St Mark's WASP

No GMS moth-trapping this week. It was just too wet!

Week commencing:
17 July 2009

Date:
19 July

Weather:
dry, overcast, min 12C, light W winds, 9% moon

Trapped:
yes - 15W actinic

No. of moths:
66 moths

No. of species:
29 species

New for 2009:
Buff Arches, The Magpie, Common Footman, Garden Tiger, Crescent Dart, Dark Sword-grass, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Silver Y

Comments:
Crescent Dart is a coastal moth usually found on rocky seaside cliffs.  The [...]

The results of the moth trapping to week 18 are shown below:

Week commencing:
10 July 2009

Date:
12 July

Weather:
dry, min 9.5C, light W winds, 73% moon

Trapped:
yes - 15W actinic

No. of moths:
42 moths

No. of species:
23 species

New for 2009:
The Drinker, Yellow Shell, Small Rivulet, Green Pug, Iron Prominent

Comments:
4 x The Drinker was the most common moth recorded.  It hadn’t been recorded before although one was hatched successfully in the classroom.

William, shown above with a Poplar Hawk-moth, found two moths called The Snout and brought them into school today.  The Snout most often occurs where its foodplant, the nettle, is found so be careful you don’t get stung!
Well done William!

Week commencing:
3 July 2009

Date:
5 July

Weather:
heavy showers, min 12.5C, moderate W winds, 95% moon

Trapped:
yes - 15W actinic

No. of moths:
20 moths

No. of species:
14 species

New for 2009:
Small Fan-footed Wave, Common Wave, Light Emerald, Elephant Hawk-moth, Cabbage Moth

Comments:
Heavy rain meant small numbers.  However, great to see the first stunning Elephant Hawk-moth!