21st April 2015 ... Warm days,cold nights ... Red Valerian

3.5 deg C min temp.
Crystal clear nights mean the temperature drops rapidly soon after dark, especially with the wind direction from the North-east.
The North Sea is at its coldest at this time of year and it chills the wind that passes across it as it heads our way, so says the Met Office.
Early evening flyers are trickling into and around the traps but it remains a slow trickle.
Having said that, two more species were added to the garden year list last night.

A brace of Holly Blue butties were spotted in the garden during the day feeding on the freshly opened flowers of Red Valerian.
These Valerians have self seeded, from where I know not, but they are highly recommended for all kinds of insect life.
Last year I had Hummingbird Hawk-moth feeding on them, so I have let them spread and they now grow as perennials.
If you don't have this plant, get down to your local garden centre and buy a couple of clumps, you won't be sorry.
Below: Red Valerian, (Centranthus rubra), just coming into flower

Back to the moths ...
Last nights trap results.
0647 Hofmannophila pseudospretella, 2 (Brown House Moth)
0892 Mompha subbistrigella, 2 (Both in shed, late pm)

Mompha subbistrigella

0998 Epiphyas postvitta, Pair in cop

Light Brown Apple Moth, Epiphyas postvittana

1342 Eudonia angustea, 1, year first

Eudonia angustea

1524 Emmelina monodactyla, 1
1862 Double-striped Pug, 4
1883 Yellow-barred Brindle, 1, year first

1883 Yellow-barred Brindle

2063 Muslin Moth, 1
2190 Hebrew Character, 2
2243 Early Grey, 1
2425 Nut-tree Tussock, 1