Description


A diary of my mothing activity covering highlights and photos from my moth trapping activities. Mainly Norfolk (UK), occasionally beyond. I may mention other wildlife sightings here, especially insects, but for birds see my birding diary.

Saturday, 20 February 2016

Snow moths, a spider and a new moth for the house

A cold windy spell with no moths ended in a colder snowy night after which I fully expected another empty moth trap.  But last Sunday night wasn't so windy and it was cloudy, so despite the cold and the snow the conditions were evidently more suitable... there were 2 moths in the trap (or on the trap, more accurately).  Early Moth and Dotted Border.

Also in the trap was this tiny spider, about 2mm long (head and body, not the legs).  Anyone know what it is?


unidentified spider, North Elmham, 14th February


The next night with moths was Wednesday night, when the trap contained Dotted Border, Common Quaker and 2 Chestnuts

Dotted Border, North Elmham, 17th February


Common Quaker (left) and 2 Chestnuts, North Elmham, 17th February


A single Chestnut on Thursday night then last night just a single moth in the trap despite slightly milder conditions.  That one was new for the house though, so not complaining: Winter Shades Tortricodes alternella.  It's a common species at this time of year but one that I've only encountered a few times myself.  Nearly all of them have been well worn, and this one was no exception.

Winter Shades Tortricodes alternella, North Elmham, 19th February

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