Field trip Insh Marshes, near Kingussie, 28th June 2008.

Highland Branch field trip to Insh Marshes RSPB Reserve attracted 14 people, who were shown round by Pete Moore and Hilary Swift.

Although sunshine was in short supply, the day started well with examination of the night's catch in the moth trap in Invertromie Wood.

A list of species seen appears further down this page.

 

 

The group examines the trap's contents - 38 moth species were identified.

 

 

Brief periods of sunshine allowed a few Small Heaths, Northern Brown Argus, a Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and a couple of Dark Green Fritillaries to show themselves.

 

This photo shows the group looking for Northern Brown Argus.

 

 

 

 

Northern Brown Argus.

 

 

Chimney Sweeper moths were quite common, but one of the most impressive sights was the infestation of many of the many bird cherry trees with webs of the Bird-cherry Ermine moth (Yponomeuta evonymella).

 

Chimney Sweeper moth.

 

 

 

 

Bird-cherry Ermine moth larval webs.

 

 

 

Pete described how the very precise life cycle requirements of the Aspen Hoverfly depended on a large enough area of aspen woodland to provide sufficient fallen timber for them to survive.

The flower rich meadows held a variety of orchids including the scarce Small White Orchid.

We only visited a small area of the reserve, and the group's appetite was well whetted for a return visit.

Photos by Helen Mainwood, except those of the Northern Brown Argus and the Chimney Sweeper, which were taken by Tony Mainwood.

Moths caught in 125w Robinson MV light trap
Name	Number
Epiblema cynosbatella (Tortricidae)	1
Eucosma cana (Tortricidae)	1
Plume moth (Pterophoridae) species	2
Poplar Lutestring	2
Large Emerald	1
Smoky Wave	1
Riband Wave	2
Plain Wave	1
Flame Carpet	6
Silver-ground Carpet	6
Purple Bar	3
Common Marbled Carpet	3
Broken-barred Carpet	4
Green Carpet	6
Narrow-winged Pug	1
White Wave	2
Brimstone Moth	1
Peacock Moth	3
Mottled Beauty	2
Poplar Hawk-moth	8
Sallow Kitten	1
Coxcomb Prominent	4
White Ermine	1
Flame Shoulder	2
Large Yellow Underwing	1
True Lover's Knot	3
Ingrailed Clay	2
Small Square-spot	5
Broom Moth	1
Pale-shouldered Brocade	7
Bright-line Brown-eye	2
Shoulder-striped Wainscot	1
Brown Rustic	10
Small Angle-shades	2
Dark Arches	1
Clouded-bordered Brindle	1
Dusky Brocade	5
Middle-barred Minor	2
Burnished Brass	4
Beauty Golden Y	2
Spectacle	2
Butterflies found along the trail
Northern Brown Argus
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Dark Green Fritillary
Small Heath
Other moths found along the trail
Eupoecilia angustina (Tortricidae)
July Belle
Yellow Shell
Chimney Sweeper
Light Emerald