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is taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species.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.
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
11 | 211 | 164 | 1800 | 2022 |
12 | 3 | 3 | 1900 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
12 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
VC11: Warren's Park, NF, one, 27 Jun (RBW);
VC12: Fleet Pond, one, netted, 27 Jun (MHals)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 191 | 357 | 1980 | 2022 |
11 | 464 | 500 | 1976 | 2022 |
12 | 685 | 1335 | 1981 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 130 | 176 | 6 |
12 | 138 | 291 | 14 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 448 | 980 | 1929 | 2022 |
11 | 3754 | 5959 | 1951 | 2022 |
12 | 961 | 1199 | 1951 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 307 | 616 | 14 |
12 | 79 | 116 | 6 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 620 | 1123 | 1976 | 2022 |
11 | 6221 | 9391 | 1949 | 2022 |
12 | 1405 | 1736 | 1951 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 381 | 727 | 25 |
12 | 62 | 114 | 10 |
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)
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
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 96 | 79 | 1960 | 2022 |
11 | 1773 | 2027 | 1951 | 2022 |
12 | 235 | 235 | 1951 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 118 | 179 | 9 |
12 | 11 | 17 | 3 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 13 | 4 | 1962 | 2016 |
11 | 156 | 142 | 1800 | 2022 |
12 | 29 | 26 | 1956 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 5 | 4 | 1 |
12 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 892 | 1595 | 1951 | 2022 |
11 | 7064 | 9924 | 1951 | 2022 |
12 | 2291 | 3336 | 1951 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 250 | 317 | 7 |
12 | 92 | 163 | 40 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 693 | 2353 | 1900 | 2022 |
11 | 4765 | 6805 | 1951 | 2022 |
12 | 1437 | 2366 | 1951 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 266 | 499 | 18 |
12 | 71 | 149 | 30 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 1043 | 3652 | 1972 | 2022 |
11 | 5145 | 8676 | 1951 | 2022 |
12 | 2146 | 4800 | 1951 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 148 | 237 | 9 |
12 | 46 | 74 | 11 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 32 | 19 | 1856 | 2022 |
11 | 381 | 312 | 1874 | 2022 |
12 | 135 | 122 | 1951 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 10 | 14 | 4 |
12 | 7 | 7 | 2 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 1914 | 9733 | 1951 | 2022 |
11 | 22132 | 83626 | 200 | 2022 |
12 | 6622 | 26391 | 1951 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 833 | 2704 | 23 |
12 | 345 | 1163 | 35 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 225 | 480 | 1902 | 2022 |
11 | 78 | 98 | 1962 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 109 | 313 | 29 |
12 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 13 | 5 | 1856 | 2015 |
11 | 571 | 540 | 1881 | 2022 |
12 | 152 | 184 | 1900 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 21 | 25 | 3 |
12 | 7 | 13 | 6 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 532 | 903 | 1856 | 2022 |
11 | 1591 | 1866 | 1926 | 2022 |
12 | 15 | 8 | 1951 | 2020 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 13 | 12 | 1 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 363 | 437 | 1951 | 2022 |
11 | 4073 | 4546 | 1951 | 2022 |
12 | 901 | 1015 | 1940 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 101 | 114 | 3 |
12 | 25 | 28 | 3 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 19 | 12 | 1856 | 2011 |
11 | 223 | 209 | 1874 | 2022 |
12 | 152 | 263 | 1940 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 10 | 12 | 2 |
12 | 8 | 14 | 5 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 165 | 196 | 1973 | 2022 |
11 | 697 | 697 | 1951 | 2022 |
12 | 303 | 384 | 1951 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 14 | 16 | 2 |
12 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 36 | 22 | 1800 | 2021 |
11 | 361 | 285 | 1800 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 9 | 17 | 5 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 701 | 866 | 1951 | 2022 |
11 | 5531 | 6840 | 1951 | 2022 |
12 | 1787 | 2305 | 1951 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 259 | 335 | 5 |
12 | 107 | 132 | 5 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 3 | 1 | 1950 | 1992 |
11 | 128 | 127 | 1800 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 5 | 5 | 1 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 389 | 781 | 1800 | 2022 |
11 | 1229 | 1525 | 1800 | 2022 |
12 | 306 | 363 | 1900 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 72 | 95 | 4 |
12 | 28 | 34 | 3 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 31 | 18 | 1956 | 2022 |
11 | 1106 | 1131 | 1951 | 2022 |
12 | 360 | 504 | 1951 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 20 | 27 | 4 |
12 | 15 | 25 | 3 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 967 | 2178 | 1946 | 2022 |
11 | 780 | 888 | 1951 | 2022 |
12 | 14 | 14 | 1959 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 266 | 440 | 8 |
VC11: Earliest: Pennington, 28 Apr, 1 (RFC) Latest: Portchester, 14 Nov, 1 (CEH, JGS) Max count: Portchester, 26 Sep, 8 (CEH, JGS)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 68 | 86 | 2008 | 2022 |
11 | 18 | 19 | 2013 | 2022 |
12 | 1 | 1 | 2022 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 15 | 17 | 3 |
12 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 10 | 0 | 1800 | 1951 |
11 | 59 | 31 | 1900 | 2021 |
12 | 11 | 5 | 1951 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
12 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
VC12: Fleet, one, 14 Aug; Fleet Pond, one, laid eggs on oak - 8 Aug, 07 Aug; one, 23 Aug (MHals)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 637 | 1251 | 1981 | 2022 |
11 | 7949 | 11758 | 200 | 2022 |
12 | 1737 | 3267 | 1951 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 404 | 686 | 30 |
12 | 114 | 169 | 6 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 245 | 796 | 1856 | 2022 |
11 | 1423 | 2166 | 1940 | 2022 |
12 | 368 | 502 | 1951 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 74 | 115 | 7 |
12 | 25 | 31 | 3 |
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)
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.
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 291 | 489 | 1955 | 2022 |
11 | 1464 | 1973 | 1951 | 2022 |
12 | 286 | 359 | 1951 | 2022 |
Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
---|---|---|---|
11 | 128 | 144 | 3 |
12 | 24 | 28 | 3 |
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)