2035       Thumatha senex (Hübner, 1808) ROUND-WINGED MUSLIN

A species occurring throughout England and Wales, but local further north, the larva feeding on algae, lichens and mosses. In Dorset, the moth is common in marsh, bog and fen, especially where there is thick vegetation such as reed, sedge, rush or sallow scrub. Examples encountered in dry localities are probably wanderers from core damp habitat. The national norm is for the adult flight period to be in July and August; however, mid-June to late-July is the norm in Dorset.

2036       Setina irrorella (Linnaeus, 1758) DEW     Notable/Na

A species with a scattered distribution around southern and western coasts of Britain plus a colony on the North Downs of Surrey, the larva feeding on the black and orange lichens growing on pebbles and rocks. In Dorset, there is just one very old record: Lulworth, (Reverend O Pickard-Cambridge). This is a species that just might be present somewhere along the eighteen mile length of pebble banks comprising Chesil Beach, a similar shingle habitat to that where the moth is found in Hampshire, Hurst Beach.

2037       Miltochrista miniata (Forster, 1771) ROSY FOOTMAN

A species occurring in southern Britain, but absent from the Midlands, the larva feeding on lichens and mosses growing on the stems and branches of trees. In Dorset, the moth is common in deciduous woodland and scrub, frequent on heathland containing derelict heather (Calluna vulgaris and Erica spp.) where its foodplants abound, and rare in dry, open habitat. The national norm is for a single brood in late June to early August. Many examples seen in September and even October, suggest a partial second brood in most years.

2038       Nudaria mundana (Linnaeus, 1761) MUSLIN FOOTMAN

A widely distributed species throughout Britain, but local in the south-east of its range, the larva feeding on small lichens growing on stones and on branches of trees in open situations. In Dorset, the moth is locally abundant along the Purbeck and west Dorset coasts, and on Portland.  Elsewhere, the rather scattered nature of the records suggest dispersal from the coast on occasion. The moth is similar to Round-winged Muslin₂₀₃₅.  Diagnostics include: no chequered fringe on the edge of the forewing; a pair of near continuous lines on forewing (not dotted lines); prominent dot less than half-way across forewing close to inner continuous line (not more than half-way across forewing).

2039       Atolmis rubricollis (Linnaeus, 1758) RED-NECKED FOOTMAN

A species restricted to southern and south-western Britain, the larva feeding on lichens growing on oak (Quercus spp.), beech (Fagus sylvatica) and conifers. In Dorset, “an insect of most uncertain appearance, which occasionally occurs in large numbers.” (W Parkinson-Curtis ms). The species appears to be well established within mature oak woods and conifer plantations at the present time: Yellowham Wood, six larvae in actinic light trap on 6 October 1998 (D Hallett). The moth takes to the wing above the forest canopy on sunny days, and undoubtedly disperses over short distances: Bottlebush Down, in flight five metres above ground at midday in warm sunshine over an arable field and four-hundred metres downwind from mixed woodland on 24 June 2003 (P Davey).  Occasional light trap records of adults well away from core habitat suggest occasional medium-range dispersal too: West Bexington, a massive total of ninety-five on 1 July 2006 (R Eden), Durlston, two on 15 June 2004 (Dr J Clarke).

2040       Cybosia mesomella (Linnaeus, 1758) FOUR-DOTTED FOOTMAN

A widespread species in southern England and Wales, more local further north, the larva feeding on lichens growing on heather (Calluna vulgaris and Erica spp.). In Dorset, the moth is common on heathland, and, in addition to a lichens-on-heather diet, larvae have also been found feeding on the petals of gorse (Ulex spp.) that have fallen to the ground: Trigon, Barrow Gallop 10 May 2000 (P Davey). The Four-dotted Footman also colonises woods and grassland elsewhere across the county. In these situations, the flowers of herbaceous plants such as Asteraceae may well host larvae as they do on the Continent.

2041       Peolosia muscerda (Hufnagel, 1766) DOTTED FOOTMAN     RDB3

Only known to occur in the Norfolk Broads, otherwise a very rare immigrant, the larva probably feeding on lichens and algae growing on sallow (Salix spp.) and plant litter. The species occurs throughout mainland Europe except north-west France and Iberia. In Dorset, four examples have been recorded at light traps, all suspected immigrants: Walditch, on 8 August 2004 (M Parsons), Arne Wood, on 9 August 1983 (B Pickess), Woolgarston, on 12 July 1995 (D Burt), Badbury Rings, on 4 September 2005 (P Davey).

2043       Eilema sororcula (Hufnagel, 1766) ORANGE FOOTMAN

A species occurring in southern England and south-east Wales, the larva feeding on lichens growing on the branches and the trunks of oak (Quercus spp.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica). In Dorset, the moth is resident in mature oak woodland and beech plantation, and is locally common in such places. The moth is seldom encountered away from deciduous woodland, however, the light trap record below is an exception, during a north-easterly airflow: Portland, on 14 May 1998 (M Cade).

2044       Eilema griseola (Hübner, 1803) DINGY FOOTMAN

A widespread species in southern England and south Wales, the larva feeding on various lichens. In Dorset, the moth occurs in two quite different biotypes: it is common in damp situations such as fens, river valleys and wet woods, but also locally frequent on dry chalky soils. The moth is scarce on open heathland. Of the eighty-three examples trapped at Arne Wood Wood between 1974 and 1995, 54% were of the typical grey-winged form, and 46% referred to the yellow form ab. stramineola. This latter form is sometimes mistaken for Orange Footman. Diagnostics include: broader more curved forewing; length of forewing a third larger; adults in flight from July, not May or June.

2045       Eilema caniola (Hübner, 1808) HOARY FOOTMAN     Notable/Nb

A species confined to the coasts of south-west England and west Wales, the larva feeding on lichens growing on rocks. In Dorset, the moth has been recorded on thirty-three occasions with just under half of these seen during the summer of 2004; all are suspected immigrants. The moth occurs across much of Iberia, north-west Africa, central and eastern Europe. It is rather similar in appearance to the Scarce Footman₂₀₄₇. Diagnostics include: lack of contrast between costal streak colour and forewing colour; costal streak light grey not yellow.

2046       Eilema pygmaeola pygmaeola (Doubleday, 1847) PIGMY FOOTMAN     RDB3

A species known only from coastal sandhill habitat on the Kent and Norfolk coasts, the larva feeding on lichens and algae growing on pebbles, posts and on the ground. In Dorset, there is just a single record, that of a suspected immigrant: Portland, at MV light on 12 August 1994 (M Cade). Abroad, the moth is restricted to coastal habitat in northern Europe, including the countries bordering the Baltic, however, in southern and central Europe it also occurs inland.

2047       Eilema complana (Linnaeus, 1758) SCARCE FOOTMAN

A species with a general distribution over southern Britain, the larva feeding on lichens. In Dorset, the moth occupies a range of different biotypes. It is abundant on dry heathland, locally common among sand dunes, fens, salterns and damp woods, and frequent on dry unimproved grassland on chalky soils. There are very few records from Portland and from the west Dorset coast. Although the moth is on the wing during July and August, the following were likely to have been second brood examples: Arne Wood, at MV light on 24 September 1977, 30 September 1986, 14 October 1990 (B Pickess).

2049       Eilema depressa (Esper, 1787) BUFF FOOTMAN

A local species in southern Britain, the larva feeding on lichens growing on branches of oak (Quercus spp.), yew (Taxus baccata), hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) and other trees. In Dorset, the moth is usually common and rises to abundant in deciduous and mixed woods containing mature conifer trees. There are very few records from open habitat with little or no scrub or trees, and the insect has not been observed on Portland to date. The following light trap records are likely to be second brood singletons: Walditch, on 5 and 15 October 2006 (M Parsons), Puddletown, on 2 October 2001 (H Wood Homer), Durlston, on 18 and 19 October (Dr J Clarke et al), Ashington, on 15 October 2006 (J Fradgley).                                                                                

2050       Eilema lurideola (Zincken, 1817) COMMON FOOTMAN

A species with a general distribution over England, Wales and eastern Scotland, the larva feeding on lichens growing on trees, shrubs, rocks, walls and fence posts. In Dorset, the moth is ubiquitous and common, and rises to abundant in unimproved grassland, but it is infrequent on open heathland. The moth is similar in appearance to Scarce Footman₂₀₄₇. Diagnostics include: costal streak tapers off before reaching apex; wings held rather flat and not rolled around abdomen; ground colour blue-grey rather than silvery-grey.

2051       Lithosia quadra (Linnaeus, 1758) FOUR-SPOTTED FOOTMAN

A rare and decreased species whose range has contracted markedly in recent years; it is only truly resident in Cornwall and Devon, the larva feeding on lichens growing on the trunks and branches of oak (Quercus spp.) and other tree species. In Dorset, the moth has historically been a transient colonist of deciduous or mixed woodland, but it has always been very local: “Found locally and sparingly in the north and east.” (Reverend E Bankes). “Usually scarce or very rare, but since 1930s has increased rapidly and is now a frequent capture.” (W Parkinson-Curtis ms). In the middle of the twentieth century, a colony was evidently established in the Upwey area. No more residents were seen until 2003 when light trapping in woodland to the south-east of Abbotsbury revealed two discrete and robust colonies: Warre Wood, twenty-one on 25 July 2003 and, Wyke Wood, two-hundred and eleven on 17 August 2007, single larva in moth trap on 11 May 2008 (Dr P Sterling). Records from Puddletown, Shaggs and Hurn since 2005, suggest that colonisation of these localities may have taken place too.  

Other Four-spotted Footman appear in random locations across the county from time to time, historically on one or two dates with no re-appearance in subsequent years, but more recently with greatly increased frequency; these are likely to be immigrants. Large-scale and discrete immigrations occurred in 1964, 1982, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2008 where the insect appeared virtually simultaneously across the county. The species is resident across mainland Europe, but is apparently absent from southern Spain. In sum, the dramatic change in the fortunes of the moth in recent years, both as a resident and as an immigrant does suggest a fundamental expansion of its range in Europe at the present time.  The national norm is for a single brood during August and September. In Dorset however, two broods are suggested from the records. Resident moths appear in July and August, and immigrants as early as June, and again in September and in October but in higher numbers.

 2053       Coscinia cribraria cribraria ssp. bivittata (Linnaeus, 1758) SPECKLED FOOTMAN     RDB1

 A declining species, formerly restricted to Hampshire and Dorset heathland but last seen in the former county during the 1960s, the larval foodplant is unknown. In Dorset, the species has declined to the point of extinction. At the present time the moth is holding on precariously in four sites on sandy soil.“At one time locally common, but now local and retrogressive; its habitats are very rapidly disappearing. Apart from what is left of the trough of Poole, the heathland untouched by man is very few acres indeed, so the insect is disappearing.” (W Parkinson Curtis ms). The larva has rarely been seen in the wild, but current understanding suggests that it hatches from the ovum in August and hibernates whilst small within grass tussocks in well aerated situations, reappearing on sunny days in late winter and early spring to sun itself. Fine-leaved grasses such as bristle bent (Agrostis curtisii) are likely to be a primary and potentially critical food source for the larva at least when young; later the diet may also includes heather (Calluna vulgaris). The larva is fully-grown in June and is said to pupate in a flimsy silken cocoon amongst grass or heather. The male comes readily to light, however the female exhibits little or no inclination to fly and can be located by torchlight sitting on heather sprigs; on damp nights, males may also be located in this way. This reluctance to fly evidently reduces the opportunity for females to move into and populate new discrete sites. Adults have been found as early as May, but most frequently during July, and occasionally in early August.

An insight into the strength of colonies in the past is given by the following diary entry (Eulepia cribrum = Coscinea cribraria). “Went by 7:45 train to Ringwood to try my luck in the former locality for E. cribrum, in spite of many assurances that it had without doubt been utterly exterminated there by a large heath fire some few years ago. Walked about three and a half or four miles along the Wimborne road to a house which used to be “St Leonard’s pub”, and tried the heath exactly opposite. Nothing taken on bare heath, but on other side where there are some small firs, I soon met with cribrum which was easily disturbed and flew very briskly in the hot sunshine with a good strong breeze behind it. They evidently hide-away in afternoon at about 2pm and retire to roost, often in the fir trees, as I beat out several from them. By dint of really hard work in the broiling sun both all morning and afternoon I bagged 18 fine cribrum (all males) and lost several more owing to the wind and their eccentric zigzag flight which begins by their mounting almost straight into the air. At dusk I netted a couple more on the wing of their own accord and flying low and more slowly over the heath. Made a night of it without going to bed, but lay down in a cottage and was on the heath by 2:45am as cribrum flies well at sunrise, but as ill luck has it the sky was entirely overcast and heavy rain began at 3:30, when many moths were just coming on flight: saw no cribrum. Had a very wet tramp back to Ringwood Station to catch 7:35 train homewards. West Moors is much nearer the cribrum locality – only 2 miles away: would I had known it sooner!” (Reverend E Bankes, 1890).

Likely reasons for the decline of the Speckled Footman include:

·          Reduction in heathland.

·          Increased fragmentation of heathland.

·          Reduced use, disturbance and therefore regeneration of heathland, especially the reluctance to use fire as a heathland management tool.

·          Reduced habitat containing primary host foodplants.

·          Increased acreage of unmanaged, derelict heather within remaining heathland blocks, often within existing SSSIs, and thus increased levels of humus, damp and mould.

Conservation measures should include:

·          Creation of habitat corridors to link heathland fragments.

·          Protection for the Speckled Footman under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, to make it illegal to collect or disturb it in any of its stages.

·          Controlled and intense burning within heathland blocks during summer dry spells to remove humus-clogged derelict heather, to promote subsequent invasion of bristle bent plants and the creation of vibrant different-aged heathland plant communities.

·          Light trapping to locate additional colonies of the species at bristle bent bearing sites.

·          Year on year monitoring of existing colonies to assess colony strength.

The following Speckled Footman (Coscinia cribraria cribraria ssp. bivittata) was trapped in a light north-easterly airflow and therefore likely to have been a dispersed example from Dorset heathland. A brisk easterly airflow a day earlier yields additional potential north European sources (ssp. bivittata is resident on Luneburg Heide in north Germany): Portland, at MV light on 30 June 1993 (M Cade). No examples of Coscinia cribraria cribraria ssp. arenaria have yet been encountered in Dorset. Subspecies arenaria is a resident of dune habitat on the Belgian and Dutch coasts, and in these moths the black markings are greatly reduced to just a sprinkling of dots.

2054       Utetheisa pulchella (Linnaeus, 1758) CRIMSON SPECKLED

A rare immigrant species to southern Britain, and resident in southern Iberia and Africa, the larva feeding on herbaceous plants. In Dorset, this enigmatic and exotic moth has been recorded in the nineteenth century: 1871(10), 1874(2), 1875(1), 1876(3), 1882(1), 1892(1), 1893(1), in the twentieth century: 1929(1), 1961(2), 1990(4) and 1992(1), and in the twenty-first century: 2006(5). The moth is sometimes accompanied by Silver-striped Hawk₁₉₉₃, for example in 1990 and in 2006. A number of sightings arise from people walking up the moth from coastal grassland by day: Portland Bill, flushed from the ground in the hut fields before being captured by the observer using his cap, on 20 October 2006.

2056       Parasemia plantaginis (Linnaeus, 1758) WOOD TIGER

A local species in Britain and now rare in south-east England, the larva feeding on a wide range of herbaceous plants. In Dorset, the moth has declined and is now confined to unimproved chalk downland sites where it is at low density; it has also been seen occasionally in an open woodland setting at Stubhampton Bottom. The moth although always local, was once more widespread and in favourable sites occurred abundantly: Badbury Rings, commonly (S Scarsdale Brown, W Parkinson Curtis), many in flight at 6pm on 11 June 1938 (H Andrewes). However, ploughing, intensive grazing, and general ‘improvement’ of chalk downland since the middle of the last century has undoubtedly caused the species to become scarce across the county. The once flourishing colonies on Hod Hill, Hambledon Hill, Badbury Rings and Buzbury Camp have long since vanished. The Wood Tiger is a key indicator species, and should be included in management plans to assist in measuring the health of unimproved chalk downland habitat.

2057       Arctia caja (Linnaeus, 1758) GARDEN TIGER

A species found throughout Britain, the larva feeding on a wide variety of herbaceous plants. In Dorset, the moth is common on unimproved grassland, on farmland transitioning from improved arable to unimproved grassland such as ‘set-aside’ land on chalky soils, in river valleys and in gardens well stocked with herbaceous plants. The moth is infrequent on dry acid soils where herbaceous plants are scarce. None of the extreme varieties that are occasionally noted elsewhere in the UK have been recorded in Dorset. The following light trap records refer to potential second brood individuals: Puddletown, on 1 October 2000 (H Wood Homer), Gaunts Common, on 28 October 1995 (P Davey).  

2058       Arctia villica (Linnaeus, 1758) CREAM-SPOT TIGER

A local species restricted to southern Britain, the larva feeding on a variety of herbaceous plants. In Dorset, the moth occurs on unimproved grassland along the coast where it is locally common, and inland, very locally in river habitat and ill-drained soils.  Inland localities include the River Stour: Milton-on-Stour, Motcombe,Gillingham, Iwerne Minster, Piddles Wood, Shillingstone, Shapwick; the River Piddle: Bere Regis, Bere Stream; the Blackmoor Vale: Holnest, Rooksmoor, Alners Gorse, and Woolland.  

2059       Diacrisia sannio (Linnaeus, 1758) CLOUDED BUFF

A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding both on heather (Calluna vulgaris) and a range of herbaceous plant species. In Dorset, the moth occupies two distinct biotypes. The preferred habitat is damp heathland where it is common locally. A secondary habitat is unimproved grassland on the Purbeck Ridge where it occurs very locally and at low density: West Hill, two walked up from grassland by day on 3 July 1998 (P Davey), Woolgarston, twenty at light trap between 1991 and 1995 (R Burt). It is occasionally recorded from light traps in Swanage too. An albinistic male lacking the crimson suffusion of the forewings and with the dark clouding on the hindwings very faint, was trapped at Scar Bank in 1948 by A Russell. The following example was trapped on a late date coinciding with south-easterly airflows from the Continent: West Bexington, at MV light on 17 August 2002 (R Eden). Other examples of dispersal include the following light trap records: Gillingham, on 7 June 1996 (G Hopkins), Gaunts Common, on 11 June 1997 (P Davey), West Blagdon, on 28 June 2004 (D Green).

2060       Spilosoma lubricipeda (Linnaeus, 1758) WHITE ERMINE

A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding on a variety of herbaceous plants. In Dorset, the moth is ubiquitous and common. The first brood is on the wing between early May and mid-July, several weeks earlier than the national norm. A partial second brood during the late summer has been noted in roughly half of the past twenty-five years, mainly at the end of warmer than usual summers. Extreme examples of variation have not been noted in the county.

2061       Spilosoma luteum (Hufnagel, 1766) BUFF ERMINE

A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding on a variety of plants, shrubs and trees. In Dorset, the moth is ubiquitous and common. The first brood is on the wing between late-May and early-August, in a rather protracted emergence period. A partial second brood has been noted in most autumns over the past quarter century. The national norm is for a single brood only between mid-May and mid-July. Extreme examples of variation tend not been noted in the county, however, an example where the usual buff ground colour was replaced by a strong cadmium tint was trapped at Scar Bank by A Russell.

2062       Spilosoma urticae (Esper, 1789) WATER ERMINE     Notable/Nb

A very local and decreasing species confined to the south-east corner of Britain plus several sites in Devon and Gloucestershire, the larva feeding on mint (Mentha spp.), yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris), water dock (Rumex hydrolapathum), lousewort (Pedicularis sylvatica) and other herbaceous marsh plants. In Dorset, the moth has not been seen for more than seventy years; it was seen annually at Chamberlaynes next to Bere Stream by H Andrewes up to 1938. The adult is highly sedentary, and light traps operating several hundred metres distance from a colony may never yield the species. Although unimproved water meadow has all but disappeared from the county due to farming practices, drainage and development, several fragments of suitable habitat still exist. Targeted research in floristically-rich water meadow habitat, may reveal a surviving colony: Bere Stream south-east of Bere Regis, the River Crane at Edmonsham, the River Avon at Burton, and the River Mude at Mudeford.

2063       Diaphora mendica (Clerck, 1759) MUSLIN

A widespread species in all but the far north of Britain, the larva feeding on a various herbaceous plants. In Dorset, the moth is ubiquitous and frequently rises to common in damp woodland. Males are readily attracted to light, but the seldom-encountered females may occasionally be seen during the day flying in sunshine. A male ab. rustica where the usual brown ground colour was replaced by white was trapped at Chamberlaynes by H Andrewes.

2064       Phragmatobia fuliginosa (Linnaeus, 1758) RUBY TIGER

A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding on a various herbaceous plants. In Dorset, the moth is ubiquitous and frequent to common, but occasionally abundant, especially on unimproved calcareous grassland sites both inland and on the coast. The peak of the second brood at the end of July is, on average, forty times greater than the peak of the first brood in early May. A second double brood cycle is suggested by the county data, with peaks at the end of May and the beginning of September.

2067       Euplagia quadripunctaria (Poda, 1761) JERSEY TIGER     Notable/Nb

A very local species confined to the Channel Islands and the south coast of Devon, the larva feeding on a various herbaceous plants. The adult may be seen nectaring on the flowers of Buddleia davidii in sunshine, and is readily flushed from its resting-place by day. In Dorset, this exotic moth is well-established and often frequent along much of the coast between Abbotsbury and Portland. The few light trap observations further east and north include: Yetminster, on 31 July 2004 (Mrs A Barwick), Puddletown, on 28 August 2004 (H Wood Homer), Wimborne, ab. flava on 22 August 1994 (Miss M Brooks), Coldharbour, on 18 August 2006 (B Withers), Durlston, on 14 August 2004 (S Nash). The Jersey Tiger, although absent from much of the north-European coast, is found throughout Europe including the coast of northern France.

2068       Callimorpha dominula (Linnaeus, 1758) SCARLET TIGER

A local and decreasing species confined to the south-west corner of Britain and a few coastal sites in east Kent, the larva feeding on many plants, shrubs and trees. The adult tends to fly in sunshine, but is occasionally active on the warmest summer nights when it is readily attracted to light traps. In Dorset, the moth is resident in a range of different biotypes. It is locally common within unimproved water meadows, edges of rivers, streams and ditches, wet woods and occasionally on dry verges or field edges where its primary foodplant common comfrey (Symphytum officinale) abounds. Scattered colonies also occur on chalky soil where hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum) or privet (Ligustrum vulgare) hosts the caterpillar. Larvae have been found feeding on a range of different plants. Unusual food sources include: a final instar larva eating its way through a large spongy oak gall at Stubhampton Bottom, on 19 May 2002, and, more than one hundred larvae feeding on the blossom of gorse (Ulex spp.) on Knowle Hill near Corfe Castle on 7 April 1999 (P Davey).

2069       Tyria jacobaeae (Linnaeus, 1758) CINNABAR

A widespread species as far north as southern Scotland, the larva feeding on ragwort (Senecio spp.). In Dorset, the moth is common to abundant wherever ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) is found in quantity; this tends to be among dry, chalky and neutral overgrazed grassland, and on roadside verges. An unusual variety was found on Portland by Reverend G Ford where the usual scarlet ground colour was replaced by yellow, ab. flavescens (Ent Rec 67:108). The moth’s ability to establish large populations that defoliate ragwort plants plus the fact that the caterpillar is distasteful to birds due to the ingestion and retention of harmful alkaloids, has lead to its adoption and release in North America and Australia as part of initiatives to control the highly toxic plant.

CTENUCHIDAE

Five species of this mostly tropical family have been found in the British Isles following accidental importation, and one has been recorded in Dorset. The family numbers about three thousand species, many of which mimic wasps and lycid beetles.

2073       Antichloris viridis (Druce, 1884)

A tropical species that is occasionally imported to Britain from the West Indies in imported fruit. The following individuals were found in supermarkets: Dorchester, at rest on bananas in Tesco on 9 June 1997 (R Surry), Weymouth, at rest on bananas in Asda on 14 January 2009 (via P Edwards W&PBC).