1425       Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus, 1758) WAX MOTH

A widespread but declining species in England, the larva feeds on honeycomb in nests and in hives, preferring old combs. In Dorset, the moth has declined, and there is no evidence of residency in recent years. Historically, the species was a pest in beehives as the following old records indicate but even by the middle of the twentieth century, improved methods of bee-keeping meant that the species was becoming rare: Sherborne, abundant in neglected beehives (J Douglas), Chamberlaynes, very abundant in hives where the bees had suffered from Isle of Wight - Acarine - disease (H Andrewes), Cranborne, in the hives in the vicarage garden (W Parkinson Curtis). However, the moth has been recorded at light traps on more than eighty occasions in the past twenty years across the county. The wind rose indicates the direction of the airflows on the associated dates, and the strong bias towards a south-easterly quarter suggests a central or southern European source for many of the moths. The dates often coincide with notable influxes of other immigrant Lepidoptera. The moth is multivoltine abroad, and so immigrants may be seen at any time between June and October with populations increasing through the year across Europe.

1426       Achroia grisella (Fabricius, 1794) LESSER WAX MOTH

A common species in England and Wales, the larva feeding on honeycomb, preferring old rather than fresh wax, dead bees and detritus in beehives. In 2008, Dr P Sterling found several adult specimens at West Bexington indoors in a bedroom beneath a wild beehive in the attic. This is the only record of residency in recent years, although historically it was plentiful in apiaries: Sherborne, abundant in old beehives (J Douglas), and Chamberlaynes, common in beehives (H Andrewes). The following are all the recent MV light trap records for the species. Galleria mellonella₁₄₂₅ was also seen in the county on the 1995, July 1996, 1997 and 2003 dates. Migrant-bearing south-easterly or easterly airflows were established on all occasions. The status of the moth is a declining resident of wild beehives and an occasional immigrant: Weymouth, on 2 July 1994 (Dr P Sterling), 19 August 1997 (J Pyett), Shaggs, on 6 August 2002 (M Parsons), Morden Bog, on 16 August 1997, and Shapwick, on 15 July 2003, 5 September 2003, and Gaunts Common, on 11 October 1995, 9 July 1996, 13 October 1996, 10 August 1997, 19 August 1997 (P Davey), West Blagdon, on 4 August 2003 (D Green), Hurn, on 17 July 2007 (M Jeffes).

1428       Aphomia sociella (Linnaeus, 1758) BEE MOTH

A widespread species in Britain, the larva living in the nests of wild bees and wasps above the ground, and feeding eventually on everything therein, including nest walls and even the brood. In Dorset, the moth is widespread and at low density, rising to frequent, locally, on sandy soils.  A partial bivoltine cycle is suspected from the data in addition to the single cycle, with individuals on the wing between late May and late August.  A very late singleton appeared at the peak of a notable immigration from southern Europe and north Africa: Arne Wood, at MV light on 14 October 1995 (B Pickess).

1429       Melissoblaptes zelleri (Joannis, 1932)

A rare species, found very locally in dune habitat along the coasts of East Anglia and east Kent, the moss-feeding larva constructs a subterranean tube of silk in the sand from which they feed. There is one record from Dorset: Swanage, at MV light on 17 July 2003 (Reverend E Pratt), the same date that yielded the first Dorset record of Pyralis lienigialis₁₄₁₆.

1430       Paralipsa gularis (Zeller, 1877) STORED NUT MOTH

An introduced species, first found in 1922 and subsequently breeding in dried-fruit warehouses in London, the larva feeding on almonds, walnuts and other seeds, soya bean and maize (Zea mays). “Having regard to the known habits of this species, one wonders how it got to Ballard Down” (W Parkinson Curtis): Ballard Down, two at light (T Edwards).

1432       Anerastia lotella (Hübner, 1813)

A species restricted to coastal sandhills in England, Wales and southern Scotland, the larva feeding nocturnally on marram (Ammophila arenaria) and fescues (Festuca spp.) hiding in the sand by day. In Dorset, the moth is frequent very locally amongst marram and rush-leaved fescue (Festuca juncifolia) growing on the sand dunes facing Studland Bay and frequent in similar habitat on the northern periphery of Hengistbury Head. The following record from Chesil Beach suggests that there was a colony there many years ago, indeed, small quantities of marram in the Ferrybridge area remain to the present day: Chesil Beach, (Dr F Haines), common amongst marram (N Richardson). A more recent record may be the result of dispersal at the end of June 2003: Portland, on 3 July 2003 (M Cade). Marram, which is an important dune forming plant, is under pressure from human leisure pursuits on Chesil, Studland and Hengistbury Head. Some fencing has been erected to protect the marram on Studland, and such measures will doubtless be beneficial to this species: Studland, plentiful (Reverend E Bankes), Sandbanks, at one time common but rapidly being obliterated (W Parkinson Curtis), Brands Bay, at MV light on 6 July 1998 and Studland Heath, ten at MV light on 6 August 1998 (P Davey), Shell Bay, at MV light on 4 August 1979 (Dr P Sterling), 1 September 1991, 23 August 1992 (R McCormick), 14 August 1993 (N Binstead), six on 20 June 1996 (P Davey), 21 July 2001 (R Cook), Studland Bay, at MV light on 17 August 1997 (P Davey), Hengistbury Head, at MV light on 4 August 1994, two on 5 July 1997, five on 30 June 2001 (M Jeffes).

1433       Cryptoblabes bistriga (Haworth, 1811)

A local species in England and Wales, the larva feeding on oak (Quercus spp.), birch (Betulua spp.) and alder (Alnus glutinosa). In Dorset, the moth is local among old oak/birch and oak/alder woodland where it is at low density; singletons have been noted where old oaks grow in open situations such as parkland, or along old field boundaries. Typical woodland sites where it may be found include Boys Wood, Powerstock Common, Oakers Wood, Castle Wood and Chase Woods.  Although the moth is single brooded in June and July, the species has occasionally been recorded at light traps from late August and into September.

1434       Cryptoblabes gnidiella (Millière, 1867)

An adventives species to the UK, the larva is polyphagous, and infestation of fruits, including citrus and pomegranate, render it a pest species over some parts of its range. The moth occurs right across the Mediterranean region plus central and southern America. In Dorset, the moth has been recorded once as a larva found in pomegranate: Bridport, on 1 October 2005; adult emerged on 22 November 2005 (M Parsons).                                                                                                                                               

1435       Conobathra tumidana [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775]

A local species restricted to southern and western districts of England, the larva feeding in spun leaves of oak (Quercus spp.). In Dorset, thirty-one examples have been recorded on seventeen occasions, many of these from light traps and most fall within the last ten years following an absence of ninety years. All of these are suspected immigrants from the Continent; dates coincided with notable influxes of other migrant Lepidoptera. The wind rose indicates the direction of the airflows on the associated dates, and the strong bias towards a south-easterly quarter suggests a central or southern European source for many of the individuals: West Bexington, on 31 August 1998 (R Eden), 1 September 1998 (Dr P Sterling), Glanvilles Wootton, on 4 July 1870 (J Dale), 15 July 1901 (C Dale), Wyke Regis, on 4 July 2006 (D Foot), Portland, two on 1 September 1998, two on 4 and one on 8 July 2001, 23 and 26 June 2003, 14 July 2003, 27 June, two on 3 July, 9 July, 13 July 2005, on 6 and 19 July 2006 (M Cade), Weymouth, on 24 August 1999 (Dr P Sterling), Preston, on 25 and 26 June 2003 (R Lambert), Gaunts Common, on 3 August 1994 (P Davey), Durlston, four on 31 August 1998 (P Davey), 4 July 2001, 3 September 2002, 25 June 2004, 21 July 2006 (S Nash), three on 26 June 2003 (P Davey), on 14 August 2004 (C Manley), Studland, on 7 August 1904 (Reverend F Fisher), Iford, on 4 August 1994 (M Jeffes).

1436       Conobathra repandana (Fabricius, 1798)

A local species in southern Britain, the larva feeding on oak (Quercus spp.). In Dorset, the moth is confined to old oak/birch woodland where in favourable seasons, it is abundant. Yellowham Wood, Rooksmoor, Piddles Wood and Boys Wood are localities where the species occurs in good numbers, for example: Piddles Wood, seventy-six at MV light on 9 July 1995 (P Davey). This species is similar to Conbathra tumidana₁₄₃₅.  Diagnostics include: this species lacks raised scale tufts on the coloured band immediately behind the white cross line.

1437       Acrobasis consociella (Hübner, 1813)

A widespread species in England, Wales and southern Scotland, the larva feeding gregariously in a mass of spun leaves of oak (Quercus spp.). In Dorset, the moth is marginally more widespread than Conobathra repandana₁₄₃₆ occupying open areas such as heathland containing scrubby oak and parkland, as well as old oak/birch woodland, and where it occurs it is locally common.

1438       Trachycera suavella (Zincken, 1818)

A local species in southern England, the larva feeding on blackthorn (Prunus spinosa).  In Dorset, the moth is widespread and at low density occurring on all soil types where blackthorn grows.  The moth has also been recorded from a number of heathland localities on sandy soils too, and whilst blackthorn has been present on some, it is conspicuously absent from others, suggesting perhaps an alternative foodplant such as alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus).  A further food source follows: Lulworth Cove, a few larvae on Cotoneaster horizontalis on 30 May 1992 (R Heckford), 15 October 1993 (Dr P Sterling et al).

1439       Trachycera advenella (Zincken, 1818)

A locally common species in England, Wales and southern Scotland, the larva feeding on hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) and rowan (Sorbus aucuparia). In Dorset, the moth is widespread and at low density, but common locally on clay and chalky soils where mature hawthorn grows. The moth has also been recorded from a number of coastal localities where blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) forms thickets, and this may provide an alternative foodsource in these localities.

1440       Trachycera marmorea (Haworth, 1811)

A local species across England and Wales, the larva feeding on blackthorn (Prunus spinosa). In Dorset, the moth is local and confined mainly to blackthorn along the coastal belt ‘where larvae prefer stunted blackthorn bushes’ (Dr P Sterling) and to blackthorn scrub inland on chalky soil at sites such as Badbury Rings and Bottlebush Down, and on neutral soil at sites such as Rooksmoor and Povington Wood, where the moth is locally abundant among the densest thickets.

 1441       Oncocera semirubella (Scopoli, 1763)     Notable/Nb

A local species associated with coastal cliff and chalk downland habitat across southern and south-eastern England, the larva feeding on Fabaceae plants including restharrows (Ononis spp.), medicks (Medicago spp.), clovers (Trifolium spp.) and trefoils (Lotus spp.). In Dorset, this stunning moth is confined for the mostpart,to unimproved chalky soil grassland along the coastal belt where it is locally frequent, particularly in Fabaceae-rich cliff-top and undercliff habitat. The moth may be breeding on heathland on the Lotus that grows along track edges in the thin soils, judging by the full set of inland records: Povington Heath, six on 27 July 2001 (P Davey), Higher Hyde, 1 September 1995 and 23 July 1997 (Dr P Sterling), 23 July 2002 (P Davey), Trigon, at MV light on 29 July 2001 (C Manley), Norden, two at MV light on 13 August 1998 (P Davey), Holton Heath Marsh, at MV light on 27 July 1997 (R Cook), 7 August 1997 (C Manley), two on 31 July 1999 (P Davey), Arne Wood, at MV light on 2 August 1982, 15 July 1986, 5 August 1986, 28 July 1987, 4 August 1990, 15 August 1991 (B Pickess), Corfe Mullen, at MV light on 12 July 2007 (R Steedman), Holt, 5 August 2007 (P Davey). The national norm is for a single brood in June and July, but in Dorset, July and August are the main months, with individuals trapped in late June and again in mid-September suggesting an additional partial bivoltine cycle.

1442       Pempelia palumbella [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775]

A local heathland species in England, Wales and in southern Scotland, the larva feeding on heaths and bell heather (Erica spp.). In Dorset, the moth is frequent to common on heathland throughout the Poole Basin. It is also found on the acid heather-clad summit of Blackdown Hill to the west of Dorchester too. The species occasionally disperses from core heathland; the following records light trap records refer: Dorchester, in 1999 (D Hallett), Shapwick, on 18 and 30 June 2000 (P Davey), Durlston, two on 26 June 2003 (S Nash), Swanage, on 29 June 2001 (Reverend E Pratt).

 1443       Pempelia genistella (Duponchel, 1863)     Notable/Na

A local species in southern England, the larva feeding on gorses (Ulex spp.).  In Dorset, the moth is frequent to common across gorse-rich (Ulex europaeus) heathland throughout the Poole Basin. Gorse occurs less frequently elsewhere across the county, mainly on the summits and south-facing slopes of chalk downland and on limestone cliffs. The following few records are from places that lie outside the Poole Basin. Punfield Cove, rare (Reverend E Bankes), Blackdown, many larvae on gorse on 29 March 1997 (Dr P Sterling), Tidmoor Range, at MV light on 14 July 1999 (D Foot et al), Chickerell, many larvae on gorse on 29 March 1997 (M Parsons), Upwey, at MV light on 15 July 2003 (P Harris), Portland, at MV light on 10 July 1997, 26 July 2001, 5 and 14 July 2003 (M Cade), Arish Mell, two at MV light on 1 August 1999 (P Davey), West Hill, at MV light on 22 July 2000 (C Manley), Durlston, at MV light on 16 July 2003 (P Davey), two on 5 and one on 7 August 2003 (J McGill).

1445       Pempelia formosa (Haworth, 1811)

A species restricted to southern England, the larva feeding on elm (Ulmus spp.).  In Dorset, the moth is very local and colonises thick hedgerow elm on chalky soil where it is usually at low density, and is likely to have declined in recent years from both Dutch Elm disease decimating so much elm, and the enthusiastic implementation of county council policy to precision-strim hundreds of miles of the county’s hedgerows some of which contains elm.  Localities producing multiple light trap records include: Puddletown, Shapwick and Gaunts Common. Singletons have been trapped at Folke, Old Harry, Boys Wood, Castle Hill Wood and at Hurn.

1447       Sciota hostilis (Stephens, 1834)

A very rare species recorded from a handful of counties in south-eastern and western England, the larva feeding on aspen (Populus tremula). In Dorset the moth has been seen once and, given its place of capture plus the south-easterly airflow from France, it is likely to have been an immigrant from central France: Durlston, at MV light on 26 June 2004 (S Nash).

1447.1   Sciota adelphella (Fischer von Röslerstamm, 1836)

A recent addition to the UK moth list, although the earliest record appears to date back to the 1940s, and colonist, the larva feeding on poplar (Populus spp.) species and sallow (Salix spp.) species. In Dorset the moth has been seen on one occasion at a time of intense immigrant activity: Wyke Regis, at MV light on 29 June 2006 (D Foot). This example is likely to have originated from the region of northern France or the Low Countries.

 1449       Elegia similella (Zincken, 1818)     Notable/Nb

A very local species in south-east England, the larva feeding in a silken web on a leaf of oak (Quercus spp.).  In Dorset, the moth is rare and although headquartered and restricted to old oak/birch woodland in the far north-east of the county where it was first discovered in the 1980s, it has now been found more widely, so it is possible that this species is in the process of spreading west in tandem with the warming trend, in much the same way as Great Oak Beauty₁₉₄₃ and Scarce Merveille du Jour₂₂₇₇ appear to be doing.  The following MV light trap records refer: Piddles Wood, on 9 June 2007 (P Butter et al), Holt Forest, on 16 June 1989 (N Hall), Higher Row, two on 7 July 2001, and Boys Wood, on 30 May 2003, and Castle Wood, four on 18 June 2003 (P Davey), Chase Wood, two on 16 June 2007 (P Davey et al), Verwood, on 11 June 2007 (C Court), Highcliffe, on 19 and 23 June 2006 (R Chapman).  Potential dispersive or immigrant individuals from northern Europe include the following: West Bexington, 24 June 2005 (R Eden), Portland, 24 June 2005 (M Cade), Broadwey, on 16 July 2006 (P Harris).  Managing a varied age structure of oak within old deciduous woodland sites, may be beneficial to maintaining this species throughout the county.

1450       Ortholepis betulae (Goeze, 1778)

A local species in southern Britain, the larva feeding in a silken web on a leaf of birch (Betula spp.). In Dorset, the moth is rare, although the moth may be overlooked, especially when worn amongst Pyla fusca₁₄₅₁; it appears to be restricted to birches on sandy soils in the south-east of the county: Haymoor Bottom (W Parkinson Curtis), Hurn, bred (S Scarsdale Brown), Canford Heath, at MV light on 21 July 2001 (J Chainey), Spur Bog, at MV light on 21 July 2001 (C Manley), Studland Heath, at MV light on 21 July 2001 (Dr P Sterling). The following was recorded on the same night as Sciota adelphella_1447.1: Puddletown, at MV light on 29 June 2006 (H Wood Homer).

1451       Pyla fusca (Haworth, 1811)

A widely distributed species in Britain, the larva feeding on heaths and bell heather (Erica spp.). In Dorset, the moth is at low density on heathand throughout the Poole Basin. The national norm is for a single brood in June and July, but in Dorset the data suggests a partial bivoltine cycle in June and August in addition to the July brood. The species tends to disperse, as evidenced by the following that were found well away from heather habitat: Iwerne Minster, (H Moore), Swanage, (C Clutterbuck), Upwey, at MV light on 5 August 2003, 27 August 2003 (P Harris), Weymouth, at MV light on 11 August 1994 (Dr P Sterling), Dorchester, in 1995 (D Hallett), Portland, on 18 June 1887 (N Richardson), at MV light on 7 August 1995, 20 August 1996, four on 11 August 2003 (M Cade), Puddletown, at MV light on 12 August 1999 (H Wood Homer), Fontmell Down, at MV light on 21 August 1995, Gaunts Common, at MV light on 7 August 1996, Durlston, at MV light on 30 July 1992 (P Davey), Ballard Down, flying around burnt gorse by day on 20 August 1996 (I Reid).  Three examples were trapped from the end of May 1997, and are likely to be first-brood bivoltine continental examples: West Bexington, on 6 June 1997 (R Eden), Weymouth, at actinic on 31 May 1997 (Dr P Sterling), Trigon, on 3 June 1997 (C Manley).

1451.1   Etiella zinckenella (Treitschke, 1832) 

A rare immigrant to southern England, first recorded in Essex in 1989, the larva feeding in the seedpods of Fabaceae plants such as garden pea (Pisum sativum), lupins (Lupinus spp.), false-acacia (Robinia pseudacacia) and bladder-senna (Colutea arborescens). It is resident in southern Europe and the Mediterranean region where it is double-brooded, and in the tropics and the sub-tropics. The moth has been recorded once in Dorset during a south-easterly airflow originating from southern Europe: Iford, at MV light on 11 August 1995 (M Jeffes).

1452       Phycita roborella [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775]

A locally common species found in deciduous woodland in England, the larva feeding on oak (Quercus spp.).  In Dorset, the moth is common in old oak/birch woodland, and at low density among oaks in open situations, such as on heathland, in parkland, and on field boundary oaks. Deciduous oak tends to be absent from coastal localities as oak cannot tolerate salt spray, and although evergreen oak (Quercus ilex) is present in some of thesites, immigration from the continent is suspected for many of the following light trap records: West Bexington, in 1998 and 1999 (R Eden), Abbotsbury Gardens, on 25 July 1997 (D Hallett), Weymouth, on 19 July 1994 (Dr P Sterling), Portland, on 20 August 1985 (N Hall), 8 and 11 August 1998, 13, 14, 28 and 30 July 1999, 26 and 27 July 2001, 25 June 2003, 7 August 2003 (M Cade), Stair Hole, on 21 July 1994 (Dr P Sterling), Swanage, on 3 September 2002 (R Cox), Durlston, on 26 August 1979 (Dr P Sterling), seven on 13 August 1991, three on 8 August 1992, four on 11 August 1997, 24 August 1999, 16 July 2003 (P Davey), on 14 August 2001, two on 26 June 2003 (S Nash), 15 July 2003, two on 5 August and three on 7 August 2003 (J McGill).

1454       Dioryctria abietella [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775]

A species found throughout Britain, the larva feeding in a cone of monterey pine (Pinus radiata) or douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), or on a shoot of pine (Pinus spp.). In Dorset, the moth is resident locally among scots pine and probably other pines (Pinus spp.) in the Poole Basin, and also among Norway spruce at Melbury Park and Chedington Wood; in the latter site it is abundant. Records from Piddles Wood and Puddletown suggests that larch (Larix spp.) may be a further food-source. The moth has been recorded well away from pine habitat on more than sixty occasions in the past twenty years; the wind rose indicates the direction of the airflows to the county on these dates. The bias towards an easterly quarter suggests north European sources for many of these moths where incidentally, it is regarded as a pest species.  Moreover, the partial bivoltine pattern evident from the Dorset data shows examples appearing as early as May and these are likely to be immigrants; transitory colonies may be spawned from these early immigrations.

1454.1   Dioryctria schuetzeella (Fuchs, 1899)

A rare species restricted to woodland in Kent where it was first seen in 1980, the larva feeding on the young shoots of Norway spruce (Picea abies) and fir (Abies spp.). In Dorset, the moth has been seen on two occasions coincident with immigration from the Continent: Durlston, on 26 June 2003 (P Davey), Parley Common, on 29 July 1999 (R Cook).

1454.2   Dioryctria sylvestrella (Ratzeburg, 1840)

A recent addition to the British list, first recorded in 1999 in Kent and subsequently found in Dorset the following year, the larva feeding under the bark of pines (Pinacea spp.), and causing wounds to appear on the trunk from which resin exudes.  In mainland Europe, where it is widespread, it is considered to be a pest with the potential to degrade the quality of timber. The moth now appears to be resident very locally in pinewoods in the Poole Basin, and spreading rapidly west and north.  It has similar habitat preferences to Dioryctria simplicella₁₄₅₅, and may, in time, share a similar distribution: Shaggs, at MV light on 1 August 2001, 29 July 2002, 6 August 2002, 10 October 2002, 13 July 2003, 11 August 2003, 12 August 2003, 13 August 2003 (M Parsons), Higher Hyde, at MV light on 23 July 2002 (P Davey), Trigon, on 28 July 2000 (C Manley).  Twenty individuals were recorded in 2005 and more than one hundred and twenty moths were recorded across the county during 2006.

1455       Dioryctria simplicella (Heinemann, 1863)

A local species in southern Britain, the larva in the cones feeding on the seeds of pines (Pinacea spp.).  In Dorset, the moth is locally frequent in extensive conifer plantation on sandy soils. Pinewood habitat elsewhere in the county appears not to be colonised.  Dispersed individuals are occasionally trapped well away from core habitat.  The national norm is for a single brood in July, but in Dorset an additional, smaller bivoltine cycle is suggested by the data.