15.001 [B&F: 0299] Parectopa ononidis (Zeller, 1839) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) on chalk downland and rough meadows throughout much of England, predominantly in the south-east. Described in MBGBI Vol 2 as "an inconspicuous and evasive insect which may have been overlooked in many areas". In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight this is almost certainly the case; the moth and its early stages have been found in several places in south Hampshire, but there are still few records from north Hampshire, and only one recent record from Wight. Wingspan 7-9 mm. Dialectica imperialella is similar, but lacks the two basal silver spots on the dorsum and has a conspicuous white apical spot, also clearly visible on the underside; the hindleg has a row of bristles on the tibia and is only obscurely banded with white. Larva mines leaves of Red Clover, White Clover and Spiny Restharrow.

Record Details

VC11: Chandlers Ford, one, 11 Aug (BEll)

15.003 [B&F: 0281] Caloptilia populetorum (Zeller, 1839) - Local

Local on moorland and heathland, and in open woodland. Widespread, with a discontinuous distribution which may be due to under-recording; found in southern Britain from Kent to Glamorgan and Herefordshire, in Cumbria and in western and northern Scotland; rare in Ireland, being recorded only from Cos Wicklow, Clare and Galway. First recorded in Hampshire at Farnborough in 1995, despite its presence being mapped in vice-counties 10 and 11 in MBGBI Vol 2 (1985), and still rarely encountered. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 11-14 mm. Similar to C. falconipennella, which lacks the dark spots on the costa and fold and has the terminal cilia concolorous with the wing and the cilial lines distinct (MBGBI Vol 2). Larva mines and folds leaves of Birch, subsequently living within a leaf-fold.

Record Details

VC11: Romsey, one, 31 Jul (NRJ); Botley, one, 30 Jul (SLB); Waterlooville, one, confirmed by gen det. , 11 Aug (DWhe det. KKer); Merritown Heath, one, 29 Jun; present, 17 Aug (DFoo);

VC12: Castle Bottom NNR, larval spinning, present, field obs., 12 Oct (AMD);

15.004 [B&F: 0282] Caloptilia elongella (Linnaeus, 1761) - Common

Common wherever the foodplant occurs, throughout much of the British Isles, as far north as the Orkneys. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and recorded from numerous localities throughout. Wingspan 14-16 mm. Overwinters as an adult, often in an evergreen such as Yew. The summer generation is relatively small and may not occur in unfavourable years. Similar in particular to C. betulicola, but also C. rufipennella and C. hemidactylella, and records require dissection for accurate determination. The larva feeds on Alder, at first mining the leaves and feeding initially on sap, later on the parenchyma; later it spins part of a leaf into a cone and lives and feeds therein.

Record Details

VC11: Titchfield Haven NNR, mine, two, leaf-rolls on Alder. , 25 Aug (DPH);

15.005 [B&F: 0283] Caloptilia betulicola (Hering, 1928) - Common

Common wherever the foodplant occurs, throughout much of the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire. Recorded for the first time on the Isle of Wight at Freshwater in 2010. Wingspan 14-16 mm. Separated with certainty from C. elongella only by dissection of the genitalia; similar to C. rufipennella and C. hemidactylella. Larva mines leaves of Birch, subsequently living within a leaf-cone.

Record Details

VC11: Parc Pale, NF, one, at dusk, gen. det., 18 Jul (AMD); Romsey, one, female gen det by David Gibbs. , 22 Jul; one, male gen det by David Gibbs. , 21 Sep (NRJ det. DJG); Waterlooville, one, confirmed by gen det sample with Les Evan-Hill. , 18 Oct (DWhe det. LEH); West Walk, one, det gen, 02 Feb (F.M.G. det. RJD); Merritown Heath, one, 17 Aug (DFoo)

15.006 [B&F: 0284] Caloptilia rufipennella (Hübner, 1796) - Common

Common in woodland, gardens, parks and fens throughout much of Britain, a recent colonist, reported for the first time only in 1970. By the time of MBGBI 2 (1986), the population was centred in Scotland and eastern England, and it has evidently continued to spread westwards since that time. First recorded in south Hampshire in 1990 and 1991, and has now been found throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 11-12 mm. Similar to C. elongella and C. betulicola, which are larger (14-16 mm) and lack the pale band on the foretibia and the white admixture on the midfemur. Overwinters as an adult, often in an evergreen such as Yew. Larva mines leaves of Sycamore and occasionally other species of Acer, subsequently living within a leaf-fold, sometimes the most frequent Caloptilia species in gardens.

Record Details

VC11: Bevois Valley, Southampton, present, 29 Jul; present, 30 Jul; present, 01 Aug (MCrei); Fareham, one, det gen, 10 Aug (MLO det. RJD); Portchester, one, 30 Jul (DH-J); Waterlooville, one, 30 Jul (DWhe); Bournemouth, one, 06 Aug (WSoa, SMorr); Christchurch, one, 30 Jul (APard); Sway, one, 23 Jul (SKee);

VC12: Magdalen Hill Down NR, mine, present, sycamore, early mine checked. , 18 Aug (JOug); Basingstoke, one, 23 Jul; one, 16 Oct (MJW); Basingstoke: Crabtree Plantation, one, 24 Jul (BGD); Farnborough, one, 17 Mar; one, 18 Jul; two, 30 Jul; one, 24 Oct (KBW)

Basingstoke
16/10/2024
to MV
Mike Wall
Photo © Mike Wall

15.007 [B&F: 0285] Azalea Leaf Miner Caloptilia azaleella (Brants, 1913) - Local

Local in parks, gardens and woodland throughout much of southern England, spreading into northern England. Thoroughly naturalised, through accidental introduction in azaleas and rhododendrons, this native of eastern Asia now occurs in the wild amongst Azalea species in several of the southern counties and more widely in greenhouses. In Hampshire early stages were first reported in a garden at Bournemouth, and subsequently from Southampton, Hilliers Arboretum and Ampfield. A few adult specimens have been taken at light elsewhere in southern Hampshire, but still rare in the north of the county and on the Isle of Wight, where first recorded at Totland in 2007. Wingspan 10-11 mm. Larva mines leaves of Azalea and Rhododendron, subsequently living within a leaf-fold, over-wintering as a pupa.

Record Details

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

VC11: North Baddesley, one, 03 May (RWPas); Romsey, one, 14 May; one, 30 May (MJB); one, 12 May; one, 19 May; four, 22 May; one, 01 Jun; one, 07 Jun; one, 21 Jun; one, 27 Jun; one, 20 Jul; one, 23 Jul; two, 26 Jul; one, 29 Jul; four, 31 Jul; one, 04 Aug; one, 01 Sep; one, 03 Sep; one, 18 Oct; one, 28 Oct; one, 29 Oct; one, 03 Nov (NRJ); Swaythling, Southampton, one, 19 Jul; one, 09 Aug (MEdg); Stubbington, one, 17 Jul (DPH); Waterlooville, one, 12 May; one, 17 May; two, 02 Jun; one, 05 Nov (DWhe); Bournemouth, one, 06 Aug (WSoa, SMorr); Hurn, one, 24 Jul (MJef); Christchurch: Cross Way, one, 15 May; one, 18 May; one, 04 Jun; one, 19 Jul; one, 20 Jul; one, 06 Aug; one, 09 Oct (LPyk); Christchurch, present, field obs., 2-5. , 18 May (NBro); Barton on Sea, one, field obs., 17 May; New Milton, two, field obs., 09 May; one, field obs., 16 May; one, field obs., 07 May; one, field obs., 14 Aug; one, field obs., 29 Oct; Sway, two, 11 May; one, 12 May; one, 14 May; two, 16 May; one, 20 May; one, 25 Jul; one, 28 Jul; one, 30 Jul; one, 01 Aug; one, 05 Aug; one, 06 Aug; one, 07 Aug; one, 13 Aug; one, 01 Oct; one, 06 Nov; one, field obs., 22 May; five, field obs., 31 Jul (SKee);

VC12: Alton, one, 18 Aug (DBO); Whitehill, Bordon, one, 17 May; one, 19 May; one, 27 May (ASto); Farnborough, one, 30 Jul (KBW)

15.008 [B&F: 0286] Caloptilia alchimiella (Scopoli, 1763) - Common

In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight probably markedly less common than C. robustella, although the true distribution of records historically is unknowable due to many records not being supported by critically examined specimens: C. alchimiella was only separated from robustella in 1972 and for many years, with reference to Heath & Emmet (1985) : 'The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland, Vol. 2', the two species could be differentiated externally by a number of characteristics:
- apex in C. alchimiella purplish-brown, darker than the thorax; in C. robustella yellowish like the thorax.
- thorax in C. alchimiella golden-yellow with pale purple-brown tegulae; in C. robustella yellowish with similarly colored tegulae.
- forewing in C. alchimiella with sharply defined basal spot; in C. robustella diffusely defined.
- outer border of the costal spot in C. alchimiella extending almost to the apex; in C. robustella it meets the costa steeply at about five-eighths.
- small yellow spot on the tornus (inner angle) present in C. alchimiella, absent in C. robustella.
Plant (2023) draws attention to the great rarity of this species in southern England in recent years. Many specimens that were initially identified as C. alchimiella from external features were re-determined as C. robustella upon dissection, suggesting that these previously used differences in external appearance may be unreliable. Therefore, while the above features can be used to provide an initial indication to species, they are not reliable for certain identification.
Wingspan 10-13 mm. As above, easily confused with C. alchimiella, from which it can only safely be separated by dissection of the genitalia; both feed on oak, but C. alchimiella is probably univoltine with a protracted emergence period, while C. robustella is bivoltine. Larva mines leaves of Oak, subsequently living within a leaf-fold, over-wintering as a pupa: the larva and leaf mines cannot be distinguished from those of C. robustella.

Ref: Plant, C.W., 2023. Whatever happened to Caloptilia alchimiella? The Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 135: 63-64.

Record Details

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

VC11: Linford Bottom, one, 05 Aug (CLew); Waterlooville, one, gen det. , 04 Aug (DWhe det. KKer)

15.009 [B&F: 0287] Caloptilia robustella Jäckh, 1972 - Common

Common in oak woodland and areas with scattered trees throughout Britain, as far north as Aberdeenshire; common in the south-east but rare in the west and north of its range; its apparent absence from much of the Midlands and central and southern Wales may be due to under-recording (MBGBI Vol 2).
In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight seemingl more common than C. alchimiella, although the true distribution of records historically is unknowable due to many records not being supported by critically examined specimens: robustella was only separated from alchimiella in 1972 and for many years, with reference to Heath & Emmet (1985) : 'The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland, Vol. 2', the two species could be differentiated externally by a number of characteristics;
- apex in C. alchimiella purplish-brown, darker than the thorax; in C. robustella yellowish like the thorax.
- thorax in C. alchimiella golden-yellow with pale purple-brown tegulae; in C. robustella yellowish with similarly colored tegulae.
- forewing in C. alchimiella with sharply defined basal spot; in C. robustella diffusely defined.
- outer border of the costal spot in C. alchimiella extending almost to the apex; in C. robustella it meets the costa steeply at about five-eighths.
- small yellow spot on the tornus (inner angle) present in C. alchimiella , absent in C. robustella.
Critical examination of specimens have subsequently indicated that while these features can be used to provide an initial indication to species, they are not reliable for certain identification.
Wingspan 10-13 mm. As above, easily confused with C. alchimiella, from which it can only safely be separated by dissection of the genitalia; both feed on oak, but C. alchimiella is probably univoltine with a protracted emergence period, while C. robustella is bivoltine. Larva mines leaves of Oak, subsequently living within a leaf-fold, over-wintering as a pupa: the larva and leaf mines cannot be distinguished from those of C. alchimiella.

Record Details

VC11: Fareham, one, det gen, 10 Aug (MLO det. RJD); Waterlooville, one, confirmed by gen det. , 22 Aug (DWhe det. LEH); Hengistbury Head NNR, one, 27 Aug (MJef det. RJD);

VC12: Basingstoke, one, 13 Aug; one, 31 Jul (MJW); Basingstoke: Crabtree Plantation, one, male, gen. det. Ben Dale, 19 Aug (BGD)

Basingstoke
31/07/2024
MV light trap
Mike Wall
Photo © Mike Wall

15.010 [B&F: 0288] Caloptilia stigmatella (Fabricius, 1781) - Common

Common in hedgerows, woodland and marshes, and on river-banks, throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight Mines and spinnings are common on sallows, willows and poplars in all three vice-counties. Wingspan 12-14 mm. Bivoltine, with a peak summer generation, the descendents of which overwinter. Imago seldom encountered at light, and more likely to be recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Sallow, Willow, Aspen, Black Poplar and Grey Poplar, subsequently living within a leaf-fold.

Record Details

VC10: Freshwater Bay, one, 29 Jun (PBard); Speedwell, Cranmore, NF, one, 18 Jun (AMD); Shanklin, one, 17 Aug; one, 06 Nov (IOu); Brading Marsh, one, field obs., 30 Jun (PBard);

VC11: Brockwood, one, 27 Feb (SDut); Marchwood, one, 01 Jul; two, 31 Jul; one, to pheromone lure, 23 Jul; one, 11 Aug (CTha); mine, present, salix. , 23 Oct (JOug); Romsey, one, 02 Feb; two, 17 Mar; one, 01 Sep (MJB); one, 07 Apr; one, 05 Aug (NRJ); Emer Bog NR, vacated mine, present, 05 Oct (AMD); Swaythling, Southampton, one, 02 Jul (MEdg); Brownwich Cliffs, Titchfield, one, 16 Aug (F.M.G.); Botley Wood, one, 05 Aug (AMD); one, 16 Feb (F.M.G.); Stubbington, one, 29 Jun; mine, one, and cone on Sallow. , 17 May (DPH); Funtley, one, 02 Feb; two, 16 Mar; one, 17 Mar; one, 05 Apr; one, 26 Jun (TDC); Fareham, one, 11 Jul; one, 16 Jul (MLO); Botley, one, 02 Aug (SLB); Portchester, one, 18 Jul (DH-J); Waterlooville, one, 19 Feb; one, 07 Apr; one, 25 Jun (DWhe); Merritown Heath, one, 29 Jun (DFoo); Hurn, one, 11 Aug (MJef); Christchurch: Cross Way, one, 22 Jul (LPyk); Christchurch, one, 30 Jul (APard); Hengistbury Head, mine, present, 09 Sep; Hengistbury Head NNR, larval feeding signs, present, field obs., 31 Oct (MJef); Sway, one, 19 Mar; one, 09 Aug; one, 27 Aug (SKee);

VC12: Testside Lakes, Leckford, one, photograph taken., 19 Jul (GCE); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 18 Jun (CRB,DAS,LHur,PDF); one, 31 Oct (CRB,DAS,PDF); North Waltham, one, field obs., 20 Mar (AJon); KIngsclere: Skittle Hill Copse, mine, present, a few on Salix sp., 17 Oct (MJW); Inhams Copse, Pamber, one, 26 Jun; one, 05 Aug (GJD); Alton, one, 11 Aug (DBO); Shortheath Common, Oakhanger, mine, present, 20 Aug (AMD,RCla); Odiham Common, mine, one, on Populus. , 25 Sep (JuPat); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 05 Apr; one, 20 Jul (ASwa); Fleet Pond: Fugelmere Marsh, one, at dusk, 19 Mar (MHals);

Wolverton
17/10/2024
field observation - mine on Salix sp
Mike Wall
Photo © Mike Wall

15.011 [B&F: 0289] Caloptilia falconipennella (Hübner, [1813]) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) in marshes, river-banks, ditches and other damp areas throughout Britain, discontinuously north to Dunbartonshire. In Hampshire increased interest in recent years in micro-lepidoptera has uncovered a number of sites in the south-east and north-east of the county, so it is perhaps more widespread than previously known, or possibly increasing in range. Recorded for the first time on the Isle of Wight at Freshwater in 2011. Wingspan 12-14 mm. Larva mines leaves of Alder, make distinctive conical leaf-folds.

Record Details

VC12: Inhams Copse, Pamber, one, 31 Jul (GJD)

15.012 [B&F: 0290] Caloptilia semifascia (Haworth, 1828) - pRDB1

Local in woodland edges and hedgerows in southern England and Wales, widespread, but tending to occur in isolated but sometimes populous colonies; absent from the north Midlands, but reappearing in Yorkshire and Cumbria. Widespread and fairly common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 10-12 mm. Since the synonymisation of C. hauderi into the present species, it is apparent that the adult is bivoltine, with a small first generation in spring, followed by a main emergence from July through September, remaining active into October before overwintering into the next year (Nota Lep. (2011), J.R.Langmaid).
Imagos are taken at light, but even more so as larval mines in the leaves of Field Maple, subsequently living within a leaf-fold.

Record Details

VC11: Romsey, one, 07 Apr; one, 29 Jun; one, 18 Jul (MJB); Swaythling, Southampton, one, 19 Jul (MEdg); Stubbington, one, 30 Jul; one, 10 Aug (DPH); Funtley, one, 17 Mar (TDC); Fareham, one, det gen, 12 Mar; one, autumn generation form, 18 Aug (MLO); Cams Bay, Fareham, mine, present, 08 Sep (AMD); Portsmouth, one, 12 Apr; one, 25 Jun; one, 26 Jun; one, 11 Jul; one, 17 Jul; two, 18 Jul; three, 19 Jul; one, 29 Jul; two, 30 Jul (IRT); Waterlooville, one, 29 Mar; one, 06 Oct; two, 19 Oct; one, 05 Nov; one, 06 Nov (DWhe); Muscliffe, one, 12 Jul (CMur,MLan det. CMur); Hengistbury Head NNR, one, 30 Jul (MJef det. RJD);

VC12: Magdalen Hill Down NR, mine, present, acer campestre. , 18 Aug (JOug); Morn Hill, Winchester, two, 27 Aug (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur); one, 18 Sep (CRB,PDF,DAS,CJP); one, 04 Oct (CRB, DAS); Basingstoke, one, 29 Jul (RHil); Windmill Hill, Chalton, one, 11 Aug (CJP)

15.0131 [B&F: N/A] Caloptilia honoratella (Rebel, 1914) - None

First recorded in Surrey in 2017, with another in Kent, April 2019. The third in Suffolk during September 2019 was followed by more in 2020 and it is thought likely that it is now resident in this county and likely elsewhere, after spreading rapidly westwards across Europe in recent years. The first for our area was taken at light in the Isle of Wight in 2021. It was new for Hampshire (VC12) in 2022. The moth is single brooded, occurring from August to May and hibernating as an adult.

Very similar in some forms to C. hemidactylella, and potential specimens should be retained initially for photography but will need dissection for confirmation. General coloration is a deep cream colour with brown ‘inverted V’ and other markings. The larvae feed on maples, mainly Sycamore Acer pseudoplanatus in our country, creating a typical Caloptilia blotch mine between two veins before moving to feed in a rolled cone at a leaf-lobe.

Record Details

VC10: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, one, 05 Nov; Ventnor, one, 05 Nov (MGT);

VC11: Waterlooville, one, confirmed by gen det. , 24 Aug (DWhe det. LEH);

VC12: Magdalen Hill Down NR, mine, present, sycamore, early mine checked. , 18 Aug (JOug); Basingstoke, one, gen det, 18 Jul (MJW); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 22 Jul; one, 30 Jul (ASwa)

15.014 [B&F: 0293] Gracillaria syringella (Fabricius, 1794) - Common

Common in gardens and woodland throughout the British Isles, as far north as Shetland. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, where the distribution of records show continuous presence from April to September with only a small trough in June, indicating protracted emergence of the first generation. Wingspan 10-13 mm. Imago seldom encountered at light, and more likely to be recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Beware confusion with the far rarer C. cuculipennella. Larva mines leaves of Privet (both wild and cultivated), Ash and Lilac, subsequently living gregariously within a leaf-roll, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas, over-wintering as a pupa.

Record Details

VC10: Newport, mine, one, in Ligustrum ovalifolium at edge of Matalan car park, 09 May (IOu); Niton: St John the Baptist Church yard, mine, present, 06 Dec; Whitwell Road, Ventnor, vacated mine, present, vacant mines, incl. 1 dead caterpillar, on Wild Privet lvs., 02 Jun (MGT); Shanklin, one, gen det 03 July, 26 Jun (IOu); St Helens, mine, present, on Ligustrum leaves. Adult reared emerging on 27th July 2024., 30 Jun (PBard);

VC11: Marchwood, one, 28 Aug; two, 01 Sep (CTha); Romsey, one, 28 Aug (MJB); Swaythling, Southampton, one, 30 Jul (MEdg); Crab Wood, Winchester, one, field obs., 17 May (DAS); Winchester, one, first record of the year., 17 May (THW); Titchfield Haven NNR, mine, two, cones on Ash. , 25 Aug (DPH); Fareham, one, 07 Aug (IMcP); Bishop's Waltham, mine, present, on Lilac leaves. , 27 Jun; mine, present, on Ash leaves. , 10 Sep (DTru); Oxenbourne Down, vacated mine, present, 04 Oct (AMD); Christchurch: Cross Way, one, 12 Apr; one, 26 Jun; one, 30 Jun; one, 11 Jul; one, 06 Aug (LPyk); Burton, nr Christchurch, one, 03 Jul (JStw); Keyhaven, mine, 10, mines on Privet. , 08 Nov (WLan);

VC12: Stockbridge Down, mine, present, ligustrum vulgare. , 18 Aug (JOug); Anna Valley, Andover, one, 12 Aug (TJN); Magdalen Hill Down NR, one, at dusk, 12 May (AMD); mine, present, ligustrum vulgare. , 18 Aug (JOug); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 12 Apr (CRB,DAS,PDF,LHur); two, 29 Jun (CRB,DAS,PDF); five, 27 Aug (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur); one, 18 Sep (CRB,PDF,DAS,CJP); Basingstoke, one, 31 Jul (MJW); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, field obs., 09 Aug (ASwa)

15.015 [B&F: 0294] Aspilapteryx tringipennella (Zeller, 1839) - Common

Common on downland, rough grassland, waste ground and roadside verges throughout the British Isles, as far north as Shetland. Common in Hampshire, scarcer on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 10-13 mm. The imago is active in afternoon and evening sunshine and occasionally comes to light, and more likely to be recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Ribwort Plantain, subsequently living within a leaf-roll.

Record Details

VC10: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, one, 12 Jun (MGT); Shanklin, one, 17 Aug (IOu);

VC11: Marchwood, one, 10 Aug (TDCh); Romsey, one, 28 Jul (MJB); one, 31 Jul (NRJ); Dibden Purlieu, one, 19 Jul (RAC); Bevois Valley, Southampton, present, 29 Jul (MCrei); Stubbington, one, 19 Jul (DPH); Funtley, one, 20 Jul (TDC); Portsmouth, one, 16 Jul (IRT); Christchurch: Cross Way, one, 15 May; one, 23 Jul; one, 25 Jul; one, 10 Aug (LPyk); Hengistbury Head NNR, one, 11 Aug (MoTay det. MJef);

VC12: Cholderton, one, 26 Jul; Anna Valley, Andover, one, 17 Jul (TJN); Goodworth Clatford, one, 3 traps, 03 Aug (WLid, TJN, LFom det. TJN); Magdalen Hill Down NR, one, 19 Jul (AMD); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 18 May (CRB,DAS,LHur); two, 28 Jul (CRB, DAS); Cheriton, one, 30 Jul (DAS); Basingstoke, one, 02 Aug; two, 05 Aug; one, 09 Aug (MJW); one, 29 Jul (RHil); Basingstoke: Crabtree Plantation, one, 24 Jul (BGD); Selborne, one, 26 Jul (CJP); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 02 Aug (ASwa)

15.016 [B&F: 0297] Euspilapteryx auroguttella Stephens, 1835 - Common

Common in coppiced woodland and rough grassland, and on roadside verges, throughout much of Britain. In Hampshire locally common, except in the south-west of the county; on the Isle of Wight, it is distinctly uncommon. Wingspan 9-10 mm. Metallic grey forewing with orange or yellow markings and white tips to antennae make this one of the easiest Gracillariidae to identify (MBGBI Vol 2). Imago fairly regular at light, but more frequently recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of St John's-wort, subsequently living within a leaf-cone, and over-wintering as a pupa.

Record Details

VC11: Romsey, one, 18 Jun; one, 05 Aug (NRJ); Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 19 Jun (RAC); Botley Wood, mine, seven, 12 Jul (DPH); Oxenbourne Down, vacated mine, present, 04 Oct (AMD);

VC12: Stockbridge Down, mine, present, hypericum. , 18 Aug (JOug); two, 01 Aug (MEdg); Magdalen Hill Down NR, one, 19 Jul (AMD); Broxhead Common, mine, present, 20 Aug (AMD,RCla); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 19 Sep (ASwa)

15.017 [B&F: 0296] Calybites phasianipennella (Hübner, [1813]) - Local

Local in damp woodland, fens and cornfield edges throughout much of England, rare in Scotland and Ireland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight recorded from all three vice-counties, but evidently rare and taken mostly as single specimens. Wingspan 10-11 mm. Imago fairly regular at light, but more frequently recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Redshank, Black-bindweed, Common Sorrel, Sheep's Sorrel, Broad-leaved Dock, Water Dock and Yellow Loosestrife, subsequently living within a leaf-roll.

Record Details

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

VC11: Brockwood, one, 09 Sep (SDut); Linford Bottom, one, 05 Aug (CLew); Brockenhurst, one, 04 Aug (MWelf); Marchwood, two, 10 Aug (TDCh); Lee, one, 17 Aug (CTha); Chandlers Ford, one, 05 Aug (MWelf); Botley, one, 15 Oct (SLB); Portchester, one, 30 Oct (DH-J det. MJW); Portsmouth, one, 24 Jul; one, 10 Aug (IRT); Hengistbury Head NNR, one, 01 Aug (HengistH det. MJef); one, 09 Aug (BKin det. MJef); Hengistbury Head, one, 30 Jul (MJef);

VC12: Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 30 Jul (ASwa)

15.019 [B&F: 0313] Acrocercops brongniardella (Fabricius, 1798) - Local

Local in open woodland, mainly south of a line from Lincolnshire to Herefordshire and Worcestershire, scarce elsewhere into Wales and Ireland (MBGBI Vol 2). Once rather scarce in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, this species has now been found widely throughout. Wingspan 8-10 mm. The second generation, when it occurs, overwinters to emerge in spring. Imago seldom encountered at light, and more likely to be recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of oak Quercus, including Evergreen Oak.

Record Details

VC10: Yarmouth Green, mine, present, several mines in Quercus ilex, 19 Mar (IOu); Ventnor, mine, present, several on leaves of Quercus canariensis. Photo 15.019-10-24Jun24-1., 24 Jun (PBard); Luccombe, one, 26 Jun (JWai); Sandown, vacated mine, present, vacated mines on Quercus ilex, 09 Jan; vacated mine, present, 08 Jan (IOu);

VC11: Hill Head, mine, four, on Oak. , 25 Aug; Stubbington, mine, one, on Oak. , 17 May (DPH); Tuckton, Christchurch, one, 11 May; Christchurch, one, 19 Jul (APard); Keyhaven, mine, 12, mines on Holm Oak. , 08 Nov; Sinah Common, Hayling, mine, eight, mines on Holm Oak. , 09 Nov (WLan); Sinah Common, vacated mine, present, on Quercus ilex, 12 Jan (AMD);

VC12: Broxhead Common, mine, three, 24 May (AMD); mine, present, 20 Aug (AMD,RCla); Farnborough, one, first record for the garden, 30 Jul (KBW)

15.0201 [B&F: 0311a] Dialectica scalariella (Zeller, 1850) - Migrant

Suspected rare immigrant, or perhaps accidentally imported, from southern Europe. First recorded in Britain, in Kent, in September 2004, with a second record on St Mary's, Isles of Scilly on 24 August 2019. Subsequently found to be resident in the Dungeness area in October 2022, the first confirmed breeding in Britain. Further records have followed in southern England, and Will Langdon identified it for the first time in Hampshire in November 2024, when abundant mines were found on Echium vulgare at Gunner Point, Hayling Island. Wingspan 9-11 mm. Larva mines leaves of Viper's-bugloss Echium vulgare.

Record Details

VC10: Ventnor, mine, present, larvae in lf-mines on Echium pinniana (or similar)., 07 Dec (MGT); Shanklin, mine, six, tenanted leaf mines in Echium pininana at SZ 58534 81306, 01 Dec; Sandown, mine, eight, tenanted mines in Echium pininana (Giant Viper's-bugloss). Mines with a short narrow corridor opening to a large brown blotch. Black frass collected in a midden. Pupa in a double layered silk cocoon. Found just north of Battery Gardens on the cliff path at SZ 59530 83825. New VC record, 12 Nov (IOu);

VC11: Gunner Point, Hayling Island, mine, 100, mines extremely abundant on leaves of non flowering Echium vulgare rosettes on shingle just west of sailing club. Checked a few plants and all had c40 or more mines on, with old mines on the lower leaves, and young tenanted mines on the central leaves, many just with the thin initial galleries not yet in the blotch phase, so there have been at least two generations here, with one emerging quite recently. Sample retained for rearing but no doubt about identification, long thin initial mine leading to a broad glassy blotch with brown frass piled in the centre, yellowish Lepidopteran larva, most mines on underside of leaves but a couple on upperside. Adults reared to confirm ID, emergence beginning 25, 09 Nov (WLan)

15.021 [B&F: 0314] Leucospilapteryx omissella (Stainton, 1848) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) in waste ground, downland and roadside verges throughout much of south-eastern England, with records north to Yorkshire. Very local in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, surprisingly so given the widespread nature of the foodplant, but it can be relatively common where this occurs, notably so in the Portsmouth area. Wingspan 7-8 mm. Most records are of the larval mines in the leaves of Mugwort in autumn, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.

Record Details

VC11: Chandlers Ford, one, indoors, one at rest on house window. Surprising as clumps of Artemesia hundreds of yards away., 10 Sep (BEll); Portsdown, mine, two, on Mugwort at SU664064. Other mugwort miners excluded. Comm. by email 1.ix.2024. , 01 Sep (DWal); Portsdown Hill, mine, 15, on Mugwort. , 15 Sep (DPH); Milton Common, vacated mine, four, 03 Oct (AMD)

15.022 [B&F: 0310] Callisto denticulella (Thunberg, 1794) - Common

Common in gardens, orchards, hedgerows and woodland in Britain, north to Perthshire, uncommon in Ireland. Widespread in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 10-12 mm. Imago fairly regular at light, but more frequently recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Apple, subsequently living within a leaf-fold, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.

Record Details

VC11: Hale Purlieu, mine, present, mines and folds on Malus. , 21 Jul (JOug); Milton Common, larval feeding signs, five, field obs., spun-over leaf margins on domestic apple. , 10 Sep (IRT det. RJD); vacated mine, present, 03 Oct (AMD); Christchurch: Cross Way, one, 03 Jun (LPyk); Hengistbury Head NNR, mine, present, malus domestica. , 27 Oct (JOug); Stanley Park, Gosport, mine, one, on Apple. , 04 Oct (DPH);

VC12: Farnborough, one, 29 May (KBW)

15.025 [B&F: 0301] Parornix betulae (Stainton, 1854) - Common

Common on heathland and open woodland throughout much of the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire, but rather less frequent on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 9-10 mm. Very similar to P. loganella, from which separated only by dissection of the genitalia. Imago seldom encountered at light, and more likely to be recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Birch, subsequently living within a leaf-fold, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.

Record Details

VC11: Emer Bog NR, mine, present, 05 Oct (AMD); Hengistbury Head NNR, mine, present, betula. , 27 Oct (JOug); mine, present, 31 Oct (MJef);

VC12: Shortheath Common, Oakhanger, mine, present, 25 Aug; Castle Bottom NNR, mine, present, 12 Oct (AMD);

15.026 [B&F: 0302] Parornix fagivora (Frey, 1861) - Local

Local in woodland in an area bounded by Kent, Dorset, Herefordshire and Cambridgeshire and also from Lancashire and west Yorkshire. In Hampshire recorded from most 10km squares in the south, but distinctly rare in the north and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 9-10 mm. The ochreous or fawn tinge of the pale markings and the lack of definition in the pattern help to distinguish this species (MBGBI Vol 2). Imago seldom encountered at light, and more likely to be recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Beech, subsequently living within a leaf-fold, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.

Record Details

VC11: Hengistbury Head NNR, mine, present, 22 Oct (RPH det. MJef);

VC12: Bombay Sapphire, Laverstoke, mine, one, mine on Fagus, 17 Nov; Christchurch, Chineham, mine, present, mine on Beech, 28 Sep (MJW)

15.028 [B&F: 0303] Parornix anglicella (Stainton, 1850) - Common

Common in gardens, hedgerows and woodland throughout much of the British Isles to Perthshire, north of which it is more local and rare. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight common and widespread. Wingspan 9-11 mm. Similar to P devoniella, which has the ground colour paler and the dark markings more distinct and, on the underside, a distinct white line in the terminal cilia which is continued round the apex to unite with the costal strigula nearest the apex; in P. anglicella this line is more obscure and stops at the apex, not reaching the anteapical strigula (MBGBI Vol 2). Easily disturbed from its foodplants, around which it can be found flying from late afternoon, and it occasionally comes to light, but more frequently recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Hawthorn and Wild Service-tree, subsequently living within a leaf-fold, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.

Record Details

VC10: West High Down, vacated mine, one, mine in Crataegus monogyna. Leaf with initial lower surface blotch mine at tip of leaf segment, secondary leaf fold also present, but vacated, 03 Nov (IOu); Speedwell, Cranmore, NF, one, gen. det., 18 Jun (AMD); Shanklin Upper Chine, mine, one, vacated mine in Crataegus monogyna leaf. Folded leaf edge with loose black frass grains, 07 Jul (IOu);

VC11: Hale, Fordingbridge, mine, present, mines and folds on Crataegus. , 21 Jul; Fritham, NF, mine, present, crataegus. , 13 Oct (JOug); Beaulieu Road, NF, one, at dusk, gen. det., 18 Jul; Emer Bog NR, vacated mine, present, 05 Oct (AMD); Stubbington, mine, five, on Hawthorn. , 06 Oct (DPH); Fareham, one, gen det. , 06 Jul (ADT det. RJD); one, det gen, 10 Aug (MLO det. RJD); Cams Bay, Fareham, mine, present, 08 Sep; Milton Common, vacated mine, present, 03 Oct (AMD); Waterlooville, one, confirmed by gen det. , 26 Aug; one, confirmed by gen det. , 29 Aug (DWhe det. LEH); Southleigh Forest, one, field obs., confirmed by dissection. Sample 2: old Ivy on Hazel branch., 21 May (MGT); Oxenbourne Down, vacated mine, present, 04 Oct; Petersfield Heath, mine, present, 17 Aug (AMD);

VC12: Stockbridge Down, mine, present, crataegus. , 18 Aug (JOug); Magdalen Hill Down NNR, larval spinning, five, field obs., 5+ cones on hawthorn along the access track to Chalk Triangle., 09 Sep (RJD); Magdalen Hill Down NR, mine, present, crataegus. , 18 Aug (JOug); Micheldever, vacated mine, present, 18 Oct (AMD); Kingsclere: Frith Common, mine, present, a few on Crataegus monogyna, 17 Oct; KIngsclere: Skittle Hill Copse, mine, present, a few on Crataegus monogyna, 17 Oct; Kingsclere: Wheathold Farm, mine, present, a few on Crataegus monogyna, 17 Oct; Basingstoke, mine, present, mine on Crateagus, 19 Oct; Christchurch, Chineham, mine, present, mine on Hawthorn, 28 Sep; Mapledurwell: Nunnery Hill, mine, present, on Crataegus monogyna, 11 Nov; Mapledurwell: White Hill, mine, present, on Hawthorn, 11 Nov (MJW); Shortheath Common, Oakhanger, mine, present, 20 Aug (AMD,RCla); Kingsley, mine, present, 25 Aug (AMD); Odiham Common, mine, one, on Crataegus monogyna. , 25 Sep (JuPat); Broxhead Common, mine, present, 20 Aug (AMD,RCla);

Wolverton
17/10/2024
field observation - Mine on Crataegus
Mike Wall
Photo © Mike Wall

15.029 [B&F: 0304] Parornix devoniella (Stainton, 1850) - Common

Common in woodland and hedgerows throughout much of the British Isles, except in Scotland where it is rare. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common. Wingspan 9-10 mm. Similar to P. anglicella, which see. Rests on trunks and flies in the evening around the foodplant, but more frequently recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Hazel, subsequently living within a leaf-fold, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.

Record Details

VC11: Burley, NF, mine, present, 20 Oct (ADon); Cromarty Pond area, Lord's Hill, mine, present, several on Corylus. On Corylus avellana. , 25 Sep (JClx); Baddesley Common, mine, present, 05 Oct (AMD); Romsey, one, gen det. , 23 Jul (NRJ); West Wood, Farley Mount CP, mine, present, 16 Jul; West Meon, mine, present, several, 10 Jun; Oxenbourne Down, vacated mine, present, 04 Oct (AMD); New Milton, vacated mine, three, 28 Oct; vacated mine, two, 29 Oct; vacated mine, three, 15 Oct; Hordle, vacated mine, 20, 10 Oct (SKee);

VC12: Stockbridge Down, mine, present, corylus. , 18 Aug (JOug); Bombay Sapphire, Laverstoke, mine, present, mine on Corylus, 24 Oct (MJW); Magdalen Hill Down NR, mine, present, corylus. , 18 Aug (JOug); mine, present, 02 Nov (AMD); Kingsclere: Frith Common, mine, present, a few on Corylus avellana, 17 Oct; Great Deane Wood area, Malshangar, mine, present, corylus, 10 Nov; Hay Wood, Malshangar, mine, present, corylus, 10 Nov; Kingsclere: Sandford Woods, mine, present, a few on Corylus avellana, 17 Oct; Summer Down Farm, Malshangar, mine, present, corylus, 10 Nov; Malshangar Estate, mine, present, corylus, 10 Nov; Lockley Copse, Malshangar, mine, present, corylus, 10 Nov; KIngsclere: Skittle Hill Copse, mine, present, occasional on Corylus avellana, 17 Oct; Kingsclere: Wheathold Farm, mine, present, frequent on Corylus avellana, 17 Oct; Campdown, Havant, mine, present, mine on Corylus, 02 Dec; Basingstoke, mine, present, mine on Hazel, 14 Sep; mine, present, on Corylus avellana, 19 Oct; Black Dam NR, Basingstoke, mine, present, on Corylus avellana, 22 Oct; Mapledurwell: Nunnery Hill, mine, present, on Corylus avellana, 11 Nov; Mapledurwell: White Hill, mine, present, on Hazel, 11 Nov (MJW); Shortheath Common, Oakhanger, mine, present, 20 Aug (AMD,RCla)

15.030 [B&F: 0305] Parornix scoticella (Stainton, 1850) - Common

Common in gardens, orchards, woodland and moorland throughout much of the British Isles, more numerous in the north. In Hampshire there are scattered records from the mainland, but very rare on the Isle of Wight, where the only record dates from 1997. Wingspan 9-10 mm. Most similar to P. alpicola, but the white frons, usually immaculate white labial palpus and the less heavily marked forewing help to distinguish P. scoticella. Bivoltine in southern England. Imagos recorded at light require dissection for confirmed identification. More frequently recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Rowan, Whitebeam and Apple, subsequently living within a leaf-fold, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.

Record Details

VC10: Ferncliff, mine, two, vacated mines on Malus domestica, leaf edges folded down, 16 Jul (IOu);

VC11: Hale, Fordingbridge, mine, present, sorbus aucuparia. , 21 Jul (JOug); Romsey, one, to pheromone lure, gen det - to TAB lure at 12.00., 03 Aug (NRJ);

VC12: Kingsclere: Wheathold Farm, mine, present, a few on Sorbus sp., 17 Oct; Basingstoke, mine, present, on Malus domestica, 19 Oct (MJW);

15.032 [B&F: 0308] Parornix finitimella (Zeller, 1850) - Common

Common in scrub, woodland, hedgerows and gardens throughout much of southern England and Wales, with records north to Yorkshire. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread, probably found wherever there is Blackthorn. Wingspan 9-10 mm. Vey similar to Deltaornix torquillella, which usually lacks the dark band on segment 3 of the labial palpus and which has the costal white strigula on the forewing continued round the apical dot and through the terminal cilia at an obtuse angle; often only safely separated by dissection of the genitalia. Imago seldom encountered at light, and more likely to be recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Blackthorn, subsequently feeding in the fallen leaves, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.

Record Details

VC12: Kingsclere: Frith Common, mine, present, a few on Prunus spinosa, 17 Oct; KIngsclere: Skittle Hill Copse, mine, present, a few on Prunus spinosa, 17 Oct (MJW)

15.033 [B&F: 0309] Parornix torquillella (Zeller, 1850) - Common

Common in scrub, woodland, hedgerows and gardens throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread. Wingspan 9-10 mm. Very similar to Parornix finitimella, which see for differences. Imago fairly regular at light, but more frequently recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Blackthorn and Wild Plum, subsequently feeding in the fallen leaves, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.

Record Details

VC10: Speedwell, Cranmore, NF, one, gen. det., 18 Jun (AMD);

VC11: Romsey, one, female gen det by David Gibbs. , 10 Aug (NRJ det. DJG); Botley Wood, two, gen. det., 05 Aug (AMD); Portsmouth, one, genitalia checked., 03 Jun (IRT); Hayling Oysterbeds, larva, present, field obs., 19 Oct (AMD);

VC12: Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne, one, gen. det., 09 May (AMD, FHay det. AMD); Kingsley, larva, one, field obs., 25 Aug (AMD)