Back to normal

The big improvement on Friday night was short-lived and Saturday night was back to cold weather and moth numbers barely reaching double figures.  Still, another Puss Moth was very welcome!  

Puss Moth, North Elmham, 23rd May

As seems to be the way on cold nights now, 5 Muslin Moths were the only moths appearing in multiples, the others being Scalloped Hazel, Waved Umber, Pale Prominent, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Flame Shoulder, Small Square-spot, Shears, Hebrew Character and Angle Shades.

Sunday night was marginally warmer but produced a similar number of moths.  However 3 of those were new for the year, at least for the garden: Common Swift, Peppered Moth and, best of all, Light Brocade.  It was only the second time I've ever seen Light Brocade, and the first at home.

Light Brocade, North Elmham, 24th May

Peppered Moth, North Elmham, 24th May

The other moths on Sunday night were Green Carpet, Treble-bar, 3 Brimstone Moths, Waved Umber, 4 White Ermines, Small Square-spot and Spectacle. 

Beetles included this Ptinus sexpunctatus found inside the house, a new species for me - and nationally scarce apparently.

Ptinus sexpunctatus, North Elmham, 24th May

I think there may be other similar species to the next one so not sure if the ID should be considered definite:

probable Cantharis cryptica, North Elmham, 24th May

I've found a couple of these striking Zebra Spiders at home recently - don't think I've noticed this distinctive species before.  They seem to like the Wisteria but am also finding them inside.  If only all spiders looked so cute.

Zebra Spider, North Elmham, 25th May

On Sunday morning I went birding at Burnham Overy.  Little in the way of noteworthy insect: 4 Cinnabars were the only moths while butterflies included Small White, 2 Small Coppers and 3 Wall Browns.

 Wall Browns, Burnham Overy, 24th May

And finally here's Ratty who I forgot to include in last Thursday's post.  

Brown Rat, Bittering, 21st May