Clean sweep

As so often with moths, the first time you record a particular species each year you can record several of them, even though they were not around just a few day before.

In this instance, Broom Moths have been emerging in Batch Valley, with four in the trap. This is actually quite a pretty noctuid moth, with subtle shades of orange, pink and brown. The key identification feature is the distinctive pale line near the wing tips, running into a blotch were the wings meet over the body. Despite what the picture suggests, this moth had two healthy antennae. The left one was folded along the body when the picture was taken.

Broom Moth

There was competition for the prettiest moth of the night though. Another contender was this Buff Ermine was found resting just outside the trap. It is certainly an attractive moth, and also a common species probably found in most gardens. The line of dark markings running across the wing is the distinctive feature, as some White Ermines can be of a similar colour but have many more darks spots spread across the wings.

Buff Ermine

There was another new species for my garden, a Heart & Dart. The reason for the name is obvious when you look. The long dark mark on each wing is the 'Dart', and the heart-shaped kidney is the 'Heart'.

Heart & Dart