There are still plenty of moths flying in November by which time many people have packed up their traps for the year. Probably the greatest scope for new records is in November and any mild night can be rewarding. Second brood Spruce Carpet and Grey Pine Carpet can linger on into November especially in wooded sites with conifers. The November moth and Pale November moth still continue to be on the wing. It is only really possible to separate these species by looking at the chitinous claspers in the males under a lens having first brushed off the abdominal scales with a soft brush or feather. Several hibernating species can still be found too, especially the Satellite which has two forms, both very attractive, one with a white central forewing spot, and one with an orange spot. The Grey Shoulder Knot is another very attractive moth that like the Satellite is quite widespread but usually in fairly low numbers. Both the Chestnut and Dark Chestnut are about still. The Dark Chestnut is less common and can be recognised by the sharp corners to the apices of the forewing giving the outer edge of the forewings a very straight edged appearance when at rest. It also has a greasy look to it and is darker than most Chestnuts.

Slightly less common, although probably under recorded is the Sprawler, a handsome moth a bit like the Blair’s Shoulder Knot in appearance. This mainly woodland moth has a bizarre caterpillar worth looking up in the books. The adult does not feed as by now the last of the Ivy has gone to berry.

The largest and brightest November species is the Feathered Thorn which should be found in most areas where there are trees and shrubs. By day it can be beaten out of the last leaves of autumn hanging on young Oaks, Maples, Sallows etc. The Scarce Umber and Mottled Umber also emerge at this time of year. Both have flightless females which may be searched for on bare twigs by torchlight, but the males do come to light.

If conditions are favourable it also possible to get some migrant moths in November, and I have caught Turnip, Dark Sword Grass, Pearly Underwing, Small Mottled Willow, Vestal, Gem to name a few over the years. The Angle Shades is the moth I have seen in most months, and I have had records through from February to December!

Finally, if you happen to be near, or know of a good area of mature Maple wood on calcareous soil, then a search for the very rare Plumed Prominent should be made now. It would be great to get some recent Dorset records for this elusive moth.

P. Butter Nov 2004