While we're looking at ID techniques, recommended field guides: http://t.co/40B8LCSrpl

Hi all. Hope you will all consider moving to BlueSky - I'm there already https://t.co/AIHHnSCjyZ Come on over! :-)

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A couple more nice and fresh Radford's Flame Shoulder (O. leucogaster) last night, so an opportunity to take a pic of both species together [Flame Shoulder O. plecta]. St Mellion, Cornwall.

I'm away with no signal/WiFi where I'm staying for a few days, so responses may be slow.

Easington Moths...Dark Spectacle and Spectacle nicely sat together...for anyone struggling to ID them, Dark Spectacle is pale bodied and Spectacle Dark bodied...only just noticed..😁 @DoubleKidney @BritishMoths @MOTHIDUK @MigrantMothUK

Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Southampton, where we lay our scene… So can someone kindly explain to me how to distinguish the Spectacle from the Dark Spectacle? They always turn out to be Spectacles! @MOTHIDUK #mothsmatter #teammoth

Easington Moths.. a really fresh Marbled Green last night and an obliging Marbled Beauty... moths don't get much better than a Marbled Green 😁 @DoubleKidney @MarburyBirds @MOTHIDUK

Plain Golden Y (Autographa jota) and Beautiful Golden Y (A. pulchrina), from the garden moth trap this week, showing the differences quite nicely.

Wood Carpet (Epirrhoe rivata) & Common Carpet (E. alternata) showing the differences between the two species quite nicely. Wood Carpet is slightly larger & paler, but the width of the white cross band & less distinct black line running through it are diagnostic. St Mellion on 3/6

Nice comparison of Mottled Beauty, Square Spot and Engrailed

I'm away for 9 days or so from now, so apologies for any slow response to queries.

I am now on Bluesky for those wishing to escape this place :-)

I am now on Bluesky for those wishing to escape this place :-)

An opportunity last night to compare Tawny & Pale Pinions in the garden trap. A bit overcast for photography. I do find the separation of these two a bit challenging at times & sometimes as close to the leap of faith of Dark & (normal) Chestnuts. 🤞

Clouded Drab already out!

Some may find this childish doodle useful. Males of the Epirrita trio, November/Pale November/Autumnal Moths can be told apart by gently rubbing away the scales of the 8th sternite (last section of abdomen, before genitalia) to reveal a pair of 'teeth'. The size & gap is the key:

Having caught quite a few Spiny Hook-tips this autumn here in Guernsey, I have had chance to study them a bit. Below are a couple of potential ID features I have noticed which may or may not be genuine or hepful.

Blair's & Grey Shoulder-knots: Note the straighter marks on the 'shoulder's of Blair's, compared the antler shape of Grey.

Dark Chestnut (Conistra ligula) (left images 1&2 and image 4) & Chestnut (Conistra vaccinii) (right1&2 and 3). Sometimes it's the wing shape that's the biggest clue. Beginning to appear in the local woods.#moths #mothsmatter #teammoth @UlsterWildlife @BCNI_ @savebutterflies

My book 'Clearwing Crusades' is out now in paperback on Amazon! An eBook version should be out in a few days as well. Exciting times! (1/3)

The Red Underwing came in 10 mins before the Rosy, at 23:00. I saw a Catocala flying around the trap & assumed the Red had taken flight. I managed to net the Rosy on the lawn but lost it for 30 mins, until locating it under the decking. Phew! St Mellion VC2.