Winter Mothing

I took a punt and ran the moth trap in my Romsey garden on the night of Saturday 22nd December, with temperatures remaining at around 8c I was hoping to catch a late flying moth or two. I only caught two moths of two species but both cracking - a December Moth and a Feathered Thorn. The December Moth is a widespread species of eggar frequently recorded at light traps between October and January. The Feathered Thorn is a similarly widespread species flying from mid-September to early December.

 

December Moth (top) and Feathered Thorn, Romsey

Pink-barred Sallow

After a spell of cool nights and low numbers of moths in the moth trap in my Romsey garden the night of the 30th September/1st October produced overcast conditions with temperatures dropping to 12c. While still very slow a few classic autumn species appeared amongst the familiar drab of the likes of large yellow underwing, setaceous hebrew character and square-spot rustic. Lunar underwing an autumn flying species was the first of the year as was a satellite but pride of place went to this pink-barred sallow. While common and widespread the autumnal colours which match perfectly with the yellows and russets make for a stunning moth.

Pink-barred Sallow, Romsey (S.Colenutt)

The pink-barred sallow is one of six Xanthia species found in the UK all fly between September and October in the south of England (a little earlier to the north) and all exhibit a range of russet, yellow, pinkish and orangey tones. All species are relatively common with the exception of the pale-lemon sallow which is classified as Nationally Notable A being found locally in the south-east of the UK.