1456       Epischnia bankesiella (Richardson, 1888)     Notable/Na

A rare species resident on the south-western coasts of England and on the coasts of Wales, the larva feeding on golden-samphire (Inula crithmoides). In Dorset, the moth is restricted to the chalky cliffs and undercliffs of Purbeck and Portland where its foodplant grows. The national norm is for a single brood in July, but in Dorset, there is a partial second brood from late August. Conservation agencies that manage rocky coast habitat on Purbeck and Portland, should include this species in management plans and maintain viable stocks of golden-samphire.

1457       Hypochalcia ahenella [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775]

A local species found mainly in southern England, the larval foodplant is unknown. In Dorset, the moth is restricted to chalky soils where it is at low density, rising to frequent only very locally. Abroad, the foodplants include common rock-rose (Helianthemum nummularium), plus wormwoods and mugworts (Artemesia spp.). Many of the unimproved grassland localities where the moth is found in Dorset support common rock-rose: Portland, (C Partridge), not uncommon near the rifle range (N Richardson), The Verne, three at MV light on 19 June 1998 (Dr J Clarke), Puddletown, at MV light on 28 June 2000 (H Wood Homer), Winfrith, in 1997 (J Hunnisett), Lulworth Cove, by day on 23 June 1995 (R Heckford), Arish Mell, four at MV light on 31 May 2003, and Melbury Down, at MV light on 11 July 1994 (P Davey), three on 18 July 1994 (R Cook), Hod Hill, (C Dale), West Hill, at MV light on 23 June 1998, 14 July 1998 (P Davey), Badbury Rings, (W Parkinson Curtis), on 16 July 1996, fourteen on 9 June 1997, and St Albans Head, at MV light on 31 May 1992, 23 June 1994 (P Davey), Seacombe, (Reverend E Bankes), at MV light on 3 July 2001 (C Manley et al), Woolgarston, at MV light on 1 July 1994 (R Burt), Knowle Hill, and Ballard Down, and Swanage, (C Dale), Bottlebush Down, (W Parkinson Curtis), at MV light on 11 June 1997, two at dusk on 28 June 1997, 7 July 1997 (P Davey), Handley Down, (W Parkinson Curtis).

1458       Myelois circumvoluta (Fourcroy, 1785) THISTLE ERMINE

A locally common species in southern England, the larva feeding on burdocks (Arctium spp.), and thistles (Carduus spp. and Cirsium spp.). In Dorset, the moth is widespread and locally common in thistle-rich habitats, especially in unimproved grassland on chalky soil, damp woodland, waste ground and old pasture.

1461       Assara terebrella (Zincken, 1818)

A local species in southern England, the larva feeding in the cones on the seeds of Norway spruce (Picea abies), and on pine seeds (Pinus spp.), at least on the Continent. Infested cones become stunted and fall from the tree before achieving full growth. In Dorset, the moth is very local and mostly at low density. Many (light trap) records hale from heathland localities on sandy soils where mature scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) grow and where Norway spruce is largely absent, and the moth has recently been bred from fallen scots pine cones (M Parsons):  Morden Bog, two on 7 July 1999, 6 July 2000 (P Davey), 12 July 2000 (Dr P Sterling), Gore Heath, on 12 July 1999 (Dr P Sterling), Wareham Forest, on 3 July 2006 (M Parsons), Canford Heath, on 22 July 2000 (P Sharp) and 18 July 2006 (M Parsons), Ferndown, on 2 August 1991 (R Cook), Town Common, on 2 August 1996 (P Davey). However, localities where Norway spruce trees grow also host the moth: Buzbury Camp, bred from Norway spruce cones from a wood, and Badbury Rings, bred from spruce cones from a wood, entirely destroyed about 1940 (S Scarsdale Brown), Gaunts Common, at MV light on 6 June 1992 (P Davey), Chedington Woods, eight at MV light on 14 July 2007 (P Davey). A potential second brood example was trapped following the warm summer of 2006: Chedington Woods, at MV light on 28 September 2006 (P Davey).

1462       Pempeliella dilutella [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775]

A species of chalk and limestone soils in all but the far north of Britain, mainly coastal, but occurring locally inland, the larva feeding on wild thyme (Thymus polytrichus). In Dorset, the distribution of the moth is contiguous with wild thyme, a plant that tends to grow in short turf grassland on unimproved chalky soils both  inland and along the coastal belt. In this habitat the moth is usually at low density but can occasionally be common. Potential wanderers from core habitat include the following light trap records: Powerstock, on 9 July 1994 (Dr P Sterling), Piddles Wood, four on 9 July 1995 (P Davey), Milton-on-Stour, on 9 July 2001 (J Burge), Wool, on 27 July 2001 (D Cooper), Gaunts Common, on 12 July 1996, 27 July 1996 (P Davey). The national norm is a single brood in July and August, but individuals trapped as far apart as early-June and late-September suggest an additional partial double-brood cycle in some years.

1464       Gymnancyla canella [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775]     Notable/Na

A rare and declining species located on the sandy coasts of south-east England, and historically on the Lincolnshire coast, the larva feeding on prickly saltwort (Salsola kali). In Dorset, old records indicate that colonies were established on the Chesil in the nineteenth century: Chesil Beach, two adults (J Dale), adult in August 1888 (C Dale), larvae on prickly saltwort (N Richardson). However, prickly saltwort, once widespread on beaches between Charmouth and Canford Cliffs, began to decline from the 1950s, and has now all but disappeared. Recent surveys revealed some fifty plants at Shell Bay and a few more on Furzey Island, although there have been no recent records: SouthHaven Saltings, larva on 14 September 1935 (Captain C Diver). It also used to grow in plenty between Mudeford and Highcliffe a hundred years ago, but again, relentless trampling of the sandy beaches there and at Hengistbury Head every year has destroyed this fragile habitat; just one plant was noted at Hengistbury following a survey in 1991. Given the virtual absence of prickly saltwort in Dorset, the following light trap records are suspected immigrants. In each case east to south-easterly airflows indicate a north France or Low Countries source: West Bexington, on 21 July 2006 (R Eden), Portland, on 27 July 2001, five between 17 July 2006 and 27 July 2006 (M Cade), Weymouth, two on 20 July 2006 (Dr P Sterling), Iford, on 19 August 1996, and Hengistbury Head, on 11 June 1997 (M Jeffes).

1464.2   Ancylodes pallens (Ragonot, 1887)

A new species to Britain and northern Europe. The moth is resident in southern Spain and north Africa. The life cycle and biology of the species is unknown. A brisk, warm south to south-westerly airflow from very low southerly latitudes blew across England on this occasion. An Eastern Bordered Straw₂₄₀₄ was trapped on the same night in Cornwall: Gaunts Common, at MV light on 5 January 1999 (P Davey).

1465       Nephopterix angustella (Hübner, 1796)     Notable/Nb

A local species in south-east England, the larva feeding on spindle (Euonymus europaeus). In Dorset, the moth is a suspected immigrant, transitory resident and rare resident. The bulk of the records hale from the coastal belt where spindle is scarce. Two-thirds of all records occurred in the hot immigrant-rich summer of 2003, and seventeen of these were from West Bexington on 5 September. The national norm of a partial second brood in late summer is not reflected in the Dorset data. Here the peak of the second generation is nine times more numerous than that of the first, perhaps reflecting a more continental cycle and underlining the European source of many of the moths seen. Potential resident and actual larval records follow: Puddletown, at MV light on 24 July 2002 (H Wood Homer), Shapwick, at MV light on 28 and 30 June 2000, 29May 2003, 20 and 22 August 2003, 19 September 2003 (P Davey), Badbury Rings, larva in berry of spindle on 18 September 2005, emerged 6 November, Hengistbury Head, larvae on spindle on 22 September 2001, at MV light on 5 and 13 July 2002 (M Jeffes), West Blagdon, larvae on spindle on 24 November 2003.

1466.1   Ancylosis cinnamomella (Duponchel, 1836)

A new species to Britain, and a double-brooded denizen of dry, warm and open biotypes in central and southern Europe, the larva feeding in the roots of stonecrops (Sedum spp.), globe daisy (Globularia spp.) and mugworts (Artemisia spp.). A very hot east to south-easterly flow from an even hotter continent was established across England for a week prior to the capture date: Portland, at MV light on 11 August 2003 (M Cade).

1467       Ancylosis oblitella (Zeller, 1848)     Notable/Nk

A species that has colonised the Thames estuary since 1955, otherwise a rare immigrant to southern and eastern England, the larva feeds on goosefoot (Chenopodium spp.). In Dorset, the moth was first reported in 1984, and more than forty were seen up to 2004. One hundred and sixty-eight examples were seen in the hot ‘easterly’ summer of 2006 between 26 June and 4 September. All records are from light traps: West Bexington, on 20 July 1996 (R Eden), Melbury Park, on 19 July 1996, and Weymouth, on 17 August 1995, 24 August 1999, and Tout Quarry, on 15 August 1995 (Dr P Sterling), Portland, two on 18, two on 20, two on 22, one on 26 July 1996, 20 and 22 August 1996, 6 September 1996, 17, 20 and two on 22 August 1997, 10 September 1997, 31 August 1998, 17 August 2005, and Church Ope Cove, on 1 August 1999 (M Cade), Pennsylvania, two on 21 August 84 (N Hall), Stair Hole, on 25 July 1996 (Dr P Sterling), Arne Wood, one on 25 and two on 26 August 1995, 31 August 1995, 1 September 1995 (BPP), Hartland Moor, one on 6 and two on 18 August 1995, Arne, two on 22 July 1996, Gaunts Common, two on 19 August 1996, 31 July 1998, 2 August 1999 (P Davey), Durlston, on 26 August 2003 (S Nash), Furzey Island, on 18 September 2003 (Dr P Sterling). There is no evidence of colonisation across the county, indeed, east to south-easterly airflows provided opportunities for immigration from central and northern Europe on most occasions - the airflow wind-rose includes data up to 2004. Although more than one hundred were seen in 2006, none were recorded in 2007 and 2008, suggesting that this species is unable to gain a foothold in the county at the present time.

1469       Euzophera cinerosella (Zeller, 1839)     Notable/Nb

A very local and mainly coastal species in southern Britain, the larva feeding in the crown of the root of wormwood (Artemesia absinthium). In Dorset, the moth is confined mainly to Portland where wormwood, once frequent, has decreased alarmingly in the past twenty years. Wormwood also occurs extremely locally on Purbeck and the species has been discovered there too. Existing colonies of the moth are therefore threatened at the present time.  

Portland records:

Portland, (C Dale), (D ffennell), Southwell, at MV light on 13 September 2003 (Dr J Clarke), Tout Quarry, a few larvae in wormwood on 22 April 1994, and many at MV light on 15 August 1995 (Dr P Sterling), The Grove, several pupae in wormwood on 7 June 1985, several larvae and pupae on 27 May 1991, Freshwater Bay, three larvae on 27 April 1990 (Dr J Langmaid), at MV light on 21 July 1991, and six larvae in roots of wormwood on 27 June 1993, and at MV light on 18 August 1996 (R Cook), on 27 July 2002, 19 July 2003, 21 June 2003 (J Chainey), Weymouth, at MV light on 21 July 1994, 29 July 2001 (Dr P Sterling).

Purbeck record:

Worth Matravers, adult bred from retained gnarled wormwood stem on 8 May 2005, emerged 7 June 2005 (P Davey).

1470       Euzophera pinguis (Haworth, 1811)

A local species in southern Britain, the larva feeding on ash (Fraxinus excelsior).  In Dorset, the moth is widespread but usually at low density, rising to frequent very locally in ash-rich woodland and ash-rich hedgerow habitats.

1473       Ephestia elutella (Hübner, 1796) CACAO MOTH

A pest species found in stored food warehouses, the larva feeding on cocoa, chocolate, cereal products, tobacco, dried fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, sugar and dried animal materials. It has a worldwide distribution. In Dorset, the species was evidently well established historically, but with improved food storage and farming practices the moth seems to have disappeared, apart that is from three recent records: Frome St Quentin, two larvae in stable refuse on 15 May 1996, two adults emerged in June 1996 (Dr P Sterling), Fleet, (D Fletcher, J Bradley), Portland, (C Partridge), occasional on the undercliff (N Richardson), Puddletown, indoors on 31 August 2006 (H Wood Homer), Tolpuddle, indoors on 12 November 2008 (J Francis, conf. Dr P Sterling), Blandford, common locally (HDK), Corfe Castle, and common Studland, (Reverend E Bankes), Poole, (W Parkinson Curtis), Swanage, (C Clutterbuck).

1474       Ephestia parasitella (Staudinger, 1859)

A local species in southern England and south Wales, the larval foodplant is unknown although dry vegetable refuse including dry berries is oft-quoted. Abroad, the larva is a pest of grape on vines (Vitis spp.). In Dorset, the moth is most frequent albeit at low density, within or close to woodland. Singletons are occasionally observed from more open, less leafy habitats such as localities along the coast.

1475       Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller, 1879) MEDITERRANEAN FLOUR MOTH

Historically a species found in flourmills, grain and flour warehouses, the larva feeding on meal and flour, particularly wheat flour, cereals, nuts, pasta, dried mushrooms and other vegetable products, occasionally also on dried insects. It has a worldwide distribution, and was, at least in Britain in times gone by, a serious pest inside the warmer parts of flourmills because the combination of flour and larval webbing clogged up machinery: Lytchett Minster, at Organford Mill, and Poole, at Belben’s Mill on the Quay (W Parkinson Curtis), Parkstone, many bred from almonds (Miss E Hudson, per W Parkinson Curtis), Corfe Castle, on 27 November 1910 (Reverend E Bankes), West Bexington, at MV light on 17 June 1999 and 1 July 2006 (R Eden). The source of the West Bexington examples is likely to be the locally milled flour at Tamarisk Farm.

1476       Ephestia cautella (Walker, 1863) DRIED CURRANT MOTH

A pest species in stored food warehouses, the larva feeding on dried fruits and stored vegetable products, including cereals, nuts and rice grain. It has a worldwide distribution. Just two records exist from Dorset: Winfrith, in the house (Dr F Haines). A recent example was found on 23 January 2003 in County Hall, Dorchester, on a wall not far from where seed of old varieties of grain used in thatching were being stored (Dr P Sterling), although searches of the grain revealed no more.

1477       Ephestia figulilella (Gregson, 1871) RAISIN MOTH

An uncommon species in stored food warehouses, the larva feeding on dried fruits and meal. It is resident in southern Europe and the Mediterranean, and is a suspected occasional immigrant to the south coast of England. The following are old records from Dorset: Weymouth, bred from larvae in dried figs (Reverend E Bankes), Poole, (W Parkinson Curtis), Swanage, (C Clutterbuck).

1478       Ephestia calidella (Guenée, 1845) DRIED FRUIT MOTH

An uncommon species in stored food warehouses, the larva feeding on dried fruits, nuts, cork, and less frequently on dried vegetable and animal material. It is resident in southern Europe and the Mediterranean, and is a suspected occasional immigrant to the south coast of England. There is just one, historic record from Dorset: Poole, in the house on 27 February 1899 (W Parkinson Curtis).

1479       Plodia interpunctella (Hübner, 1813) INDIAN MEAL MOTH

A species that thrives in food warehouses, stores and dwellings, the larva feeding on grain, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, meal, and on dried vegetable and animal material. It is occasionally feral in southern England and has a worldwide distribution. In Dorset, the moth is an adventitious species being observed predominantly within or close to habitation: Wareham, (C Clutterbuck), Swanage, two larvae in a packet of cigarettes - moths bred (A Russell), Poole, a number of larvae in a stale packet of chocolate, Parkstone, and bred from Jordan almonds (W Parkinson Curtis), Weymouth, at rest in house on 4 October 1996 (Dr P Sterling), at MV light on 25 September 1997 (J Pyett), Portland, indoors on 2 April 1997 (M Cade), Longham, at garden centre on 19 May 1996 (R Cook), Verwood, on 26 July 2002 (S Palmer).

1480       Homoeosoma nebulella [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775]     Notable/Nb

A species of waste ground on the coasts and light soils inland across southern Britain, the larva feeding on the flowers and seeds of ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare). In Dorset, the status of the moth is difficult to assess, although records tend to suggest that of an immigrant and transient resident. In the past the moth was rarely encountered: at light on Portland, (C Partridge), (N Richardson), on 28 June 1901 (Reverend E Bankes), Bonsley Common, (D Hervey), Bloxworth, amongst musk thistle in a neglected grass field in early July 1897 (O Pickard Cambridge), Cranborne Chase, (D Hervey), Corfe Castle, on 11 July 1892, Swanage, on 1889 (A Robertson), on 27 July 1897 (Reverend E Bankes), in July 1931 (PHa). More recently light trap records show an increase in numbers, particularly during the phenomenal immigrant year of 2006, and dates in several records in other years also coincided with east to south-easterly airflows from central or northern France. All recent records follow: Frome St Quentin, two on 20 August 1995 (D Pearman, Dr P Sterling), Wyke Regis, on 13 June 2006 (D Foot), Portland, on 3 July 1976 (D ffennell), 30 May 1992, 10 August 1992 (M Cade), St Albans Head, on 6 July 1987 (P Davey), Puddletown, on 23 June 2006, 25 July 2006, 28 July 2006, 5 August 2006, 6 June 2007 (H Wood Homer), Piddles Wood, on 1 September 1995 (P Davey), Motcombe, two on 16 August 2006 (P Butter), Gaunts Common, on 26 May 1992, 15 September 1992 (P Davey), Swanage, on 6 August 1992 (B Skinner), Alderholt, on 1 June 2008 (T Morris), Stanpit, on 8 June 2008 (P Davey), West Blagdon, 26 August 2003 (D Green).

1481       Homoeosoma sinuella (Fabricius, 1794)

A local species in southern England and south Wales, the larva feeding in the rootstocks of plantains (Plantago spp.). In Dorset, the moth is frequent locally in the Poole Basin on tracks or disturbances across dry heaths and at low density along the coastal belt; in both biotypes, buck’s-horn plantain (Plantago cornopus) is a likely host plant. The following light trap records may refer to dispersed individuals: Puddletown, on 19 June 2000 (H Wood Homer), Shapwick, on 19 June 2000, 14 June 2003 (P Davey).

1482       Homoeosoma nimbella (Duponchel, 1836)     pRDBK

A rare species with only a handful of voucher specimens from Kent, Dorset and Cornwall, the larva feeding on the flowers and seeds of sheep’s-bit (Jasione montana). A single example was found on sheep’s-bit rich sandy heaths at Studland about forty years ago, and has been discovered very recently on Hengistbury Head. Sheep’s-bit is a local plant of sunny banks, heathland edges and dunes, confined mainly to the Poole Basin: Studland, at MV in 1961 (J Bradley), Hengistbury Head, four at MV light on 30 June 2001 (M Jeffes, conf. Dr P Sterling), several larvae in seeds of sheep’s-bit on 20 July 2001 (Dr P Sterling), and subsequently (M Jeffes). Recommendations for the Studland and Hengistbury Head reserves would be to protect and promote the host plants where they occur in sandy heath microhabitat and monitor moth populations to gauge the health of colonies.

1483       Phycitodes binaevella (Hübner, 1813)

A local species in England, the larva feeding in the seedheads of spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare). In Dorset, the moth colonises thistle-rich unimproved grassland and open woodland on chalky soils where it is locally frequent; however, it is largely absent from the sandy soils across the Poole Basin; dispersed singletons appear occasionally elsewhere.

1484       Phycitodes saxicola (Vaughan, 1870)

A coastal species in England and south-west Scotland, the larva feeding in the flower-heads of chamomile (Anthemis spp.). In Dorset, the moth is restricted to the coastal belt where larvae have been found in the flowers of golden-samphire (Inula crithmoides) and sea mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum). A bivoltine cycle is suggested from the records received. The following individuals were trapped inland and with south to south-easterly airflows on each occasion, dispersal from the coast or beyond is likely: Lorton Bar, on 27 May 2005 (Dr P Sterling), Puddletown, on 27 June 2003 (H Wood Homer), Stokeford Heath, by day on 22 August 2001 (D Gibson), Trigon, at MV light on 17 June 2002 (C Manley), Gaunts Common, at MV light on 10 August 1997 (P Davey), Verwood, at MV light on 2 August 2004 (S Palmer).

1485       Phycitodes maritima (Tengström, 1848)

A mainly coastal species in southern Britain, the larva feeding on yarrow (Achillea millifolium) and ragwort (Senecio jacobaea). In Dorset, the moth is local and restricted to unimproved grassland and waste ground along the coastal belt. The moth has been observed several times across the Poole Basin, and may just possibly colonise disturbed ground or sandy pasture where its foodplants flourish. The occasional singleton trapped well inland and away from heathland, suggests occasional dispersal. An overlapping bivoltine cycle appears to be established in Dorset.

1486       Apomyelois bistriatella (Hulst 1887)     pRDB3

A very local species confined to a handful of counties in southern England and a single site in Shropshire, the larva feeding on the fungus Daldinia concentrica (King Alfred’s Cakes) growing on birch (Betula spp.) and on gorse (Ulex spp.). In Dorset, the moth is a very local resident of gorse-clad heathland and downland, particularly burnt gorse where the fungus exploits the dying host. The following mainly light trap records refer: South Haven, and Haymoor Bottom (W Parkinson Curtis), Stoborough Heath, a few larval feedings in Daldinia concentrica on burnt gorse on 7 April 1995 (Dr P Sterling), West Hill, two on 23 June 1998, and Canford Heath, on 20 July 1998 (P Davey), Woolgarston, on 25 and 30 June 1995, 5 July 1995, Studland, on 19 May 1999 (S Clancy), Holt Heath, on 28 July 2002 (J Chainey), on 20 July 2004, 14 June 2007 (P Davey), Ferndown, on 22 June 1992 (R Cook), Hurn, on 2 June 1998, 8 July 1999, 3 July 2006, 12 July 2007 (M Jeffes), Hengistbury Head, on 4 June 2002 (M Jeffes).

Although Daldinia concentrica also grows on beech (Fagus sylvatica) and on ash (Fraxinus excelsior), there is no evidence to suggest that the moth colonises woodland. However, the species appears to be rather dispersive and many observations are made some distance from suitable habitat, suggesting short to medium range dispersal. The following light trap records refer: Warre Wood, on 14 August 2004 (Dr P Sterling), Wyke Regis, on 13 June 2006, Upwey, on 17 August 2003 (P Harris), Weymouth, on 5 September 2006, Portland, on 18 June 2000 (M Cade), Lorton Barn, 24 and 29 June 2005 (Dr P Sterling), Dorchester, on 10 August 2004 (J Down), Puddletown, on 17 June 1999, 24 July 2000, 12 August 2003, 11 and 16 August 2004, 10 September 2004, 21 and 26 June 2005, 14 and 21 July 2005, 10 June 2006, 29 June 2007 (H Wood Homer), Trigon Ford, on 17 August 1996 (C Manley), Gaunts Common, on 19 August 1997, and Shapwick, on 25 August 2003 (P Davey), Durlston, on 2 August 2004 (P Davey), Old Harry, on 10 May 2000 (C Manley).

It is recommended that conservation agencies who maintain heathland reserves include this species within their management plans.