NOCTUIDAE - Acronictinae and Bryophilinae
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2256 Eupsilia transversa (Hufnagel, 1766) SATELLITE A widespread but declining species in Britain, the polyphagous larva feeding nocturnally on various deciduous trees and shrubs, and developing cannibalistic tendencies when in final instars, even eating aphids. The adult derives its name from the small markings that lie close to the central orange, yellow or white dot near the center of its forewing. In Dorset, the moth is frequent in deciduous woodland and rarely seen in open situations. The moth was formerly far more common with old observations such as “Bere Wood, abundant.” (W Parkinson Curtis ms) and “Cranborne, common.” (F Fisher). This declining trend appears to be general across much of Britain, and, in the case of Dorset, is in no small part due to the removal of so much old deciduous woodland in the last seventy years or so. The peak of the spring emergence is roughly forty per cent of the autumn peak.
2257 Jodia croceago [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] ORANGE UPPERWING RDB1 A declined species seen just several times in the past twenty-five years, the most recent in Sussex on 11 May 2006 (an opportunity for immigration from north-east France arose a couple of days before this date), possibly on the verge of extinction. Historically found very locally in many counties south-west of a line between Cheshire and Essex, the larva feeding on pendunculate oak (Quercus robor) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea), and abroad also but to a lesser extent on maple (Acer spp.), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and poplar (Populus spp.). The moth is more readily attracted to sugar bait than to light traps and only a portion of a given population appear during the autumn, the majority recorded during the spring. In Dorset, the moth was found very sparingly in the larger drier (warmer) oak woods with no particular preference for soil type, and also on scrub oak-rich heathland, however, there have been no records for more than seventy years: Glanvilles Wootton, on 17 October 1842 (J Dale), Chamberlaynes, at light on 21 October 1927, a female at honeycomb on 22 March 1936 (H Andrewes), Bere Regis, (W Parkinson Curtis), Hamworthy, on 23 March 1897 (W Parkinson Curtis), Poole, (E Blanchard), Cranborne, (F Fisher).
The key requirements of this species seem to be: · A ready supply of soft, young foliage on oak arising from either:
· A dry place to hibernate within oak leaves affixed to the tree, scrub or coppiced stump between November and February.
One of its primary foodplant, pendunculate oak remains the dominant species in the county, however, sessile oak, a tree of acid soils, is now confined to the shores of Poole Harbour, the Cranborne area, Oakers Wood and the far west of the county. Scrub oak habitat was once a feature of dry heathland blocks and in these situations would have been beneficial because the leaves remain on the plant overwinter. However, post-1950s this resource has tended to be stripped out by the Forestry Commission and conservation agencies alike, and no site across the Poole Basin now contains it. The impoverished nature of heathland soil tends to limit growth, but once the oaks attain a moderate size, coppicing could be undertaken to good effect.
2258 Conistra vaccinii (Linnaeus, 1761) CHESTNUT A widespread species in Britain, the polyphagous larva feeding nocturnally on various deciduous trees and shrubs. In Dorset, the moth ranges from locally abundant in deciduous woodland to rare in open situations. The adult is usually active during the milder spells in mid-winter.
2259 Conistra ligula (Esper, 1791) DARK CHESTNUT A local species in southern Britain, the polyphagous larva feeding nocturnally on various deciduous trees and shrubs. In Dorset, the moth is at low density across the county with no discernible habitat preferences, although the coastal population tends to be marginally higher than those inland. The records indicate a drop in numbers of more than eighty per cent on average, between the autumn and spring peaks. The moth is similar to the Chestunt2258. Diagnostics include: a squarer apex containing a more pointed tip, not rounded; frequently a distinct pale broad band along the sub-terminal line; often a ground colour much darker than chestnut; tends not to be seen beyond late March.
2260 Conistra rubiginea [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] DOTTED CHESTNUT Notable/Nb A local species confined mainly to southern England, the larval foodplant is unknown but abroad the caterpillar has been found on apple (Malus spp.), blackthorn (Prunus spp.), sallow (Salix), oak (Quercus spp.) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). In Dorset, the moth is at low density across a range of biotypes and soil types. It is most often trapped on clay soil and least on chalky soil (see graphic). One locality favoured by the moth and a potential ‘hot-spot’ is Furzebrook, where more than one hundred were trapped between 1972 and 1976. This locality is surrounded by damp deciduous woodland, and is situated on clay soils sandwiched between open heathland to the south of Wareham and calcareous grassland on the Purbeck Ridge. The moth was found to be a frequent visitor to ivy blossom at Corfe Castle a few kilometers from Furzebrook and on similar geology; thirty-three moths were observed here between 1891 and 1895. A far more open-habitat locality where the moth is seen fairly regularly (forty-three moths in fourteen out of seventeen years) is West Bexington, a coastal grassland habitat containing an abundance of blackthorn scrub. The records indicate a nine-fold increase in numbers during the spring on average, suggesting perhaps that a large percentage of the population have a post-winter emergence.
There are indications that the moth may be an occasional immigrant to the county. The following examples trapped at light were observed in coastal localities during notable immigration events; the 2000 date is a remarkably late one for this species: Walditch, on 15 March 2002 (M Parsons), Portland, on 21 June 2000, 11 February 2004 (M Cade), Durlston, on 4 April 1999 (S Nash). The moth occurs locally throughout Europe but is absent from southern Iberia.
2261 Conistra erythrocephala [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] RED-HEADED CHESTNUT A resident species in woodland on chalky soil in Sussex and Kent between 1847 and 1880 and noted as a rare immigrant subsequently, the larva feeding on deciduous trees at first and later on herbaceous plants. It is locally common within deciduous woodland throughout much of Europe, but absent from southern Iberia. Seventeen moths have been recorded in Dorset; all are suspected immigrants and nearly half of the tally appeared during the autumn of 2004 when a source of central France was likely. Several examples were then seen the following spring and are likely to have hibernated post-immigration. The two West Bexington moths from 2004, a male and a female, were retained and kept in a fridge over the winter. The two were then brought together, paired, and the female duly laid in the region of six hundred ova. The larvae were successfully reared on birch (Betula spp.) and elm (Ulmus spp.). West Bexington, at MV on 5 November and on 11 November 2004, 28 October 2006 (R Eden), Portland, at MV on 27 November 1997, 3 November 1999, two on 2 November, one on 6 November and one on 7 November 2004 (M Cade), Weymouth, at MV on 31 March 2005 (R Lambert), Puddletown, on 28 October 2005 (H Wood Homer), Durlston, on 2 November 2004 (S Nash), two on 27 October 2005 (D Brown, M Townsend), 28 October 2006 (A Jenkins), Canford Cliffs, at MV in March 2005 (Mrs P Taylor), Bournemouth, on 14 October 1902 (Major R Robertson), 7 November 1902 (W Hooker).
2262 Agrochola circellaris (Hufnagel, 1766) BRICK A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding on the flowers or seeds of ash (Fraxinus spp.), sallow (Salix spp.), poplar (Populus spp.) and elm (Ulmus spp.). In Dorset, the moth is widespread but at low density, occurring most often in localities where its foodplants are frequent. The moth does not appear to colonise poplar-rich habitat, with just six moths in ten years from Hurn. Relatively high numbers of the moth occur in coastal situations, for example at West Bexington, St Albans Head and on Portland; blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) may be a potential foodplant in this open biotype.
2263 Agrochola lota (Clerck, 1759) RED-LINE QUAKER A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding nocturnally on sallow and willow (Salix spp.). In Dorset, the moth is locally common in open situations where sallow flourishes or where willows line river valleys. The Red-line Quaker is usually at low density in woodland and rare in sallow-free woods.
2264 Agrochola macilenta (Hübner, 1809) YELLOW-LINE QUAKER A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding at first in spun leaves of oak (Quercus spp.), beech (Fagus spp.), poplar (Populus spp.), willow (Salix spp.) and hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), and later nocturnally on herbaceous plants. In Dorset, the moth is locally abundant in deciduous woodland, but becomes less frequent in open habitats.
2264.1 Agrochola haematidea (Duponchel, 1827) SOUTHERN CHESTNUT RDB2 A recent addition to the British list following the discovery of a colony in Sussex in 1990, and then in Hampshire in 1996. Abroad, the moth occurs locally in heathland habitat, often where ericaceous plants form an understorey to heathland trees, in north and east Iberia and much of France except the north-east. The larva feeds on the young leaves and flowers of bell heather (Erica cinerea) and cross-leaved heath (Erica tetralix). It is reputed to reject ling (Calluna vulgaris). In Dorset, the moth was first discovered in 1998 at two sites six kilometres apart, to the north and south of Hurn Forest, respectively, on dry, heather-rich heathland. The first locality was roughly seven kilometers west of the colony discovered at Linwood in Hampshire in 1996. The close proximity of the northern site to fixed light traps operated during the 1980s at St Ives and at Matchams, strongly suggests recent colonisation rather than an overlooked resident. Trapping was undertaken at heathland sites further west at Ferndown in 1998 and 1999, but no moths were found. The species has evidently spread west and north into vice county 9 during the intervening period. This view is supported by the colonisation of two of the apparently unoccupied sites (researched four years previously), plus additional sites within heathland and heather-rich forest tracts to the north of the River Stour. Trapping several times on heathland blocks to the south of the River Stour has so far failed to yield a moth. Further early evening trapping is recommended on wooded heathland blocks to the south of the River Stour to monitor any future spread of the species. There is no shortage of habitat and foodplant available and it seems just a matter of time before the species colonises every heathland block in the county where Erica spp. grow.
Records from light trap and torchlight searches follow, unless otherwise stated: Summerlug Hill, on 15 October 2003 (P Davey), on 15 October 2004, two on 14 October 2006 (P Davey, P Butter), Parley Common, three on 28 October 2003 (P Davey, C Manley), Stephen’s Castle, two on 14 October 2003 (P Davey), Merritown Heath, two on 20 October 1998 (Dr P Sterling, D Hallett), five on 9 October 1999 (Dr P Sterling, B Henwood), two on 12 October 2001 (R Cook, D Humphrey), Ashley Heath, two on 13 October 2003 (P Davey), Avon Forest Park, three on 13 October 1998 (P Davey), Hurn, three on 10 October 2001, 12 October 2001, three on 15 and singles on 16 and 17 October 2001, 30 September 2003, 15 October 2004, 10 and 16 October 2005, singles on 9, 10 and 20 October 2006 (M Jeffes), Sopley Common, ten larvae swept from bell heather on 12 May 2000 (Dr P Sterling, M Jeffes), larva swept on 21 May 2000 and five more on 12 May 2001 (M Jeffes), three on 28 October 2002 (Dr P Sterling, H Wood Homer), five on 30 October 2002 (J McGill).
Examples have been trapped some distance from known colonies on three separate occasions in recent years and this lends support to the notion that this species is dispersive and expanding its range at the present time: Puddletown, on 15 October 2005 (H Wood Homer), Motcombe, on 14 October 2007 (P Butter), West Blagdon, on 14 October 2006 (D Green). Motcombe is roughly twenty-five kilometres from the nearest known colony.
2265 Agrochola helvola (Linnaeus, 1758) FLOUNCED CHESTNUT A local species in Britain, commonest in the south-east, scarcest in the north, the larva feeding on various deciduous trees, and in the north on bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and heather (Calluna vulgaris). In Dorset, the moth has become distinctly local, at low density and declining across its remaining two distinct biotypes. These are dry heathland on sandy soil, for example at Arne and at Matchams, and unimproved grassland on chalky soil, for example inland on Melbury Down, and on the coast at St Albans Head. The following old records suggest also a preference for old birch/oak woods: Milton Abbas, abundant (O Leigh Wood), Bere Wood and Bloxworth, sometimes abundant (O Pickard Cambridge, W Parkinson Curtis), Cranborne, common (F Fisher, W Parkinson Curtis). All three biotypes are relatively close together at Furzebrook where two hundred moths were trapped between 1972 and 1976.
2266 Agrochola litura (Linnaeus, 1761) BROWN-SPOT PINION A widespread species in Britain, the polyphagous larva feeding on various herbaceous plants and deciduous trees. In Dorset, the moth is local and at low density, being confined to scrub and bramble-rich grassland localities on chalky soils both inland and on the coast, and to other localities close to chalk-sourced rivers, such as the River Stour and the Moors River.
2267 Agrochola lychnidis [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] BEADED CHESTNUT A widespread species in southern Britain and rare in Scotland, the larva feeding on various grasses, herbaceous plants and hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). In Dorset, this highly variable moth is widespread and ranges from abundant on unimproved grassland on chalky soils, although numbers vary enormously from year to year, to common on dry, grassy heathland, and finally to low density in woodland. Certain forms of this moth can be similar to the Brown-spot Pinion2266. Diagnostics include: lacks pitch-black marks along costal edge of forewing.
2269 Atethmia centrago (Haworth, 1809) CENTRE-BARRED SALLOW A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding on ash (Fraxinus excelsior). In Dorset, the moth is frequent in woodland on chalky soils where ash is dominant, and at low density in open habitat where ash trees are more isolated, for example in hedgerows. The moth is seldom seen in localities where ash is absent, for example just sixteen examples were recorded at Arne in more than twenty years of trapping.
2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa (Haworth, 1809) LUNAR UNDERWING A widespread species in southern Britain and rare further north, the larva feeding on various grasses. In Dorset, this highly variable moth is widespread and common, increasing to abundant on unimproved grassland.
2271 Xanthia citrago (Linnaeus, 1758) ORANGE SALLOW A local species in Britain, the larva feeding on lime (Tilia spp.). In Dorset, the moth is local and at low density, occurring in the vicinity of small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata) in old woodland in the north-east of the county, and amongst lime (Tilia platyphyllos x Tilia cordata) growing in parks and planted by local councils along streets in towns across the rest of the county.
2272 Xanthia aurago [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] BARRED SALLOW A species restricted to south-east England becoming rarer further north, the larva feeding on the buds, flowers and leaves of beech (Fagus spp.) and maple (Acer spp.). In Dorset, the moth is frequent in woods on chalky soils containing beech and field maple (Acer campestris) and recorded occasionally elsewhere where isolated mature beech and field maple grow. Larvae have been found on field maple in Chase Woods.
2273 Xanthia togata (Esper, 1788) PINK-BARRED SALLOW A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding at first on sallow (Salix spp.) and poplar (Populus spp.) catkins, and later on herbaceous plants. In Dorset, the moth is locally common in damp places such as mire, marsh, river valleys, damp grassland, and damp woods where sallows and/or poplars grow.
2274 Xanthia icteritia (Hufnagel, 1766) SALLOW A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding at first on sallow (Salix spp.) and poplar (Populus spp.) catkins, and later on herbaceous plants. In Dorset, the moth has the same distribution, flight period and habitat preferences as the Pink-barred Sallow2273, but is roughly forty percent more abundant. The following record was likely to have been a dispersed individual from Purbeck (a Pink-barred Sallow plus a Horse Chestnut1905 were trapped on the same night): Portland, at MV on 18 October 1997 (M Cade). The species is similar to the Pink-barred Sallow. Diagnostics include: yellow fringe on forewing edge, not purple; paler more washed-out yellow and purple colours generally. The form ab. flavescens (see photo) has no purple on the forewing and occurs infrequently but regularly in the population of Sallow.
2275 Xanthia gilvago [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] DUSKY-LEMON SALLOW A declining species in England and Wales, the larva feeding on the flowers and seeds of wych elm (Ulmus glabra), and occasionally English elm (Ulmus procera). In Dorset, this moth colonised small valley woods on Purbeck where wych elm was dominant, and wych-elm rich deciduous woodland on chalky soils close to river valleys, for example the River Iwerne and the River Crane. However, this species shares similar habitat preference to the Lesser-spotted Pinion2316 and the White-spotted Pinion2317, and like them, has all but disappeared from the county, although the Milton-on Stour dates do not coincide with immigration, and a far more local source is likely. The caterpillar requires a diet of flowers and seeds that tend to be present only on mature elm trees. Given the prevalence of dutch elm disease, very few elms manage to survive to flower-bearing age, and so the moth has disappeared. In the absence of any initiative to restock the countryside with disease resistant elm, no recommendations are proposed: Milton-on Stour, 14 and two on 30 September 2006 (J Burge), Iwerne Minster, at MV light on 11 August 1956, 2 October 1956, 1 October 1959, 13 September 1964, 1 October and 6 October 1965 (H Moore), Creech Grange, two at MV light on 22 September 1965 (F Reeves), Scar Bank, at light on 14 September 1945, 1 October 1948 (A Russell), Durlston, at ivy bloom on 10 October 1936 (A Russell), at MV on 23 September 1961 ( Dr J Langmaid et al), three at MV on 9 October 1961 (S Coxey), at MV on 8 October 1962 (B Baker, T Homer), at MV light on 3 October 1976 (Dr J Clarke), at MV light on 12 October 1991 (D Brown), Cranborne, at light on 18 September 1907 (W Parkinson Curtis).
The moth has also been recorded on a number of occasions from a range of often mature elm-free habitat. Sources in western France are likely for the majority of the examples trapped mainly at light: West Bexington, on 2 October 2007 (R Eden), Weymouth, at MV on 18 October 1960 (E Classey, Professor R Morrell), Portland, at ivy bloom on 17 October 1960 (D ffennell), on 15 October 2001, 11 October 2005, 24 September 2006 and two on 18 October 2006 (M Cade), Puddletown, on 15 October 2005 (H Wood Homer), Shapwick, on 10 October 2006 (P Davey), Stoborough, at MV light on 27 September 1977 (B Withers), Worth Matravers, two at ivy bloom on 10 October 1961 (Captain R Jackson), Studland, three at MV light on 13 October and 25 October 1979 (D Brown), Brownsea Island, on 2 October 1964 (A Bromby).
2276 Xanthia ocellaris (Borkhausen, 1792) PALE-LEMON SALLOW Notable/Na A declining species in south-east England and East Anglia, the larva feeding on the catkins and afterwards on the leaves of black-poplar (Populus nigra), or, if the catkins fall to the ground, on herbaceous plants. Its preferred habitat is poplar-dominated open woodland and mature poplar groves usually on the floor of river valleys. The moth has been recorded on three occasions in Dorset. A second individual was trapped on the same night as the Wareham example, in central Kent, and although hybrid black-poplars (Populus nigra x deltoides) have been block planted at Wareham, both are likely immigrants. Indeed, the first two Dorset examples are likely to have originated from the western France; the most recent, from north-eastern France: Broadwey, on 8 October 2007 (P Harris), Wareham, on 5 October 1997 (B Withers), Durlston, on 10 October 2005 (Durlston Country Park).
2277 Moma alpium (Osbeck, 1778) SCARCE MERVEILLE DU JOUR RDB3 A rare species occurring locally in most southern coastal counties prior to the middle of the last century but from the 1970s, restricted to Devon, Hampshire and Kent, the larva feeding on oak (Quercus spp.). In Dorset, this beautiful moth was recorded nearly one hundred years ago in the far north-east of the county. Although much of the old woodland in the area was sacrificed to coniferisation from the 1960s, two old oak woods remain to the present day, and fortunately still support the species. A continuation of the sympathetic management employed at Boys Wood and at Castle Hill Wood could be beneficial to maintaining this species at both sites: Cranborne, on 10 June and 19 June 1905 (F Fisher), larva (W Parkinson Curtis), Boys Wood, at MV light on 13 June 2002 (P Davey), Castle Hill Wood, at MV light on 18 June 2003 (P Davey). One further moth was seen during 2003 flying in warm sunshine before landing on a gorse bush close to the observer: West Moors, on 29 May 2003 (K Powrie). Since 2003, the species seems to have undergone a rapid expansion in the north-east of the county, the following light trap records refer: Verwood, on 3 June, 16 June and 29 June 2007 (M Weaver), 8 June 2008 (C Court), at house light on 2 July 2008 (C Hill), Alderholt, at MV light on 31 May, 9 June, 24 July 2008 (T Morris). The following example was trapped well away from core habitat, and coincided with immigration from abroad: Dorchester, at MV light on 21 June 2003 (J Down).
2278 Acronicta megacephala [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] POPLAR GREY A widespread species in England and Wales, most common in south-east England and rare in Scotland, the larva feeding on poplar (Populus spp.), willow and sallow (Salix spp.). In Dorset, the moth is frequent wherever aspen (Populus tremula) is well established. It is at low density, rising to frequent locally, where poplars and willows grow in river valleys. There are few records from sallow-rich poplar-free sandy soil localities, for example in twenty-five years of trapping no moths were recorded from Arne. Although the moth is single brooded in the UK in May and June, there seems to be two brood cycles in play in Dorset. The first emergence is in May with a partial second brood from late August in warm summers: West Bexington, on 2 September 2003 (R Eden), Puddletown, on 24 September 1999 (H Wood Homer). A much larger single brood occurs in mid-summer.
2279 Acronicta aceris (Linnaeus, 1758) SYCAMORE A species confined to south-east England plus a few sites further north and west, but absent in Scotland, the larva feeding on horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), maple (Acer campestre) and occasionally other deciduous trees. In Dorset, the moth is widespread but at low density and rarely frequent. It is found wherever its primary foodplants grow, whether in deciduous woods, plantations, open hedgerow situations or in towns and villages. The larva has been found feeding on sallow (Salix spp.) at Whitesheet, a locality where none of the primary foodplant species occur. Although the moth is single brooded in mid-summer in the UK, a separate single brood is suspected from mid-May with the main brood on the wing between late-June and early August.
2280 Acronicta leporina (Linnaeus, 1758) MILLER A widespread species in England and Wales, more local in Scotland, the larva feeding on birch (Betula spp.) and alder (Alnus glutinosa), and occasionally other deciduous trees. In Dorset, the moth is frequent on birch-rich heathland on sandy soils, in woodland containing mature birch or alder on any soil, and among alder-rich fen, swamp and river valleys. The few individuals trapped away from birch and alder suggests dispersal. A single old record of larvae found on western balsam-poplar (Populus trichocarpa) demonstrates that the species may sometimes occupy alternative habitats. Although the moth is single brooded in the UK during late May and June, two brood cycles, similar to that of Poplar Grey2278, is suspected.
2281 Acronicta alni (Linnaeus, 1767) ALDER A local species in England and Wales, the larva feeding on birch (Betula spp.), alder (Alnus glutinosa) and other deciduous tree species. In Dorset, the moth is generally at low density, but frequent locally along river valleys or in fens and swamps containing alder, and in old damp deciduous woodland on clay soils. Although it has been recorded from birch-rich localities, instances are surprisingly few from any single site considering birch is a quoted foodplant, and it does appear that alder is preferred by the moth, at least in the county. The following examples are possible partial second brood moths: Iwerne Minster, at MV light on 27 August 1967, 14 September 1967 (H Moore).
2283 Acronicta tridens [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] DARK DAGGER A widespread species in south-east Britain, becoming scarce further north, the larva feeding on hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), blackthorn (Prunus spp.), sallow (Salix spp.), apple (Malus spp.), wild rose (Rosa canina) and other deciduous trees and shrubs. “There are, in my opinion, two methods of distinguishing this species from the Grey Dagger2284 with absolute certainty: breeding from larva, and dissecting out the genitalia. Anything less than either method leads to error.” (W Parkinson Curtis ms). Given this difficulty in identifying these two Daggers, no attempt has been made to assess each status suffice it to say that this species has a preference for hawthorn and rosaeceae plants, and is therefore likely to be common on chalky soils where hawthorn and dog rose are dominant amongst scrub. Elsewhere, it is probably at low density in town gardens where fruit trees are grown.
2284 Acronicta psi (Linnaeus, 1758) GREY DAGGER A widespread and often common species in Britain, the larva is polyphagous on deciduous trees and shrubs. In Dorset, the species is likely to be widespread and common with no ecological preference. The phenology chart uses all data for the two Daggers. Two-brood cycles are evident, the main univoltine cycle in July plus a partial bivoltine cycle in May and in August. The national norm is for a single brood in northern Britain and a double brood in the south. An extreme aberration was found at Lodmoor by C Day on 28 June 1932.
2289 Acronicta rumicis (Linnaeus, 1758) KNOT GRASS A widespread species in Britain, the larva is polyphagous. In Dorset, the moth is ubiquitous and at low density, occasionally rising to frequent, particularly in sallow-rich localities. Two brood cycles seem to be established, with a double brood emerging by mid-April and again from mid-July; a single brood emerges from early-June. Warm summers occasionally spawn an additional partial generation from either brood cycle, as evidenced by the following light trap records: West Bexington, on 1 October 1997, 8 November 2004 (R Eden), Puddletown, on 17 October 2003 (H Wood Homer), Iwerne Minster, on 4 October 1959 (H Moore), Shapwick, on 13 October 2003, Gaunts Common, on 11 October 1995, 8 November 1995 (P Davey), Arne, on 9 October 1992, 30 September 1995 (B Pickess), St Ives, on 3 October 1988 (Dr J Clarke).
2291 Craniohora ligustri [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] CORONET A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding on ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and privet (Ligustrum vulgare). In Dorset, the moth is frequent but rarely common, wherever ash or wild privet grows in quantity on chalky soils. The moth is rare in the Poole Basin. Salt-resistant privet thickets in coastal undercliffs and on the Chesil Bank, also support colonies. Although the moth is single brooded between late June and July in the UK, a separate single brood is suspected from early-May, with the main brood on the wing between late-June and early August; there is an occasional partial second generation in late August and early September most often at the end of hot summers.
2292 Cryphia algae (Fabricius, 1775) TREE-LICHEN BEAUTY A few examples of this species existed in nineteenth century collections with limited or no authentication, and the moth was excluded from several books on British Moths subsequently through lack of firm evidence. Since the 1990s however, the moth has been trapped in various parts of southern England, particularly in south-east England, indicating a north-westward expansion from its headquarters in continental Europe including southern Scandinavia, the larva feeding on the lichens growing on trees. Fifteen examples have been trapped in Dorset, always on or close to the coast, with more than half appearing in 2004. All are likely to have originated from mainland Europe, see wind rose based on the following dates: Warre Wood, on 5 August 2004 (Dr P Sterling, D Foot), Weymouth, on 10 August 1995 (Dr P Sterling), Portland, on 3 August 2001, 1 August 2003, two on 2 August 2004, 14 August 2004, 21 July 2006 (M Cade), Swanage, on 29 July 2004, 14 August 2005 and 21 July 2006 (R Cox), Durlston, on 7 August 2003 (J McGill), 8 August 2003 and 7 August and 11 August 2004 (S Nash). One date did not backtrack to the Continent, namely the 2005 event at Swanage, a part of the county that recorded three moths the previous year. It is just possible the species was able to establish a transitory colony in 2004/2005.
2293 Cryphia domestica (Hufnagel, 1766) MARBLED BEAUTY A widespread species in England and Wales, local in Scotland, the larva feeding nocturnally on lichens growing on rocks, walls and roofs, including Lecidea confluens and Xanthoria paroetina. In Dorset, the moth is most often recorded, albeit at low density in suburbia and on rocky or pebbly coastlines. The wide variation in size is thought to be due to climatic factors during the larval stage; exceptionally dry springs tend to give rise to dwarf adults. The moth “seems to stand the heat of the bricks better than does the Marbled Green.” (W Parkinson Curtis ms).
2295 Cryphia muralis (Forster, 1771) MARBLED GREEN A species confined to the coastal counties of southern England and south Wales, the larva feeding nocturnally on lichens growing on rocks and walls, including Diploicia canescens. In Dorset, the moth is frequent on rocky or pebbly coasts, but rare inland on walls constructed from limestone or brick walls with lime pointing. “Sometimes fairly common, but the class of old stone wall suitable to this species is decreasing, but it will take to old cool brick walls and to old hardwood posts. It must, however, be in positions where atmospheric moisture is available, not necessarily rain. Common on the walls of an old stone house at Longfleet at Poole. These walls were made of Lyme Regis lias, and were overgrown with lichen” (W Parkinson Curtis ms).
2296 Tathorhynchus exsiccata (Lederer 1855) LEVANT BLACKNECK The first UK record of this cosmopolitan tropical species was from Maidencombe in Devon during March 1942. It has been seen just ten times up to the end of the twentieth century, but in 2004 a further ten records were added, the larva reputedly feeds on indigo (Indigofera sp.) and lucerne (Medicago sativa). In Dorset, the moth has been recorded on eight occasions at light traps, all coinciding with the phenomenal winter immigration of February 2004: West Bexington, on 11 and 12 February 2004 (R Eden), Portland, two on 11 February 2004 plus two the night after (M Cade), Puddletown, 13 and 15 February 2004 (H Wood Homer). A backtrack using wind data, yielded a potential source of origin from the region of Western Sahara and Mauritania, an overall distance of 4000 kilometers. |
