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
It won’t be long now until the proper autumnal moths begin to appear