Mottled Umber

Another moth that flies in late autumn and winter is the Mottled Umber, which is a common species of woodland and scrubby grassland, which is also occasionally found in gardens. Two have turned up at the trap this year, which is unusual as we've only ever caught this species once in previous years. Like several other winter-flying moths, this species has wingless females that sit on the trunks of trees, waiting for the males to find them. Unlike yesterday's December Moth, this species has quite variable markings. This individual is more or less unmarked but some have dark bands on a paler ground, together with a dark spot on the forewing.

This is one of my earliest blips, having been taken just after midnight. It was just as well I took it, as most of the day has been dark and dreary with spells of rain. I seem to have spent most of it Christmas shopping but the end is in sight now - thank goodness!