Moths before the (promised) rain

With the Met Office promising 'my' part of the south of England 'biblical rain' by lunchtime, I did the MV trap with speed so as to get in a small amount of time looking for Purple Emperor butterflies in Banstead Woods. The males are meant to have a morning spell in which they come down from the tree-tops to feed at lower levels. I was on site between 10.00 -11.15 but drew a blank. I had a pleasant time though, and walking back along the open southern flank of the woods revealed a fair number of butterflies on the wing, including several Chalkhill Blues and Marbled Whites.

Back to the garden moths. Two highlights were the garden's fifth Waved Black (top photo) and eighth Rosy Minor (bottom photo).



Comments

laurence.d said…
Getting a bit late for grounded males now,even this year,about a week/10 days ago would have been better,rain still not arrived in Herts at 16.25,back to the drawing board met office!.

Laurence
27 July 2013 at 16:26
Steve Gale said…
I didn't know that 'grounded' male Purple Emperors were an early season thing Laurence. Thanks for that.
27 July 2013 at 17:45
laurence.d said…
Generally,when you hear about the first ones,and then for the next week will be the optimum time as most groundings will be freshly emerged males,of course there will be exceptions..

Laurence
27 July 2013 at 18:50
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