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is taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species.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.
An adventive species, which is spreading rapidly. On 17 August 2003, a worn specimen was found in a moth trap in a garden in Devon. The species had not previously been recorded outside Italy. Another specimen turned up in the same garden on 7 August 2004, and towards the end of July that year three specimens were found in and around a house at Welwyn, Hertfordshire, with one to a lighted window at Studham, Bedfordshire, on 3 July 2006. In Hampshire recorded for the first time at Over Wallop in August 2011. By 2016 there had been 19 reports, which had risen to over 100 three years later. It is now widespread across mainland Hampshire, and recorded from the Isle of Wight for the first time in 2020. Wingspan 13-14 mm. A similar species, M. cinnamomea, which occurs widely on the near continent and which is perhaps a more likely candidate to stray to the UK, has not occurred; neither species is prone to migration, and the origins of the British M. italica remain a mystery. Larva feeds within dead wood.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 1 | 1 | 2020 | 2020 |
11 | 157 | 185 | 2013 | 2021 |
12 | 46 | 51 | 2011 | 2021 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
10 | 7 | 7 | 1 |
11 | 67 | 77 | 4 |
12 | 30 | 40 | 10 |
VC10: Earliest: Totland, 29 Jul, 1 (RTer) Latest: Osborne Wood, 13 Aug, 1 (IOu) Max count: Totland, 29 Jul, 1 (RTer)
VC11: Earliest: Wicksmoor Farm, Plaitford Common, NF, 13 Jul, 0 (RBW) Latest: Browndown Coastal Ranges, 08 Jul, 1 (RJD, ADT, DWal & KJW) Max count: Vale Park, Chandler's Ford, 08 Aug, 4 (KArb)
VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 19 Jul, 1 (TJN) Latest: Shepherd Meadows, Blackwater, 02 Aug, 1 (BGD) Max count: Pamber Forest, 29 Jul, 10 (GJD)
Common in houses, and around sheds and outhouses throughout the British Isles. Widespread and rather common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 13-20 mm. A familiar and easily recognised inhabitant of many houses, distinguished from the more frequent Brown House Moth Hofmannophila pseudospretella by the white head and thorax. Larva feeds on detritus and refuse, as well as dried goods, such as cereals and grain.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 367 | 602 | 1850 | 2021 |
11 | 3467 | 4548 | 1971 | 2021 |
12 | 1078 | 1325 | 1977 | 2021 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
10 | 21 | 21 | 2 |
11 | 156 | 167 | 3 |
12 | 74 | 81 | 3 |
VC10: Earliest: Totland, 28 May, 1 (RTer) Latest: Shanklin, 14 Jun, 0 (KVin) Max count: Ningwood Common, 25 May, 2 (IOu)
VC11: Earliest: Hale Purlieu, NF, 23 Aug, 3 (JPuz) Latest: Hayling Island, 04 Aug, 1 (STho) Max count: Hale Purlieu, NF, 23 Aug, 3 (JPuz)
VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 11 Sep, 1 (TJN) Latest: Yateley, 25 Mar, 1 (BGD) Max count: Basingstoke, 19 May, 3 (MJW)
Common outdoors, in woodland, hedgerows and grassland, and indoors, in houses and barns, throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 16-25 mm. A widespread and familiar insect, originally an inhabitant of Asia. Larva feeds on detritus and refuse, both animal and vegetable.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 478 | 744 | 1977 | 2021 |
11 | 5600 | 8510 | 1971 | 2021 |
12 | 2005 | 3515 | 1982 | 2021 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
10 | 41 | 59 | 5 |
11 | 313 | 459 | 10 |
12 | 114 | 151 | 5 |
VC10: Earliest: Totland, 29 May, 3 (RTer) Latest: Wootton Bridge, 19 May, 1 (BJon) Max count: Shanklin, 02 Aug, 5 (IOu)
VC11: Earliest: Brockwood, 12 Jun, 1 (SDut) Latest: Hayling Island, 04 Aug, 1 (STho) Max count: Totton, 17 Jun, 10 (LHan)
VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 19 Jul, 0 (TJN) Latest: Farnborough, 30 Aug, 1 (KBW) Max count: Farnborough, 30 Jul, 5 (KBW)
Common in woodland, hedgerows, farmland and farm buildings throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire widespread and reasonably common, but probably under-recorded on the Isle of Wight were reports have increased in recent years. Wingspan 9-12 mm. A consistent feature is the large, distinct discal stigma. Larva feeds on dead leaves, detritus in bird nests and vegetable waste, living within a silken case.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 56 | 75 | 1900 | 2021 |
11 | 514 | 665 | 1973 | 2021 |
12 | 108 | 131 | 1985 | 2021 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
10 | 11 | 16 | 3 |
11 | 25 | 26 | 2 |
12 | 9 | 10 | 2 |
VC10: Totland, one, 25 Jul; one, 26 Jul; two, 29 Jul (RTer); Shanklin, one, 17 Jun; three, 08 Jul; one, field observation, 08 Jul; one, field observation, 09 Jul; two, 09 Jul; two, 11 Jul; one, 12 Jul; one, 28 Jul (IOu);
VC11: Marchwood*, one, 27 Jul (CTha); Franchises Wood, NF, present, 29 Jun (RBW); Totton, one, 06 Jul; one, 09 Jul; one, 14 Jul; one, 15 Jul; one, 17 Jul; one, 18 Jul; two, 22 Aug (LHan); Woodley, one, 12 Jul (NBin); Romsey, one, 27 Jul (NRJ); Swaythling, Southampton, one, 03 Sep (MEdg); Vale Park, Chandler's Ford, one, 19 Jul (KArb); Portsmouth, two, 06 Jul; one, 08 Jul; one, 15 Jul; one, 17 Jul; one, 18 Jul (IRT); Hurn, one, 12 Jul; one, 21 Jul; one, 23 Jul; one, 30 Jul; one, 13 Aug (MJef); Sway, one, 12 Jul (SKee); Hayling Island, one, gen. Det , 11 Jul (STho);
VC12: North Waltham, one, 07 Jul (AJon); Tidgrove Warren, nr Overton*, one, 23 Jul (MJW, ACB det. MJW); Basingstoke, one, 22 Jun; one, 19 Jul (MJW); Alton, one, to artificial light, 12 Jul (DBO); Chawton, one, 04 Aug (DAS); Hammer Vale, Woolmer*, one, indoors, 24 Jun (ASwa det. MJW); Blackwater, one, 18 Jul; two, 19 Jul (BGD)
Nationally scarce (Nb) in ancient woodland throughout much of southern Britain, from Kent to Devon in the south and Lincolnshire and North Wales in the north (MBGBI Vol 4 part 1). In Hampshire sparsely recorded in the south of the county, with only one recent record from the north and none from the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 14-16 mm. Resembles Batia unitella, but ochreous-orange rather than golden-brown, and lacks the contrasting orange head and palps of B. unitella; also, the costa is convex in B. unitella, straight in C. tinctella. Larva feeds on lichens growing on Willow.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 1 | 0 | 1900 | 1900 |
11 | 20 | 21 | 1972 | 2021 |
12 | 17 | 23 | 1975 | 2021 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
12 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
VC11: Marchwood, one, 18 May (CTha);
VC12: Crabtree Plantation, Basingstoke, one, swept, 21 May (BGD); Whitehill*, one, 17 May (ASto)
Common wherever there are trees throughout southern England and Wales, north to Yorkshire. Widespread and common in Hampshire but rather scarce on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 13-17 mm. Only confusable with the rare and local Crassa tinctella, which see. Larva feeds on fungi growing on and under the dead bark of various deciduous trees.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 131 | 180 | 1856 | 2021 |
11 | 1118 | 1404 | 1974 | 2021 |
12 | 825 | 1494 | 1971 | 2021 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
10 | 24 | 35 | 5 |
11 | 90 | 113 | 4 |
12 | 50 | 83 | 10 |
VC10: Earliest: West High Down quarries, 12 Jul, 4 (IOu) Latest: Sandown, 29 Jul, 1 (IOu) Max count: Osborne Wood, 18 Jul, 5 (IOu)
VC11: Earliest: Hale Purlieu, NF, 28 Jul, 1 (JPuz) Latest: Hayling Island, 18 Jul, 3 (STho) Max count: Swaythling, Southampton, 18 Jul, 4 (MEdg)
VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 19 Jul, 0 (TJN) Latest: Farnborough, 24 Jul, 1 (KBW) Max count: Basingstoke, 18 Jul, 10 (MJW)
Common in woodland, plantations, parklands and urban areas throughout much of England and Wales. Widespread and common in Hampshire but rather scarce on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 9-11 mm. Most likely to be confused with B. lambdella, which is mainly restricted to the coast, and B. internella, which is very restricted in its range; see these species accounts for details. Larva feeds on lichens growing on trees, fence posts, and in rotten wood under the bark.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 55 | 74 | 1900 | 2021 |
11 | 764 | 925 | 1974 | 2021 |
12 | 235 | 350 | 1980 | 2021 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
10 | 9 | 11 | 2 |
11 | 27 | 33 | 3 |
12 | 17 | 26 | 5 |
VC10: West High Down quarries, two, 12 Jul (IOu); Totland, one, 29 Jun (RTer); Plaish, Carisbrooke, one, 20 Jul; one, 21 Jul; one, 22 Jul (KRyl); Wheelers Bay, one, 12 Jul (ABut); Bonchurch, two, 02 Jul; one, 09 Jul (JHa); Shanklin Upper Chine, one, 19 Jul (IOu);
VC11: Marchwood, one, 08 Jul; one, 10 Jul; one, 19 Jul (CTha); Franchises Wood, NF, present, 08 Jul (RBW); Totton, two, 22 Jun; one, 19 Jul (LHan); Lee, one, 23 Jul (CTha); Romsey, one, 18 Jun (SRC); one, 03 Jul (MJB); three, 06 Jul (NRJ); Needs Ore NNR, two, 09 Jul; two, 16 Jul (CNB); Bevois Valley, Southampton, two, 11 Jul (MCre); Allbrook, one, 17 Jul (SIng); Fareham, one, 17 Jul (MLO); Portsmouth, one, 06 Jul (IRT); Horndean, one, 18 Jul (PHog); Hurn, one, 08 Jul; one, 12 Jul; one, 23 Jul; Hengistbury Head, two, 11 Jul (MJef); Sway, two, 09 Jul (SKee); Sway, NF, present, 15 Jul (DMui); Milford on Sea, one, 21 Jul (MMcM); Pennington, one, 06 Jul (RFC); Needs Ore NNR, one, 10 Jul (CNB); Browndown Coastal Ranges, one, 08 Jul (RJD, ADT, DWal & KJW det. RJD);
VC12: Cholderton, two, 19 Jul (TJN); Crawley, one, 09 Jul (GCE); Basingstoke, one, 14 Jul; one, 16 Jul; five, 18 Jul; three, 19 Jul (MJW); one, 12 Jul (IFS); Pamber Forest, two, 17 Jun; one, 11 Jul (GJD); South Warnborough, one, 15 Jul (DeLee); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 13 Jul; one, 16 Jul; one, 19 Jul (ASwa); Blackwater, one, 16 Jun; two, 12 Jul; one, 16 Jul; one, 18 Jul (BGD)
Local on heathland, scrub and open woodland throughout the British Isles, more numerous in the south. In Hampshire fairly common on the south coast and around the New Forest, and still reported occasionally from around Totland on the Isle of Wight, but not recorded in north Hampshire to date. Wingspan 13-18 mm. The main confusion species are B. lunaris, from which differs in coloration rather more orange-tinged, costal suffusion narrower, base of dorsum not darker than ground colour, triangular base of black lambda mark merging more gradually to upper process which is relatively broader; and B. internella, which see. Larva feeds within bark of Gorse
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 15 | 14 | 1893 | 2020 |
11 | 136 | 128 | 1974 | 2021 |
12 | 7 | 17 | 2010 | 2020 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 11 | 13 | 2 |
VC11: Brockwood, one, 14 Aug (SDut); Hengistbury Head, one, 06 Jun; one, 11 Jul (MJef); Sway, one, 12 Jul; one, 18 Jul (SKee); Needs Ore NNR, two, 18 Jun; one, 03 Jul; one, 11 Aug; two, 21 Jul; one, 17 Jul (CNB); Browndown Coastal Ranges, one, 12 Aug (KCok, RJD, MLO, ADT, DWal det. RJD)
Common in woodland, hedgerows and gardens throughout the British Isles, north to central Scotland. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 12-15 mm. Day-flying, although may come to light. Unmistakable. Larva feeds in the decaying wood and associated fungi of many native deciduous trees.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 89 | 95 | 1856 | 2021 |
11 | 616 | 672 | 1971 | 2021 |
12 | 223 | 271 | 1973 | 2021 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
10 | 12 | 13 | 2 |
11 | 37 | 57 | 5 |
12 | 19 | 21 | 2 |
VC10: Newtown Meadows, one, swept, 24 Apr (IOu); Parkhurst Forest, one, 12 Apr (TJN); Bonchurch, one, 20 Apr; one, 30 Apr; one, 07 May; one, 09 May; one, 14 May; one, 21 May (JHa); Shanklin, one, field observation, 05 May; one, 11 May; Osborne Valley Walk, one, 09 May; Bembridge Down*, two, field observation, on wooden post at edge of car park, 04 May (IOu);
VC11: Marchwood, one, 17 Apr (CTha); Franchises Wood, NF, present, 25 Apr (RBW); Totton, one, 16 May (CNB); two, field observation, 14 Apr; three, field observation, 15 Apr; two, field observation, 18 Apr; two, field observation, 20 Apr; two, field observation, 02 May; two, field observation, 03 May; two, field observation, 05 May; three, field observation, 06 May; two, field observation, 07 May; one, field observation, 26 May (LHan); Stanbrige Earls, one, male, 21 May (JRM); Woodley, one, indoors, 10 Apr (NBin); Romsey, one, 02 May (MJB); one, field observation, 10 Apr (NRJ); Bevois Valley, Southampton, one, field observation, 05 Apr (MCre); Vale Park, Chandler's Ford, five, 18 Apr; Chandlers Ford, five, field observation, 19 Apr; Vale Park, Chandler's Ford, one, 25 Apr; one, field observation, 10 May (KArb); Allbrook, one, 05 May (SIng); Crawley, one, 13 Apr (GCE); Botley Wood, three, 15 Apr (RJD, MLO, ADT, DWal, KJW); one, in dead wood, flying by day about dead wood, 18 Apr (KJW); one, , 29 Apr (RJD, MLO, DWal, KJW); Portchester, one, 13 Apr (DH-J); Milton Common, Portsmouth, one, field observation, on Cow Parlsey in the Salix fragilis small copse, 02 May (IRT); Farlington Marsh HIWWT NR, one, field observation, 28 Apr (STho); West Walk, one, 22 Apr (RJD, MLO, ADT, DWal, KJW); one, 13 May (RJD, MLO, DWal, KJW); Hurn, one, 22 Apr; one, 24 Apr; one, 02 May (MJef); Pennington, one, 15 May (RFC); Hayling Island, one, 18 May (STho);
VC12: Nether Wallop, one, 28 Apr; Leckford Golf Course, one, netted, 06 May; Chilbolton, two, 06 May (GCE); Cheriton, one, 03 May (DAS); Ecchinswell, one, field observation, 19 Apr (MJN); Great Haughurst Copse, Axmansford, one, 14 May (ACB det. GJD); Pamber Forest, one, 19 Apr (GJD); Chawton, one, 05 May (DAS); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, indoors, 17 May (ASwa); Yateley Common, one, 15 Apr; one, 30 Apr; one, swept, 30 Apr; Blackwater, one, field observation, 05 Apr; one, field observation, 17 Apr; one, field observation, 27 Apr; one, field observation, 30 Apr; one, field observation, 04 May; two, swept, 06 May (BGD); Farnborough, one, 13 Apr (KBW)
Nationally scarce (Na) in ancient woodland, especially where there are open areas with dead wood, and restricted to the south-east of England. In Hampshire the only recent records are from Harewood Forest and Ashurst. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 14-17 mm. Unmistakable. Day-flying. Larva feeds within bark of Oak, Hazel, Blackthorn and Pear.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
11 | 45 | 54 | 1977 | 2021 |
12 | 5 | 4 | 1981 | 2019 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 6 | 6 | 1 |
VC11: Totton, one, 08 Jul (CNB); one, field observation, 21 Jun; one, field observation, 22 Jun; one, field observation, 01 Jul; one, 02 Jul; one, 11 Jul (LHan)
Common in woodland, hedgerows and gardens throughout England and Wales. Widespread in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, where often seen during the day in deciduous woodland in small numbers. Wingspan 18-21 mm. Day-flying, but may come to light. Unmistakable. Larva feeds within the bark of rotten wood.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 113 | 152 | 1856 | 2021 |
11 | 186 | 217 | 1972 | 2021 |
12 | 106 | 184 | 1974 | 2021 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
10 | 8 | 10 | 3 |
11 | 16 | 12 | 2 |
12 | 8 | 6 | 1 |
VC10: Totland, one, field observation, 28 May (RTer); Newtown, one, field observation, 03 Jun (IOu); Shanklin/St. Martins area, one, field observation, 31 May; Alverstone, one, 20 May (DFai); Little Fairlee Farm, Newport, three, field observation, 04 Jun (DHen); Sandpit Copse, one, swept, 20 May (IOu); Quarr Abbey, one, field observation, 25 May (D&NFea); Yarbridge, Brading, one, field observation, 06 Jun (IOu);
VC11: Brockenhurst, one, field observation, 24 May; one, field observation, 24 May (PDB); Franchises Wood, NF, present, 25 May (RBW); Nursling Substation, one, field observation, 21 May (JClx); Southampton, present, field observation, 12 May (iRecord); Wildern LNR, Hedge End, one, field observation, 24 May (TCrw); Chandler's Ford, one, field observation, 26 May (SIng); Crab Wood LNR, present, field observation, 17 May (AMD); Knowle, Wickham, one, field observation, 13 May (PAB); Alver Valley CP, one, field observation, 31 May (IHrg); Wickham, two, field observation, 13 May (PAB); Fareham, one, seen by day, on bramble leaf, 14 Jun (RJD); Bishops Waltham, present, field observation, all in hedgerow. 30+ seen in nearby areas today, 18 May (DTru); East Meon, present, field observation, 28 May (iNat); Barton on Sea, one, field observation, 28 May (SKee); Sway, NF, one, field observation, 19 May (DMui);
VC12: Nether Wallop, one, field observation, 18 May (GCE); Duncroft Farm, Burghclere, present, field observation, 22 May (iNat); Overton, one, field observation, 02 Apr (ACr); Basingstoke, one, field observation, 24 May (ATW det. MJW); East Tisted, present, field observation, 19 May (iNat); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, indoors, 24 May (ASwa); Yateley Common, one, 14 May (BGD); one, field observation, 07 May (KBW)
Naturalised and increasing, through accidental introduction in garden plants from Australia, throughout much of southern England, north to Lancashire; until recently only known from south-west England, this is a species which appears to have undergone a rapid range expansion. Since 1997, recorded frequently in Fleet, and since 2002 increasingly common along the south coast. Wingspan 13-18mm. The pinkish orange termen make this an unmistakable species. Larva feeds on fallen leaves and leaf litter. The pRDB3 status often indicated for this species is a misnomer and should be ignored.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 729 | 2110 | 2002 | 2021 |
11 | 4809 | 9328 | 1994 | 2021 |
12 | 732 | 1910 | 1997 | 2021 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
10 | 96 | 309 | 14 |
11 | 609 | 1142 | 12 |
12 | 149 | 409 | 29 |
VC10: Earliest: West High Down quarries, 12 Jul, 1 (IOu) Latest: Osborne Valley Walk, 09 May, 1 (IOu) Max count: Bonchurch, 22 Jun, 14 (JHa)
VC11: Earliest: Marchwood, 05 Jun, 1 (TDCh) Latest: Hayling Island, 04 Aug, 1 (STho) Max count: Fareham, 29 Oct, 12 (MLO)
VC12: Earliest: Cheriton, 10 Nov, 1 (DAS) Latest: Farnborough, 29 Oct, 2 (KBW) Max count: Farnborough, 09 May, 29 (KBW)
Local on moorland and heathland throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire rather infrequently recorded on the heaths of the New Forest and in the north-east of the county, but remaining extremely rare on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 23-25 mm. Large labial palps, with upward pointing tips, white costal streak and pair of small black discal spots; superficially similar to Sophronia semicostella, which lacks the two discal spots. Larva feeds on Bell Heather and Cross-leaved Heath, living within a silken web.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 3 | 2 | 1974 | 2007 |
11 | 114 | 161 | 1971 | 2021 |
12 | 19 | 42 | 1980 | 2020 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
VC11: Beaulieu Heath, NF, two, field observation, two flushed from heathland towards dusk, 04 Jun (WLan); Browndown, one, field observation, 04 Jul (IHrg)
Naturalised through accidental introduction in garden plants, south-western England. In 2006, a moth trap operated at a garden near Buryas Bridge, Cornwall, revealed an unfamiliar Oecophoridae species that was quite unfamiliar. The moth remained a mystery for some while, but in 2008 large numbers were caught in a Penzance trap and small numbers were also caught at Crows an Wra, four miles to the west. With the help of a number of experts in Britain and abroad, identification via dissection was confirmed. Subsequently a photograph has been traced of the moth in 2004; this appears to be the earliest recorded example. It has been recorded in some numbers at the original site annually since. The particular origins of British specimens may be a local garden and nursery where antipodean plants have been imported since the late 1800s.
In July 2014 Iain Outlaw trapped a mystery oecophorid in Parkhurst Forest, Isle of Wight. In order to confirm the species it was necessary to gen. det. a male specimen to compare with the reference specimen in BMNH; however, all examples retained each year were female, until finally in July 2017 two males were collected and proved to be this species. It seems to be well established in the area, and has possibly only recently arrived, with 2014 seeing one, 2015 two, 2016 five and a big jump to 26 in 2017.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 14 | 79 | 2014 | 2021 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
10 | 2 | 8 | 7 |
VC10: Parkhurst Forest, seven, 26 May; one, 02 Jul (IOu)