73.074 BF2403 – Bordered Straw – Noctuidae – Heliothis peltigera
Bordered Straw – Noctuidae – Heliothinae – Heliothis peltigera – colour code •
STATUS – A scarce immigrant to Derbyshire. During 2006 the Bordered Straw was numerous throughout the UK with as many as 2,500 being recorded, as large numbers of migrant moths arrived during late summer and the autumn. This species was recorded at five different locations across Derbyshire. Prior to this invasion, it has been recorded in singles during 1997, 2000, 2002 and two records prior to 1986. I in 1980 and 1 in 1947. 2015 has been another good year for migrant moths and the Bordered Straw has been recorded in small numbers again throughout the county.
2022 has been another record migrant moth year and Bordered Straw has figured again across the country. One trapped overnight in a Belper garden on 3rd August 2022 by Dave Evans, and a well worn individual trapped in an Allestree garden 2nd August 2022 by Stephen Plant – I believe that these are current records since 2015.
ID POINTERS – A distinct moth with a prominent often grey kidney mark and sometimes a faint brown blotch between it and the leading edge of the forewing. There is also a small black dot at the trailing corner of the forewing, the tornus. These markings are diagnostic. A dark brown cross band, again darker at the leading edge of the forewing. The early season migrants, often from higher temperature zones, are a yellow-mustard colour, with their off-spring and later migrants being a darker honey yellow-brown.
FLIGHT PERIOD – As a migrant likely in May – June and September – October.
IMAGES – May 2015 – Belper, Derbyshire – Dave Evans© – August 2022 – Belper, Derbyshire – Dave Evan©
Bordered Straw – May 2015 – Belper – Dave Evans©
