Rhoose Point 25 & 26 June

It has been a busy weekend for moths at Rhoose. Species count has picked up considerably, but the notable point is the overwhelming number of grass moths, with several hundred Chrysoteuchia culmella and Crambus perlella swamping the trap last night. I've added a couple of photos of a rather striking Poplar Hawk-moth and Buff Arches, and below that a couple of photos of the less common moths in the trap. The second to last is Lozotaeniodes formosanus (?), followed by Argolamprotes micella (would you mind confirming that one Dave as there are few recordings of the latter in VC41?). I still have a number to look through and may well be posting a few more later!

Nantyffyllon actinic last night.

Burnished brass f.aurea
Peppered moth, dark type.
Elephant and Poplar hawkmoths.
62 species, included - Double line 7, Latticed heath, Dingy shell, Grass emerald, Grey arches, Light arches, Buff arches, Heart and club, Dot moth, Dark/grey dagger and a Bramble shoot moth amongst a poor catch of micros.

Good times return

A good night in the trap last night for a change. Around 70 species including Orthopygia glaucinalis, Argyrethia cupressella, Agapeta zoegana all new for the garden.

Broad-bordered Bee Hawk

An excellent shot of a Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth on 12th June taken by Mike Pointon whilst on hols in France. We have two records for this species in VC41, 1893 [Swansea] & 1982 [Gower]. I didn't realise how prominent the reddish band was on this species or the black tufts and the white on the abdomen.

Advice on cameras....

I'm thinking of getting a new camera. The reasons why may be obvious if you've seen my posts passim...! Does anyone have any words of wisdom on what might be a good choice for taking reasonable quality macro pics of moths and other insects as well as a reasonable all-round performance in other areas? I don't want to spend megabucks (ideally in the £200 to £400 range), and am expecting to buy second hand.

Two suggestions so far include a Nikon Coolpix 8800, or Nikon D70.

Grateful for any advice!

Maresteg park today.

Mompha locupletella, (new for the Llynfi valley).
Also - Brimstone moth, Ypsolopha parenthesella, Clepsis consimilana and Epinotia tenerana.

Rhoose Point

Can anyone help with an id for these two please? Thanks, Adam