73.034 [B&F: 2277] Scarce Merveille du Jour Moma alpium (Osbeck, 1778) - Nationally Scarce

A rare Red Data Book species, almost entirely restricted to large areas of well-established oak forest, formerly in southern England from Cornwall to Kent, now only common in the New Forest, west Sussex and the Kentish Weald. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight still quite common in New Forest oak woodland, and still present in woods near Wickham and in Havant Thicket, but it has disappeared from other localities where it was fairly common up until the 1950s. Unrecorded on the Isle of Wight since the turn of the 20th Century, until one was reported in 2021. Wingspan 34-40 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on Pedunculate Oak and Sessile Oak, over-wintering as a pupa.

Record Details

VC11: Romsey, one, 04 Jul (NRJ); Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 29 May (RAC); Waterlooville, four, 02 Jun; one, 13 Jun; one, 23 Jun (DWhe)

73.036 [B&F: 2281] Alder Moth Acronicta alni (Linnaeus, 1767) - Local

Local in broad-leaved woodland and scrub throughout much of England and Wales, also in western Ireland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight considered to be a very rare moth until the advent of m.v. light; it is now known to be widespread and fairly common, though only recorded from the north of the Island. Wingspan 35-42 mm. Larva feeds on various broad-leaved trees, including Downy Birch, Alder and Goat Willow, over-wintering as a pupa.

Record Details

VC10: Speedwell, Cranmore, NF, one, 18 Jun (AMD); Whitwell Road, Ventnor, one, 12 Jun (MGT); Bonchurch, one, 07 May; one, 28 May (JHa); Shanklin, one, 30 May (IOu);

VC11: Rockbourne, larva, present, field obs., , 30 Jul (Unkn.); North Baddesley, one, 11 May (RWPas); Romsey, one, 11 May; one, 20 May (MJB); Hillier Arboretum, Romsey, larva, present, field obs., , 29 Jul (iNat); Romsey, one, 03 Jun (NRJ); Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 15 May; present, 16 May (RAC); Swaythling, Southampton, two, 11 May; two, 14 May (MEdg); Southampton, one, 11 May (MGP); West End, one, 11 May (AMD); Wildern LNR, Hedge End, larva, one, field obs., 28 Jun (TCrw); Allbrook, one, 09 May; one, 26 May (SIng); Funtley, one, 11 May (TDC); Botley, one, 09 Jun (SLB); Waterlooville, one, 17 May; one, 19 May; two, 25 May; one, 29 May; one, 07 Jun (DWhe); Old Winchester Hill, one, 31 May (F.M.G.); Hurn, one, 11 May (MJef); Christchurch: Cross Way, one, 25 May (LPyk); Mude Valley NR, larva, one, field obs., 13 Jul (PMorr); Sway, one, 18 May (SKee);

VC12: Wherwell, one, photograph taken., 12 May (GCE); North Waltham, one, 03 Jun (AJon); Plastow Green, larva, one, field obs., 20 Jul (RDob); Basingstoke, one, 17 May (MJW); Whitehill, Bordon, one, 11 May; two, 12 May; one, 25 May (ASto)

73.037 [B&F: 2283] Dark Dagger Acronicta tridens ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Common

Common in woodland, fens, gardens and a wide range of other habitats throughout much of England and Wales. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight very much less common than Grey Dagger, although undoubtedly under-recorded owing to similarity to that species. Wingspan 33-44 mm. Very similar to Grey Dagger A. psi, from which separated only by dissection of the genitalia. The larvae of the two species are readily identifiable. Larva feeds on various broad-leaved trees and shrubs, including Wild Rose, Cultivated Rose, Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Goat Willow, over-wintering as a pupa.

Record Details

VC11: St Catherine's Hill, Winchester, larva, present, field obs., 18 Sep (IPow); Fareham, larva, one, field obs., 29 Jun; larva, one, field obs., 11 Aug (ADT);

VC12: Magdalen Hill Down NR, one, gen. det., 19 Jul (AMD)

73.038 [B&F: 2284] Grey Dagger Acronicta psi (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common in woodland, hedgerows, gardens, scrubby heathland, calcareous grassland, fens and a wide range of other habitats; low altitudes in the north throughout much of the British Isles, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight very much more common than Dark Dagger, but undoubtedly under-recorded. Wingspan 33-44 mm. Very similar to Dark Dagger A. tridens, from which separated only by dissection of the genitalia. The larvae of the two species are readily identifiable. Larva feeds on various broad-leaved trees and shrubs, including Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Apple, Birch, Common Lime, English Elm and Rowan, over-wintering as a pupa.

Record Details

VC10: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, one, gen det, 31 Jul; one, confirmed by dissection., 01 Sep (MGT); Shanklin, one, confirmed by gen det, 11 May; two, 24 Jul; three, 30 Jul; one, 01 Aug; one, gen det 07 September, 01 Sep; Shanklin Upper Chine, one, 29 Jul; one, 02 Sep; Osborne Wood, one, field obs., gen det 05 July, 01 Jul (IOu);

VC11: Poulner, Ringwood, larva, present, field obs., 22 Jun (PWhtk); Broughton Down, one, gen. det., 01 Jul (AMD); Dibden Purlieu, larva, one, field obs., 05 Jul (RAC); Botley Wood, one, gen. det., 05 Aug (AMD); Dean Farm area, nr Dean, larva, present, field obs., 07 Oct (iNat); Milton Common, larva, one, field obs., large larva on Prunus sp., 10 Sep (RJD); larva, one, field obs., on Crataegus, 03 Oct (AMD); Milton Common, Portsmouth, larva, one, field obs., one larva on Malus sp., 10 Sep (RJD, IRT); Waterlooville, one, gen det. , 30 Jul (DWhe det. KKer); Troublefield, Hurn, larva, one, field obs., on Oak. , 27 Sep; Hengistbury Head, one, 18 Jul (MJef); Sway, NF, larva, present, field obs., 27 Jul (GCook); Browndown, two, det gen, 09 Aug (F.M.G.);

VC12: Rag Copse, Upper Enham, larva, one, field obs., 05 Aug (RLaw,NLaw); Magdalen Hill Down NR, one, gen. det., 19 Jul (AMD); Bradley Farm, Popham, larva, one, field obs., 04 Aug (CLW); Basingstoke: Down Grange Meadow, one, male, gen. det. Ben Dale, 13 Aug; one, male, gen. det. Ben Dale, 13 Aug (BGD); Basingstoke, larva, present, field obs., on rose. , 14 Jul (SPym); Basingstoke: Crabtree Plantation, one, male, gen. det. Ben Dale, 24 Jul (BGD); Odiham Common, larva, present, field obs., 25 Aug (JHoll)

73.039 [B&F: 2279] Sycamore Acronicta aceris (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local in parks, gardens, woodland and scrub throughout southern England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and fairly common, particularly in suburban area. Wingspan 41-49 mm. The main confusion species are Poplar Grey A. megacephala and Sweet Gale Moth A. euphorbiae, but has characteristic S-shaped subterminal band of pale grey blocks. Larva feeds on Horse-chestnut, Sycamore and Field Maple, over-wintering as a pupa.

Record Details

VC10: Freshwater Bay, one, 10 Jul; one, 12 Jul (SDav); Brook Down, one, photo 73.039-10-1Jul24-1., 01 Jul (PBard);

VC11: New Forest Wildlife Park, Ashurst, larva, present, field obs., , 27 Aug (iNat); Marchwood, one, 11 Jul; one, 25 Jun (CTha); Romsey, one, 09 May (MJB); Dibden Purlieu, one, 25 May; Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 29 Jun; two, 30 Jun; one, 02 Jul; one, 11 Jul; two, 20 Jul (RAC); Hythe, larva, present, field obs., , 23 Aug (iNat); Blackfield, one, field obs., 08 Jul (SJJ); Swaythling, Southampton, two, 06 Jul (MEdg); Southampton, one, 25 Jun (MGP); Sholing, one, 03 Jun (ARC); West End, one, 10 Jul (AMD); Highbridge, Eastleigh, present, field obs., 06 Jul; Winchester, larva, present, field obs., , 12 Jul (iNat); Stubbington, one, 17 May; one, 29 Jun (DPH); Funtley, one, 01 Jul (TDC); Lee-on-Solent, one, 24 Jun; one, 26 Jun; one, 29 Jun (IHrg); Fareham, one, 29 Jun; one, 01 Jul; one, 18 Jul (ADT); one, 02 Jul (IMcP); one, 24 Jun; one, 29 Jun; one, 01 Jul (MLO); larva, present, field obs., , 23 Jul (FJon); Botley, one, 25 Jun; one, 13 Jun; one, 14 Jun; one, 21 Jun (SLB); Dean, Bishop's Waltham, present, 01 Aug (CMor); Waterlooville, one, 14 May; one, 21 Jun; two, 30 Jun; one, 02 Jul; six, 04 Jul (DWhe); Havant, one, 25 Jun (EJac); Langstone, one, 31 May (HuWhi); Emsworth, larva, present, field obs., , 19 Jul (iNat); Stroud, Petersfield, one, 29 Jun; present, 01 Jul; one, 10 Jul; one, 27 Jul (RAll); Petersfield, one, 30 Jul (CRoc); Christchurch: Cross Way, one, 16 Jun; one, 29 Jun (LPyk); Christchurch, one, 30 Jul (APard); Hengistbury Head NNR, one, 03 Jul; one, 04 Jul (BKin det. MJef); Burton, nr Christchurch, one, 07 Jul (JStw); Hengistbury Head, one, 26 Jun (MJef); New Milton, three, 29 Jun; one, 27 Jul (RPH); Sway, one, 10 Jul; one, 21 Jul (SKee);

VC12: Cholderton, one, 06 Jul (TJN); Chilbolton, one, 26 Jun (GCE); Andover Down, larva, present, field obs., , 23 Aug (iNat); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 29 Jun (CRB,DAS,PDF); North Waltham, one, 13 Jul (AJon); Basingstoke, one, 20 May; one, 20 Jun (MJW); one, 29 Jul (RHil); Chawton, one, 01 Aug (DAS); Windmill Hill, Chalton, two, 03 Jul (CJP); East Worldham, one, 20 Jul (RAng); Whitehill, Bordon, one, 14 Jun; one, 29 Jun; four, 01 Jul; one, 06 Jul; one, 08 Jul; one, 09 Jul; one, 23 Jul (ASto); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 26 Jun; one, 01 Jul; one, 22 Jul (ASwa); Farnborough, one, 30 Jul (KBW);

73.040 [B&F: 2280] Miller Acronicta leporina (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common in broad-leaved woodland, heathland, moorland, fens and gardens throughout the British Isles. Widespread and fairly common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 37-48 mm. Apart from the occasional melanic individual, generally unmistakable. Larva feeds on Downy and Silver Birch, Alder and Grey Willow, over-wintering as a pupa.

Record Details

VC10: Ningwood Common, present, 25 Jun (HMak);

VC11: Romsey, one, 01 Jul (MJB); one, 29 Jun (NRJ); Dibden Purlieu, one, 25 May; one, 26 May; Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 07 Jun; one, 01 Jul (RAC); Southampton, two, 20 May (MGP); Allbrook, one, 16 Jun (SIng); Stubbington, one, 01 Aug (DPH); Lee-on-Solent, one, 25 Jun (IHrg); Fareham, one, 06 Jun; one, 23 Jun; one, 26 Jun (ADT); one, 25 Jun (IMcP); Dean, Bishop's Waltham, present, 22 Jul (CMor); Waterlooville, two, 25 Jun; one, 28 Jun; two, 30 Jun; one, 04 Jul; one, 07 Jul; one, 10 Jul (DWhe); Southleigh Forest, one, 04 Jul (CGree det. HMun); Horndean, one, 10 Jul (PHog); Stroud, Petersfield, one, 19 May (RAll); Merritown Heath, one, 29 Jun (DFoo); Christchurch: Cross Way, one, 25 Jun (LPyk); Hengistbury Head NNR, one, 19 Jun; one, 24 Jun (RPH); one, 04 Jul (BKin det. MJef);

VC12: Middle Wallop, one, 29 Jul (TJN, RDon, GDon); Anna Valley, Andover, one, 23 Jul (TJN); Barton Stacey, one, 29 Jun (GCE); North Waltham, one, 06 Jun; one, 07 Jun; one, 15 Jun (AJon); Basingstoke, one, 21 Jul (MJW); Whitehill, Bordon, one, 29 Jun; one, 01 Jul; one, 03 Jul; one, 20 Jul; one, 23 Jul (ASto); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 11 Jul (ASwa); Farnborough, one, 11 Jul; one, 22 Jul; one, 29 Jul (MThmp); one, 10 Jul (KBW)

73.045 [B&F: 2289] Knot Grass Acronicta rumicis (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common on grassland, heathland, marshes, gardens and a wide range of other habitats throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common in all three vice-counties. Wingspan 35-43 mm. Superficially similar to other Acronicta species, it can usually be distinguished by the curved white mark near the rear edge of the forewing, which is normally present even in melanic specimens. Larva feeds on various herbaceous and woody plants, including Broad-leaved Dock, Common Sorrel, Ribwort Plantain, Greater Plantain, Water Mint, Bramble, Hop, Hawthorn and Burnet Rose, over-wintering as a pupa.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Bonchurch, 30 Mar, 1 (JHa) Latest: Whitwell Road, Ventnor, 01 Sep, 1 (MGT) Max count: Totland, 11 Aug, 12 (AiSmi)

VC11: Earliest: Portchester, 11 Apr, 1 (DH-J) Latest: Hillier Arboretum, Romsey, 10 Oct, 0 (SIbb) Max count: Waterlooville, 30 Jul, 7 (DWhe)

VC12: Earliest: Chilbolton, 30 Apr, 1 (GCE) Latest: Laverstoke Park, Whitchurch, 03 Oct, 0 (iNat) Max count: North Waltham, 31 Jul, 9 (AJon)

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

Basingstoke
31/07/2024
MV light trap - Melanic individual - hindwing
Mike Wall
Photo © Mike Wall

73.046 [B&F: 2278] Poplar Grey Subacronicta megacephala ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Common

Common in woodland, fens, parks and gardens throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 38-45 mm. Could be confused with Sycamore A. aceris. Larva feeds on Black and White Poplar, and Aspen, over-wintering as a pupa.

Record Details

VC10: Freshwater Bay, present, 28 Jun (SDav); Freshwater, one, 22 Jun; three, 26 Jun; one, 28 Jun; one, 29 Jun; one, 01 Jul; two, 02 Jul (PBard); Ningwood Common, present, 07 Jun; present, 17 May; present, 07 Jun; present, 02 Jul (HMak); Speedwell, Cranmore, NF, present, several, 18 Jun (AMD); Haseley Manor, one, 16 Jun; Shanklin, one, 24 Jun; Osborne Wood, two, 01 Jul (IOu);

VC11: North Poulner, Ringwood, present, , 01 Jul (ASho); Marchwood, one, 01 Jul (TDCh); one, 22 Jun; one, 23 Jun; one, 11 Jul; Lee, one, 20 Jul (CTha); North Baddesley, one, 13 Jul (RWPas); Romsey, two, 31 Jul; one, 02 Aug (MJB); Dibden Purlieu, one, 04 May; one, 25 May; Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 01 Jul; one, 02 Jul (RAC); Southampton, one, 18 May; one, 17 Jul (MGP); West End, one, 10 Jul (AMD); Allbrook, one, 02 Jun; one, 14 Jul (SIng); Highbridge, Eastleigh, one, field obs., 21 Jun (MSic); present, field obs., , 21 Jun (iNat); two, 25 Jun (SIng); Winchester, one, first record of the year., 07 Jul (THW); Botley Wood, one, 05 Aug (AMD); Stubbington, two, 03 Jun (DPH); Lee-on-Solent, one, 24 Jun; one, 28 Jun; one, 29 Jun; one, 30 Jun (IHrg); Fareham, one, 15 Jun; one, 23 Jun; one, 25 Jun; one, 26 Jun (ADT); two, 02 Jul (IMcP); one, 28 Jun (MLO); Botley, one, 21 Jul; one, 28 May (SLB); Portsmouth, one, 02 Jun; one, 25 Jun; one, 01 Aug (IRT); Waterlooville, one, 25 May; one, 09 Jun; one, 25 Jun; one, 02 Jul (DWhe); Havant, one, 25 Jun (EJac); Langstone, one, 02 Aug (HuWhi); Southleigh Forest, one, 04 Jul (CGree det. HMun); Stroud, Petersfield, one, 16 Jun; one, 18 Jun (RAll); Hengistbury Head, one, 30 Jul (MJef); Stanpit Marsh LNR, one, 17 May (PAB); New Milton, one, 23 Jun (RPH); Sway, one, 12 May; one, 02 Jun; one, 03 Jun; one, 25 Jun; one, 26 Jun (SKee); Sway, NF, one, 23 Jun (DMui);

VC12: Leckford Estate, one, 19 Jul; Chilbolton, three, 26 Jun; one, 09 Jul; Wherwell, one, photograph taken., 07 Jul; Barton Stacey, one, 12 Jul; Bullington, one, 29 Jun (GCE); Magdalen Hill Down NR, one, 19 Jul (AMD); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 29 Jun (CRB,DAS,PDF); North Waltham, one, 25 Jun; one, 06 Jul (AJon); Basingstoke, one, 31 Jul (MJW); Upper Inhams Copse, Pamber Forest, one, 17 Jun; two, 01 Jul (GJD); Chawton, one, 04 Jul (DAS); Selborne, one, 26 Jul (CJP); East Worldham, one, 03 Jun (RAng); present, , 03 Jun; present, , 30 Jun (EPil); Whitehill, Bordon, present, 02 Jun; one, 03 Jun; one, 25 Jun; one, 26 Jun; one, 01 Jul; one, 20 Jul; one, 23 Jul (ASto); Farnborough, one, 26 Jul (MThmp); one, 30 Jul (KBW);

73.047 [B&F: 2291] Coronet Craniophora ligustri ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Local

Local in a wide variety of habitats, including hedgerows, woodland, calcareous grassland, fens and hillsides throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire widespread and locally frequent in the south, less common in the north and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 35-42 mm. Only likely to be confused with dark forms of Poplar Grey Acronicta megacephala, but smaller, with more rounded apex. Larva feeds predominantly on Ash, but also on Alder and Hazel, over-wintering as a pupa.

Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Little Duxmore, 03 Jun, 0 (HMak) Latest: West High Down quarries, 17 Sep, 1 (IOu) Max count: Shanklin, 29 Jul, 14 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Romsey, 18 May, 1 (MJB) Latest: Portchester, 27 Aug, 1 (DH-J) Max count: Itchen Valley CP, 19 Jul, 10 (CTha)

VC12: Earliest: Oakridge, Basingstoke, 13 May, 1 (IFS) Latest: Selborne, 17 Aug, 1 (CJP) Max count: Cholderton, 26 Jul, 6 (TJN)

73.048 [B&F: 2397] Small Yellow Underwing Panemeria tenebrata (Scopoli, 1763) - Local

Local in flower meadows, calcareous grassland, roadside verges and sea cliffs throughout England and Wales. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight scattered colonies of this species occur on meadows and downs, but rare in the New Forest. Wingspan 18-20 mm. Flies during the day in sunshine. Hindwing primrose-yellow with broad black border to one-third and heavy black suffusion at base (MBGBI Vol 10), together with day-flying habit and small size preclude confusion with any other British moth, although it has been compared to the pyralid Pyrausta aurata. Larva feeds on seed capsules of Common Mouse-ear and Field Mouse-ear, over-wintering as a pupa.

Record Details

VC11: Woodlands, NF, one, field obs., 08 May (NRJ);

VC12: Hall's Farm, Bramshill, one, field obs., 10 May (KBW); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, dead, dead in web, 12 May (ASwa)