Hmmm.. What's the weather up to??

And that is the question, isn't it? With a pretty miserable weekend, I went for a walk on Sunday (16th) which proved more exciting that elsewhere of late, moths included a Blood-vein caterpillar, an Adela croesella (which happens to be rare in Dorset, with few records), and several other more common species (some were new for year for me though).

Blood-vein caterpillar

Adela croesella. There are very few records for this species in Dorset, and I think I know why. Firstly, it's a micro, and not just that, but a small micro, and I imagine some recorders don't focus on this little fella's. Secondly, it flies by day. Many moth-ers just focus on trapping, leaving a blank space for species like this to be ignored. Though, there are still many moth-ers out there who will record day-flying micros.

Anyhow, the first few days of the week were not fantastic, but then on Wednesday we had a fantastic day, sunny and very hot, which was followed by a warm night, and the best of the moths so far this year, with 4 new for garden, including Chinese Character (which I have seen on 3 occasions before), and a Pale Tussock (which I have been waiting to get for a long time!). A total of 249 moths of 63 species on Wednesday night (19th June). Last night was still good, but nowhere near as good, but again new for gardens in the form of 4 Bactra lancealana, 1 Bactra lancealana/lactana, and a Bactra furfurana. Also, 2 Lime Hawk-moths, a species which has only been in the garden once before. (no pics though yet, as they are still on camera).

Pale Tussock - Long awaited but well worth it!

Anyhow, what's the weather doing now?? Wind has picked up greatly in the last couple of hours, and rain is on it's way. Moth trap in the garage again...