The contents of my moth trap changes now as we approach autumn. It is now dominated by Large Yellow Underwings, Flame Shoulders, Common Rustics and Square-spot Rustics – an overwhelming predominance of brown moths.
Amongst this backdrop are a few different moths – this is a Maiden’s Blush – it is a second generation animal as it has the dark blotches at the hind end of the forewing.
There are also a few pugs – small and often difficult to identify species – I think this is a Double-striped Pug, although I am happy to be corrected.
This is a Cypress Pug – a species which is associated with Leylandii and other introduced Cypresses – it was first recorded in Cornwall in 1959. It is still uncommon but it found along the south coast from Cornwall to Kent
This is a Rosy Footman
It won’t be long now until the proper autumnal moths begin to appear
