Powdered Quaker

Although we have experienced some high day time temperatures the nights have generally remained cool in Darley Dale. Consequently the moth catches have been a little disappointing, last night this Powdered Quaker was my first of the year and I've caught a couple of Brindled Beauties, Double-Striped and Brindled Pugs but otherwise it's just been the commoner quakers.

Powdered Quaker

Powdered Quaker

It felt slightly warmer last night so I ran the moth trap. Result, two moths this morning but one was new for the year, a Powdered Quaker the other was Common Quaker. 
Powdered Quaker is not rare but it's the least common of the regular Orthosia moths which I trap.

Powdered Quaker

Powdered Quaker

The moth catches have been hopeless for the last couple of weeks with rain and overnight temperatures dropping to close to zero. I did manage a rather worn Powdered Quaker last night which was new for the year. The name derives from the black speckling on the wings which does not show particularly well in this example. The inner edge of the reniform stigma, the kidney shaped mark in the centre of the wing, is also usually dark as can be seen here.

Powdered Quaker

A more striking Powdered Quaker

Powdered Quaker

Powdered Quaker

Powdered Quaker