Thursday September 2
We were late opening the overnight moth traps We'd spent the morning at Cley Centre, witnessing the opening of the three moth traps put out there. We'd then made several calls before getting home, including petrol and Lidl, it was mid afternoon when we opened the traps. As usual, the traps had been left in the cool of the utility room, with several ice blocks wrapped in a towel on the lid. Imagine my delight, when half way down the first trap, a Gypsy Moth appeared, well nestled into an egg box.I immediately recognised it as I have long wanted to see one. A male, as the females are almost flightless. Apart from a worn pate, it was in good condition.
Norfolk status
Rare immigrant, rare resident.
Several recent records (2020+) suggest it may be becoming established in the county once again.
In the early part of the 19th century, this was a common species in East Anglia but by about 1900 had become extinct as a breeding species.
Since 1995 the species has been established in small numbers in a few sites in southern England and is cropping up in a number of different areas in the south-east and south-west.
The Rev. T. H. Marsh however records its existence further west, at Cawston, not uncommonly, till 1861. Since that date it has apparently never been seen in Norfoik ; and except in most rare and casual instances not within the British Isles.
First modern-day record of a male trapped at North Creake VC28 in 2016 (A. Culshaw)
Total Records 22
Total Specimens 22
Earliest Adult on Jul 31 (2020)
Latest Adult on Sep 1 (2021)
Norfolk Moths website
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