July 2025 part i

Mid-summer and it is all insects, with no birds of interest turning up. A highlight was the Entomology Section setting up a series of moth traps in the reedbeds at Grand Pre on 12th. We had the usual reedbed specialities and a new macro for me - Nut-tree Tussock. It does occur in Guernsey from time to time, but one has never wandered into the trap. The other new species was Phalonidia manniana, a tiny tortrix that feeds on Gypsywort.

Moth trap in the reedbed at the Grand Pre

Nut-tree Tussock - Grand Pre. 12 Jul 25 - a new species for me

Chevron - Grand Pre, 12 Jul 25 - the only place I’ve seen this species in Guernsey

The best thing at Grand Pre was some amazing “Peacock” beetles (Elaphrus riparius) that were seemingly common on the dried mud in the reedbed in the daytime the day before. Shiny jewel-green all over with lines of violet-coloured deep pits down the wing cases, as well as a super-shiny ‘mirror’ - quite the looker!

Elaphrus riparius - Grand Pre, 12 Jul 25

Elaphrus riparius - Grand Pre, 12 Jul 25 - the amazing wing cases

The garden moth trap was set four times in the month - the weather wasn’t great for much of the time. The best species was a new one for Guernsey on 12th July, Dialectica scalariella or the Echium Stilt. A tiny thing which feeds on Viper’s Bugloss and is a southern european species mainly but has spread north and has only just reached Britain. We don’t really have Viper’s Bugloss growing on Guernsey (apart from a few in Herm) but it can also feed on a few similar species. It clearly is breeding here as I had another four on 18th!

Echium Stilt (Dialectica scalariella) - garden, 12 Jul 25

Other decent records from the trap in July were a few Small Mottled Willows, a Gem, a Small Marbled, a Latticed Heath and a Jersey Mocha.

Small Marbled - garden, 10 Jul 25

Bordered Beauty - garden, 10 Jul 25

Grey/Dark Dagger - Garenne, 10 Jul 25 - Finding noctuid moths in the trap is fine, but coming across them resting in the field is much nicer.