Sevenoak Moths August 2018

Acleris emargana.  Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, 29 August 2018

There was a reasonable collection of late Summer moths in the trap at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve this month.  One moth was sitting on top of the trap - this one, Acleris emargana.

Acleris emargana.  Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, 29 August 2018

It's a species I have not seen before.  There is a confusion species, Acleris effractana, but as that lives in Scotland I think this identification is pretty safe.

Most of the others were quite common types.  This one:

Snout, Hypena proboscidalis.  Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, 29 August 2018

Does not look the way we normally expect because it is a second generation specimen, darker than the first generation and lacking some of the normal markings. 

Square-spot Rustic, Xestia xanthographa.  Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, 29 August 2018

The Square-spot Rustic is an autumnal species, basically brown but often with rich reddish undertones.  It's well named for its distinctive straight-edged spots.

Spectacle, Abrostola tripartita.  Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, 29 August 2018

Spectacles crop up during most of the summer.  This side view shows the prominent crests, formed of long scales.

European corn-borer, Ostrinia nubialis.  Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, 29 August 2018

This European Corn-borer is one I don't see very often so I was glad of the chance to get a good clear photo.  I took a mug-shot as well.  It was just an occasional migrant until the 1930s but is gradually getting established in the UK.  Over here, it actually lives on Mugwort rather than being a crop pest.

European corn-borer, Ostrinia nubialis.  Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, 29 August 201