MOTHS RECORDED AT WISSETT, N R . H A L E S W O R T H , IN 1979 F . B . S. ANTRAM
I operated an actinic light-trap at Wissett on 69 nights during 1979. Among the more interesting species to be recorded were the Tissue (Triphosa dubitata, L.) and the Water Carpet (Lampropteryx suffumata, D. & S.) in April; both these species tend to be scarce in this locality, although the latter occurs regularly every year. The Rosy Minor (Mesoligia literosa, Haw.), essentially a coastal species, occurred at the end of June. July brought five species not previously noted here before, namely the Wood Carpet (Epirrhoe rivata, HĂźbn.), Lesser-spotted Pinion (Cosmia affinis, L.), Green Silver Lines (Pseudoips fagana, Fab.), Golden Plusia (Polychrysia moneta, Fab.) and Beautiful Hook-tip (Laspeyria flexula, D. & S.). The Stout Dart (Spaelotis ravida, D. & S.), which is always very erratic in its appearances, was fairly common from mid-July to the end of August. The migrant Pearly Underwing (Peridroma saucia, HĂźbn.) turned up at the end of July, as did the Orange Moth (Angerona primaria, L.) which is always fairly scarce. On 13th August, a specimen of the Phoenix (Eulithis prunata, L.) came to light; the larva of this species feeds on currant, so it is perhaps surprising, considering the close proximity of a blackcurrant farm, that the moth is not more common here. Two specimens of the Pale Prominent (Pterostoma palpina, Clerck), also in August, were the first of this species to be noted since 1976. Finally, the autumn months were enlivened by the Brindled Green (Dryobotodes eremita, Fab.), Barred Sallow (Xanthia aurago, D. & S.) and the Sprawler (Brachionycha sphinx, Hufn.), all new species to the area. F. B. S. Antram, Valley Farm, Wissett.
Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc.
18part2.