I'm away for 9 days or so from now, so apologies for any slow response to queries.

I am now on Bluesky for those wishing to escape this place :-) bsky.app/profile/mothid…

I am now on Bluesky for those wishing to escape this place :-) bsky.app/profile/mothid…

An opportunity last night to compare Tawny & Pale Pinions in the garden trap. A bit overcast for photography. I do find the separation of these two a bit challenging at times & sometimes as close to the leap of faith of Dark & (normal) Chestnuts. 🤞

Acleris logiana/kochiella comparison from specimens taken in Putney Heath (VC17). #MothsMatter #TeamMoth

Clouded Drab already out!

Some may find this childish doodle useful. Males of the Epirrita trio, November/Pale November/Autumnal Moths can be told apart by gently rubbing away the scales of the 8th sternite (last section of abdomen, before genitalia) to reveal a pair of 'teeth'. The size & gap is the key:

Having caught quite a few Spiny Hook-tips this autumn here in Guernsey, I have had chance to study them a bit. Below are a couple of potential ID features I have noticed which may or may not be genuine or hepful.

Blair's & Grey Shoulder-knots:
Note the straighter marks on the 'shoulder's of Blair's, compared the antler shape of Grey.

Dark Chestnut (Conistra ligula) (left images 1&2 and image 4) & Chestnut (Conistra vaccinii) (right1&2 and 3). Sometimes it's the wing shape that's the biggest clue. Beginning to appear in the local woods. #moths #moths matter #teammoth Ulster Wildlife BC Northern Ireland Butterfly Conservation 🦋

My book 'Clearwing Crusades' is out now in paperback on Amazon! An eBook version should be out in a few days as well. Exciting times! (1/3) amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CK3VCSK3

The Red Underwing came in 10 mins before the Rosy, at 23:00. I saw a Catocala flying around the trap & assumed the Red had taken flight. I managed to net the Rosy on the lawn but lost it for 30 mins, until locating it under the decking. Phew! St Mellion VC2.

Managed to get these two to pose together - Large Wainscot and Bulrush Wainscot, to light at St Mellion VC2 on 27/9.

Anyone know Robin Howard and can comment?

Weymouth: Interesting to compare a rather poorly coloured Brindled Green (from today) with a Sombre Brocade, also from the garden.

Finally managed to get these two species to cooperate! Radford's Flame Shoulder Ochropleura leucogaster (left) and Flame Shoulder O. plecta (right). Taken at light last night in St Mellion VC2.

Nice comparison of Spectacle (R) and Dark Spectacle.

It's Footman season now - get to know them from this handy comparison. They are clockwise from most left-hand moth, Rosy, Common, Scarce, Dingy and Buff.

This service is under threat, and I really need your help! 🙏 Thanks for any support.