Steve Nash
@stevenash71.bsky.social
Lives in Cornwall | completely bonkers about moths! | admin of @MigrantMothUK | fan of punk/metal | grumpy about humans destroying nature | views my own
An unexpected arrival of migrants in St Mellion (76 moths of 24 species recorded). Palpita vitrealis (Olive-tree Pearl), 23 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), Gem, Pearly Underwing, 3 Turnip Moth, 2 Radford's Flame Shoulder, Angle Shades, Purple Marbled 3rd of year, all f. carthami & Silver Y #teammoth
November 16, 2025 at 10:30 AM
An unexpected arrival of migrants in St Mellion (76 moths of 24 species recorded). Palpita vitrealis (Olive-tree Pearl), 23 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), Gem, Pearly Underwing, 3 Turnip Moth, 2 Radford's Flame Shoulder, Angle Shades, Purple Marbled 3rd of year, all f. carthami & Silver Y #teammoth
140 moths of 37 species in St Mellion last night. The highlights were Crimson Speckled (2nd site record) and Hellula undalis (Old World Webworm) to light and 3 Slender Burnished Brass to the ORI lure. #teammoth
November 14, 2025 at 12:00 PM
140 moths of 37 species in St Mellion last night. The highlights were Crimson Speckled (2nd site record) and Hellula undalis (Old World Webworm) to light and 3 Slender Burnished Brass to the ORI lure. #teammoth
2 Slender Burnished Brass in the ORI lure trap next to the front door, both of which arrived around 2am. All 3 have been taken in this lure trap location, despite hanging 3 other ORI lures in the garden & down the lane. The Aurora also put on a spectacular display. St Mellion #teammoth
November 13, 2025 at 10:36 AM
2 Slender Burnished Brass in the ORI lure trap next to the front door, both of which arrived around 2am. All 3 have been taken in this lure trap location, despite hanging 3 other ORI lures in the garden & down the lane. The Aurora also put on a spectacular display. St Mellion #teammoth
Glad I put a bag over the bulb to protect it against the horizontal rain! Waste of time this evening but looking good from midnight.
November 11, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Glad I put a bag over the bulb to protect it against the horizontal rain! Waste of time this evening but looking good from midnight.
There was a 6c temperature swing overnight in St Mellion, with the temp. down to a chilly 7.3c at 19:00, rising to 13.2c at 07:00 (currently 14.2c at noon). The wind is really picking up now but hopefully it will die down completely by midnight.
November 11, 2025 at 12:52 PM
There was a 6c temperature swing overnight in St Mellion, with the temp. down to a chilly 7.3c at 19:00, rising to 13.2c at 07:00 (currently 14.2c at noon). The wind is really picking up now but hopefully it will die down completely by midnight.
Yet another Cosmopolitan (L loreyi) last night, which was resting on the wall by the MV trap at 19:00 - the 12th specimen of the year in St Mellion, which is a record count. Also, 7 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), Turnip Moth, Silver Y, Setaceous Hebrew Character & Large Yellow Underwing. #teammoth
November 11, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Yet another Cosmopolitan (L loreyi) last night, which was resting on the wall by the MV trap at 19:00 - the 12th specimen of the year in St Mellion, which is a record count. Also, 7 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), Turnip Moth, Silver Y, Setaceous Hebrew Character & Large Yellow Underwing. #teammoth
79 of 25 species in St Mellion
1 Plutella xylostella (Diamond-back)
1 Nomophila noctuella (Rush Veneer)
21 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot)
1 Vestal (R sacraria)
1 Dark Sword-grass (A ipsilon)
1 Cosmopolitan (L loreyi) different to one on 7/11
1 Angle Shades (P meticulosa)
1 Silver Y (A gamma)
#teammoth
1 Plutella xylostella (Diamond-back)
1 Nomophila noctuella (Rush Veneer)
21 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot)
1 Vestal (R sacraria)
1 Dark Sword-grass (A ipsilon)
1 Cosmopolitan (L loreyi) different to one on 7/11
1 Angle Shades (P meticulosa)
1 Silver Y (A gamma)
#teammoth
November 9, 2025 at 8:03 PM
79 of 25 species in St Mellion
1 Plutella xylostella (Diamond-back)
1 Nomophila noctuella (Rush Veneer)
21 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot)
1 Vestal (R sacraria)
1 Dark Sword-grass (A ipsilon)
1 Cosmopolitan (L loreyi) different to one on 7/11
1 Angle Shades (P meticulosa)
1 Silver Y (A gamma)
#teammoth
1 Plutella xylostella (Diamond-back)
1 Nomophila noctuella (Rush Veneer)
21 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot)
1 Vestal (R sacraria)
1 Dark Sword-grass (A ipsilon)
1 Cosmopolitan (L loreyi) different to one on 7/11
1 Angle Shades (P meticulosa)
1 Silver Y (A gamma)
#teammoth
Also in St Mellion among 96 moths in 26 species: new for year Diurnea lipsiella, Acleris umbrana, Pseudargyrotoza conwagana (Yellow-spotted Tortrix) - my latest ever record - previous 28/10). 2 Grey Pine Carpet, 18 Red-green Carpet, 2 Large Yellow Underwing #teammoth
November 8, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Also in St Mellion among 96 moths in 26 species: new for year Diurnea lipsiella, Acleris umbrana, Pseudargyrotoza conwagana (Yellow-spotted Tortrix) - my latest ever record - previous 28/10). 2 Grey Pine Carpet, 18 Red-green Carpet, 2 Large Yellow Underwing #teammoth
A cool night in St Mellion, SE Cornwall (down to 8.3c), but mild enough early on for the moths to fly. The Cosmopolitain (10th of the year) arrived at 17:15 and the Spoladea recurvalis (Banded Sable) - 4th site record, was potted off the collar of the Robinson trap at 18:30. #teammoth
November 8, 2025 at 10:57 AM
A cool night in St Mellion, SE Cornwall (down to 8.3c), but mild enough early on for the moths to fly. The Cosmopolitain (10th of the year) arrived at 17:15 and the Spoladea recurvalis (Banded Sable) - 4th site record, was potted off the collar of the Robinson trap at 18:30. #teammoth
201 of 41 sp in St Mellion. 4 P xylostella (Diamond-back), D ramburialis (Migrant Sable) 14th of year, 2 P vitrealis (Olive-tree Pearl), 75 U ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), 4 Vestal, Gem, Pearly Underwing, 2 Turnip Moth, Dark Sword-grass, Radfords Flame Shoulder, Scarce Bordered Straw, 4 Silver Y #teammoth
November 7, 2025 at 10:41 AM
201 of 41 sp in St Mellion. 4 P xylostella (Diamond-back), D ramburialis (Migrant Sable) 14th of year, 2 P vitrealis (Olive-tree Pearl), 75 U ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), 4 Vestal, Gem, Pearly Underwing, 2 Turnip Moth, Dark Sword-grass, Radfords Flame Shoulder, Scarce Bordered Straw, 4 Silver Y #teammoth
Other migrants in St Mellion were - 2 Plutella xylostella (Diamond-back), 58 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), 2 Vestal, Turnip Moth, 3 Angle Shades, 2 Small Mottled Willow, Small Marbled, Dewick's Plusia & 11 Silver Y #teammoth
November 6, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Other migrants in St Mellion were - 2 Plutella xylostella (Diamond-back), 58 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), 2 Vestal, Turnip Moth, 3 Angle Shades, 2 Small Mottled Willow, Small Marbled, Dewick's Plusia & 11 Silver Y #teammoth
After 163 nights of religiously hanging out the ORI pheromone lure in the garden, I finally caught a Slender Burnished Brass (T. orichalcea) in the lure trap! 3rd site record. St Mellion, Cornwall #teammoth
November 6, 2025 at 4:01 PM
After 163 nights of religiously hanging out the ORI pheromone lure in the garden, I finally caught a Slender Burnished Brass (T. orichalcea) in the lure trap! 3rd site record. St Mellion, Cornwall #teammoth
Another night ruined by the wind in St Mellion. 25 moths of 11 species recorded, including: P xylostella (Diamond-back), 2 N noctuella (Rush Veneer), 8 U ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), 3 Silver Y, Ypsolopha ustella & Merveille du Jour. Also, a migrant Pale Damsel Bug (Nabis capsiformis). #teammoth
November 5, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Another night ruined by the wind in St Mellion. 25 moths of 11 species recorded, including: P xylostella (Diamond-back), 2 N noctuella (Rush Veneer), 8 U ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), 3 Silver Y, Ypsolopha ustella & Merveille du Jour. Also, a migrant Pale Damsel Bug (Nabis capsiformis). #teammoth
Just 12 moths of 9 species braved with howling wind and thunder storms in St Mellion last night. Two traps were completely empty. Migrants:
1 Cosmopolitan (L. loreyi) - 9th of the year
1 Dark Sword-grass (A. ipsilon)
1 Angle Shades (P. meticulosa)
3 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot Pearl)
#teammoth
1 Cosmopolitan (L. loreyi) - 9th of the year
1 Dark Sword-grass (A. ipsilon)
1 Angle Shades (P. meticulosa)
3 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot Pearl)
#teammoth
November 1, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Just 12 moths of 9 species braved with howling wind and thunder storms in St Mellion last night. Two traps were completely empty. Migrants:
1 Cosmopolitan (L. loreyi) - 9th of the year
1 Dark Sword-grass (A. ipsilon)
1 Angle Shades (P. meticulosa)
3 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot Pearl)
#teammoth
1 Cosmopolitan (L. loreyi) - 9th of the year
1 Dark Sword-grass (A. ipsilon)
1 Angle Shades (P. meticulosa)
3 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot Pearl)
#teammoth
60 moths of 25 species in St Mellion last night. Quite raw & no sign of new migrant arrivals. P vitrealis (Olive-tree Pearl), 4 Nomophila noctuella (Rush Veneer), 6 U ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), White-speck, White-point, 3 Angle Shades, Scarce Bordered Straw, 2 Silver Y & Clifden Nonpariel #teammoth
October 29, 2025 at 10:27 AM
60 moths of 25 species in St Mellion last night. Quite raw & no sign of new migrant arrivals. P vitrealis (Olive-tree Pearl), 4 Nomophila noctuella (Rush Veneer), 6 U ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), White-speck, White-point, 3 Angle Shades, Scarce Bordered Straw, 2 Silver Y & Clifden Nonpariel #teammoth
Caloptilia honoratella (Pale Maple Stilt), taken at light at St Mellion on 6/10 (female) has been confirmed by gen. det. (thanks to Chris Vincent) as the 1st record for Cornwall. Another almost certain specimen was taken 4 nights later, but not retained. #teammoth
October 23, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Caloptilia honoratella (Pale Maple Stilt), taken at light at St Mellion on 6/10 (female) has been confirmed by gen. det. (thanks to Chris Vincent) as the 1st record for Cornwall. Another almost certain specimen was taken 4 nights later, but not retained. #teammoth
Down to 8.5c in St Mellion, so 30 species was a surprise. Finding a Purple Marbled (Eublemma ostrina) near the trap even more of a surprise! Also, 5 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), Nomophila noctuella (Rush Veneer), Vestal (brown stripe), Radford's Flame Shoulder, White-speck & Silver Y. #teammoth
October 22, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Down to 8.5c in St Mellion, so 30 species was a surprise. Finding a Purple Marbled (Eublemma ostrina) near the trap even more of a surprise! Also, 5 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), Nomophila noctuella (Rush Veneer), Vestal (brown stripe), Radford's Flame Shoulder, White-speck & Silver Y. #teammoth
I switched the traps off as it felt so raw out (8.5c) but switched them back on when I found a White-speck on the trap. Glad I did as there's a Purple Marbled resting on the drainpipe by the trap!!! St Mellion, Cornwall. #teammoth
October 22, 2025 at 6:45 AM
I switched the traps off as it felt so raw out (8.5c) but switched them back on when I found a White-speck on the trap. Glad I did as there's a Purple Marbled resting on the drainpipe by the trap!!! St Mellion, Cornwall. #teammoth
73 of 32 species in St Mellion, Cornwall on 20/10. Migrants: Red Admiral, Palpita vitrealis (Olive-tree Pearl), 4 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), 3 Nomophila noctuella (Rush Veneer), 2 Vestal, Turnip Moth, White-speck, 2 Delicate, Angle Shades, Scarce Bordered Straw. #teammoth
October 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM
73 of 32 species in St Mellion, Cornwall on 20/10. Migrants: Red Admiral, Palpita vitrealis (Olive-tree Pearl), 4 Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), 3 Nomophila noctuella (Rush Veneer), 2 Vestal, Turnip Moth, White-speck, 2 Delicate, Angle Shades, Scarce Bordered Straw. #teammoth
A calm evening, then wet & windy. 77 moths of 32 sp. Migrants: Antigastra catalaunalis (Toadflax Pearl): 7th of the year, P. vitrealis (Olive-tree Pearl), 4 U. ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), 3 N. noctuella (Rush Veneer), Vestal, 2 Turnip Moth, 2 Radford's Flame Shoulder, 3 White-point, Silver Y #teammoth
October 20, 2025 at 10:48 AM
A calm evening, then wet & windy. 77 moths of 32 sp. Migrants: Antigastra catalaunalis (Toadflax Pearl): 7th of the year, P. vitrealis (Olive-tree Pearl), 4 U. ferrugalis (Rusty-dot), 3 N. noctuella (Rush Veneer), Vestal, 2 Turnip Moth, 2 Radford's Flame Shoulder, 3 White-point, Silver Y #teammoth
Also in St Mellion - Pine Carpet, Four Spotted Footman, 3 Lesser Yellow Underwing, 8 Large YU, 3 Set. Heb. Char, 2 Square-spot Rustic, 2 Barred Sallow, 5 Beaded Chestnut, 2 Merveile du Jour, Pale Mottled Willow & Straw Dot #teammoth
October 19, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Also in St Mellion - Pine Carpet, Four Spotted Footman, 3 Lesser Yellow Underwing, 8 Large YU, 3 Set. Heb. Char, 2 Square-spot Rustic, 2 Barred Sallow, 5 Beaded Chestnut, 2 Merveile du Jour, Pale Mottled Willow & Straw Dot #teammoth
71 of 30 sp in St Mellion, in some of the worst conditions I have ever mothed in! Migrants: P xylostella (Diamond-back) 2 U ferrugalis (Rusty-dot) 2 N noctuella (Rush Veneer) Vestal 2 Pearly Underwing 3 Turnip Moth 3 White-point 4 Angle Shades Scarce Brd'd Straw 7 Silver Y Dewick's Plusia #teammoth
October 19, 2025 at 12:08 PM
71 of 30 sp in St Mellion, in some of the worst conditions I have ever mothed in! Migrants: P xylostella (Diamond-back) 2 U ferrugalis (Rusty-dot) 2 N noctuella (Rush Veneer) Vestal 2 Pearly Underwing 3 Turnip Moth 3 White-point 4 Angle Shades Scarce Brd'd Straw 7 Silver Y Dewick's Plusia #teammoth
Also, Acleris variegana, C. perpectalis (Box Moth), Buff Arches - latest ever, previous record 12/10/03, Maiden's Blush, Spruce Carpet, Flame Shoulder, Small Square-spot, Large Ranunculus, 2 Merveille du Jour, Frosted Orange, 9 Green-brindled Crescent, Pinion-streaked Snout & 6 Straw Dot #teammoth
October 14, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Also, Acleris variegana, C. perpectalis (Box Moth), Buff Arches - latest ever, previous record 12/10/03, Maiden's Blush, Spruce Carpet, Flame Shoulder, Small Square-spot, Large Ranunculus, 2 Merveille du Jour, Frosted Orange, 9 Green-brindled Crescent, Pinion-streaked Snout & 6 Straw Dot #teammoth
Also in St Mellion last night, a record 6 Eupoecilia angustana, most of which arrived together at around 8pm. Has anyone else noticed an increase in recent nights? #teammoth
October 14, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Also in St Mellion last night, a record 6 Eupoecilia angustana, most of which arrived together at around 8pm. Has anyone else noticed an increase in recent nights? #teammoth