2211       Cucullia absinthii (Linnaeus, 1761) WORMWOOD     Notable/Nb

A very local species restricted to the coastal counties of England and Wales, but spread rapidly inland from 1950 occupying waste ground often in towns and cities, only to decline subsequently, the larva feeding on the flowers and seeds of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). In Dorset, the moth is confined to Portland where the caterpillars feed on wormwood. This plant is restricted to just a few sites on the Purbeck coast, and on Portland where it used to occur frequently but has decreased markedly in the past twenty years due to human pressures. This once abundant moth has only been recorded once on the island since 1996: Portland, 5 August 2007 (M Cade), and once elsewhere: Upwey, at MV light on 22 July 2004 (P Harris). The following very old record suggests that the species may have been more widespread along the coast in the past: Lulworth (Dale); the foodplant has long since vanished from the Lulworth area. Most of the sites on Portland where wormwood grows are easily accessible, and the larvae easily collectable. The combination of collecting plus the decline in the foodplant has undoubtedly spelt disaster for this fine moth. It is recommended that people refrain from taking this species in any of its stages until viable colonies become established once more. An albinistic form, ab. albescens, where the grey ground colour on the moth is replaced by chalky white was bred from collected larvae on Portland in 1891; the moth is figured in the Entomologist’s Record 1951, plate 7, and is in the British Museum.

There is one instance of immigration: Coldharbour, 4 August 2006 (B Withers). This (very worn) example was trapped on the same date as a Great Brocade₂₁₃₇ at Preston, and is likely to have originated from southern Scandinavia. A second Great Brocade was recorded two days later.

2214       Cucullia chamomillae [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] CHAMOMILE SHARK

A widespread species in south-east and central England, local elsewhere in England and in Wales with a preference for coastal habitats, the larva feeding on the flowers and seeds of chamomiles (Chamaemelum nobile and Anthemis spp.) and mayweeds (Matricaria spp. and Tripleurospermum spp.). In Dorset, the moth is at low density on the coast including Portland where sea mayweed (Tripleurospermum maritimum) is a known foodplant. Elsewhere, the moth is noted occasionally from localities where pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea) grows on toxin-free farm tracks and where the much-declined chamomile plant hangs on still on grazed heaths and commons. Larval populations suffer from a high mortality rate due to parasitism. Historic larval records from Purbeck follow: Norden, four larvae on the leaves of scentless mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum) growing among the clay works on 22 June 1900, Corfe Castle, two larvae on the leaves of scentless mayweed growing in the disused clay works on 2 July 1900, Swanage, larva on the leaves of scentless mayweed growing near the water tower on 2 July 1900, Studland, six larvae on the leaves of sea mayweed growing on shingle near the Red Rocks on 15 June 1896 (Reverend E Bankes). The moth is very similar to Shark₂₂₁₆. Diagnostics include: the fringe of the hindwing is bisected by a dark line, this line is absent in Shark; April and early May ‘Sharks’ will most likely be this species.

2216       Cucullia umbratica (Linnaeus, 1758) SHARK

A widespread species in southern Britain, more local further north, the larva feeding mainly on the flowers of compositae species including sow thistles (Sonchus spp.), hawkweeds (Hieracium spp.) and hawk’s-beards (Crepis spp.). In Dorset, the moth is locally common where its foodplants abound on dry unimproved grassland on sandy soils and frequent in similar habitat on chalky soils; it is at low density elsewhere and rare in woods. The following moth was trapped on a rather late date, and was probably a second brood individual: West Bexington, on 23 September 2001(R Eden).

 2217       Cucullia asteris [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] STAR-WORT      Notable/Nb

A local species confined to the coasts of west Wales, south-east England and East Anglia, and inland in a handful of English counties, the larva feeding on the flowers of sea aster (Aster tripolium) on the coast and goldenrod (Solidago vigaurea) inland. In Dorset, the moth has been seen once in the past one hundred years: Preston, at MV on 4 July 1998 (P Knight). The nearest potential source for this moth is Lodmoor, a saltmarsh and reedbed habitat containing small amounts of heavily grazed sea aster, three kilometers away to the south-west. A light westerly airflow was established on the date in question with no opportunity for immigration. Old records indicate that the species once occurred in the Weymouth area, and this example suggests a small colony survives there still. Sea aster also grows among saltmarsh within Poole Harbour and on the muddy banks on the Fleet, but the plant is over-grazed to such an extent in all these sites that the moth has little chance of becoming established. Sea aster also grows on the undercliff between St Albans Head and Durlston, but again quantities are small and well scattered. The remaining records from the nineteenth century were mainly of larvae found on the once widely grown china aster (Callistephus chinensis), and these show that it occurred in the larger gardens of the day: Glanvilles Wootton, larva in greenhouse (Dale), Chickerell, on sea aster (N Richardson), Weymouth, (in A. Druitt coll), Bloxworth, (Reverend E Bankes), larvae at times abundant (O Pickard Cambridge), Binnegar, two larvae found by Mr Farrer on china asters in his kitchen gardens in the autumn of 1883, eleven second instar larvae on 1 September 1888, emerged between 11 June 1888 and 28 June 1888 (Reverend E Bankes), Poole, four larvae on china aster (W Parkinson Curtis), Cranborne, several larvae on china aster (F Fisher).

There is no indication that the moth has ever colonised woodland and heathland on sandy soils where goldenrod grows. A key recommendation for the Weymouth Reserves plus the Poole Harbour SSSIs that support sea aster is to maintain flower-bearing plants until the larval stage has been completed, usually by late September, by reducing grazing levels over the summer. This should be beneficial to any existing populations. Searches for the moth is recommended, but it is a reluctant visitor to light, and may be better sought by searching for larvae. Sugaring with honey lures such as honeycomb may be an alternative way of locating the species.

 2219       Shargacucullia lychnitis Rambur, 1833 STRIPED LYCHNIS     Notable/Na

A declining species restricted to a handful of counties in south-east England, the larva feeding on the flowers and seeds of dark mullein (Verbascum nigra) and white mullein (Verbascum lychnitis). In Dorset, the moth was locally frequent in the Sixpenny Handley area in the far north-east of the county, but has not been seen for nearly fifty years: Cranborne Chase, fourteen larvae, (Reverend F Carr), Cranborne, six moths reared from larvae on black mullein in July 1909 (F Fisher), Sixpenny Handley, six moths reared from larvae on black mullein in 1909 (W Parkinson Curtis), three larvae on 17 August 1954, four larvae on 31 August 1954, larva on 16 August 1961 (H Symes). Dark mullein, the host plant in Dorset, has been lost from many chalky soil localities due to changes in farming practices, plus the mowing of roadside verges. It is recommended that the County Council refrain from mowing verges that support the plant until the larva stage has been completed usually by mid-September. A similar recommendation was made for Netted Pug₁₈₂₃ and Marbled Coronet₂₁₇₁, but in those cases for bladder campion. Dark mullein readily occupies disturbed chalk downland; initiatives should be implemented to increase stocks of the foodplant where it is occurs in north-east Dorset to anticipate any future expansion from existing colonies in nearby Hampshire.

2220       Shargacucullia scrophulariae [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] WATER BETONY

This species has been noted twice in Britain, the larva feeding on the flowers and seeds of figwort (Scrophularia spp.) and mullein (Verbascum spp.). Both individuals were trapped in Dorset. The moth is widespread but usually local and infrequent across Europe and absent from southern Spain. It emerges towards the end of May some three weeks after the first Mullein moths have emerged: Scar Bank, on 12 June 1949 (A Russell), Durlston, on 18 May 1994 (Dr J Clarke). The photos here illustrate the Water Betony caught in 1949 on the left and a Mullein on the right. The Swanage individuals may have originated from transient colonies locally, indeed both foodplants are found at Durlston although they tend to be scattered. However, no larvae have been found during searches for the species by Dr J Clarke following his 1994 capture, and in the late nineteenth century: Durlston, “twenty-seven Mullein moth larvae on figwort on 28 June 1889 emerged between 9 May 1890 and 6 June 1890 - A F Griffith’s idea that his specimens bred from the same spot were true Water Betony has proved false” (Reverend E Bankes).

2221       Shargacucullia verbasci (Linnaeus, 1758) MULLEIN

A widespread species in southern Britain, the larva feeding on figwort (Scrophularia spp.), mullein (Verbascum spp.) and buddleia (Buddleia spp.). Although the moth is an infrequent visitor to light traps in Dorset, it is locally common on chalky soils where the highly visible larvae may be seen scything their way through the thick leaves of great mullein (Verascum thapsus). Occasionally, caterpillars are found on buddleia and, apart from Reverend E Bankes observation from Durlston in the previous account, there is just one other (old) record from Charmouth of larvae feeding on water figwort (Scrophularia aquatica). There are no records from sandy soils. The late dates below are of interest as both the Striped Lychnis₂₂₁₉ and the Water Betony₂₂₂₀ fly slightly later than this species; all three species are very difficult to tell apart. The first example was trapped in a very late season following the severe winter of 1962/1963: Iwerne Minster, on 1 July 1963 (H Moore), West Bexington, on 19 June 1995, 18 June 1996, 4 July 2001(R Eden).

2223       Calophasia lunula (Hufnagel, 1766) TOADFLAX BROCADE     RDB3

A relatively recent colonist from abroad, first seen in Sussex in 1940, and subsequently recorded on shingle beaches, roadsides and in gardens along the Sussex, Kent and Essex coasts, the larva feeding on toadflax (Linaria spp.). The moth has been recorded four times in Dorset and all are suspected immigrants: Portland, at MV on 28 May 1990, 10 June 1990 (M Rogers), Upwey, at MV on 9 June 2004 (P Harris), Wareham, inside printing warehouse on 12 June 1998 (B Withers). The species is widely distributed across Europe where it has an overlapping double brood.

2225       Brachylomia viminalis (Fabricius, 1777) MINOR SHOULDER-KNOT

A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding on sallow and willow (Salix spp.), and poplar (Populus spp.). In Dorset, the moth is locally common on wet heaths, in damp woodland and on damp grassland where sallow is dominant. It is frequent in river valleys where willow or poplar trees are plentiful. It is virtually absent from open tree-less situations.

2226       Leucochlaena oditis (Hübner, 1822) BEAUTIFUL GOTHIC     RDB3

A rare species confined to the southern coasts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Hampshire, the larva feeding nocturnally on grasses including common couch (Elytrigia repens) and annual meadow grass (Poa annua). In Dorset, this handsome moth is common and occasionally abundant on undercliff habitat on Portland and on Purbeck. It also colonises sand dune habitat on Studland and, historically, at Sandbanks and at Bournemouth. “The species seems to be established from Portland along the coast to Sandbanks on the eastern side of the entrance to Poole Harbour, but now, in 1966, it is practically stamped out at Sandbanks, although sixty years ago it was common enough there.” (W Parkinson Curtis ms). Specimens from sand dune colonies tend to have yellow markings and appear much paler than their rocky coastline cousins; this form is known as ab. pallida. The species colonises dune habitat on the Continent too: Studland, at MV on 1 October 1990 (P Davey), Brownsea Island, at MV on 23 September 1966 (A Bromby), Sandbanks, (E Blanchard), at light on sand dunes facing in to Poole on 6 October 1925 (R Demuth), (Dr B Kettlewell), Branksome Park, (Reverend F Carr), Bournemouth, many examples from the 1920s (via British Museum collection).

Very occasionally, dispersed singletons are trapped some distance from core habitat; the following light trap records refer: West Bexington, on 10 October 1991, 20 September 1993 (R Eden), Woolgarston, on 8 September 1992 (R Burt), Arne, on 2 October 1987 (B Pickess).

Recommendations relate to measures that ensure creation and appropriate management of unimproved grassland on chalky soil on the Purbeck coast and on Portland, and protection of dune habitat both at Studland and on Brownsea Island. This species should be included in management plans that govern reserves that fall within these areas.

2227       Asteroscopus sphinx (Hufnagel, 1766) SPRAWLER

A widespread species in southern Britain, but absent from Scotland, the larva feeding on various deciduous tree species. In Dorset, the moth is locally common in woodland, parkland and scrub on chalky soils, and along the coast among blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) thickets. There are very few records from sandy soil localities.   Elsewhere, the moth is scarce.

2229       Dasypolia templi (Thunberg, 1792) BRINDLED OCHRE

A mainly coastal species in south-west England and Wales, but widespread in northern Britain, the larva feeding in the stems and roots of hogweed (Heracleum spondylium) and wild angelica (Angelica sylvestris). This species is an alpine and arctic relic, so its presence in southern England is remarkable. Whereas males perish by the end of November, females hibernate in rock crevices, drystone walls and buildings, and lay their eggs during the spring on the stems of the foodplant. In Dorset, the moth is common very locally along the Purbeck coast and on the Purbeck Ridge among tall, neglected grassland where hogweed and wild parsnip flourish: Durlston, eight larvae in roots and stems of wild parsnip along undercliff on 20 July 1895 (Reverend E Bankes, E Nevison). The moth occurs on Portland and the Chesil, but is at low density. A key recommendation for the coastal Reserves is to maintain areas of rank tall unimproved grassland; host plants should not be touched until the larval stage has been completed by late August. This should help maintain colonies of this fine moth in the county.

The following individuals were trapped some distance from core habitat, suggesting occasional dispersal: Canford, on 15 and 16 October 1955 (A Kennard), Brownsea Island, on 15 October 1965 (A Bromby), Studland, on 7 October 1960 (C de Worms, J Messenger), 4 October 1961 (R Demuth, A Richardson), three on 10 October 1961 (S Coxey), Puddletown, on 9 October 2001 (H Wood Homer), Milton Abbas, two on 3 November 1981 (Milton Abbey School NHS), Shaggs, on 16 October 2001 (M Parsons), Shapwick, on 24 October 2006 (P Davey), Gaunts Common, two on 28 October 1991 (P Davey), Arne, on 14 and 15 October 1978, 26 October 1978 (B Pickess), Shell Bay, on 1 October 1990 (P Davey), Studland Heath, on 13 October 1991 (P Davey), Bournemouth, one in the Square on 7 October 1960 (Reverend F Carr), Highcliffe, three in October 1955 (B Barton).

 2230       Aporophyla australis (Boisduval, 1829) FEATHERED BRINDLE     Notable/Nb

A mainly coastal species confined to the southern-most counties of England, the larva feeding on various grasses and herbaceous plants. In Dorset, the moth is common to abundant locally in unimproved coastal grassland from Purbeck westwards. Larvae have been found on sea campion (Silene uniflora) at Ferrybridge, so shingle habitat evidently provides an additional habitat. Singletons elsewhere are possibly dispersed individuals, but small numbers year on year from Woolgarston suggest colonisation of the southern slopes of the Purbeck Ridge, and old record from Badbury Rings hints at colonisation on unimproved grassland well inland too, similar to that occurring on the southern slopes of the South Downs in Kent: Shaggs, two at MV on 2 October 2003 (M Parsons), Badbury Rings, three (W Parkinson Curtis), Corfe Castle, at MV on 30 September 2003, two on 3 October 2003 (J Cox), Woolgarston, thirteen at MV between 18 September 1991 and 10 October 1991, eight between 18 September 1992 and 1 October 1992, three between 21 September 1993 and 30 September 1993, four between 21 September 1995 and 16 October 1995 (R Burt), Arne, at MV on 28 September 1983 (B Pickess), Shell Bay, at MV on 20 September 1998 (P Davey), Brownsea Island, at MV on 6 October 1965 (A Bromby), Hengistbury Head, at MV on 3 October 1996 (M Jeffes).

Recommendations relate to measures that ensure the creation and appropriate management of herb-rich unimproved grassland on chalky soil on the Purbeck coast and on Portland. This species should be included in management plans that govern sites that fall within these areas.

2231       Aporophyla lutulenta [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] DEEP-BROWN DART

 A species restricted to southern and eastern England, the larva feeding on various grasses and deciduous shrubs. In Dorset, the moth is local and confined mainly to the eastern and southern portion of the county where it colonises unimproved grassland, particularly on scrub and bramble-rich sites.

2231.1   Aporophyla lueneburgensis (Freyer, 1848) NORTHERN DEEP-BROWN DART

A species found in Wales, northern England and Scotland, the larva feeding on various grasses and deciduous shrubs, and a possible sibling or ecotype of the Deep-brown Dart₂₂₃₁. “This insect, after many years of cross questions and crooked answers, is established as a distinct species. I have no records for Dorset so far, but I have seen one insect taken by S Scarsdale Brown at Parley, which I consider to be correctly referred to this species.” (W Parkinson Curtis ms).

2232       Aporophyla nigra (Haworth, 1809) BLACK RUSTIC

A widespread species in Britain, but scarce in central and eastern England, the larva feeding on various grasses and herbaceous plants. In Dorset, the moth is widespread and frequent rising to abundant locally on unimproved grassland on chalky soils and on heathland where heather (Calluna vulgaris) and heath (Erica spp.) are likely foodplants. This moth may be confused with the Deep-brown Dart₂₂₃₁. Diagnostics include: the presence of a whitish or golden-edged reniform stigmata on the forewing; a long forewing; a blackish ground colour rather than brown.

2233       Lithomoia solidaginis (Hübner, 1803) GOLDEN-ROD BRINDLE

A local species in central and north Wales, northern England and Scotland, with occasional migrants recorded in England, the larva feeding on various moorland plants and shrubs, such as birch (Betula spp.), bilberry (Myrtillus vaccinium), sallow (Salix spp.) and heather (Calluna vulgaris). “Reverend E Bankes and I both saw these shortly after capture. He had one specimen, now in the British Museum, but his record DFC 3:245 should read eight and not four.” (W Parkinson Curtis ms): Winfrith, eight at sugar in August 1904 (C Cattell). The moth occurs across Europe, but is absent from Iberia, western France and Italy

2235       Lithophane semibrunnea (Haworth, 1809) TAWNY PINION

A declining species restricted to southern Britain, the larva feeding on ash (Fraxinus excelsior). The moth, a hibernator, pairs during the spring. It is an infrequent visitor to light traps, more often encountered at ivy blossom in the autumn or at sallow blossom during the spring. It is also attracted to sugar bait. In Dorset, the moth is widespread but local and at low density. It favours isolated ash trees or ash trees forming hedgerows in open situations such as river valley rather than those dominating woodland. The moth has been noted from most soil types. A third more sightings occur during the spring than during the autumn.

2236       Lithophane hepatica (Clerck, 1759) PALE PINION

A species restricted to south-west Britain, the larva feeding on various herbaceous plants and deciduous trees. The moth pairs during the spring following hibernation. It is attracted to light traps and is fond of ivy blossom in the autumn and sallow blossom in the spring. In Dorset, the moth is widespread, albeit at low density in deciduous woodland and deciduous scrub. The moth resembles the Tawny Pinion₂₂₃₅. Diagnostics include: no dark tornal streak, no dark head and no dark abdominal crests. With more than five times as many adults observed during the spring compared with those seen in the autumn, a significant percentage of the population appear to emerge post-winter.

2237       Lithophane ornitopus (Hufnagel, 1766) GREY SHOULDER-KNOT     

A species found in southern Britain, the larva feeding on oak (Quercus spp.), and abroad also on blackthorn (Prunus spp.), sallow (Salix spp.), elm (Ulmus spp.) and poplar (Populus spp.). The moth hibernates overwinter and pairs during the spring. It is attracted to light traps and is occasionally found at ivy blossom in the autumn or at sallow blossom during the spring. In Dorset, the moth is at low density in deciduous woodland with highest numbers from old oak woods. However, records from districts where oak is absent suggests an alternative food source is used. For example, the moth has been observed regularly at West Bexington and at Shapwick where blackthorn is frequent, and this may be the host foodplant in these localities. The adult occasionally emerges from hibernation during mid-winter mild spells.

2240       Lithophane leautieri (Boisduval, 1829) BLAIR'S SHOULDER-KNOT

 A relatively recent colonist of England, first recorded on the Isle of White in 1951 and now found as far north as Lancashire, the larva feeding on cypress (Cupressussuga spp.). In Dorset, the first record was of eight moths trapped at Durlston in the first week of October 1959. The following year, it was found at Studland and overthe next ten years it moved rapidly northwards and westwards to colonise much of the county. It is common wherever monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa), leyland cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii) and lawson’s cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) has been planted in hedges. The moth is found in Iberia, France and Belgium.

2241       Xylena vetusta (Hübner, 1813) RED SWORD-GRASS

A local damp moorland and marshland species in western and northern Britain, and rare in central and eastern England, the larva is polyphagous. In Dorset, this highly distinctive and rather large moth colonises mire, marsh and damp heathland habitat on sandy soils, and is most often observed where bog myrtle (Myrica gale) and purple moor-grass (Molinia caerulea) grow. In also inhabits damp habitat further north and west, notably in the Blackmore Vale and at Powerstock Common, where purple moor-grass is again a likely host foodplant.

Frequent light trap records from Purbeck during the 1930s with up to eight examples in a single night, suggests that a transitory colony was established in the area at the time: Swanage, on 13 September 1933, 26 October 1935, Scar Bank, on 18 and 20 September 1932, eight on 2 October and three on 8 October 1932, two on 15 October 1932, 17 October 1932, 25 October 1932, 20 October 1934, 13 September 1935 (A Russell).

The moth is evidently dispersive, with a number of records from localities well away from core colonies. The following additional records are of potential immigrant examples from the Continent: Durlston, two at MV light on 23 October 1965 (T Harman, B Elliott), two at ivy blossom on 16 October 1966 (R Cook), at MV light on 22 December 2002 (S Nash, P Davey).

 2242       Xylena exsoleta (Linnaeus, 1758) SWORD-GRASS     Notable/Nb

A declined species occurring very locally on moorland in northern England, north Wales and Scotland, the larva is polyphagous on trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. In Dorset, the moth has disappeared as it has across much of southern Britain. It used to occur sparingly in a range of diverse habitats across the county, often in a rather drier biotype than that occupied by the Red Sword-grass₂₂₄₁. The following records refer: Sherborne, several (J Douglas), Bere Wood, one (E Curtis), scarce (O Pickard Cambridge), Bloxworth, scarce (O Pickard Cambridge), Gad Cliff, larva feeding on a ploughman’s spikenard flower bud on 25 June 1895 and emerged on 15 September 1895 (Reverend E Bankes), Morden, on 24 October 1937 (H Andrewes), Corfe Castle, at sallow blossom on 15 April 1886 (Reverend E Bankes), Nine Barrow Down, on 12 April 1922 (D Drury), Scar Bank, at light in 12 October 1930, 1937, 1 October and 16 October 1938 (A Russell), Durlston, larva on 3 June 1885 (Reverend E Bankes, Reverend C Digby), Hamworthy, three (W Parkinson Curtis), (E Curtis), Cranborne, one (F Fisher), one (W Parkinson Curtis), Parley, (S Scarsdale Brown).

The following are suspected immigrants, being recorded on dates coincident with south to south-westerly airflows from Iberia and western France: Portland Bird Observatory, at MV light on 3 December 1995 (M Cade), Swanage, on 12 October 1949 (G Youden), Durlston, at MV light on 21 October 1989 (P Davey). The moth occurs throughout Europe, often in wooded localities but it is usually uncommon. The moth has very similar size, markings and posture to that of Red Sword-grass₂₂₄₁. Diagnostics include: absence of orange colouration on forewing; contrast between pale central forewing and dark base of forewing not as marked as it is in Red Sword-grass.

2243       Xylocampa areola (Esper, 1789) EARLY GREY

A widespread species in southern Britain, more local further north, the larva feeding on honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.). In Dorset, the moth is ubiquitous and frequent, rising to common along woodland edges, hedge banks and among scrub on undercliffs. Very early examples include the following light trap records: Preston, on 8 December 2004 (R Lambert), Gaunts Common, 30 November 1994 (P Davey).

2245       Allophyes oxyacanthae (Linnaeus, 1758) GREEN-BRINDLED CRESCENT

A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding on blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). In Dorset, the moth is common amongst hawthorn and blackthorn, and locally abundant among blackthorn thickets on coastal undercliffs; it is largely absent from open heathland and scrub-free habitats. The industrial melanic, ab. capucina is seldom seen; “the variation in Dorset consists in the greater or lesser development of the iridescent green scaling, and in the colour of the pale subterminal area, which varies from cream colour to being strongly suffused mars orange. The most striking specimen I have taken is one with the subterminal area cream, and the residue of the wing so heavily clouded with fuscous as almost to obliterate the markings.” (W Parkinson Curtis ms).

2246.1   Dryobota labecula (Linnaeus, 1758) OAK RUSTIC

First detected in the Channel Islands in 1991, this moth subsequently made a successful leap across the Channel onto the south coast of the UK by 2005. It then became quickly established, first in Hampshire and then in Dorset amongst its host foodplant evergreen oak (Quercus ilex). In all likelihood, this species will continue to colonise the remaining evergreen oak woodland along the coastal belt. The following light trap examples comprise the first Dorset site records: Durlston, two on 26 October 2005 (P Davey, C Manley, S Nash), Highcliffe Castle, two on 5 November 2005 (P Davey). At the time of these sightings, it was not known whether the species was resident in the county. However, the following record confirmed residency at one of the two sites: Durlston, a very crippled adult to MV light on 28 October 2006 (P Davey). The moth has been seen in each year at both sites since 2005. The first date and last date when adult moths have been observed, so far, are 13 October and 8 November, respectively.

2247       Dichonia aprilina (Linnaeus, 1758) MERVEILLE DU JOUR

A widespread species in southern Britain, more local further north, the larva feeding on oak (Quercus spp.). In Dorset, this spectacular moth is at low density in parkland and in hedges supporting mature oaks, rising to frequent in old oak woodland; elsewhere it is rare or absent. It appears to have decreased markedly in recent Times; this comment was made more than fifty years ago: “I have found it in considerable numbers in most woodlands containing many deciduous trees.” (W Parkinson Curtis ms).

2248       Dryobotodes eremita (Fabricius, 1775) BRINDLED GREEN

A widespread species in southern Britain, more local further north, the larva feeding on oak (Quercus spp.) and on hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). In Dorset, the moth occupies the same oak-rich habitats as the Merveille du Jour₂₂₄₇ and is as numerous. It also colonises districts where reasonable quantities of mature hawthorn grow.

2248.1   Dryobotodes tenebrosa (Esper, 1789) SOMBRE BROCADE

A species confined to the Mediterranean region plus the whole of Iberia, and, since 2006, recorded on a number of occasions on Guernsey, the larva feeding on holm oak (Quercus ilex). The only UK mainland record is from Dorset: Durlston, at MV light on 12 October 2008 (P Davey). There is scope for this species to become resident in localities currently occupied by the Oak Rustic_2246.1 if indeed it has not already done so, as they both feed on holm oak and both share the same distribution across Europe. The moth is on the wing during October, a little later than that of Brindled Green₂₂₄₈ and a little earlier than that of Oak Rustic, although all three potentially overlap in the first fortnight of October. The moth is similar to Brindled Green. Diagnostics include: a brown ground colour giving the appearance of a miniature ‘Brocade’ species.

2250       Mniotype adusta (Esper, 1790) DARK BROCADE

A declining species in southern England where it occurs in lightly wooded habitat and in fens, but widespread in northern Britain on moorland, the larva is polyphagous on herbaceous plants and deciduous shrubs. This species appears to have become extinct in Dorset, in line with the trend across much of southern Britain. The last record was nearly forty years ago, but even then it was a scarce species. “I find this insect difficult to assess, its occurrence in Dorset is established by records in the main of isolated specimens, which are difficult to relate to one another.” (W Parkinson Curtis ms). The moth’s demise is similar in some ways to that of the Sword-grass₂₂₄₂, although all records for this species are from or close to chalk downland habitat, so the loss of unimproved grassland from the chalk belt in the latter half of the twentieth century may well have contributed to its decline as it has done for so many moth species. Upwey, at MV on 8 June 1957 (Brigadier H Warry), Milton Abbas, (OLW), two at MV on 12 June 1963 (MR), Iwerne Minster, at MV on 10 May 1959, 2 June 1960, 8 June 1965 (H Moore); Chamberlaynes, (H Andrewes), Bloxworth, (Dale), Cranborne, in 1903 (F Fisher), in 1935 (S Scarsdale Brown).

2254       Antitype chi (Linnaeus, 1758) GREY CHI

A species of rocky terrain with a particular preference for open country criss-crossed by dry stone walls, rare in southern England, but widespread in Wales, north-west England and Scotland, the larva is polyphagous on shrubs and herbaceous plants such as bedstraw (Galium spp.) and dock (Rumex spp.). There is just one record from the extreme north of Dorset: Kington Magna, at MV light on 2 September 1954 (H Moore). Poyntington to the north of Sherborne that lies ten kilometres to the west of Kington Magna, is another locality that matches the habitat requirements of the species, and would be worth researching. This region of Dorset is relatively close to known colonies across the border in Somerset.

2251       Trigonophora flammea (Esper, 1785) FLAME BROCADE

A common species in the Channel Islands, resident on the south coast of Sussex between 1855 and 1892, and noted as a rare immigrant subsequently, the larva is polyphagous. This handsome and once very rare visitor to Dorset which was first seen on Portland in 1959 and then again at Durlston in 1978, has become an almost annual immigrant, being seen on sixteen out of the past twenty years. With thirty examples trapped at Durlston to date, roughly half the county tally, the moth at first glance might appear to have colonised this part of the Purbeck coast. However, practically all dates coincided with immigration from abroad, and the relatively high number is more likely to result from the huge effort expended by migrant-moth hunters in the Park. The Channel Islands and Normandy appears to be the northern-most limit of the range of the species at the present time, but increasing average temperatures year on year may yet pursuade this moth to colonise Purbeck. On the Continent the Flame Brocade occurs in western and southern France, in Italy and in Iberia.

2252       Polymixis flavicincta [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] LARGE RANUNCULUS

A local species with an obscure ecology and confined to southern and eastern England where it occurs on disparate biotypes, the larva is polyphagous on herbaceous plants and deciduous shrubs. In Dorset, the moth occupies two rather different habitats, and in both it is at low density. The first is along the west Dorset coast, commencing at Weymouth and Portland (where it was once frequent), and thence westward to Lyme Regis. The second is river valley habitat, and these include the Rivers: Frome, Yeo, Stour, Iwerne, Crane and the Moors. The following observation within a few hundred metres of the River Crane and within the confines of herb-rich fen habitat is of interest: Edmonsham Fen, four final instar larvae eating flowers of jointed rush at midday on 3 July 2003 (P Davey).

Two moths were observed at times of immigrant activity, and a continental source seems likely for these two individuals: Durlston, at MV on 15 October 1977 (R Bretherton), Iford, at MV on 17 October 1997 (M Jeffes). The Large Ranunculus occurs in Iberia, France, Germany and Austria.

2255       Polymixis lichenea (Hübner, 1813) FEATHERED RANUNCULUS

A species confined to and frequent along the coasts of England and Wales, but local along the eastern seaboard, the larva is polyphagous on herbaceous plants. In Dorset, the moth is abundant in undercliff habitat on Purbeck and on Portland. A total of nearly one thousand moths was trapped in Swanage town by Rees Cox in the 1997 season alone. Elsewhere, the moth is at low density on sandy coasts including Poole Harbour and Christchurch Harbour, but becomes increasingly scarce the further west one travels from Portland. It has also colonised chalky soil in the Dorchester area and along the Purbeck Ridge, and in this latter locality is locally frequent. The following dispersed examples were observed at light traps well inland some distance from known colonies: Chamberlaynes, on 17 October 1938 (H Andrewes), Powerstock, on 4 October 1997 (D Foot, M Forster), Trigon, on 27 September 1997, 17 October 1997, 22 and 28 September 1998 (CM), Shapwick, on 29 September 2003 (P Davey), Gaunts Common, on 11 October 1993, 16 September 1996 (P Davey), Ferndown, on 9 October 2003 (R Cook), St Ives, on 5 October 1987 (Dr J Clarke). A number of individuals trapped in mid-summer in recent years suggest a partial first brood.