The Tale of an Unmarried Moth'er

Over 2,500 species of Moths have been recorded from across the British Isles with more being added often on an annual basis. These are split into 2 distinct divisions of Macro-moths, of which there are around 800 species and Micro’s which form the other 1,700 or so species. While all of the former have a vernacular name, as well as Latin, there are but a few micros do so with the vast majority only having a Latin monika. No surprises then to hear, around this neck of the woods, those immortal words - “we don’t do Micro’s”!! One has to have some command of the ancient language or be able to memorise the name of each Insect, which is well beyond a silly ol’ duffer like me, but do admire and wonder at those who do so. Another pointer, that should be guarded, is that in general terms the macros are larger in size but that does not apply across the board. For instance the

Box-tree Moth Cydalima perspectalis 

is probably 2 or 3 times larger than the diminutive macro

Cream-bordered Green Pea Earias clorana  

As far as the headline is concerned it wasn’t always like that as during the mid-70’s we, as a family, lived at the top of the hill overlooking most of Wyke Regis village and Portland Harbour. It was during this time period that one of my frequent visits to the Portland Bird Observatory coincided with a then much younger Martin Cade (now Warden of that fine establishment) monitoring the moth traps and brought up onto the patio, to show those assembled, a 

Convolvulous Hawk-moth

It was this that set me about converting an old dustbin into a trap and running it on every night possible. In addition, luminary Norman Hall also came into my life with his vast knowledge and bespoke (for Mothing) Datsun van. On each of his visit after that he would call in and stay for dinner, help with outstanding identifications before topping up his huge water bottles prior to the next hunt.

Also at that time access was afforded to the area of East Weares occupied by the Royal Navy and where 2 old ammunition boxes were also converted and run as traps. Some success was found at both stations when catching in my garden only the 16^th 

Dewick’s Plusia 

ever to have been recorded on our shores, while at the other site c2

Portland Ribbon Wave’s 

were also secured. It was only after ‘her indoors’ uttered those all too long awaited words, “you can leave now Bagsy”, was it realised that she meant, leave the house, leave all the furniture, leave the money and the car and sling your hook! Freedom at last but for my new home, in the heart of the concrete jungle, conditions were nowhere near suitable, so it was many years later, after retirement, that I found myself in East Dorset.

With an extraordinary amount of help from long standing friends Paul Harris and Dave Foot we were “on the road again” as Canned Heat once said, since when never looking back - life really is a dream!!

With c5 traps blazing away every night it is now safe to claim the title of

Unmarried Moth’er

However it doesn’t end there as what more joy could a Septuagenarian find than to pass on the word to other much younger interested parties. Among those who occassionaly attend the traps are the adult Chloe who has sailed the Atlantic Ocean with just a single crew mate, and children Oliver, who you will meet shortly, plus Josh and Sophie who are already on your radar. They are all interested in the other aspects of Wildlifing as well and are refered to as my Apprentices.

 The Mk 1 Dave Built Moth Trap

 Even at the tender age of 4 years little

Sophie (and Josh)

 have no fear of handling these delicate creatures.

White Points in both cases

 and even the

 LEVIATHANS

Privet Hawk-moth

 One of the most Eminent Gentlement of Lepidoptery and author of

British Pyralid Moths

BARRY GOATER

 DAVE

 EQUIPMENT

 and

ME

in our little corner of Paradise

Apologies to Paul and Phil for none appearance as images have been misplaced.

Maybe this will save a little embarrasment for one!