Moths in the smoke

We let off our fireworks last night and, as clouds of cordite-scented smoke billowed around, reflected on the possible effect on the moth trap.

One obvious one was that its powerful light created eerie patterns in the dark, especially when seen (and photographed) from behind a variety of intriguing garden objects.

The other was a possible deterrent effect on the number of visiting moths, although the dampness and slightly colder conditions last night probably had more influence on that. There were only three residents in the eggboxes this morning, but one of them was well worth noting.

That was the Dark Sword-grass, above, a powerful immigrant which is usually around between July and October and not often in large numbers. It has, however, been recorded in every month of the year and mild weather such as the spell which we are enjoying at the moment is what prompts its appearance.

For the rest, there was a handsome Feathered thorn and ditto Blair's Shoulder-knot. Encouraged by this, I am about to put the trap out for another, less smoky, night