Alabonia geoffrella

Discussion forum for all Moth (Micro & Macro-moths (Lepidoptera)) related topics.
Post Reply
GrahamJones
Posts: 31
Joined: Sun Nov 19, 2017 6:24 pm
Location: Little Neston, Wirral - MAPMATE

Alabonia geoffrella

Post by GrahamJones »

Alabonia geoffrella:

Having a drink outside the Harp Inn, Little Neston, this evening, when an Alabonia geoffrella landed beside me on the bench. With no pots or net, I took a few quick iPhone shots before it disappeared. It's a moth I've always wanted to find, but never expected to see it locally. According to the Cheshire moth charts website it's only the the 3rd record for the County, the last being in 1952, although interestingly the previous two were also nearby.

Attachments
Alabonia geoffrella (Common Tubic)
Alabonia geoffrella (Common Tubic)
melbellingham
Posts: 834
Joined: Tue Jun 14, 2011 7:00 pm
Location: Great Sutton, Cheshire. Mapmate.

Re: Alabonia geoffrella

Post by melbellingham »

Hi Graham,

What a find. I've only ever seen this species once, but that was a retained specimen, that the finder had found on a walk, and been able to pot.

Why aren't all micro's like this ?

Mel.

SteveH
Posts: 2072
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:50 am
Location: Elton, Cheshire

Re: Alabonia geoffrella

Post by SteveH »

Hi Folks,

The first Cheshire record came from Puddington in 1940 and as Graham mentions the last was in 1952, at Burton. Has to be one of the most spectacular of British moths.

Mel, I remember you telling me about your 'chance encounter' some years back but I never expected my next 'experience' with the species would concern a Cheshire record !

Cheers,
Steve

GrahamJones
Posts: 31
Joined: Sun Nov 19, 2017 6:24 pm
Location: Little Neston, Wirral - MAPMATE

Re: Alabonia geoffrella

Post by GrahamJones »

Thanks Mel and Steve. I agree it is one of the most stunning moths in the UK, and still can't quite get over my luck.

I have been thinking about having another look to see if I could find more adults, although the area that is accessible to search is a bit limited.

stevehind
Posts: 2908
Joined: Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:44 am
Location: Higher Poynton, Cheshire

Re: Alabonia geoffrella

Post by stevehind »

Hi Graham,

You could try the local lanes around Little Neston, Burton & Puddington, as I have found them easily by disturbing vegetation or tapping hedges in the past. No reason to think they are not still in their old haunts, as I doubt anyone has looked for them in recent years.

Regards,
Steve

GrahamJones
Posts: 31
Joined: Sun Nov 19, 2017 6:24 pm
Location: Little Neston, Wirral - MAPMATE

Re: Alabonia geoffrella

Post by GrahamJones »

Hi Steve,

Yes, will do some beating around Denhall Quay initially, and then will try around Burton and Puddington too. That's my June sorted.

SteveH
Posts: 2072
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:50 am
Location: Elton, Cheshire

Re: Alabonia geoffrella

Post by SteveH »

... where did you 'find them easily' Steve ...... presumably in some past non-Cheshire life ?

Cheers,
Steve

stevehind
Posts: 2908
Joined: Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:44 am
Location: Higher Poynton, Cheshire

Re: Alabonia geoffrella

Post by stevehind »

I remember seeing them flying in morning sunshine and at other sites beaten from roadside hedges in Montgomeryshire/Shropshire several years ago.

Regards,
Steve

stevehind
Posts: 2908
Joined: Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:44 am
Location: Higher Poynton, Cheshire

Re: Alabonia geoffrella

Post by stevehind »

Look what flew into my net last Sunday morning at Overton, near Malpas !
Alabonia geoffrella - Overton - 10/06/2018
Alabonia geoffrella - Overton - 10/06/2018
So not restricted to the Wirral and worth looking for throughout SW Cheshire.

Regards,
Steve

[/color]
SteveH
Posts: 2072
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:50 am
Location: Elton, Cheshire

Re: Alabonia geoffrella

Post by SteveH »

Wonderful Steve, well done you !

Cheers,
Steve

Post Reply