Clouded Magpie

This moth's larvae feed on elms, especially wych elm.&nbsp; Dutch Elm Disease ought to have caused the moth to decline, but the records show little sign of this.&nbsp; The distribution is strongly biased towards the harder limestone rocks of the Mendips and the hills around Bristol and Bath, where wych elm is often common in the ravines in the hills.&nbsp; South of the Mendips the moth is rarely recorded and sporadic, though records in and around Porlock and Great Breach Wood in particular suggest that local populations do exist.

Light Orange Underwing

An Aspen specialist of open woodland, whose range has declined nationally to the extent it is now largely restricted to southern England (but not the south-west). Historically considered to be a rarity in the county, it has been recorded only once in recent years, at Merryfield Airfield. It flies around the Aspen foodplant in sunshine. Orange Underwing is very similar, so great care must be taken with identification.

The Magpie

Common and widespread, though appears to be in decline.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Magpie

Abraxas grossulariata