Wildlife Blog

Robin Howard

KR5632 Aglossa caprealis (Hubner, 1809)
Small Tabby

Wingspan: 23-27mm

A univoltine species flying from June to August when it comes occasionally to light and has ben recorded from all the garden traps but none of the remote traps. It is commonest around the old barns.

Larvae feed on vegetative debris in an around barns for up to two years.

Robin Howard

KR1454 Argyresthia goedartella (Linnaeus, 1758)

Wingspan: 10-12mm

A univoltine species flying from June to late August when it is attracted to light and has been recorded from all garden traps and particularly those close to birch woodland. A common species where birch and alder are found.

Larvae feed on shoots or male catkins of birch and alder, pupation takes place under the bark of the foodplant.

Robin Howard

KR9458 Atypha pulmonaris (Esper, 1790)

Wingspan: 20-28mm

A univoltine species flying from May to August when it comes frequently to light and has been recorded from all garden traps and those bordering or in the ridge meadows. A species here at Las Descargues that favours the traditionally managed meadows.

Larvae feed on Pulmonaria and Symphytum.

Weather

Robin Howard

KR8699 Clostera pigra (Hufnagel, 1766)
Small Chocolate-tip

Wingspan: 23-31mm

A bivoltine species flying from May to early September when it is attracted to light but never in large numbers. It has been taken from all garden traps but is uncommon in outlying habitats. Although a species of damp habitats it is seen every year in this arid area.

Larvae feed willow and aspen before overwintering as pupae.

KR9548 Cosmia affinis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Lesser-spotted Pinion

Wingspan: 25-34mm

A univoltine species flying from June to September when it is attracted to light but only occasionally. Recorded from all garden traps and those woods along the ridge. A species of woodland.

Larvae feed on various elm species. It overwinters as an egg with larvae becoming active in late spring.