Photo © Keith Tailby
Portland Moth
Actebia praecox
Checklist Number73.308 [B&F: 2099]
Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification
Nationally scarce (Nb) on sandy beaches, on the coasts of England and Ireland. In Hampshire this moth has been sought without success in its old haunt around Hengistbury Head, but has not been reported since 1929, when nine specimens and one larva were found there. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 40-46 mm. Fairly distinctive. Larva feeds on herbaceous plants such as Creeping Willow, Wormwood, Common Bird's-foot Trefoil and Tree Lupin.
The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:
No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Larval | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
VC11 South Hampshire
| Site | Date | Quantity | Recorder | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hengistbury Head (SZ19) | 1929 | nine | Anon | Adult |
| Northney, Hayling Island (SU70) | 19/08/2025 | - | John W Phillips | Adult |