A few moths from other traps

Magpie Moth 

Abraxas grossulariata

The Magpie moth is a distinctive white moth with large black spots and yellow markings. 

This moth is widespread throughout Norfolk. But numbers of records have been dwindling, so this moth is now seen as a declining species in Norfolk.

The best time to see Magpie moths will be from late June to August. They are attracted to light so will be found in moth traps. Their preferred habitats are heather and moorland but they are also frequently seen in gardens, woodlands, hedgerow, and even allotments.

Larval plant food tends to be Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Hazel, Garden Privet, Black Currant, Red Currant, Gooseberry, Bramble, and Heather.

Lesser Swallow Prominent

Pheosia gnoma

The Lesser Swallow Prominent is a silvery white moth with bold brown and black markings. It looks similar to the Swallow Prominent, except the Lesser Swallow Prominent has a distinctive, white triangular wedge on its forewing.

A widespread species in Norfolk and best seen flying around from late April to June, then from July to August.

Habitats where the Lesser Swallow Prominent can be found are woodland, heathland, moorland, parks, and gardens.

The larval food plants are Downy Birch and Silver Birch.

Pine Beauty

 An unmistakable moth, that’s orange brown, reddish brown or brick brown, with a distinctive white kidney mark. Widespread throughout the UK and normally found in traps with its wings folded tightly against its body.

The flying season for the Pine Beauty is between August and September. It readily comes to light and therefore a regular visitor to moth traps. Where there are coniferous woodlands or plantations, you will most probably find the Pine Beauty moth. They have also been recorded visiting gardens and parks.

The larva has a preference for the needles of pine trees, like Scots Pine, Corsican Pine, and Lodgepole Pine.

Angle Shades

Phlogophora meticulosa

The Angle Shades moth has brown and green camouflaged markings, with creases and folds in its wings. When looking at it, it resembles a brown leaf. Widespread in Norfolk.

Best time to see this moth is during May to October, though it has been recorded all year round and is particularly prolific in the autumn. Angle Shades are attracted to light so commonly found in moth traps. The moths can be found feeding on Common Reed and other grasses.

Habitats where this moth can be found are hedgerows, fens, woodland, and gardens.

The food plants of the larva are Common Nettle, Hop, Red Valerian, Broad Leaved Dock, Bramble, Hazel, Birches, and Oaks.

Rosy Footman

The Rosy Footman is commonly found in the Norfolk Breckland, Broads and the coastline, and was first recorded in Norfolk in 1873.

Pinkish to orange in colour with wavy, black patterns, this distinctive moth is best seen from June to August. It has a preference of broadleaved woodland, wooded heathland, and hedgerows.

The larva eats mainly Dog Lichen but can be found feeding on other lichens on the trunks of Oaks.