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: 31st August
Weather: 14C at Dusk, average for the time of year, thick cloud cover but no rain forecast. No wind, which is always a bonus! When it is really windy moths are reluctant to fly, so numbers are often lower.
Results: 30 moths of 16 species
Summary of Results:
Conditions are reasonable for the time of year, and to be honest the results were as well. After the brief summer peak, the numbers are now dropping as we head through into Autumn
Agriphila geniculea
Loads of these Agriphila geniculea were seen during the session.
Brimstone Moth Opisthograptis luteolata
A flash of colour from this vibrant Brimstone Moth Opisthograptis luteolata, these moths are great to see. They are often double or triple-brooded. This means that the adults are first seen in Spring, and then a second (and even third) generation will appear as the year progresses. This means that they can potentially be seen any time between April and October.
Light Brown Apple Moth Epiphyas postvittana
There were loads of these micro moths: Light Brown Apple Moth Epiphyas postvittana. They are classed as an invasive species, which means that they have only recently arrived in the UK after being accidentally imported in Cornwall in the 1930's. Since then they have rapidly spread Northwards. I generally see these all through the year in varying numbers.
Setaceous Hebrew character Xestia c-nigrum
And finally we have a Setaceous Hebrew character Xestia c-nigrum. The name apparently comes from the distinctive black markings which are said to resemble a letter from the Hebrew Alphabet. Setaceous means 'hairy' by the way, although I'm not sure why that's relevant haha!
All ID's have been checked and confirmed, and I have added the details of the session to the spreadsheet.
The numbers slow a marked decline compared to previous sessions which is expected as we head into Autumn. I will no longer trap every week, and instead will only run a session if the weather conditions are favourable: such as mild, cloudy, and preferably no wind.
Thanks for reading, there will be more soon whenever I decide to have another session!
Notes on Pictures: Since I started moth trapping 4 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 images by 
All names confirmed and checked via Wikispieces