Autumnal moths...

I really like autumn mothing and autumn moths. Sure, the diversity goes right down - drastically so once October is reached - but they are just so damn nice-looking! Many are velvety and dark, others rich chestnuts and russets and yet more display subtle tones of green or ochre. Below are a few recent favourites...

Above is the lovely Yellow-lined Quaker - in fact the only one I've seen thus far. Many autumn species appear to be rather low density, especially on Thanet where there is little habitat for them. This moth is on the wing mostly in October and early November.

Above is the very attractive Dark Chestnut - very 'conker-coloured' but with those subtle pale grey highlights. Very nice indeed. I like those squared-off wings and the little snouty effect...

One of my very favourite moths is the Satellite above. Those brilliant silvery-white spots really stand out. In fact the moth gets its name from those tiny white flecks either side of the white reniform spots - like satellites orbiting around a larger planet...

And, where would we be without a spitting merchild...