Moths of October

Many species which occurred in large numbers in September are still to be found in October. Numbers caught at traps are reduced by the colder nights as well as by the stronger winds which seem to be affecting us more every year. This year in particular, many species which occur in September are also to be found in October. Sadly the numbers of day flying moths to be seen at this time of year are very small, so the MV trap now comes into its own.

Notable at the moment is the Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa), which is now being caught in exceptional numbers, completely eclipsing the record year of 2002. Although the basic shape and pattern of this moth is quite distinctive, with its network of fine white veins, the ground colour shows a very wide range from dark brown to brilliant chestnut. This can lead to confusion with Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis), but the narrow reniform stigma of the latter species, and the lack of dark lunar mark on the underside of the forewing are good distinguishing characteristics. It is also worth looking out for The Chestnut (Conistra vaccinii), which is easily separable from the previous species by its shape.

The Rustics are now beginning to come to the end of their season, and the late autumnal species of a very difficult group called the Epirritas (from their Latin names) are beginning to appear. They are referred to by their flight periods, the November Moth (Epirrita biangulata), the Pale November Moth (Epirrata christy)i, the Autumnal Moth, (Epirrata autumnata) and the Small Autumnal Moth (Epirrita filigrammaria). The only reliable way to tell them apart is by genital examination, so they often left as just Epirrita sp.

A group of very attractive moths flying at this time of year are the Sallows of which there are some eight different species, with various patterns of yellow, pink and brown, but identification is relatively easy with the aid of a well illustrated guide.

Other species which occur during October are the Red-line Quaker (Agrochola lota), and a very attractive micromoth, the Small White Ermine (Yponomeuta padella).

This year in particular, there are still plenty of immigrants to be seen, SilverYs (Autographa gamma), Rush Veneers (Nomophylla noctuella) and the occasional speciality such as a Vestal (Rhodometra sacracia) or a Gem (Orthonama vittata).