Sharing the results from my latest Moth Trap Session. I have written posts about setting up a moth trap and on collecting the results if you want some more background info on how and why I use a Moth Trap
Date: 11th September 2026
Weather:
It has been almost 3 weeks since my last trapping session. The season has definitely turn, and we are heading into Autumn. We slowly catching up on all the rain we've missed, and the grass is starting to recover
I even cut my lawn last weekend, for the first time in months!
It's the time of year to start cutting back and tidying up a little...
...so the garden is starting to look a little bare.
Despite the changing seasons, and cooler temperatures, it is still 5 degrees warmer than what we are used to at this time of year. We had a bbq last weekend and sat out in the garden. It threw it down with rain, but we still didn't feel cold.
And it's on that note that I'm dragging the trap out tonight... its warm, there is no wind, and it's gonna be overcast too, its pretty good conditions out there. And there is a whole host of Autumnal species I would like to see...so what are we waiting for...lets get on with it...
Lights on, pots at the ready... Here. We. Go!
Results: 22 moths comprising of 13 species
Summary
Pffft.
Well that was boring! I expected a decrease in numbers, but this was still a shock lol. Not only a decrease, in species, but a significant decrease in overall numbers too.
The only notable mention was the Lime-speck Pug, which appeared right near the end. I have recorded this species in the garden before, but this was the first time I've seen it this year
Lime-speck Pug - Eupithecia centaureata
Other than this record, the rest were the usual characters, and if you are a regular reader of this blog, then you'll recognize most of the names and pictures from recent moth trap sessions...
Orange Swift - Triodia sylvina
Square-spot Rustic - Xestia xanthographa
Straw Underwing - Thalpophila matura
Agriphila geniculea
Lesser Yellow Underwing - Noctua comes
And that was that!
Next weekend I won't be trapping as I will be talking part in a 24hr running race - Equinox24. ANd then after that we will be heading into October, where I will be close to ending the moth trapping season for 2026... when I do this will depend entirely on the weather we get.
What will happen next time? Will it be busy and chaotic? Will it be quieter? Will I find something new to record?
Well, once again, there is only one way to find out!
Bonus
I've been on a music kick recently, mostly due to trying out the new scrobble.live app/front end developed by @acidyo. So when I was thinking of a title to sum up this session, I immediately thought of 'Forever Autumn' taken from Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds
Not only is it a beautifully written song, but it also perfectly sums up a rather disappointing evening
The summer sun is fading as the year grows old And darker days are drawing near The winter winds will be much colder Now you're not here
Notes on Pictures: Since I started moth trapping 5 years ago, I have been slowly building up collection of Library Images. The idea being that once I have taken a picture of a particular species of Moth, I don't need another picture of the same species a year later. It’s a waste of time and energy. I only take pictures of new species, or of moths that are difficult to ID, so I can get the records verified.
While in my care, all individuals are looked after, and after Photographs have been taken, they are all released safely outside.
All names confirmed and checked via Wikispieces Further Research from UK Moths and NatureSpot
Thank you for reading, I hope you found it interesting.
If you have any thoughts or opinions on this article then I'd love to see your comments. And if you really like the content then maybe you would like to upvote or re-hive it.
All Photos taken by @dannewton unless otherwise stated. Check out my website for more of my work.
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