A Morning with Moths

Leaders: Margaret Tomsett and Andy Swan (HNHS Members)

The clear skies overnight were not ideal, but there was an abundance of interesting and attractive moths to view. The first moth trap opened-up immediately produced a real beauty: an Alder Kitten, a species that has only recently been present in our area. Following a set of diverse micro-moths, the first hawkmoth was encountered: the pink and green Elephant Hawkmoth. Later we were to add Poplar Hawkmoth and the uncommon Pine Hawkmoth.

Also striking were Black Arches, Dark Arches, Oak Hook-tip, Dusky Thorn, Iron Prominent, Scalloped Oak, True Lover’s Knot and the uncommon Lobster Moth. The sleek footman group were represented by Rosy Footman, Dingy Footman and Scarce Footman: all of these have tree lichens as larval food. The highlight among the larger moths was a single Light Crimson Underwing, belonging to a genus (Catocala) of “underwings” that are all glamorous and uncommon. The Light Crimson Underwing has probably become the most frequent, but it may not have started breeding in the county until 2020.

Many of the moths weren’t definitively identified until later, when photos were scrutinised. It was only at this point, and with confirmation from an expert, that the “find of the day” emerged: a rather dull small moth turned out to be Aplota palpellus, and only the second ever recorded in Surrey!

The total number of moth species recorded was about 56.