Alder Kitten
When Martin Wolinski casually mentioned that he'd trapped Alder Kitten amongst a big haul of moths last night, my ears pricked up. It's a species I've always wanted to see, so I was delighted when he invited me out to his rural retreat, near Kentisbeare, to take a look.
Closely related to the other 'Kittens' - Poplar and Sallow, Alder Kitten has a dark blackish-grey central cross-band rendering it quite distinctive. The larvae feed on Alder and Birch, neither of which have been particularly plentiful in areas that I've trapped in before.
Amongst a very varied catch were Elephant and Small Elephant Hawkmoth, Least Black Arches, Small Angle Shades, Pinion-streaked Snout, Blood Vein, Clouded Silver, Flame, several Poplar Hawkmoth, Silver Y, Red-green Carpet, Buff Ermine, White Ermine, Ingrailed Clay, Minor Agg, Middle-barred Minor, Iron Prominent, Swallow Prominent, Pebble Prominent, Miller, Alder Moth, Clouded-bordered Brindle, Clouded Border, Flame Shoulder, Figure of Eighty, Common Pug, Grey Pug, Straw Dot, Green Carpet, Silver-ground Carpet, Common Marbled Carpet and Brown Rustic.
Martin has a stunning place in idyllic surroundings, with a beautiful garden that attracts large numbers of insects, thanks to a variety of flowering plants. Consequently the list of species that he traps is extensive. Many thanks Martin!
Least Black Arches
Small Elephant Hawkmoth
Painted Lady - some compensation for the lack of birds on Orcombe this morning.
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