceata Small Phoenix 1
1764 Chloroclysta truncata Common Marbled Carpet 1
1811 Eupithecia tenuiata Slender Pug 1
1830 Eupithecia absinthiata Wormwood Pug 1
1941 Alcis repandata Mottled Beauty 1
1956 Cabera exanthemata Common Wave 2
2006 Pheosia gnoma Lesser Swallow Prominent 1
2092 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 2
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 2
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 35
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 12
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 10
2112 Noctua interjecta Least Yellow Underwing 12
2133 Xestia sexstrigata Six-striped Rustic 5
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 4
2176 Cerapteryx graminis Antler Moth 1
2197 Mythimna straminea Southern Wainscot 1
2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow 32
2318 Cosmia trapezina Dun-bar 1
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 22
2343x Mesapamea secalis agg. Common Rustic agg. 2
2368 Celaena leucostigma Crescent 4
2369 Nonagria typhae Bulrush Wainscot 1
2391 Chilodes maritimus Silky Wainscot 1
2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 16

Unknown caterpillar

2011-08-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

I found this caterpillar in Scarr Wood today, never seen anything like it before, does anyone know what it is?

Hummingbird Hawkmoth update.

2011-08-17T23:35:00.000-07:00

TOP PHOTO:

An adult laying eggs in the garden 47 days ago.

A freshly laid egg on Common Cleavers.

A newly hatched larva at 2mm (bottom left)

A 12mm larva (bottom right).

BOTTOM PHOTO:

Detail of the horn on the mature larva.

The pre-pupal larva turning dull brown and pink.

The pupa.

And finally the adult which emerged this morning.

And the second one emerged this afternoon.Much more cooperative this one - I don't think her wings were ready for flight just yet.

Devon Carpet distibution Map

2011-08-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

Many thaks to Butterfly Consevation for this upto date map of Devon Carpet distibution.We are the small spot in the middle if you follow the humber west.It shows the continued spread of this species from its origins down south.

Devon Carpet Mania 13 08 11

2011-08-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

Unbelievable for Devon Carpets last night at Hardcstle Craggs 30 seen !! also this Buff Footman a first for Calderdale and Ringed China-Mark,

1348 Parapoynx stratiotata Ringed China-mark 1

1356 Evergestis forficalis Garden Pebble 2
1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 1
1648 Drepana falcataria Pebble Hook-tip 1
1702 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave 7
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 3
1722 Xanthorhoe designata Flame Carpet 1
1725 Xanthorhoe ferrugata Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet 1
1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 3
1742 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 2
1751 Lampropteryx otregiata Devon Carpet 30
1756 Eulithis populata Northern Spinach 3
1759 Ecliptopera silaceata Small Phoenix 8
1777 Hydriomena furcata July Highflyer 8
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 2
1941 Alcis repandata Mottled Beauty 3
2006 Pheosia gnoma Lesser Swallow Prominent 2
2049 Eilema depressa Buff Footman 1
2064 Phragmatobia fuliginosa Ruby Tiger 1
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 20
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 3
2122 Diarsia brunnea Purple Clay 2
2130 Xestia baja Dotted Clay 5
2133 Xestia sexstrigata Six-striped Rustic 1
2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 6
2135 Xestia agathina Heath Rustic 1
2176 Cerapteryx graminis Antler Moth 35
2198 Mythimna impura Smoky Wainscot 1
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 1
2318 Cosmia trapezina Dun-bar 3
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 32
2343x Mesapamea secalis agg. Common Rustic agg. 3
2360x Amphipoea oculea agg. Ear Moth agg. 1
2361 Hydraecia micacea Rosy Rustic 1
2434 Diachrysia chrysitis Burnished Brass 1
2439 Plusia festucae Gold Spot 1
2444 Autographa bractea Gold Spangle 1
2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 1

Craggs Sat night

2011-08-13T02:32:00.000-07:00

Meeting with Bri tonight 9.30..all welcome.
Recorded 2 very freah Svennsons Copper Underwing last night showing palps,underwing pattern and central cross lines correct.

Bulrush wainscot

2011-08-09T02:08:00.000-07:00

Set the actinic in the middle of the reedbed at EGP last night at 10,went to pick it up this morning at 6 .(good new battery)There was one moth in the trap a Bulrush Wainscot..well worth it....

Cinnabar Moth Revival 06 08 11

2011-08-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

Finding more Cinabar Caterpillars this Year,found them in 4 places in Todmorden area today,most being 10 on one clump of Ragwort.anyone else finding many in other areas ? regards Bri.

Hardcastle Craggs Fri 06 08 11

2011-08-06T03:48:00.000-07:00

Heres a Pebble Prominent from last night

Friday evening(10 Devons) Hardcastle Craggs

2011-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

A real autumn feel last night with temps well into single figures and feeling chilly.10 Devon Carpets shows there must be a good healthy breeding population and who knows how many we will end up catching by. September ? Dark Marbled Carpet and Six striped rustic added to the autumn feeling...

1648 Drepana falcataria Pebble Hook-tip 1
1666 Geometra papilionaria Large Emerald 2
1702 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave 3
1722 Xanthorhoe designata Flame Carpet 2
1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 2
1751 Lampropteryx otregiata Devon Carpet 10
1756 Eulithis populata Northern Spinach 1
1758 Eulithis pyraliata Barred Straw 1
1762 Chloroclysta citrata Dark Marbled Carpet 1
1776 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet 2
1777 Hydriomena furcata July Highflyer 1
1809 Perizoma didymata didymata Twin-spot Carpet 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 1
1917 Selenia dentaria Early Thorn 1
1921 Crocallis elinguaria Scalloped Oak 1
1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow Beauty 2
1947 Ectropis bistortata Engrailed 3
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 1
2003 Notodonta ziczac Pebble Prominent 1
2006 Pheosia gnoma Lesser Swallow Prominent 2
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 7
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 3
2130 Xestia baja Dotted Clay 25
2133 Xestia sexstrigata Six-striped Rustic 2
2155 Melanchra persicariae Dot Moth 1
2160 Lacanobia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye 1
2176 Cerapteryx graminis Antler Moth 45
2198 Mythimna impura Smoky Wainscot 3
2268 Parastichtis suspecta Suspected 1
2322 Apamea lithoxylaea Light Arches 1
2326 Apamea crenata ab. combusta Clouded-bordered Brindle [melanic form] 1
2350 Chortodes pygmina Small Wainscot 1
2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 2

More info on Copper Underwing ID....

2011-08-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/593/svenssonsandcopperseper.jpg/

Campion

2011-08-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

Photo of Campion as promised Andy.

Common Rustic?

2011-08-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

Ear ...Ear...............

2011-08-02T04:53:00.000-07:00

Now that Ear Moth sp are starting to appear, I am anxious to find out more about

their distribution in the county this year. I would be grateful if people could
send me three or four Ears from each site over the next few weeks for me to
dissect. Stick them in the freezer for half an hour then pop them in any
container or even just in an envelope and post off to me.

Dr Charles Fletcher
The Forge
Hutton Conyers
Ripon
HG4 5EB

Cheers

Charlie

... perhaps I should have said "Friends, Romans, Yorkshiremen, send me your

Ears"

Any thoughts on this one

2011-08-02T04:18:00.000-07:00

Caught this the other night, I think its one of the Beauty 's, its the same size as Mottled and Willow Beauty.

Double Lobed or pale Common Rustic agg?

2011-08-02T03:48:00.000-07:00

This is really starting to bug me, is this a DL?

Craggs August 1st

2011-08-02T02:31:00.000-07:00

Above a Devon Carpet the 16th individual caught this year at hardcastle craggs,and the red form of July Highflyer which i have not seen before.

15 Hepialus sylvina Orange Swift 2
1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 12
1653 Habrosyne pyritoides Buff Arches 1
1666 Geometra papilionaria Large Emerald 1
1702 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave 14
1722 Xanthorhoe designata Flame Carpet 1
1727 Xanthorhoe montanata Silver-ground Carpet 1
1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 3
1742 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 5
1751 Lampropteryx otregiata Devon Carpet 2
1756 Eulithis populata Northern Spinach 5
1759 Ecliptopera silaceata Small Phoenix 1
1776 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet 5
1777 Hydriomena furcata July Highflyer 12
1809 Perizoma didymata Twin-spot Carpet 7
1858 Chloroclystis v-ata V-Pug 2
1860 Pasiphila rectangulata Green Pug 1
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 2
1917 Selenia dentaria Early Thorn 1
1922 Ourapteryx sambucaria Swallow-tailed Moth 2
1941 Alcis repandata Mottled Beauty 1
1955 Cabera pusaria Common White Wave 1
1000 Notodonta dromedarius Iron Prominent 1
2006 Pheosia gnoma Lesser Swallow Prominent 2
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 1
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 12
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2120 Diarsia mendica Ingrailed Clay 1
2122 Diarsia brunnea Purple Clay 11
2176 Cerapteryx graminis Antler Moth 75
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 1
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 10
2342 Mesoligia literosa Rosy Minor 2
2382 Hoplodrina blanda Rustic 1
2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 1
2484 Schrankia costaestrigalis Pinion-streaked Snout 1

Scarce Silver Lines

2011-08-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

A good night at Pellon last night with my third ever Scarce Silver Lines being the best.

Micro for id.

2011-08-01T06:48:00.000-07:00

anyone help me with this one a rather drab looking thing.Found at elland Gravel Pits the other night.??

Orange Swift

2011-08-01T03:02:00.000-07:00

Only recorded one Orange Swift at home in the last 5 years but these two females of the dark form last night made up for the previous barren years. I am going to Hardcastle craggs tonight from about 9.30 / 10ish if anyone wants to join me.Weather looks good...Managed about 50 Antles Moths , 4 Twin spot and 1 Flame carpet in the car headlights last night at walshaw dean......

Hardcastle Craggs30.07 .2011

2011-07-31T04:01:00.000-07:00

Light cloud at first then clearing with temp dropping,49 species of Macros still seen.highlights were 3 Welsh Waves,and the micro Gold Triangle and this freshly emerged. 2nd Generation Devon
Carpet

424 Yponomeuta evonymella Bird-cherry Ermine 4

658 Carcina quercana 3
1356 Evergestis forficalis Garden Pebble 3
1413 Hypsopygia costalis Gold Triangle 1
1702 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave 13
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 4
1722 Xanthorhoe designata Flame Carpet 2
1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 2
1742 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 1
1751 Lampropteryx otregiata Devon Carpet 1
1754 Eulithis prunata Phoenix 1
1756 Eulithis populata Northern Spinach 4
1758 Eulithis pyraliata Barred Straw 1
1776 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet 3
1777 Hydriomena furcata July Highflyer 4
1809 Perizoma didymata Twin-spot Carpet 1
1817 Eupithecia pulchellata Foxglove Pug 1
1873 Venusia cambrica Welsh Wave 3
1887 Lomaspilis marginata Clouded Border 2
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 1
1919 Selenia tetralunaria Purple Thorn 1
1941 Alcis repandata Mottled Beauty 4
1947 Ectropis bistortata Engrailed 4
1955 Cabera pusaria Common White Wave 2
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 2
2006 Pheosia gnoma Lesser Swallow Prominent 14
2008 Ptilodon capucina Coxcomb Prominent 1
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 2
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 7
2110 Noctua fimbriata Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1
2118 Lycophotia porphyrea True Lover's Knot 1
2120 Diarsia mendica Ingrailed Clay 3
2130 Xestia baja Dotted Clay 4
2133 Xestia sexstrigata Six-striped Rustic 1
2136 Naenia typica Gothic 1
2176 Cerapteryx graminis Antler Moth 30
2198 Mythimna impura Smoky Wainscot 4
2268 Parastichtis suspecta Suspected 1
2318 Cosmia trapezina Dun-bar 2
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 26
2343x Mesapamea secalis agg. Common Rustic agg. 3
2345 Photedes minima Small Dotted Buff 2
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain 2
2382 Hoplodrina blanda Rustic 1
2434 Diachrysia chrysitis Burnished Brass 3
2439 Plusia festucae Gold Spot 2
2440 Plusia putnami Lempke's Gold Spot 4
2443 Autographa jota Plain Golden Y 2
2444 Autographa bractea Gold Spangle 2
2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 4
2484 Schrankia costaestrigalis Pinion-streaked Snout 1

Twin - spot Carpet

2011-07-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

This emerged today from larvae found at Hardcastle Craggs in May.

Map of Southern Wainscot distribution in Yorkshire

2011-07-30T01:08:00.000-07:00

Hardcastle Craggs Sat 30 07 11

2011-07-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

Having a try at Hollin Hall Hardcastle Craggs tomorrow Sat 30 07 11,weather permitting,about 9ish, if anyone can make it let us know on this post.regards Bri.ps theres room for 3 cars up there.

E G P 28 07 11

2011-07-29T05:25:00.000-07:00

Heres a few more pics from last night,Angle-striped Sallow,Silky and Southern Wainscots,a superb evenings mothing Andy/Bri.

What a night for Wainscots

2011-07-29T04:06:00.000-07:00

Southern wainscot above (Mc'Enroe headband and all) and Least Yellow Underwing(below) not seen one for a few years locally.

A night for Wainscots at EGPits last night with 34 Southern and 28 Silky realy amazing numbers of these two locally scarce species.There were only 2 previous records of southern and Silky recorded for the first time locally last year.We thought we were doomed when the rain started at 10ish but when it stopped at 11ish the floodgates opened...Bri and Andy..Angle striped sallow was nice as well....

15 Hepialus sylvina Orange Swift 1
460 Ypsolopha parenthesella 1
937 Agapeta hamana 2
1345 Elophila nymphaeata Brown China-mark 2
1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 15
1708 Idaea dimidiata Single-dotted Wave 3
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 3
1725 Xanthorhoe ferrugata Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet 7
1732 Scotopteryx chenopodiata Shaded Broad-bar 2
1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 4
1756 Eulithis populata Northern Spinach 2
1758 Eulithis pyraliata Barred Straw 1
1759 Ecliptopera silaceata Small Phoenix 6
1777 Hydriomena furcata July Highflyer 2
1811 Eupithecia tenuiata Slender Pug 3
1887 Lomaspilis marginata Clouded Border 2
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 5
1913 Ennomos alniaria Canary-shouldered Thorn 1
1917 Selenia dentaria Early Thorn 2
1919 Selenia tetralunaria Purple Thorn 1
1956 Cabera exanthemata Common Wave 4
2006 Pheosia gnoma Lesser Swallow Prominent 2
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 9
2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 2
2111 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 5
2112 Noctua interjecta Least Yellow Underwing 1
2122 Diarsia brunnea Purple Clay 2
2130 Xestia baja Dotted Clay 3
2193 Mythimna ferrago Clay 5
2197 Mythimna straminea Southern Wainscot 34
2198 Mythimna impura Smoky Wainscot 14
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 19
2268 Parastichtis suspecta Suspected 3
2293 Cryphia domestica Marbled Beauty 2
2298 Amphipyra berbera Svensson's Copper Underwing 1
2313 Enargia paleacea Angle-striped Sallow 1
2318 Cosmia trapezina Dun-bar 15
2321 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 7
2336 Apamea ophiogramma Double Lobed 4
2381 Hoplodrina alsines Uncertain 2
2391 Chilodes maritimus Silky Wainscot 28
2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 1
2484 Schrankia costaestrigalis Pinion-streaked Snout 1

Lempke's Gold Spot?

2011-07-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

A new one for me in the trap on Monday 25th July ( bottom picture ) Am I correct in identifying as Lempke's Gold Spot? Pretty difficult.......thanks for the comparison shots Andy C. Also first Shuttle-shaped Dart of the year ( top )

Small tortoiseshell and Peacock cats

2011-07-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

Meadows Edge Garden 27 07 11

2011-07-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

Ros found a Female Gatekeeper whilst gardening today only the 2nd record for meadows edge,also Antlers nectaring on Ragwort,yesterday a Hummingbird Hawkmoth nectaring on Lavender and Red Valerian, also a Cinnabar Moth Adult were seen,found this superb Phoenix today in the garden,1st one ive seen for a few years.Bri.

Midgley Strikes again

2011-07-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

Scarce Silver Y and Scallop shell last night Nick and sandra

Plain wave

2011-07-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

Craggs Sunday night

2011-07-25T02:52:00.000-07:00

A good night at the craggs last night whith highlights Suspected , Small wainscot and Pinion streaked snout but another fruitless search for Devon Carpet larvae.The second generation should be on the wing in a few weeks.?

424 Yponomeuta evonymella Bird-cherry Ermine 2

969 Pandemis corylana Chequered Fruit-tree Tortrix 1
1168 Gypsonoma sociana 1
1305 Agriphila tristella 1
1356 Evergestis forficalis Garden Pebble 3
1653 Habrosyne pyritoides Buff Arches 1
1702 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave 3
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 2
1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 1
1742 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 3
1756 Eulithis populata Northern Spinach 3
1758 Eulithis pyraliata Barred Straw 1
1776 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet 2
1777 Hydriomena furcata July Highflyer 1
1809 Perizoma didymata Twin-spot Carpet 1
1887 Lomaspilis marginata Clouded Border 5
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 4
1941 Alcis repandata Mottled Beauty 4
1947 Ectropis bistortata Engrailed 4
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 4
2006 Pheosia gnoma Lesser Swallow Prominent 2
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 2
2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 5
2120 Diarsia mendica Ingrailed Clay 3
2122 Diarsia brunnea Purple Clay 2
2130 Xestia baja Dotted Clay 5
2138 Anaplectoides prasina Green Arches 1
2176 Cerapteryx graminis Antler Moth 37
2198 Mythimna impura Smoky Wainscot 4
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 1
2268 Parastichtis suspecta Suspected 2
2335 Apamea scolopacina Slender Brindle 1
2350 Chortodes pygmina Small Wainscot 1
2389 Paradrina clavipalpis Pale Mottled Willow 2
2434 Diachrysia chrysitis Burnished Brass 6
2439 Plusia festucae Gold Spot 2
2443 Autographa jota Plain Golden Y 1
2450 Abrostola tripartita Spectacle 1
2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 1
2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 5
2484 Schrankia costaestrigalis Pinion-streaked Snout 1

Oak Eggar

2011-07-24T13:37:00.000-07:00

I saw this caterpillar yesterday on the lovely heathland on top of Aaron Hill, between Sowerby and Crag Vale. I am guessing at Oak Eggar moth but maybe someone can confirm? Also disturbed a few Small Heath butterflies and saw about a dozen Small Tortoiseshell on the thistle flowers.

Craggs Sunday night

2011-07-24T08:10:00.001-07:00

Meeting tonight at Hollins Hall about 9.30.all welcome

Burnished Brass

2011-07-20T13:55:00.001-07:00

Vote against the Badger Cull

2011-07-20T06:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/poll/2011/jul/20/badger-cull-justified

Roils Head

2011-07-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

Took this at Norton Tower end of Roils Head today, any ideas.

Craggs Friday

2011-07-16T03:37:00.000-07:00

A good search for Devon Carpet larvae proved fruitless this time ,but the swarms of biting midges hampered progress, will have better luck next time im sure.The larvae we did find were not leps.!!! A good couple of hours with the traps before the rain.-------Another Blackneck proves Calderdale is a good spot for this species.
424 Yponomeuta evonymella Bird-cherry Ermine 4

1405 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 18
1428 Aphomia sociella Bee Moth 1
1666 Geometra papilionaria Large Emerald 2
1702 Idaea biselata Small Fan-footed Wave 3
1713 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 6
1722 Xanthorhoe designata Flame Carpet 2
1727 Xanthorhoe montanata Silver-ground Carpet 2
1732 Scotopteryx chenopodiata Shaded Broad-bar 3
1738 Epirrhoe alternata Common Carpet 4
1742 Camptogramma bilineata Yellow Shell 3
1756 Eulithis populata Northern Spinach 7
1758 Eulithis pyraliata Barred Straw 3
1776 Colostygia pectinataria Green Carpet 16
1777 Hydriomena furcata July Highflyer 1
1802 Perizoma affinitata Rivulet 1
1803 Perizoma alchemillata Small Rivulet 1
1817 Eupithecia pulchellata Foxglove Pug 1
1887 Lomaspilis marginata Clouded Border 2
1906 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 5
1921 Crocallis elinguaria Scalloped Oak 1
1941 Alcis repandata Mottled Beauty 3
1958 Lomographa temerata Clouded Silver 4
1961 Campaea margaritata Light Emerald 4
1981 Laothoe populi Poplar Hawk-moth 1
2006 Pheosia gnoma Lesser Swallow Prominent 5
2098 Axylia putris Flame 2
2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 1
2118 Lycophotia porphyrea True Lover's Knot 3
2120 Diarsia mendica Ingrailed Clay 2
2122 Diarsia brunnea Purple Clay 2
2160 Lacanobia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye 3
2176 Cerapteryx graminis Antler Moth 28
2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot 2
2205 Mythimna comma Shoulder-striped Wainscot 2
2293 Cryphia domestica Marbled Beauty 1
2340 Oligia fasciuncula Middle-barred Minor 4
2439 Plusia festucae Gold Spot 6
2442 Autographa pulchrina Beautiful Golden Y 2
2444 Autographa bractea Gold Spangle 3
2466 Lygephila pastinum Blackneck 1
2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 10
2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 15

Grey Scalloped Bar 14 07 11

2011-07-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Had a try on Whiteholme Drain with Actinic sky cleared and cool wind blew, full moon didnt help,1 moth came to the actinic a True Lovers Knot ! i did find 2 Grey Scalloped Bars at Langfield Common my target species also 5 Map Winged Swifts and a Dusky Brocade

Burnet Moths

2011-07-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

Had a couple of e-mails this week about 5/6 spot Burnet Moths.The common Narrow Bordered 5-spot Burnet Moth is easily found in calderdale and there white papery cocoons are a common sight at tag loop at cromwell bottom,..in fact some juncuss plants hold 50 or more in one clump.The 6 spot is less common and now is a good time to look for solitry males flying over areas of Birds foot trefoil .I found 8+ today at Cromwell Bottom.This Large Emerald was found dead in the back garden today.Also second generations of Early Thorn ,Currant and Double striped Puggs have been seen this week.

Fan -foot or Pyralid

2011-07-12T14:14:00.000-07:00

Is this a male fan-foot,, or a Pyralid.??

Devon Carpet larvae search and Moth trapping

2011-07-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

Devon Carpet larvae search and Moth trapping this friday at Hollin Hall,Hardcastle craggs ..Meet about 9ish
If its raining cats and dogs we will not be there ..apologies again for last weeks late cancellation..

Ringlets....continue to spread there wings

2011-07-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

The first records for Calderdale was on the 8th July 2006 at Crow Nest Quarry, Lightcliffe, 4 males and two females seen in flight. (C.P.Duke, C.V.Duke).

Single male photographed at Sunnyvale on 10th July 2006 (C. V. Duke.)

On the 19th July 2007 ,2 were briefly observed at Only House Wood Northowram then on the 24th 1 was caught and positively identified as this species, 3 adults were observed around bramble bushes at this site on the 27th July 2007.(AC).

1 at Tag Meadow,Cromwell Bottom on the 1st July 2008 was photographed and identified as a female.(AC)In 2008 the species was recorded from many sites in the eastern area of Calderdale and at least 60+ individuals recorded.(CS, AC &CSut)
In 2011 they have been seen in very good numbers so far at Cromwell Bottom,Northowram and two new sites at Pellon and Queensbury.Keep and eye out for this species locally it must be spreading towards Hebden Bridge .??

Keep an eye for these two..

2011-07-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

Allthough they are regular locally Light Arches(top) and Slender Brindle(below) can easily be overlooked at htis time of year amounst the masses of Dark Arches...

The amazing Limnaecia phragmitella

2011-07-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

Charlie wrote this a week or so ago ...... Limnaecia phragmitella emerged this morning from larvae found in typha seedheads at Tag meadow this winter.As Paul and others have pointed out the larvae put Houdini to shame when it comes to escaping.I had mine in a tupperware box with the lid firmly snapped to and some rubber bands around the middle for good measure - and yep they just pushed their way out no trouble at all!
Today in Northowram......
They are amazing little things...They just keep on emerging this poped out today and I also found 4 large plump larvae trying to escape...where have they come from.??Larvae and adults together.? There must have been over 100 larvae in the three seed heads collected.