More new moths for the year.

Sunday 4th April 2025.

The Moth Box was on again overnight and again, there were a few more moths added to my year list. Getting up at 5.30am is getting a bit easier, but as Summer approaches, I have to get up even earlier to make sure I get all the Moths my light trap will entice before it gets too light. While checking the Box, there was a squadron of Swifts ‘screaming’ overhead in the clear blue sky; but I have to say, it was quite cold at first thing this morning.

The Moth Box: 

There were a total of 34 moths of 18 species and among them, new for the year, was a Buff Ermine, Treble-line and the micro moth, Brown House Moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella). The Toadflax Brocade moth was still present and up to 3 Cabbage Moths were found. It looks as though the Puss Moth had finally gone, which I am pleased about. I did find a pair of Least Black Arches actually in a mating position, which is a first for me and my first Heart & Dart for my garden this year was most welcome.

Above, a Buff Ermine and below Treble-lines.

The Moths present this morning included the following:

Macro moths:

• Buff Ermine x1
• Cabbage Moth x3
• Double-striped Pug x2
• Common Pug x1
• Vine’s Rustic x3
• Shuttle-shaped Dart x3
• Least Black Arches x3
• Toadflax Brocade x1
• Pale Mottled Willow x1
• Bright-line Brown-eye x1
• Heart & Dart x1
• Brimstone Moth x1
• Garden Carpet x2
• Treble-lines x1

Micro moths:

• Rusty-dot Pearl x1
• Brown House Moth x1
• Black Cloak x1
• Light Brown Apple Moth x4
• Diamond-back Moth x4

I was busy tidying the back garden up throughout the morning and a couple of butterflies joined me. A Speckled Wood dropped in and landed on the outside table and a couple of Holly Blues fluttered around the plants and trees nearby. Overhead, at least 8 Swifts were chasing one another in the clear blue sky, but as the morning wore on, the clouds came in, but the Swifts were always visible.

Some of the Swifts over my house this morning.

In Hampshire today, a near summer plumage Curlew Sandpiper was on Normandy Marshes and there was a welcome return for the Roseate Terns too. A Black Stork was soaring over Acres Down and seen to land in the trees.