Returned from Portugal the other day.
Had a lovely time and saw a few species of Butterfly, including Scarce Swallowtail (too fast to take a picture) many different species of Whites which were again too flighty to get pictures off, perhaps this was due to the soaring 38 degrees heat.
On the plus side I did manage a female Black Arches in Sintra and my partner and I spotted a small dainty butterfly whilst walking through Lisbon city centre, my partner gently cupped it in her hand and I quickly potted it up and took it back to the hotel for a better look.
I hadn't a clue at this stage what it was but new it was of the Lycaenidae family.
When I returned home it was straight to my Collins book and lo and behold it turned out to be a Geranium Bronze, an adventive species that originates from Africa, it has spread over many parts of Spain, the spanish Islands and even the UK (by introduction of caterpillar's via plants)
But I have no reefrences on this ever being recorded in the center of Lisbon! so it could be a first!
I am now in the process of getting together a portable light so I can take in my suitcase when I goto Spain at the end of this month and try for some moths! I can't wait.
Geranium Bronze
Black Arches
11th December
23 hours ago
Hi Ben,
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoyed your holiday. I recently made a trap for someone specifically to take to the South of France in a suitcase. It's basically an Actinic Skinner but collapses down small enough to fit in a rucksac!
Have a look on my blog at 'twin actinic/UV travel version' in the right hand tab under 'lists and info'.
It might give you a starting point to make something of your own........
M
Thanks Matt.
ReplyDeleteYes will have a look at your travel version.
Must get back out in the field this weekend somewhere.
All the best.
Ben, I thought that moth trapping in Spain was illegal? Maybe I'm out of date?
ReplyDeleteYep been told the same by many others, hmmm :(
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued. What's the reason for making moth trapping illegal in Spain?
ReplyDeleteI've just looked it up. It's because of the decline of the Spanish Moon Moth by collectors. A very impressive looking moth indeed.
ReplyDeleteYep, such a shame it is not easy for us recorders to record!
ReplyDelete