March moths

Nut-Tree Tussock, Colocasia coryli

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I put my moth trap on the balcony on March 23rd when the warmer temperatures indicated that I might attract some moths. I had 10 named species and one unidentified micromoth during the rest of the month. Four of these were new to the balcony: March Tubic, Small Quaker, Tawny Pinion and Clouded Drab which was a nice surprise.

Clouded Drab, Orthosia incerta

Common Quaker, Orthosia cerasi

Double-striped Pug, Gymnoscelis rufifasciata

Early Grey, Xylocampa areola

Hebrew Character, Xestia c-nigrum

March Tubic, Diurnea fagella

unidentified micomoth

Small Quaker, Orthosia cruda

Tawny Pinion, Lithophane semibrunnea

White-shouldered House-moth, Endrosis sarcitrella

Elsted's Saxon Church

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Last Sunday I visited Elsted, West Sussex and enjoyed a walk round St Paul's, the Saxon Church, some of which dates to the 11th Century. Part of it was rebuilt in 1951 to make it useable again. Its history can be read here: https://sussexparishchurches.org/church/elsted-st-paul/  

model of before and after the 1951 restoration

1756

herringbone masonry of the nave indicates 11th C.

Brimstones in Rewell Wood

Coltsfoot, Wood Violet and Lesser Celandines

to view a gallery  with more photos, click here

On March 23rd I had 14 sightings of male Brimstones during a walk round the rides in Rewell Wood. A couple nectared on dandelions and primroses. Coltsfoot, Lesser Celandines and Wood Violets were also in flower. A Hebrew Character was the first visitor to my moth trap this year.

Primroses, Primula vulgaris

Lesser Celandine, Ranunculus ficaria

Brimstone, Gonepteryx rhamni on Primrose

Hebrew Character, Xestia c-nigrum