Oh, my darling Clementine...

There have been many online reports of Phyllocnistis citrella mines being found in packs of Spanish clementines at Morrisons supermarkets during the last couple of months, as well as at Aldi stores before Christmas.
About a fortnight ago, I checked the packs available at the Morrisons store at Pemberton Park, Llanelli, looking through each in turn to check for leaf mines. I`m sure that anybody looking at me on a security camera would have judged my strange behaviour as rather suspicious!
On that occasion, seeing one pack with possible leaf mine damage I took it home and, after removing the packaging, examined the other leaves that were not easily viewed in the store. Alas, all the `marks` that were checked were not identifiable as P. citrella.
Today (Sunday 2/2/20) I had another attempt and, this time, I could see a leaf near the top of the package with possible leaf mine damage that may have been caused by the above micro-moth. It was not until later - after purchase - when I was able to open the package, that I found another leaf with clear, definite evidence of this species.

An `easy-pops` record, but nevertheless of interest and new to Carmarthenshire.

Spring is here...I wish

Happy New Year.
Nothing in the trap up till now despite a few mild and misty nights, but this morning I found a solitary Winter Moth  and an early Spring Usher, only two moths but its a start!!!

End of year trapping

Forecasts of southerly winds originating in North Africa prompted me to trap over the last two nights (27 & 28/12), with two traps out in the garden.
The 27th brought me a solitary rusty-dot pearl (photo below) accompanied by two Epiphyas postvittana (in the MV trap); the `Atropos Flight Arrivals` page showed that a very small number of rusty-dot pearl sightings were also made elsewhere in south-west UK. A winter moth was later spotted resting on the wall.

Last night, a pristine grey shoulder-knot (photo below) and two mottled umbers were the only occupants of the two traps, with all found in the mains actinic trap; a third mottled umber was on the wall. The two traps are now safely stored away in the shed.

Remember to send off your 2019 records to Sam in January please.
On another matter, if you have n`t yet got the superb new Atlas of Britain and Ireland`s Larger Moths (Randle et al), then get it. It`s a first-rate book.

Winter Moth

I found this little moth on my back door window a few nights ago. It survived in the fridge for a few days until I looked at it today and I believe it's my first Winter Moth - the size is right and it doesn't look like anything else. This is probably my last record for the year too. Seasons greetings to you all!

Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda

Best Wishes to all Carmarthenshire Bloggers - here's a Merry Christmas Twenty-plume found today (Tuesday 17 December) at Ffairfach. Almost certainly the last moth of the year here.

Acleris schalleriana?

Found today at Ffairfach on my rain jacket. I don't know whether in had been hibernating in there, or was picked up during an outdoor task today. Comments as to identification will be much appreciated.

Sprawler

I've been trapping on as many nights as possible over the last fortnight, catching the usual autumn species, December Moths, Satellite, lots of Red Sword-grass, November Moths by the score, Feathered Thorns,  Green Brindled Crescents, etc, but  very few Mottled Umber so far.
I popped the trap out again last night and amongst the very small catch was a Sprawler, such a lovely moth. I must, I thought, put a pic on the blog.  I can't use my Ipad to post pics - (computer say No), so use the PC. We have a very new PC..... its taken nearly an hour to log back on here having fought passwords, Google Blogger, more passwords. default accounts and a strong desire to chuck everything out of the window, so please enjoy these blood, sweat and tears pictures!!!!!!!