A possible 'Lifer' among the Moths.

 Tuesday 4^th August 2026.

A regular to my garden around this time of year, the Dark-bordered Pearl.

The Moth Box was active again last night. With so many migrant moths arriving in the UK now, it is always worth taking a chance on finding something extraordinary—just as I did yesterday with that Sulphur Pearl.

It also makes me smile when I post entries on the Hants Moths Facebook page and certain individuals feel the need to comment on the use of Latin names rather than vernacular names. I use both on my blog because I know some of the older readers prefer the Latin names. The Moth Box remains worth running while migrant moths are moving through. Yesterday’s Sulphur Pearl was a good reminder that something special can turn up. I will continue using both vernacular and Latin names to keep the blog accessible to different readers.

Another very warm day is ahead, with plenty of sunshine and high UV levels expected. The dogs had their usual early morning walk, although there were no moths to be seen along the way.

I am very pleased to see that the brutal Guga Hunt on Sula Sgeir in the Hebrides will not be taking place this year—and hopefully never again. NatureScot has refused permission for the Hebridean islanders to carry out this annual practice, which targets a beautiful species that is rapidly declining in the UK. It feels as though people power has finally won the day. Well done to everyone who signed the petition, and to NatureScot for listening and coming to its senses.

 

My Moth Box:

One of three Olive-tree Pearls this morning.

There were some very nice moths in the Moth Box this morning, with 111 individuals from 33 species recorded.

One possible new 'lifer' may also be on the cards: a suspected Norway Maple Dot (Etainia sericopiza) micro moth. I have posted a photo for confirmation, although it is very similar to another Etainia species, so dissection may be needed for a definite identification.

Above, Blood-vein and below, the micro moth Brassy Y.

Other migrant Moths this morning included a Turnip Moth, Langmaid’s Yellow Underwing and a Rusty Acorn Piercer (Cydia amplana). Once again, the Apple Leaf Miners were out in force with at least 43 individuals counted.

 

MACRO MOTHS	MICRO MOTHS
Small Dusty Wave x3	Common Plume x7
Langmaid’s Yellow Underwing x1	Apple Leaf Miner x43
Blood-vein x1	Olive-tree Pearl x3
Lime-speck Pug x6	Dark-bordered Pearl * x1
Double-striped Pug x1	Blushed Knot-horn x2
Brimstone Moth x1	Rusty-dot Pearl x5
Common Rustic	Bird-cherry Ermine x3
Garden Tiger x2	Meal Moth x2
Jersey Tiger x1	Norway Maple Dot * x1
Blair’s Mocha x1	Ruddy Streak x3
Bright-line Brown-eye x1	Light Brown Apple Moth x9
Marbled Beauty x1	Common Masoner x1
Canary-shouldered Thorn x1	Garden Mompha x2
Turnip Moth x1	Coeleophora sp. X1
	Rusty Acorn Piercer x1
	Hampshire Dowd x1
	Brassy Y x1

 

A possible Norway Maple Dot micro moth.

While checking the Moth Box, overhead, at least three very high-flying Swallows flew past and a few Swifts still remained here flying low over the houses.

The dogs got another walk this morning on the brown grassy field just east of the Bowling Green in Old Portsmouth. There were a few House Sparrows within the hedgerow.