2451       Catocala fraxini (Linnaeus 1758) CLIFDEN NONPAREIL

An irregular immigrant species to Britain and extinct resident, the larva feeding on aspen (Populus tremula). The species was resident in Orlestone Forest in Kent between 1935 and 1955 before the aspen trees within the wood were felled to make way for conifers. In Dorset, this spectacular moth has been recorded on nineteen occasions in the past twenty-seven years either at sugar, at light or during the day. All county records follow; most are from light traps unless stated otherwise: West Bexington, on 15 September 2005 (R Eden), Lyons Gate, by day on house wall on 25 September 2005 (T Box), Radipole, worn female at rest by day on 2 October 1954 (L Summer Ward), Puddletown, at MV on 20 September 1999, 12 September 2006, 7 and 20 September 2007 (H Wood Homer), Shaggs, on 29 September 2005, 20 September 2006 (Butterfly Conservation), to house-lit first-floor window whence netted on 7 September 2008 (L Hill), East Holme, 1 October 2007 (J Cox), Spetisbury, 7 September and 7 October 2008 (D and Mrs J Kingland), Langton Matravers, on 9 August 1986 (E Groves),on 30 September 1994 (D Kemp), Studland, on 23 September 2006 (C Manley), Poole, in 1866 (E Blanchard), Longfleet, at rest on ash tree in 1892 (W Parkinson Curtis), Swanage, at sugar on 20 September 1938 (C Cole), at sugar on 29 August 1939 (P Whitehouse), Branksome, in 1945 (W Parkinson Curtis), Parkstone, at lighted window on 11 September 1976 (Miss Brotherton), Verwood, at house light on 7 September 2008 (C Hill), Boveridge, about 1740 (Storey), Matchams, on 13 September 1985 (G Le Pard), Iford, on 11 October 1995 (M Jeffes), Highcliffe, at rest on house wall on 10 September 1982 (E Wild).

Occurrences of this species have evidently increased of late, and residency is just possible for recurring examples trapped in the Piddle and Frome river valleys. Although the majority of record dates coincide with airflows from the Continent, the 7 September 2007 example at Puddletown occurred following a ten-day period of north to north-westerly winds.

2452       Catocala nupta (Linnaeus 1767) RED UNDERWING

A species restricted to south-eastern Britain, the larva feeding on poplar (Populus spp.) and willow (Salix spp.). In Dorset, the moth is at low density, typically occurring in river valleys where willows and poplars flourish; there is no indication that the species colonises sallow-rich localities. Although the moth is strongly attracted to sugar, many of the records are from light trap. The moth also flies during the day when it may be seen on house walls.

2453       Catocala electa (Vieweg 1790) ROSY UNDERWING

A rare immigrant trapped a handful of times in south-east England, resident in central and southern Europe, the larva feeding on poplar (Populus spp.), sallow and willow (Salix spp.). In Dorset, the moth has been seen on two occasions: Corfe Castle, one in a trap for wasps in the walled peach garden at the rectory on 9 September 1892 (Reverend E Bankes), Portland, at MV light on 11 September 1993 (M Cade). This species is similar to Red Underwing₂₄₅₂. Diagnostics include: smooth light grey ground colour; edge of wing has row of black dots not dashes; a deeply-troughed ‘W’ mark is present on the post-median line.

2454       Catocala promissa (Denis & Schiffermüller 1775) LIGHT CRIMSON UNDERWING     RDB3

A rare species that has declined since the 1950s in southern England, still headquartered in the New Forest, with small colonies elsewhere in Hampshire, Wiltshire and Sussex, the larva feeding nocturnally, firstly on the flowers and buds, and then on the foliage of oak (Quercus spp.). In Dorset, the moth was noted from two old oak woodland localities in the nineteenth century. More recently, the 1978 and 1982 records occurred in similar weather situations with sluggish airflows circulating around nearby low-pressure centres. These were likely to have been dispersed examples either from southern England or from northern France. It is very doubtful that the species is still resident given the destruction of so much old oak woodland, but targeted sugaring is recommended for this species in Boys Wood, Rye Hill Wood and Castle Hill Wood. The moth may occasionally be observed flying over the oak canopy during the afternoon on hot days: Middlemarsh, wings found on 13 July 1886 (J Dale), Cranborne, occasionally (Reverend F Fisher), Arne Wood, at MV on 4 August 1978 (B Pickess), Highcliffe, at MV on 4 August 1982, plus two subsequently (E Wild).

2455       Catocala sponsa (Linnaeus 1767) DARK CRIMSON UNDERWING      RDB2

A rare species that has declined since the 1950s in southern England, still headquartered in the New Forest but more scarce there than the Light Crimson Underwing₂₄₅₄, the larva feeding nocturnally, firstly on the buds, and then on the foliage of oak (Quercus spp.). In Dorset, nine moths have been recorded, and seven of these on just three occasions were coincident with south-easterly airflows from central France, the 2005 record was more likely to have been a dispersed example from the New Forest transported on light east to north-easterly winds. The status of the moth in the county is therefore chiefly that of a rare immigrant. The following are from light traps unless stated otherwise: Weymouth, at study window pane in July 1880 (A Pickard Cambridge), on 11 August 1986 (M Parker), Portland, on 11 August 1986 (R Bell), Preston on 2 August 2004 (R Lambert), Durlston, on 9 August 2005 (D Brown), Swanage, at sugar on 21 July 1934 (A Russell), Scar Bank, at sugar on 20 July 1934 (A Russell), Studland, at sugar on 21 July 1934 (A Russell).

2456       Minucia lunaris (Denis & Schiffermuller 1775) LUNAR DOUBLE-STRIPE

An extinct resident and irregular immigrant species mainly to south-east England, the larva feeding nocturnally on the tender foliage of oak (Quercus spp.) springing from the stumps of felled trees, a requirement similar to that of the Orange Upperwing₂₂₅₇. The species occurred in Kent between 1942 and 1958, and in Sussex between 1873 and 1880 and again there in the early 1950s in old woodland where mature oaks were being harvested. In Dorset, three moths have been recorded at light traps on two occasions. Likely sources are central or north-eastern France in both years: Durlston, on 21, 24 May 1992 (D Brown), Gaunts Common, on 26 May 1993 (P Davey).

2460       Dysgonia algira (Linnaeus 1767) PASSENGER

A rare immigrant species to south-east coastal counties of England, the larva feeding nocturnally on a wide range of deciduous shrub species across southern, central and eastern Europe. In Dorset, the moth has been recorded at light traps on seven occasions, mostly coincident with airflows from central or western France, although the 1996 example was more likely to have originated from Germany: West Bexington, on 10 September 1997, 12 September 2005 (R Eden), Wyke Regis, on 22 August 2001 (D Foot), Portland, on 24 August 2004, 4 September 2005 (M Cade), Church Ope Cove, on 14 August 1996 (D Brown), St Albans Head, on 23 September 1983 (P Davey).

2462       Callistege mi (Clerck 1759) MOTHER SHIPTON

A widespread species in southern Britain, more local further north, the larva feeding on clover (Trifolium spp.), trefoil (Lotus spp.), medick (Medicago spp.) and related species. In Dorset, this day-flying moth ranges from locally common in unimproved dry grassland on chalky soils where common bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) occurs, to frequent in damp situations where greater bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus pendunculatus) grows. The following records refer to colonisation of sandy soils: Warmwell Heath, (Dr F Haines), Morden Heath, by day (Reverend F Carr), Studland, common by day (W Parkinson Curtis), Sandbanks, common both as larvae and as imagines (Reverend F Carr), Ashington, by day on 28 June 1992 (J Fradgley), Parkstone, by day on 14 May 1980 (Reverend S Pittis), West Moors, by day on 6 and 16 May, 2, 8 and 30 June 1994 (K Powrie), Cranborne Common, by day in 1975 (R Hatton), Merritown Heath, by day on 19 May 1999 (R Blake). The name of the moth refers to Ursula Southeil a soothsayer and fortuneteller who was reputed to be hideously ugly and who lived during the reign of King Henry VIII. The face on the wing of the moth bears a striking resemblance to the surviving caricatures of her.

2463       Euclidia glyphica (Linnaeus 1758) BURNET COMPANION

A widespread species in southern and eastern England, more local further north and west, the larva feeding on clover (Trifolium spp.), trefoil (Lotus spp.), medick (Medicago spp.) and related species. In Dorset, this day-flying moth is locally abundant in unimproved dry grassland on chalky soils where common bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) occurs. It is at low density in damp woodland and on unimproved grassland on clay soils where greater bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus pendunculatus) grows and absent from sandy soils.

2465       Tyta luctuosa (Denis & Schiffermüller 1775) FOUR-SPOTTED     Notable/Na

A declining species, now rare in south-east England, the larva feeding on field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). In Dorset, the moth used to colonise flowery meadows very locally on dry chalky soils both inland and on the coast. From the late 1930s, inland observations ceased, and colonies on the Purbeck coast and on Portland were all that remained. From 1950, a further contraction occurred and the Purbeck colonies disappeared leaving Portland as the sole refuge still to be colonised. This county-wide decline was mirrored across much of southern England during the last century, and today, Dorset, Suffolk and Nottinghamshire are the only counties where the moth is still regularly recorded. A primary reason for the decline is likely to be loss of unimproved grassland and arable on dry, chalky soils, and in particular land that was subject to occasional disturbance or low impact grazing. Old farming techniques created conditions where “weeds” such as field bindweed were able to grow within the crop and among herb-rich corridors around the periphery of individual field compartments. The species appears to be mainly univoltine with adults on the wing between late June and mid-August, but occasionally a partial first generation emerges in late May and early June, but numbers tend to be small.

The Dorset County Council owned and managed Durlston Country Park contain a series of field systems that are being sympathetically grazed to promote herb-rich habitat on chalky soil and field bindweed is abundant within many of the plots. The moth was frequent at Durlston more than fifty years ago, and the 2003 and 2004 records below suggest re-colonisation of the area. However, the corresponding dates coincide with major immigrant influxes from continental Europe, and further research is required to establish the presence of colonies. It is recommended that Dorset County Council include Four-spotted habitat preferences in their management plans at Durlston. All Purbeck records follow: Lulworth, (Reverend G Green), (O Pickard Cambridge), Chapman’s Pool, on 2 August 1929 (C Granville-Clutterbuck), Knowle Hill, disturbed and boxed on the edge of the cart-track leading from the foot of the hill to Norden Farm on 29 June 1897 (Reverend E Bankes), Winspit, at light on 28 July 1935 (A Russell), Herston, at MV in July 2003 (W Teagle), Swanage, in 1899 (S Kemp), four disturbed whilst crossing a field where clover hay had just been carried on 2 July 1906 (Reverend E Bankes), Scar Bank, at light on 20 June 1933, 6 July 1933, 8 August 1934, two on 9 August 1936, 4 August 1938, 28 July 1948, 24 July 1949 (A Russell), Ballard Down, (W Parkinson Curtis), Townsend Reserve, visiting flowers of bindweed on 17 August 2004 (R Cox), Durlston, not uncommonly (A Russell), at MV on 8 August 2003 (J McGill).

The Kingston Lacy Estate, owned and managed by the National Trust contains Badbury Rings, an ancient hill fort surrounded by grassland on chalky soil. The site used to contain unimproved grassland before much of it was improved. Although a single recent example was trapped close to Badbury Rings: Shapwick, at MV on 29 July 2004 (P Davey), the night in question yielded a rash of immigrant species across the county. It is recommended that the National Trust explicitly reference this species in their management plans for the site: Badbury Rings, one (W Parkinson Curtis), by day on 19 June 1931 (H Andrewes, Dr H King). The National Trust also manages Hod Hill where the moth was recorded nearly one hundred years ago. The site is heavily grazed and a pale shadow of its former self but with sympathetic grazing, provide suitable habitat once more: Hod Hill, on 6 August 1919 (A Hayward).

Two moths appeared in the vicinity of Lulworth in 1995. 1995 was a bumper year for the species on Portland; in excess of two hundred and fifty examples were trapped on Portland alone. These Lulworth moths may have dispersed from Portland, but equally they may have originated from France as a notable immigration was underway at the time: Lulworth, at MV on 27 July 1995 (Dr P Sterling), Gad Cliff, by day on 29 July 1995 (N and Mrs B Cape).

The remaining Dorset records are as follows: Abbotsbury, disturbed from behind the pebble ridge on 29 May 1936 (H Andrewes), Chamberlaynes, at light on 24 June 1935, 24 July 1935 (H Andrewes), Boscombe, (Fassnidge).

2466       Lygephila pastinum (Treitschke 1826) BLACKNECK

A widespread species in south-eastern England, local in Wales, central and eastern England, and absent elsewhere, the larva feeding on tufted vetch (Vicia cracca). In Dorset, the moth is widespread but local and at low density, but common on unimproved grassland on ill-drained clay soils containing areas of tall sward. In this habitat, meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis) or dyer’s greenweed (Genista tictoria) may host the moth. A record of a potential second brood example follows: Hurn, at MV light on 16 September 2006 (M Jeffes).

2469       Scoliopteryx libatrix (Linnaeus 1758) HERALD

A widespread species in England and Wales, but local in Scotland, the larva feeding on sallow and willow (Salix spp.) and poplar (Populus spp.). In Dorset, the moth is widespread and frequent, increasing to common locally, in sallow-rich damp habitat. “The insect seems to be uniformly dispersed in the county and though frequent, never abundant, though occasionally it may be found in small groups in caves. It is, however, an insect whose habits and beauty cause it to be more frequently noticed than many commoner species.” (W Parkinson Curtis ms). In Dorset, the moth is double brooded, with a discrete generation between early July and mid-August. The peak of the summer brood is more than twice as large on average, than that of the winter brood. Post-winter numbers are roughly six times larger on average than those observed during the autumn, and a significant spring emergence is suspected.

2470       Phytometra viridaria (Clerck 1759) SMALL PURPLE-BARRED

A widespread species in south-east England, more local elsewhere, the larva feeding on the flowers of common milkwort (Polygala vulgaris) and possibly lousewort (Pedicularis sylvatica). In Dorset, the moth occupies three biotypes. It is locally abundant on dry unimproved short-turf grassland on chalky soil - in these situations the foodplants are common milkwort and chalk milkwort (Polygala calcarea). It is locally frequent on sandy soil where heath milkwort (Polygala serpyllifolia) grows in woodland rides, plantations or among heather. The third habitat is found at Powerstock Common, where milkwort occurs on the grassy embankments of an old railway line cut into clay soil. The moth is double brooded in the county, with the peak of the second brood more than three times larger on average, than the peak of the first. It is active during the day, particularly in sunshine and is easily disturbed from its resting-place on the ground. It also flies at night and in fact more than half of the county’s records originate from light traps. On these occasions it is often noted some distance away from core habitat.

2473       Laspeyria flexula (Denis & Schiffermüller 1775) BEAUTIFUL HOOK-TIP

A widespread species in south-east Britain but absent elsewhere, the larva feeding on various lichens growing on the twigs and branches of deciduous and coniferous trees. In Dorset, the moth is frequent in lichen-rich woodland and largely absent from open habitat; it has yet to be recorded on Portland for example. Elsewhere, the moth is at low density. Unusually early and late dates are as follows: Bracketts Coppice, at MV on 6 May 2000 (J Astley), Shaggs, at MV on 22 April 2002 (M Parsons), Gaunts Common, at MV on 14 October 1995 (P Davey), Holt Forest, at MV on 16 October 1995 (P Davey). The October 1995 dates coincided with a notable immigration from abroad.

2474       Rivula sericealis (Scopoli 1763) STRAW DOT

A widespread species in southern Britain, more local further north, the larva feeding nocturnally on false brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum) and tor-grass (Brachypodium pinnatum). In Dorset, the moth is common in woodland where false brome occurs, and in fens and river valley habitat. It is largely absent from heathland and elsewhere in open, dry situations. The moth is double brooded in the county with the peak of the second brood nearly twice the size, on average, as the peak of the first. A relatively large number of records between mid-September and mid-October suggest a partial third brood in most years. The warm summer of 2003 spawned particularly strong second and third broods with some notably high totals, and dispersal or immigration may account for some of the following examples appearing at light traps in dry grassland biotypes: Portland, fifty-five between 6 and 9 August 2003, five on 26 September 2003 (M Cade), Shapwick, forty-six on 21 September 2003 (P Davey), Swanage, thirteen on 8 August 2003 (R Cox).

2475       Parascotia fuliginaria (Linnaeus 1761) WAVED BLACK     Notable/Nb

A rare species confined to south-east England plus outlying colonies in Worcestershire and south Wales, the larva feeding on fungi growing on fallen and rotten trees and stumps. In Dorset, the moth has been seen on five occasions at light traps: Rooksmoor, on 23 July 1997 (P Davey), Harman’s Cross, on 20 July 1991 (B Withers), Ferndown, on 21 July 1997 (R Cook), Verwood, on 4 August 2004 (S Palmer), Alderholt, on 23 July 2008 (T Morris).  Dispersal from colonies in Hampshire or Surrey was likely for the 1997 and 2004 examples and massive immigration from abroad coincided with the observation of the 2008 example. However, targeted searches for the highly cryptic larvae on fungi growing on fallen rotten birch trunks within dry woodland on sandy soils in the east of the county in late spring and early summer may well prove productive, particularly as the species appears to have extended its range westwards into the New Forest in recent years.

2476       Hypena crassalis (Fabricius 1787) BEAUTIFUL SNOUT

A local species mainly confined to southern England and Wales, the larva feeding on bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). In Dorset, the moth was first recorded in 1994 and has been recorded from an increasing number of sites subsequently. The moths listed below have been found in or near old woods on sandy soils where bilberry occurs. The plant is local and associated with old woodland, and it is possible that the species has always been in the county, but has remained undetected: Yellowham Wood, on 26 July 1998 (S Barrett), two on 28 July 2001 (R Cook, D Humphrey), Puddletown, on 5 July 2000, 7 and 22 July 2002, 14 July 2005, 25 June 2006, 10 July 2006, 14 June 2007, 15 July 2007, 28 June 2008, 3 and 14 July 2008 (H Wood Homer), Oakers Wood, on 30 July 1994 (P Davey), Sares Wood, on 6 July 1997 (H Wood Homer), disturbed by day on 11 June and 23 July 2006 (M Forster), 13 July 1997 (M Forster), Bere Wood, on 9 July 1995 (R Cook), Holt Forest, three on 28 June 1995 (P Davey), 7 July 1995 (R Cook), Whitesheet, on 16 July 1998 (P Davey); Ringwood Forest, 2 July 2008 (R Goff), Verwood, on 7 July 2008 (C Court).

The following light trap records coincident with airflows from the Continent suggest immigration in recent years from France: Charmouth, on 30 June 2008 (G Sell), West Bexington, on 21 July 2000, 6 and 17 July 2006 (R Eden), Portland, on 5 July 2006 (M Cade), Preston, on 14 July 2006 (M Forster), Motcombe, on 3 July 2006 (P Butter), Wimborne, on 11 June 2007 (D and Mrs M Godfrey). Two west Dorset sites are far from bilberry-rich habitat, and the following light trapped singletons suggest a second, damp woodland biotype for the species: Monkton Wyld, on 15 June 2005 (O Woodland), Powerstock Common, at MV on 14 June 2004 (P Davey). If the species is resident at these sites, an alternative foodplant must host the species.

2477       Hypena proboscidalis (Linnaeus 1758) SNOUT

A widespread species in Britain, the larva feeding nocturnally on nettle (Urtica dioica). In Dorset, the moth is frequent to common wherever nettles grow. The peak of the second brood is slightly larger on average, than the peak of the first.

2478       Hypena obsitalis (Hübner 1813) BLOXWORTH SNOUT     RDB3

An immigrant species to the south coast of England and resident on the Channel Islands since 1960, the larva feeding on pellitory-of-the-wall (Parietaria judaica). The first British record of this species was from Dorset: Bloxworth, on an outhouse door of the rectory on 21 September 1884 (O Pickard Cambridge). In Dorset, prior to 1996, the moth had been seen on just four occasions, and, apart from the Bloxworth locality, all from the coast. The second record was reported by Dr F H Haines in 1917, but the moth in question eluded capture. The locality at Iford on the River Stour has a strong colony of Buttoned Snout₂₄₈₀ moths among the hop growing there and this old record may well refer to this latter species. Two more recent examples are from: Brownsea Island, at MV light on 13 October 1965 (A Bromby), and at Highcliffe, at MV light on 8 September 1982 (E Wild). The dates of the three evidenced moths coincided with light south-easterly airflows and transportation from France is likely for each one.

From 1996, the moth began to turn up with increasing frequency on Portland in parallel with increased sightings in other southern coastal counties, and colonisation of the island seemed inevitable. Larvae were then found on the north of the island confirming residency in the county: Boscawan, five larvae on pellitory in shade on 13 June 2004 (Dr P Sterling). All other Portland records (mainly at light traps) follow: Southwell, at tilley on 5 August 2000 (Dr P Sterling, M Parsons), Portland on 7 December 1996, 15 October 1998, 21 September 1999, 26 October 1999, 14 June 2001, inside building on15 March 2002, 9 August 2003, 15 September 2006 (M Cade), Freshwater Bay, nine larvae distrubed from pellitory amongst crevices by day on 9 July 2005 (M Parsons), Fortuneswell, on 5 October 2005 (E Cockburn), Easton, on 5 September 2003 (R Lambert), Grove, on 28 July 1998, 11 August 1999 (D Walbridge).

The species is double-brooded with the first generation on the wing in late July and August. A second generation appears in late September and October and then hibernates, often in caves, out-houses and inside buildings before re- appearing during the spring. If the present warming trend continues, there is every chance that the species will manage to colonise other rocky coast localities in due course. Although pellitory-of-the-wall is a local plant, it is well established among rocks on Purbeck and on Portland, and the coastal caves in both regions would provide ideal situations for hibernating adults. Recent records from Lulworth and Durlston suggest that expansion continues unabated and these localities may now host the species: Shaggs, on 1 February 2007, 28 and 29 (different moth) August 2008 (L Hill), Durlston, netted in torchlight on 9 September 2005 (Dr J Clarke), on ivy blossom on 31 October 2007 (L Hill, S Clancy). In the absence of the pellitory, dispersal or immigration possibly accounts for the following records: West Bexington, on 4 September 2003, 28 October 2007, 14 September 2008 (R Eden).

2480       Hypena rostralis (Linnaeus 1758) BUTTONED SNOUT     Notable/Nb

A local and since the 1950s, declining species that was previously widespread across southern England, now mainly restricted to and sparsely spread across south-east England, the larva feeding on hop (Humulus lupulus). The moth is most often encountered hibernating inside houses or outbuildings between September and May, but it occasionally visits low-wattage light traps. In Dorset, the moth is local but often common where it occurs, and colonises hop-rich river valleys and nutrient-rich hedgerows on geology younger than cretaceous, and so is in effect restricted to the Poole Basin and adjacent London Beds. Hop also grows in the north and west of the county, but no moths have been seen in this region. The following record is likely to be of a dispersed example: Winspit, on 9 May 2008 (P Davey).

2482       Schrankia taenialis (Hübner 1809) WHITE-LINE SNOUT     Notable/Nb

A species mainly confined to damp, deciduous woodland in the southern-most counties of England, the larval foodplant is unknown. In Dorset, the moth as a potential resident has been recorded and evidenced once in recent years from old, neglected woodland on ill-drained clay soil with holly understory, bilberry and deep leaf litter. Although the precise status of the moth in the county is unclear, especially as its host foodplant is unknown, research is recommended to locate viable colonies of the moth in the following locality and gather information on its habitat requirements: Holt Forest, two at MV light on 21 July 1997 (P Davey).

The following examples were trapped on the coast, and immigration is suspected on both occasions from northern Europe: Scar Bank, at light on 1 October 1933 (A Russell), Durlston, at MV light on 8 August 2003 (S Nash).

2484       Schrankia costaestrigalis (Stephens 1834) PINION-STREAKED SNOUT

 A widespread species in southern Britain but restricted in the north to the Lake District and western Scotland, the larval foodplant is unknown. In Dorset, the moth is locally frequent in the wettest parts of the Poole Basin, and at low density elsewhere in damp situations. A candidate potential host foodplant might be rush (Juncus spp.). The species is double-brooded in Dorset.

2485       Hypenodes humidalis Doubleday 1850 MARSH OBLIQUE-BARRED     Notable/Nb

A local and potentially under-recorded species in lowland Britain, the larval foodplant is unknown. In Dorset, the moth which is visually more micro than macro (for example roughly one third the size of Pleuroptya ruralis₁₄₀₅), is mainly confined to acid bogs within the Poole Basin where it is usually frequent.

Given this very specific biotype, a potential candidate host foodplant might be purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea spp.). The moth has been noted on three separate occasions in Boys Wood, old oak woodland on ill-drained clay soil, and in this situation purple moor-grass grows along the open, damp rides within the wood. The moth appears to be mainly double-brooded in the county, with the first generation on the wing between late-June and early August, and a second, smaller generation on the wing until mid-October. Additional research during the late summer and early autumn in its strongholds would provide useful statistics on the second generation. The moth occasionally disperses short to medium distances away from its host habitat, usually on the warmest of nights; the following light trap records refer: Clifton Wood, on 14 July 2004 (P Davey, P Butter, J Astley), Motcombe, on 15 August 2004 (P Butter), Shaggs, on 13 August 2001 (Butterfly Conservation), Shapwick, on 14 July 2003 (P Davey), Gaunts Common, on 17 August 1992, 23 and 26 July 1994, 18 August 1996, 19 July 1998 (P Davey), Durlston, on 7 August 1992 (P Davey), Iford, on 28 September 1997 (M Jeffes). 

Although the foodplant of the moth is unknown, most of the sites where colonies occur lie within SSSIs, and threats posed to this well-established species in Dorset are considered to be minimal, although conservation agencies who manage the reserves should explicitly reference this species in their management plans.

2488       Pechipogo strigilata (Linnaeus 1758) COMMON FAN-FOOT     Notable/Na

A declining species, previously local in southern Britain, now recorded from a few counties only, the larva feeding initially on the buds and later on the withered leaves of oak (Quercus spp.) on trees situated in open woodland. In Dorset, the moth was considered to be a rare resident found in a handful of woods mainly in the north-east of the county. Most post-1950 records alluding to this species have turned out to be the Fan-foot₂₄₈₉. Despite searches in all the localities where the moth was once seen, none have been found. The loss of sympathetically forested old oak and birch woodland, plus the lack of open aspect within the little that remains in the county, has no doubt sealed the fate of this unfortunately-named species. Although there are no recent records from the county, research is recommended in old oak woodland to locate the species. Information about the larval stage has only become known recently, and beating the lower boughs of oak when in bud during the spring months may yet reveal a colony: Bere Wood, (Reverend F Carr), four at light on 21 June 1955 (Dr H King, H Symes), Bloxworth, one in 1892 (O Pickard Cambridge), Studland, (Reverend C Digby), Cranborne, several (Reverend F Fisher).

2489       Zanclognatha tarsipennalis (Treitschke 1835) FAN-FOOT

A widespread species in southern Britain, more local further north, the larva feeding on the withered leaves of various tree, shrub and plant species. In Dorset, the moth is widespread and at low density, but frequent amongst scrub, hedgerow and wooded habitats. The moth is on the wing over a relatively protracted period between mid-June and mid-August, with several instances of late-May and early-June individuals too. This species is similar to Common Fan-foot₂₄₈₈. Diagnostics include: a relatively dark hindwing and forewing; smooth ground colour; line towards edge of forewing smoothly curved.

2490       Zanclognatha lunalis (Scopoli 1763) JUBILEE FAN-FOOT

A rare immigrant trapped on two occasions, the first in 1976 in Buckinghamshire. The species is resident in mainland Europe occurring more frequently in the south, the larva feeding on many kinds of dead or decaying leaves. In Dorset, one moth was recorded at light during a spectacular immigration of unusual species from central Europe: Durlston, on 4 July 2001 (S Nash). This species is similar to Fan-foot₂₄₈₉. Diagnostics include: a distinct crescent mark in the centre of the forewing not touching cross-line; ground colour between edge of forewing and outer cross-line usually different from ground colour of remainder of forewing.

2492       Herminia grisealis (Denis & Schiffermüller 1775)       SMALL FAN-FOOT

A widespread species in England and Wales, more local in Scotland, the larva feeding on the living, withered and fallen leaves of oak (Quercus spp.), and other trees, and bramble (Rubus fruticosus). In Dorset, the moth is frequent to common in deciduous scrub and wooded habitats. The national norm is for a single brood between mid-June and early August, but an additional bivoltine cycle is suspected commencing late-May and ending in late August. The following record refers to a very late individual trapped at a time of notable immigrant activity. The date is discussed in the account of the Dusky-lemon Sallow₂₂₇₅: Hurn, at MV light on 14 October 2001 (M Jeffes). The moth is similar to Fan-foot₂₄₈₉. Diagnostics include: a straight innermost cross-line; outermost cross-line bisects apex; 25% smaller in size.

2493       Macrochilo cribrumalis (Hübner 1793) DOTTED FAN-FOOT     Notable/Nb

A marshland and reedbed species confined to East Anglia and south-east England, the larval foodplant is unknown. There is just a single record of this species from viable habitat: Morden Bog, (W Parkinson Curtis).

2494       Paracolax tristalis (Fabricius 1794) CLAY FAN-FOOT     Notable/Na

A rare species confined to Surrey, Sussex and Kent, the larva feeding on the dead leaves of oak (Quercus spp.) and alder (Alnus spp.). In Dorset, the moth has been seen once, during a notable immigration from abroad. An easterly to south-easterly airflow is likely to have transported the moth from central Europe: Scar Bank, at light on 28 July 1948 (A Russell).

2495       Trisateles emortualis (Denis & Schiffermüller 1775) OLIVE CRESCENT     RDB3

A rare deciduous woodland species that still occurs in Essex, and was found to be widespread in the Chilterns in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire in 1962, but has not been seen there since the 1980s. Singletons noted elsewhere in south-east England are believed to be migrants. The larva feeds in bunches of withered oak (Quercus spp.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica) leaves that are still attached to fallen twigs; the caterpillar skeletonises the leaves. In Dorset, the moth has been seen on three occasions all very recently, and all from light traps close to the coast. Immigration was intense on the two occasions (see account of Jubilee Fan-foot₂₄₉₀ also trapped in July 2001) and all three moths are suspected of originating from the Continent: Portland on 15 July 2003 (M Cade), Studland Heath, on 6 July 2001 (C Manley), Hurn, very worn specimen on 18 July 2001 (M Jeffes).