I've just got back from a mothing session at Sheepleas with Bob Arnfield, Steve Spooner, and Andy Culshaw, where we ran an MV and an actinic trap. We were there in order to target the Plumed Prominent, which was last found at the site in 2005. The weather started off cloudy, but things were not looking good as it suddenly cleared, and we had had only three moths. For no apparent reason, around 7pm, there was a flurry of activity that included the arrival of my first December Moths. Then, I noticed an odd looking moth sitting on the MV trap. It was it! I was surprised at how small and un-prominent-like it looked. This came shortly after both Bob and myself noticed a promising-looking moth flying around in a nearby mature Field Maple. We ended with 18 moths of 6 species. Not bad for November!
7th November, Sheepleas:
4 December Moth*
4 Red-green Carpet
3 Common Marbled Carpet
3 Brick
3 Chestnut
1 Plumed Prominent*
December Moth
Plumed Prominent
This is will probably be my last post this year. Thanks everyone for supporting the blog, and have a great Christmas!
Ouch. I know I say it about everything, but Plumed Prom is one of those ultra-rare species I've always dreamed of catching in England.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a nice time in NZ, post some shots if you get time.
Well done on the Plumed Prominent! hopefully targetting it soon.
ReplyDelete