October #2

From the same night as the previous post, a very dark male Crimson Tiger Moth,
Spilosoma curvata, (Arctiinae)

Three shots of Dysbatus MOV sp. (1) (Nacophorini) showing variation in markings.

With friends….

Two Picture-winged Leaf Moths, Aglaopus pyrrhata also showing variation.

One of the many Hypobapta diffundens (Geometrinae) to come in, a male.

To conclude, a Mecynata Moth, Chrysolentia mecynata, (Larentiinae)

Most images will enlarge.

October.

Two quite hot days at the start of October were reason for a moth session and it was quite interesting with plenty of arrivals at the light. In unusual numbers were Hypobapta diffundens, Aglaopus pyrrhata, and Dysbatus MOV sp. (1). Also in was another female Syneora hemeropa, this species has been recorded regularly since June. A myriad of other insects on the sheet and in the air round one’s head and face made things difficult, but hopefully this is a sign of a resurgence of invertebrate life after a worrying last season. Pleasing to see were two old friends, Oenochroma vinaria, and Pholodes sinistraria.

Hakea Wine Moth, female.

Sinister Moth, male.

The White-lined Emerald, Chlorocoma stereota, (Geometrinae) male.

Three Bracken Moths, Idiodes apicata (Lithinini) came in showing differing markings.

Several Aporoctena MOV sp. (1) (Nacophorini) arrived.

One of the plume moths, Platyptilia emissalis has always been common at this location, probably due to the number of larval food plants, Digger’s and Derwent Speedwell in the garden. It had been quite some time since one had been seen, so it was pleasing to again see one on the sheet.

Click to enlarge.