2023 Annual Report for: Tineidae / Tineinae

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taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species.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

12.026 [B&F: 0236] Common Clothes Moth Tineola bisselliella (Hummel, 1823) - Local

Local in houses and farm buildings throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight formerly the most abundant clothes moth, but now outnumbered by Case-bearing Clothes Moth Tinea pellionella. Wingspan 9-16 mm. Characterised by reddish ochreous head and pale buff, unmarked forewings. Larva feeds on woollen materials, animal fur, feathers in bird nests and insect collections, living within a silken tube or tent, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
106319292022
1110322019752022
1271020022022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
12441

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC12: Ecchinswell, one, indoors, 09 Jun; one, indoors, 07 Oct (MJN); Fleet Pond*, one, 14 Jun; one, 17 Jun (MHals)

12.027 [B&F: 0240] Case-bearing Clothes Moth Tinea pellionella Linnaeus, 1758 - Local

Local in houses, bird nests, barns, warehouses and granaries throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight sparsely distributed but widespread. Wingspan 9-16 mm. Probably the commonest tineid clothes moth, but cannot always be reliably separated from T. translucens or T. dubiella without dissection of the genitalia. Larva feeds on woollen materials, fur, feathers, hair, owl pellets and stored goods, living within a silken case, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
106724918932022
1137758719742022
1220128319972022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1113162
12352

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Marchwood, one, 09 Jun; present, indoors, 07 Jun (CTha); Romsey, two, 11 Jul (MJB); Blackfield, one, indoors, 08 Jul (SJJ); Blackfied, one, to a lighted window, 05 Jul (PGS); Winchester, two, 14 Jul; two, 05 Aug; one, 11 Aug; two, 01 Sep; one, 16 Sep (THW); Fareham, one, 28 May (MLO); New Milton, one, 15 May (RPH); Sway, one, field observation, 13 Jul (SKee);

VC12: Blackwater, two, 10 Jun (BGD); Farnborough, one, field observation, 19 May; two, field observation, 29 Jul (KBW)

12.031 [B&F: 0239] Tinea columbariella Wocke, 1877 - Nationally Scarce A

Nationally scarce (Na) in and around farm buildings and houses in southern England, with records north to Lancashire. In Hampshire recorded only from Southsea, Fareham and Chandler's Ford in the south, and Itchen Abbas in the north. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 8-16 mm. Resembles dark forms of one of the Case-bearing Clothes Moth T. pellionella group but the first discal and plical stigmata are lacking and the second discal is sometimes scarcely visible. Larva feeds on feathers in bird nests and detritus, living within a silken case.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
11161519772015
123319671975

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
12352

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC12: Blackwater*, one, gen det. , 10 Jun; two, gen det. , 11 Jun; two, gen det. , 07 Jul (BGD)

12.032 [B&F: 0246] Tinea semifulvella Haworth, 1828 - Common

Common in bird nests throughout much of Britain and Ireland. In Hampshire recorded widely throughout, and on the Isle of Wight, after being historically rare, increased recording activity in the 21st century has revealed its true status as being equally widespread. Systematic collection of old bird-nests during the winter months would likely result in many more records of this and other related species. Wingspan 14-22 mm. Resembles T. trinotella, which see for differences. Larva feeds on detritus in bird nests and sheep's wool.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1012514219002022
1131431119732022
129710619762022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1111111
1210132

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Romsey, one, 04 Jun (KPea); one, 09 Sep (NRJ); Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 16 Sep (RAC); Upham, one, 02 Jun (F.M.G. det. MLO); Portsmouth, one, 14 May; one, 15 Jun; one, 06 Sep (IRT); Stroud, Petersfield*, one, 13 Jul (RAll); Hurn, one, 09 Jun (MJef); Sway, one, 05 Sep (SKee); Blackbush, Milford-on-Sea, one, at dusk, 29 May (MBot);

VC12: Anna Valley, Andover, one, 02 Sep (TJN); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 02 Sep (CRB, PDF, DAS); Hinton Ampner, one, indoors, 28 Jun (ASD); Morn Hill, Winchester, two, 09 Sep; one, 15 Sep (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur); Selborne, two, 08 Sep; two, 08 Sep (CJP); Fleet Pond, one, 07 Jul; one, netted, 03 Sep; one, 06 Sep (MHals)

12.033 [B&F: 0247] Tinea trinotella Thunberg, 1794 - Common

Common in bird nests throughout Britain and Ireland. In Hampshire common and widespread, but apparently very uncommon on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 11-17 mm. Resembles T. semifulvella, but the head is not mottled with dark brown (MBGBI Vol 2). Larva feeds on detritus in bird nests.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10606719002022
1183490319712022
1229537919802022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1131332
1229302

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Marchwood, present, 24 May; one, 07 Aug (CTha); North Baddesley, one, 10 Aug (RWPas); Romsey, one, 29 May (MJB); two, 24 May; one, 28 May; one, 29 May; one, 07 Jul (NRJ); Needs Ore NNR, one, 02 Jul; one, 23 Jul (PCra); Swaythling, Southampton, two, 22 May (MEdg); Allbrook, one, 22 May; one, 11 Jul; one, 12 Jul; one, 13 Jul; one, 23 Jul; one, 27 Jul; one, 29 Jul (SIng); Winchester, one, 16 Jun (THW); Fareham, one, 12 Jul; one, 17 Jul (ADT); one, 29 Aug (IMcP); one, 20 Jul (MLO); Botley, one, 28 Jul; one, 27 Jul (SLB); Portsmouth, one, 27 Jul (IRT); Hurn, one, 08 Jun; one, 26 Jun; two, 11 Jul (MJef); Burton, nr Christchurch, one, 02 Jun (JStw);

VC12: Anna Valley, Andover, one, 07 Jul; one, 02 Sep; one, 16 Sep (TJN); Magdalen Hill Down NR, one, 23 Jul (AMD); Morn Hill, Winchester, two, 08 Jul (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur); one, 11 Aug (CRB, DAS); Overton, one, 19 Jul (ACr); North Waltham, one, 23 Jun; one, 27 Jul; one, 02 Aug; one, 09 Aug (AJon); Ecchinswell, one, field observation, 17 May; one, 30 May (MJN); Basingstoke, one, 20 May; one, 10 Jun; one, 27 Jul (MJW); Sherborne St John, one, 27 Jul (AWan); Silchester Common, one, 07 Jul (WLan); one, 10 Jun (MBot); one, 07 Jul (WLan); Windmill Hill, Chalton, one, 03 Aug (CJP); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne, one, 09 Jun (AMD, FHay det. AMD); Whitehill, one, 10 Jun (ASto); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 17 Jun; one, 27 Jul (ASwa); Blackwater, one, 10 Jun; one, 27 Jun (BGD); Farnborough, one, 24 May; one, 07 Jul (KBW)

12.034 [B&F: 0237] Brown-dotted Clothes Moth Niditinea fuscella (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local found indoors and in chicken-houses and out-buildings throughout much of the British Isles, less numerous in the north. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight unlike Tineola bisselliella, locally common on the mainland, with the first Isle of Wight records in 1999. Wingspan 11-17 mm. Haplotinea species have the forewing with very indistinct stigmata; N. striolella

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
103319992005
1113215819802022
12314019962019

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: Nether Wallop, one, 22 Jun (GCE); Farnborough, one, field observation, 15 Mar; one, field observation, 03 Jul (KBW)

12.036 [B&F: 0227] Skin Moth Monopis laevigella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Common

Common in and around bird nests and farm buildings throughout the British Isles and on sea cliffs on St Kilda. In Hampshire probably common but under-recorded throughout, and increased recording activity on the Isle of Wight in recent years has revealed it to be widespread. Wingspan 13-20 mm. Similar to M. obviella, but lateral dark margin of head wider (MBGBI Vol 2). Larva feeds on dead animals, animal waste, owl pellets, detritus in bird nests and bird guano, living within a silken tube or tent.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10759319002022
1137840219722022
12527919772022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11111
12441

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Fareham, one, 21 May (MLO);

VC12: Barton Stacey, one, 08 Aug; Cole Henley*, one, 24 May (GCE); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 21 Aug (ASwa); Fleet Pond, one, 17 Aug (MHals)

12.037 [B&F: 0228] Monopis weaverella (Scott, 1858) - Common

Common in a wide range of habitats throughout Britain, more numerous in the north. Scattered records from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 13-18 mm. Very similar to Skin Moth M. laevigella, and some of the criteria quoted for the separation of the two species are of limited use when confronted with a single specimen in isolation. Larva feeds on dead animals and animal waste, often in bird nests.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10467319002022
1132037819792022
1220424519942022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11991
1214152

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Marchwood, one, 14 May (CTha); Romsey, one, 24 May; one, 28 May (NRJ); Swaythling, Southampton, one, 17 Aug (MEdg); Funtley, one, 18 May (TDC); Fareham, one, 12 Jun (IMcP); Wickham, one, 29 Jul (JRDS); Hurn, one, 29 Jul (MJef); Sway, one, 19 Aug (SKee);

VC12: Cholderton, two, 29 Jul (TJN); Grayshott, one, 28 Apr (THard); Barton Stacey, one, 08 Aug; one, 08 Aug; one, 08 Aug; Cole Henley*, one, 24 May (GCE); Magdalen Hill Down NR, one, gen. det., 14 Aug (AMD); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 11 Aug (CRB, DAS); Ecchinswell, one, 04 Aug (MJN); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne, one, gen. det., 01 Sep (AMD, FHay det. AMD); Whitehill, one, 14 May (ASto); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, indoors, 09 Aug (ASwa); Fleet Pond, one, 16 Sep (MHals); Yateley Common, one, 26 Aug (BGD)

12.038 [B&F: 0229] Monopis obviella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Local

Local in barns, warehouses and granaries throughout much of southern Britain, with records north to southern Scotland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and reasonably common in the south of the county. Wingspan 10-13 mm. Similar to M. crocicapitella, which see for differences. Larva feeds on woollen materials and refuse, and detritus in bird nests.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
109010519002022
1131542219742022
1212915019802022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1115151
1217234

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Brockwood, one, 11 Aug (SDut); Marchwood, one, 28 Jun (CTha); Totton, one, 25 May (CNB); Romsey, one, 11 Jun; one, 13 Jun; one, 23 Jun (MJB); Needs Ore NNR, one, 23 Jul (PCra); Swaythling, Southampton, one, 07 Sep (MEdg); Allbrook, one, 07 Jul (SIng); Stubbington, one, 01 Sep (DPH); Stroud, Petersfield*, one, 18 Nov (RAll); Hurn, one, 10 Sep; Hengistbury Head, one, 27 Jun (MJef); Sway, one, 07 Sep (SKee); Pennington, one, 12 Sep (RFC);

VC12: Basingstoke, one, 28 Apr; one, 04 Jun; one, 07 Jun; four, 10 Jun; one, 15 Jun; two, 27 Jul; one, 07 Sep; one, 07 Oct; Sherborne St John, one, 16 Jun (MJW); Farnborough, one, 17 May; one, 11 Jun; two, 27 Jun; one, 07 Jul; one, 20 Aug; two, 23 Aug; one, 07 Sep; one, 16 Dec (KBW)

12.039 [B&F: 0230] Monopis crocicapitella (Clemens, 1859) - Local

Local and occasionally numerous around areas with flour, cereals, natural fibres and captive birds such as poultry and doves. More restricted than M. obviella, in maritime areas as far north as Yorkshire and especially in the south-west and Ireland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight frequent only in the south-east of the county. Wingspan 10-16 mm. Very similar to M. obviella, which has the forewing with a pale yellow, not ochreous, dorsal streak and pale irroration limited to a sprinkling of whitish scales near costa; also, the hindwing of M. obviella is dark fuscous, not pale grey (MBGBI Vol 2). Larva feeds on detritus in bird nests, dry vegetable matter and similar. According to posts on lepiforum.org. the two species are diagnosable based on external characteristics:
Monopis obviella : hind margin of the forewings and forehead crest golden yellow, shiny. 10-12 mm; basic colour of the forewings not very variable, usually quite dark brown.
Monopis crocicapitella : hind margin of the forewings and forehead crest cream to light brown. 12-16 mm; ground colour of the forewings not very variable, usually much lighter than in Monopis obviella .
The two species are actually easy to separate: M. crocicapitella has a more extensive yellow color on the forewing, with yellow fringes and often more or less yellow scales on the costal margin. The black is duller and less clearly defined.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10162219242022
1160669319742022
12121319962022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1132332
12463

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Blackfield, one, 25 May; one, 07 Sep (SJJ); Swaythling, Southampton, one, 22 May (MEdg); Peartree Green LNR, Southampton, one, 11 Jun (MGP); West End, one, indoors, 04 May (AMD); Allbrook, one, indoors, 08 May; one, 13 Jun; one, 07 Sep (SIng); Stubbington, one, 10 Jun (DPH); Funtley, one, 04 Jun (TDC); Fareham, one, 22 Jun (ADT); one, 30 May; one, 07 Jun; one, 25 Jun (MLO); Portsmouth, one, 12 Jun; one, 13 Jun; one, 15 Jun; one, 05 Sep (IRT); Waterlooville, one, 02 May (DWhe); Bournemouth, one, at dusk, 05 Jul; one, 05 Jul (WSoa, SMorr); Hurn, one, 18 Aug; one, 09 Oct (MJef); Sway, one, 10 Jun; one, 15 Aug; two, 04 Sep; one, 05 Sep; one, 07 Sep; one, 05 Oct (SKee); Pennington, one, 03 Jun (RFC); Southsea, one, 21 May; one, 07 Oct (JGdr);

VC12: Anna Valley, Andover*, one, 06 Sep (TJN); Fleet Pond, one, 17 Jun (MHals); Blackwater, three, 11 Jun; one, 17 Jun (BGD)