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.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Bonchurch, 30 Mar, 1 (JHa) Latest: Shanklin, 01 Dec, 1 (IOu) Max count: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, 10 Nov, 64 (MGT)

VC11: Earliest: Waterlooville, 21 Jan, 1 (DWhe) Latest: Lepe CP, 30 Dec, 1 (RAC) Max count: Christchurch: Cross Way, 15 Oct, 12 (LPyk)

VC12: Earliest: Chilbolton, 08 May, 1 (GCE) Latest: Anna Valley, Andover, 30 Nov, 1 (TJN) Max count: North Waltham, 22 Oct, 8 (AJon)

Basingstoke
17/10/2024
to MV
Mike Wall
Photo © Mike Wall

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.

Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: New Milton, 17 Jun, 5 (SKee) Latest: Sholing, 01 Sep, 2 (ARC) Max count: Christchurch: Cross Way, 30 Jul, 10 (LPyk)

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.

Record Details

VC11: Broughton Down HIWWT NR, six, field obs., 13 Jul (SRC); Dean, Bishop's Waltham, present, 01 Aug (CMor)

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

Record Details

VC10: Shanklin, one, 30 Jul (IOu);

VC11: Marchwood, one, 23 Jun; Lee, one, 13 Jul (CTha); Romsey, one, 30 Jul (NRJ); Winter Down Copse, Little Somborne, one, 17 Jul; one, 27 Jun (GCE); Itchen Valley CP, one, 19 Jul (CTha); Itchen Valley C.P., two, 19 Jul (F.M.G.); Bunstead, nr Winchester, present, field obs., , 27 Jun (iNat); Funtley, two, 20 Jul; one, 01 Aug (TDC); Lee-on-Solent, one, 25 Jun; one, 26 Jun; one, 30 Jun (IHrg); Fareham, one, 11 Jun; one, 27 Jun; one, 01 Jul; one, 17 Jul; one, 22 Jul (ADT); Botley, one, 18 Jul (SLB); Portsmouth, one, 25 Jun; one, 26 Jun (IRT); Waterlooville, one, 28 Jun; one, 10 Jul (DWhe); Lovedean, one, 07 Jun; one, 11 Jun; one, 25 Jun; one, 26 Jun; one, 09 Jul; one, 11 Jul; one, 13 Jul; one, 14 Jul; one, 23 Jul; one, 30 Jul (ARJa); Havant, one, 25 Jun (EJac); Sway, one, 10 Jul; one, 21 Jul (SKee);

VC12: Cholderton, two, 26 Jul (TJN); Wherwell, one, photograph taken., 22 Jul; Goodworth Clatford, one, 14 Jul; Wonston, one, photograph taken., 24 Jun; Cole Henley, one, 25 Jun (GCE); Great Haughurst Copse, Axmansford, one, 02 Jul (ACB); Basingstoke, one, 22 Jun; two, 27 Jun; one, 19 Jul (MJW); Inhams Copse, Pamber, one, 24 Jul; two, 31 Jul (GJD); Chawton, two, 04 Jul (DAS); Bentley Station Meadow, two, 04 Jul (NDP, KBW); Farnborough, one, 18 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.

Record Details

VC11: Mottisfont, two, 08 Jun; one, 16 Jun; one, 18 Jun; one, 24 Jun; one, 04 Jul (TSto); Winter Down Copse, Little Somborne, one, 27 Jun (GCE); Allbrook, two, 03 Jun (SIng); Winchester, one, first record of the year., 26 May; one, 31 May; two, 03 Jun; two, 24 Jun (THW); Pigeon House Coppice, Boarhunt, one, 12 Jul (F.M.G.); Dean, Bishop's Waltham, present, 30 May; present, 04 Jun; present, 10 Jun (CMor); Wickham, two, 25 Jun; one, 27 Jun (JRDS); Upham, three, 15 Jun (F.M.G.); Waterlooville, one, 23 Jun; one, 25 Jun (DWhe); Lovedean, one, 16 Jun; one, 20 Jun (ARJa); Old Winchester Hill, three, 31 May (F.M.G.); Horndean, one, 03 Jun (PHog); Stroud, Petersfield, one, 18 Jun; one, 23 Jun; one, 26 Jun (RAll);

VC12: Broughton, one, 18 Jun; two, 18 Jun; Wherwell, two, 22 Jun; one, 16 Jun (GCE); Anna Valley, Andover, one, 25 Jun (TJN); Wherwell, four, 16 Jun (GCE); Goodworth Clatford, four, 3 traps, 15 Jun; one, 3 traps, 03 Aug (WLid, TJN, LFom det. TJN); Wherwell, one, 16 Jun; one, 16 Jun; Goodworth Clatford, one, 20 Jun (GCE); St Giles Cemetery, Winchester, one, 29 Jun (PAB); Barton Stacey, one, 11 Jun; two, 11 Jun; one, 11 Jun; two, 11 Jun; two, 11 Jun; two, 11 Jun; Wonston, one, 24 Jun; two, 24 Jun; one, 24 Jun; Barton Stacey, one, 11 Jun; Cole Henley, one, 25 Jun; one, 25 Jun; one, 25 Jun; one, 25 Jun; one, 25 Jun; one, 25 Jun (GCE); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 01 Jun; three, 18 Jun (CRB,DAS,LHur,PDF); two, 22 Jun; one, 29 Jun (CRB,DAS,PDF); North Waltham, two, 29 May; one, 02 Jun; one, 06 Jun; one, 25 Jun (AJon); Basingstoke, one, 27 Jun (MJW); Oakridge, Basingstoke, one, 03 Jun (IFS); Inhams Copse, Pamber, one, 26 Jun (GJD); Alton, one, 23 Jun (DBO); Chawton, one, 04 Jul (DAS); Windmill Hill, Chalton, one, 03 Jun; Selborne, one, 18 Jun; one, 18 Jun (CJP); East Worldham, present, field obs., , 19 May (EPil); present, field obs., 03 Jun (RAng)

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.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Ningwood Common, 25 Jun, 0 (HMak) Latest: Shanklin, 03 Sep, 5 (IOu) Max count: Shanklin, 01 Aug, 26 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Titchfield Common, 17 May, 1 (F.M.G.) Latest: Dibden Purlieu, 01 Oct, 1 (RAC) Max count: Lovedean, 30 Jul, 21 (ARJa)

VC12: Earliest: Morn Hill, Winchester, 22 Jun, 1 (CRB,DAS,PDF) Latest: Anna Valley, Andover, 15 Sep, 1 (TJN) Max count: Morn Hill, Winchester, 18 Jul, 24 (CRB,DAS,PDF,LHur)

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.

Record Details

VC10: Freshwater Bay, one, 01 Aug (SDav);

VC11: Broughton Down NNR, four, field obs., 14 Jul; Broughton Down, four, field obs., 14 Jul (BRob); one, 01 Jul (AMD); Broughton Down NNR, two, field obs., 14 Jul (BRob); Romsey, one, 23 Jul (MJB); Christchurch, one, 19 Jul (APard);

VC12: Perham Down, Tidworth, one, field obs., 18 Aug (IPer); Anna Valley, Andover, two, 10 Aug (TJN); Kings Furlong, Basingstoke, one, 31 Jul (DJJ)

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.

Record Details

VC10: Tennyson Down, larval feeding signs, present, field obs., mines/ feeding damage on Wild Madder., 06 Dec (MGT); Freshwater Bay, one, 12 Jul (SDav); one, 23 Jun (PBard); Rofford Marsh, vacated mine, present, mines in Rubia peregrina, 01 Jan (IOu); Ventnor, larval feeding signs, present, field obs., 07 Dec (MGT); Bonchurch, one, 07 May; one, 12 Jun; one, 18 Jun; one, 19 Jun (JHa); Shanklin, one, 09 Oct (IOu)

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; remarkably far inland, one turned up in Alton (VC12) in 2023. Wingspan 20-24 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on Hornbeam and Hazel.

Record Details

VC10: Shanklin, one, 30 Jul; Osborne Wood, three, 01 Jul (IOu)

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.

Record Details

VC11: Swaythling, Southampton, one, 11 May; one, 11 May (MEdg)

63.047 [B&F: 1404] Spoladea recurvalis (Fabricius, 1775) - Migrant

Rare immigrant to southern England from southern Europe. Formerly an accidental import in vegetables from tropical Africa, increasingly seen as an immigrant from mainland Europe. First recorded in Britain in Surrey and Dorset in September 1951, with 19 up to the end of 2005 but 2006, an exceptional year for migrants, saw 18 alone. In Hampshire recorded for the first time in October 2011, when individuals turned up on Hayling Island and in Southampton, and the third record for our area was in Bonchurch, Isle of Wight, in 2013. North Hampshire's first record was in Leckford on 31 Oct 2014, and a further Isle of Wight individual was recorded in Totland on 18 Dec 2015, part of that year's extraordinary late December migrant influx. Wingspan 22-24 mm. Similar to Diasemia reticularis and Diasemiopsis ramburialis, which both have chequered fringes. Larva feeds on fruits and vegetables, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest on spinach, beet, cotton, maize and soya in some areas; no evidence of breeding in the UK.

Record Details

VC11: Weston, Southampton, one, field obs., 24 Sep (NBur); Northney, Hayling Island, present, 24 Oct (JWP)

Weston Shore, Southampton
24/09/2024
field observation
Nic Burns
Photo © Nic Burns

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.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Bonchurch, 18 Jun, 1 (JHa) Latest: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, 30 Nov, 1 (MGT) Max count: Shanklin, 01 Sep, 31 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Stroud, Petersfield, 01 Jul, 1 (RAll) Latest: Fareham, 15 Dec, 1 (ADT) Max count: Sway, 28 Oct, 12 (SKee)

VC12: Earliest: Farnborough, 30 Jul, 1 (KBW) Latest: Pamber Forest, 02 Nov, 1 (GJD) Max count: Cholderton, 28 Oct, 34 (TJN)

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.

Record Details

VC10: Totland, four, 14 Aug (AiSmi); Freshwater Bay, one, 01 Aug (SDav); Bonchurch, one, 18 Jun (JHa);

VC11: Lee-on-Solent, one, 08 Jul (IHrg); Botley, one, 30 Jul (SLB); Portsmouth, one, 26 Jun (IRT); Hengistbury Head, one, 18 Jul (MJef)

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.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Osborne Wood, 01 Jul, 1 (IOu) Latest: Shanklin, 10 Nov, 2 (IOu) Max count: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, 15 Oct, 2 (MGT)

VC11: Earliest: Hurn, 14 May, 1 (MJef) Latest: Christchurch: Cross Way, 30 Nov, 1 (LPyk) Max count: Portsmouth, 09 Sep, 4 (IRT)

VC12: Earliest: Hammer Vale, Woolmer, 10 May, 1 (ASwa) Latest: Wonston, 24 Oct, 1 (GCE) Max count: Wherwell, 26 Aug, 1 (GCE)

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.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Bonchurch, 18 Jun, 1 (JHa) Latest: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, 15 Oct, 1 (MGT) Max count: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, 21 Sep, 5 (MGT)

VC11: Earliest: Hillier Arboretum, Romsey, 18 Feb, 0 (PPir) Latest: Sway, 31 Oct, 1 (SKee) Max count: New Milton, 03 May, 50 (SKee)

VC12: Earliest: Andover, 29 Mar, 6 (GSD) Latest: Cholderton, 28 Oct, 1 (TJN) Max count: Grayshott, 02 Aug, 11 (THard)