1884-1924

A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding on red currant (Ribes rubrum), black currant (Ribes nigrum), gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa), spindle (Eunonymus europaeus), and other deciduous shrubs and trees. In Dorset, this highly distinctive moth is common to abundant amongst blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) thickets in coastal districts and frequent to common amongst blackthorn and spindle scrub on chalky soils. Larvae also feed on evergreen spindle (Euonymus japonicus) planted in hedges and within shelter belts near the sea; coastal populations are probably augmented by this additional food source. Elsewhere, larvae have been found on hawthorn and on fruit trees and shrubs in gardens and allotments, but not in sufficient numbers so that it constitutes a pest.

A local species in England, Wales and southern Scotland, the larva feeding on english elm (Ulmus procera) and wych elm (Ulmus glabra). Whilst dutch elm disease continues to plague elm trees across the country, this species remains under threat. In Dorset, there are just three light trap records: Holnest, on 19 July 2000 (J Astley), Puddletown, on 9 September 2007 (H Wood Homer), Higher Hyde, on 7 August 1996 (Dr P Sterling). It is just possible that the Holnest example originated from a small colony as there is plenty of elm in the Blackmore Vale area, but equally it may have dispersed from a colony upwind in Somerset or south-east Wales. Subsequent trapping at Holnest has not yielded any further moths. The Puddletown example also occurred coincident with a light northerly airflow. The first week of August 1996 was dominated by a warm south-easterly airflow flow transporting many immigrant moths to southern England. The Higher Hyde example probably originated from central or northern France.

A widespread but sometimes local and single brooded species in Britain, the larva feeding on sallow (Salix spp.), poplar (Populus spp.) and hazel (Corylus avellana). In Dorset the moth is common in damp woodland and in wetland where sallow grows, and frequent in woodland where hazel is an abundant understory shrub. The national norm is of a single summer brood, but a partial bivoltine cycle in addition to the single summer brood is suggested by the county data.

A frequent species in southern England, becoming very local in northern England, the larva feeding on spindle (Euonymus europaeus). In Dorset the moth occurs sparingly wherever its foodplant grows. This tends to be at the edges of woodland, in hedgerows and amongst scrub mostly on chalky soils. The flight time covers five months. This is suspected of comprising a single brood in June, plus a double brood; the first generation on the wing between late April and late May and the second from late July to late August. The national norm is for a single brood in northern Britain in June, and a double brood in the south.

A south-European species which became established in the Brussels area around 1984, and has subsequently spread out towards the north of Belgium. The moth has been noted on three occasions in Britain, the larva feeds on poplar (Populus spp.) The first individual was trapped in Dorset by B Withers at Wareham on 13 June 1978. A second Dorset example was trapped on Portland, 11 May 2008 (M Cade). The weather was characterised by east or north-easterly airflows from Germany and the Low Counties on both occasions.

A local species restricted to southern and western Britain, the larva feeding on birch (Betula spp.) and sallow (Salix spp.). In Dorset the moth is resident at a single site amongst birch woodland on bog and wet heath, and more than fifty observations refer to this species. Birch habitat elsewhere on sandy soil has yet to yield any colonies. The RSPB at Arne have implemented conservation measures to protect the birch woodland at the SSSI. Single Peacock moths have appeared on a many occasions, mainly from localities along and close to the coastal belt, and these are likely to have been immigrants from the near Continent. Claims that this species has been found in other parts of the county are often incorrect with retained specimens usually turning out to be the very similar Sharp-angled Peacock₁₈₉₀.

A local species confined to southern England, the larva feeding on sallow (Salix spp.), blackthorn (Prunus spp.), sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), and alder (Alnus spp.). In Dorset, the moth is common wherever sallow and blackthorn grows and has been recorded from most localities across the county. The national norm is for a single brood, but in Dorset the moth appears to have two brood cycles, a single brood in late June and a double brood in early June and early August. Diagnostics include: sharply indented notch on the edge of the forewing; notch prominently edged with black (not lightly edged with brown); greyish ground colour (not white); smaller black ‘paw-print’ on forewing; often with broad grey banding on wings.

A species found in all parts of Britain, the larva feeding on scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), spruce (Picea spp.) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). In Dorset, the moth is common in conifer plantation. The flight time covers four months. This is likely to be a combination of a single brood in July, plus a double brood with the first

generation between early May and late June and a second from late July to mid-September. The national norm is for a single brood in northern Britain in June, and a double brood in the south. Of the four hundred and sixty-four Tawny-barred Angles trapped at Arne Wood between 1974 and 1995, 98.5% were of the typical form, and 1.5% was of the melanic form, ab. nigrofulvata. The moth is occasionally found well away from conifer habitat, and medium-range dispersal from is suspected for the following: Portland, at MV light on five occasions between 24 July and 3 August 1996, 6 July 1999, 8 July 2001, 27 June 2003, 5 July 2003 (M Cade).

A species found in all but northern Scotland, the larva feeding on clover (Trifolium spp.) and trefoil (Lotus spp.). In Dorset, the moth used to be resident in unimproved grassland, on dry chalky, arable land across the county, for example it was recorded on twenty-four occasions in the 1930s at Chamberlaynes (H Andrewes), and ‘fairly common’ on Badbury Rings on 12 May 1934 (S Scarsdale-Brown). Clovers, trefoils and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) grew abundantly within the primary crop and once the corn or wheat had been harvested, livestock were put out to graze the flora-rich fields that remained. Dorset supports vast areas of arable land today, but the use of herbicides and pesticides is so widespread, and the practice of ploughing right up close to the hedge with no room for conservation headlands, provides little scope for the moth to become established. So optimum habitat is virtually absent and no colonies have been detected in recent years. The melanic form ab nocturnata has been seen on one occasion: Iwerne Minster, one by day on 10 May 1946 (J Upton). The moth is now only recorded at times of immigrant activity, and continental sources are suspected for most if not all post-1950s examples.

Essentially an inhabitant of cool temperate regions across northern Europe and of montaine regions across central and southern Europe. In the UK the species is restricted to the Scottish highlands between Perth, Aberdeen and eastern Ross, preferring old open woodland containing good stocks of the host plant bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea). In Dorset, this day-flying moth has been seen on three occasions all at MV light traps: Tolpuddle, on 30 June 2009 (J Francis), Shaggs, on 3 June 2009 (Butterfly Conservation), Shapwick, on 28 June 2009 (P Davey). These examples were part of a remarkable influx to England when more than one hundred were recorded across the southern half of the country and in the Channel Islands in three distinct waves commencing May 29^th and concluding four weeks later. This constitutes more than twice the total ever seen in England in the past. Holland was the likely source of origin from backtrack analysis. Furthermore, this country experienced an explosion in numbers in 2009. Commentators there related that the breeding sites seemed to be covered by orange snow, the moth was so numerous. The pose adopted in the photo is typical, and is reminiscent of Dingy Shell₁₈₇₄, but in that species, apart from the wings being held shut, the leading edge of the forewing tends to be perpendicular to the surface it sits on; in this (larger) species, the forewing edge tends to make an angle less than sixty degrees to the surface.

A low-density species in Britain, the larva feeding on red currant (Ribes rubrum), black currant (Ribes nigrum) and gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa). In Dorset, the moth tended to colonise suburban environments where host foodplants are grown in allotments and gardens: Portland, Iwerne Minster, Swanage, Parkstone, Lilliput, Luscombe Valley. It has never been found in naturally occurring red-currant habitat within damp woodland. It has not been seen for more than a decade now, in line with the decline experienced nationally.

The following light trap records refer to dispersed individuals trapped downwind of and some distance away from suburbia:

A local species restricted to the south of Britain, the larva feeding on bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), bramble (Rubus fruticosus), and dog rose (Rosa canina). In Dorset, the moth is local and at low density. Its primary but restricted habitat is bilberry growing in old woods and on dry ridges on acid soils around the periphery of the Poole Basin; its secondary habitat is scrub containing dog rose or bramble across the chalk belt in the north-east of the county. Reduction in old oak and birch woodland on sandy soil with attendant soil disturbance, plus loss of scrub from chalky soil has undoubtedly negatively impacted this species across the county. It is recommended that this species be included in management plans that apply to oak and birch woodland hosting bilberry, and in management plans that apply to unimproved grassland on chalky soils containing viable areas of scrub.

A common species in Britain, the larva feeding on bracken (Pteridium aquilinium). In Dorset, the moth is common to abundant wherever bracken is dominant in woods, hedgebanks and on dry heathland, also on leached soils overlying chalk. The species tends to remain within the confines of its habitat and wanderers are rarely encountered well away from bracken communities.

A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding on sallow (Salix spp.), birch (Betula spp.) and hazel (Corylus avellana). In Dorset, the moth is very local and essentially a denizen of deciduous woodland, particularly old oak and birch woods. It is seldom encountered outside this habitat.

A frequent species in southern Britain more local further north, the larva feeding on sallow (Salix spp.), birch (Betula spp.), oak (Quercus spp.) and beech (Fagus spp.). In Dorset, the moth is frequent in oak woods, and, where its foodplants occur in quantity, it can be common. The Scorched Wing is also resident and at low density at West Bexington and at St Alban’s Head; in these open coastal situations the likely food source is blackthorn (Prunus spinosa).

1905 Pachycnemia hippocastanaria (Hübner, 1799) HORSE CHESTNUT Notable/Nb

A local species restricted to the lowland heaths of southern England, the larva feeding on heather (Erica spp.). In Dorset, the moth is common to abundant on heathland. The moth has been observed in every month except December. The species appears to be double brooded, the first brood flying from mid-March to late April, with a second in July and August; the second brood is appreciably larger in number than the first. A significant number of moths are also on the wing during September right through to mid-October, and these may constitute a partial third brood. Occasionally, the Horse Chestnut is trapped at light well away from heather terrain, and these are likely to refer to dispersed individuals from the Poole Basin: Walditch on 21 July 2003 (M Parsons), Portland, on 18 October 1997, 25 July 1999 (M Cade), St Albans Head, on 11 August 1986, 7 August 1992 (P Davey). The recommendation for conservation agencies that manage heathland sites is to include this species in management plans and maintain a vibrant mosaic of different-aged heather communities on dry heathland blocks for it.

A common species in Britain, the larva feeding on blackthorn (Prunus spp.), hawthorn (Crateagus spp.), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) and many other deciduous shrubs and trees. In Dorset, the moth is widespread and common away from open heathland, and abundant in blackthorn localities. Two brood cycles are suspected, comprising a univoltine cycle peaking at the start of July, and a bivoltine cycle with peaks in mid-May and the end of August - the second peak is more than twice the size of the first.

A generally distributed species in Britain, the larva feeding on sallow (Salix spp.). In Dorset, the moth is generally distributed but at low density. “It occurs in river valleys, marshes and moist woods, becoming scarce or absent on dry downs, dry heathland and rocky coastlines” (W Parkinson Curtis ms). The national norm is for a single brood from early July to late September; however, a spectacular early emergence occurred at Arne in the intense heatwave in the last week of June 1976. Of the eighty-eight moths recorded in the last fortnight of June, fifty were trapped on the 30^th June alone. Singleton Bordered Beauty’s have been trapped on five occasions at Portland Bird Observatory. These may have originated from the few goat willow (Salix caprea) bushes growing on the island, but, given the moth’s preference for damp habitat, sources some distance from Portland are suspected.

A species occurring widely across southern Britain, but more local further north, the larva feeding on wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia), dead nettle (Lamium spp.), woundwort (Stachys spp.) and yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon). In Dorset, this striking day-flying moth is common very locally, its distribution coinciding with wood sage, a plant that grows along woodland rides and within unimproved grassland on sandy soil and chalky soil. Colonies of the moth also flourish along coastal cliffs where wood sage tolerates salt spray. There are several instances of the moth flying at night when it has been attracted to light traps.

A locally occurring species in Britain, the larva feeding on honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.), ash (Fraxinus spp.) and wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare). In Dorset, the moth is widely distributed across the county, but at low density and seldom common. The habitats favoured by the moth include honeysuckle-rich woodland on acid soils, woods and scrub on chalky soil where ash and privet grow, and coastal scrub where salt-resistant privet thickets colonise chalky undercliffs. The national norm is a single brood in late June and July, but in Dorset there is a partial bivoltine cycle with second brood examples often appearing towards the end of warmer than average summers.

A local species restricted to coastal districts in south-east England, the larva feeding on a variety of deciduous tree species. In Dorset, the moth has been seen just once. The individual was recorded in cyclonic conditions with a gentle, mainly easterly airflow which suggests a wanderer from the UK colonies in Kent, Sussex or Hampshire or even from Normandy: West Bexington, at MV on 15 September 1995 (R Eden).

A local species in Briatain but absent from northern Scotland, the larva feeding on beech (Fagus spp.), blackthorn (Prunus spp.), oak (Quercus spp.), birch (Betula spp.), hawthorn (Crateagus spp.) and a variety of other deciduous tree and shrub species. In Dorset, the moth is most often found in deciduous woods, preferring woodland containing beech; elsewhere the moth is rarely encountered. The national norm is a single brood between mid-August and mid-September, but in Dorset the moth is on the wing from late-July in most years. In the hot summer of 1976, moths were on the wing as early as 5 July at Arne. Care is needed in identifying the August Thorn as it may be mistaken for the Dusky Thorn₁₉₁₄or the September Thorn₁₉₁₅. Diagnostics: inner line curves sharply inwards as it approaches the costal edge of the forewing; relatively slender abdomen.

A frequent species in Britain, the larva feeding on birch (Betula spp.), alder (Alnus spp.), sallow (Salix spp.), and a variety of other deciduous tree and shrub species. In Dorset, the moth is widespread and common to abundant in old deciduous woodland, particularly those with sizeable stocks of host foodplant. Diagnostic: yellow thorax, so yellow that wasps often target and kill the moth as if it were a threat to them.

A species occurring across England and Wales, the larva feeding on ash (Fraxinus spp.). In Dorset, the moth is widely distributed across the county wherever ash is found, but it is usually at low density and seldom common. It is found in ash-dominated woods that grow on chalky soil, and in open localities where ash grows in relative isolation.

A frequent species in southern Britain, more local further north, the larva feeding on oak (Quercus spp.), lime (Tiliae spp.) and birch (Betula spp.). In Dorset, the moth is restricted to old birch and oak woods; it is seldom found in open country. It has also been trapped in suburban areas such as Wimborne, where lime (Tilia platyphyllos x cordata) is likely to the host plant. September Thorns between mid-July and mid-August are smaller and paler than their late-summer/early-autumn counterparts; debate surrounds the possibility that the two forms are in fact two ecologically separate races.

A common species in Britain, the larva feeding on a variety of deciduous tree and shrub species. In Dorset, the moth is widespread and frequent. It is common where blackthorn (Prunus spp.) and hawthorn (Crateagus spp.) grow, particularly on chalky soil. It is rare on open heathland. The second brood is twice the size of the first brood.

A local species in Britain, the larva feeding on ash (Fraxinus spp.), birch (Betula spp.), oak (Quercus spp.) and a variety of other deciduous tree species. In Dorset, this early-summer moth forms relatively small colonies very locally in the north and north-west of the county. It is chiefly restricted to deciduous woodland on the ill-drained clay soils across the Blackmore Vale and in woodland on the central and north chalk downs. Records from Melbury Park and Chedington Wood hint at colonisation of woodland on neutral clay soils further west. The moth is rather similar to Purple Thorn₁₉₁₉. Diagnostics include: single deep scallop on edge of hindwing.

Although the moth is single-brooded in the UK, second-brood examples have been recorded at Hurn, two on 19 July 1998 (M Jeffes), and on Portland, 24 July 2008 (M Cade). Continental sources are probable for these individuals, specifically western France and eastern France, respectively.

A frequent species in southern Britain, more local elsewhere, the larva feeding on oak (Quercus spp.), ash (Fraxinus spp.), alder (Alnus spp.), birch (Betula spp.), and a variety of other deciduous tree species. In Dorset, the moth is widespread and at low density, being most frequently encountered in deciduous woods but rare in open, treeless habitat. The peak of the second brood is on average, four times larger than that of the first brood.

A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding on a wide range of tree and shrub species. In Dorset, the moth has been recorded from most sites across the county. “Larvae are frequently quite abundant, but the mortality rate is high; the choice of foodplant is very frequently ivy” (W Parkinson Curtis ms). Occasional mid-summer individuals are likely to be second brood individuals. The national norm is a single brood in May and June.

A common species in Britain, the larva feeding on a variety of deciduous tree and shrub species. In Dorset, the moth is frequent practically everywhere with no discernible favoured habitat; however, numbers trapped at Swanage and West Bexington are relatively high, and suggests a preference for blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) in these sloe-rich localities. The moth becomes scarce in situations where there is a dearth of trees and shrubs. The extreme aberration illustrated was trapped at West Bexington by Roy Eden on 18 July 2002.

1921.1 Crocallis dardoinaria (Donzel, 1840) DUSKY SCALLOPED OAK

First observed in 1990 on the Channel Islands and now resident on Guernsey, this species was first recorded on the UK mainland in Devon on 21 September in the phenomenal immigrant season of 2006. In Dorset, a further mainland example was trapped by Dave Foot and Phil Sterling on 22 August 2009. The airflow on both occasions was between south and south-west from Biscay via Brittany and the Channel Islands, and it seems likely therefore that both were immigrants. The larva feeds on gorse (Ulex sp.) and on broom (Cytisus sp.), so there is ample scope for colonisation of the gorse-clad coastal areas of Dorset.

A species found throughout southern Britain, the larva feeding on hawthorn (Crateagus spp.), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), ivy (Hedera helix), privet (Ligustrum spp.) and a variety of other deciduous and evergreen tree and shrub species. In Dorset, the moth is evenly distributed. ‘The insect is not abundant and does not like fir woods, but it is a usual sight of an evening flying rapidly along country lanes, in rides in woods and about town in gardens and parks’ (W Parkinson Curtis ms). Examples have been trapped occasionally during autumns following warm summers; these suggest a bivoltine tendency in recent years: 1989, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006.

A common species in southern Britain, more local further north, the larva feeding on a variety of deciduous tree and shrub species. In Dorset, the moth is widespread and usually common, particularly so in deciduous woodland, but seemingly not as abundant as in former times. “In some years the larvae are destructively abundant forming a high percentage of the plague of winter moth caterpillars” (W Parkinson Curtis).

A species restricted to southern Britain, the larva feeding on hawthorn (Crateagus spp.), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.), birch (Betula spp.) and a variety of other deciduous tree and shrub species. In Dorset, this beautiful and highly variable species has always been rare, with a tendency to inhabit localities on geology older than chalk, although there is a single very old record from Bloxworth. Only a handful of examples have been seen in recent years, and all of these have occurred in the north-western quadrant of Dorset.