Fifty not out for 2013

Well I have finally limped over the 50 species total for this year. although given the moth drought so far this year I mustn't grumble; even compared to the amazing March last year, it has only taken about an extra week to reach this milestone.

Of course the vast majority of this total are micros, which account for 80% thus far.  The latest species to push the figure on to 50 are: Elachista apicipunctella, Argyresthia brockeella and Epinotia immundana the only recent-ish macro addition being a single March Moth.


Elachista apicipunctella


Argyresthia brockeella

The key to this success is simple - early stage daytime searches (including the rearing through of some of these to confirm ID's).  Many of my trials and tribulations in this area are covered in more detail on my blog dedicated to micros: http://kentmicromoths.blogspot.co.uk/

Dave

Garden year list moves on nicely

Although nothing like the bumper haul at the beginning of last week I have still had a steady stream of additions to the 2012 garden year list over the last few days, including:

Nephopterix angustella


Pale Oak Beauty


Argyresthia brockeella


Orthopygia glaucinalis (I know it has a new name...)


Clay


July Highflyer - reared through from larva


These two not new for the year but any excuse to post images of Hawks:

Elephant Hawk-moth


Privet Hawk-moth (with Elly trying to muscle in on the shot, top left)


Dave