63.002 [B&F: 1368] Loxostege sticticalis (Linnaeus, 1761) - Migrant

Irregular immigrant to the British Isles from southern Europe, common in some years. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight most frequent on the coast, but very irregular in appearance, with a notable influx in 1995 when at least 12 were recorded. Most common in the south, where it is nearly annual, reports from the north are very rare, with only four to date: one in 2022 was the first for 21 years (five individuals were reported in VC12). Wingspan 24-29 mm. Most likely to be confused with the abundant Udea olivalis, but distinguished by the characteristic white terminal streak. Larva feeds on Mugwort, over-wintering as a pupa.

Record Details

VC12: Farnborough, one, first record for the garden, 01 Aug (KBW)

63.005 [B&F: 1365] Pyrausta despicata (Scopoli, 1763) - Common

Local, on sand-dunes, dry heathland, downland and open areas on chalk or limestone, throughout the British Isles. Widespread in Hampshire and Wight. Wingspan 14-19mm. Forewing more mottled and less clearly marked than in any other British Pyrausta species [Goater]. Flies both by day and night. Larva feeds on Ribwort and Greater Plantain, forming silken galleries.

Record Details

VC10: Freshwater Bay, one, 10 Jul (SDav);

VC11: Dibden Purlieu, one, 12 Aug (RAC); Brownwich Cliffs, Titchfield, one, 16 Aug (F.M.G.); Lee-on-Solent, one, 01 Sep; one, 07 Sep (IHrg); Fareham, two, 21 Aug (ADT); Portchester, one, 16 Aug; one, 20 Aug (DH-J); Portsdown, one, field obs., 26 Aug (DPH); Portsmouth, one, 18 Jul; one, 27 Jul; one, 10 Aug; one, 01 Sep (IRT); South Holt Farm, NF, two, 28 Aug (CGree det. OHen); Merritown Heath, present, 17 Aug (DFoo); Hurn, one, 26 Aug; one, 01 Sep (MJef); Christchurch: Cross Way, one, 06 Jul (LPyk); Hengistbury Head NNR, one, 26 Aug (HengistH det. MJef); one, 29 Aug (MJef);

VC12: Goodworth Clatford, one, 3 traps, 17 Aug (WLid, TJN, LFom det. TJN); Newton Stacey, one, 03 Jul (GCE); Morn Hill, Winchester, three, 17 Aug (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur); one, 18 Sep (CRB,PDF,DAS,CJP); Whitehill, Bordon, one, 29 Jul (ASto); Blacknest, Binstead, one, 13 Apr (MAng)

63.006 [B&F: 1361] Pyrausta aurata (Scopoli, 1763) - Common

Local, on chalk downland and open, grassy areas, discontinuously throughout much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, sometimes abundant on the downs, but also in gardens amongst cultivated mint. Wingspan 15-18mm. Flies by day and night. The main confusion species is P. purpuralis which is larger and occurs less frequently in gardens. P. aurata has fewer cream spots on the forewing and the spot near the dorsal edge is either absent or small and broken into three parts. P. purpuralis has a rounded leading edge to the dorsal cream spot. Note that the purple scales apparent when freshly emerged quickly wear off and leave just a brown appearance. Larva feeds on Mint, Marjoram and Thyme, living within a silken tube or tent.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, 04 May, 1 (MGT) Latest: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, 04 Sep, 1 (MGT) Max count: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, 01 Sep, 3 (MGT)

VC11: Earliest: Bevois Valley, Southampton, 06 May, 1 (MCrei) Latest: Waterlooville, 22 Sep, 1 (DWhe) Max count: Woolston, Southampton, 05 Aug, 16 (RZar)

VC12: Earliest: Hammer Vale, Woolmer, 15 Apr, 1 (ASwa) Latest: Windmill Hill, Chalton, 15 Sep, 1 (CJP) Max count: Stockbridge Down, 06 Aug, 30 (HVau)

63.007 [B&F: 1362] Pyrausta purpuralis (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Found on chalk downland and dry, grassy areas, throughout much of Britain favouring very short turf. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, locally common on the downs, and sometimes found in gardens where Thyme is grown. Wingspan 15-22mm. Flies by day and night. At first glance, confusable with P. aurata, from which distinguished by its larger size and the rounded leading edge to the dorsal cream spot on the forewing. The hindwing always has one or two yellow spots or short, broad streaks; this is best seen by viewing the underside of the moth. Also see the very similar P. ostrinalis for differences. Note that the purple scales apparent when freshly emerged quickly wear off and leave just a brown appearance. Larva feeds on Wild Thyme and Large Thyme and sometimes Corn Mint, living within a silken tube or tent.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Ningwood Common, 11 Jul, 0 (HMak) Latest: Little Duxmore, 11 Jul, 0 (HMak) Max count: Ningwood Common, 11 Jul, 0 (HMak)

VC11: Earliest: Broughton Down NNR, 04 May, 1 (BRob) Latest: Waterlooville, 08 Sep, 1 (DWhe) Max count: Curdridge, 12 Aug, 4 (CGree)

VC12: Earliest: Tidgrove Warren,nr Overton, 10 May, 1 (ACB) Latest: Anna Valley, Andover, 03 Sep, 1 (TJN) Max count: Morn Hill, Winchester, 18 Jul, 9 (CRB,DAS,PDF,LHur)

63.009 [B&F: 1366] Pyrausta nigrata (Scopoli, 1763) - Local

Local, on chalk downland and limestone pavements, throughout much of southern England and in the Lake District. In Hampshire found locally on the downs. On the Isle of Wight, recorded only occasionally in recent years after an absence of over a century. Wingspan 14-17mm. Identified by the combination of black wings with white fringes and angled cross-lines. Larva feeds on Wild Thyme, Wild Marjoram and Corn Mint, living between leaves spun together with silk, over-wintering as a pupa

Record Details

VC11: Broughton Down HIWWT NR, present, field obs., , 13 Jul; one, field obs., 13 Jul (SRC); Stockbridge Down, one, field obs., 07 May (NRJ); Yew Hill LNR, Winchester, one, field obs., 15 May (SEG); three, 26 Jul (TSto); Butser Hill, one, field obs., 03 Jun (AMD);

VC12: Morn Hill, Winchester, five, field obs., 14 Jul (DAS)

63.013 [B&F: 1387] Nascia cilialis (Hübner, 1796) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) in marshes and fens and along freshwater margins in the Cambridgeshire fens and, very locally, in Hampshire. In Hampshire still regular in and around Titchfield Haven, with occasional wanderers elsewhere; recently found in the Afton Marsh area of the Isle of Wight and undoubtedly now resident there. Wingspan 24-27 mm. An easily recognised species, though it could conceivably be confused with the scarce immigrant Antigastra catalaunalis [Goater]. Larva feeds on Greater Pond-sedge

Record Details

VC11: Fishlake Meadows, one, 12 Aug (NRJ); Highbridge, Eastleigh, one, 25 Jun (SIng)

63.014 [B&F: 1370] Sitochroa palealis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Local

Local on heathland, downland, waste ground and cliff-tops throughout much of southern England and East Anglia. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight an immigrant which has become established; since 1990, singletons have been seen regularly, and breeding colonies are established, perhaps temporarily, in several localities on the coast and across the chalk downland. Wingspan 29-34 mm. Fairly unmistakable: pale sulphur-yellow when fresh, fading whiter with age, but always with prominent veins. Larva feeds on flowers and seeds of Fennel, Wild Carrot, Pepper-saxifrage, Hogweed and other umbellifers.

Record Details

VC11: Peartree Green LNR, Southampton, two, field obs., 31 Jul (NBur); Cams Bay, Fareham, larva, three, field obs., in Wild Carrot seedheads, 08 Sep (AMD); Northney, Hayling Island, present, 31 Jul (JWP);

VC12: #REF!#REF!Selborne, one, 26 Jul (CJP)

63.016 [B&F: 1386] Anania fuscalis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Local

Local in open woodland, moorland and damp meadows throughout much of Britain. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight locally common on downland amongst Yellow Rattle and less so in acid woodland where the foodplant is Common Cow-wheat, and occasional elsewhere. Wingspan 20-26 mm. The most likely confusion species is Algedonia terrealis, which see for differences. Larva feeds on Yellow-rattle and Common Cow-wheat.

Record Details

VC10: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, one, 12 Jun (MGT);

VC11: Yew Hill NR, one, field obs., 15 May (SEG);

VC12: Leckford, one, field obs., 20 May; Leckford Old Golf Course, 35, field obs., 20 May; 20, field obs., 20 May (GCE); Stockbridge Down, one, 07 Jun (MEdg); Magdalen Hill Down NNR, one, field obs., disturbed and netted. , 10 Jun (RJD); Magdalen Hill Down NR, four, field obs., 12 May (DAS); one, 23 Jun (AMD); Magdalen Hill Down NNR, one, field obs., 02 Jun (DAS); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 27 Aug (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur); Inhams Copse, Pamber, one, 01 Jul (GJD)

63.017 [B&F: 1377] Anania lancealis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Common

Common in damp woodland and fens throughout southern England and Wales. Widely distributed and relatively common throughout Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 30-34 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on Hemp-agrimony, Hedge Woundwort and Greater Water-parsnip.

Record Details

VC10: Parkhurst, one, 19 Jul (TJN, IMer, DCoo, LFom); Whitwell Road, Ventnor, one, 29 Jun (MGT); Bonchurch, one, 03 Jun (JHa); Luccombe, one, 25 Jun (JWai); Osborne Wood, two, 01 Jul (IOu);

VC11: Linford Bottom, one, 05 Aug (CLew); Romsey, one, 18 Jul (MJB); one, 23 Jun; one, 10 Jul (NRJ); Winchester, one, first record of the year., 24 Jun; one, 12 Jul; one, 19 Jul (THW); Funtley, one, 01 Jul (TDC); Waterlooville, one, 02 Jun; one, 23 Jun (DWhe); Stroud, Petersfield, one, 26 Jun (RAll); Merritown Heath, one, 29 Jun (DFoo);

VC12: Cholderton, one, 26 Jul (TJN); Testside Lakes, Leckford, two, 19 Jul; Chilbolton, one, 16 Jul; Goodworth Clatford, two, 14 Jul (GCE); Magdalen Hill Down NR, one, 23 Jun (AMD); Morn Hill, Winchester, two, 29 Jun (CRB,DAS,PDF); one, 18 Jul (CRB,DAS,PDF,LHur); Pamber Forest, one, 24 Jun; Inhams Copse, Pamber, one, 01 Jul (GJD); Selborne, three, 26 Jul (CJP); Whitehill, Bordon, one, 26 Jun (ASto); Bentley Station Meadow, one, 23 Jul (NDP, KBW); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 20 Jul; two, 22 Jul (ASwa)

63.018 [B&F: 1378] Anania coronata (Hufnagel, 1767) - Common

Common on rough ground and in gardens throughout England, Wales and Ireland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight common wherever elder flourishes, and occasionally recorded away from the foodplant. Wingspan 23-26mm. The main confusion species is the far rarer P. stachydalis, which differs, for example, in the distinctly irregular distal edge of the large white spots on the hindwing and forewing — in P. coronata these white spots are neatly delineated and circular — and the slightly falcate wing-tip of P. stachydalis. Larva feeds on Elder, living within a spun or rolled leaf.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Speedwell, Cranmore, NF, 18 Jun, 1 (AMD) Latest: Shanklin, 31 Jul, 1 (IOu) Max count: Osborne Wood, 01 Jul, 2 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Sway, NF, 04 Jun, 1 (DMui) Latest: Lee-on-Solent, 01 Sep, 1 (IHrg) Max count: Lovedean, 29 Jul, 7 (ARJa)

VC12: Earliest: North Waltham, 03 Jun, 1 (AJon) Latest: Kings Furlong, Basingstoke, 11 Aug, 2 (DJJ) Max count: Morn Hill, Winchester, 18 Jul, 7 (CRB,DAS,PDF,LHur)

63.019 [B&F: 1384] Anania stachydalis (Zincken, 1821) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) in farmland and rough ground in parts of southern England and southern Wales. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight very erratic in appearance, with two in 1973 and 1997, but only three others between 1974 and 2008. Wingspan 23-25 mm. The most likely confusion species is P. coronata, from which distinguished by the blunter forewing, the white spots distal to postmedian line of regular size, not enlarged towards costa as a divided blotch and, in the hindwing, absence of the white blotch between the central one and costa, and the remainder bisected by dark veins [Goater]. Larva feeds on Hedge Woundwort, living within a spun or rolled leaf.

Record Details

VC10: Osborne Wood, one, 01 Jul (IOu)

63.020 [B&F: 1380] Anania perlucidalis (Hübner, [1809]) - Common

A species of fens and reed-beds, damp meadows and wasteground. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, first recorded in the county in 1973, but not seen again until 1988. Since then, it has become established and is evidently spreading, though still at low density; most commonly found in the Test valley above Stockbridge, with scattered records elsewhere. Wingspan 21-23 mm. Prominent dark discal spot precludes confusion with any other species [Goater]. Larva feeds on Thistle Carduus/Cirsium.

Record Details

VC11: Houghton, one, field obs., 28 Aug (GCE); Lee-on-Solent, one, 01 Sep (IHrg); Botley, one, 25 Jun (SLB);

VC12: Wherwell, two, photograph taken. Photograph taken., 16 Jun; Bullington, one, 29 Jun (GCE); Fleet Pond: Fugelmere Marsh, two, 04 Jul (MHals)

Botley
24/06/2024
to actinic
Sue Bailey
Photo © Sue Bailey

63.022 [B&F: 1385] Anania crocealis (Hübner, 1796) - Local

Local in water meadows, marshes, river-banks and damp areas throughout much of England and Wales. The most likely confusion species is Udea lutealis, in which the cross-lines are more intricately sinuate, the stigmata are larger and clearly outlined, and there is a dark cloud in apex of hindwing [Goater]. Could also be mistaken for the extremely rare Paracorsia repandalis. Wingspan 22-25 mm. Larva feeds on Common Fleabane and Ploughman's-spikenard, living between leaves spun together with silk.

Record Details

VC10: Ningwood Common, present, 07 Jun; present, 25 Jun; present, 07 Jun; present, 17 Jun (HMak); Newtown, one, photo 63.022-10-26Jun24-1., 26 Jun (PBard); Little Duxmore, present, 30 May; present, 03 Jun; present, 18 Jun (HMak);

VC11: North Baddesley, one, 23 Aug (RWPas); Mottisfont, present, 07 Aug (TSto); Itchen Valley CP, one, 19 Jul (CTha); Stubbington, one, 25 Jun (DPH); Funtley, one, 19 Jun; one, 25 Jun; one, 11 Jul; two, 30 Jul; one, 12 Aug; one, 26 Aug; two, 01 Sep (TDC); Pigeon House Coppice, Boarhunt, one, 12 Jul (F.M.G.); Botley, one, 25 Jun; one, 09 Jun; one, 21 Jun; two, 13 Aug; one, 14 Aug; one, 18 Aug; two, 22 Aug; one, 30 Aug (SLB); Wickham, two, 29 Jul; one, 30 Jul (JRDS); Waterlooville, one, 22 Aug; one, 27 Aug (DWhe); West Walk, one, 23 Aug (F.M.G.); South Holt Farm, NF, one, 28 Aug (CGree det. OHen); Sway, one, 30 Jul; one, 27 Aug (SKee);

VC12: Leckford Estate, one, 19 Jul; Wherwell, one, 22 Jul (GCE); Anna Valley, Andover, one, 23 Jul (TJN); Wherwell, one, 28 Jul (GCE)

63.023 [B&F: 1382] Anania verbascalis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) in open areas where the foodplant grows, such as heaths and shingle beaches, in parts of southern England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight chiefly confined to the New Forest and the coast, and distinctly uncommon in northern Hampshire. Wingspan 22-26 mm. The species has a characteristic bronze coloration which readily distinguishes it [Goater]. Larva feeds on Wood Sage.

Record Details

VC10: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, one, 01 Sep (MGT); Bonchurch, one, trapped n/o 31 July (JH/MH), 01 Aug (IOu);

VC11: Burley, NF, present, field obs., 14 Jul (ASho); Portsmouth, one, 14 Jul (IRT); Merritown Heath, one, 29 Jun (DFoo)

63.025 [B&F: 1376] Small Magpie Anania hortulata (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common wherever there are nettles, throughout southern England and locally in northern England and southern Scotland. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 33-35 mm. One of the most distinctive and easily recognised British species of micro-moth. Larva feeds on both perennial and annual species of nettle, Stinging Nettle and Small Nettle.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Bonchurch, 02 Jun, 1 (JHa) Latest: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, 02 Aug, 1 (MGT) Max count: Shanklin, 23 Jul, 7 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Fareham, 09 Apr, 0 (ABart) Latest: Burton, nr Christchurch, 13 Aug, 1 (JStw) Max count: Blashford Lakes HIWWT NR, 22 Jun, 3 (PWhtk)

VC12: Earliest: Farnham, 15 Mar, 0 (Bird) Latest: Goodworth Clatford, 03 Aug, 1 (WLid, TJN, LFom) Max count: Newton Stacey, 03 Jul, 5 (GCE)

63.028 [B&F: 1375] European Corn-borer Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner, 1796) - Local

Local on waste ground in south-east England, formerly a rare immigrant, subsequently becoming established in the Thames Valley and around Portsmouth, and now found throughout much of southern England. Widespread and fairly common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 29-37 mm. Male is unmistakable; female can be confused with Sitochroa verticalis, but in that species the second line on forewing is evenly curved, not angled below half-way. Larva feeds in Britain on Mugwort, on the continent it is often a serious pest of Maize.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Haseley Manor, 16 Jun, 1 (IOu) Latest: Freshwater Bay, 19 Sep, 1 (SDav) Max count: Freshwater, 30 Jun, 14 (PBard)

VC11: Earliest: Lisle Court, Lymington, 04 Jun, 0 (JJL) Latest: Funtley, 22 Sep, 1 (TDC) Max count: Brownwich Cliffs, Titchfield, 06 Sep, 14 (F.M.G.)

VC12: Earliest: Morn Hill, Winchester, 18 Jun, 1 (CRB,DAS,LHur,PDF) Latest: Great Haughurst Copse, Axmansford, 15 Oct, 1 (ACB) Max count: Morn Hill, Winchester, 18 Jul, 19 (CRB,DAS,PDF,LHur)

63.030 [B&F: 1374] Paratalanta hyalinalis (Hübner, 1796) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) on chalk downland and in woodland clearings in parts of southern England. In Hampshire widespread across the chalk in the north of the county, and occasionally numerous, as at Micheldever Spoil Heaps in 2005 and Danebury in 1999, but distinctly uncommon in the south and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 28-35 mm. The most likely confusion species is Sitochroa verticalis, from which distinguished by the characteristic shape of the cross-lines. Larva feeds on Common Knapweed, Great Mullein and Stinging Nettle.

Record Details

VC11: Broughton Down, one, 01 Jul (AMD);

VC12: Cholderton, one, 26 Jul (TJN)