2023 Annual Report for: Geometridae / Sterrhinae

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is taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species.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.

70.002 [B&F: 1698] Purple-bordered Gold Idaea muricata (Hufnagel, 1767) - Nationally Scarce

Nationally scarce (Nb) in damp heathland, mosses, bogs, fens and other damp areas in parts of England. In Hampshire fairly frequent in the New Forest, on boggy heathland; away from there, it is known from the north-east where, in 1957, it was reported as being fairly common in the Farnborough area and was reported in the Rushmoor district in 2011 and again in 2022/2023. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date (where there is little suitable habitat). Wingspan 18-20 mm. Small size and day-flying habits could result in confusion with pyralids such as Gold Triangle Hypsopygia costalis and Pyrausta sanguinalis. Larva feeds on Marsh Cinquefoil.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1121116418002022
123319002022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11111
12111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Warren's Park, NF, one, 27 Jun (RBW);

VC12: Fleet Pond, one, netted, 27 Jun (MHals)

70.004 [B&F: 1699] Least Carpet Idaea rusticata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Local

Local in gardens, roadside verges, hedgerows, scrub, downland and embankments throughout much of southern England. First recorded in 1831 in the London area, since when has slowly spread up the Thames Valley, and into Essex and Kent, thence along the south coast as far as Scilly and northwards to Cheshire. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight first recorded in 1977 at Ashurst, then Highcliffe and Hayling Island in 1984, all in vice-county 11. The first Isle of Wight record was in 1991. Since then, very small numbers have occurred in all three vice-counties: it is evidently spreading westwards from its headquarters in the Thames Estuary. Wingspan 19-21 mm. Fairly unmistakable. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including Ivy and Traveller's-joy.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1019135719802022
1146450019762022
12685133519812022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
111301766
1213829114

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Wickham, 13 Jun, 1 (JRDS) Latest: Fareham, 07 Oct, 1 (KJW) Max count: Portsmouth, 19 Jul, 6 (IRT)

VC12: Earliest: Blackwater, 10 Jun, 1 (BGD) Latest: Anna Valley, Andover, 07 Oct, 1 (TJN) Max count: Farnborough, 07 Jul, 14 (KBW)

70.006 [B&F: 1705] Dwarf Cream Wave Idaea fuscovenosa (Goeze, 1781) - Local

Local in hedgerows, scrubby grassland, woodland edges and gardens throughout England. Widespread and fairly common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 19-22 mm. Fairly distinctive with narrow, dark costal streak. Larva feeds on herbaceous plants such as Dandelion and Knotgrass.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1044898019292022
113754595919512022
12961119919512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1130761614
12791166

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Hengistbury Head, 30 May, 1 (BKin) Latest: Portchester, 03 Sep, 1 (DH-J) Max count: Portsmouth, 25 Jun, 14 (IRT)

VC12: Earliest: Alton, 13 Jun, 1 (DBO) Latest: Basingstoke, 27 Jul, 1 (MJW) Max count: Fleet Pond, 07 Jul, 6 (MHals)

70.008 [B&F: 1707] Small Dusty Wave Idaea seriata (Schrank, 1802) - Common

Common in gardens, hedgerows and rough ground, also occasionally indoors throughout Britain. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 19-21 mm. Rather pug-like in size and shape, but irrorate (dusty) appearance is unlike any pug. Larva feeds on withered leaves and plant detritus.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10620112319762022
116221939119492022
121405173619512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1138172725
126211410

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Fareham, 06 May, 1 (KJW) Latest: Fareham, 25 Sep, 1 (MLO) Max count: New Milton, 06 Sep, 25 (RPH)

VC12: Earliest: Basingstoke, 09 Jun, 1 (MJW) Latest: Farnborough, 11 Sep, 1 (KBW) Max count: Farnborough, 23 Aug, 10 (KBW)

70.009 [B&F: 1709] Satin Wave Idaea subsericeata (Haworth, 1809) - Common

Common in woodland, scrub, hedgerows, rough grassland and gardens throughout much of southern England, less frequent in south-western and northern England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight fairly common locally, on heaths and amongst tall grasses on downland. Wingspan 22-25 mm. The most likely confusion species are the very much less common Dotted Border Wave I. sylvestraria

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10967919602022
111773202719512022
1223523519512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
111181799
1211173

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Horsea Island, 19 May, 4 (F.M.G.) Latest: Hengistbury Head, 11 Sep, 1 (MJef) Max count: Needs Ore NNR, 10 Jun, 9 (CNB)

VC12: Earliest: Magdalen Hill Down NNR, 10 Jun, 3 (KArb, SIng, PPea) Latest: Morn Hill, Winchester, 19 Aug, 2 (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur) Max count: Magdalen Hill Down NNR, 10 Jun, 3 (KArb, SIng, PPea)

70.010 [B&F: 1701] Dotted Border Wave Idaea sylvestraria (Hübner, [1799]) - Nationally Scarce

Nationally scarce (Nb) in scrubby heathland, mostly in south-eastern England, with scattered colonies from Sussex to Yorkshire and Lancashire. In our area, scarce but most frequent in the New Forest, with occasional reports from the north-east of Hampshire, with scattered records from elsewhere: all records away from the core areas will require photographic evidence at least to confirm records. Wingspan 20-23 mm. Apart from the very local Silky Wave I. dilutaria, which may also have small terminal dots on both wings, the main confusion species is Satin Wave I. subsericeata, which usually lacks terminal dots; Dwarf Cream Wave I. fuscovenosa has terminal dashes instead of dots. Larva feeds on Wild Thyme, Dyer's Greenweed and Petty Whin.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1013419622016
1115614218002022
12292619562022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11541
12221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Ogden's Purlieu, NF, one, 17 Jun (AMD); Pig Bush, NF, one, 06 Jul (NRJ); Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 20 Jul (RAC); Blackfied, one, to a lighted window, 11 Aug (PGS); Sopley Common, present, 28 Jun (RFox);

VC12: Silchester Common, one, 07 Jul (WLan); Whitehill, one, 19 Jul (ASto)

70.011 [B&F: 1708] Single-dotted Wave Idaea dimidiata (Hufnagel, 1767) - Common

Common in woodland, hedgerows, gardens, fens, marshes and river-banks throughout the British Isles, but absent from the north of Scotland. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 17-22 mm. Confusion species include Treble Brown Spot I. trigeminata. Larva feeds on Cow Parsley, Burnet-saxifrage and Hedge Bedstraw.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10892159519512022
117064992419512022
122291333619512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
112503177
129216340

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Fareham, 07 Jun, 1 (MLO) Latest: Wickham, 08 Oct, 1 (JRDS) Max count: Needs Ore NNR, 16 Jun, 7 (CNB)

VC12: Earliest: Beacon Hill, Burghclere, 10 Jun, 1 (JHas) Latest: Pamber Forest, 06 Sep, 1 (GJD) Max count: Fleet Pond, 28 Jul, 40 (MHals)

70.012 [B&F: 1711] Treble Brown Spot Idaea trigeminata (Haworth, 1809) - Local

Local in woodland rides, gardens and hedgerows, and on chalk downland throughout southern England. Widespread and fairly common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 23-25 mm. Possible confusion species include f. fimbriolata of Small Fan-footed Wave I. biselata, and Single-dotted Wave I. dimidiata, which see. Larva feeds on withered leaves of Ivy.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10693235319002022
114765680519512022
121437236619512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1126649918
127114930

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Fareham, 13 May, 1 (ADT) Latest: Chandler's Ford, 08 Oct, 1 (KArb) Max count: Botley Wood, 09 Jun, 18 (F.M.G.)

VC12: Earliest: Blacknest, Binstead, 09 Jun, 5 (MAng) Latest: Littleton, 01 Oct, 1 (GCE) Max count: Fleet Pond, 14 Jun, 30 (MHals)

70.013 [B&F: 1702] Small Fan-footed Wave Idaea biselata (Hufnagel, 1767) - Common

Common in broad-leaved woodland, plantations, heaths and gardens throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common. Wingspan 22-25 mm. The main confusion species is Dwarf Cream Wave I. fuscovenosa, which has dashes, not dots, along termen, and dark streak on basal third of costa. Larva thought to feed on the withered leaves of plants such as Dandelion.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101043365219722022
115145867619512022
122146480019512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
111482379
12467411

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Fareham, 25 May, 1 (MLO) Latest: Hurn, 10 Sep, 1 (MJef) Max count: Hengistbury Head, 23 Jul, 9 (MJef)

VC12: Earliest: Whitehill, 19 Jun, 1 (ASto) Latest: Wonston, 28 Aug, 1 (GCE) Max count: Pamber Forest, 18 Jul, 11 (GJD)

70.015 [B&F: 1712] Small Scallop Idaea emarginata (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local and declining, in damp woodland, rough grassland, rural gardens, river-banks and other damp areas throughout England and Wales. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widely distributed, but not particularly common. Wingspan 24-27 mm. The combination of scalloped outer wing-edges and delicate curved cross-lines are quite distinctive. Larva feeds on various species of Bedstraw.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10321918562022
1138131218742022
1213512219512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1110144
12772

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Brockenhurst, NF, present, field observation, 12 Jul (iNat); Marchwood, one, 18 Jul; one, 27 Jul (CTha); Totton, one, 21 Jul (CNB); Romsey, one, 07 Jul (NRJ); Needs Ore NNR, one, 02 Jul (CNB); Hurn, one, 11 Jul (MJef); Normandy Marsh, Lymington, one, field observation, 06 Jul (RAC); Needs Ore NNR, three, 01 Jul; four, 24 Jul (CNB);

VC12: Axmansford, one, field observation, 29 Jul (ACB); Vyne Lodge Farm, Cufaude, one, 17 Jul (AWan); Silchester Common, one, 07 Jul (WLan); Pamber Forest, two, 25 Jul (GJD); Farnham, present, 19 Jul (Bird); Fleet Pond, one, 07 Jul (MHals); Hawley Meadows, one, field observation, 23 Jul (BGD)

70.016 [B&F: 1713] Riband Wave Idaea aversata (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Extremely common in a wide range of habitats, including gardens, hedgerows, woodland, heathland, calcareous grassland and fens throughout the British Isles, more numerous in the south. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 30-35 mm. Occurs in two distinct forms, the plain form remutata often outnumbering the typical banded form. The main confusion species are the very much more uncommon Plain Wave I. straminata and Portland Ribbon Wave I. degeneraria, which see. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101914973319512022
1122132836262002022
1266222639119512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11833270423
12345116335

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Dibden Purlieu, NF, 31 May, 1 (RAC) Latest: Sway, 16 Sep, 4 (SKee) Max count: Swaythling, Southampton, 07 Jul, 23 (MEdg)

VC12: Earliest: Farnborough, 08 Jun, 1 (KBW) Latest: Fleet Pond, 16 Sep, 1 (MHals) Max count: Morn Hill, Winchester, 08 Jul, 35 (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur)

70.017 [B&F: 1714] Portland Ribbon Wave Idaea degeneraria (Hübner, [1799]) - Nationally Rare

A rare Red Data Book species, breeding in grassland and scrub on coastal limestone in Portland, Dorset. Also a rare immigrant from mainland Europe, appearing as a migrant on the southern coast of England, where it has become very much more common since the start of the 21st Century. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight first recorded from Freshwater on the Island in September 1902, thereafter at Brockenhurst in October 1962, Totton in August 1990 and Freshwater in August 1997, becoming very much more common from 2006 onwards, since when up to five have been recorded in most years. Wingspan 26-31 mm. Fairly unmistakable. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1022548019022022
11789819622022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1110931329
12111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Blackbush, Milford-on-Sea, 28 May, 1 (MBot) Latest: Portchester, 08 Oct, 1 (CEH, JGS) Max count: Pennington, 06 Sep, 29 (RFC)

VC12: Earliest: Whitehill, 16 Sep, 1 (ASto) Max count: Whitehill, 16 Sep, 1 (ASto)

70.018 [B&F: 1715] Plain Wave Idaea straminata (Borkhausen, 1794) - Local

Local in open woodland, scrubby heathland, hedgerows, rough grassland and gardens throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire local and uncommon but probably overlooked, and some of the sight records that have been submitted may have been unwarrantedly rejected; most records are from the New Forest and from Pamber Forest and Silchester. Very scarce on the Isle of Wight, with just three records so far this century. Wingspan 28-33 mm. Most likely to be confused with f. remutata of Riband Wave I. aversata, but in the latter species the postmedian fascia is kinked where it meets the costa, and the fascia are generally darker. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1013518562015
1157154018812022
1215218419002022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1121253
127136

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Ogden's Purlieu, NF, one, 29 Jun; one, 17 Jun (AMD); Hale Purlieu, NF, one, field observation, 07 Jul (JPuz); Pig Bush, NF, two, 06 Jul (NRJ); Marchwood, one, 08 Jul (CTha); Romsey, one, 28 Jun (NRJ); Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 08 Jul; three, 18 Jul; one, 23 Jul; one, 29 Jul (RAC); Botley Wood, one, 04 Aug (AMD); Stubbington, two, 26 Jun (WMay); Fareham, one, 02 Jul; one, 10 Jul (KJW); Muscliffe, one, 21 Aug (KingB); Hurn, one, 19 Jun; one, 20 Jun; one, 22 Jul (MJef); Sopley Common, one, 28 Jun (RFox); Hengistbury Head, one, 27 Jun (MJef); Sway, one, 22 Jun (SKee);

VC12: Magdalen Hill Down NR, present, 14 Aug (AMD); Pamber Heath, two, 07 Jul; Lord's Wood, Pamber Forest, two, 07 Jul; Silchester Common, one, 07 Jul (WLan); Whitehill, one, 28 Jun (ASto); Ludshott Common, six, 11 Jul (KBW, HthRT det. KBW)

70.023 [B&F: 1689] Mullein Wave Scopula marginepunctata (Goeze, 1781) - Local

Local in grassland and saltmarshes along most of the Welsh and English coastline, but distinctly uncommon inland, except in the London area where it is locally abundant, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight fairly frequent along the coast, although rare inland, where mainly confined to the chalk. Wingspan 25-28 mm. Similar in appearance to Weaver's Wave Idaea contiguaria, but significantly larger, with no overlap in wingspan. Larva feeds on Wild Marjoram, Wood Sage, Horseshoe Vetch, Yarrow and Mugwort.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1053290318562022
111591186619262022
1215819512020

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1113121

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Needs Ore NNR, one, 23 Jul (PCra); Allbrook, one, 14 Sep (SIng); Stubbington, one, 20 Jul (DPH); Portchester, one, 16 Jun (CEH, JGS); one, 02 Jul; one, 13 Jul (DH-J); Horsea Island, one, 04 Aug (F.M.G.); Portsmouth, one, 02 Aug (IRT); Hengistbury Head, one, 12 Jun; one, 13 Jun; one, 11 Sep (MJef); Lymington, one, 05 Sep (PRD); Boldre, NF, present, 13 Jul (JWar)

70.024 [B&F: 1690] Small Blood-vein Scopula imitaria (Hübner, [1799]) - Common

Common in a wide range of habitats including gardens, hedgerows and broad-leaved woodland throughout England. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 26-29 mm. Larva assumed to feed on woody plants such as Privet and Honeysuckle.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1036343719512022
114073454619512022
12901101519402022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
111011143
1225283

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Swaythling, Southampton, 07 Jun, 1 (MEdg) Latest: Hurn, 02 Oct, 1 (MJef) Max count: Lovedean, 27 Jun, 3 (ARJa)

VC12: Earliest: Blackwater, 12 Jun, 1 (BGD) Latest: Liphook, 09 Sep, 1 (SEP) Max count: Anna Valley, Andover, 16 Aug, 3 (TJN)

70.025 [B&F: 1692] Lesser Cream Wave Scopula immutata (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local in damp grassland, marshes and other damp areas throughout much of England and Wales. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight the species has declined and is now found only in scattered colonies. Wingspan 24-27 mm. Similar to Cream Wave S. floslactata, but smaller. Larva feeds on Meadowsweet and Common Valerian.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10191218562011
1122320918742022
1215226319402022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1110122
128145

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Lee, two, 14 Jul; one, 28 Jul (CTha); Fishlake Meadows, two, 13 Jul; one, 25 Jul (NRJ); Highbridge, Eastleigh, one, 19 Aug (SIng, PPir); Brownwich cliffs, one, 07 Jul; Brownwich Cliffs, Titchfield, one, 07 Jul (F.M.G.); Hurn, one, 14 Jul (MJef); Pennington, one, 12 Jun; one, 01 Jul (RFC);

VC12: Wherwell, one, 18 Jul (GCE); Basingstoke, two, 24 Jun; one, 19 Jul (MJW); Fleet Pond, one, 27 Jun; five, 07 Jul; one, 28 Jul; one, 16 Sep; two, 07 Aug (MHals)

70.027 [B&F: 1693] Cream Wave Scopula floslactata (Haworth, 1809) - Local

Local in broad-leaved woodland, hedgerows, damp grassland and gardens throughout much of England and Wales. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight fairly common, though less so than in former times, in all three vice-counties. Wingspan 29-33 mm. Similar to Lesser Cream Wave S. immutata, but larger. Larva feeds on Bedstraw, Woodruff and Bush Vetch.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1016519619732022
1169769719512022
1230338419512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1114162
12442

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Marchwood, one, 24 Jul (TDCh); Allbrook, one, 23 May (SIng); Botley Wood, one, 09 Jun (F.M.G.); Fareham, one, 10 Aug (ADT); Upham, two, 02 Jun (F.M.G.); Waterlooville, one, 29 May; two, 03 Aug (DWhe); Hurn, one, 09 Jun; one, 10 Jun (MJef); Sway, one, 18 Jun; one, 28 Jun (SKee); Blackbush, Milford-on-Sea, one, 27 May (MBot); Battramsley, NF, one, 11 Jun (MWelf); Pennington, one, 21 Aug (RFC);

VC12: Lord's Wood, Pamber Forest, one, 10 Jun (MBot); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne, two, 09 Jun (AMD, FHay det. AMD); Farnham, present, 25 May (Bird); Fleet Pond, one, field observation, 03 Jun (MHals)

70.028 [B&F: 1691] Rosy Wave Scopula emutaria (Hübner, [1809]) - Nationally Scarce

Nationally scarce (Nb) on heathland, bogs and saltmarshes in parts of southern England, eastern England and southern Wales, predominantly coastal. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight found in two distinct habitats, in the coastal salterns and in boggy areas of the New Forest, where it is rather uncommon. Wingspan 23-26 mm. Similar to Sub-angled Wave S. nigropunctata, but much smaller. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10362218002021
1136128518002022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
119175

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Ogden's Purlieu, NF, two, 17 Jun (AMD); Woodlands, NF, present, 07 Jul (CyJon); Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 28 Jun (RAC); Hengistbury Head, three, 27 Jun (MJef); Sway, one, 18 Jun (SKee); Needs Ore NNR, three, 10 Jun; five, 16 Jun; one, 01 Jul; one, 16 Aug (CNB)

70.029 [B&F: 1682] Blood-Vein Timandra comae Schmidt, 1931 - Common

Common in marshes, river-banks, water meadows and gardens throughout England and Wales, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 30-34 mm. Larva feeds on Orache, Common Sorrel, Sheep's Sorrel, Knotgrass and Dock.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1070186619512022
115531684019512022
121787230519512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
112593355
121071325

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Lee, 13 May, 2 (CTha) Latest: Lovedean, 20 Oct, 1 (ARJa) Max count: Blashford Lakes HIWWT NR, 12 Aug, 5 (PWhtk)

VC12: Earliest: The Hawk Conservancy, Weyhill, 27 May, 0 (iNat) Latest: Anna Valley, Andover, 10 Oct, 1 (TJN) Max count: Sherborne St John, 16 Aug, 5 (MJW)

70.030 [B&F: 1675] Dingy Mocha Cyclophora pendularia (Clerck, 1759) - Nationally Rare

A rare Red Data Book species, in scrubby heathland and damp grassland in parts of Dorset and Hampshire, a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire persists at very low density, amongst small bushes of sallow in boggy areas in the New Forest, with occasional stray individuals also reported in the extreme north-west of the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 26-29 mm. Only likely to be confused with dark forms of Birch Mocha C. albipunctata, but more heavily speckled, with falcate tip to forewing, and pointed projection on hindwing. Larva feeds on Eared Willow and Grey Willow, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
103119501992
1112812718002022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11551

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Culverley, NF, one, 30 May (CLew); Marchwood, one, 30 Jun (TDCh); Needs Ore NNR, one, 23 Jul (PCra); Botley Wood*, one, 04 Aug (AMD); Hurn, one, 13 Jul (MJef)

70.031 [B&F: 1676] Mocha Cyclophora annularia (Fabricius, 1775) - Nb

Nationally scarce (Nb) in scrubland, woodland and mature hedgerows in parts of southern England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread in vice-county 11, the southern half of vice-county 12 and in the north of the Island, but generally local and uncommon. Wingspan 22-26 mm. Unmistakable, although poorly marked specimens could be overlooked as Maiden's Blush C. punctaria. Larva feeds on Field Maple, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1038978118002022
111229152518002022
1230636319002022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1172954
1228343

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Marchwood, 07 May, 1 (CTha) Latest: Waterlooville, 05 Nov, 1 (DWhe) Max count: Pigeon House Coppice, Boarhunt, 11 Aug, 4 (F.M.G.)

VC12: Earliest: Magdalen Hill Down NR, 30 Apr, 1 (AMD) Latest: Selborne, 08 Sep, 1 (CJP) Max count: Selborne, 17 Aug, 3 (CJP)

70.032 [B&F: 1677] Birch Mocha Cyclophora albipunctata (Hufnagel, 1767) - Local

Local in woodland and on heathland throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight fairly frequent amongst birch, especially on boggy heathland, but less common than formerly, occurring mainly in the south-west and north-east of the county. Wingspan 25-29 mm. Dark forms could be confused with Dingy Mocha C. pendularia, which differs in more hooked apex of forewing and more pointed hindwing. Larva feeds on Downy and Silver Birch, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10311819562022
111106113119512022
1236050419512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1120274
1215253

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Brockwood, one, 19 Aug (SDut); Culverley, NF, one, 30 May (CLew); Marchwood, one, 11 Jul (CTha); East Tytherley, two, 09 Aug (GCE); Romsey, one, 25 Jul (NRJ); Needs Ore NNR, two, 23 Jul (CNB); one, 23 Jul (PCra); Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 15 Jun; one, 25 Jun; present, 20 Jul; one, 08 Sep (RAC); Wickham, one, 21 Aug (JRDS); Hurn, one, 28 May (MJef); Burton, nr Christchurch, one, 25 Aug; one, 15 Sep (JStw); Hengistbury Head, one, 04 May; four, 23 Jul; three, 23 Jul (MJef); Tiptoe, Sway, one, 20 Jul (S&SLan); Sway, three, 15 Jun (SKee); Sway, NF, present, 05 Aug (DMui);

VC12: Pamber Heath, one, 10 Jun (WLan); Pamber Forest, one, 10 Aug; one, 21 Aug (GJD); Whitehill, one, 27 Jul (ASto); Fleet Pond, one, field observation, 03 Jun; one, 07 Jul; one, 28 Jul; three, 03 Aug; three, 10 Aug; two, 17 Aug; three, 22 Aug; two, 23 Aug; three, 07 Aug (MHals); Yateley Common, one, field observation, 07 May; one, 26 Aug (BGD)

70.033 [B&F: 1678] Blair's Mocha Cyclophora puppillaria (Hübner, [1799]) - Recent colonist

An increasingly common immigrant from mainland Europe, appearing in southern England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight there has been a marked increase in records, with between ten and twenty annually from 2006 to 2012, compared with less than 30 in total between 1948 and 2005, and upwards of 200 per annum in 2018. It has now established as a localised breeding species in places, particularly along the southern coast of the Isle of Wight, and is becoming increasingly frequently encountered inland. Wingspan 28-36 mm. Most likely to be confused with second-generation Clay Triple-lines C. linearia, but antemedian fascia usually more continuous and media fascia thicker and bolder in that species. Larva feeds on Holm Oak, but it may be using other Quercus species in the UK.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10967217819462022
1178088819512022
12141419592022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
112664408

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Pennington, 28 Apr, 1 (RFC) Latest: Portchester, 14 Nov, 1 (CEH, JGS) Max count: Portchester, 26 Sep, 8 (CEH, JGS)

70.034 [B&F: 1678a] Jersey Mocha Cyclophora ruficiliaria (Herrich-Schäffer, 1855) - Recent colonist

Local in woodland on Jersey, where present since at least 1917, but not recorded on the British mainland until 19 July 2003, when a female was trapped at Portland, Dorset. Now known to be resident here and in Cornwall. On the Isle of Wight, recorded for the first time at Bonchurch in August 2008, with further records at the same site in 2010 and 2011, with Hampshire's first record coming from Stubbington, in 2013. Reflecting the similar rapid spread of Blair's Mocha C. puppillaria, which see, records have become increasing in number with a distinct upturn in 2022 and 2023, by which time the species has reached the north of the county.

Wingspan 28-32 mm. Larva feeds on Pedunculate Oak and Turkey Oak, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10688620082022
11181920132022
121120222022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1115173
12221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Romsey*, one, 10 Sep (NRJ); Needs Ore NNR, three, 23 Jul (PCra); Botley Wood, one, gen. examined, 04 Aug (AMD); Fareham, one, bred, 04 May (KJW); Botley*, one, 31 Aug; one, 01 Sep (SLB); Waterlooville*, one, 24 Jul; one, 03 Sep (DWhe); Horndean*, one, 25 Aug (PHog); Pennington, one, 06 Sep; one, 07 Sep; one, 10 Sep; one, 01 Oct (RFC); Lymington, one, 02 Jun (ASH);

VC12: Barton Stacey, one, 16 Sep; Cole Henley*, one, 24 Aug (GCE)

70.035 [B&F: 1679] False Mocha Cyclophora porata (Linnaeus, 1767) - Nationally Scarce

Local declining, in coppiced woodland, heathland and woodland clearings throughout much of England, a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight there are few recent records of this species, and none from the Isle of Wight, and the species has declined dramatically since the middle of the 20th Century. Wingspan 25-32 mm. Fairly unmistakable. Larva feeds on Pedunculate Oak, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1010018001951
11593119002021
1211519512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
12331

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC12: Fleet, one, 14 Aug; Fleet Pond, one, laid eggs on oak - 8 Aug, 07 Aug; one, 23 Aug (MHals)

70.036 [B&F: 1680] Maiden's Blush Cyclophora punctaria (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local in oak woodland throughout much of England and Wales. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight still widespread and locally common, but less numerous on the chalk. Wingspan 25-32 mm. Fairly unmistakable, but worn, faded specimens could be confused with second generation Clay Triple-lines C. linearia, which see. Larva feeds on Pedunculate and Sessile Oak, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10637125119812022
117949117582002022
121737326719512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1140468630
121141696

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Stroud, Petersfield, 28 Apr, 0 (RAll) Latest: Botley, 24 Sep, 1 (SLB) Max count: Needs Ore NNR, 23 Jul, 30 (CNB)

VC12: Earliest: Grayshott, 07 May, 1 (THard) Latest: Great Haughurst Copse, Axmansford, 16 Sep, 1 (ACB) Max count: Whitehill, 17 Aug, 6 (ASto)

70.037 [B&F: 1681] Clay Triple-lines Cyclophora linearia (Hübner, [1799]) - Local

Local in beech woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens throughout England and Wales. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight fairly frequent in most beech woods, with a significant concentration of records in the New Forest, but perhaps declining elsewhere. Wingspan 26-33 mm. A pitfall for the unwary, with two distinct forms; first brood most closely resembles Maiden's Blush C. punctaria, in which antemedian and postmedian lines usually reduced to a row of spots, wings irrorate, and forewing variably flushed red; second brood most closely resembles Blair's Mocha C. puppillaria, but lighter, with wing tip less distinctly hooked. Larva feeds on Beech, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1024579618562022
111423216619402022
1236850219512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11741157
1225313

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Broomy Inclosure, NF, 14 May, 1 (RHun) Latest: Sway, 16 Sep, 1 (SKee) Max count: Needs Ore NNR, 23 Jul, 7 (CNB)

VC12: Earliest: Hammer Vale, Woolmer, 03 Jun, 1 (ASwa) Latest: Selborne, 08 Sep, 1 (CJP) Max count: Hammer Vale, Woolmer, 22 Jun, 3 (ASwa)

70.038 [B&F: 1716] Vestal Rhodometra sacraria (Linnaeus, 1767) - Migrant

Immigrant from southern Europe, appearing most frequently on the south coast, but north to northern Scotland, in some years arriving in sufficient numbers to breed. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight a common immigrant, which is widely distributed throughout in some years. Wingspan 22-28 mm. Home-bred individuals duller than immigrants, and it is these that most closely resemble Straw Belle Aspitates gilvaria, but Vestal is smaller and rests with tent-like resting posture, while Straw Belle is usually speckled. Larva feeds on Knotgrass, but unable to over-winter in significant numbers.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1029148919552022
111464197319512022
1228635919512022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
111281443
1224283

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Fareham, 08 Jun, 1 (MLO) Latest: Warsash, 10 Nov, 1 (NBin) Max count: Langstone, 27 Aug, 3 (RPic)

VC12: Earliest: Basingstoke, 05 Jul, 1 (MJW) Latest: Hammer Vale, Woolmer, 25 Oct, 1 (ASwa) Max count: Littleton, 01 Oct, 3 (GCE)