Been some big developments round here while we were away. The Old Vic has been 'sold' and if all goes to plan we will need to move out within 8 weeks. It's very unlikely that we will find the property we are looking for in such a short space of time so its more likely we will go into rental for a while.
Not much to report on the bird front- still not a lot of vocalisations going on and rather quiet out there. Something was ticking from the hedge this morning, presumably a Blackcap and there's been a Chiffchaff in with the tit flock. Seems like the tit flock this year is mainly Lotties but will have a good check when I get a chance. The odd Swift is still flying around and Swallows and House Martins are about too.
So not much chance of reaching our 500 species of moths in a year target this year, the moth year list is currently on 353 and 617 all time. Been a few nice moths since we've been back- highlights below. 63 species of 160 individuals on Monday night across two traps (I've replaced the MV now after leaving the old one in Bulgaria) and 45 species last night from the actinic only as it was raining. Pretty low for this time of year really.
Had a bit of a disaster in the mini-zoo while we were away. Thought I would try the fish feed holiday tabs and see how the paludarium fish got on. Looks like the oxygen levels in the tank crashed and we came back to about 10 dead fish and the others gasping for air. So I did a water change as soon as we got back and managed to save everything else in there but won't be using those tabs again.
We went to Chris's new aquatic shop in Aylesbury today to re-stock the fish and also picked up a new Asian Fawn Tarantula on the weekend from Exotics at Heart. Elsewhere in the mini-zoo the Ghost Mantis appears to have laid a huge egg sack and we also have a young stick insect which we've moved into its own small enclosure away from the Ghost Mantis which appears to have eaten the male Mantis (after mating) and all the other stick insects too. Its certainly become a formidable predator now its an adult.
Sounds like it didn't stop raining while we were away so all is good on the mini-farm.
Sallow Kitten
Ear moth agg
Maybe a Maple Pug? 130823- yes confirmed by Dave here
Closest fit for these is Water Plantain Conch but if I remember right the CMR team say they are gen dent jobs. 130823- yes these are gen dent jobs see here
Plenty of Ermines at the moment- this one looked more like Willow Ermine but hope to get a more distinctive one
Marbled Mompha, Mompha propinquella- lifer!
This could be a Base-lined Grey, Scoparia basistrigalis- seems to have the chequered termen. 130823- too worn to be sure, see here
White-spotted Pug I presume
Dichrorampha sp 130823 update- this is most likely Sharp-winged drill, D.acuminatana but ideally would need dissection (thanks Dave, see here
A worn Lesser Spotted Pinion I think rather than a Lunar
Agonopterix arenella showing the diagnostic 'constellatin' of spots
September Thorns are appearing now, as are Straw Underwings so a change of guard underway
An advanced nymph Box Bug
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