Shandy Hall Moths
15 June 2017
15 June 2017 – Rare Moth on Speedwell
(Cauchas fibulella) and Bird’s Eye flower Walking through the garden, a micro moth was spotted on a leaf near a clump of Germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys). It was unfamiliar and quite striking. Naturally, we got the camera and started taking pictures. After uploading the images all four of us huddled around my computer comparing the […]
13 June 2017
13 June 2017 – Hare at Nightfall
Miller (Acronicta leporina) I am beginning to get used to identifying the moth species located here at Shandy Hall. This time I recognized and recorded many of the ones we caught without having to use the reference books. I do not expect this to last however, as the species will change as time moves on. […]
10 June 2017
10 June 2017 – Pollen Cruncher
Micropterix …. but which? Micropterix aruncella I went into the garden in search of a micromoth that has been recorded on the blog, but not included as a species at Shandy Hall. Micropterix calthella is the scientific name. I saw the moth on a walk near Oldstead with Jeremy Purseglove in 2014 and fully expected […]
9 June 2017
9 June 2017 – Affecting Moment
Maiden’s Blush (Cyclophara punctaria) Two days ago, when the rain stopped for a brief moment, we went out into the garden and I helped set up my first moth trap. After further downpours that same night, I will admit my expectations for the number of moths were not high. However, after going through the trap […]
6 June 2017
6 June 2017 – Lantern Bearer
Small Angle Shades (Euplexia lucipara) My first day at Shandy Hall was met with a light drizzle which soon turned into a downpour later in the evening. After watching some cows trudge towards a tree to protect themselves from the rain, I started my adventure of moth identification thousands of miles away from home. I […]
31 May 2017
31 May 2017 – Rhubarb Digression
(Plutella porrectella) En route for rhubarb, I had just reached the gate when a moth flew across my path and settled on a leaf. I had a quick look and couldn’t remember seeing it before so I returned to the house to get the camera. It was still there when I returned and I managed […]
28 May 2017
28 May 2017 – Moth with the Long(est) Name
(Pseudoswammerdamia combinella) The only micromoth to be attracted to the moth trap for National Garden Scheme opening was Pseudoswammerdamia combinella. This is its third appearance at Shandy Hall, roughly around the same date each year and (I hope) not incorrectly identified. The tawny spot on the upraised tube of the wings is clearly seen with […]
22 May 2017
22 May 2017 – Missed Pug
Brindled Pug (Eupithecia abbreviata) Fortunately moth experts are generous with their knowledge and thanks to Charlie Fletcher the species list at Shandy Hall now stands at 403. If you saw the blog earlier in the month this photograph will be familiar – it was used to misidentify the Brindled Pug as a Common Pug. The […]
22 May 2017
21 May 2017 – Be Prepared
(Coleophora -…) Rain and wind make moth identification troublesome. This metallic-winged micromoth was not only quite small but seemed keen to be on its travels. I thought the photograph above would be sufficient for a positive identification and looking in the Lewington guide it seemed it must be one of four, metallic-winged moths. Then I […]
13 May 2017
13 May 2017 – Plants for Moths
Flame Shoulder (Ochropleura plecta) A collection of colours melting into each other, even the pale ‘ribs’ on both wings seem part of last year’s fallen leaf, the Flame Shoulder nearly disappears in the photograph. The use of the moth-trap means it is a regularly seen resident of the gardens. If the trap wasn’t here the […]
7 May 2017
7 May 2017 – Remembrance of Moths Past
Least Black Arches (Nola confusalis) Another cold night and only three species to be found in the trap at dawn this morning. None are new, so the species list hasn’t increased, but trying to remember their names is a challenge every year. How to be sure to remember. I knew I had seen this moth […]
28 April 2017
28 April 2017 – Caliban’s Treat
Agonopterix heracliana with Campion bud Clean, warm, sunlight and red campions – the quarry at Shandy Hall is starting to fill with green, and the green itself is gently tinged with pink. A surprise, midway through the afternoon, to encounter a moth. Olivia’s handy phone took the photograph and it didn’t take long to identify the […]
Recent Moths
- Rise of the AI Naturalist
- Best Moths for a Haunted Abbey
- The Real and Fake Deaths of Moths
- The Colonizers of Yorkshire
- Glamour in the Dark: Two Newcomers Arrive at Shandy Hall
- 25 July 2023 – Collective Noun for Hawkmoths
- MOTH LIST to August 2023 with links
- 28 July 2023 – TRIPLE New Species Alert!
- 18 July 2023 – A Golden…Plusia!
- 13 July 2023 – Arts and Sciences
- 10 July 2023 – Rise of the Yellow Underwings
- 4 July 2023 – Cold-weather Catch
