PYRALIDAE - Crambinae and Schoenobiinea
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1289 Euchromius ocellea (Haworth, 1811) A rare immigrant species that is recorded mainly from southern and western coastal counties, the larva feeds on the roots of corn and milo maize (Sorghum spp.) in the tropics and sub-tropics where it is likely to be continuously brooded. It is also a single-brooded resident in southern Europe where it overwinters between late autumn and early spring, the larva feeding in this more temperate region on detritus and decaying plant matter. In Dorset, prior to 2003, the moth had been recorded on nine occasions mostly from light traps, and always on or close to the coast. The remarkable winter immigrations during February 2004 and again in January and February 2008 from the Sahara, yielded more than twenty individuals on both occasions. The moth may appear at any time of the year, but the winter months so far have produced the largest numbers across the county.
1290 Chilo phragmitella (Hübner, 1805) A species of large reedbeds in southern Britain, the larva feeding in the stems and rootstocks of common reed (Phragmitis australis) and reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima), and the adult is on the wing during June and July. In Dorset, the moth is mostly restricted to large reedbeds and their environs in the Poole Basin from Wareham to Christchuch where it is locally common, but it is occasionally recorded elsewhere.
1292 Calamotropha paludella (Hübner, 1824) Notable/Nb A local species in southern England found in large fens and marshes, the larva feeding on bulrush (Typha latifolia). In Dorset, the moth is local and colonises nutrient-rich ponds, flooded pits and ditches, mainly in the Poole Basin, wherever bulrush is dominant. Adults fly around their watery habitats for an hour or so and later range more widely, with dispersal a relatively frequent occurrence across the county. Conservation agencies managing sites containing bulrush-rich habitat, for example Stanpit (Christchurch Borough Council) or Norden (Dorset Wildlife Trust) should include this species in their management plans.
1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella (Linnaeus, 1758) An abundant species wherever grass grows in Britain, the larva feeding at the base of the culms of grasses (Poaceae). In Dorset, the moth is frequent in most situations and rises to abundant on unimproved grassland, irrespective of soil type. The moth has a prolonged flight period between late May and late August.
1294 Crambus pascuella (Linnaeus, 1758) A species found throughout Britain, the foodplant is unknown. Abroad, the larva feeds from a spun tube on grasses (Poaceae), and also on clovers (Trifolium spp.) and on mosses (Musci spp.). In Dorset, the moth is essentially a wetland species, colonising mire, damp heathland, moor and seasonally waterlogged soils; it is also present on coastal landslips that result from water seeping through clay soils. Examples recorded occasionally from drier biotypes, are likely to be dispersed moths from host wetland habitat.
1296 Crambus silvella (Hübner, 1813) pRDB3 A rare species restricted to bogs in south-east Britain, the larva feeding on sedges (Carex spp.). In Dorset, the moth is confined exclusively to mire habitat where it is at low density; it is on the wing at the height of the summer between mid-July and mid-August. Three sedge species tend to be present in the vicinity of colonies. These are: common yellow sedge (Carex viridula oedocarpa), carnation sedge (Carex panicea) and star sedge (Carex echinata). The following light trap records indicate dispersal on occasion: Wyke Regis, on 6 August 2006 (D Foot), Puddletown, on 18 July 2005 (H Wood Homer). Conservation agencies who manage sites containing mire habitat, for example, Morden Bog and Hartland Moor (Natural England) and Parley Heath (Herpetological Conservation Trust) should include this species in their management plans. This species is similar to Crambus pascuella1294. Diagnostics include: the long and short white streak on the forewing are shorter and longer, respectively, than those in Crambus pascuella; the white streaks do not overlap across the width of the wing.
1297 Crambus uliginosellus (Zeller, 1850) Notable/Nb A local species restricted to bogs in England and Wales, the larval foodplant is unknown, although sedges (Carex spp.) and associated hydrophilous plants are suspected. In Dorset, the moth is confined to mire and wet heathland habitat where it is abundant very locally; it is on the wing between mid-June and mid-July. Occasional dispersal is noted: Studland Cliffs at MV light on 15 June 1999 (D Green, M Parsons), Portland, 7 July 2001(M Cade). The recommendations that apply to Crambus silvella1296 are relevant to this species too.
1299 Crambus hamella (Thunberg, 1788) Notable/Nb A local species in England and southern Scotland, the larval foodplant is unknown. In Dorset, the moth is confined to mainly dry heathland blocks within the Poole Basin where it is abundant very locally, and in these situations the foodplants may well fine-leaved grass species such as bristle bent (Agrostis curtisii) or wavy hair-grass (Deschampsia flexuosa). The moth occasionally disperses over short to medium distances. The following light trap records refer: Chilfrome, on 20 August 2006 (S Philp), Badbury Rings, three on 4 September 2005 (P Davey), Shapwick on 20 August 2000 and on 22 August 2003 (P Davey). This example was trapped on a rather late date: Morden Bog, on 11 October 1996 (P Davey). Conservation agencies should include this species in habitat management plans for sites containing dry heathland.
1300 Crambus pratella (Linnaeus, 1758) Notable/Nb A local species in England and southern Scotland, the larva inhabits a tubular silken gallery feeding on the roots and stem-bases of grasses (Poaceae) that grow on pasture on sandy soils. In Dorset, there are just five recent light trap records, and the majority of these from sites where the habitat preferred by the species is absent. These examples coincided with very warm weather and immigration is suspected from western European coasts in mid-June 2004 and, north European coasts on both occasions in July 2006. West Bexington on 12 and 13 June 2004 (R Eden), and at Wyke Regis on 19 June 2004 (D Foot), Shapwick, on 2 July 2006 (P Davey), Durlston on 25 July 2006 (P Davey).
1301 Crambus lathoniellus (Zincken, 1817) A common species in Britain, the larva feeding on the stem-bases of grasses (Poaceae). In Dorset, the moth is locally abundant on unimproved grassland on chalky soil, elsewhere frequent, rising to common locally in grassy habitats on neutral and sandy soils.
1302 Crambus perlella (Scopoli, 1763) A frequently abundant species across Britain, the larva feeding on the stem-bases of grasses (Poaceae). In Dorset, the moth shares the same range and habitat preferences as Crambus lathoniellus1301, but on chalky soils it is even more abundant. The moth is on the wing over a protracted three-month period.
1303 Agriphila selasella (Hübner, 1813) A local species in England, Wales and southern Scotland, the larva feeding on grasses, including sheep’s fescue (Festuca ovina) and common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima). In Dorset, the moth is locally common in three distinct biotypes. The first is unimproved grassland on chalky soil where sheep’s fescue (Festuca ovina) is abundant amongst short turf. The second is unimproved grassland on ill-drained clay soils, notably in the Blackmore Vale, where meadow barley (Hordeum secalinum) andmeadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) are candidate host foodplants. The third habitat is muddy shores at the lower edge of saltmarshes where common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima) abounds, notably around the inside of Poole Harbour and the Fleet. The moth has been noted at low density on heathland and in a few old woods; other fescue (Festuca spp.) plant species may host the moth in these habitats.
1304 Agriphila straminella [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] The commonest ‘grass moth’ and an abundant species throughout Britain, the larva feeding on the lower part of the culm of grasses (Poaceae). In Dorset, the moth is abundant on unimproved grassland and frequent to common in grassy places generally, irrespective of soil type and habitat. This species is similar to Agriphila culmella1293. Diagnostics include: absence of cross-lines towards apex.
1305 Agriphila tristella [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] A common to abundant species throughout Britain, the larva feeding in the stem-bases of grasses (Poaceae). In Dorset, the moth is common to abundant in grassy places, with no geological preference. This species is similar to Agriphila selasella1303. Diagnostics include: single white line on forewing terminates at half-way, not two-thirds; at half way this white line like light passing through a glass prism, splits into an array of divergent narrow thin white lines.
1306 Agriphila inquinatella [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] A widespread but often local species in England, Wales and southern Scotland, the larva feeding on roots and stem bases of grasses (Poaceae). In Dorset, the moth is abundant on unimproved grassland on chalky soil where sheep’s fescue (Festuca ovina) grows in short turf, and frequent to common where fine-leaved grasses grow on dry heaths on sandy soil such as sheep’s fescue (Festuca filiformis) and bristle-bent (Agrostis curtisii). Dr P Sterling has reared the moth from larvae found on bristle bent on the heaths. Singletons from woodland and marsh situations suggest colonisation of additional habitats, albeit at low density.
1307 Agriphila latistria (Haworth, 1811) A local species in Britain that favours coasts and heaths, the larva feeding amongst the roots of grasses (Poaceae). In Dorset, the moth is local and occurs in two biotypes. The first is dry heathland, where it is locally common. The second is coastal grassland where it is at low density, and possibly associated with soft brome (Bromus hordeaceus ssp. ferronii). Occasional records from chalky grassland away from the coast hint at colonisation of this biotype too, albeit very locally. The moth occasionally disperses over short to medium distances.
1309 Agriphila geniculea (Haworth, 1811) A species restricted to drier habitats across Britain, the larva feeding on the stem bases of grasses (Poaceae). In Dorset, the moth is locally abundant on unimproved grassland on chalky soil, and frequent on dry heaths on sandy soil. Dr P Sterling has reared the moth from larvae found on bristle bent (Agrostis curtisii) on the heaths. A partial bivoltine tendency is suggested given early examples appearing during July. This species is similar to Agriphila inquinatella1306. Diagnostics include: sharply-angled double chevron cross-lines on forewing.
1313 Catoptria pinella (Linnaeus, 1758) A local species, although frequent in the south and west of Britain, the larva feeding on the stem bases of grasses (Poaceae), including cottongrass (Eriophorum spp.) and tufted hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa). In Dorset, the moth is frequent on sandy soils and rises to common on heathland both dry and wet, where wavy hair-grass (Deschampsia flexuosa) and cotton-grass grow, respectively. Elsewhere, the moth is locally frequent, both inland and on the coast in old grassland or open woodland on clay soils that are well stocked with tufted hair-grass. Regular but low density records from chalky soil inland and on the coast suggests colonisation of this habitat type also.
1314 Catoptria margaritella [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] A species of mire and moorland in northern and western Britain, the larval foodplant is unknown; abroad it is stated to feed on mosses (Musci spp.). In Dorset, old records from the north-east of the county, if valid, suggest colonisation of mire habitat in the past: Cranborne, three in 1902, 1903 and 1906 (Reverend F Fisher). More recently, six individuals were trapped in a variety of localities across Dorset in warm, humid westerly airflows. Medium-range dispersal is suspected from upland regions of south-west England or south Wales on these occasions: Walditch, on 24 July 2004 (M Parsons), West Bexington, on 27 July 1996 (R Eden), Lyons gate, on 29 July 2005 (T A Box), Portland, on 26 July 1997 (M Cade), Powerstock, on 24 July 2004 and Whitesheet, on 26 July 2004 (P Davey).
1316 Catoptria falsella [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] A local species in England, Wales and southern Scotland, the larva feeding on mosses (Musci spp.), in particular the moss Tortula muralis. In Dorset, the moth is widespread and usually at low density, but locally frequent near habitation where old roofs and walls support colonies of Tortula ruralis, and in sandy localities such as Arne Wood, Town Common, Canford Heath and Great Ovens Hill. However, Dr P Sterling has looked for but has never seen larvae or larval feedings in the moss Tortula ruralis ssp. ruraliformis where it colonises tracks on sandy soils.
1321 Thisanotia chrysonuchella (Scopoli, 1763) Notable/Nb A species of the chalk downs and coastal sandhills in southern England, the larva feeding on the stem bases of grasses (Poaceae), including sheep’s fescue (Festuca ovina). In Dorset, this species used to occur very locally on unimproved grassland on chalky soils, but there have been no records since before the middle of the last century: Badbury Rings, Hambledon Hill and Hod Hill, (W Parkinson Curtis), Gussage St Michael, (Dr J Wood), Cranborne, (Reverend F Fisher).
1323 Pediasia contaminella (Hübner, 1796) Notable/Nb A local species confined to south-east England, the larva feeding on sheep’s fescue (Festuca ovina). In Dorset, the moth occurred at a single site, Parkstone golf links, more then sixty years ago. There were no further records until 1979 when a singleton was trapped on Studland. A second individual followed in 1982, this time on Portland, and a further four moths were trapped in early August 1994, three at Christchurch and one at Gaunts Common. Colonies were then detected across the Poole Basin subsequently. At the present time, the species is well established very locally on dry heathland sites, where fine-leaved sheep’s-fescue (Festuca filiformis) and bristle bent (Agrostis curtisii) are potential host food plants. Conservation agencies should include this species in habitat management plans for sites containing dry heathland. The species has a partial double-brood, the first brood nearly six times larger on average than that of the second.
1324 Pediasia aridella (Thunberg, 1788) Notable/Nb A local saltmarsh species in eastern and south-eastern England, the larva feeding on common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima). In Dorset, the moth is rare. The few records suggest that the species is confined to saltern habitat on the landward side of the Fleet, around the inside of Poole Harbour and of Christchurch Harbour: Chesil Beach, larvae in the roots of common saltmarsh-grass (N Richardson), Portland, not uncommon (S Scarsdale Brown), Hartland Moor, two at MV (J Chainey), South Haven, (Captain C Diver), Patchins Point, at MV light on 29 July 2002 (C Manley), Poole on 18 July 1901 (W Parkinson Curtis), Hengistbury Head, at MV light on 16 July 2000 (M Jeffes). agencies managing sites containing habitat supporting common saltmarsh-grass, for example Christchurch Harbour (Christchurch Borough Council) or Arne (RSPB) should include this species in their management plans.
1325 Platytes alpinella (Hübner, 1813) pRDB3 A species restricted to coastal sandhill and shingle habitat mainly in south-east Britain, the larva feeds on the moss (Tortula ruraliformis), a dune stabilising plant. In Dorset, the moth has been found just once in sandhill habitat well over one hundred years ago: Studland, on 10 August 1888 (Reverend C Digby). Dr P Sterling has ‘spent many fruitless hours searching’ for the larva of this species in Tortula ruraliformis. The following light trap records are of suspected immigrants originating from dune and shingle habitat along coasts bordering the southern North Sea: Tout Quarry, on 18 July 1995 (Dr P Sterling), Portland, on 22 July 1996, 19 August 1996, 6, 19 and 20 August 1997, 24 August 1999, on 3, two on 17, two on 25 and on 26 July 2006 (M Cade), Wyke Regis, on 23 July 2006 (D Foot), Weymouth, on 23 July 2006, Broadwey, on 20 July 2006 (P Harris), St Albans Head, on 6 July 1987, Holt Forest, on 18 August 1997 (P Davey).
1326 Platytes cerussella [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] A species restricted to sandy and shingle coasts in eastern and southern England, and also colonising the Breck district, the larva feeding on grasses (Poaceae) and mosses (Musci spp.). In Dorset, the small moth is local and restricted to rocky coast and landslip between Portland in the west and Ballard Cliff in the east, where it is locally abundant. There are no records from the sandy coast habitat between Studland and Hengistbury Head. The following observation from Portland is noteworthy: larvaeplentiful under debris along the old railway embankment (W Parkinson Curtis). Occasional examples appear inland at light traps, for example, Puddletown, on 23 June 2003 (H Wood Homer), Bere Stream, 5 July 2004 (P Davey, S Barrett).
1328 Schoenobius gigantella [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] Notable/Nb A local species restricted mainly to large coastal reedbeds in England, the larva feeds in the stems of common reed (Phragmites australis) and reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima). In Dorset, the moth was found to have colonised reedbed habitat on Studland more than forty years ago, but recent searches have failed to yield any additional specimens: Studland, at light on the reedy margins of Little Sea Swamp, on 16 July 1933 (Captain C Diver). Widespread trapping within large coastal reedbed habitat elsewhere has produced just a single record: Hengistbury Head, at MV light on light on 21 July 2001 (M Jeffes), and further trapping, for example at Stanpit Marsh may yet confirm residency in the county. The following records occurred at times of high immigrant activity, and both are suspected to have originated from outside the county: Puddletown, at MV light on 29 June 2001 (H Wood Homer), Durlston, at MV light on 4 July 2001 (S Nash). Further research is recommended in coastal freshwater reed and reedy ditch habitat at Studland and at Stanpit Marsh in an attempt to locate a colony of this species.
1329 Donacaula forficella (Thunberg, 1794) A local species in England, the larva feeding on common reed (Phragmites australis), reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima) and sedges (Carex spp.). In Dorset, the species is very local and found in reed-rich freshwater ditch and pond habitat, principally around the edge of Poole Harbour and the edge of Christchurch Harbour, but also in similar habitat inland.
1330 Donacaula mucronellus [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] A local marshland species in southern and western Britain, the larva feeding on the lower part of stems of common reed (Phragmites australis), reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima) and sedges (Carex spp.). In Dorset, the species is restricted to the weedy portions of freshwater marsh and fen habitat around harbour edges and along the sides of rivers that feed into harbours; in such places it is at low density, rising to frequent only very locally. |
