2022 Annual Report for: Crambidae / Spilomelinae

For species seen in 2022 that had less than or equal to 100 records, full details are included; for more common species, the earliest, latest and highest count by vice-county are shown. The narrative for each species is taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species. The tables in each species account summarise the previous status, and that for the current year.

For the maps, all records prior to 2022 are shown by a blue dot (the larger the dot, the more recent), with the current year's records shown in red. As previous records are superimposed on any report for 2022, new sites have greater emphasis (i.e. will show as 'more red').

In the species accounts, an asterisk next to a location indicates a new 10km square record; earliest ever dates are highlighted in orange, and latest ever in red. Initials in the species accounts refer to the recorders listed here. Please get in touch if you identify any omissions or errors, in particular if you have records that have yet to be submitted. Details of how to submit records can be found here.

63.031 [B&F: 1395] Rusty-dot Pearl Udea ferrugalis (Hübner, 1796) - Migrant

Common immigrant to the British Isles from mainland Europe, most frequent on waste ground by the coast where sometimes abundant. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight a common immigrant, which is widely distributed throughout in some years. Wingspan 18-22 mm. The rusty forewing with prominent black discal spot is characteristic of this species [Goater]. Larva feeds on herbaceous plants.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101336579219512021
115252829419512021
12706113119512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1020866233
1136757011
1244493

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Totland, 20 Apr, 2 (RTer) Latest: Bembridge, 27 Dec, 1 (JHam) Max count: Ventnor, 13 Nov, 33 (MGT)

VC11: Earliest: Hale Purlieu, NF, 29 Oct, 1 (JPuz) Latest: Hayling Island, 30 Jul, 1 (STho) Max count: Portsmouth, 27 Oct, 11 (IRT)

VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 19 Jul, 0 (TJN) Latest: Farnborough, 29 Oct, 1 (KBW) Max count: North Waltham, 11 Nov, 3 (AJon)

63.032 [B&F: 1389] Udea fulvalis (Hübner, [1809]) - Migrant

Formerly considered a migrant to southern England from mainland Europe, in some years arriving in sufficient numbers to breed, it now has become established since the mid 1990s predominantly along the south coast of Hampshire inland into the New Forest, and along the north shore of the Isle of Wight; it is spreading northwards and has now reached the VC11/VC12 boundary, and one in the north-east in 2022 represents the first incursion from the Sussex heaths to the east. Wingspan 24-29 mm. Similar in structure, size and markings to U. prunalis, but differs in the dull fulvous brown coloration of the forewing, which is slaty grey in U. prunalis, and in the wider submedian sinus of second line [Goater]. Larva feeds on Black Horehound, Meadow Clary, Red Campion and White Campion.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1018246619552021
1159081219812021
125720202021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10551
119713910
12111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Farringford/Tennyson Down, 01 Aug, 1 (DCk) Latest: Cowes, 11 Aug, 1 (DHen) Max count: Farringford/Tennyson Down, 01 Aug, 1 (DCk)

VC11: Earliest: Marchwood, 14 Jul, 1 (CTha) Latest: Pennington, 12 Aug, 1 (RFC) Max count: Sway, 17 Jul, 10 (SKee)

VC12: Earliest: St Giles Cemetery, Winchester, 23 Jul, 1 (PAB) Max count: St Giles Cemetery, Winchester, 23 Jul, 1 (PAB)

63.033 [B&F: 1388] Udea lutealis (Hübner, [1809]) - Common

Common on waste ground, gardens and woodland edges throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight locally common to abundant, but scarce or absent in many places where, due to its polyphagous nature, it might be expected. Wingspan 23-26 mm. An easily recognised species on account of the pale coloration and dark clouding in apex of hindwing [Goater]. Larva polyphagous on various herbaceous plants, including Bramble, Thistle, Wormwood and Scabious.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10241819092020
1130035719512021
1213611919512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10452
1134523

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Newport, one, 14 Jul; two, 17 Jul; one, 28 Jul (DPl); Alverstone, one, 08 Jul (GBro);

VC11: Marchwood, one, 14 Jul (CTha); Totton, one, 22 Jun; one, 23 Jun; one, 25 Jun; one, 26 Jun; one, 27 Jun; one, 02 Jul; three, 09 Jul; one, 10 Jul; three, 12 Jul; two, 13 Jul; two, 15 Jul; one, 18 Jul; three, 19 Jul; one, 20 Jul; two, 23 Jul; one, 24 Jul; two, 26 Jul; two, 27 Jul; two, 28 Jul; three, 29 Jul; three, 30 Jul; one, 31 Jul; one, 02 Aug; one, 04 Aug; two, 07 Aug; one, 09 Aug; two, 10 Aug; two, 14 Aug (LHan); Romsey, one, 11 Jul; one, 13 Jul (MJB); Sway, one, 20 Jul (SKee); Needs Ore NNR, one, 29 Jul (CNB); Portsmouth Natural History Musuem, present, 27 Jul (KAnd)

63.034 [B&F: 1390] Udea prunalis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Common

Common in thickets, copses and hedgerows throughout the British Isles. Frequently recorded and well distributed across much of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 23-26 mm. Slate-coloured overall appearance and weak markings distinguish from other Udea species, lack of white patch between the stigmata distinguish from U. olivalis. Larva feeds on various herbaceous and woody plants

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1015618018562021
111870223719452021
12790110219512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10661
1159654
1229428

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Newport, one, 08 Jul (DPl); Wheelers Bay, one, 08 Jul (ABut); Bonchurch, one, 21 Jun; one, 22 Jun; one, 29 Jun; one, 06 Jul (JHa);

VC11: Woodlands, NF, present, 09 Jul (RBW); one, 19 Jul (CJon); Totton, one, 15 Jul (LHan); Woodley, one, 15 Jul (NBin); Kings Somborne, one, 27 Jul (GCE); Romsey, one, 17 Jun; one, 06 Jul; one, 11 Jul; one, 21 Jul (NRJ); Kings Somborne, one, 27 Jul; one, 27 Jul (GCE); Dibden Purlieu, one, 04 Jul (RAC); Blackfied, one, to lighted window, 22 Jun (PGS); Woolston Road, Butlocks Heath, one, 09 Jul (PAB); Swaythling, Southampton, one, 15 Jul; one, 17 Jul; four, 18 Jul; one, 21 Jul; one, 22 Jul; one, 04 Aug (MEdg); West End, one, to a lighted window, 13 Jul (AMD); Crawley, one, 08 Jul (GCE); Funtley, two, 09 Jul; one, 13 Jul; one, 16 Jul; three, 18 Jul; two, 21 Jul (TDC); Lee-on-Solent, one, 29 Jun; one, 09 Jul (IHrg); Fareham, one, 22 Jun (ADT); one, 12 Aug (IMcP); Wickham, one, 16 Jul; one, 02 Aug (JRDS); Portchester, one, 26 Jun; one, 30 Jun (DH-J); Portsmouth, one, 16 Jun; one, 08 Jul; one, 11 Jul (IRT); Lovedean, one, 19 Jun; one, 28 Jun; one, 04 Jul; one, 06 Jul; one, 07 Jul; one, 08 Jul; one, 10 Jul; one, 14 Jul; one, 23 Jul (ARJ); Horndean, one, 10 Jul (PHog); Hengistbury Head, one, 11 Jul (MJef); Burton, nr Christchurch, one, 21 Jun; one, 01 Jul (JStw); Hengistbury Head, one, 11 Jul (MJef); Sway, one, 17 Jul; one, 18 Jul (SKee); Pennington, one, 11 Jul (RFC); Needs Ore NNR, one, 18 Jun; one, 14 Jul (CNB); Browndown Coastal Ranges, one, 15 Jul (MLO, ADT, DWal & KJW); Hayling Island, one, 11 Jul (STho);

VC12: Cholderton, one, 19 Jul (TJN); Nether Wallop, one, 03 Jul; Broughton, one, 16 Jul (GCE); Teg Down, Winchester, one, 19 Jun (CKni); Overton, one, 17 Jul (ACr); North Waltham, one, 07 Jul; one, 18 Jul (AJon); Basingstoke, one, 17 Jul (GAH); Tidgrove Warren, nr Overton, two, 23 Jul (MJW, ACB det. MJW); Ecchinswell, one, 18 Jul; one, 29 Jul (MJN); Basingstoke, two, 21 Jun; one, 22 Jun; one, 01 Jul; one, 03 Jul; one, 12 Jul; three, 18 Jul; three, 19 Jul; one, 28 Jul (MJW); Bramley, one, 08 Jul (REA); Pamber Forest, eight, 11 Jul; one, 29 Jul (GJD); Alton, one, to artificial light, 17 Jun; one, to artificial light, 28 Jun; one, to artificial light, 01 Jul; one, 08 Jul; one, 13 Jul; one, 24 Jul (DBO); Farnborough, one, 03 Jul (KBW)

63.037 [B&F: 1392] Udea olivalis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Common

Common in woodland, gardens and waste ground throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 24-28 mm. Fairly unmistakable. Larva feeds on many different herbaceous plants, including Stinging Nettle, Common Sorrel and Hop.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1039276618562021
111593252319512021
121494265019512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1025423
1128271
1258865

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Brighstone, 18 Jun, 1 (AMas) Latest: Shanklin, 12 Jul, 2 (IOu) Max count: Bonchurch, 16 Jun, 3 (JHa)

VC11: Earliest: Furzehill, NF, 17 Jun, 1 (SLoa) Latest: Sway, NF, 11 Jun, 0 (DMui) Max count: Furzehill, NF, 17 Jun, 1 (SLoa)

VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 01 Jul, 3 (TJN) Latest: Hammer Vale, Woolmer, 12 Jun, 1 (ASwa) Max count: Selborne, 11 Jun, 5 (CJP)

63.038 [B&F: 1405] Mother of Pearl Patania ruralis (Scopoli, 1763) - Common

Common in rural gardens, waste ground and rough pastures throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 33-37 mm. One of the largest and most familiar pyralids, wings have an opalescent sheen, most obvious in sunshine, which gives rise to the vernacular name. Larva feeds predominately on Stinging Nettle, living within a spun or rolled leaf.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101026407519692021
1110015238052002021
1237311573019512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1011246330
11467105823
1219461131

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: West High Down quarries, 12 Jul, 10 (IOu) Latest: Sandown, 29 Jul, 12 (IOu) Max count: Osborne Wood, 13 Aug, 30 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: St Leonards, 23 Jul, 2 (SDut) Latest: Southsea, 31 Jul, 0 (KAnd) Max count: Funtley, 30 Jul, 23 (TDC)

VC12: Earliest: Over Wallop, 11 Aug, 1 (AJB) Latest: Blackwater, 13 Jul, 12 (BGD) Max count: Axmansford, 30 Jul, 31 (ACB)

63.039 [B&F: 1396] Mecyna flavalis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - pRDB2

Rare (proposed as a future Red Data Book species) on chalk downland and grassy slopes in parts of southern England, predominantly coastal. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight the species has two strongholds where it is common, on Porton, Broughton and Stockbridge Downs on the mainland, and Compton Down on the Island. Occasional specimens encountered away from these localities suggest that there may be other, perhaps small, colonies still undetected. Wingspan 25-29 mm. Both wings have a very narrow, dark terminal line and greyish cilia, producing a sharply pencilled outline to the wings which, together with the presence of a third stigmatal spot in the forewing, makes this species easy to recognise [Goater]. Larva feeds on Hedge Bedstraw, Field Woundwort, Black Horehound, Small Nettle and Mignonette.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
106634018562021
119213919512021
12466019812021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1053220
11463
126116

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Farringford/Tennyson Down, one, field observation, 01 Aug (DCk); Mottistone Down, 20, field observation, 05 Jul (JH-D); Mottistone Chalkpit, cocoon, two, 27 Jul (KShw det. SDav); Mottistone Down, five, field observation, 01 Jul; four, field observation, 28 Jul (IOu);

VC11: Ashley, one, 10 Aug (GCE); Stockbridge Down, one, field observation, 26 Jun (NRJ); Needs Ore NNR*, three, 16 Jul; one, 21 Jul (CNB);

VC12: Cholderton, six, 19 Jul (TJN); Leckford Golf Course, one, field observation, 07 Jul; Wherwell, one, 04 Aug (GCE); Anna Valley, Andover, one, 23 Jul (TJN); Crawley, one, 01 Aug (GCE); Basingstoke, one, 28 Jul (MJW)

63.040 [B&F: 1397] Mecyna asinalis (Hübner, [1819]) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) on limestone downland and coastal cliffs in Britain, from Sussex to southern Wales, and in southern Ireland. On the Isle of Wight, frequent on the coast. In Hampshire although the foodplant occurs occasionally on the mainland, there are only a very few records of the moth. Wingspan 27-34 mm. Easily recognised by the long, pointed wings and soft blue-grey coloration [Goater]. Larva feeds on Wild Madder.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1042787918562021
119519812009

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10641817
11111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Tennyson Down, one, 18 Sep (PBar); West High Down quarries, six, field observation, 12 Jul (IOu); Freshwater Bay, two, 20 Sep (PBar); Newport, one, 26 Sep (DPl); Lower Hamstead, one, 23 Jul; one, 24 Jul; one, 25 Jul; mine, present, larval feeding signs on Wild Madder, 26 Jul (KRyl); Ventnor Botanic Garden, mine, present, mines in Wild Madder, 15 Jul (IOu); Ventnor, larva, present, field observation, larval feeding damage on lvs of Wild Madder. Frequent in garden, 07 Oct (MGT); Ventnor Park, one, indoors, 21 Sep (PBar); Wheelers Bay, one, 18 Jun; two, 15 Aug; one, 22 Aug; two, 27 Aug (ABut); Bonchurch, two, 02 May; three, 07 May; two, 08 May; one, 09 May; two, 14 May; two, 30 May; one, 01 Jun; two, 03 Jun; one, 04 Jun; three, 16 Jun; three, 17 Jun; one, 19 Jun; three, 20 Jun; one, 21 Jun; three, 22 Jun; four, 29 Jun; three, 02 Jul; four, 06 Jul; three, 09 Jul; six, 10 Jul; seven, 15 Jul; five, 17 Jul; three, 03 Aug; two, 05 Aug; one, 07 Aug; two, 09 Aug; four, 11 Aug; three, 14 Aug; six, 15 Aug; three, 22 Aug; four, 24 Aug; five, 05 Sep; four, 07 Sep; six, 10 Sep; seven, 12 Sep; four, 18 Sep; five, 19 Sep; seven, 21 Sep; six, 09 Oct; four, 13 Oct; six, 15 Oct; two, 16 Oct; five, 27 Oct; four, 30 Oct (JHa); Shanklin, one, 12 Sep; one, 22 Sep; one, 09 Oct; Osborne Wood, three, 14 Sep; Priory Woods, Nettlestone, mine, present, mines in Wild Madder, 04 Dec (IOu);

VC11: Needs Ore NNR, one, conf MJW, 29 Jul (CNB)

63.041 [B&F: 1410] Agrotera nemoralis (Scopoli, 1763) - pRDB1

Previously considered restricted as a breeding species in the UK to woodland in Kent, with occasional records from elsewhere as presumed migrants; however, in 2014 a breeding colony was found in Torpoint, Cornwall. In our area the only historic record dated from 1946, until another (illustrated here) was taken at MV by John Langmaid in Southsea on 4th June 2010. The first of Isle of Wight record was one to light in Borthwood Copse on 21st June 2015, since when it has been taken annually, indicating probable colonisation of the south-east of the island. Still rare on the mainland, there have been four reports since 2018, which may relate to dispersion across the Solent. Wingspan 20-24 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on Hornbeam and Hazel.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10242820152021
115419462021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1041510
11111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Bonchurch, one, 15 May (JHa); Shanklin, one, 16 Jun; Osborne Wood, three, 30 May; 10, 23 Jun (IOu);

VC11: West Walk*, one, retained. (3 lamps), 10 Jun (RJD, MLO & KJW det. RJD)

63.044 [B&F: 1403] Diasemiopsis ramburialis (Duponchel, 1834) - Migrant

Immigrant to southern England from southern Europe. In south Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight it is recorded irregularly, although sightings have increased in the 21st century. Very rarely reported from north Hampshire. Wingspan 17-22 mm. The most likely confusion species is Diasemia reticularis, which see for differences. Larva and life-cycle undescribed, and there is no evidence of breeding in the UK.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10111119482014
11191319512014
123319672014

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10111
11761

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Shanklin*, one, 10 Nov (IOu);

VC11: Marchwood, present, silver Y the only other migrant recorded, 27 Jul (CTha); Stubbington, one, 12 Nov (DPH); Wickham, one, 22 Jul; one, 24 Jul; one, 27 Jul (JRDS); Portchester*, one, indoors, 26 Oct (DAS); Milford on Sea, one, 10 Nov (MMcM)

63.046 [B&F: 1403a] Duponchelia fovealis Zeller, 1847 - Migrant/Adventive

Suspected rare immigrant, or perhaps accidentally imported, from southern Europe and most frequently recorded in houses, garden centres, nurseries and glass houses. In Hampshire first recorded in 1999, with recent years seeing scattered records across the county, and two from the Isle of Wight. Despite the first report being at MV light, half the twenty or so county records since have been indoors, indicating that the majority, if not all, records are likely to originate from imported plant material. Wingspan 19-21 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on house plants, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas, occurrence should be reported to MAFF Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate, no evidence of breeding in the UK. There is an article in Atropos 10: April 2000 giving details of the damage to horticultural crops that it can cause in nurseries and glasshouses.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
105520002018
11202119992019
126620042019

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
12221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC12: Farnborough*, one, 30 Jul; one, 02 Aug (KBW)

63.048 [B&F: 1408] Palpita vitrealis (Rossi, 1794) - Migrant

Immigrant to south-western England from southern Europe. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight recorded in most years, chiefly on the Isle of Wight and near the Hampshire coast, occasionally making it as far north as vice-county 12. Wingspan 27-31 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on Summer Jasmine, Olive, Wild Privet and similar, no evidence of breeding in the UK.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1026751818692021
1131332519512021
12282519512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1029454
1137436
12463

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: West High Down quarries, one, 22 Sep (IOu); one, 22 Sep (MGT); Freshwater Bay, two, 13 Nov (SDav); Freshwater, one, 11 Sep (PBar); Brighstone, one, 26 Nov (AMas); Newport, one, 20 Jul; one, 28 Oct (DPl); Ventnor, two, 19 Oct; one, 20 Oct; one, 26 Oct; one, 13 Nov (MGT); Bonchurch, one, 14 Sep; one, 06 Oct; one, 27 Oct; four, 30 Oct (JHa); Wroxall, two, 09 Oct; one, 25 Oct (JRB); Shanklin, one, 04 Sep; one, 03 Oct; one, 13 Oct; four, 22 Oct; one, 26 Oct; two, 27 Oct; two, 28 Oct; three, 29 Oct; four, 30 Oct; one, 11 Nov; Shanklin Upper Chine, one, 27 Oct; Sandown, one, 29 Jul (IOu);

VC11: Marchwood, one, 06 Oct (CTha); Woodlands, NF, one, 13 Nov (CJon); Totton, one, 19 Sep; one, 27 Oct; one, 09 Nov; one, 10 Nov (LHan); Romsey, one, 19 Jul; one, 27 Oct; one, 13 Nov (MJB); Blackfied, one, to lighted window, 13 Nov (PGS); Swaythling, Southampton, one, 29 Oct (MEdg); Allbrook, one, 12 Nov (SIng); Brownwich cliffs, one, 02 Sep (RJD, MLO, DWal, KJW); Stubbington, one, 27 Oct (DPH); Fareham, two, 29 Oct (ADT); one, 30 Aug; one, 12 Sep; one, 03 Oct; one, 29 Oct; one, 26 Nov (KJW); Portchester, three, 26 Oct (DAS); Lovedean, one, 29 Oct (ARJ); Northney, Hayling Island, present, 29 Oct; present, 30 Oct; present, 03 Nov; present, 06 Nov (JWP); Hurn, two, 28 Oct; one, 02 Nov; one, 05 Nov; one, 13 Nov (MJef); New Milton, one, 27 Oct (RPH); Sway, one, 08 Sep (SKee); Milford on Sea, one, 10 Nov (MMcM); Pennington, one, 07 Sep; two, 28 Oct; six, 29 Oct; one, 10 Nov (RFC);

VC12: Chilbolton, one, 30 Oct (GCE); Cheriton, three, 28 Oct (DAS); Basingstoke, one, 27 Oct (MJW); Whitedown, Alton, one, 27 Oct (BCA)

63.050 [B&F: 1399] Dolicharthria punctalis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) on cliffs and shingle beaches in England, from Sussex to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, predominantly coastal. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight local and uncommon on the coast. Wingspan 20-25 mm. The long legs and antennae give the species a distinctive jizz; in the superficially similar Synaphe punctalis, the discal spot is dark and the second line is clearly pale-edged distally [Goater]. Larva feeds on flowers and leaves of plants such as Bird's-foot Trefoil, Red Clover and Buckshorn Plantain.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1012727418002021
1130443218002021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1010163
117103

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: West High Down quarries, two, 12 Jul (IOu); Freshwater Bay, three, 10 Jun (SDav); Bonchurch, one, 17 Jun; one, 22 Jun; two, 29 Jun; one, 02 Jul; one, 06 Jul; two, 09 Jul; one, 15 Jul; two, 17 Jul (JHa);

VC11: Portsmouth, three, 06 Jul (IRT); Hengistbury Head, one, 21 Jun (MJef); one, 08 Aug (RPH det. MJef); Needs Ore NNR, two, 03 Jul; one, 10 Jul; one, 21 Jul (CNB); Browndown Coastal Ranges, one, 08 Jul (RJD, ADT, DWal & KJW det. RJD)

63.051 [B&F: 1400] Antigastra catalaunalis (Duponchel, 1833) - Migrant

Very rare immigrant to southern England from southern Europe. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight there were just two records prior to 2006, one at Freshwater in 1958 and one in Southampton in 2000; in 2006, a year of significant migrant lepidoptera activity, eight individuals were reported split equally between the two counties. Four more have been recorded since, all but one (in 2022) from the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 19-22 mm. Nascia cilialis has somewhat similar coloration but much broader wings [Goater]. Larva feeds on Purple Toadflax, no evidence of breeding in the UK.

Update: Status review, December 2019.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
108819582018
115520002006

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Lymington*, one, 27 Oct (PRD)

63.052 [B&F: 1398] Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Migrant

Common immigrant from mainland Europe, appearing throughout the British Isles, abundantly in some years, but most frequently and numerously in the south. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight a common immigrant, which is widely distributed throughout in some years. Wingspan 25-34 mm. Until recently, this was regarded as an absolutely unmistakable species, but it is now known to comprise a species complex of considerable size, one of which, N. nearctica, has been recorded in Britain. Larva feeds on Leguminosae, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
109411539419472021
1184373495319512021
121657532319512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
102941434100
111083358971
1223854711

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Tennyson Down, 20 Sep, 1 (PBar) Latest: Foreland, 27 May, 1 (IOu) Max count: Bonchurch Down, 11 Sep, 100 (ABut)

VC11: Earliest: Brockwood, 19 Aug, 4 (SDut) Latest: Hayling Island, 04 Aug, 1 (STho) Max count: Sway, 23 Aug, 71 (SKee)

VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 19 Jul, 0 (TJN) Latest: Farnborough, 08 Jul, 1 (SBly) Max count: Hinton Ampner, 29 Aug, 11 (ASD)

63.054 [B&F: 1409a] Box-tree Moth Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) - Adventive

A native to Asia, and after an initial finding in Germany in 2007, it has been found elsewhere in Europe, thought that the species was originally introduced with imports from China. Since the first finding, larvae have been found in more locations across Germany, sometimes causing severe defoliation as they feed on box (Buxus sp.). By 2008, C. perspectalis had been reported from five countries in Western Europe. In England, it was first recorded in 2008, when adult moths were caught in light traps at Icklesham, East Sussex, and Weybridge, Surrey. In 2009 a nursery in Surrey found perspectalis larvae causing severe damage.

In 2013, a large infestation was discovered at Longstock Nursery in central Hampshire, from which a number of adults were bred. In the same year, a few individuals were caught in the wild, provenance unknown, and it was new for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in the same year.

As can be seen from the annual distribution graph, a resident population became established around 2016-2017, and numbers are increasing significantly each year. In southern Hampshire in particular it can be one of the most abundant species to light for some unfortunate recorders.

Wingspan 38-42 mm. Somewhat variable, but typical form unmistakable, and there is an attractive purple-black melanic form which is not uncommon. Larva feeds on Box, and may become a horticultural pest in the UK.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10249100220132021
1121251437920122021
12359105820132021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1019670822
111000343853
122721125250

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: West High Down quarries, 12 Jul, 8 (IOu) Latest: Wootton Bridge, 22 Oct, 1 (DElm) Max count: Newport, 29 Aug, 22 (DPl)

VC11: Earliest: Brockwood, 26 Aug, 1 (SDut) Latest: Hayling Island, 21 Jul, 1 (STho) Max count: Totton, 30 Aug, 53 (LHan)

VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 19 Jul, 2 (TJN) Latest: Farnborough, 26 Oct, 3 (KBW) Max count: Grayshott, 11 Sep, 250 (THard)