Caught in a trap

Last night we switched on the moth trap for the first time in ages. And regretted not having done it sooner.

It was amazing. We caught 20 hawkmoths!!! and a load of other stuff. There's a [provisional] list at the bottom of this post, but I'm embarrassed to say we didn't bother trying to count most of the... small brown ones. Didn't have time, don't have a clue. Some revision is required before trying that.

If you think there's something improbable in the list and I've messed up an ID, please say :o)

One of the 11 Privet Hawkmoths - it's surprising there was room for them all!

Here's the trap all set last night. It's basically a wooden box with a plastic roof and a big bulb on top. Inside are eggboxes for the moths to hide in.

In the morning, a rolled-up copy of The Guardian is the perfect fit to stop moths escaping from the slot

A Common Emerald, showing off just how much it looks like Richard Lewington's superb illustration

Elephant (left) and Small Elephant Hawkmoths

Eyed Hawkmoth - one I'd never seen before!

A humble Common Wainscot

More photos are on Flickr

Here's the full run-down:

• Dark Arches, 19
• Common Wainscot (well, maybe wainscot sp), 14
• Common Footman, 11
• Privet Hawkmoth, 11!
• Flame-shoulder, 7
• Setaceous Hebrew Character, 7
• Elephant Hawkmoth, 5
• Heart & Dart, 5
• Willow Beauty, 4
• Mother of Pearl, 3
• Buff-tip, 2
• Double Square-spot, 2
• Light Arches, 2
• Small Magpie, 2
• Snout, 2

and in alphabetical order:

• Brimstone, 1
• Brown-line Bright Eye, 1
• Buff Arches, 1
• Burnished Brass, 1
• Common Emerald, 1
• Green Silver-lines, 1
• Eyed Hawkmoth, 1
• Iron Prominent, 1
• Large Yellow Underwing, 1
• Lime Hawkmoth, 1
• Peppered Moth, 1
• Small Elephant Hawkmoth, 1
• Square Spot, 1
• The Spectacle, 1
• Treble Lines, 1

photos taken with Canon Powershot A640