A Visitor in Ermine

Moth trapping and the weather this week seemed not to mix, so I was pleased yesterday that the forecast promised a dry night. Dry yes, but it was also surprisingly cold and the moths were in short supply, with only three visitors in the three hours the trap was active. I was particularly delighted with one, a White Ermine (Spilosoma lubricipeda), which was one of my wish-list species ...



This Scalloped Hazel (Odontopera bidentata), pictured below in its holding pot, was quite a challenge to identify. At first sight it seems rather plain but when examined more closely, its subdued colouring disguises some interesting highlights ...


The third moth was another dark-form Coxcomb Prominent (Ptilodon capucina) ...


On reflection, at a time when my study of moths is new and my confidence in handling them is still growing, it was good to have a quiet evening with the trap.