Darren Underwood
@dku1000.bsky.social
Mostly birds and moths (and other wildlife)! 🦋
Suffolk, England
Suffolk, England
Hibernating HARLEQUIN LADYBIRDS (Harmonia axyridis) at Long Melford in Suffolk. This cluster really shows off the amazing variety of colours and patterns (and size) shown by this species.
November 20, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Hibernating HARLEQUIN LADYBIRDS (Harmonia axyridis) at Long Melford in Suffolk. This cluster really shows off the amazing variety of colours and patterns (and size) shown by this species.
A PLUMED PROMINENT from last night in West Suffolk - one of three trapped in a new 10km square. 😀 #mothsmatter
November 6, 2025 at 10:07 AM
A PLUMED PROMINENT from last night in West Suffolk - one of three trapped in a new 10km square. 😀 #mothsmatter
I spent two hours moth trapping in private woodland at Long Melford in Suffolk this evening. A total of 107 moths of seven species. The amazing thing is that 86 of the moths were the Nationally Scarce PLUMED PROMINENT. I've never trapped anything like that number before. #mothsmatter
November 3, 2025 at 9:27 PM
I spent two hours moth trapping in private woodland at Long Melford in Suffolk this evening. A total of 107 moths of seven species. The amazing thing is that 86 of the moths were the Nationally Scarce PLUMED PROMINENT. I've never trapped anything like that number before. #mothsmatter
Photos of five micro moths from local recording over the last week. I do like the first one.
1. Stigmella catharticella on Purging Buckthorn.
2. Diurnea lipsiella.
3. Phyllonorycter klemannella and Caloptilia elongella on Alder.
4. Stigmella basiguttella on oak.
#mothsmatter
1. Stigmella catharticella on Purging Buckthorn.
2. Diurnea lipsiella.
3. Phyllonorycter klemannella and Caloptilia elongella on Alder.
4. Stigmella basiguttella on oak.
#mothsmatter
October 27, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Photos of five micro moths from local recording over the last week. I do like the first one.
1. Stigmella catharticella on Purging Buckthorn.
2. Diurnea lipsiella.
3. Phyllonorycter klemannella and Caloptilia elongella on Alder.
4. Stigmella basiguttella on oak.
#mothsmatter
1. Stigmella catharticella on Purging Buckthorn.
2. Diurnea lipsiella.
3. Phyllonorycter klemannella and Caloptilia elongella on Alder.
4. Stigmella basiguttella on oak.
#mothsmatter
Some photos from this week's micro moth recording.
1. Diplodoma laichartingella (Yellow-headed Bagworm).
2. Ectoedemia atricollis (Barred Fruit-tree Dot).
3. Stigmella regiella (Purple-shot Dot).
4. Ectoedemia occultella (Large Birch Dot).
#suffolk #mothsmatter
1. Diplodoma laichartingella (Yellow-headed Bagworm).
2. Ectoedemia atricollis (Barred Fruit-tree Dot).
3. Stigmella regiella (Purple-shot Dot).
4. Ectoedemia occultella (Large Birch Dot).
#suffolk #mothsmatter
October 16, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Some photos from this week's micro moth recording.
1. Diplodoma laichartingella (Yellow-headed Bagworm).
2. Ectoedemia atricollis (Barred Fruit-tree Dot).
3. Stigmella regiella (Purple-shot Dot).
4. Ectoedemia occultella (Large Birch Dot).
#suffolk #mothsmatter
1. Diplodoma laichartingella (Yellow-headed Bagworm).
2. Ectoedemia atricollis (Barred Fruit-tree Dot).
3. Stigmella regiella (Purple-shot Dot).
4. Ectoedemia occultella (Large Birch Dot).
#suffolk #mothsmatter
Still quite good numbers of moths present locally (especially on Ivy blossom). Three highlights from this week were Tawny Pinion, a fairly late Clifden Nonpariel and Autumnal Rustic.
#longmelford #suffolk #mothsmatter
#longmelford #suffolk #mothsmatter
October 12, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Still quite good numbers of moths present locally (especially on Ivy blossom). Three highlights from this week were Tawny Pinion, a fairly late Clifden Nonpariel and Autumnal Rustic.
#longmelford #suffolk #mothsmatter
#longmelford #suffolk #mothsmatter
Moth trapping on the edge of ancient woodland in Long Melford, Suffolk last night produced 19 species, including Pale Pinion (2), Clancy's Rustic, a migrant Pearly Underwing and a Green-brindled Crescent. Several species were only found on Ivy blossom. #mothsmatter
September 28, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Moth trapping on the edge of ancient woodland in Long Melford, Suffolk last night produced 19 species, including Pale Pinion (2), Clancy's Rustic, a migrant Pearly Underwing and a Green-brindled Crescent. Several species were only found on Ivy blossom. #mothsmatter
One of two STONECHATS at Long Melford this afternoon. Having increased over recent years, these are just about annual here now. #suffolkbirding
September 23, 2025 at 3:00 PM
One of two STONECHATS at Long Melford this afternoon. Having increased over recent years, these are just about annual here now. #suffolkbirding
Two leaf mines of Stephensia brunnichella (Basil Blotch-miner) on Wild Basil. An excellent find during a Suffolk Moth Group visit to Great Waldingfield yesterday. #mothsmatter
September 14, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Two leaf mines of Stephensia brunnichella (Basil Blotch-miner) on Wild Basil. An excellent find during a Suffolk Moth Group visit to Great Waldingfield yesterday. #mothsmatter
Four more leaf mines from this last week.
1. Stigmella hybnerella (Shining Hawthorn Dot).
2. Phyllonorycter comparella (Poplar Leaf-miner).
3. Phyllonorycter pastorella (Royal Leaf-miner).
4. Stigmella malella (Apple Dot).
Finding leaf mines is quite satisfying. 🙂 #mothsmatter
1. Stigmella hybnerella (Shining Hawthorn Dot).
2. Phyllonorycter comparella (Poplar Leaf-miner).
3. Phyllonorycter pastorella (Royal Leaf-miner).
4. Stigmella malella (Apple Dot).
Finding leaf mines is quite satisfying. 🙂 #mothsmatter
September 10, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Four more leaf mines from this last week.
1. Stigmella hybnerella (Shining Hawthorn Dot).
2. Phyllonorycter comparella (Poplar Leaf-miner).
3. Phyllonorycter pastorella (Royal Leaf-miner).
4. Stigmella malella (Apple Dot).
Finding leaf mines is quite satisfying. 🙂 #mothsmatter
1. Stigmella hybnerella (Shining Hawthorn Dot).
2. Phyllonorycter comparella (Poplar Leaf-miner).
3. Phyllonorycter pastorella (Royal Leaf-miner).
4. Stigmella malella (Apple Dot).
Finding leaf mines is quite satisfying. 🙂 #mothsmatter
A few micro moths from the last few days:
1. Chrysoesthia drurella (Fiery Miner) on Fat Hen.
2. Chrysoesthia sexguttella (Orange-spotted Miner) on Fat Hen.
3. Fig-leaf Skeletoniser (Choreutis nemorana) on Fig.
4. Stigmella hybnerella (Shining Hawthorn Dot) on Hawthorn.
#suffolk #mothsmatter
1. Chrysoesthia drurella (Fiery Miner) on Fat Hen.
2. Chrysoesthia sexguttella (Orange-spotted Miner) on Fat Hen.
3. Fig-leaf Skeletoniser (Choreutis nemorana) on Fig.
4. Stigmella hybnerella (Shining Hawthorn Dot) on Hawthorn.
#suffolk #mothsmatter
August 27, 2025 at 5:58 PM
A few micro moths from the last few days:
1. Chrysoesthia drurella (Fiery Miner) on Fat Hen.
2. Chrysoesthia sexguttella (Orange-spotted Miner) on Fat Hen.
3. Fig-leaf Skeletoniser (Choreutis nemorana) on Fig.
4. Stigmella hybnerella (Shining Hawthorn Dot) on Hawthorn.
#suffolk #mothsmatter
1. Chrysoesthia drurella (Fiery Miner) on Fat Hen.
2. Chrysoesthia sexguttella (Orange-spotted Miner) on Fat Hen.
3. Fig-leaf Skeletoniser (Choreutis nemorana) on Fig.
4. Stigmella hybnerella (Shining Hawthorn Dot) on Hawthorn.
#suffolk #mothsmatter
This juvenile MANDARIN was an interesting sighting at Long Melford (Suffolk) today. Assume they must have bred somewhere locally this year. #suffolkbirding
August 26, 2025 at 1:59 PM
This juvenile MANDARIN was an interesting sighting at Long Melford (Suffolk) today. Assume they must have bred somewhere locally this year. #suffolkbirding
Phyllocnistis extrematrix larval mines found today on Black Poplar at Long Melford in Suffolk. Thanks to Neil Sherman (CMR) for confirming.
#mothsmatter
#mothsmatter
August 18, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Phyllocnistis extrematrix larval mines found today on Black Poplar at Long Melford in Suffolk. Thanks to Neil Sherman (CMR) for confirming.
#mothsmatter
#mothsmatter
It's been nice to record some inland migrant moth activity over four evenings this week with totals of Vestal (2), Bordered Straw (2) and Dark Sword-grass (10). Also, another 19 Marbled Clovers and a Four-spotted. Amazing! 😀 #suffolk #mothsmatter @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
August 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM
It's been nice to record some inland migrant moth activity over four evenings this week with totals of Vestal (2), Bordered Straw (2) and Dark Sword-grass (10). Also, another 19 Marbled Clovers and a Four-spotted. Amazing! 😀 #suffolk #mothsmatter @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
MARBLED CLOVER. I caught 5 last night - a long way from their Breckland stronghold. That's now 7 from three locations on two farms over the last month, all by fields managed under Countryside Stewardship. I hope they've colonised. #longmelford #suffolk #mothsmatter
August 11, 2025 at 11:55 AM
MARBLED CLOVER. I caught 5 last night - a long way from their Breckland stronghold. That's now 7 from three locations on two farms over the last month, all by fields managed under Countryside Stewardship. I hope they've colonised. #longmelford #suffolk #mothsmatter
A few more photos of the juvenile BLACK STORK at Boyton, Suffolk which continued to show well again yesterday. #RareBirdsUK #suffolkbirding
August 3, 2025 at 7:49 AM
A few more photos of the juvenile BLACK STORK at Boyton, Suffolk which continued to show well again yesterday. #RareBirdsUK #suffolkbirding
A few leaf mines from around Long Melford in Suffolk this week. Quite a diversity.
Caloptilia fidella (Hop Stilt) on Hop.
Fomoria septembrella (Hypericum Dot) on St John's-wort.
Stigmella incognitella (Grey Apple Dot) on Crab Apple.
Phyllocnistis xenia (Kent Maze-miner) on White Poplar.
#mothsmatter
Caloptilia fidella (Hop Stilt) on Hop.
Fomoria septembrella (Hypericum Dot) on St John's-wort.
Stigmella incognitella (Grey Apple Dot) on Crab Apple.
Phyllocnistis xenia (Kent Maze-miner) on White Poplar.
#mothsmatter
August 1, 2025 at 3:20 PM
A few leaf mines from around Long Melford in Suffolk this week. Quite a diversity.
Caloptilia fidella (Hop Stilt) on Hop.
Fomoria septembrella (Hypericum Dot) on St John's-wort.
Stigmella incognitella (Grey Apple Dot) on Crab Apple.
Phyllocnistis xenia (Kent Maze-miner) on White Poplar.
#mothsmatter
Caloptilia fidella (Hop Stilt) on Hop.
Fomoria septembrella (Hypericum Dot) on St John's-wort.
Stigmella incognitella (Grey Apple Dot) on Crab Apple.
Phyllocnistis xenia (Kent Maze-miner) on White Poplar.
#mothsmatter
The juvenile BLACK STORK was showing well at Boyton, Suffolk again today. #RareBirdsUK #suffolkbirding
July 30, 2025 at 3:19 PM
The juvenile BLACK STORK was showing well at Boyton, Suffolk again today. #RareBirdsUK #suffolkbirding
July 24, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Moth trapping with Stuart Read on an organic field margin in Long Melford, Suffolk last night produced c.120 species, the highlights of which were a worn FOUR-SPOTTED (the 3rd I've seen in a week) and 2 MARBLED CLOVERS. I'm now wondering if both are trying to colonise the area....
#mothsmatter
#mothsmatter
July 14, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Moth trapping with Stuart Read on an organic field margin in Long Melford, Suffolk last night produced c.120 species, the highlights of which were a worn FOUR-SPOTTED (the 3rd I've seen in a week) and 2 MARBLED CLOVERS. I'm now wondering if both are trying to colonise the area....
#mothsmatter
#mothsmatter
FOUR-SPOTTED moth. Definitely the highlight of the 80 species recorded last night. Was trapped on the edge of a GS6 (species-rich grassland) field in what would appear suitable habitat. Very happy with that. #suffolk #mothsmatter
July 10, 2025 at 10:19 AM
FOUR-SPOTTED moth. Definitely the highlight of the 80 species recorded last night. Was trapped on the edge of a GS6 (species-rich grassland) field in what would appear suitable habitat. Very happy with that. #suffolk #mothsmatter
It's a shame this WHITE-LETTER HAIRSTREAK was past its best today as it was very confiding - and still great to see. #longmelford #suffolk
July 7, 2025 at 6:04 PM
It's a shame this WHITE-LETTER HAIRSTREAK was past its best today as it was very confiding - and still great to see. #longmelford #suffolk
Three local leaf mines from the last week:
Bohemannia pulverosella (Speckled Apple Dot) on Crab Apple.
Stigmella tiliae (Lime Dot) on Small-leaved Lime.
Stigmella malella (Apple Dot) on apple.
Mines certainly appear to be getting more numerous now. 🙂
#suffolk #mothsmatter
Bohemannia pulverosella (Speckled Apple Dot) on Crab Apple.
Stigmella tiliae (Lime Dot) on Small-leaved Lime.
Stigmella malella (Apple Dot) on apple.
Mines certainly appear to be getting more numerous now. 🙂
#suffolk #mothsmatter
July 2, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Three local leaf mines from the last week:
Bohemannia pulverosella (Speckled Apple Dot) on Crab Apple.
Stigmella tiliae (Lime Dot) on Small-leaved Lime.
Stigmella malella (Apple Dot) on apple.
Mines certainly appear to be getting more numerous now. 🙂
#suffolk #mothsmatter
Bohemannia pulverosella (Speckled Apple Dot) on Crab Apple.
Stigmella tiliae (Lime Dot) on Small-leaved Lime.
Stigmella malella (Apple Dot) on apple.
Mines certainly appear to be getting more numerous now. 🙂
#suffolk #mothsmatter
Arhopalus rusticus (Dusky Longhorn Beetle). Five of these large (25mm) and impressive longhorn beetles were attracted to my moth trap last night. The literature says that they were formerly a Scottish species that has spread south using conifer plantations. #longmelford #suffolk
#mothtrapintruders
#mothtrapintruders
June 29, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Arhopalus rusticus (Dusky Longhorn Beetle). Five of these large (25mm) and impressive longhorn beetles were attracted to my moth trap last night. The literature says that they were formerly a Scottish species that has spread south using conifer plantations. #longmelford #suffolk
#mothtrapintruders
#mothtrapintruders
Forked Catchfly (Silene dichotoma), a scarce 'casual' seen in an organic clover ley in West Suffolk today, together with Corncockle (Agrostemma githago) and Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus). 🌸 #wildflowerhour
June 25, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Forked Catchfly (Silene dichotoma), a scarce 'casual' seen in an organic clover ley in West Suffolk today, together with Corncockle (Agrostemma githago) and Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus). 🌸 #wildflowerhour