Lunar Underwing moths return.

Monday 19th September 2022.

A variety of moths present on the egg trays this morning. They all do fly off eventually.

It is a Bank Holiday today due to the fact that our Queen has her funeral today. I have never really been a Royalist, but I do believe they serve their purpose and help towards the economy of the country. It is going to be a huge day for the country and I do wish that it goes as well as expected. At least she has got a nice day for it. RIP Ma’am.

Above, another Clancy's Rustic on the egg trays and below, one of two Lunar Underwing; my first of the year.

Another still, bright start to the day again and I was pleasantly surprised on how many moths I had in and around the moth box this morning. Lunar Underwing's have arrived, with two individuals in and around the moth box and a good variety of moths to go through. A large total of 85 moths of 21 species were recorded this morning including another Clancy’s Rustic, 2 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing with one individual that was strangely marked and a very bright Buff Ermine. Double figures of Lesser Yellow Underwing, Double-striped Pug and 12 Willow Beauty made up the majority of the number present this morning.

This oddly marked Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing was one of two.

Nearby, by one of the hanging pots by my white sheet, the large spider Tube Web Spider, Segestria florentina, was perched quietly. Within the garden, birds present included at least two calling Chiffchaffs, with one showing very well in my neighbour's garden. A few Meadow Pipits were heard calling overhead and the alarm call of a Starling overhead had me checking for a raptor flying over; but not this time.

This Tube Web Spider, Segestria florentina, was present near the moth box. I am sure that this was the same individual I saw in exactly the same place a few weeks back. How long do they live? 

The following moths were present this morning:

• 2 Lunar Underwing
• 3 Small Dusty Wave
• 12 Willow Beauty
• 11 Double-striped Pug
• 15 Lesser Yellow Underwing
• 1 Brimstone Moth
• 2 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
• 5 Large Yellow Underwing
• 6 L-album Wainscot
• 2 Garden Carpet
• 1 Clancy’s Rustic
• 3 Pale Mottled Willow
• 1 Buff Ermine
• 9 Square-spot Rustic
• 1 Bright-line Brown-eye
• 1 Box Tree Moth
• 1 Eudonia angustea
• 1 Common Plume
• 5 Tachystola acroxantha
• 1 Acleris notana / ferrugana
• 2 Rusty-dot Pearl

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926 - 2022.