8 May 2013

7 May 2013 – Artemis moth.

Clouded Drab (Orthosia incerta)

Five Clouded Drabs (Orthosia incerta) all reflecting their Latin name of incerta : uncertain.  This common species can be confusing to identify owing to the varieties of colour and markings – from black to orangey-buff.  The orthosia refers to the subterminal line being straight, but the word is also connected to the goddess Artemis.  Quite a lot for a moth to carry.  The number of Small Quakers is high this year – there were 10 in last night’s trap and a Coxcomb Prominent (the darker version) turned up as well.  Even though the swifts have returned and Spring is really underway, the nights are still quite chilly.