Sharing the results from my latest Moth Trap Session. I have written posts about setting up a moth trap and on collecting the results if you want some more background info on how and why I use a Moth Trap
Date: 22nd August 2026
Weather:
It has just a week since my last trapping session. Back then we were at the tail-end of yet another heatwave, and considering we've had over 2 months of elevated temperatures, it is amazing how quickly it has changed.
The last week has seen a significant drop in temperatures, from highs of 27-35C, down to a much more comfortable (and much more normal) 19-22C. We've also finally had a reasonable amount of rain. It's going to be a while 'till we get enough the reverse the drought conditions, but it's a start!
It has led to a much more autumnal feel out there. The highest temp today was 21, and it is forecast to drop down to 10-11C overnight... I've even had to put the shorts away and put on jeans for the first time in ages! The season is changing quickly, and I expect there to be some new faces, some different species, out there this evening
Anyway, enough waffle, lets get on with it...
Results: 60 moths comprising of 22 species
Summary
Well, what a difference a weeks makes! Over a hundred moths (featuring 40 species) just a week ago, and tonight I managed about half of that!
Wasn't overly suprised as the weather is much cooler, and there was a cold wind blowing through. While I managed to find a new species last time, there was no such luck this time.
Once again, the evening started quickly, with several Orange Swifts arriving at the trap just after dusk....
Orange Swift - Triodia sylvina
along with a Square-spot Rustic, and several Straw Underwings:
Square-spot Rustic - Xestia xanthographa
Straw Underwing - Thalpophila matura
And then it all quietened down. I popped out several times over the course of the evening to see what else turned up.
There was nothing new, no new species, but there were at least a few species I hadn't yet seen this year, which helped to keep it interesting. A few of the highlights are shown below
Heart and Club - Agrotis clavis
Turnip Moth - Agrotis segetum
Vine's Rustic - Hoplodrina ambigua
Agriphila geniculea
Other than the Light Brown Apple Moth, the only other 'micro' species was this Agriphila geniculea, which was surprising!
Some interesting species here, but out of all of these moths, my favourite of the evening is the Centre-barred Sallow
Centre-barred Sallow - Atethmia centrago
Centre-barred Sallow - Atethmia centrago
As the moths head into Autumn, the bright and vibrant coloirs of Summer go away, and we are left with mostly a sea of dark brown species. The yellow colours of the Sallows help it stand it from the rest. It is not a common moth, but I do usually see a couple of these each year.
And that is that. By 1AM there was very little activity taking place, and I decided to call it a night.
It was a reasonable evening, with some new faces at least.
What will happen next time? Will it be busy and chaotic? Will it be quieter? Will I find something new to record?
Well, once again, there is only one way to find out!
Notes on Pictures: Since I started moth trapping 5 years ago, I have been slowly building up collection of Library Images. The idea being that once I have taken a picture of a particular species of Moth, I don't need another picture of the same species a year later. It’s a waste of time and energy. I only take pictures of new species, or of moths that are difficult to ID, so I can get the records verified.
While in my care, all individuals are looked after, and after Photographs have been taken, they are all released safely outside.
All names confirmed and checked via Wikispieces
Further Research from UK Moths and NatureSpot
Thank you for reading, I hope you found it interesting.
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