Monthly meeting 13 August 2009

This was one of the best supported August meetings with 16 members attending. Apologies were received from Susan who is on holiday in Australia. She did however arrange for the tea and biscuits to be available whilst she is away. Well done Susan.

The normal format for the evening with round the table starting the meeting off. First up was Mark who informed us of Susan's dedication. Later in the evening he reminded members of the meeting details for the 22nd August. <

Nick had not seen many species during the month but a Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing caught his attention not having seen one for some while.

Roger had recorded 136 species during 32 nights trapping. The most common species were Dunbar with 712 individuals, Riband Wave 101 individuals, September Thorn 59 individuals, and also large numbers of Footmen, etc. He had also caught a number of Hoary Footman an example of which he had brought in.

Ian During the month Ian had seen Diamond Back Moth and Hoary Footman. He commented on the fact that he felt the size of the eyes were no different to any other Fooman moth although some people felt the eyes were larger in the Hoary Footman.

Jan started a discussion on recognising the differences between the Copper Underwing and Svennson's Copper Underwing. It was generally agreed that the most reliable was the colour of the underside of the underwing.

Nick Brought in some White Spotted Pug eggs which had been laid by a specimen caught earlier. He had also recorded Sallow Kitten, Scarce Footman, Four Dotted Footman, Wax Moth and Sharp Angled Carpet plus he had seen 2 Red Admiral butterflies. during the month. A new logo designed by Nick for the website was passed round for members comments. This was greeted favourably by all present.

Les who traps most nights reported that the numbers of moths in his garden are up on previous years. Amongst many others he has recorded Cypress Pug, Dark Arches, Silver Y, Lackey, Hoary Footman, Toadflax Brocade, Waved Black, Antler Moth, Ear Moth, Blair's Shoulder Knot and Small Ranunculus this month

List of species recorded in the yard during the meeting

*** Names from British Micro-lepidoptera with Vernacular Names by Jim Porter.