Moth Counts
Since 2012, David Baker of the Butterfly and Moth Conservation Society has been carrying out regular moth counts at Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens. Over 9 summers he has recorded 347 different species of moth, read the full list here
In 2019 fifteen new species were recorded, including two scarce migrants to Yorkshire, the macro-moth Loxostege sticticalis and Hyles galii, otherwise known as the Bedstraw Hawk-moth.
Following a break in 2020 and early 2021 moth trapping is now back and David had a very successful visit here in mid-July, including adding two new species to our garden list, the Plain Golden Y and Coronet. This was followed by further successful sessions in August (31 species recorded and another new species- a yellow barred brindle) and September (18 species including Cherry Bark Tortrix another garden first.)
Although most moths fly at night, there are a few day-flying moths and you should expect to see the chimney-sweeper in our wildflower meadow in late spring.
David also writes a very detailed annual report giving a month by month record of the moths he has trapped here. This is a very useful summary of the moths you are likely to see locally and the time of year. Just click on the report below to find out more.
David is a regular attendee at our Wildlife Day when he will help you identify the moths he has trapped the night before.