RECORDS

Many thanks to everyone who has sent in records,I now have filed 24,000 records of moths in Calderdale from 1999 to present If anyone has any records past or present still to send in please do.Cheers and lets hope for a warm and long spring/summer and autumn.

1st Caterpillar 2009

Found an Elephant Hawkmoth caterpillar while digging out pathways at Beechwood Park. It could be a good site to try some moth trapping on later in the year.

First Arrival of 2009

After a few no shows with the Skinner trap so far in 2009, This fine Pale Brindled Beauty (melanic form) arrived overnight. The game's afoot. Winston

Hints and Tips

Hi all
As some of you know I run the UK micros yahoo forum and I used to post a regular feature called Moth of the Moment (MOM) every week or so giving hints and tips on topical species people may wish to look for. Most of the tips are sent into me by others and I simply pass them on as and when its a topical species. Last year with my house move etc I dropped this as I simply did not have the time. I am now starting this up again on UK Micros so if you want a few hints and tips, mainly on larvea hunting and mainly micros look on the UK micromoths forum or if Andy wishes I could cut and paste them here as well ?

Larvae hunting

Brian Leesey found 7 Anomalous and 6 Autumnal Rustic larvae at langfield edge last night before the bad weather forced him off the moor.

YNU Lepidoptera Group Meeting

Sunday 8th March 2009
YNU Lepidoptera Group Meeting
Bramham Village Hall
Grid Ref: SE427430
Event Contact: Terry Crawford
10:30 for 11:00 meeting will close by 16:00
The annual meeting of the YNU Lepidoptera Group,If any body fancys going please leave a commont below

No Show

Hi all, Had the trap out last night and night before but nothing I'm afraid for 2009 as yet
Winston

Brown House Moth...Hofmannophila pseudospretella

This was flying round the kitchen today.

Leaf Mines

Hi all
Rob Edmunds has just let me know that himself, Willelm Nellis and with help from Brian Pitkin are about to write an Aidgap key to leafmines. Some prelims will be sent out to field test before the final draft. Anyone interested in taking part in this ?

We have a thaw underway here in Edern after 15 days or so frozen solid. I might try out the MV in the garden tonight if the thaw continues.

New Book

The new book on Moths and Butterflies by Manley is superb. You not only get all the macro moths and butterflies photographed, you also get a load of micros and caterpillars. I only wish the book had been around when I first started.

Why not in Yorkshire ?

Hi all
Just thought I would send you this link which helps moffers here in North wales. It would be nice if you guys eventually got something similar for Yorkshire. Look out for my few records appearing later this year I hope.

http://www.trawsgoed.com/

First Moth today

1 Mompha subbistrigella found resting on a dead oak tree in the local wood .It was very small indeed and difficult to photo.

Caterpillar ID

Hi Chris
As Derek suggested the larva is likely to be Brimstone moth. I was not 100% sure as I have never seen this species in the larval form before. I sent your image to Reg Fry and he comfirms it is indeed likely to be Brimstone. Try to rear through if you can and then Andy will have confirmed breeding at CB. I have always assumed it did breed at CB but its nice to have confirmation.

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda from Sue and Paul

Happy New year

Minus 5 and Snow in Northowram last night,,,,,no Moths ...but a Happy New Year to you all.

Merry Xmas

A very happy and enjoyable Christmas and happy and healthy 2009 to all from Paul & Sue in North Wales.

Winter Moths

Had a Winter Moth by the outside light last night and also 1 Chestnut &1 Satellite at sugar and 1 Light Brown apple moth this evening.Just like to say thanks to everyone who has posted on this site over the year and I hope you all have a good holiday and a great new year(lets hope its a warm spring and hot summer):)
Brian leesey recorded,2 Satellites,1 Red Green Carpet and 1 Ypsolopha ustella,

Caterpilla for id.?

Chris found this caterpillar down at Cromwell Bottom earlier today, any idea what it might be.

Cheers
Chris

December Moth

Anyone recorded this in Calderdale yet ? I never recorded it in Calderdale despite living and looking in what appeared to be the perfect habitat, yet here in Edern I see it regularly at light around the caravan despite the habitat seeming to be less likely to hold a population.

I assume from the lack of posts in recent times Calderdale is in its usual South Pennines " grey grot" time of year weather wise and nothing much is around ? We still get the odd Hoverfly and Bumblebee around on sunny days and moths are around most mild nights but we are also hoping for a good start to the new year with some more settled warmer weather and a much improved summer in 2009.

Free Book

Hi all
I hav just found a copy of The Flora of the Parish of Halifax by Frank Murgatroyd of the Halifax Sci Soc. This list the locations of many plant species in Calderdale so is useful for finding food plants. First come first served can have the copy free of charge, I just need a postal address.

BBc i- player

http://www.bbc. co.uk/iplayer/ episode/b00fy3yk /Natures_ Top_40_Episode_ 2/