New Micro-moth Book

My copy of the excellent Common Micro-moths of Berkshire here by Nick Asher and the Berkshire Moth Group arrived this week. Through a combination of 200 common species and 200 similar looking less common species, it covers over 400 species which could be found in  this part of the world (or anywhere in Southern England). The large format high quality images, clearly annotated with comparison species side by side and concise descriptions is a highly effective formula for an identification guide- the best gateway guide to micro-moth identification that I have come across. Using this book in combination with the BWP micro-moth bible (Sterling et al) and comparing with on line resources such as Norfolk moths micro-moths flying tonight and the  UK Moths website and using feedback from various apps, facebook groups and help from Irecord validators means that micro-moth recording is completely accessible for everyone.

Here's a few highlights from the Old Vic moth trap over last couple of days. 

Dewick's Plusia- a first for the Old Vic. Nice to get this Beddington speciality here too . All time Old Vic moth list now on 566 and year list is 407 (480 across all the sites I've done this year). 

Tufted Button- a cracking little moth 

I presume this is just a Barred Fruit Tree Tortrix 

The double grey patches and the two spots perpendicular to the dorsum suggests Thicket Knot-horn, Acrobasis suavella 

I presume this is Poplar Cosmet 

Golden Argent 

Red Underwing- gorgeous! 

Rosy striped Knot-horn- a great looking specimen 

These have started appearing- male Oak Processionary moths. Apparently no need to worry about the highly dispersive males. If we catch a female will need to report them to the Forestry Commission. 

Water Plantain Conch I think . 311222 update- all these are gen dent jobs. 

I was wondering whether this might be a Southern Wainscot- looks like a lightly marked Smoky Wainscot with what appears to be a dark mono-eye brow (above and below) 

I know these grey looking ermines can't be done but presumably they are not the usual Willow or Bird Cherry Ermines 

Dark Sword Grass

Pale Bordered Piercer- still not managed to get a sharp photo of this tiny moth

Using the new micro-book I was wondering whether these might not be Common Marble (what I usually presume). There doesn't seem to be a cross streak between the two pale patches (that produces a H). If not Common Marble maybe the top one is Orthotaenia undalana and the bottom Thyme Marble (more streamlined in shape, also lacking longitudinal streak and more contrasting? 311222 update- the CMR team aren't having any of these so presumably need to retain any suspects for gen dent. 

Flounced Rustic- a new for year 

Kent Bent-wing- another tiny beast, a first for site if correctly identified . 311222- Rejected by CMR Team. Could be Phyllonorycter harrisella. 

Honeysuckle Moth

Marbled Bell- always stunning to see

Cats get a hard time for killing birds but the Old Vic dog (Izzy) is a relentless killer of our garden birds. A Red Kite stole this off her (after she left it unattended briefly). 

Sunday roast- plenty of food now ready for harvest in the mini-farm