Moths

The warm weather is now increasing the number of different moths to be found in our area.

Identifying moths is much more challenging than naming butterflies. Whereas we have about 60 butterflies there are almost 900 Macro moths and an even larger number of micro moths.

From mid March a group of local enthusiasts open the moth trap every Saturday morning at Leighton Moss  bird reserve. They keep detailed records and over the years I believe well over 500 diferent moths have been found.

We joined them this morning and here is one of today’s captures.
It is the Oak Beauty moth, one of the earliest in the year to fly. It is fairly common throughout Europe. It like to rest on the bark of Oak trees where it is well camouflaged. Its larvae found in the Summer look like tiny sticks.