2007 Gaucin, España Moths

Our Net trap deployed in a covered, but open verandah at the front of the villa, being closely observed by the owner's pet cat.

Noctuidae Wingspan: 42mm. Fairly common in this place, with 25 specimens recorded through our stay.

Noctuidae, Xyleninae Wingspan: 26-28mm. Two specimens were recorded at the trap by Madeline before we arrived.

Noctuidae, Acronictinae Wingspan: 38mm. A common Species in this area, Madeline having recorded 20 before our arrival, and 112 were recorded in the week we were there. This is quite a variable species coloured from orange to a deep dark brown.

Noctuidae, Cuculliinae Wingspan: 44mm. A widespread Autumnal species in Europe and the UK. Seven were recorded by Madeline before our arrival, and 16 more during our stay.

Pterophoridae, Pterophorinae Wingspan 24mm. A widespread little moth which also occurs in the UK. This small specialist group of strangely winged species often need detailed study to be sure of their identity. This specimen appears to be the common species, but may need further confirmation.

Noctuidae Wingspan: 42mm. Picture taken by Madeline, but included here to make up a complete set of the species recorded at this location. Only appearing at the trap during our stay, 23 were recorded in the week. Originally considered the same species as Allophyes oxyacanthae (Green Brindled Crescent) seen in the UK. However there are a number of close species in Europe in this Genus, and the minor wing pattern variations indicate that this is actually the title on this picture.

Lasiocampidae, Lasiocampinae Wingspan: 38-40mm. This smallish Lasiocampid appeared in the middle of our recording session at this site. Two were recorded by our friend Madeline before our arrival, and two others came to our trap just after.

Drepanidae Wingspan: 34-40mm. Like its close relatives, this species is difficult to photograph with flash, as the scales reflect light highly, causing a blueish bloom over the wings, and affecting the colour and visible patterns. It was recorded throughout our stay, 3 coming in before we arrived, and 6 whilst we were there.

Noctuidae, Xyleninae Wingspan: 48mm. Specimens came in regularly through the recording session, with 8 finally being counted. This species is a transitory migrant to the UK.

Geometridae, Ennominae Wingspan: 44mm. A common species here and also on the UK. It came to the trap throughout our stay, producing 22 specimens.

Noctuidae, Amphipyrinae Wingspan:42mm. Corrected from my original ID by Martin Honey. Thanks Martin! Two specimens of this species were recorded at this location, both of which were darker than the Clouded-bordered Brindle normally seen in the UK, specimens of which are seen in late Spring. This particular species appears in southern Spain in November suggesting that the weather is warm enough to support multiple generations each year.

Lemoniidae Wingspan: 66mm. A quite impressive species which is one of four in this family. It is apparently limited in range to the south-western area of Spain, so we were fortunate to be there when it was adult. Two were recorded by Madeline before our arrival, and after this, 7 more came to the trap, 5 together on the 20th.

Lemoniidae Wingspan: 66mm. Who's looking at who?

Lemoniidae Wingspan: 66mm. A quite impressive species which is one of four in this family. It is apparently limited in range to the south-western area of Spain, so we were fortunate to be there when it was adult. Two were recorded by Madeline before our arrival, and after this, 7 more came to the trap, 5 together on the 20th. Here they make a nice handful before being released.

Geometridae, Sterrhinae Wingspan: 30mm. A generally common species throughout Europe, including the UK. Three were recorded in the middle of our stay.

Geometridae, Ennominae Wingspan: 44mm. Apparently distributed in the south west of Europe (not in the UK), this species came to our trap throughout our stay. A total of 9 was recorded, with the highest occurrence of 5 on one night on the 26th.

Noctuidae Noctuinae Wingspan: 32mm. A single specimen of this fairly non-descript species in a worn state was recorded by Madeline before we arrived.