Moth Man Returns...

Well, it's been a while but the Moth Man has never been one to lose interest in worthwhile ventures. Thanks anon. for prompting my return to the world stage that is Blogspot!

I've been in Kent, UK for over two months now having a jolly old time drinking, mothing and birding - though not necessarily in that order. The moths have been very good to me and I've seen about 400 species thus far, most caught in my borrowed trap on the first-floor balcony where I'm at right now. It overlooks the sea and one can see France on a clear day. I've been lucky to catch many migrant species over the weeks, but I'll get to them later.

First I'll introduce you to one of Britain's most localised species - the lovely Fisher's Estuarine Moth.



This large noctuid moth is only found at three localities in Britain, two of which are in Kent - indeed one of which is on the edge of the wonderous Isle of Thanet! The moth is dependant on a plant which is equally rare in the British Isles - Hog's Fennel. The adult moth can be found resting on the food-plant after dark during its short flight period in late September and early October. At the site we visited a few days ago the Hog's Fennel is quite common so we knew we had a great chance of seeing the moth. In the end we found about ten individuals resting on the dead stalks of the fennel. All were in immaculate condition and were simply stunning to look at - very special. We took photos and admired the subtle beauty of these fine creatures and then left them to it. 'Tis what mothing is all about.

I'll try to rebound from my leave of absence with more thrilling accounts of mothing in deepest Kent...stay tuned!