Monthly meeting 9th April 2009

Light Brown Apple Moth Epiphyas postvittanaRoger reported that over 15 nights from the 17th march he had recorded 619 moths although these were from only a few species. They included Pale Prominent, Hebrew Character and 126 Common Quakers.

Jan reported on a successful trip to Moor Copse where Water Carpet, White Mark, Early Thorn and Purple Thorn were among the species recorded. A full list can be seen on the New website and there are photos on the yahoo group site.

Stuart reported seeing Small Tortoiseshell's in his garden. He also informed members of retirements of some Natural History Museum staff who had expertise in Genitalia dissections. It was suggested that it may be possible to get some videos made of these processes so that the skill is not lost. There was a discussion around the table on whether this would be good idea and members felt that this idea should be pursued as over time these skills could be lost.

Nick has finally made his own moth trap and is looking forward to the coming months using it. He has so far caught lots of Quakers, and seen Comma, Peacock and Large White butterflies during the month . During last year whilst on the leaf mining surveys he had collected a number of leaf mines and had brought some of the moths that had emerged to the meeting for members to see. The new Micro book is coming on and a copy of the Tortricidae pages was available to see, no doubt a provisional copy will be circulated for comments in the near future.

Susan Has seen Comma, Peacock, Orange Tip, Speckled Wood and Brimstone butterflies during the month and also recorded Common Quaker and Small Quaker as well as a number of other species.

Colin thanked Jan for arranging the trip to Moor Copse which he had enjoyed very much and he reported recording 17 species on the night.

Les At the last meeting Les had spoken regarding getting some publicity in the local newspaper, this month he brought along a copy of the article which was used.

Being a nightly trapper he has recorded 29 species of macros during the month which included, Streamer, Toothed Stripe, Yellow Horned, Brimstone, Muslin Moth, Bright line Brown eye, Tawney Pinion, Angle Shades and Mottled Umber.

Mark had taken 373 moths of 23 species since the last meeting. The following are some of the species, Early Grey, Hebrew Character, Lead Coloured Drab, Shuttle shaped Dart, March Moth, Dotted Border, Plume Moth spp, Yellow Horned, Common Quaker, Oak beauty, Twin Spotted Quaker, Brindled Beauty and Brindled Pug He also had a Large Yellow Underwing which had been found as a larvae in the garden. A short discussion followed on the types of light used and the positioning of lights. Mark felt that running a large trap in the garden was taking up too much time the following day recording all the moths captured. This was especially true during the summer months when there were other commitments to consider. He now runs a smaller trap inside his shed by the window which makes recording the catch a lot quicker and easier. A number of members felt this would be a good idea.

The subject of voucher specimens was again brought up and Stuarts suggestion of having videos made by retiring N.H.M. staff was cited as one way forward.

Grahame has received an email from John Annable regarding photographic slides taken by his mother. He wished to find a good home for them and wondered whether we as a group would like them, it was agreed that he should be contacted and the photographs accepted. Mark will arrange to do this.

The latest copy of the Moths Count Newsletter was made available for members to read. Again this year there a number of workshops planned throughout the year. Martin Harvey will be leading a workshop on the 27th June titled "Introduction to the moths of Windsor Great Park" If you wish to attend Advance Booking is essential. Details 13.45 to 17.30 and 19.30 to Midnight book via Cathie Hasler at cathiehasler@bbowt.org.uk or by phone