Insect Group Meetings held in 2004

Moth-trapping at Moons Hill, Totland – 10th September

Silver Y © IF

Three members met up with Sam Knill-Jones at 1, Moorside, for an evening’s moth trapping. Conditions declined during the evening, with some light rain falling, but a wide range of species were seen. These included a number of migratory moths such as White-point, Dark Swordgrass, Silver-Y and Udea ferrugalis. The smaller abherration of the Silver-Y, ‘gammina’, was also found. Over twenty other species were seen during the course of the evening, with Large Yellow Underwings being the most obvious feature. Square Spot Dart, Autumnal Rustic and Large Wainscot were among the more interesting species observed, along with established favourites such as the Marbled Green and Chinese Character. It was a very pleasant evening, with, as always, an enormous amount learnt.

Pink-barred Sallow © IF

Moth-trapping at Alverstone Mead – 8th October

This meeting was supported by John Ralph, the warden, and a number of friends of the reserve, as well as by Chris Archbold from Wight Wildlife, who kindly provided the portable trap in the wetland part of the reserve. John had gone to great lengths to ensure that no-one disappeared into the ditches in the dark, and so it was a great shame that a cool breezy night produced nothing on the marsh itself. Even the mercury vapour lamp in Skinners Meadow had limited success, offering up two very nice Beaded Chestnuts, and a Rosy Rustic. Ironically it was the workshop, where we were sheltering from the cold, which produced the goods, including an AngIe-shades, and a beautifully coloured pink-barred Sallow.

Richard Smout