Friday 20 June 2008

Longfield - Moths

Took a risk in keeping the mv trap out overnight and luckily any forecast rain held off. Heart and dart numbers are starting to increase. Totals for the night were, brimstone 1, heart and dart 6, minor sp. 3, turnip moth 1, angle shades 1, common footman 1, common marbled carpet 2, dark arches 1 and a campion.

Common Footman. The name footman, probably comes from the way it holds its wings at rest, they are aligned with the body as if the moth is standing to attention.


For me this next moth was a challenge as it could have been one of two very similar species, either the campion or lychnis. I've gone for a worn campion mainly because of the existence of the curved central cross line below the second kidney mark nearest the tip of the forewing.
Campion


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

John ,
Enjoy reading your bloggs . Came across some info. re. your stag beetles in pieces blogg . A study by Richmond Park & Wimbledon Common
Stag Beetle Project states that ;
' Many stag beetles are eaten - mainly by BIRDS , and probably before they have a chance to contribute to future generations ' If you want the details do ask .
I think your iredescent green beetle 13th.June is a Mint Leaf Beetle-Chrysolina menthastri.
Greenie

John Young said...

Hi Greenie, glad you enjoy the blog and many thanks for the info. I would be interested in the stag beetle detail if you have it. Thanks John

Anonymous said...

John ,
If you Google ' Stag & Other Beetles Project 'you will find the report .
Greenie

John Young said...

Many thanks Greenie, really interesting. John