The New Year started with an interesting record – a Winter Moth (Operophtera brumata) found in our porch on the way back home at about 2.30 am on the 1st January.
Winter Moth
Thanks to Brian Neath for the identification and for the information that it is the first Winter Moth record for Skye/Raasay since the Carbost Rothamsted site operated between 1966 and 1979. He goes on to say “The “winter” moth species tend to be under recorded due to the lack of resident moth trappers and the fact that visiting moth enthusiasts don’t tend to visit during these months. Northern Winter Moth is very similar but slightly larger and paler and only occurs during October to mid-December. Other winter species include December Moth, Scarce Umber, Mottled Umber and Dotted Border. All have flightless females except December Moth.”
