2023 Annual Report for: Erebidae / Arctiinae

For species seen in 2023 that had less than or equal to 100 records, full details are included; for more common species, the earliest, latest and highest count by vice-county are shown. The narrative for each species is taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species. The tables in each species account summarise the previous status, and that for the current year.

For the maps, all records prior to 2023 are shown by a blue dot (the larger the dot, the more recent), with the current year's records shown in red. As previous records are superimposed on any report for 2023, new sites have greater emphasis (i.e. will show as 'more red').

In the species accounts, an asterisk next to a location indicates a new 10km square record; earliest ever dates are highlighted in orange, and latest ever in red. Initials in the species accounts refer to the recorders listed here. Please get in touch if you identify any omissions or errors, in particular if you have records that have yet to be submitted. Details of how to submit records can be found here.

72.019 [B&F: 2061] Buff Ermine Spilosoma lutea (Hufnagel, 1766) - Common

Common in a wide range of habitats, including gardens, hedgerows, parkland and woodland throughout England and southern Scotland, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 34-42 mm. The females much darker than the males. Larva feeds on Stinging Nettle, Honeysuckle, Hop and Wild Plum, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101792464719512022
11145973280219492022
1243851268019512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
112303188
1210819316

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Southsea, 11 May, 1 (JGdr) Latest: Sway, 26 Sep, 1 (SKee) Max count: Fareham, 26 Jun, 8 (ADT)

VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 20 May, 1 (TJN) Latest: Whitehill, 25 Sep, 1 (ASto) Max count: Pamber Forest, 13 Jun, 16 (GJD)

72.020 [B&F: 2060] White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common in gardens, hedgerows, grassland, heathland, moorland and woodland throughout the British Isles, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 34-48 mm. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, especially Stinging Nettle and several species of dock, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10990227419812022
1181041688419472022
122734842419512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
112022878
12721266

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Butser Hill, 11 May, 1 (TDCh) Latest: Langstone, 25 Aug, 1 (RPic) Max count: Southsea, 21 Jun, 8 (JGdr)

VC12: Earliest: Chawton House, Alton, 04 May, 1 (DAS) Latest: Chilbolton, 14 Aug, 1 (GCE) Max count: Hinton Ampner, 11 Jun, 6 (ASD)

72.022 [B&F: 2063] Muslin Moth Diaphora mendica (Clerck, 1759) - Common

Common in open woodland, gardens and hedgerows, and on downland and sand-dunes throughout much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread, but has declined recently. Wingspan male 30-35 mm, female 36-43 mm. The males are sometimes common at light, the females fly infrequently but are sometimes seen during the day. Male unmistakable, female is similar to White Ermine and Water Ermine, but smaller. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including Dock and Dead-nettle, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1050791419432022
113699551619482022
121248203219512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1172743
1231475

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Brockwood, 15 Apr, 1 (SDut) Latest: Horndean, 23 Jun, 1 (PHog) Max count: Hurn, 11 May, 3 (MJef)

VC12: Earliest: Alton, 26 Apr, 1 (DBO) Latest: Hammer Vale, Woolmer, 21 May, 1 (ASwa) Max count: Cholderton, 20 May, 5 (TJN)

72.023 [B&F: 2059] Clouded Buff Diacrisia sannio (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local on heathland, moorland and calcareous grassland throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight once locally frequent on the dry chalk, nowadays it is found only on the damp heaths of the New Forest and the north-east, with occasional wanderers appearing elsewhere. Wingspan male 40-50 mm, female 35-45 mm. Unmistakable. Larva polyphagous on various heathland plants, including Heather, Bell Heather, Sheep's Sorrel, Devil's-bit Scabious, Common Dog-violet, Ribwort Plantain and Greater Plantain.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1025718562010
1135234818002022
1212915019512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11672
12221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Great Bottom, NF, one, field observation, 22 Jun; Rockford Common, NF, two, field observation, 21 Jun (RWT); Claypits Bottom, NF, one, field observation, 17 Jun (EDav); Roydon Woods HIWWT NR, NF, one, field observation, 06 Jun (PWic); one, field observation, 12 Jun (CBoy); Sopley Common, one, field observation, 12 Jun (MKD);

VC12: Broxhead Common, Bordon, one, field observation, 17 Jun (AGre); Fleet Pond, one, 14 Jun (MHals)

72.024 [B&F: 2064] Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common on downland, heathland and sand-dunes, and in woodland clearings, farmland and gardens throughout England. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 28-38 mm. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including Common Ragwort, Ribwort Plantain and Greater Plantain.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10608122719512022
1163291381719512022
122762834719492022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1121237710
1214231916

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Botley, 28 Apr, 1 (SLB) Latest: Portsdown Hill, 14 Oct, 1 (NBur) Max count: Botley, 25 Jul, 10 (SLB)

VC12: Earliest: Liphook, 07 May, 1 (SEP) Latest: Barton Stacey, 16 Sep, 1 (GCE) Max count: Morn Hill, Winchester, 28 Jul, 16 (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur)

72.025 [B&F: 2056] Wood Tiger Parasemia plantaginis (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local on heathland and downland throughout much of the British Isles, but has disappeared from many localities, especially in southern England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight a species that has decreased dramatically through loss of habitat. It is still present on the remaining areas of unspoilt downland. Wingspan 33-42 mm. Sufficiently distinctive not be confused with other more common species of tiger-moth. Larva polyphagous on plants such as Bell Heather, Ribwort Plantain, Greater Plantain, Common Rock-rose, Salad Burnet and Groundsel.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
107316718002022
117634519402021
129920419492021

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
12111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC12: Beacon Hill, Burghclere, one, field observation, 10 Jun (JHas)

72.026 [B&F: 2057] Garden Tiger Arctia caja (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Reasonably common, but has declined drastically in recent years, in gardens, water meadows, marshes, fens, sand-dunes and open woodland throughout the British Isles, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight still widespread, but present only in small numbers. Wingspan 50-78 mm. Variable, but generally unmistakable. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including Stinging Nettle, Broad-leaved Dock, Greater Burdock and Lesser Burdock.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1039063519512022
114019936819512022
1252769719482022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1148809
12562

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Swaythling, one, indoors, 11 Aug (MHarn); Itchen Valley CP, two, 29 Jul (CTha); Highbridge, Eastleigh, two, 28 Jul (SIng); three, 19 Aug (SIng, PPir); Stubbington, one, 10 Aug (DPH); Fareham, one, 07 Aug; one, 08 Aug; three, 11 Aug; one, 12 Aug; one, 14 Aug; one, 15 Aug; one, 19 Aug; two, 20 Aug; one, 24 Aug; two, 25 Aug; one, 26 Aug (ADT); three, 21 Aug (IMcP); one, 10 Aug; two, 17 Aug; one, 18 Aug (KJW); Botley, one, 13 Jul; one, 18 Jul; one, 08 Aug (SLB); Portchester, present, field observation, 02 Aug (iNat); Gosport, larva, one, field observation, 29 May (KIls); Portchester, larva, present, field observation, 22 Jun (Unkn.); one, 29 Jul; one, 09 Aug (CEH, JGS); Portsmouth, one, 08 Aug; one, 10 Aug; four, 20 Aug; three, 21 Aug; two, 24 Aug (IRT); Lovedean, one, 31 Jul (ARJa); Langstone, one, 24 Aug; one, 25 Aug; one, 27 Aug (RPic); Hengistbury Head, one, 25 Jul; one, 09 Aug (MJef); Bransgore, NF, one, field observation, 28 Aug (JLevs); Pennington, one, 25 Jul (RFC); Needs Ore NNR, one, 24 Jul (CNB); Southsea, one, 28 Jul; nine, 06 Aug; six, 17 Aug (JGdr); present, 07 Aug; seven, 11 Aug (KAnd); Eastney, present, field observation, 30 Jun (NBle);

VC12: Cholderton, one, 29 Jul (TJN); Forton, two, 24 Jul (GCE); Magdalen Hill Down NR, one, 23 Jul (AMD); North Waltham, one, 16 Aug (AJon); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 20 Jul (ASwa)

72.027 [B&F: 2058] Cream-spot Tiger Arctia villica (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local on clifftops, undercliffs, saltmarshes and sand-dunes in southern England and South Wales, predominantly coastal. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight more or less confined to the coasts of vice-counties 10 and 11, where it is locally fairly common. Wingspan 50-66 mm. Could be confused with the occasional Scarlet Tiger Callimorpha dominula which has yellow hindwing. Larva feeds on White Dead-nettle, Black Horehound, Common Ragwort and Common Cow-wheat.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1043689718002022
1156095019482022
123019511951

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1117304

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Portsmouth, one, 04 Jun; one, 12 Jun (IRT); Hengistbury Head, two, 29 May (FM-S); two, 30 May; one, 31 May (BKin); two, 05 Jun (FM-S); two, 05 Jun; three, 12 Jun; four, 13 Jun; one, 14 Jun (MJef); larva, one, field observation, 22 Apr (RPH); Hengistbury, Bournemouth, present, field observation, 31 May (MGou); Hengistbury Head, larva, four, field observation, 26 Apr (RPH); two, 23 May; one, 23 May; two, 23 May (MJef); The Kench, Hayling Island, one, field observation, 02 Jun (LPry)

72.029 [B&F: 2068] Scarlet Tiger Callimorpha dominula (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local on river-banks, and in fens, marshes and damp meadows throughout south-western England and south Wales. In Hampshire still common in the Avon, Test, Itchen and Wey valleys and occasionally wanders elsewhere. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 52-58 mm. Day-flying, but fairly frequent at over-night light traps. Usually, the bright red underwing precludes confusion with other tiger moths, however it occasionally has a yellow underwing, when it superficially resembles Cream-spot Tiger Arctia villica, but Cream-spot Tiger has a large white basal patch and is a more slender moth. Larva feeds on Common Comfrey, Hemp-agrimony, Stinging Nettle, Bramble, Honeysuckle and Meadowsweet.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
11620101118002022
12977227219402022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1132333
1255716

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Rollesbrook Valley, Southampton, 03 May, 0 (iNat) Latest: Warsash, 24 Jul, 1 (RAC) Max count: Fishlake Meadows, Romsey, 24 Jun, 3 (SMart)

VC12: Earliest: Overton, 06 Apr, 3 (PEH) Latest: King's Hogsty Copse, Pamber Forest, 16 Aug, 1 (GJD) Max count: Greywell, 07 Jul, 6 (KBW)

72.030 [B&F: 2067] Jersey Tiger Euplagia quadripunctaria (Poda, 1761) - Nb

Locally common on sea cliffs, undercliffs, gardens, rough ground and hedgerows, mainly in south-western England. Predominantly coastal, it is probably most common in Devon but the 21st century has seen an increase in range along the coast to Dorset and the Isle of Wight, and increasingly on mainland Hampshire, and it continues to extend its range eastwards. There are also populations in London and Somerset, both of which may be as the result of accidental (or in the case of Somerset, deliberate) introduction.

First recorded on the Isle of Wight as a migrant in 1935, there were no further sightings in our area until one in Fareham, Hampshire on 12 August 1987. Low level residence was first suspected in the early 1990s, since when it has increased year on year on the island and is now locally frequent there (light traps in Ventnor have turned up 50-100 individuals on one night). With this, it was to be expected that frequency of sightings would increase on the mainland across the Solent, and it appears now to be resident (supplemented by dispersal from Wight) across the south Hampshire coast. It is making inroads inland and is increasingly reported across the county: it is very common in Surrey and East Berkshire, where populations have been expanding west from the London area, which may have originated from captive breeding releases, and the influx into north-east Hampshire more than likely originates from that source.

Wingspan 52-65 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on herbaceous plants such as Stinging Nettle, Hemp-agrimony, White Dead-nettle, Ribwort Plantain, Greater Plantain, Ground-ivy and Bramble.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101063477118772022
11164434148202022
12535720112022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11736148340
1246586

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Holbury, Southampton, 19 May, 0 (KPhi) Latest: Northbrook, Bishop's Waltham, 09 Sep, 1 (JBoo) Max count: Stubbington, 20 Aug, 40 (WMay)

VC12: Earliest: Grateley, 02 Jul, 1 (Unkn.) Latest: Barton Stacey, 06 Sep, 1 (GCE) Max count: Chilbolton, 14 Aug, 6 (GCE)

72.031 [B&F: 2069] Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common on grassland, sand-dunes, heathland, gardens and woodland rides throughout much of England and Wales, rare in Scotland, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and usually common, especially in the larval stage, on dunes, downs, open woodland and other places where the foodplant grows. Wingspan 35-45 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on Common Ragwort, occasionally also on Oxford Ragwort, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10698208319512022
1152451187519452022
1227251030619512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1119153950
1211247855

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Fordingbridge, 10 May, 1 (PBat) Latest: Botley, 17 Aug, 1 (SLB) Max count: Gatewood, 23 Jun, 50 (PGS)

VC12: Earliest: Whitchurch, 03 May, 1 (SuBro) Latest: Overton Lagoons, 21 Aug, 2 (PEH) Max count: Overton Lagoons, 11 Jul, 55 (PEH)

72.035 [B&F: 2037] Rosy Footman Miltochrista miniata (Forster, 1771) - Local

Local in broad-leaved woodland, heathland and mature hedgerows throughout southern England, but rare elsewhere; widely distributed and relatively common throughout Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 25-33 mm. A beautiful and unmistakable moth. Larva feeds on various lichens.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101343635619512022
1180182173019492022
122087694119512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1130066033
12981498

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Marchwood, 17 Jun, 1 (CTha) Latest: Tiptoe, Sway, 01 Oct, 1 (S&SLan) Max count: Needs Ore NNR, 23 Jul, 33 (CNB)

VC12: Earliest: Chilbolton, 23 Jun, 2 (GCE) Latest: Morn Hill, Winchester, 02 Sep, 1 (CRB, PDF, DAS) Max count: Vyne Lodge Farm, Cufaude, 27 Jul, 8 (AWan)

72.036 [B&F: 2038] Muslin Footman Nudaria mundana (Linnaeus, 1761) - Local

Local in dry-stone walls and rocky areas throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight very local and uncommon in the area. There are very scattered records from all three vice-counties. Wingspan 19-23 mm. The most likely confusion species is Round-winged Muslin Thumatha senex, which see for differences. Larva feeds on various lichens, often on walls.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1014326518562022
11272219512022
12364519512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11221
12452

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: East Tytherley, one, 11 Jul; Broughton, one, 22 Jun (GCE);

VC12: Wonston, two, 13 Jul; one, 13 Jul; one, 13 Jul; one, 13 Jul (GCE)

72.037 [B&F: 2035] Round-winged Muslin Thumatha senex (Hübner, [1808]) - Local

Local in fens, bogs, moorland, damp grassland and marshes throughout much of England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight there are scattered colonies in bogs and marshes in all three vice-counties, with occasionally wanderers elsewhere. Wingspan 20-22 mm. The most likely confusion species is Muslin Footman Nudaria mundana, which differs in having two rather poorly-defined zigzag fasciae running across the less-rounded forewing, and fewer spots than Round-winged Muslin. Larva feeds on various lichens and various mosses.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
107411819002022
1154470018002022
12364117719402022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11145420
128123

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Blashford Lakes HIWWT NR, one, 08 Jul (PWhtk); Lee, one, 23 Jun; two, 08 Jul (CTha); Fishlake Meadows, 20, 15 Jun; 10, 13 Jul; 10, 25 Jul (NRJ); Winchester, one, 07 Jul (THW); Botley, one, 11 Jun (SLB); Hurn, one, 23 Jun; one, 28 Jul; Hengistbury Head, one, 12 Jun (MJef); Needs Ore NNR, two, 16 Jun; two, 24 Jul (CNB); one, 24 Jul (PCra);

VC12: Wherwell, one, 18 Jul; one, 18 Jul; Forton, three, 24 Jul (GCE); Lord's Wood, Pamber Forest, one, 10 Jun (MBot); Shortheath Common, Oakhanger, one, 21 Aug (DAS); Fleet Pond, two, 03 Aug; two, 10 Aug; one, 27 Jun (MHals)

72.038 [B&F: 2040] Four-dotted Footman Cybosia mesomella (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local on heathland, moorland, damp grassland, fens and open woodland throughout the British Isles. Widespread and fairly common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 29-34 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on lichens growing on various woody plants, including Heather and Sallow.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10969419812022
111267158719512022
12810125419512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
112616951
1224303

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Ogden's Purlieu, NF, two, 29 Jun (AMD); East Tytherley, one, 21 Jun; one, 21 Jun; two, 21 Jun (GCE); Stanbridge Earls, one, 13 Jun (JRM); Broughton, two, 22 Jun (GCE); Needs Ore NNR, three, 01 Jul; one, 02 Jul; 51, 23 Jul (PCra); Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 15 Jun; one, 20 Jun; one, 22 Jun (RAC); Hurn, one, 14 Jun; one, 11 Jul; one, 12 Jul (MJef); Sway, one, 13 Jun; one, 25 Jun; one, 28 Jun (SKee); Lymington, one, 22 Jun (PRD); Needs Ore NNR, one, 30 Jun; seven, 10 Jun; three, 16 Jun; four, 01 Jul (CNB); 30, 23 Jul (PCra);

VC12: Bentley Wood, one, field observation, 23 Jul (PEH); Nether Wallop, one, 22 Jun; one, 22 Jun; one, 22 Jun; one, 19 Jul (GCE); The Hawk Conservancy, Weyhill, present, field observation, 10 Jun (iNat); Anna Valley, Andover, one, 10 Jun; Goodworth Clatford, three, 01 Jul (TJN); Whitchurch, one, 22 Jun (SuBro); Cole Henley, one, 17 Jun (GCE); Morn Hill, Winchester, two, 10 Jun (CRB, DAS, PDF et al); two, 10 Jun (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur); Overton, one, 14 Jun; one, 17 Jun (ACr); Cheriton Wood, one, 27 Jul (DAS); Pamber Heath, one, 10 Jun (WLan); Lord's Wood, Pamber Forest, three, 10 Jun (MBot); Silchester Common, one, 10 Jun (WLan); Pamber Forest, one, 13 Jun (GJD); Ludshott Common, three, 11 Jul (KBW, HthRT det. KBW); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 15 Jun; one, 17 Jun (ASwa); Farnham, present, 19 Jun (Bird); Fleet Pond, one, 07 Jul (MHals)

72.040 [B&F: 2042] Small Dotted Footman Pelosia obtusa (Herrich-Schäffer, 1851) - Nationally Rare

A vulnerable Red Data Book species, in reed-beds, in East Anglia. It was first recorded in the Norfolk Broads in 1961 with the existence of a colony at Hickling being confirmed by a number of sightings in the 1980s. Although it is now known from four 10km squares, the occupied sites are not large and are rather close together (MBGBI Vol 9). One was taken at light in Ashurst, New Forest, in 2023, presumed to have originated from the continent, but dispersal within the UK cannot be ruled out. Wingspan 25-30 mm. The most likely confusion species is Dotted Footman P. muscerda, which see for differences. Larva feeds on various lichens.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: New Vice-county Record: Woodlands, NF*, one, 08 Jul (CyJon)

72.041 [B&F: 2051] Four-spotted Footman Lithosia quadra (Linnaeus, 1758) - Migrant

Local in broad-leaved woodland in southern England and western Wales, sporadically as far north as Ross-shire and the Isle of Man. It is probable that the population is from time to time reinforced by immigration. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight resident at low density in the New Forest and an uncommon, presumed, immigrant elsewhere. The individual pictured here was taken in the Isles of Scilly, where it is much more frequent. Wingspan male 35-40 mm, female 40-55 mm. Although only the female has spots, the large size precludes confusion with other Lithosiinae. The unspotted male is much more common to light then the female. Larva feeds on lichens growing on oak trees.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101154715318562022
11994173919042022
1225954819512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
116022186
1223416

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: West Wellow, one, 08 Aug (CNB); East Tytherley*, one, 09 Aug (GCE); Marchwood, one, 18 Jul; one, 24 Jul (TDCh); one, 20 Jul; one, 13 Sep (CTha); North Baddesley, one, 27 Jul (RWPas); East Tytherley, one, 11 Jul (GCE); Stanbridge Earls, one, 20 Jul (JRM); Romsey, one, 15 Sep (MJB); one, 07 Jul; six, 25 Jul (NRJ); Winter Down Copse, Little Somborne, one, 31 Jul (GCE); Needs Ore NNR, 86, 23 Jul (CNB); Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 12 Jul (RAC); Allbrook, one, male, 20 Jun; one, 10 Aug (SIng); Winchester, one, 21 Jul (THW); Botley Wood, two, 04 Aug (AMD); Fareham, one, trap on 2100 to 2300 only, 17 Aug (MLO); Dean, Bishop's Waltham, present, 12 Aug (CMor); Wickham, one, 12 Jul; one, 09 Aug; one, 20 Aug; one, 08 Oct (JRDS); Portchester, one, 16 Aug (CEH, JGS); Horsea Island, one, male. , 16 Jun (F.M.G.); Waterlooville, one, 16 Jul; one, 27 Jul; one, 09 Aug; one, 11 Aug (DWhe); Hurn, one, 18 Jun; nine, 11 Jul; 12, 12 Jul; five, 13 Jul; four, 21 Jul; six, 22 Jul; five, 28 Jul; eight, 29 Jul; three, 15 Aug; 14, 18 Aug; three, 19 Aug; two, 23 Aug; one, 24 Sep; Hengistbury Head, three, 23 Jul; seven, 23 Jul (MJef); Bransgore, one, 25 Jun (SPMC); Tiptoe, Sway, one, 20 Jul (S&SLan); Sway, one, 25 Jun; one, 23 Jul; one, 27 Jul; one, 09 Aug; one, 10 Aug (SKee); Pennington, two, 09 Aug; one, 11 Aug; one, 22 Aug; two, 23 Aug; one, 08 Sep; one, 30 Sep (RFC); Pilley, NF, one, 17 Aug (GGri); Needs Ore NNR, one, 24 Jul; one, 09 Aug (CNB);

VC12: Cholderton, two, 29 Jul; three, 04 Sep (TJN); Leckford Abbas, six, 03 Aug (KaHer); Chilbolton, five, 23 Jul; two, 30 Jul; one, 14 Aug; Barton Stacey, one, 09 Jul; two, 09 Jul; Littleton, one, 27 Jun; Wonston, one, 07 Aug (GCE); Forest Edge, Andover Down, three, 06 Aug (TJN); Barton Stacey, one, 08 Aug; Cole Henley, one, 27 Jul (GCE); Magdalen Hill Down NR, one, 23 Jul (AMD); Cheriton, one, 24 Sep (DAS); Pamber Heath, one, 07 Jul; Silchester Common, one, 07 Jul (WLan); Chawton House, Alton, two, 03 Aug (DAS); Selborne, three, 17 Aug (CJP); Odiham Common, one, field observation, 29 Jun (ABai); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 10 Aug; one, 18 Aug (ASwa); Farnham, present, 29 Jul (iNat)

72.042 [B&F: 2039] Red-necked Footman Atolmis rubricollis (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local in broad-leaved woodland and plantations throughout much of southern England and Wales. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight has increased from the mid 1980s onwards; after failing to appear in the county between 1971 and 1985, the species is now widespread across much of the county and on the Island. Wingspan 28-36 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on lichens growing on Oak, Birch, Beech, European Larch, Norway Spruce and various trees, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10606718002022
1129840518002022
128911918002022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11672
12221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Botley Wood, two, 09 Jun (F.M.G.); Horndean, one, 17 Jun (PHog); Hurn, one, 10 Jun; one, 15 Jun (MJef); Sway, one, 09 Jun; one, 13 Jun (SKee);

VC12: North Waltham, one, 14 Jun (AJon); Lord's Wood, Pamber Forest, one, 10 Jun (MBot)

72.043 [B&F: 2049] Buff Footman Eilema depressa (Esper, 1787) - Local

Local in broad-leaved woodland, mixed woodland, scrubby downland, scrubby heathland and fens throughout much of southern England and Wales. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and not uncommon, having increased in range over the last 20 years. Wingspan 28-36 mm. Distinctive once known, the relatively broad, plain wings give the species a characteristic appearance. The most likely confusion species is the pale straw-yellow form (ab. stramineola) of Dingy Footman E. griseola. Larva feeds on lichens growing on various deciduous and coniferous trees, including Oak, Birch, Hawthorn and Yew.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10639206019302022
112577571319512022
121234408919512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
114917321
1226334

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Brockwood, 11, 01 Jul (SDut); East Tytherley, one, 09 Aug (GCE); Marchwood, one, 18 Jun; one, 27 Jul (CTha); Romsey, two, 15 Aug (NRJ); Needs Ore NNR, one, 02 Jul (CNB); one, 02 Jul (PCra); 19, 23 Jul (CNB); five, 23 Jul (PCra); Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 18 Jul; one, 11 Sep (RAC); Highbridge, Eastleigh, two, 19 Aug (SIng, PPir); Winchester, one, 14 Jul; two, 25 Jul; one, 28 Jul; two, 11 Aug; one, 19 Aug (THW); Fareham, one, 25 Jul (MLO); Botley, one, 28 Jul; two, 11 Aug; one, 17 Aug; one, 28 Jul; one, 08 Aug (SLB); Wickham, one, 23 Jun (F.M.G.); one, 26 Jun; one, 20 Jul; two, 29 Jul (JRDS); Waterlooville, one, 18 Jul; three, 24 Jul (DWhe); Horndean, one, 23 Jun (PHog); Stroud, Petersfield*, one, 28 Jul (RAll); Hurn, one, 14 Jul; one, 21 Jul; 11, 22 Jul; seven, 28 Jul; eight, 15 Aug; 21, 18 Aug; seven, 23 Aug; Hengistbury Head, three, 16 Aug; two, 08 Aug; 18, 23 Jul; 15, 23 Jul; two, 27 Jun (MJef); Pennington, one, 09 Aug (RFC); Boldre, NF, present, 13 Jul (JWar); Needs Ore NNR, two, 09 Aug; one, 16 Aug (CNB);

VC12: Cholderton, present, 29 Jul; present, 04 Sep (TJN); Chilbolton, two, 14 Aug (GCE); Anna Valley, Andover, one, 07 Aug; one, 17 Aug (TJN); Newton Stacey, one, 16 Aug; Barton Stacey, one, 15 Aug; two, 15 Aug; one, 15 Aug; two, 15 Aug; one, 08 Aug; one, 08 Aug; one, 08 Aug; Longparish, one, 11 Aug; Hurstbourne Priors, one, 11 Aug (GCE); Magdalen Hill Down NR, three, 23 Jul (AMD); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 08 Jul (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur); Vyne Lodge Farm, Cufaude, four, 27 Jul; one, 04 Aug; one, 15 Aug; one, 22 Aug (AWan); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne, one, 11 Aug; one, 01 Sep (AMD, FHay det. AMD); Bentley Station Meadow, three, 08 Aug (NDP, KBW det. KBW); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 04 Aug (ASwa); Farnham, present, field observation, 27 Jul (iNat)

72.044 [B&F: 2044] Dingy Footman Eilema griseola (Hübner, [1803]) - Common

Common in fens, water meadows, damp grassland and rural gardens throughout southern England and Wales, north to Yorkshire. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 32-40 mm. Either plain straw yellow (ab. stramineola) or grey with yellow costal streak, both forms best distinguished from Common Footman E. lurideola and Buff Footman E. depressa by characteristic wing-shape. Larva feeds on various lichens growing on deciduous trees and bushes.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101239601919512022
1178392147219492022
1228051293919512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1124761739
1215729710

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Sway, 21 Jun, 1 (SKee) Latest: Crawley, 04 Oct, 1 (GCE) Max count: Needs Ore NNR, 09 Aug, 39 (CNB)

VC12: Earliest: Fleet Pond, 07 Jul, 1 (MHals) Latest: Chilbolton, 09 Sep, 1 (GCE) Max count: Sherborne St John, 16 Aug, 10 (MJW)

72.045 [B&F: 2050] Common Footman Eilema lurideola (Zincken, 1817) - Common

Common wherever there are lichens, in gardens, farmland, marshes and woodland throughout England, Wales and southern Scotland. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 31-38 mm. Wing-shape and posture of live specimens is a far more reliable way of separating the various Eilema species than examination of prepared specimens, and familiarity with E. lurideola is the key to the identification of the other Eilema species; the most likely confusion species is Dingy Footman E. griseola, which see. Larva feeds mainly on various lichens, perhaps also on the foliage of various trees and bushes, including Hawthorn and Dogwood.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101315894619222022
11109884979619482022
1240242178819492022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11505181252
1219899932

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Pennington, 09 Jun, 1 (RFC) Latest: Portsmouth, 06 Sep, 1 (IRT) Max count: Hurn, 13 Jul, 52 (MJef)

VC12: Earliest: Cheriton, 16 Jun, 1 (DAS) Latest: Cholderton, 04 Sep, 1 (TJN) Max count: Chilbolton, 01 Jul, 32 (GCE)

72.046 [B&F: 2047] Scarce Footman Eilema complana (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local in heathland, moorland, woodland, gardens and sand-dunes throughout England and Wales; widespread and common in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 30-36 mm. Has been confused in the past with Common Footman E. lurideola, however wing-shape and posture of live specimens completely different; very similar to Hoary Footman E. caniola, which see. Virtually impossible to separate from Northern Footman E. sericea, now known only from Whixall Moss, Shropshire, and with which it is perhaps best treated as conspecific. Larva feeds on various lichens.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10534175019812022
1157931366619512022
121870453319492022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1124471445
1213631718

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Swaythling, Southampton, 18 Jun, 1 (MEdg) Latest: Fareham, 09 Sep, 2 (MLO) Max count: Hengistbury Head, 17 Jul, 45 (MJef)

VC12: Earliest: North Waltham, 16 Jun, 2 (AJon) Latest: Whitehill, 31 Aug, 1 (ASto) Max count: Morn Hill, Winchester, 08 Jul, 18 (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur)

72.047 [B&F: 2045] Hoary Footman Eilema caniola (Hübner, [1808]) - Nb

Nationally scarce (Nb) on sea cliffs and shingle beaches, and inland on quarries, from Kent to Anglesey. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight first recorded on the Island in 1992 and, on the mainland, in 1997, now increasingly seen in the north-east of the county where it is spreading from the east. Wingspan 28-35 mm. Very similar to Scarce Footman E. complana, but hindwing very pale yellowish grey (ochreous yellow in Scarce Footman), a feature which is difficult to see on live specimens. Larva feeds on various lichens, often on rocks.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10333719812022
11657319932022
127615020032022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1113163
12881

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 08 Jul; one, 13 Jul; one, 17 Jul; one, 27 Jul; one, 03 Aug (RAC); Allbrook, one, 12 Aug (SIng); Funtley, two, 19 Jul (TDC); Waterlooville*, three, 12 Jul; one, 18 Jul; one, 27 Jul (DWhe); Hurn*, one, 18 Aug; Hengistbury Head*, one, 22 Aug (MJef); Sway, one, 29 Jul (SKee);

VC12: Lord's Wood, Pamber Forest, one, 10 Jun (MBot); Whitehill, one, 23 Jun; one, 13 Jul; one, hindwing checked. , 11 Aug (ASto); Bentley Station Meadow, one, 08 Aug (NDP, KBW det. KBW); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 18 Aug; one, 08 Sep (ASwa); Farnborough, one, 23 Aug (KBW)

72.049 [B&F: 2043] Orange Footman Eilema sororcula (Hufnagel, 1766) - Local

Local in deciduous, especially oak and beech, woodland throughout much of southern England, chiefly in the south-west. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight still common in areas of oak woodland, and may even be extending its range. Wingspan 27-30 mm. Could be confused with ab. stramineola of Dingy Footman E. griseola, which is larger, has the costa more strongly arched, and the thorax and abdomen yellow (MBGBI Vol 9). Larva feeds on lichens growing on Oak, Beech and Blackthorn, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10835295818002022
113393799618002022
121536590819512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1112329215
1252794

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Allbrook, 07 May, 1 (SIng) Latest: Hurn, 22 Jul, 1 (MJef) Max count: Culverley, NF, 30 May, 15 (CLew)

VC12: Earliest: Great Haughurst Copse, Axmansford, 12 May, 3 (ACB) Latest: Great Haughurst Copse, Axmansford, 12 Jul, 1 (ACB) Max count: Morn Hill, Winchester, 10 Jun, 4 (CRB, DAS, PDF et al)