Wildlife

James Lowen

Micros are relatively scarce. Veneers seem to be the commonest, including the delightful Elbow-striped Veneer.

I will sign off with my favourite moth of all caught so far. It is not rare, but it is spectacular. Look at the fins on this Pale Prominent! WTF?

Now for what might pass as a couple of scarcities. Surprisingly (to me, at least), I have caught a few Square-spotted Clay which is widespread but local - with Breckland being one of its national strongholds. Better looking is White Satin. What a corker.

Now a slideshow with a few more species, including a couple of Thorns, Rosy Rustic, Orange Swift, Bird's Wing and Iron Prominent. What fabulous names. What fabulous creatures!

Hidden in the slideshow above is a Spectacle. This looks pretty good in profile. Head on, however, it is magnificent - and reveals the reason for its moniker.

While the trap has been hawkmoth-free, that have been sum humdingin' large muvvers. A few Old Lady and one even bigger Red Underwing.

One of my favourite catches so far is Angle Shades. This is a reet cracker, a most Art Deco insect. Typically one visits me each night.

I remain an numpty novice when it comes to identifying my catch. There are always a few moths to which I cannot immediately put a name - and one or two that will have to remain unidentified until I get time to properly go through the Norfolk Moths website or field guides. Unless I 'fess up my ignorance and plead for identifications via the UK Moths Facebook group or moth-ing friends. So here are some currently unidentified nocturnal visitors to New Costessey. Answers on an email please...

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9 Sep 2014 Fly-by-nights

Finally, the long-promised blog outlining my initial experiences with moth-ing in Norfolk!

My initial impressions are that catches are less diverse than in London, that some catches are very large (400 macros on the night illustrated above!) and that (unlike London) macros far outweigh micros. Clearly, some of this may be due to the evolution of seasons: I was just starting to catch Large Yellow Underwings in London before we departed in July, but in Norfolk in August, they are by far the most numerous species. They are also great fun: chunky, tame, varied in patterns and with tickle feet. Perfect for four-year-old daughters.