2021 Annual Report for: Argyresthiidae / Argyresthiinae

For species seen in 2021 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is taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species.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 2021 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 2021, 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.

20.005 [B&F: 0409a] Argyresthia trifasciata Staudinger, 1871 - Local

Local in gardens throughout much of Greater London and southern England, with records north to Lancashire. An adventive species, naturalised through accidental introduction in conifers from mainland Europe, now fully naturalised. In Hampshire first recorded in the county in 1998 in the north-east, from where it now appears to be spreading. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 8-9 mm. Larva mines leaves and shoots of Juniper, Leyland Cypress, Lawson's Cypress, and other cultivated conifers.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
104420132019
1129742920052020
1216036719982020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10111
1116192
1217213

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Totland Bay, one, field observation, 30 May (DCoo);

VC11: Totton, one, 08 May; one, 17 May; one, field observation, 24 May; two, 27 May; two, 28 May; one, 29 May; one, 01 Jun; two, 06 Jun; one, 13 Jun; one, 15 Jun; one, 16 Jul (LHan); Romsey, one, 03 Jun (NRJ); Barn Piece, Eastleigh, one, 12 Jun (KArb); Priddys Hard Nature Reserve, Gosport, one, 30 May (KIls); Tuckton, Christchurch, one, 28 May (APar); Southsea, one, 27 May (JRL det. IRT);

VC12: Basingstoke, two, 02 Jun; two, 16 Jun (GAH); one, 02 Jun; one, 06 Jun (MJW); one, 31 May; one, 07 Jun (JEH); one, 14 Jun (RHil); Alton, one, 01 Jun (DBO); Whitehill, one, 19 May; one, 31 May; one, 01 Jun; one, 02 Jun; one, 11 Jun (ASto); Blackwater, one, 28 May; one, 05 Jun; one, 09 Jun (BDal); Farnborough, three, 02 Jun (KBW)

20.006 [B&F: 0407] Argyresthia dilectella Zeller, 1847 - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) in downland, open woodland and gardens throughout much of the British Isles; rare in northern Britain and Ireland. In Hampshire recorded from amongst Juniper at Farley Mount and in the Stockbridge area, and also from gardens in Southsea and Basingstoke, where it could be associated with either Juniper or Cypress. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 7-9 mm. Larva mines shoots of Juniper, Leyland Cypress and Lawson's Cypress.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
11151219802012
126319852007

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
12111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC12: Cholderton, one, 02 Jul (TJN, LFom, HEdm)

20.007 [B&F: 0409b] Cypress Tip Moth Argyresthia cupressella Walsingham, 1890 - Local

Local in gardens throughout East Anglia, and northern and western England. An adventive species, recorded nationally for the first time in 1997 in Suffolk, the Cypress Tip Moth is now fully naturalised following its accidental introduction on coniferous trees. Has been recorded increasingly in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 8-9 mm. Larva mines young shoots of Juniper, Leyland Cypress and Lawson's Cypress.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10475820082020
11518116820022020
12172320102020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1011154
11245015
12473

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Totland, one, 23 Jun (RTer); Freshwater, four, 15 Jun; one, 20 Jun; one, 26 Jun (DCoo); Rew Down, Ventnor, one, 13 Jul (PBar); Bonchurch, one, 07 Jun; one, 11 Jun; two, 15 Jun; one, 21 Jun (JHa); one, 12 Jul (PBar); Pan, one, field observation, found on a small pine tree at the edge of Asda car park at SZ 50631 88458, 19 Jun (IOut);

VC11: Marchwood, one, 16 Jun (CTha); Woodlands, NF, present, 02 Jun (RBW); Totton, one, 08 Jun; one, 09 Jun; two, 11 Jun; one, 18 Jun; one, 30 Jun (LHan); Romsey, one, 23 Jun; one, 04 Jul (NRJ); Southampton, one, 12 Jun (MGP); Barn Piece, Eastleigh, one, 05 Jun; one, 12 Jun (KArb); Fareham, two, 15 Jun; one, 30 Jun (MLO); Portsmouth, two, 02 Jun; three, 05 Jun; five, 11 Jun; two, 12 Jun; one, 15 Jun (IRT); Tuckton, Christchurch, one, 12 Jun; four, 14 Jun; one, 24 Jun (APar); Milford on Sea, one, 06 Jun (MMcM); Southsea, 15, 07 Jun (JRL det. IRT);

VC12: Blackwater, one, 05 Jun; two, 09 Jun; one, 11 Jun; three, 14 Jun (BDal)

20.010 [B&F: 0409] Argyresthia ivella (Haworth, 1828) - Nationally Scarce B

A rarely encountered insect associated with orchards, and also on isolated wild apple trees, in England and Wales, as far north as Northumberland (MBGBI Vol 3). In Hampshire apparently formerly fairly widespread, but in recent years has only been reported sporadically. First recorded on the Isle of Wight at Newtown in 2011. Wingspan 10-12 mm.

Interestingly, the specific name ivella was coined as Haworth saw the Roman numerals 'IV' in the wing markings.

Despite what is quoted in most literature, the caterpillar of this species still seems to be largely unknown and like many species, references are handed down based on dubious sources: in MoGBI, the larva is said to feed on apple and hazel, but it appears that this is not based on primary information. Friese (1973: 733) urged his lepidopterologist colleagues: "Collectors should pay particular attention to this...rarely found species; further observations to clarify the biology would be very desirable. As with A. retinella, care must be taken to ensure that "The plant on which the butterflies are found does not have to be identical to the food plant for the caterpillars." A request that remains unchanged half a century later.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
102220112011
11171819002015
1211719602020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
12111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC12: Great Haughurst Copse, Axmansford*, one, 20 Aug (ACB)

20.011 [B&F: 0410] Argyresthia brockeella (Hübner, [1813]) - Common

Common in open, especially birch, woodland and freshwater margins throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 10-12 mm. Variable, but only the scarce unicolorous form problematic, being similar to the unicolorous form of A. goedartella, but a deeper, darker colour than A. goedartella. Flies in afternoon sunshine and at night. Larva mines young shoots and catkins of Silver and Downy Birch, and Alder.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10528419972020
11747103319722020
1223944919742020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1013172
1135465
12782

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Totland, one, 25 Jul (RTer); Freshwater, two, 20 Jun (DCoo); Mottistone Down, two, 07 Jul (PBar); Haseley Manor, one, 13 Jul; one, 19 Jul; Shanklin, one, 02 Jul; two, 18 Jul; one, 04 Aug; two, 20 Aug; Shanklin Upper Chine, one, 18 Jul; one, 21 Jul; Osborne Valley Walk, one, 26 Aug (IOut); Briddlesford, one, to light, 25 Aug (JRB);

VC11: Ashley Heath, two, 16 Jul (SDut); Sandleheath, one, 08 Jul (Unknown); Marchwood, one, 05 Aug (CTha); Woodlands, NF, present, 18 Jul (RBW); Ashurst, two, 01 Jul (RFC); Totton, two, 01 Aug (LHan); Romsey, one, 20 Jun; one, 26 Jun; one, 27 Jun; one, 01 Jul; one, 02 Jul; one, 04 Jul (NRJ); Kings Somborne, one, 09 Jun; Winter Down Copse, Little Somborne, one, 19 Jul (GCE); Valley Park, Chandlers Ford, one, 19 Jul; one, 21 Jul; one, 30 Jul (KArb); Botley Wood, one, 30 Jul (RJD, DWal, KJW); four, 13 Aug (MLO, ADT, DWal, KJW); Fareham, one, 01 Jul (ADT); one, 14 Jul; one, 18 Jul; one, 26 Aug; one, 01 Sep (MLO); Wickham, one, 07 Jul; two, 18 Jul; one, 19 Jul; one, 21 Jul (JRDS); West Walk, five, 23 Jul; West Meon, three, 02 Jul (RJD, MLO, ADT, DWal, KJW); Merritown Heath, present, 10 Jun (DFoo); Hurn, one, 27 Jun; one, 19 Jul (MJef); Pennington, one, 15 Jul; one, 19 Jul (RFC);

VC12: Cholderton, two, 02 Jul (TJN, LFom, HEdm); Anna Valley, Andover, one, 11 Aug (TJN, LFom); Axmansford, one, 02 Jun (ACB); Great Haughurst Copse, Axmansford, one, 08 Jul (ACB, GJD); Blackwater, one, 14 Jun; one, 13 Jul (BDal)

20.012 [B&F: 0411] Argyresthia goedartella (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common in open woodland, heathland, gardens and freshwater margins throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire but apparently rarer on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 10-12 mm. Generally a fairly distinctive species, but variable, with plain forms difficult to distinguish from plain forms of A. brockeella, which see. Larva mines young shoots and catkins of Silver and Downy Birch, and Alder.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10548619772020
111352279319692020
12581173419752020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1010132
111001657
125310617

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Freshwater, 18 Jul, 1 (DCoo) Latest: Freshwater, 29 Aug, 1 (DCoo) Max count: Freshwater, 04 Aug, 2 (DCoo)

VC11: Earliest: Pennington, 15 Jun, 1 (RFC) Latest: West Walk, 24 Sep, 1 (RJD, MLO, ADT, KJW) Max count: Burton, nr Christchurch, 17 Aug, 7 (JStw)

VC12: Earliest: Pamber Forest, 05 Jul, 3 (GJD) Latest: Blackwater, 22 Sep, 1 (BDal) Max count: Blackwater, 20 Aug, 17 (BDal)

20.015 [B&F: 0414] Argyresthia curvella (Linnaeus, 1761) - Local

Local in gardens and orchards throughout England and Wales, extending to Perthshire and the Western Isles in Scotland (MBGBI Vol 3). In Hampshire rather uncommon, given its reputation as a pest in orchards, but perhaps under-recorded: the first records for the Isle of Wight since 1925 were reported in 2022. Wingspan 10-12 mm. Similar to A. sorbiella, from which it is distinguished by its smaller size and the colour of the markings which are almost greyish brown on a clear white ground colour (MBGBI Vol 3). Larva mines buds and shoots of Apple, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas, over-wintering as an egg.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
11298619362018
12191719802020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11111
12232

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Fareham, one, 16 Jun (IMcP);

VC12: Great Haughurst Copse, Axmansford, one, 10 Jun (ACB det. ); Minley Wood, two, beaten, 21 Jun (BDal)

20.016 [B&F: 0415] Argyresthia retinella Zeller, 1839 - Common

Common in open woodland throughout the British Isles. Reasonably common in Hampshire, but rarely record on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 9-10 mm. Flies in afternoon sunshine and at night. Characterised by white forewing, irregularly strigulate dark brown; a diffuse brownish streak from base to disc beneath subcostal vein; a large diffuse dark brown spot in disc; a diffuse terminal streak; apical dot blackish brown (MBGBI Vol 3). Larva mines the shoots and catkins of Birch.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101119781978
1116938519722020
127912219742020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11441
12672

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Romsey, one, field observation, 26 Jun; one, 04 Jul (NRJ); Swaythling, Southampton, one, 19 Aug (MEdg); West Meon, one, 02 Jul (RJD, MLO, ADT, DWal, KJW);

VC12: Great Haughurst Copse, Axmansford, one, 08 Jul (ACB, GJD); Pamber Forest, one, 16 Jun; two, 24 Jun; one, 05 Jul (GJD); Farnborough, one, 18 Jul (KBW)

20.017 [B&F: 0416] Argyresthia glaucinella Zeller, 1839 - Local

Local in open woodland, especially of oak, throughout Britain and southern Ireland. Fairly widespread in southern Hampshire and perhaps under-recorded in northern Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 8-10 mm. The larval workings more easily found than the adult, which closely resembles A. spinosella, and which can often only be reliably separated by dissection of genitalia, although A. glaucinella is slightly smaller and has different habitat requirements. Larva mines bark of Oak.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
102119732005
11784519662019
1218619882018

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10331
11221
12331

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Totland, one, 23 Jul; one, 24 Jul; one, 27 Jul (RTer);

VC11: Romsey, one, 27 Jun (NRJ); West Walk, one, 23 Jul (RJD, MLO, ADT, DWal, KJW);

VC12: Basingstoke, one, 16 Jun (GAH); one, 22 Jul (MJW); Whitehill, one, 21 Jul (ASto)

20.018 [B&F: 0417] Argyresthia spinosella Stainton, 1849 - Common

Common in hedgerows throughout much of the British Isles, except for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. In Hampshire most frequent in the south-east of the county, with scattered records elsewhere and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 9-11 mm. The main confusion species are Apple Fruit Moth A. conjugella and A. semifusca, which see. Larva mines buds and shoots of Blackthorn, over-wintering as an egg.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10283319002020
1123424019732020
12424719962020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10331
11992
12331

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Totland, one, 21 Jun; one, 31 Aug (RTer); Freshwater, one, orange tegulae, 27 Jun (PBar);

VC11: Totton, one, 09 Jun (LHan); Romsey, one, 06 Jun (MBak); Swaythling, Southampton, one, 18 Jun (MEdg); Allbrook, one, 09 Jun (SIng); Winchester, one, 11 Jun (THW); Portsmouth, one, 09 Jun; two, 16 Jun (IRT); Merritown Heath, present, 10 Jun (DFoo); Tuckton, Christchurch, one, 12 Jun (APar);

VC12: Cholderton, one, 02 Jul (TJN, LFom, HEdm); Pamber Forest, one, 11 Jun; one, 24 Jun (GJD)

20.019 [B&F: 0418] Apple Fruit Moth Argyresthia conjugella Zeller, 1839 - Common

Common in orchards and woodland throughout the British Isles, more numerous in the north. Rather uncommon in Hampshire. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 10-14 mm. Day-flying, but may come to light. Similar species include A. spinosella, from which A. conjugella is distinguished by the ochreous tinge of its ground colour, slightly larger size and later flight time; and A. semifusca from which A. conjugella is distinguished by its more marbled markings and ochreous ground colour. Larva mines fruit and berries of Apple and Rowan, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some area, and over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1091620172020
11394719852020
12293119972020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10593
11211

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Shanklin, three, 16 Jun; one, 07 Jul; one, 14 Jul; two, 18 Jul; two, 20 Jul (IOut);

VC11: Marchwood, one, 17 Jul (CTha); Merritown Heath, present, 28 May (DFoo)

20.020 [B&F: 0419] Argyresthia semifusca (Haworth, 1828) - Common

Common in open woodland and hedgerows throughout the British Isles, less numerous in the south. In Hampshire it has perhaps been under-recorded in the past, but not uncommon in the north-east of the county. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 10-13 mm. Main confusion species are Apple Fruit Moth A. conjugella, which is generally more ochreous and marbled, and A. spinosella, from which A. semifusca distinguished only with certainty by dissection of the genitalia. Larva mines shoots of Rowan and, in the south of Britain, predominately Hawthorn.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
103319002018
11615619722020
12446419902019

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11111
12221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Marchwood, one, 04 Sep (CTha);

VC12: Pamber Forest, one, 02 Jun; one, 16 Jun (GJD)

20.021 [B&F: 0420] Cherry Fruit Moth Argyresthia pruniella (Clerck, 1759) - Common

Common in gardens, woodland and orchards throughout the British Isles. Fairly well distributed in Hampshire, but recorded very infrequently on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 10-12 mm. The main confusion species is A. bonnetella, which see for differences. Larva mines shoots and fruits of Cherry, including wild, ornamental and cultivated varieties, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas, and over-wintering as an egg or small larva.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1011819002019
1121823819742020
12829319812020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10111
1112111
12331

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Freshwater, one, 07 Jul (DCoo);

VC11: Woodlands, NF, present, 18 Jul (RBW); Totton, one, 26 Jun; one, 17 Jul; one, 21 Jul; one, 22 Aug (LHan); Allbrook, one, 21 Jul; one, 22 Jul (SIng); Fareham, one, 05 Jun; one, 13 Jun; one, 14 Jun (MLO); Tuckton, Christchurch, one, 08 Jul; one, 04 Aug (APar);

VC12: Cholderton, one, 02 Jul (TJN, LFom, HEdm); Pamber Forest, one, 28 Jun (GJD); Blackwater, one, 14 Aug (BDal)

20.022 [B&F: 0421] Argyresthia bonnetella (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common wherever the foodplant occurs, in hedgerows, gardens, downland and scrub throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 9-11 mm. The main confusion species is Cherry Fruit Moth A. pruniella — both species show a pale dorsal streak, but differ in the angle made by the prominent brown fascia — in both species the fascia starts from mid-way along the dorsum, but the angle between the fascia and the dorsum is about 45° in A. pruniella and 30° in A. bonnetella. Larva mines bark of Hawthorn.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10215119002020
1119133419322020
128011319602020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11771
12221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Crab Wood, Winchester, one, field observation, 15 Sep (DAS); Allbrook, one, 30 Jun; one, 17 Jul; one, 18 Jul (SIng); Fareham, one, 15 Jul (MLO); Burton, nr Christchurch, one, 09 Jul (JStw);

VC12: Harestock, one, 12 Aug (GRog); Basingstoke, one, 11 Aug (MJW)

20.023 [B&F: 0422] Argyresthia albistria (Haworth, 1828) - Common

Common in hedgerows and scrub throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 9-11 mm. Occurs in two forms, a unicolorous form, which is similar to the unicolorous form of Apple Fruit Moth A. conjugella, but with head white in A. albistria, and the nominate form, which is similar to A. semifusca, but smaller and brighter. Larva mines flowering shoots of Blackthorn, over-wintering as a small larva.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10559519002020
1122422619732020
12505219672020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1041512
11661
12441

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Headon Warren & Undercliff, one, field observation, 26 Jun; Newtown NNR, one, field observation, 23 Aug; Newtown Meadows, 12, field observation, 11 Aug (DCoo); Parkhurst Forest, one, 13 Jul (TJN, IMer, LFom);

VC11: Marchwood, one, 17 Aug (CTha); Totton, one, 11 Aug (LHan); Romsey, one, 30 Aug (NRJ); Fareham, one, 11 Aug; one, 14 Aug (MLO); Pennington, one, 13 Aug (RFC);

VC12: Cholderton, one, 02 Jul (TJN, LFom, HEdm); Anna Valley, Andover, one, 11 Aug; one, 14 Aug (TJN, LFom); Little Somborne, one, 12 Jul (GCE)

20.024 [B&F: 0423] Argyresthia semitestacella (Curtis, 1833) - Local

Local in deciduous woodland throughout the British Isles. Fairly widely distributed, but decidedly uncommon, in southern Hampshire, with the very few records in north Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Wingspan 11-14 mm. Usually recognisable by its large size and occurrence late in the year (MBGBI Vol 3), also the white dorsal streak is not interrupted mid-way, as is the case with A. albistria. Larva mines shoots of Beech.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
103019261977
11292919232018
1281219592014

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Parkhurst Forest, one, 13 Jul (TJN, IMer, LFom)