Not sloe but early

I've been thinking for some time that I must get out with a torch at night and look at our local blackthorn (sloe) bushes to see if I can find an early moth. The early moth is said to be common but it hasn't shown in my trap - until now! I was just turning my trap off at bed-time when a small Geometrid fluttered around my feet. I potted it and immediately wondered if it was an early. But I wasn't 100% sure as sloe carpet (which I've had a few times) is quite similar. On close inspection I was able to be certain it was early. a) the antennae were pectinate and b) there was a clear dark blotch on the centre of the hind-wings. The pattern and shape are also meant to be distinctive but that's not always easy to judge on a worn moth without a sloe carpet for comparison. The early is in fact quite similar in shape to a winter moth.


I also had a few other new for year moths, including an Agonopterix-type which I'm not sure of. I also had a twenty-plume moth indoors. So my year list is slowly building up. I always feel I'm making progress when my moth list passes my bird list for the year - but some way to go yet! A few photos below:


Agonopterix alstromeriana


satellite



early moth


Twin-spotted quaker (compare with Billy's three below)


Tortricodes alternella

March comes Early

Sorry, I know I can't compete with Sean's title puns, but I gave it my best try!

Over the last few weeks, I've trapped on the 12th and 18th, and although the chilly nights seem to have returned, it doesn't seem to be stopping hardy early species from being on the wing, and I've managed to add 3 species to the garden list.

March Moth- described as generally very common throughout Surrey. In an unusual posture...

Same moth, in its typical posture...

Early Moth- another common species, but a welcome sight...

Hebrew Character- Caught an individual of this early appearing noctuid on 12th, no doubt it will become much commoner as spring arrives!