2022 Annual Report for: Erebidae / Arctiinae

For species seen in 2022 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is taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species.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 2022 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 2022, 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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101584396019512021
11139433149019492021
1241331208819512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1020868716
11665131422
1226160715

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: West High Down quarries, 12 Jul, 15 (IOu) Latest: Sandown, 29 Jul, 6 (IOu) Max count: Shanklin, 22 Jun, 16 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Brockwood, 27 Jun, 4 (SDut) Latest: Hayling Island, 22 Jul, 1 (STho) Max count: Mark Ash Wood, NF, 11 Jun, 22 (STho, JT-M, MHar)

VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 01 Jul, 9 (TJN) Latest: Frogmore Community College, Yateley, 21 Jun, 1 (BGD) Max count: Bulpits Hill, Vernham Dean, 10 Jul, 15 (JHal)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10893208419812021
1177941628119472021
122554796419512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
109719017
1132862512
1218146222

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Totland, 21 Apr, 1 (RTer) Latest: Nettlestone, 20 May, 0 (MBri) Max count: Porchfield, 17 May, 17 (MWhts)

VC11: Earliest: Brockwood, 05 Jun, 2 (SDut) Latest: Hayling Island, 18 Jul, 1 (STho) Max count: Broughton, 02 Jun, 12 (GCE)

VC12: Earliest: Nether Wallop, 17 May, 4 (GCE) Latest: Farnborough, 03 Jun, 0 (RSea) Max count: Chawton, 09 Jun, 22 (DAS)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1043879419432021
113563536119482021
121139186019512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10691205
111421623
121121735

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Totland, 20 Apr, 1 (RTer) Latest: Wootton Bridge, 30 Apr, 1 (DElm) Max count: Bonchurch, 28 Apr, 5 (JHa)

VC11: Earliest: Furzehill, NF, 30 Apr, 1 (SLoa) Latest: Needs Ore NNR, 05 May, 1 (CNB) Max count: Horndean, 13 May, 3 (PHog)

VC12: Earliest: Nether Wallop, 17 May, 1 (GCE) Latest: Farnborough, 30 Apr, 1 (SBly) Max count: Longstock, 10 May, 5 (GCE)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1025718562010
1134533818002021
1212714819512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
116105
12221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Ibsley Common, NF, one, field observation, 03 Jul; Rockford Common, NF, one, field observation, 03 Jul (BWT); The Commons, Roydon, NF, one, field observation, 14 Jun; one, field observation, 11 Jul (PWic); Matley Bog, NF, five, field observation, 13 Jun; Pig Bush, NF, one, field observation, 13 Jun (NRJ);

VC12: Selborne, one, 11 Jun (CJP); Bentley Station Meadow*, one, field observation, 11 Jun (CWhe)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10535106219512021
1160391310619512021
122626800419492021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10731657
1128870825
1213935026

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: West High Down quarries, 12 Jul, 5 (IOu) Latest: Sandown, 29 Jul, 3 (IOu) Max count: Plaish, Carisbrooke, 20 Jul, 7 (KRyl)

VC11: Earliest: Brockwood, 16 Jul, 4 (SDut) Latest: Browndown Coastal Ranges, 15 Jul, 3 (MLO, ADT, DWal & KJW) Max count: Botley, 20 Jul, 25 (SLB)

VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 19 Jul, 0 (TJN) Latest: Blackwater, 19 Jul, 2 (BGD) Max count: Littleton, 23 Jul, 26 (GCE)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
106816118002019
117634519402021
129920419492021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10562

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Tennyson Down, one, field observation, 09 Jun (SDav); two, 17 Jun (IOu); one, field observation, 08 Jun (SDav); Brook Down area, one, field observation, 01 Jun (DFai); Brook Down, one, field observation, 07 May (SSib det. JRB)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1034857519512021
113930926519512021
1251868819482021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1042606
11851056
12991

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Totland, 23 Jul, 2 (RTer) Latest: Sandown, 29 Jul, 2 (IOu) Max count: Plaish, Carisbrooke, 21 Jul, 6 (KRyl)

VC11: Earliest: Furzehill, NF, 20 Jul, 1 (SLoa) Latest: Hayling Island, 01 Sep, 1 (STho) Max count: Fareham, 02 Aug, 6 (ADT)

VC12: Earliest: Nether Wallop, 03 Jul, 1 (GCE) Latest: Hinton Ampner, 14 Jul, 1 (ASD) Max count: Nether Wallop, 03 Jul, 1 (GCE)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1040784818002021
1154792819482021
123019511951

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1029495
1113224

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Yarmouth, present, 02 Jun (iNat); Cranmore, three, 19 May (JMar, JRB et al); Mottistone Down, one, field observation, 21 May (IOu); Brighstone, one, 29 May; one, 14 May (AMas); Newport, one, 22 May (DPl); Porchfield, two, 17 May (MWhts); Wheelers Bay, five, 17 May; three, 22 May; one, 17 Jun (ABut); one, field observation, 18 May (AJB, LB); Bonchurch, one, 19 Apr; one, 02 May; one, 07 May; one, 08 May; three, 09 May; two, 14 May; four, 15 May; three, 21 May; two, 22 May; one, 30 May; two, 01 Jun; one, 03 Jun; two, 04 Jun (JHa); Shanklin, one, 01 Jun; two, 06 Jun (IOu); Alverstone, one, 20 May; one, 28 May (DFai); Culver Down, larva, one, field observation, 18 Oct (IOu);

VC11: Portsmouth, two, 16 May; three, 18 May; one, 22 May; one, 30 May; two, 02 Jun (IRT); Northney, Hayling Island, present, 21 May (JWP); Hengistbury Head, one, 24 May; one, 06 Jun; three, 07 Jun; two, 08 Jun; four, 14 Jun (MJef); Browndown Coastal Ranges, one, reported, 22 May (RJC); Hayling Island, one, 18 May (STho)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1157596318002021
12917215419402021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1145504
125811750

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Mockbeggar, Ringwood, 15 Jun, 1 (JLev) Latest: Queen Elizabeth CP, 13 Jul, 1 (SJDa) Max count: Stockbridge Common , 19 Jun, 4 (GCE)

VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 20 Jul, 0 (HE) Latest: Aldershot, 24 Jun, 1 (RDea) Max count: Winnall Moors HIWWT NR, 09 Jul, 50 (JWal)

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 occasionally reported in North Hampshire.

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10897368418772021
11101318128202021
12212120112021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10166108761
11641178088
1233373

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Totland Bay, 08 Aug, 1 (JForb) Latest: Culver, 02 Aug, 1 (DFai) Max count: Bonchurch, 15 Aug, 61 (JHa)

VC11: Earliest: Ringwood, 31 Jul, 1 (Unkn.) Latest: Hayling Island, 04 Aug, 3 (STho) Max count: Browndown Coastal Ranges, 12 Aug, 88 (KCok, RJD, MLO, ADT, DWal)

VC12: Earliest: Grateley, 07 Aug, 1 (Unkn.) Latest: Farnborough, 14 Aug, 1 (RSea) Max count: Chilbolton, 07 Aug, 3 (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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10656200219512021
1151031164119452021
1226411015119512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10428140
1113623835
127914620

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Tennyson Down, 24 May, 1 (D&NFea) Latest: Hersey NR, 23 Jul, 0 (IOu) Max count: New Bridge Pools, St Helens, 17 Jul, 40 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Brockwood, 12 Jun, 1 (SDut) Latest: Gosport, 16 Jun, 0 (iNat) Max count: Queen Elizabeth CP, 27 Jul, 35 (SJDa)

VC12: Earliest: Thruxton, 22 Jul, 0 (iNat) Latest: Velmead Common, 09 Jul, 1 (PHoo) Max count: Abbotts Ann, 28 Jul, 20 (MGri)

72.034 [B&F: 2054] Crimson Speckled Utetheisa pulchella (Linnaeus, 1758) - Migrant

Rare immigrant from southern Europe, appearing in southern England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight has appeared irregularly, with 2022 seeing an unprecedented influx. Wingspan 28-40 mm. Unmistakable in a natural context with other European species, although adventives from the Americas and Australasia of the same genus have occurred . Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, no evidence of breeding in the UK.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
107718702017
11111718002013
121119611961

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10431
1114152

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Dunsbury, one, field observation, flushed from grassland beside the path that heads north from Dunsbury reservoir, 03 Nov (IRid); Newport*, one, 25 Oct (DPl); St Lawrence, present, field observation, 26 Oct (DTre); Sandown*, one, field observation, 29 Oct (KCla det. JRB);

VC11: Avon Heath Country Park*, one, 16 Aug (Rbis); Latchmere Bottom, NF, one, field observation, 23 Oct; Latchmore Bottom, NF, one, field observation, 23 Oct (MJur); Highland Water Inclosure, one, field observation, 24 Oct (JBl); Bramble Hill, NF, one, field observation, 22 Oct (CPer); Woodlands, NF*, one, 10 Nov (RBW); Funtley, one, 26 Oct; one, 27 Oct (TDC); Fareham, one, 24 Oct (MLO); Bedhampton, Havant*, one, indoors, 27 Oct (Unkn.); Winkton Common, one, field observation, 28 Oct (GKin det. RPH); Stanpit Marsh LNR, two, 29 Oct (MGibb); Sway, one, field observation, 31 Oct (APep); Lymington, one, 11 Nov (ASH)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101178563019512021
1175602032119492021
121929651619512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1016572631
11441132834
1216043035

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: West High Down quarries, 12 Jul, 10 (IOu) Latest: Upper Green, 11 Aug, 1 (SHug) Max count: Shanklin, 28 Jul, 31 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Brockwood, 19 Aug, 1 (SDut) Latest: Browndown Coastal Ranges, 26 Aug, 1 (RJD, MLO, ADT & KJW) Max count: Wickham, 18 Jul, 34 (JRDS)

VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 19 Jul, 0 (TJN) Latest: Blackwater, 01 Aug, 1 (BGD) Max count: Tidgrove Warren, nr Overton, 23 Jul, 35 (MJW, ACB)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1013124418562021
11241919512021
12313619512020

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1012218
11331
12593

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: West High Down quarries, eight, 12 Jul; Parkhurst Forest, one, 02 Jul; Shanklin, two, 20 Jun; two, 03 Jul; one, 05 Jul; one, 06 Jul; one, 09 Jul; one, 10 Jul; one, 12 Jul (IOu); Alverstone, one, 02 Jul; one, 03 Jul (DFai); Osborne Wood, one, 23 Jun (IOu);

VC11: Broughton, one, 07 Jul; one, 07 Jul; one, 07 Jul (GCE);

VC12: Nether Wallop, one, 03 Jul; three, 03 Jul; two, 03 Jul; Broughton, one, 16 Jul (GCE); Ropley, two, 11 Jul (KrWil)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
107011419002021
1152566618002021
12359116219402021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10441
1116247
125159

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Newport, one, 17 Jun (DPl); Haseley Manor, one, 10 Jul (IOu); Alverstone, one, 03 Jul (GBro); Sandown, one, 29 Jul (IOu);

VC11: Ogden's Purlieu, NF, one, 12 Jul; Hasley, NF, present, 19 Jul (AMD); Wicksmoor Farm, Plaitford Common, NF, present, 13 Jul (RBW); Lee, two, 30 Jul (CTha); Needs Ore NNR, one, 16 Jul (CNB); Itchen Valley CP, one, 01 Jul (CTha); Brownwich cliffs, two, 17 Jun (RJD, MLO, ADT, DWal, KJW det. RJD); Hurn, one, 05 Jul; one, 30 Jul; one, 12 Aug; Hengistbury Head, one, 11 Jul (MJef); Needs Ore NNR, seven, 03 Jul; one, 05 Jul; nine, 10 Jul; one, 14 Jul; one, 21 Jul; one, 23 Jul; two, 25 Jul; one, 28 Jul; two, 17 Jul (CNB);

VC12: Chilbolton, two, 24 Jul; Longparish, nine, 23 Jun; Bullington, two, 16 Jun (GCE); Overton, one, 08 Jul (ACr); Fleet Pond, one, 06 Jul (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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10949119812020
111231153119512021
12776119319512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10232
11335210
12356313

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Cranmore, two, 21 Jun (JMar, JRB et al); Lower Hamstead, one, 26 Jul (KRyl);

VC11: Fordingbridge, one, 01 Jul (SCT); Furzehill, NF, one, 08 Jul (SLoa); Woodlands, NF, present, 21 Jul (RBW); one, 12 Jun; one, 22 Jun (CJon); Lee, one, 10 Jun (CTha); Romsey, one, 20 Jun (MJB); one, 25 Jun (NRJ); Houghton, one, 12 Jun; Stockbridge Common Marsh SSSI, one, 12 Jun; Stockbridge Down NT, two, 12 Jun; one, 12 Jun; two, 12 Jun; two, 12 Jun; Ashley, one, 11 Jul; Winter Down Copse, Little Somborne, one, 17 Jun; one, 17 Jun; Crawley, two, 22 Jun; one, 22 Jun (GCE); Dibden Purlieu, one, 02 Jul; one, 09 Jul (RAC); Wickham, one, 13 Jun (JRDS); Northney, Hayling Island, present, 16 Jun (JWP); Hurn, one, 17 Jun; two, 19 Jun; one, 20 Jun; one, 13 Jul (MJef); Needs Ore NNR, six, 18 Jun; 10, 03 Jul; three, 05 Jul; one, 10 Jul; one, 07 Jun; two, 25 Jun; one, 14 Jul (CNB); one, 16 Jun (NRJ, SIng); one, 21 Jul (CNB);

VC12: Cholderton, one, 01 Jul (TJN); Nether Wallop, one, 06 Jun; two, 03 Jul; two, 06 Jun; four, 03 Jul; Broughton, one, 21 Jun; two, 21 Jun; three, 21 Jun; Chilbolton, one, 19 Jun; Wherwell, one, 22 May; Longparish, two, 23 Jun; one, 23 Jun; Hurstbourne Priors, one, 23 Jun; one, 09 Jun; Bullington, one, 16 Jun; one, 16 Jun; Hurstbourne Priors, one, 25 May; one, 23 Jun; Cole Henley, two, 15 Jun; one, 15 Jun; one, 15 Jun; three, 15 Jun; two, 15 Jun; one, 05 Jul (GCE); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 11 Jun (CRB, DAS, PDF et al); Pamber Forest, 13, 17 Jun; one, 11 Jul; two, 21 Jun (GJD); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne, one, 09 Jul (IBla); Castle Bottom NNR, one, 04 Jul; one, 04 Jul (BGD); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, two, 22 Jun; one, 29 Jun (ASwa); Fleet Pond, one, 06 Jul (MHals)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10972570018562021
11858143519042021
1223350819512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
101821453171
1112727513
1226409

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: West High Down quarries, 12 Jul, 15 (IOu) Latest: Wootton Bridge, 20 Jul, 1 (DElm) Max count: Shanklin, 18 Jul, 171 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Avon Heath Country Park, 26 Jul, 1 (Rbis) Latest: Browndown Coastal Ranges, 12 Aug, 1 (KCok, RJD, MLO, ADT, DWal) Max count: Needs Ore NNR, 09 Jul, 22 (CNB)

VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 01 Jul, 1 (TJN) Latest: Pamber Forest, 11 Jul, 1 (GJD) Max count: Chilbolton, 18 Jul, 9 (GCE)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10576418002021
1129239518002021
128611418002021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10331
11593
12353

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: West High Down quarries, one, 12 Jul (IOu); Bonchurch, one, 22 Jun (JHa); Firestone Copse, one, 21 Jun (IOu);

VC11: Ogden's Purlieu, NF, three, 18 Jul (AMD); Needs Ore NNR, one, 09 Jul (CNB); Hurn, one, 16 Jun; two, 17 Jun; one, 22 Jun; two, 28 Jun (MJef);

VC12: Chilbolton*, one, 18 Jul (GCE); Pamber Forest, three, 17 Jun (GJD); Whitehill, one, 17 Jun (ASto)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10570176919302021
112415528419512021
121166395919512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
106929140
1115235313
126613010

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: West High Down quarries, 12 Jul, 40 (IOu) Latest: Osborne Wood, 13 Aug, 1 (IOu) Max count: West High Down quarries, 12 Jul, 40 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Brockwood, 02 Jul, 2 (SDut) Latest: Browndown Coastal Ranges, 15 Jul, 1 (MLO, ADT, DWal & KJW) Max count: Needs Ore NNR, 09 Jul, 34 (CNB)

VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 01 Jul, 6 (TJN) Latest: Farnborough, 18 Jul, 1 (KBW) Max count: Chilbolton, 31 Jul, 10 (GCE)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101095457019512021
1173051934519492021
1225881201519512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
101441449119
11498174344
12222940140

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: West High Down quarries, 12 Jul, 50 (IOu) Latest: Sandown, 29 Jul, 21 (IOu) Max count: Shanklin, 20 Jul, 119 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Brockwood, 11 Jul, 3 (SDut) Latest: Hayling Island, 18 Jul, 1 (STho) Max count: Needs Ore NNR, 16 Jul, 51 (CNB)

VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 19 Jul, 0 (TJN) Latest: Blackwater, 05 Aug, 1 (BGD) Max count: Tidgrove Warren, nr Overton, 23 Jul, 140 (MJW, ACB)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101178709819222021
11104514701819482021
1238082041319492021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
101371848158
11532265168
122211416120

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: West High Down quarries, 12 Jul, 150 (IOu) Latest: Sandown, 29 Jul, 3 (IOu) Max count: Shanklin, 18 Jul, 158 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Brockwood, 27 Jun, 1 (SDut) Latest: Hayling Island, 18 Jul, 1 (STho) Max count: Sway, 12 Jul, 68 (SKee)

VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 01 Jul, 9 (TJN) Latest: Farnborough, 20 Jul, 1 (KBW) Max count: Tidgrove Warren, nr Overton, 23 Jul, 120 (MJW, ACB)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10471149519812021
1155091295919512021
121740425719492021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
106325529
1128361844
1213027620

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: West High Down quarries, 12 Jul, 10 (IOu) Latest: Sandown, 29 Jul, 1 (IOu) Max count: Bonchurch, 15 Jul, 29 (JHa)

VC11: Earliest: Avon Heath Country Park, 26 Jul, 2 (Rbis) Latest: Hayling Island, 21 Jul, 1 (STho) Max count: Needs Ore NNR, 23 Jul, 44 (CNB)

VC12: Earliest: Cholderton, 01 Jul, 1 (TJN) Latest: Farnborough, 18 Jul, 1 (KBW) Max count: Morn Hill, Winchester, 09 Jul, 20 (CRB, DAS, PDF et al)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10283219812021
11526119932021
126713920032021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10551
1114132
129113

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Plaish, Carisbrooke*, one, 20 Jul (KRyl); Bonchurch, one, 12 Aug; one, 14 Aug (JHa); Shanklin, one, 12 Jul; Osborne Wood, one, 13 Aug (IOu);

VC11: Woodlands, NF, present, 18 Jul (RBW); one, 13 Jul; one, 07 Aug (CJon); Dibden Purlieu, two, 16 Jul; one, 18 Jul; present, 19 Jul; one, 20 Jul; one, 24 Jul; one, 02 Aug (RAC); Sway, one, 10 Aug (SKee); Pennington, one, 01 Jul; one, 17 Jul; one, 27 Jul (RFC);

VC12: Whitehill*, one, 03 Aug (ASto); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 05 Aug; one, 23 Aug (ASwa); Blackwater, one, 18 Jul; three, 19 Jul; one, 09 Aug (BGD); Farnborough, one, 13 Jul; one, 18 Aug; one, 22 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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10743250218002021
113211742918002021
121424566319512021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
109245634
1118457031
1211224615

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Totland, 27 May, 1 (RTer) Latest: Firestone Copse, 21 Jun, 5 (IOu) Max count: Shanklin, 22 May, 34 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Fordingbridge, 27 May, 1 (SCT) Latest: Browndown Coastal Ranges, 03 Jun, 1 (RJD, MLO, ADT, DWal & KJW) Max count: Wickham, 21 May, 31 (JRDS)

VC12: Earliest: Nether Wallop, 06 Jun, 1 (GCE) Latest: Farnborough, 15 Jun, 1 (KBW) Max count: Hammer Vale, Woolmer, 20 May, 15 (ASwa)

72.050 [B&F: 2036] Dew Moth Setina irrorella (Linnaeus, 1758) - Nationally Rare

Nationally scarce (Na) on shingle beaches and rough grassland by the sea in southern England, western Wales and Scotland; also, rarely, on calcareous grassland inland in Surrey and the Cotswolds. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight the headquarters of this species in the area are on the cliff-tops at Freshwater on the Island, and there is also a good colony at Hurst Castle on the mainland. Elsewhere, occasional presumed strays have been taken at light. Wingspan 26-32 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on various lichens.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
105311319002021
11355719002014

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
105116
112127

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Tennyson Down, one, field observation, 24 May (D&NFea); West High Down quarries, one, 12 Jul (IOu); Totland, one, 28 May (RTer); Tennyson Down East, six, 17 Jun; Freshwater Bay, two, 17 Jun (IOu);

VC11: Hurst Castle, five, field observation, 18 Jun (CJon); seven, found by searching vegetated shingle for an hour, 17 Jun (NRJ)