Drinker (Euthrix potatoria)
This moth is described in the Moths of Wicken Fen NNR section of the site.
Small Emerald (Hemistola chrysoprasaria)
This delicate emerald moth is very much a species of southern England, with very few records north of The Wash. It is a moth very strongly associated with its foodplant, Clematis vitalba, and so appears on downland and calcareous, scrubby woodland.
This species has a paler, more blue-green colour than other 'emeralds' (hence the scientific name alluding to the gemstone, chrysoprase) and the white cross-lines are more smooth and rounded.
This species has a paler, more blue-green colour than other 'emeralds' (hence the scientific name alluding to the gemstone, chrysoprase) and the white cross-lines are more smooth and rounded.
Mocha (Cyclophora annularia)
This Nationally Scarce species is easily seen at Garston Wood during its flight season and is the moth most synonymous with the site for me. Its larvae feed on Field Maple, which is a common tree here.
The Mocha is easily identified by the ring marks on its wings (hence the scientific name).
The Mocha is easily identified by the ring marks on its wings (hence the scientific name).
Chinese Character (Cilix glaucata)
This widespread species is described in the Moths of Wicken Fen NNR section of the site.
Oak Lutestring (Cymatophorina diluta ssp.hartwiegi)
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Red Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe spadicearia)
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Silver-ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata ssp.montanata)
A common moth throughout much of Britain, this is one of the easier geomtrids to identify. Its pale ground colour, combined with a brown, jagged cross-band is distinctive.
The similar Garden Carpet has darker markings and an additional blotch on the leading edge of the forewings beyond the cross-band.
The similar Garden Carpet has darker markings and an additional blotch on the leading edge of the forewings beyond the cross-band.
Shaded Broad-bar (Scotopteryx chenopodiata)
This widespread geometrid is described in the Moths of Scotland section of the site.
Yellow Shell (Camptogramma bilineata ssp.bilineata)
Often disturbed from vegetation in the daytime, the Yellow Shell is a commonly-seen moth. The example shown here is quite orange-brown in colouration, but other specimens can be much brighter yellow. Whatever the ground colour, the many wavy brown cross-lines are diagnostic.
Small Phoenix (Ecliptoptera silaceata)
This species is described in the Moths of Derbyshire section of the site.
Spruce Carpet (Thera britannica)
This species is described in the Moths of Derbyshire section of the site.
Broken-barred Carpet (Electrophaes corylata)
Although well-distributed across Britain, this attractive moth is much more common in the southern half of the country. It is a species of woodland and other shrubby habitats where its broadleaved foodplants grow.
The common name derives from the sudden constriction in the dark cross-band in the middle of the forewing, near the body. In this individual, the 'bar' isn't broken, but in some individuals it does completely break the pattern in two.
The common name derives from the sudden constriction in the dark cross-band in the middle of the forewing, near the body. In this individual, the 'bar' isn't broken, but in some individuals it does completely break the pattern in two.
Green Carpet (Colystygia pectinataria)
This species is described in the Moths of Derbyshire section of the site.
July Highflyer (Hydriomena furcata)
Garston Wood provides a classic habitat for this widespread geometrid - hazel coppice. The larvae feed on this tree, as well as other widespread species.
The July Highflyer has a typical carpet pattern but can be distinguished by the diagonal dash-mark at the wingtips, the distinct 'shoulder' as the wings contract next to the body, and (in southern England) the greenish-brown colour.
The July Highflyer has a typical carpet pattern but can be distinguished by the diagonal dash-mark at the wingtips, the distinct 'shoulder' as the wings contract next to the body, and (in southern England) the greenish-brown colour.
Small Waved Umber (Horisme vitalba)
Named for its foodplant, Clematis vitalba, this moth is strongly-tied to the wooded and scrubby habitats favoured by that plant. The bulk of its distribution is south of a line between The Wash and the Severn Estuary, where it is a common species. North of this line, it is very rare.
The broad, brownish-black line, which slants to meet the wing-tips is a characteristic feature of this species.
The broad, brownish-black line, which slants to meet the wing-tips is a characteristic feature of this species.
Pretty Chalk Carpet (Melanthia procellata)
This very white carpet species is almost entirely confined to southern and south-eastern Britain, where it inhabits woodland and scrub on calcareous soils, where its foodplant, Traveller's Joy (Clematis vitalba) grows abundantly.
The markings of this species are unique among British geometrids; no other speies has such extensive white markings combined with brown patches around the edges of the wings.
The markings of this species are unique among British geometrids; no other speies has such extensive white markings combined with brown patches around the edges of the wings.
Dark Umber (Philereme transversata)
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This species is described in the Moths of Wicken Fen NNR section of the site.
Small Rivulet (Perizoma alchemillata)
This common moth is very much like a small version of the Rivulet and the markings are very similar. Without comparing sizes, the jaggedness of the white cross-band can help with identification - that of the the Small Rivulet is more sharply-jagged near the leading edge of the wing and there is a faint white cross-band near the base of the forewing (this is absent in the Rivulet).
Currant Pug (Eupithecia assimilata)
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Small Yellow Wave (Hydrelia flammeolaria)
This pretty little moth is easy to identify, with its undulating yellow stripes on a white background. It is a common species in southern Britain, but can be seen as far north as Scotland. It is a woodland species - the larvae feed on Field Maple, Sycamore and Alder.
Yellow-barred Brindle (Acasis viretata)
This little geometrid is a speciality of southern and western Britain, where it inhabits a variety of wooded habitats. It can be identified by the broad, dark, cross-band and yellowish ground colour.
Clouded Border (Lomaspilis marginata)
The common name of this widespread moth very accurately describes its unique appearance. It is primarily a woodland moth, but also occurs in other damp habitats where its willow foodplants grow.
Scorched Carpet (Ligdia adustata)
Another very white carpet moth, but with very different dark markings to the Pretty Chalk Carpet, the Scorched Carpet is actually a member of the Ennominae, and only distantly-related to the 'true' carpets, which are part of the Larentiinae.
This attractive moth is named for the grey-black 'scorch marks' on the rear half of the forewings. No other moth shares this pattern in Britain.
The Scorched Carpet is by and large a moth of southern broadleaved woodland, where its larvae feed on Spindle (Euonymus europaeus).
This attractive moth is named for the grey-black 'scorch marks' on the rear half of the forewings. No other moth shares this pattern in Britain.
The Scorched Carpet is by and large a moth of southern broadleaved woodland, where its larvae feed on Spindle (Euonymus europaeus).
Purple Thorn (Selenaria tetralunaria)
This species is described in the Moths of Wicken Fen NNR section of the site.
Mottled Beauty (Alcis repandata ssp.repandata)
This common moth is described in the Moths of Derbyshire section of the site.
f.conversaria, showing dark central band
f.conversaria, showing dark central band
Pale Oak Beauty (Hypomecis punctinalis)
This species is described in the Moths from other areas of England section of the site.
Brussels Lace (Cleorodes lichenaria)
This delicate geometrid has a strongly western distribution in Britain, with its stronghold in the south-west of England, although it occurs at scattered sites as far north as the Inverness area. This distribution is perhaps due to the greater abundance in the wetter, more humid west of its lichen foodplants.
Although it superficially resembles several other pale grey Ennominae, the prominent, jagged black cross-line is diagnostic for this species.
Although it superficially resembles several other pale grey Ennominae, the prominent, jagged black cross-line is diagnostic for this species.
Engrailed (Ectropis bistortaria)
This common moth is described in the Moths of Derbyshire section of the site.
Brindled White-spot (Parectropis similaria)
A rather nondescript geometrid, this species is a southern species of ancient woodland. It is named for the square spot on the rear edge of the forewings, but it's barely visible on this very faintly-marked specimen.
Poplar Hawk Moth (Laothoe populi)
The most common hawkmoth in Britain, this species is utterly unmistakable. Its unique resting posture gives it an unusual appearance, and its readiness to stay in that position allows an observer a wonderful opportunity to appreciate this impressive moth's beautiful camouflage.
Coxcomb Prominent (Ptilodon capucina)
A common and widespread moth in much of Britain, the Coxcomb Prominent is easily recognised by its three 'humps' and scalloped trailing edges to the wings. Its overall dark colouration and lack of white patches distinguishes it from the similar, but much rarer, Maple Prominent.
Buff-tip (Phalera bucephala)
This species is described in the Moths of Derbyshire section of the site.
Great Prominent (Peridea anceps)
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Pale Tussock (Calliteara pudibunda)
male, showing defence behaviour
A common moth in much of England and Wales, the Pale Tussock is a charismatic, very furry, pale grey moth of broadleaved habitats. The males have characteristic bright orange, large antennae (as shown here), and when at rest, there is a darker central band on the forewings.
The similar Dark Tussock is larger and has two dark cross-lines near the trailing edge of the forewings, as well as scattered orange-brown markings. It is much rarer species of heathland and moorland.
The similar Dark Tussock is larger and has two dark cross-lines near the trailing edge of the forewings, as well as scattered orange-brown markings. It is much rarer species of heathland and moorland.
Yellow-tail (Euproctis similis)
Instantly recognisable, the Yellow-tail is beautiful species, closely-related to the Brown-tail. The abdomen is very furry and is ofte orange, rather than yellow, but never the rich chestnut brown of the Brown-tail.
Male Yellow-tails (as shown here) have feathered antennae and smudged black spots on the trailing edge of the forewings.
Male Yellow-tails (as shown here) have feathered antennae and smudged black spots on the trailing edge of the forewings.
Black Arches (Lymantria monacha)
Perhaps the most spectacular moth of Garston Wood, the Black Arches is a beautiful creature and easily seen here. It is a moth of woodland in southern England and Wales, strongly associated with mature oak trees, of which there are many in Garston Wood.
The black and white pattern of the Black Arches makes it easy to recognise.
The black and white pattern of the Black Arches makes it easy to recognise.
Rosy Footman (Miltochrista miniata)
This beautiful little moth is described in the Moths of Dry Sandord Pit section of the site.
Common Footman (Eilema lurideola)
As its name suggests, this is the most common and widespread of the Footman family in Britain, although it is very local in Scotland.
The Common Footman is similar to several of its other grey and beige cousins, especially the Scarce Footman. Several subtle features separate them: the beige margin to the forewing doesn't narrow in the Scarce Footman, which also has a pure yellow-orange neck with no central grey patch, and it also holds its wings tightly around its body.
The Common Footman is similar to several of its other grey and beige cousins, especially the Scarce Footman. Several subtle features separate them: the beige margin to the forewing doesn't narrow in the Scarce Footman, which also has a pure yellow-orange neck with no central grey patch, and it also holds its wings tightly around its body.
Muslin Moth (Diaphora mendica)
This species is described in the Moths of other parts of Dorset section of the site.
Kent Black Arches (Meganola albula)
One of only four resident British members of the Nolidae, the Kent Black Arches is a Nationally Scarce moth of coastal south and south-east England, with Garston Wood being just about as far inland as as it gets in Britain. Inland populatons are associated with chalk downland open woodlands on chalk soils.
It is quite plainly-marked, with tawny-grey smudged, curved markings. At Garston Wood it feeds on bramble and raspberry, and perhaps wild strawberry.
It is quite plainly-marked, with tawny-grey smudged, curved markings. At Garston Wood it feeds on bramble and raspberry, and perhaps wild strawberry.
Dark Sword-grass (Agrotis ipsilon)
One of the classic immigrant moths of southern England, large numbers of this species arrive each year.
It is a large moth with a distinctive colour and pattern - the central areas appear paler than the wing margins and a black spear-shaped mar extends downwards from the kidney mark towards the trailing edge of the forewings.
It is a large moth with a distinctive colour and pattern - the central areas appear paler than the wing margins and a black spear-shaped mar extends downwards from the kidney mark towards the trailing edge of the forewings.
Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba)
This very common species is described in the Moths of Derbyshire section of the site.
Ingrailed Clay (Diarsia mendica ssp.mendica)
This species is described in the Moths of Derbyshire section of the site.
Northern Drab (Orthosia opima)
Despite its understated name, this is probably the rarest moth I have found at Garston Wood. It occurs sparingly over England and Wales but is only frequent in south-west Dorset and the Essex/Suffolk coast - despite its common name, it is not a particularly northern species.
Many of its recently-recorded sites are coastal, and all tend to be damp - I suppose the shaded, moist, grassy rides of Garston Wood give it a suitable home.
The Northern Drab has quite a distinctive pattern, with a broad red-brown cross band which is constricted in the middle and a parallel narrow brown line nearer the trailing edge o the wings.
Many of its recently-recorded sites are coastal, and all tend to be damp - I suppose the shaded, moist, grassy rides of Garston Wood give it a suitable home.
The Northern Drab has quite a distinctive pattern, with a broad red-brown cross band which is constricted in the middle and a parallel narrow brown line nearer the trailing edge o the wings.
Shoulder-striped Wainscot (Mythimna comma)
Common throughout much of England and Wales, this is one o the easier wainscots to identify - the bold black stripe is distinctive.
Like its cousins, this moth is a grass-feeder and is frequent in lush habitats like marshes, fens, and overgrown damp meadows.
Like its cousins, this moth is a grass-feeder and is frequent in lush habitats like marshes, fens, and overgrown damp meadows.
Poplar Grey (Acronicta megacephala)
This species is described in the Moths of Derbyshire section of the site.
Coronet (Craniophora ligustri)
Most common in southern England, the Coronet is an attractive purplish-green noctuid, named for the supposed crown shape made by the markings beyond the kidney mark. The individual shown here appears to completely lack the white markings present on most individuals.
The Coronet inhabits calcareous woodland (as at Garston Wood) and other habitats where Ash and Wild Privet grow.
The Coronet inhabits calcareous woodland (as at Garston Wood) and other habitats where Ash and Wild Privet grow.
Brown Rustic (Rusina ferruginea)
This very brown moth is frequent in woodland across Britain. It can be recognised by the pale dots along the leading edge of the square-tipped forewings.
Straw Underwing (Thalpophila matura)
This species is described in the Moths of Derbyshire section of the site.
Nut-tree Tussock (Colocasia coryli)
The only British member of the Pantheinae, this attractive, furry little moth is widespread in Britain, although Garston Wood is the only place I have seen it.
The reddish-brown cross-band with bold black circular markings is diagnostic.
The reddish-brown cross-band with bold black circular markings is diagnostic.
Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis)
This moth is described (along with a much better photo!) in the Moths of Derbyshire section of the site.
Micro-moths
Carcina quercana
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Scoparia pyralella
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Udea prunalis
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Udea olivalis
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Ethmea dodecea
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