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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Western Conifer Seed Bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis) - minus one back leg - Long Melford, Suffolk. The first for the garden (actually indoors). Originally native to North America, this is yet another accidentally introduced species to Europe (which has since spread to the UK). #UKBugs

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Some local leaf mines from over the last week: 1. Bucculatrix cidarella (Alder Tuft). On Alder 2. Bucculatrix ulmifoliae (Surrey Elm Tuft). On elm 3. Ectoedemia atricollis (Barred Fruit-tree Dot). On Pear 4. Stigmella malella (Apple Dot). On apple See ALT text #mothsmatter

Bucculatrix cidarella (Alder Tuft). Leaf mine on Alder. Foxearth Meadows Nature Reserve, Essex.

Bucculatrix ulmifoliae (Surrey Elm Tuft). Leaf mine on elm. Acton, Suffolk.

Ectoedemia atricollis (Barred Fruit-tree Dot). Leaf mine on Pear. Long Melford, Suffolk.

Stigmella malella (Apple Dot). Leaf mines on apple. Long Melford, Suffolk.

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Two nice 'new for the year' autumn species found on blackberries last night at Long Melford in Suffolk: SALLOW and PINK-BARRED SALLOW. Also the first Brick for the year and Vestal and Small Mottled Willow to the moth trap. #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

CLIFDEN NONPAREIL. Everyone's favourite - along with lots of other favourites! This was one of the highlights of moth trapping in Long Melford (Suffolk) last night. Also Vestal, Waved Black, 3 Small Mottled Willow, Barred Hooktip, Rush Veneer and a Delplanqueia species. #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

A nice evening at Abberton Reservoir with Stuart Read produced highlights of female Ring-necked Duck, Pectoral Sandpiper, Osprey, 3 Whinchats, 27 Spoonbills, Sanderling and Wheatear. #essexbirding

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Larvae of Ethmia dodecea (Gromwell Ermine) found today on Common Gromwell plants at Long Melford in Suffolk. #mothsmatter

Ethmia dodecea (Gromwell Ermine). Late instar larva on Common Gromwell.

Ethmia dodecea (Gromwell Ermine). Early instar larva on Common Gromwell.

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

As well as Stigmella minusculella, there were four mines of Stigmella pyri (Pear-tree Dot) on the Pear tree found last week. It is another rare species in Suffolk, although I guess the difficulty in finding suitable old pear trees in accessible situations may mean it is under-recorded. #mothsmatter

Stigmella pyri (Pear-tree Dot). Leaf mine on Pear. Long Melford, Suffolk

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

I suspected these two leaf mines (found on a large hedgerow Pear tree in Long Melford last week) were Stigmella minusculella (Little Pear-tree Dot), so it was great to have them confirmed as this species and as the first record for Suffolk. Thanks to all who helped with the ID. #mothsmatter

Stigmella minusculella (Little Pear-tree Dot). Leaf mine on Pear.

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Coleophora argentula (Yarrow Case-bearer). Larval cases on Yarrow today at Long Melford in Suffolk. I only found four and they all looked very fresh. #mothsmatter

Coleophora argentula (Yarrow Case-bearer). Larval case on Yarrow

Coleophora argentula (Yarrow Case-bearer). Habitat with Yarrow plants.

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Pictures of four micro moth records from this morning in Sudbury (Suffolk). See ALT text. 1. Yponomeuta malinellus (Apple Ermine) 2. Leucoptera malifoliella (Pear Leaf Blister Moth) 3. Ectoedemia heringella (Speckled Holm Oak Dot) 4. Callisto denticulella (Apple Nymph) #mothsmatter

Yponomeuta malinellus (Apple Ermine). Cocoons on apple.

Leucoptera malifoliella (Pear Leaf Blister Moth). Leaf mine on Rowan

Ectoedemia heringella (Speckled Holm Oak Dot). Leaf mine on Holm Oak.

Callisto denticulella (Apple Nymph). Leaf folds on apple

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

A few photos from recording moth leaf mines over the last week. See ALT text for details. 1. Phyllocnistis xenia (Kent Maze-miner) 2. Phyllonorycter rajella (Common Alder Leaf-miner) 3. Stigmella microtheriella (Nut-tree Dot) 4. Stigmella hybnerella (Shining Hawthorn Dot) #mothsmatter

Phyllocnistis xenia (Kent Maze-miner). Larvae in mine on White Poplar. Long Melford, Suffolk.

Phyllonorycter rajella (Common Alder Leaf-miner). Leaf mine on Alder. Glemsford, Suffolk.

Stigmella microtheriella (Nut-tree Dot). Larva in mine on Hazel. Shimpling, Suffolk.

Stigmella hybnerella (Shining Hawthorn Dot). Leaf mine on Hawthorn. Shimpling, Suffolk.

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

FIREBUG (Pyrrhocoris apterus). The first one I have seen in Long Melford (Suffolk). They certainly seem to be expanding their range around here - several have been reported locally this year. #UKBugs

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

A few micro moth records from today's walk around Glemsford in Suffolk. 1. Stigmella viscerella (Plain Elm Dot) 2. Coleophora ibipennella (Oak Pistol Case-bearer) 3. Stigmella salicis (Sallow Dot) 4. Caloptilia fidella (Hop Stilt) #mothsmatter

Stigmella viscerella (Plain Elm Dot). Leaf mines on elm

Coleophora ibipennella (Oak Pistol Case-bearer). Larval case on oak.

Stigmella salicis (Sallow Dot). Leaf mine on Goat Willow. Egg on underside.

Caloptilia fidella (Hop Stilt). Early mine and cone on Hop.

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

HUMMINGBIRD HAWKMOTH larvae - final instar, early instar and 15 (of 17) found this morning in field margins that are due to be mown (and moved to a nearby 'safe haven' on the farm). Long Melford, Suffolk. #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

The highlight from Tuesday night's moth recording in Long Melford (Suffolk) was 2 FOUR-SPOTTED moths. Both were on the edge of an OP2 wild bird seed mixture field where there were two last year. Hopefully, they are colonising. #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Psychoides filicivora (Common Fern Moth). Larva and silken spinnings of sporangia on garden fern. Long Melford, Suffolk. #mothsmatter

Psychoides filicivora (Common Fern Moth). Exposed larva on garden fern.

Psychoides filicivora (Common Fern Moth). Larval spinning of sporangia on garden fern.

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Bucculatrix cristatella (Yarrow Tuft). Larval cocoons (one with empty pupal case) on Yarrow. Long Melford, Suffolk, 05/07/26. I'd looked for the cocoons previously and failed to find them so it was nice to locate these ones. #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

POPLAR GREY. A smallish larva (maybe 18mm long) found today at rest on Black Poplar on the Foxearth Meadows Nature Reserve in Essex. #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

TOADFLAX BROCADE larva on garden Purple Toadflax plants in Long Melford, Suffolk. One of about 15 present. #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Two nice Tortrix moths from a total of 111 species trapped in Long Melford (Suffolk) last night. 1. Epiblema foenella (White-foot Moth) 2. Acleris holmiana (White-marked Tortrix) #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

PUSS MOTH larva - fifth (and final) instar. The growth of this caterpillar has been amazing. It emerged from its egg on 03/06/26 and was then only a few millimetres long. I'm going to release it back where I found it tomorrow. 🐛 #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

ORANGE-TAILED CLEARWING was a nice addition to my local farm list this afternoon. Attracted to VES lure at Long Melford in Suffolk. #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Two larval cases of Coleophora siccifolia (Keeled Case-bearer) found yesterday on Hawthorn at Long Melford, Suffolk (three found in total). A Nationally Scarce B species. I really should thank @andydnunn.bsky.social for his recent post as it reminded me to look for this species. ‬👍 #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

The impressive Rutpela maculata (Black-and-Yellow Longhorn Beetle) beaten from elm in Long Melford, Suffolk. 15/06/26. The larvae live in dead wood.

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Three tortrix moths from last night in Long Melford (Suffolk). 1. Hedya salicella (White-backed Tortrix) 2. Aethes beatricella (Broad-barred Straw) 3. Archips crataegana (Brown Oak Tortrix) I think the first one must be my favourite tortrix species. #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Three moth larvae from today in Long Melford, Suffolk. 1. Chamomile Shark (mid-instar) on chamomile / mayweed species. 2. Yellow-tail on oak. 3. Vapourer on Goat Willow. It was good to find the first one as it took a lot of searching. 👀 #mothsmatter

Chamomile Shark on chamomile / mayweed species.

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

PUSS MOTH early development. 1. Eggs found on upperside of Goat Willow Leaf, Long Melford, Suffolk. 28/05/26. 2. 1st instar larva (hatched 03/06/26). 3. 2nd instar larva (shed skin 07/06/26). The larva ate its shed skin apart from the tails. #mothsmatter

2nd instar larva (shed skin 07/06/26). The larva ate its shed skin apart from the old tails.

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

I went on a 'Glow-worm safari' last night and was very pleased to find a total of 12 glowing females. The green bioluminescence is always exciting to see. They were in organic field margins next to woodland in West Suffolk.

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

MULLEIN MOTH larvae from yesterday (plus habitat) in Long Melford, Suffolk. The third photo shows the remains of a parasitised caterpillar along with the cocoon of a Campopleginae wasp (which consumed the moth). #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

I revisited the Long Melford (Suffolk) SMALL EGGARS today. They've grown an awful lot in 10 days! #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Small Mottled Willow from Long Melford last night. Nice that at least one has made it across to West Suffolk (vc 26). #mothsmatter @migrantmothuk.bsky.social

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Oak Snakefly (Phaeostigma notata) was unexpected bycatch whilst moth trapping in Long Melford (Suffolk) last night (only my second). A Glow-worm larva that walked onto the sheet was another nice addition to the evening. Mothwise, 52 species in one trap was an improvement. #mothtrapintruders

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

It was nice to see this larval web of Small Eggar moth yesterday in Long Melford, Suffolk. I hope to take some better photos of the larvae as they get larger. Web is on Blackthorn. #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Another case of Coleophora kuehnella (Cloaked Case-bearer) found on oak today. This one was at Foxearth in Essex. Amazing constructions. #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Two nice longhorn beetles from yesterday. Both recorded at Long Melford in Suffolk: Anaglyptus mysticus (Rufous-shouldered Longhorn Beetle) and the much larger Stenocorus meridianus (Variable Longhorn Beetle). #UKBeetles

Stenocorus meridianus (Variable Longhorn Beetle)

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

A few week 20 micro moths: 1. Platyptilia gonodactyla (Triangle Plume) 2. Epiblema sticticana (Colt's-foot Root-borer) 3. Coleophora kuehnella (Cloaked Case-bearer) 4. Agonopterix liturosa (Purple-shaded Brown) Quite a productive week despite some poor weather. See +ALT text. #mothsmatter

Platyptilia gonodactyla (Triangle Plume). Disturbed by a large area of Coltsfoot. Long Melford, Suffolk.

Epiblema sticticana (Colt's-foot Root-borer). Disturbed amongst a large patch of Coltsfoot. Long Melford, Suffolk.

Coleophora kuehnella (Cloaked Case-bearer). Larval case found on oak. Long Melford, Suffolk.

Agonopterix liturosa (Purple-shaded Brown). Larva in spun shoot of Perforate St John's-wort. Long Melford, Suffolk.

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

An excellent afternoon at Old Hall Marshes RSPB reserve produced AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, TEMMINCK'S STINT and PECTORAL SANDPIPER, plus Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, up to 16 Whimbrel, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 14 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Brent Geese and 3 Yellow Wagtails. 😀 #Essexbirding

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Photos of four recent micro moths: 1. Eriocrania sangii (Purple Spring Jewel) 2. Coleophora hemerobiella (Black-spot Case-bearer) 3. Coleophora solitariella (Southern Stitchwort Case-bearer) 4. Coleophora ibipennella (Oak Pistol Case-bearer) Nice daytime records. See +ALT for details. #mothsmatter

Eriocrania sangii (Purple Spring Jewel). Larva on Silver Birch. Stanstead, Suffolk.

Coleophora hemerobiella (Black-spot Case-bearer). Larval case on apple. Great Waldingfield, Suffolk.

Coleophora solitariella (Southern Stitchwort Case-bearer). Presumed larval feeding windows on Greater Stitchwort - windows all white rather than greenish-white (as in C. lithargyrinella). Stanstead, Suffolk.

Coleophora ibipennella (Oak Pistol Case-bearer). Larval case on oak. Long Melford, Suffolk.

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

I try to avoid negative posts on Bluesky (there's so much negative stuff elsewhere), but I couldn't ignore this. How on earth can contractors be trashing (coppicing) a local ancient woodland SSSI in the middle of the bird nesting season? Apparently Natural England were unaware and did not approve it

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Reposted by Darren Underwood

Suffolk Wildlife Trust @suffolkwildlife.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Read our latest blog about how the Connecting Constable & Gainsborough Country project is uncovering the rich wildlife of south Suffolk, using bioacoustics to map species across 17,700 hectares www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/news/b…

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

A selection of moths from over the last few days. All from Long Melford in Suffolk. 1. Lackey. Larvae on Blackthorn 2. Cochylichroa atricapitana (Black-fronted Straw) 3. Prays ruficeps (Cryptic Ash Bud Moth) 4. Dyseriocrania subpurpurella (Common Spring Jewel). Leaf mine on oak #mothsmatter

Cochylichroa atricapitana (Black-fronted Straw)

Dyseriocrania subpurpurella (Common Spring Jewel). Leaf mine on oak

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Having failed to find this species last year, I was very pleased to find Coleophora discordella (Lotus Case-bearer) at Long Melford in Suffolk today. Two larval cases seen, plus feeding windows of a third individual on Bird's-foot-trefoil. #mothsmatter

Coleophora discordella (Lotus Case-bearer). Larval case on Bird's-foot-trefoil.

Coleophora discordella (Lotus Case-bearer). Feeding windows and 'cut-outs' on Bird's-foot-trefoil.

Coleophora discordella (Lotus Case-bearer). Field margin habitat with Bird's-foot-trefoil.

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

One of the highlights from last night's moth trapping was this excellent BOMBARDIER BEETLE (Brachinus crepitans), famous for its ability to 'explode' noxious gases at potential predators. #longmelford #suffolk #UKBeetles

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Four more micro moths from the last few days. 1. Coleophora serratella (Common Case-bearer) on Alder. 2. Coleophora badiipennella (Small Elm Case-bearer) on elm. 3. Eriocrania species. Leaf mine on Silver Birch. 4. Coleophora paripennella (Bronze Case-bearer) on Common Knapweed. #mothsmatter

Coleophora serratella (Common Case-bearer). Larval case on Alder. Long Melford, Suffolk

Coleophora badiipennella (Small Elm Case-bearer). Larval case on elm. Long Melford, Suffolk

Eriocrania species. Leaf mine and larva on Silver Birch. Arger Fen, Suffolk

Coleophora paripennella (Bronze Case-bearer). Larval case on Common Knapweed. Long Melford, Suffolk

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

EMPEROR MOTH. A nice addition to my Long Melford (Suffolk) parish list with three males attracted to the EMP pheromone lure today. #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Three micro moths from the last couple of days in Long Melford, Suffolk: 1. Esperia sulphurella (Sulphur Bark Moth). 2. Eriocrania sangii (Purple Spring Jewel). Leaf mine on Silver Birch. 3. Coleophora lusciniaepennella (Willow Case-bearer) on sallow. #mothsmatter

Eriocrania sangii (Purple Spring Jewel). Leaf mine on Silver Birch. Grey larva with brown head.

Coleophora lusciniaepennella (Willow Case-bearer) on sallow.

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Coleophora binderella (Alder Case-bearer). Larva and cases of three individuals found around Long Melford in Suffolk over the last couple of days. All were on Hazel (despite the common name the larvae feed on Hazel, Hornbeam and Birch as well as Alder). Nice to find. #teammoth

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

A fine display of BLUEBELLS in West Suffolk today. #wildflowerhour

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Dyseriocrania subpurpurella (Common Spring Jewel). A common moth species - although I don't seem to get many to light. Most of my records are of its leaf mines on oak. This one was trapped in Long Melford, Suffolk (14/04/26). #mothsmatter

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Darren Underwood @dku1000.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

A good afternoon at Abberton Reservoir with 2CY BONAPARTE'S GULL, 2 ARCTIC TERNS, probably 50+ YELLOW WAGTAILS, 7 SPOONBILLS, 40 SAND MARTINS and a COMMON SANDPIPER amongst the highlights. #essexbirding

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