73.164 BF2323 – Reddish Light Arches – Noctuidae – Apamea sublustris
Reddish Light Arches – Noctuidae –Xyleninae – Apamea sublustris – colour code •
STATUS – A quite remarkable record of a Reddish Light Arches was trapped overnight, 30th June/1st July 2023, in a garden moth trap in Sandiacre, just inside the Derbyshire border. Unfortunately, for the finder of this record, an earlier observation has been discovered (on iRecord), with one from Wirksworth on 17th June 2023. These are the first modern day county records to be published, to my knowledge, since 1910. It was thought to be extinct in the county, so either we now have several extremely localised populations, or, could these observations refer to migrants, or maybe this species is spreading into our county from other nearby areas? In any event, two superb accounts for our county Macro Moths List. Many thanks to Emily Louise Milnes for letting me see and photograph her moth on the afternoon of 1st July 2023.
ID POINTERS – A shorter, broader and less pointed wing than Light Arches. Not so long in the body. Diagnostic reddish-brown wedges on outer edge of forewing and a short, evenly thickened solid brown bar. Has some resemblance to a pale Clouded-bordered Brindle.
FLIGHT PERIOD – June – July
IMAGES – Many thanks to Emily Louise Milnes for inviting me to her Sandiacre garden to photograph this specimen. 1st July 2023.
