1356       Evergestis forficalis (Linnaeus, 1758)  GARDEN PEBBLE

A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding on Cruciferae species, and infesting cultivated vegetable such as cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea sp.). In Dorset, the moth is frequent locally in gardens and allotments where brassicas are grown. The relatively large number of records awayfrom habitation on Purbeck, suggest colonisation of wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea) on cliff-tops and undercliffs, and of black mustard (Brassica nigra) on clay coasts along much of the Dorset coast. Immigration accounts for varying numbers every year. A bivoltine cycle is evident from the data.

1356.1   Evergestis limbata (Linnaeus, 1767)

This species appeared on Guernsey in 1990, and was followed by the first mainland record on the Isle of Wight in 1994, and then in Sussex the following year; the larva feeds on garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), hedge mustard (Sisymbrium officinale), woad (Isatis tinctoria), wallflower (Erysimum cheiri) and treacle mustard (Erysimum cheiranthoides). The species is double-brooded abroad. The first Dorset moth was trapped in Swanage by R Cox in July 1997. Subsequently light trap records are: Trigon on 18 July 2002 (C Manley), Shaggs on 12 August 2002 and 20 July 2006 (Butterfly Conservation), Broadwey, on 18 June 2006 (P Harris), Cold Harbour, on 9 July 2006 and on 7 June 2007 (B Withers), Swanage, on 17 June 2007 and on 18 August 2007 (R Cox). ‘Mustard’ plants tend to be common in woodland-edge, hedgerow or waste ground situations, whereas wallflower tends to frequent coastal districts. Given the multiple records from same localities above, it would appear that this stunning moth has become established in Dorset.

1357       Evergestis extimalis (Scopoli, 1763)       Notable/Nb

A rare species in Britain confined to the Breck district and along the Thames estuary, the larva feeding on the seeds of charlock (Sinapis arvensis) and white mustard (Sinapis alba) in the Breck, and the seeds of perennial wall-rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia), along the Thames estuary. In Dorset, the moth has been recorded in all butone of the past seventeen years, but there are no records prior to 1987. With the exception of singletons from Puddletown and Gaunts Common, all examples have been from the coastal fringe, and most have coincided with immigration events. The status of the moth is therefore a regular but infrequent immigrant. The national norm is a single-brood in June and July, but the Dorset records suggest two broods, the first in June, and a much larger second brood between early-August and mid-September. This bivoltine pattern is more a reflection of the cycle abroad rather than that experienced in the UK. Both charlock and white mustard ‘arable weeds’, have declined considerably in response to the widespread use of herbicides, and consequently there appears to be little scope for this species to gain a permanent foothold in the county.

1358       Evergestis pallidata (Hufnagel, 1767) 

A local species in Britain, the larva feeding on winter-cress (Barbarea spp.), bitter-cress (Cardamine spp.) and mustards (Brassica spp. and Sinapis spp.). In Dorset, there are just three historic records which makes it difficult to provide an historic status; more recently the moth has been recorded regularly from just a handful of wetland sites, so it is very local: Melbury Park, where wet flushes host Cardamine spp; Trigon and East Holme, close to water meadows on the River Piddle; Hurn, next to the Moors River. There is also a single record from Edmonsham, on the water meadows adjoining the River Crane at the northern end of the Moors River system. The dates of a number of records were examined from a range of localities some distance away from core habitat. Easterly to south-easterly airflows were established on most of these occasions, and sources from counties further east or even from northern Europe are suspected for many of these individuals.

1359       Cynaeda dentalis [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775]       pRDB3

A rare species, confined mainly to vegetated shingle beaches and sandhills in southern and eastern England, the larva feeding on viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare). In Dorset, the species is local and confined to Portland, the Purbeck coast and in one site on the shores of Poole Harbour; viper’s bugloss is frequent in all these places. The plant also occurs on sandy soils in the Poole Basin, but the moth has yet to be found in this biotype.  A robust colony exists at Holton Heath Marsh, where tracks around the periphery of an old munitions dump support small stocks of the foodplant. This species should be included in conservation agency management plans for coastal chalky grassland sites containing viper’s bugloss, and in Natural England’s management plans for Holton Heath Marsh.

1360       Hellula undalis (Fabricius, 1781)  OLD WORLD WEBWORM 

A rare immigrant species first recorded in Devon in 1967 and subsequently from southern coastal counties. The larva feeds on members of the Brassicaceae plant family, and in the tropics and sub-tropics it is considered a pest species on cabbage (Brassica spp.) crop because the larvae target the growing points of young plants, particularly seedlings. The species also occurs in parts of southern Europe, where it is double-brooded. In Dorset, the moth has been recorded on ten occasions at light traps: Walditch, on 18 October 2001 (M Parsons), Portland, on 11 August 1995 (M Cade), on 10 October 1995 (B Goater), Puddletown, on 16 October 2005 and on 23 September 2006 (H WoodHomer), Gaunts Common, on 19 September 1992 and on 11 October 1995 (P Davey), Shell Bay, on 1 October 1990 (P Davey), Studland, on 24 October 1989 (D Brown), Hurn, on 16 October 2001 (M Jeffes).

1361       Pyrausta aurata (Scopoli, 1763)    

A local species in England, Wales and southern Scotland, the larva feeding on the leaves and flowers of Labiatae plants including thyme (Thymus spp.), wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare), clary (Salvia spp.), mint (Mentha spp.) and common calamint (Clinopodium ascendens). The moth flies in sunshine and occasionally visits light traps. In Dorset, the moth is mainly restricted to unimproved grassland on chalky soil where it is common, very locally. The following record indicates an additional potential food source: Durlston, adult emerged from bastard toadflax gathered for Epermenia insecurella₄₈₂ on 26 June 1885 (Reverend E Bankes). A number of records from non-chalky soil sites suggest colonisation of water meadow habitat and gardens, where water mint (Mentha aquatica) and cultivated mint are likely host foodplants, respectively. The peak of the second brood is on average, five times larger than that of the first brood; the first brood emergence appears to very protracted.

1362       Pyrausta purpuralis (Linnaeus, 1758) 

A species found across much of Britain, the larva feeding on the leaves of thyme (Thymus spp.) and mint (Mentha spp.). The adult is active by day, and also at night when it sometimes visits light traps. In Dorset, the moth is locally abundant among unimproved short-turf grassland on chalky soil where wild thyme (Thymus polytrichus) grows. It also occurs at low density in water meadow, marsh, pond and river habitat where water mint (Mentha aquatica) flourishes. The peak of the second brood is three times greater on average, than that of the first.

1363       Pyrausta ostrinalis (Hübner, 1796)

A double-brooded species that shares the same life cycle and habitat preferences as Pyrausta purpuralis₁₃₆₂. In Dorset, the moth is rare, although potentially under-recorded as it is likely to be mistaken Pyrausta purpuralis₁₃₆₂. The following are verified records: West Bexington, at MV light on 20 August 1996, 17 August 1997, 25 July 1999, 29 July 1999, 24 August 2000 (R Eden), Freshwater Bay, at MV light on 8 August 1992 (Dr J Langmaid), Durdle Door, at MV light on 15 July 2000 (M Parsons), Bindon Hill, several by day on 22 July 1997 (Dr P Sterling), Hambledon Hill, by day on 8 June 1996 (D Jeffers), Durlston, three by day on 6 May 2006 (P Davey).

1365       Pyrausta despicata (Scopoli, 1763)  

A common species in Britain, the larva feeding at the base of leaves of plantain (Plantago spp.).  The adult readily takes to the wing during the day and occasionally visits light traps. In Dorset, the moth is locally abundant among unimproved grassland on chalky soil where hoary plantain (Plantago media) and ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) grow. An additional food source is likely to be buck’s-horn plantain (Plantago coronopus), a plant that is locally frequent on all soil types along the coastal belt and on disturbed soil on dry heaths in the Poole Basin. Although the species is double-brooded, the first brood is comparatively very small.

1366       Pyrausta nigrata (Scopoli, 1763)

 A local species with a discontinuous distribution, found in southern England and north-west England, the larva feeding on the leaves of thyme (Thymus spp.), clary (Salvia spp.) and marjoram (Origanum vulgare). It is active in sunshine, and occasionally visits light traps. In Dorset, the moth is very local and confined to unimproved grassland on chalky soil inland where wild thyme (Thymus polytrichus) grows. It is mostly at low density, but rises to common on Fontmell Down, a short-turf herb-rich chalk scarp in the north-east of the county.

1367       Pyrausta cingulata (Linnaeus, 1758)  

 A local double-brooded species in Britain, the larva feeding on the leaves of thyme (Thymus spp.). It is active in sunshine, and, occasionally visits moth traps at night. In Dorset, the moth is confined to unimproved grassland on chalky soil along the coast where wild thyme (Thymus polytrichus) grows; it is always very local, but so is its host flora. Reduction of so much unimproved grassland on chalky soils is likely to account for the absence of the species inland, although old records exist from Hambledon Hill, Hod Hill and the Purbeck Ridge.

1368       Loxostege sticticalis (Linnaeus, 1761)

 A rare species in Britain found only in the Breck district where populations have declined to the point of extinction since the 1960s, the larva feeding on mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris). Abroad the species additionally feeds on beet (Beta vulgaris), goosefoot (Chenopodium spp.), medick (Medicago spp.) and clover (Trifolium spp.). In Dorset, the moth has been recorded on sixteen occasions in recent years, and mostly from coastal sites; the earliest county record was from 1872. The species is therefore an infrequent immigrant to Dorset, and a north-European source is likely for most of the examples seen.

1369       Uresiphita polygonalis (Denis & Schiffermüller 1775)

A rare immigrant species first recorded in Devon in 1967 and subsequently from other southern coastal counties, the larva feeds on gorse (Ulex spp.), broom (Cytisus spp.), dyer’s greenweed (Genista tinctoria) and petty whin (Genista anglica) on the Continent. Abroad, the species is local in central Europe but more frequent further south, inhabiting hot, dry, rocky situations; it is double-brooded. In Dorset, this unmistakable yellow-underwinged moth has been recorded on sixteen occasions all at light traps, and mostly on or close to the coast. The source of origin for the majority of these is likely to have been south-west Europe including Iberia: Walditch, on 24 August 2004, 28 October2005 (M Parsons), West Bexington, on 18 August 2004 (R Eden), Portland, on 16 August 1965 (R Lorimer), on 22, 25, 26 and 29 September and on 11 October 2006 (M Cade), East Cliff, on 24 September 1983 (N Hall), Preston, on 23 September 2006 (M Forster), Dorchester, on 13 October 2001 (J Down), Pennsylvania, on 24 September 1983 (N Hall), Puddletown, on 20 October 2001 and on 14 October 2005 (H Wood Homer), Shapwick, on 14 October 2005 (P Davey), Studland, on 17 October 1990 and on 29 September 1992, Durlston, on 17 October 1990 (D Brown), on 7 August 2003 (J McGill). There have been no early-summer records of first brood examples of this species in Dorset.

1370       Sitochroa palealis [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775]     Notable/Nk

A very local species resident only in the Breck district and along the Thames estuary, but in recent years a transitory colonist in southern and eastern coastal colonies, the larva feeding on the ripening fruits of wild carrot (Daucus carota) and abroad also on hogweed (Heracleum spp.). In Dorset, prior to 1990 this species had been encountered just a few times, and these were attributed to immigration, but it has evidently increased its range in the interim and currently at least three chalky grassland localities host populations of the moth: Portland, Durlston and Badbury Rings. The species was also found at Winspit in 2008, and it is likely that other Daucus carota-rich grassland sites on the Purbeck coast will be found to host the species.  It is recommended that conservation agencies that manage coastal grassland sites containing good stocks of the foodplant include this species in their management plans.

1371       Sitochroa verticalis (Linnaeus, 1758)

A declining species in southern England, the larva feeding on various herbaceous plants. In Dorset, the species has not been seen since the Second World War and its wide-ranging demise is likely to be linked to the improvement of grassland and expansion of arable and consequent loss of old pasture, particularly from chalky soils. Old records follow: Portland, not uncommon (N Richardson), Bulbarrow Hill and Shillingstone Hill, common (D Hervey), Lulworth (C Dale), Creech Grange, Corfe Castle and Punfield Cove (Reverend E Bankes), Badbury Rings, two (W Parkinson Curtis), Durlston, by day on undercliff on 28 June 1889 (Reverend E Bankes), Cranborne, two (Reverend F Fisher).

1372          Paracorsia repandalis [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775]

This double-brooded southern European species was first recorded in Devon in the nineteenth century from a larva found feeding on dark mullein (Verbascum nigrum), its preferred host plant abroad. The second and third UK records were both from Dorset: St Albans Head, at MV light on 27 September 1992 (P Davey), Shapwick, at MV light on 14 October 2006 (P Davey). Central or southern France is a potential source of origin for both individuals.  

1373       Paratalanta pandalis (Hübner, 1825)  BORDERED PEARL     Notable/Na

A widespread species in England and Wales, the larva feeding on marjoram (Origanum vulgare), wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia) and golden-rod (Solidago virgaurea). In Dorset, the species was always rare, and has not been seen since the World War II. The few old records suggest colonisation and therefore a preference for open actively-forested deciduous woodland on acid soils. However, the complete eradication of such habitat through the  block planting of conifers has evidently reduced stocks of wood sage and golden-rod, plants that relish mature open woodland habitat and the moth has understandably disappeared as a consequence: Bloxworth (W Parkinson Curtis), Cranborne Chase, common locally (D Hervey), Cranborne, several (Reverend F Fisher).

1374       Paratalanta hyalinalis (Hübner, 1796)     Notable/Nb

A local species in southern England, the larva feeding on common knapweed (Centaurea nigra) and great mullein (Verbascum thapsus). In Dorset, there is just one old record: Bere Wood, (W Parkinson Curtis).

1374.1   Sclerocona acutellus (Eversmann, 1842) 

First recorded in Britain in Hampshire in 1988, subsequently in Surrey in 1989, and then in Oxfordshire in 1995. In 1999, three more were found in a single locality in Devon, and subsequent research revealed common reed (Phragmites australis) in the form of new thatch recently imported from Hungary as a likely source for the moths (Butter, 1999, Atropos#8: pp11, 12). There are two light trap records of the moth in Dorset, coincident with notable immigrations from central or northern Europe being transported to the UK by very warm south-easterly airflows: Milton-on-Stour, on 26 June 2001 (J Burge) – see also account of the Rosy Marbled₂₃₉₆, Walditch, on 14 July 2003 (M Parsons).

1375       Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner, 1796)  EUROPEAN CORN-BORER

A relatively recent colonist in Britain, found on waste ground along the banks of the Thames estuary, the larva feeding on mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). Abroad, the moth is polyphagous and a pest species of maize (Zea mays); it has also been found on hop (Humulus lupulus), beet (Beta vulgaris), witch-grass (Panicum capillare) and common millet (Panicum miliaceum). The species has been introduced to America. In Dorset, the moth has been recorded with increasing frequency in the past seventeen years, but prior to 1990 had been encountered on just three occasions. Dr P Sterling comments: ‘It seems that the moth is likely to be at least resident in the Christchurch area. I have been to Iford Meadows in the summer and beaten many adults from brambles and I can’t believe these were immigrants. I have looked for larvae there, but not yet found them. It has been so regularly recorded in that part of Dorset for over a decade’. Hop may be a candidate host plant given it is host to the species abroad and considering that the plant is common in the vicinity of the River Stour at Christchurch. Elsewhere, the moth is a regular immigrant in most years being recorded widely across the county. The national norm is for a single-brood in June and July, but in Dorset, two broods are apparent, the first in July and the second in September, the peak of the second generation more than twice that of the first. This bivoltine pattern may reflect the phenology of the immigrants rather than that of the residents.

1376       Eurrhypara hortulata (Linnaeus, 1758)  SMALL MAGPIE

A widespread species in southern Britain, more local elsewhere, the larva feeding on nettle (Urtica dioica), and occasionally on Labiatae such as white horehound (Marrubium vulgare), woundworts (Stachys spp.) and mint (Mentha spp.). In Dorset, this distinctive moth is widespread and frequent to common wherever nettles grow. The moth is on the wing between mid-May and mid-August; this is a protracted three-month period which may comprise a partial double-brooded cycle and a single mid-summer brood.

1377       Perinephela lancealis [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775]

A local species in southern Britain, the larva feeding on hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum), wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia) and woundworts (Stachys spp.). In Dorset, the moth is at low density but widespread, and found in a range of biotypes that include: hemp-agrimony rich wetland at Trigon Ford and at Kingcombe, undercliff at Durlston, woodland on chalk soils at Stubhampton, and wood sage rich woodland rides in Holt Forest, near Green Pool and in Arne Wood.

1378       Phlyctaenia coronata (Hufnagel, 1767)  

A widespread species in England and Wales, the larva feeding on elder (Sambucus nigra). In Dorset, the moth is widespread and frequent wherever elder grows, and is consequently rare on sandy soils across the Poole Basin. The national norm is for a single brood in June and July, but in Dorset, a partial bivoltine cycle is suspected, with the main brood on the wing between mid-July and late August. The species is double-brooded abroad.

1380       Phlyctaenia perlucidalis (Hübner, 1809)

First discovered in Huntingdonshire in 1951, and then also in Cambridgeshire, its range expanding during the 1990s; it is now resident in many eastern counties of England, the larva feeding on thistles (Carduus spp. and Cirsium spp.). In Dorset, the few widely-spread records we have are all post-1996, and likely reflect the westward expansion of this species nationally during the warming trend: Broadcroft Quarry, at MV light on 22 June 2007 (G Hopkins et al), Lodmoor, at MV light on 19 July 1997 (M Parker), Lorton barn, at MV light on 29 June 2005 (Dr P Sterling), Puddletown, at MV light on 7 July 2001 (H Wood Homer), Trigon, at MV light on 25 June 2001 and 23 June 2006 (C Manley), Keysworth, at MV light on 9 July 2000 (H Wood Homer), Shapwick, at MV light on 8 June 2007, Edmonsham, at MV light on 18 June 2003 (P Davey), Hurn, at MV light on 25 July 2005 (M Jeffes). In 2008 a larva was found on creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), and it appears that the moth, at the very least is a transient resident on chalky grassland near Chickerell: Tidmoor Range, larva on lower leaf of creeping thistle Cirsium arvense on 24 September (Dr P Sterling).

1382       Anania verbascalis [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775]     Notable/Nb

A local species in south-east England, the larva feeding on wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia). In Dorset, the moth is local and primarily restricted to the acid heaths within the Poole Basin, although the foodplant is also found on most other soil types in the county. The national norm is for a single brood in June and July, but several potential second brood individuals have been observed up to September. The moth is bivoltine abroad, the second brood on the wing between July and September. Dispersal from core habitat or immigration from abroad may account for the following light trap records: Portland, on 26 July 2001, 27 August 2002 (M Cade), Breston Quarries, on 1 September 2005 (Dr J Clarke), Dorchester, on 30 July 2001 (J Down), Gaunts Common, on 11 July 1997 (P Davey).

1383       Psammotis pulveralis (Hübner, 1796)

A transitory resident in the nineteenth century of coastal marsh on the Isle of Wight and also in Kent and in East Anglia subsequently, the larva feeding on water mint (Mentha aquatica) and gipsywort (Lycopus europaeus). The species is double-brooded abroad. In Dorset, old records among water mint hint at a colony about one hundred years ago: Norden, in 1899 (R Phelps), in 1901 (Reverend E Bankes).  More recently, a moth was trapped in north-east Dorset and a second appeared in the New Forest in Hampshire on the same night in 1995: Chase Woods, at MV light on 28 July 1995 (P Davey). Four more moths were trapped in three locations over a two night period in 2006. All recent examples are suspected to have originated from northern France or the Low Countries: Wyke Regis, on 19 July 2006 (D Foot), Weymouth, on 20 July (Dr P Sterling), Portland, two on 20 July 2006 (M Cade), Trigon, on 12 July (C Manley).

1384       Phlyctaenia stachydalis (Germar, 1822)     pRDBK

A rare species in southern England and south Wales, the larva feeding on hedge woundwort (Stachys sylvatica). In Dorset, this monophagous species is known from a single open woodland site only, despite woundwort being common at the edges of woods, in hedgebanks and on verges elsewhere across the county: Stubhampton, at MV light on 5 July 1995, 8 July 1999 and on 25 June 2001 (P Davey). Old records indicate that it was once resident on the Isle of Portland: Portland, (C Dale), and on Purbeck: Corfe Castle, (Reverend E Bankes), Studland, frequent and larvae on hedge woundwort (Reverend E Bankes). It is recommended that Forest Enterprise who manage Ashmore Forest, include this species in their management plans and protect and promote stocks of hedge woundwort along the central main ride of Stubhampton Bottom.