63.062 [B&F: 1332] Scoparia subfusca Haworth, 1811 - Common

Common in woodland edges, gardens and rough ground throughout much of Britain. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common, but like its congeners either ignored or unidentified and so under-recorded. Wingspan 20-27 mm. One of the larger Scopariinae, and usually easy to recognise by the rather uniform light brownish grey colour, simple markings and lack of distinct subterminal line [Goater]. Larva feeds on roots of Oxtongue, Colt's-foot and Butterbur.

Record Details

VC10: Totland, one, gen. Det. Male, 11 Aug; one, 14 Aug (AiSmi);

VC11: Marchwood, one, field obs., 01 Jul (TDCh); Romsey, one, 23 Jul (MJB);

VC12: Wherwell, one, 26 Aug; Leckford Estate, one, 19 Jul; Wherwell, one, 26 Aug; one, photograph taken., 22 Jul; one, 11 Aug; one, 11 Aug (GCE); Goodworth Clatford, one, 3 traps, 03 Aug (WLid, TJN, LFom det. TJN)

63.063 [B&F: 1334a] Scoparia basistrigalis Knaggs, 1866 - Local

Local in deciduous woodland throughout England, less numerous in the north. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight much less common than S. ambigualis, but reported widely across the region. Wingspan 20-23 mm. This species is usually easy to recognise though some individuals are very close indeed to S. ambigualis; in general, S. basistrigalis is a little larger, broader-winged, with apex of forewing blunter, greyer, without ochreous hue, more heavily irrorate blackish and with fringe more strongly chequered [Goater]. Larva feeds on various mosses.

Record Details

VC10: Freshwater, one, gen Det. Photo 63.063-10-29Jun24-1 (Genitalia only)., 29 Jun (PBard); Speedwell, Cranmore, NF, present, several, 18 Jun (AMD); Parkhurst Forest, one, gen Det. Photo 63.063-10-3Jul24-1 (Genitalia only)., 03 Jul (PBard); Shanklin, one, 30 Jul; one, 29 Jul; eight, 30 Jul; Osborne Wood, 10, 01 Jul (IOu);

VC11: East Tytherley, one, 27 Jul (GCE); Mottisfont, one, 26 Jun (TSto); Romsey, two, 01 Jul; one, 26 Jul (MJB); one, 15 Jun; one, 07 Jul (NRJ); Winter Down Copse, Little Somborne, two, photograph taken., 27 Jun; one, 27 Jun; two, 27 Jun; one, photograph taken., 27 Jun (GCE); Itchen Valley C.P., one, 19 Jul (F.M.G.); Thornhill, Southampton, one, 18 Jul (PAB); Allbrook, one, 10 Jul; one, 11 Jul (SIng); Funtley, one, 03 Jul; two, 11 Jul (TDC); Fareham, one, 09 Jun (ADT); one, 24 Jun; one, 25 Jun; two, 26 Jun; one, 11 Jul (MLO); Pigeon House Coppice, Boarhunt, two, 12 Jul (F.M.G.); Botley, one, 11 Aug; one, 30 Jul (SLB); Biddenfield, two, 04 Jul (CGree det. LLay); Upham, two, 15 Jun (F.M.G.); Portchester, one, 10 Jul (CEH, JGS); one, 30 Jun (DH-J); Waterlooville, one, 23 Jun; one, 25 Jun; one, 30 Jun; one, 04 Jul; four, 10 Jul; one, 30 Jul (DWhe); Sway, one, 11 Jul (SKee);

VC12: Cholderton, one, 24 Oct (TJN det. BEll); Wherwell, one, 22 Jul; Barton Stacey, three, photograph taken., 29 Jun; one, 29 Jun (GCE); Basingstoke: Crabtree Plantation, one, 24 Jul (SRae det. BGD); one, male, gen. det. Ben Dale, 24 Jul (BGD); Pamber Forest, three, 24 Jun; Inhams Copse, Pamber, one, 14 May; 10, 26 Jun; eight, 01 Jul; five, 16 Jul; one, 24 Jul (GJD); East Worldham, present, field obs., 29 Jun (RAng); Lower Froyle, two, 19 Jul (BPC det. MJW);

63.064 [B&F: 1334] Scoparia ambigualis (Treitschke, 1829) - Common

Common in deciduous woodland and on moorland throughout Britain. Widespread and very common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 15-22 mm. Most likely to be confused with S. basistrigalis and S. ancipitella, which see, and Eudonia truncicolella, which has darker markings and no ochreous wash. Larva feeds on various mosses.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Shanklin, 29 May, 1 (IOu) Latest: Totland, 11 Aug, 1 (AiSmi) Max count: Freshwater, 30 Jun, 2 (PBard)

VC11: Earliest: Romsey, 30 Apr, 1 (MJB) Latest: West Walk, 11 Oct, 3 (F.M.G.) Max count: Southleigh Forest, 16 May, 24 (CGree)

VC12: Earliest: Morn Hill, Winchester, 03 May, 4 (CRB,DAS,PDF) Latest: Chilbolton, 04 Nov, 1 (GCE) Max count: Magdalen Hill Down NR, 12 May, 14 (AMD)

63.066 [B&F: 1333] Scoparia pyralella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Common

Common on chalk downland and waste ground throughout much of Britain, less numerous in Scotland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common. Wingspan 17-20 mm. Although this is a variable species, it is usually easy to recognise by the rather short, broad wings, contrasting pattern and the distinctly ochreous rather than grey hue [Goater]. Despite most published literature stating that the larva feeds on various mosses and decaying vegetable matter, Bob Heckford (pers comm) has said that there is no confirmed record of the larva feeding on any moss species that he is aware of. In fact he and Stella Beavan may be the only people alive in Britain who have found the larva, feeding on dead leaves of Plantago lanceolata.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, 02 Jun, 1 (MGT) Latest: Freshwater Bay, 01 Jul, 1 (PBard) Max count: Freshwater Bay, 23 Jun, 5 (PBard)

VC11: Earliest: Broughton, 12 May, 0 (TSto) Latest: Dibden Purlieu, 05 Aug, 1 (RAC) Max count: Old Winchester Hill, 31 May, 18 (F.M.G.)

VC12: Earliest: Magdalen Hill Down NR, 12 May, 0 (AMD) Latest: Lower Froyle, 19 Jul, 1 (BPC) Max count: Stockbridge Down, 07 Jun, 17 (MEdg)

63.067 [B&F: 1338] Eudonia lacustrata (Panzer, 1804) - Common

Common in a wide range of habitats throughout most of Britain, south of the Scottish Highlands. Common across much of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 16-18 mm. Similar to Eudonia mercurella, but that species has slightly narrower, more pointed forewing, is usually darker coloured, and subterminal line is not interrupted [Goater]. Larva feeds on various mosses, often on walls and tree trunks.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Speedwell, Cranmore, NF, 18 Jun, 0 (AMD) Latest: Shanklin, 17 Aug, 1 (IOu) Max count: Shanklin, 29 Jul, 22 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Horndean, 03 May, 2 (PHog) Latest: Old Winchester Hill, 30 Aug, 2 (F.M.G.) Max count: Christchurch: Cross Way, 26 Jun, 13 (LPyk)

VC12: Earliest: Inhams Copse, Pamber, 28 May, 1 (GJD) Latest: Hammer Vale, Woolmer, 23 Aug, 1 (ASwa) Max count: Basingstoke, 27 Jun, 22 (MJW)

63.069 [B&F: 1342] Eudonia angustea (Curtis, 1827) - Common

Historically associated with coastal sand-dunes and rough ground throughout the British Isles, this species in recent decades has been increasingly common inland. This picture is mirrored in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight and it is generally regular to traps across the two counties, and is the only scopariid to be seen in winter. Wingspan 17-22 mm. Easily recognised by the narrow, pointed, brown-tinted forewing [Goater]. Larva feeds on various mosses, often on walls and sand dunes.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Bonchurch, 23 Jan, 1 (JHa) Latest: Shanklin, 23 Oct, 1 (IOu) Max count: Shanklin, 12 May, 7 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Sway, 10 Feb, 1 (SKee) Latest: Weston, Southampton, 13 Nov, 0 (PPir) Max count: Hengistbury Head NNR, 15 May, 7 (MJef)

VC12: Earliest: Whitehill, Bordon, 15 Feb, 1 (ASto) Latest: Alton, 09 Nov, 1 (DBO) Max count: Pamber Forest, 16 Oct, 4 (GJD)

63.071 [B&F: 1341] Eudonia lineola (Curtis, 1827) - Nationally Scarce B

A species with a widespread though generally coastal distribution, this species is however quite local and relatively uncommon, favouring the coastal counties of eastern and southern Britain, Guernsey and the Burren. Compared to other 'Scoparia', it is a quite well-marked moth, having contrasting black and white markings, sprinkled with a subtle greenish-brown tone. Recorded very infrequently in the Isle of Wight, and recorded for the first time in Watsonian Hampshire (VC11) at Hengistbury Head (politically in the county of Dorset), in 2024, where it is probably resident. Wingspan 18-20 mm. Larva feeds on various lichens.

Record Details

VC10: Freshwater Bay, four, photo 63.071-10-23Jun24-1., 23 Jun; three, two males dissected. Photo 63.071-10 25Jun24-1 (Genitalia only. Both on the same slide)., 25 Jun; Compton Down, one, 23 Jun; three, 2m & 1f Gen confirmed. Photo 63.071-10-30Jun24-1 (Female genitalia only), 2 & 3 (Males. Dead adults & Genitalia), 30 Jun (PBard);

VC11: Hengistbury Head NNR, one, 11 Jul (BKin det. MJef); two, 12 Jul (RPH); four, 13 Jul (HengistH det. MJef)

63.072 [B&F: 1343] Eudonia delunella (Stainton, 1849) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) on heathland and in woodland in parts of the British Isles. In Hampshire rather frequent on the coast, but very local inland except on the New Forest heaths. There have been no recent records from the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 17-18mm. An easily-recognised species with strongly contrasted black-and-white pattern and prominent discal blotch [Goater]. Larva feeds on various mosses and lichens, often on tree trunks.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Parkhurst Forest, 03 Jul, 1 (PBard) Latest: Parkhurst, 19 Jul, 1 (TJN, IMer, DCoo, LFom) Max count: Parkhurst, 19 Jul, 1 (TJN, IMer, DCoo, LFom)

VC11: Earliest: Romsey, 20 May, 1 (MJB) Latest: Sway, 01 Aug, 1 (SKee) Max count: Allbrook, 07 Jun, 9 (SIng)

VC12: Earliest: Cole Henley, 25 Jun, 3 (GCE) Latest: Hammer Vale, Woolmer, 26 Jun, 1 (ASwa) Max count: Cole Henley, 25 Jun, 3 (GCE)

63.073 [B&F: 1340] Eudonia truncicolella (Stainton, 1849) - Common

Common in a wide variety of habitats, including woodland and gardens, throughout Britain. Wingspan 18-23 mm. Very difficult to distinguish from E. murana, a very much rarer species which has, to 2008, yet to be recorded reliably in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight, but which has a less markedly zigzag postmedian line; can also be confused with Scoparia ambigualis, which see. Larva feeds on various mosses.

Record Details

VC10: Shanklin, five, 30 Jul; three, 30 Jul (IOu);

VC11: Blashford Lakes HIWWT NR, one, 10 Aug; one, 31 Aug (PWhtk); North Baddesley, one, 26 Jun (RWPas); Romsey, one, 01 Jul (MJB); one, 09 Aug (NRJ); Merritown Heath, present, 17 Aug (DFoo); Hurn, one, 31 Jul; one, 11 Aug; one, 18 Aug; one, 29 Aug (MJef);

VC12: Inhams Copse, Pamber, one, 12 Aug; one, 28 Aug; one, 01 Sep (GJD); Bentley Station Meadow, three, 23 Jul (NDP, KBW); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 01 Aug; one, 05 Aug; one, 23 Aug (ASwa); Farnborough, one, 25 Aug (KBW);

63.074 [B&F: 1344] Eudonia mercurella (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common in a wide range of habitats, including woodland and gardens, throughout Britain. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 16-19 mm. Distinguished from other Scopariinae by the generally dark forewings and X-shaped configuration of cross-lines which occupies the whole of the subterminal region [Goater]. Larva feeds on various mosses, often on walls and tree trunks.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Ningwood Common, 25 Jun, 0 (HMak) Latest: Shanklin, 30 Jul, 2 (IOu) Max count: Osborne Wood, 28 Jul, 4 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: North Baddesley, 11 May, 1 (RWPas) Latest: Romsey, 01 Sep, 1 (SRC) Max count: Linford Bottom, 05 Aug, 10 (CLew)

VC12: Earliest: Hammer Vale, Woolmer, 03 Jun, 1 (ASwa) Latest: East Worldham, 04 Sep, 0 (RAng) Max count: Goodworth Clatford, 20 Jun, 25 (GCE)

63.075 [B&F: 1336] Eudonia pallida (Curtis, 1827) - Local

Local in marshes, river-banks and damp areas throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common. Wingspan 17-19 mm. One of the smallest British scopariines, easily recognised by the weak markings, pale coloration, and small, blackish stigmata [Goater]. Larva feeds on various mosses.

Record Details

VC10: Freshwater Bay, one, 12 Jul; one, 01 Aug (SDav); Little Duxmore, present, 03 Jun (HMak); Shanklin, one, 01 Sep; one, 03 Sep (IOu);

VC11: East Tytherley, one, 07 Jun; one, 27 Jul (GCE); Marchwood, one, 19 Jul (TDCh); Romsey, four, 01 Sep (MJB); two, 26 Aug (NRJ); Winter Down Copse, Little Somborne, one, 18 May (GCE); Allbrook, one, 02 Sep (SIng); Brownwich Cliffs, Titchfield, one, 06 Sep; Titchfield Haven NNR, four, 13 Sep (F.M.G.); Funtley, one, 26 May; two, 03 Jun; one, 12 Aug; one, 26 Aug; two, 01 Sep (TDC); Lee-on-Solent, one, 31 Aug; one, 07 Sep (IHrg); Botley, two, 18 Aug; one, 03 Sep; five, 01 Sep; one, 03 Sep (SLB); Portchester, two, 27 Aug; two, 28 Aug (CEH, JGS); Horsea Island, one, 24 May (F.M.G.); Waterlooville, one, 08 Sep (DWhe); Merritown Heath, present, 17 Aug (DFoo); Christchurch: Cross Way, one, 04 Jun; one, 05 Jun (LPyk); Hengistbury Head NNR, one, 01 Aug (HengistH det. MJef); one, 09 Aug (BKin det. MJef); two, 27 Aug (HengistH det. MJef); one, 29 Aug; Hengistbury Head, one, 30 Jul; Stanpit Marsh LNR, one, 13 Aug (MJef); Burton, nr Christchurch, one, 27 Aug (JStw);

VC12: Leckford Estate, two, 02 Sep; Wherwell, three, 11 Aug; five, 11 Aug; one, 11 Aug; four, 11 Aug; one, 11 Aug (GCE); Anna Valley, Andover, one, 01 Sep (TJN); Goodworth Clatford, one, 22 Jun (GCE); one, 3 traps, 17 Aug (WLid, TJN, LFom det. TJN); Tangley, one, 03 Sep; Crawley, one, 19 Jun; Barton Stacey, one, 30 Aug (GCE); Morn Hill, Winchester, four, 27 Aug (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur); North Waltham, one, 15 Sep; one, 22 Oct (AJon); Basingstoke, one, 18 Jul; one, 28 Aug (MJW); Inhams Copse, Pamber, one, 31 Jul; one, 28 Aug; three, 01 Sep; one, 07 Oct (GJD); Chawton, one, 05 Sep (DAS); East Worldham, one, field obs., 10 Sep (RAng); present, 10 Sep (EPil); Bentley Station Meadow, one, 18 Sep (NDP, KBW); Farnborough, eight, 01 Sep; one, 03 Sep (KBW);