2023 Annual Report for: Adelidae / Adelinae
For species seen in 2023 that had less than or equal to 100 records, full details are included; for more common species, the earliest, latest and highest count by vice-county are shown. The narrative for each species is taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species. The tables in each species account summarise the previous status, and that for the current year.
For the maps, all records prior to 2023 are shown by a blue dot (the larger the dot, the more recent), with the current year's records shown in red. As previous records are superimposed on any report for 2023, new sites have greater emphasis (i.e. will show as 'more red').
In the species accounts, an asterisk next to a location indicates a new 10km square record; earliest ever dates are highlighted in orange, and latest ever in red. Initials in the species accounts refer to the recorders listed here. Please get in touch if you identify any omissions or errors, in particular if you have records that have yet to be submitted. Details of how to submit records can be found here.
07.001 [B&F: 0148] Nemophora degeerella (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common
Common in deciduous, often damp, woodland throughout England and Wales. Frequently recorded and well distributed across much of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 17-23 mm. Unmistakable; male has very long antennae. Larva feeds on leaf litter, living within a movable case.
Records prior to 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 105 | 417 | 1922 | 2022 |
| 11 | 367 | 915 | 1971 | 2022 |
| 12 | 323 | 1479 | 1974 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 13 | 40 | 20 |
| 12 | 10 | 15 | 4 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Lyndhurst, NF, present, field observation, 31 May (CWil); West Tytherley, present, field observation, 10 Jun (MNew); Nursling, one, field observation, 16 May (JClx); Crab Wood, Winchester, 12, field observation, 24 May; 20, field observation, 31 May (DAS); Allbrook, one, 07 Jun (SIng); Highbridge, present, field observation, 02 Jun (iNat); Botley Wood, two, 09 Jun (F.M.G.); Wickham, one, 09 Jun (JRDS); Upham, one, female. , 02 Jun (F.M.G. det. RJD); Emsworth, present, field observation, 26 May (BFel); Pennington, one, field observation, 06 Jun (MHay);
VC12: Harewood Forest*, one, field observation, 30 May (CLew); Micheldever Wood, present, field observation, 26 May (SHol); Avington Park, Itchen Abbas, four, field observation, 30 May (DAS); North Waltham, one, 10 Jun (AJon); Overton Lagoons, one, field observation, 23 Jun (PEH); Basingstoke, two, 10 Jun (MJW); Pamber Forest, one, field observation, 04 Jun (DJJ); Silchester Common, one, 10 Jun (MBot); Wyck Ponds, Liss, two, field observation, 30 May (KBW); Blacknest, Binstead, one, field observation, 09 Jun (MAng); Rye Common, two, field observation, 06 Jun (AMD)
07.002 [B&F: 0147] Nemophora metallica (Poda, 1761) - Nationally Scarce B
Nationally scarce (Nb) in dry pastures and chalk downland throughout much of south-eastern England. In Hampshire very local on the remaining downland in both vice-counties, most notably between Porton Down and Leckford. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 15-20 mm. Larva feeds on seeds of Field Scabious and Small Scabious, subsequently feeding in the fallen leaves, living within a movable case.
Records prior to 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 57 | 183 | 1920 | 2020 |
| 12 | 102 | 256 | 1958 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 12 | 12 | 24 | 6 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Sustainability Centre, East Meon, present, field observation, 09 Jul (ABart);
VC12: Chilbolton, one, field observation, 07 Jul; two, field observation, 19 Jul; two, field observation, 23 Jul; two, field observation, 25 Jul; one, field observation, 27 Jul (GCE); Headbourne Worthy, present, field observation, 29 Jul (iNat); Magdalen Hill Down NNR, present, field observation, 19 Jul (GgBak); Tidgrove Warren,nr Overton, one, field observation, 29 Jun (ACB); Windmill Hill, Chalton, one, field observation, 23 Jun; three, 24 Jun; five, field observation, on scabious. , 29 Jun; six, 05 Jul (CJP)
07.006 [B&F: 0150] Adela reaumurella (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common
Common in woodland, heathland and fens throughout much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight often abundant in deciduous woodland, with the males often found swarming about the tips of branches of oak, sycamore and other deciduous trees. Wingspan 14-18 mm. Day-flying, males congregating in swarms in bright sunshine. Fairly unmistakable. Larva feeds on leaf litter, living within a movable case.
Records prior to 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 198 | 2851 | 1977 | 2022 |
| 11 | 714 | 3780 | 1972 | 2022 |
| 12 | 335 | 9496 | 1971 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 5 | 6 | 2 |
| 12 | 9 | 15 | 4 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Donkey Common, Southampton, two, field observation, 23 May (NBur); Wildern LNR, Hedge End, one, field observation, 11 May (ABinn); Butser Hill, one, field observation, 11 May (TDCh); Hengistbury Head, one, 04 May (MJef);
VC12: Harewood Forest, three, field observation, 07 May (BGD); Avington Park, Itchen Abbas, one, field observation, 30 May (DAS); Overton Lagoons, one, field observation, female, 19 May (PEH); Bartley Heath, one, field observation, 01 May; Minley Wood, four, field observation, 22 Apr; one, field observation, 04 May; one, field observation, 29 May (BGD); Fleet Pond, two, field observation, 16 Apr (MHals); Frogmore*, one, field observation, 19 Apr (BGD)
07.007 [B&F: 0149] Adela cuprella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Local
Local on heaths, fens and woodland in southern Britain, as far north as Sutherland. In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight very local in damp areas where Salix is plentiful, most notably in and around Pamber Forest. Wingspan 14-16 mm. Adult males have a hairy black head and long white antennae, which are quite visible with binoculars, as they fly often in small groups with their characteristic dancing flight over the tops of male Salix bushes. Females have shorter dark antennae with a yellowish/orange head and come lower down to lay on the catkins. Larva feeds on fallen leaves under Sallow, living within a movable case, over-wintering twice.
Records prior to 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 15 | 33 | 1981 | 2014 |
| 11 | 60 | 445 | 1984 | 2022 |
| 12 | 39 | 635 | 1976 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | 13 | 13 |
| 12 | 2 | 24 | 23 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Romsey, 13, field observation, at 13.00 on top of sallow bush. , 03 Apr (NRJ);
VC12: Pamber Forest, 23, field observation, flying around sallow blossom. , 08 Apr (GJD); Minley Wood, one, field observation, 08 Apr (BGD)
07.009 [B&F: 0153] Cauchas fibulella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Common
Common throughout much of Britain. In Hampshire fairly frequent throughout, with notable populations in Pamber Forest and Botley Wood; distinctly scarce on the Isle of Wight, where not recorded since 1979. Wingspan 8-11 mm. Larva feeds within seed capsules of Germander Speedwell, subsequently feeding on the leaves, living within a movable case.
Records prior to 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 5 | 1900 | 2011 |
| 11 | 69 | 176 | 1972 | 2020 |
| 12 | 75 | 153 | 1971 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 12 | 3 | 27 | 20 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Lee*, one, field observation, on Germander Speedwell. , 21 May (CTha);
VC12: Pamber Forest, 20, field observation, on germander speedwell flowers. , 26 May (GJD); Odiham Common, two, field observation, 27 May (BGD); Hammer Bridge, Woolmer*, five, field observation, 25 May (ASwa)
07.010 [B&F: 0152] Cauchas rufimitrella (Scopoli, 1763) - Common
Common in damp pastures, damp heathland and mosses throughout the British Isles, except for the far north. Wingspan 9-12 mm. Smaller than A. reaumurella. Day-flying in bright sunshine, sometimes in small, loose, low-flying swarms when conditions are favourable, but never in such large swarms as A. reaumurella; widely distributed across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Larva feeds within seedpods of Cuckoo-flower and Garlic Mustard, subsequently feeding on the leaves, living within a movable case, and over-wintering as a pupa.
Records prior to 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 6 | 13 | 1981 | 2015 |
| 11 | 68 | 100 | 1972 | 2022 |
| 12 | 95 | 282 | 1971 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | 6 | 6 |
| 12 | 6 | 10 | 3 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Deacon Hill, six, field observation, 24 May (AJB, CRB);
VC12: Ewhurst Park, Ramsdell*, three, field observation, 17 May (ACB); Ecchinswell, one, field observation, 17 May (MJN); Pamber Forest, one, field observation, on garlic mustard flower. , 26 May (GJD); Odiham Common, two, field observation, 27 May (BGD); Hammer Bridge, Woolmer*, two, field observation, 16 May (ASwa); Ancells and Foxlease Meadows, one, field observation, 15 May (GJD)
07.012 [B&F: 0141] Nematopogon schwarziellus Zeller, 1839 - Common
Common in deciduous woodland, hedgerows, heathland and moorland throughout the British Isles. Widespread and often fairly common throughout Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 14-17 mm. Resembles N. swammerdamella, with long white antennae and yellow-orange head tufts, but smaller and with hint of a discal spot; flies later in the year (MBGBI Vol 1). Larva feeds on dead leaves, living within a movable case, over-wintering twice.
Records prior to 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 72 | 118 | 1900 | 2022 |
| 11 | 251 | 335 | 1972 | 2022 |
| 12 | 146 | 216 | 1975 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 5 | 5 | 1 |
| 12 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Marchwood, one, 07 Jun; one, 05 Jun (CTha); Botley Wood, one, female. , 09 Jun (F.M.G.); Fareham, one, 12 Jun (MLO); Sway, one, 13 Jun (SKee);
VC12: Basingstoke, one, 10 May (MJW); Alton, one, field observation, 23 May (DBO)
07.014 [B&F: 0143] Nematopogon metaxella (Hübner, [1813]) - Local
Local in woodland, fens, marshes and bogs throughout much of England and Wales. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight there are scattered records from all three vice-counties. Wingspan 15-17 mm. This species may be confused with N. schwarziellus or N. pilella, but may be recognised by its more rounded wings and more prominent dark mark at the end of the cell of the forewing (MBGBI Vol 1). Larva feeds on dead leaves, living within a movable case.
Records prior to 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 46 | 62 | 1900 | 2022 |
| 11 | 262 | 344 | 1974 | 2022 |
| 12 | 85 | 127 | 1980 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 10 | 11 | 3 |
| 12 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Romsey, one, 21 May (NRJ); Wildern LNR, Hedge End, one, field observation, 18 May (TCrw det. PAB); Botley Wood, one, 09 Jun (F.M.G.); Fareham, one, field observation, 05 Jun (MLO); Botley, one, 09 Jun; three, 11 Jun; one, 16 Jun (SLB); Wickham, one, 23 Jun (F.M.G.); Hurn, one, 27 May (MJef); Sway, NF, present, 16 Jun (DMui);
VC12: Pamber Forest, one, 13 Jun (GJD); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne, two, 1m gen. checked, 09 Jun (AMD, FHay det. AMD)
07.015 [B&F: 0140] Nematopogon swammerdamella (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common
Common in deciduous woodland throughout the British Isles. Widespread and often fairly common throughout Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 17-21 mm. Resembles N. schwarziellus, with long white antennae and yellow-orange head tufts, but larger and with no discal spot; flies earlier in the year (MBGBI Vol 1). Larva feeds on dead leaves, living within a flat, movable case on the ground, and over-wintering twice.
Records prior to 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 135 | 234 | 1963 | 2022 |
| 11 | 527 | 585 | 1972 | 2022 |
| 12 | 210 | 261 | 1971 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 28 | 31 | 2 |
| 12 | 21 | 33 | 6 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Marchwood, two, 24 May; one, 03 Jun (CTha); Totton, one, 04 Jun; one, 07 Jun (CNB); Fishlake Meadows, one, 15 Jun; Romsey, two, 29 Apr; one, 21 May (NRJ); Swaythling, Southampton, one, 24 May; one, 29 May (MEdg); Allbrook, one, 30 Apr; one, 07 Jun; one, 09 Jun; one, 11 Jun; one, 12 Jun; one, 17 Jun (SIng); Fareham, one, 18 May (ADT); one, 17 Jun (MLO); Wickham, one, 06 Jun (JRDS); Upham, two, 02 Jun (F.M.G. det. RJD); Portsdown, one, netted, 22 May (KJW det. RJD); Waterlooville, one, 23 May (DWhe); Stroud, Petersfield, one, field observation, 29 Apr; present, 11 May (RAll); Sway, one, 20 May; one, 09 Jun (SKee); Blackbush, Milford-on-Sea, two, 27 May (MBot); Pennington, one, field observation, 19 May (MHay);
VC12: Cholderton, one, 20 May (TJN); Harewood Forest, one, field observation, 07 May (BGD); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 10 Jun (CRB, DAS, PDF et al); one, 10 Jun (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur); one, 24 Jun (CRB, PDF, DAS); one, 08 Jul (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur); Cheriton, one, field observation, 15 May (DAS); North Waltham, one, field observation, 18 May (AJon); Windmill Hill, Chalton, one, 14 Jun (CJP); Whitehill, one, 17 May (ASto); Rye Common, one, netted, 02 May (AMD); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, field observation, 10 May; one, 27 May (ASwa); Farnham*, dead, present, found dead, 16 May (iNat); Minley Wood, five, field observation, 04 May (BGD); Fleet Pond, two, netted, 04 May; six, field observation, 03 Jun; three, field observation, 07 May (MHals); Ancells and Foxlease Meadows, two, field observation, 15 May (GJD); Blackwater, one, 12 Jun (BGD); Farnborough, one, 14 May (KBW)