Anybody Collect Micro Moths.

Do any members still collect micro moths, I believe from a recent post nomihoudai might. I Have always been interested in Macro moths and formed a large collection. Recently with the publication of The Field Guide to the Micro Moths of Great Britain and Ireland by Phil Sterling and Mark Parsons [2012] I have become interested in the microlepidoptera. The above book may also be of use to lepidopterists on the continent, as most of the species also occur in Europe. It is illustrated by the best lepidopterist artist around today, Richard Lewington, who I have had the pleasure of meeting. With the publication of The Microlepidoptera of Wiltshire by Stephen Palmer in 2001, I really have no excuse for not studying and perhaps forming a collection of these interesting insects, they certainly would not take up much cabinet space. I Suppose I never formed a collection of these tiny moths because of the intricate setting techniques involved. I should be very please to be able to view any microlepdoptera specimens that members have set and how they managed to do this, surely a large table magnifying glass would be in order. The many Victorian microlepidoptera collectors seemed to manage very well and I have seen some of their exquisitely set specimens. Although tiny, these moths can be very beautifully marked and have very interesting life cycles.
Below are two species that I have recently photographed and I believe these images show how these small moths can be just as beautiful as the larger ones.

The first image is of the very striking Anania funebris [ White Sotted Sable ] of the Crambidae family which might be familiar with North American collectors. Its range includes Europe, Siberia, Far East and North America. The larvae feed on Golden road [ Solidago virgaurea] and this moth is very local in the UK. I have noticed that the moth seems to have a peculiar spinning motion when in flight.
The second is of a common micro moth the Adela reaumurella [ The Green Longhorn Moth] of the Adelidae family which are sometimes known as the fairy Longhorns. The latter is a very apt name for this group because when in flight they seem to dance up and down and when Adela reaumurella dance in swarms, it is a very attractive sight. Although frequent this is a very nice species with its metallic bronze green upper wings and very long Whitish antennae. The moth also occurs in parts of Europe.


Anania funebris in Scotland.


Adela reaumurella