GLOUCESTERSHIRE MOTHS

A prolonged period of dry weather with coolish nights continued well into April, however within the last week or so the weather has changed. There has been some rain, and yet temperatures remain high in the day-time. Many of the summer species are now emerging, some rather early, and there is plenty to record for those who can find the time.

Mention of Collinpark Wood in the last newsletter prompted two recorders to look for the Light Orange Underwing there. Guy Meredith was successful on 5^th April when he managed to catch a specimen which he has photographed. Robert Homan was unsuccessful, however he managed nevertheless to establish a new county record! This is for 41 Ectoedemia atrifrontella the mine of which is illustrated below. He found 18 mines in SO 7427 and SO 7428. The mine in young oak pictured below is fairly unique. Subsequently Robert has found it at Kensley in the Forest of Dean and believes that it could be well-distributed in the county.

There have been several records of Dotted Chestnut which seems to have become more common, and the Frosted Green has had a good year.

Peter Hugo has left traps overnight at a number of sites, perhaps the most successful being at Midger Reserve where he recorded Barred Umber and five Great Prominent. Peter has also recorded at his Thrupp home the attractive 666 Semioscopis avellanella. This appears to be new to VC 33.

I have seen the last species here, and also at James’s Thorns where I left my traps overnight. Another overnight mission at Beechwood House near here produced two Square Spot, Oak Nycteoline and Pale Pinion.

Gordon Avery at Hempsted has had his first Pine Beauty and a second Emperor (the first was in 2001). It is curious that nearly all our records for the latter are from the Cheltenham/Gloucester area.

A GIG meeting was held at Sharpness on Saturday 21^st April. There were few records however Guy netted a 1239 Pammene rhediella and I saw two Small Yellow Underwing.

Guy was more successful the following day when on a tour of some sites on the Cotswold escarpment he found that many of the summer day flyers have emerged. He saw a very early Lace Border (at Swift’s Hill), various Pyrausta including nigrata and despicata, Small Purple-barred, Burnet Companion and Mother Shipton. So, good reader, get out there this weekend and see what you can see!

Site – RSPB Reserve at Highnam Woods.

This is situated on the A40 west of Gloucester at SO 7719 and adjoining squares. There is a car park and circular nature trail which takes one through a number of different habitats. There was a number of trapping sessions there in the 1990’s when access was easier. Latterly records have come from daytime visits. The moth species list shows 281 species have been recorded since 1980.

There is a good mix of trees and shrubs in the wood and a varied ground flora. It is the only site we have where woodland species such as the Mocha, Blomer’s Rivulet, White-marked and the BAP White-line Snout have been recorded alongside Severn Vale specialities such as the Dog’s Tooth.

There is an impressive list of RDB micro-moths. Aplota palpella, Phyllonorycter sagitella, Stigmella aceris and Stigmella samiatella. For the first two of these this is the only known site in the county.

Access is open at all times (on the trail) and if you are lucky you will hear a nightingale!

Moth to look out for – Speckled Yellow

This attractive day-flying moth flies in May and June in open woodland and scrubby areas. The food-plants are Wood Sage, White Dead-nettle, Yellow Archangel and Woundwort. It is quite well distributed in the county as the map shows

Some dates

4^th May. Moth trapping at Ban-y-gor Wood, ST 537 967. This is a GWT reserve in the Wye Valley. I will take two MV traps, and there will be little scope for more unless another trapper wants a longish walk as there is only one track through the wood and parking is at the entrance. It is essential that you contact me on 01594 530475 if you are coming as I am not allowed out on my own!

27th May. Butterfly Conservation have organised a training day in the Forest of Dean, run by Dave Grundy, when the emphasis will be on day-flying moths. Times are 10.00 am to 4 pm. Booking is essential on 01929 406009 or nmrs@butterfly-conservation.org . The location is given as the Cannop Valley Visitor Centre, which I presume is at Beechenhurst . Confirm this if booking and ask about car parking charges if it is at Beechenhurst.

6^th June. There is an evening meeting of the Gloucestershire Invertebrate Group at Highnam Wood at 7pm. Location as on the previous page. It is hoped to run a moth trapping session afterwards, so this will begin as dusk falls. If you intend to come please phone me on 01594 530475 in case there has been a change of plan.

9^th June. Moth trapping at Hailey Wood, Cirencester Park Estate. Meet at the Tunnel House Inn at 8.30 pm (SO 966 006) Help with carrying equipment would be appreciated. Refreshments available at the pub. Peter Hugo is running it and his phone numbers are 01453 882134 and 07789 361874.

Later dates were given in Newsletter 1, and further details will be given nearer the time.

Roger Gaunt, St Briavels, 27^th April 2007. roger.gaunt@btinternet.com


Robert also had an Orange Underwing flutter down to his feet in his own garden where he has three birch trees!	Rosie Castle recording at her home in Yorkley Wood has been lucky enough to record the first Blossom Underwing (pictured above) seen in the county for three years. She has also had Yellow Horned and Pine Beauty. The last two species have also been recorded by Matthew Oates at Culkerton.