Another moth getting a toe-hold


This is Blastobasis rebeli, a moth originally from Madeira (in fact, the species is only known from that island), that has somehow found its way to our shores. The first UK record was discovered in Hampshire in 2008, followed by another in Swansea, and then others from the south coast that suggest that it has become a resident. Its breeding regime, and food plant(s), are unknown. In fact, it's difficult to get any up to date information about the species, and my individual may well be a first for Surrey (although the county recorder will no doubt put me right on that one if I'm wrong).

The garden MV has been lively over the recent spell of hot weather, with plenty of moths to sift through - although nothing too exciting - until the rebeli this morning. The first Tree-lichen Beauty of the year (below) and the less-than-annual Shaded Broad-bar (bottom) were two highlights.


Comments

Skev said…
Still waiting for Tree-lichen Beauty here in VC55 ... sadly!
9 July 2017 at 00:06
Steve Gale said…
It's coming Mark....
9 July 2017 at 07:11
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