Ten new moths for the year list!

Thursday 29th May 2025.

Though there was a bit of rain last night, the patio was fairly dry save for a few puddles, but I wasn't prepared for the larger moths that came to the Moth Trap overnight! It was overcast when I ventured out into the garden at 6am this morning and a nice haul of moths numbering 42 moths of 27 species; which included TEN new moths for the year! Incredible. This also included my first ever Brown Rustic, a species I have never encountered before in all the years I have been moth trapping.

The Moth Box:

One of three Privet Hawk-moths this morning.

As mentioned, the Brown Rustic was a very nice surprise and also my second ever Alder Moth (the last on Butser Hill many years ago). But it was the big moths that stole the show with THREE Privet Hawk-moths and a Poplar Hawk-moth recorded. That’s three species of Hawk-moth I have had this week here in Devon and I still have two more early mornings to go! Other moths new for the year included a Brussels Lace, Brown Silver-lines, V-Pug, Pine Carpet, Ingrailed Clay, Poplar Grey and the micro moth, a male Bee Moth.

Above, my first ever Brown Rustic and below, a Brussels Lace.

Above, Alder Moth and below, Poplar Grey.

Above, an Ingrailed Clay and below, a V-Pug.

Above, a Brown Silver-lines. All the above moths were new for the year.

Two large Beetles were also within the Moth Box which included a Cockchafer Beetle and my first Black Sexton Beetle of the year, that was covered in little mites or maybe young Beetles? Still, I carefully released them both as they flew off to explore the garden and out of harm's way.

Above, a Black Sexton Beetle that was covered in mites (I assume?) and below, a Cockchafer Beetle. Both were within the Moth Box.

The Moths recorded this morning included the following:

Macro moths:

• Poplar Hawk-moth x1
• Privet Hawk-moth x3
• Alder Moth x1
• Brussels Lace x1
• Common Marbled Carpet x2
• BROWN RUSTIC x1
• Pale Tussock x4
• Orange Footman x5
• Brown Silver-lines x1
• Buff-tip x2
• V-Pug x1
• Pine Carpet x1
• Marbled Minor x1
• Clouded Silver x1
• Heart & Dart x2
• Ingrailed Clay x1
• Treble-lines x1
• Pebble Prominent x1
• Willow Beauty x1
• Large Yellow Underwing x1
• Flame x1
• Buff Ermine x1
• Peppered Moth x3
• Lobster Moth x1
• Poplar Grey x1

Micro moths:

• Bee Moth x1
• Garden Grass-veneer x2

The first Bee Moth of the year. I should get a lot more during the year back in Southsea.

One of the Privet Hawk-moths this morning before flying off.

Above and below, a couple of Swallow photos taken last night while walking the dogs through the village.

Above, an adult and juvenile Goldfinch on one of the houses within the village this morning.

Above and below, I was hoping to grab some photos of the Spotted Flycatcher here near our garden.

Above, I even managed to grab some film footage of the Spotted Flycatcher.