2023 Annual Report for: Argyresthiidae / Argyresthiinae

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taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species.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

20.002 [B&F: 0403] Argyresthia glabratella (Zeller, 1847) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) in coniferous woodland and plantations throughout much of Britain, as far north as Aberdeenshire, but not recorded from Ireland; records from the north are few (MBGBI Vol 3). In Hampshire most frequently encountered at Havant Thicket, with evidence of breeding in Botley Wood and West Wood, Wickham: the first North Hampshire record since 1967 came from Chawton Wood in 2023. An adult was taken at light in Bournemouth in 2018. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 8-11 mm. Very similar to A. laevigatella, which see for differences. Larva mines shoots of Norway Spruce.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1111619372018
121119671967

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
12111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC12: Chawton Wood*, larval feeding signs, one, field observation, 25 Feb (AMD)

20.004 [B&F: 0405] Argyresthia arceuthina Zeller, 1839 - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) wherever the foodplant occurs, throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire formerly common amongst Juniper in the mainland vice-counties, now virtually restricted to the chalk between Porton Down and Stockbridge Down. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Records from Southsea suggest the species can live on cultivated Juniperus in gardens. Wingspan 8-9 mm. Larva mines shoots of Juniper.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1121419762015
1291819752010

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
12144

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC12: Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne, four, field observation, 07 May (BGD)

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 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
105520132021
1134348720052022
1218840719982022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1111111
128123

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Marchwood, one, 12 May (CTha); Romsey, one, 22 May; one, 24 May; one, 31 May (MJB); Stubbington, one, 10 Jun (DPH); Funtley, one, 07 Jun (TDC); Lymington, one, 06 Jul (IHrg); The Moors NR, Bishop's Waltham*, one, field observation, caught on American species of Juniper in garden. , 02 Jun (DTru); Hurn, one, 18 May; one, 09 Jun; one, 12 Sep (MJef);

VC12: Anna Valley, Andover, one, 10 Jun (TJN); Overton, one, 10 Aug; one, 19 Aug (ACr); Hammer Vale, Woolmer*, three, 11 Jun (ASwa det. MJW); Blackwater, three, 10 Jun; one, 11 Jun (BGD); Farnborough, one, 11 Jun (KBW)

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 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10688220082022
11589131620022022
12334420102022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1142709
12102411

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Brockwood*, one, 01 Jul (SDut); Marchwood, one, 24 May; two, 28 May; present, 31 May; one, 07 Jun; one, 09 Jun (CTha); Totton, one, 04 Jun; one, 07 Jun (CNB); Romsey, one, 09 Jun (MJB); Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 03 Jun; one, 12 Jun (RAC); Chandler's Ford, one, 05 Jun; one, 10 Jun (KArb); Chandlers Ford, one, 12 Jun (MWelf); Allbrook, one, 10 Jun (SIng); Stubbington, nine, 10 Jun; one, 24 Jun (DPH); Funtley, one, 04 Jun; two, 09 Jun (TDC); Fareham, one, 27 May (ADT); one, 10 Jun; one, 19 Jul (MLO); Botley*, two, 16 Jun; one, 27 Jun; one, 30 Jun (SLB); Portsmouth, one, 21 May; one, 12 Jun (IRT); Hurn, two, field observation, flying near leylandii hedge. , 05 Jun; one, 11 Jun; one, 15 Jun (MJef); Sway, three, 30 May; two, 09 Jun; five, 10 Jun; six, 11 Jun; three, 13 Jun; two, 21 Jun; one, 24 Jun; two, 25 Jun; two, 27 Jun (SKee); Pennington, one, 10 Jun; one, 17 Jun (RFC);

VC12: Anna Valley, Andover, three, 10 Jun (TJN); Basingstoke*, one, 10 Jun; one, 17 Jun (MJW); Hammer Vale, Woolmer*, one, 11 Jun (ASwa); Fleet Pond, one, 27 Jun (MHals); Blackwater, one, 30 May; 11, 10 Jun; three, 11 Jun; one, 17 Jun; one, 27 Jun (BGD)

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 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
107413319972022
11820114219722022
1225748419742022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1132394
12452

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Brockwood, one, 23 Jun (SDut); Blashford Lakes HIWWT NR, one, 10 Aug (PWhtk); Marchwood, one, 11 Jul (CTha); Romsey, one, 09 Jun (MJB); two, 11 Jun; one, 26 Jun; one, 07 Jul (NRJ); Needs Ore NNR, one, 02 Jul (CNB); one, 02 Jul (PCra); one, 23 Jul (CNB); Chandler's Ford, one, 10 Jun (KArb); Allbrook, one, 11 Jun; one, 17 Jun (SIng); Titchfield, two, field observation, 06 Jul (IHrg); Botley Wood, one, 04 Aug (AMD); one, 09 Jun (F.M.G.); Fareham, one, 17 Jul (MLO); Pigeon House Coppice, Boarhunt, one, 11 Aug; Wickham, one, 23 Jun (F.M.G.); Portsmouth, one, 25 Jun; one, 06 Jul (IRT); Waterlooville, one, 09 Jun; one, 31 Jul (DWhe); Hurn, one, 09 Jun (MJef); Burton, nr Christchurch, one, 09 Jun; one, 16 Jun; one, 30 Jun (JStw); Hengistbury Head, three, 23 Jul; four, 27 Jun (MJef); New Milton, one, 24 Jun (RPH); Pennington, one, 07 Jul (RFC); Southsea, one, 16 Jun (JGdr);

VC12: Pamber Forest, one, 13 Jun (GJD); Fleet Pond, two, 10 Jun (MHals); Blackwater, one, 17 Jun (BGD); Farnborough, one, 06 Jul (KBW)

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 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
106610119772022
111563320419692022
12668194119752022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
115518635
1219232

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Brockwood, one, 07 Jul; three, 11 Aug (SDut); Blashford Lakes HIWWT NR, one, 15 Jul (PWhtk); East Tytherley*, one, 27 Aug (GCE); Marchwood, one, 18 Jul (CTha); Woodley, one, 17 Aug (NBin); Romsey, one, 15 Jun (KPea); one, 27 Jul; one, 21 Aug (MJB); Needs Ore NNR, two, 23 Jul (PCra); Allbrook, one, 29 Jul (SIng); Winchester, one, 08 Sep (THW); Botley Wood, two, 09 Jun (F.M.G. det. RJD); Funtley, one, 01 Jun (TDC); Fareham, one, 02 Aug (ADT); Wickham, one, 21 Aug; one, 06 Sep (JRDS); Portchester, one, 04 Sep (CEH, JGS); one, 15 Jun; one, 17 Jun (DH-J); Waterlooville, one, 07 Jul; one, 27 Jul; two, 03 Aug; one, 21 Aug; one, 01 Sep; one, 03 Sep; one, 05 Sep (DWhe); Hurn, one, 08 Jun; one, 11 Jul; one, 21 Jul; 15, 28 Jul; one, 15 Aug; 35, 18 Aug; six, 03 Sep; one, 12 Sep (MJef); Burton, nr Christchurch, four, 16 Jul; one, 21 Jul; four, 28 Jul; two, 31 Jul; two, 04 Aug; nine, 08 Aug; four, 15 Aug; one, 18 Aug; six, 21 Aug; three, 25 Aug (JStw); Hengistbury Head, 17, 23 Jul; five, 23 Jul; 24, 27 Jun; four, 27 Jun (MJef); New Milton, one, 06 Sep (RPH); Sway, one, 27 Jul; one, 15 Aug (SKee); Pennington, two, 05 Sep; one, 06 Sep (RFC);

VC12: Magdalen Hill Down NR, one, 14 Aug (AMD); Overton, one, 19 Jul (ACr); North Waltham, one, 11 Aug (AJon); Great Haughurst Copse, Axmansford, two, 12 Aug (ACB); South Ham, Basingstoke, one, 11 Aug (MHak); Silchester Common, one, 07 Jul (WLan); Pamber Forest, two, 18 Jul; one, 25 Jul; one, 10 Aug; two, 04 Sep (GJD); Shortheath Common, Oakhanger, present, netted, 06 Aug; Castle Bottom NNR, one, field observation, 26 Aug (AMD); Ludshott Common, one, 11 Jul (KBW, HthRT det. KBW); one, 02 Aug (NDP, KBW det. KBW); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 20 Jul; one, 30 Jul (ASwa); Fleet Pond, two, 10 Aug; two, 06 Sep (MHals); Blackwater, one, 07 Jul (BGD)

20.013 [B&F: 0412] Argyresthia pygmaeella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Common

Common in damp woodland, scrubland, gardens and hedgerows throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire fairly common in the south, with just a few recent records from the north-east of the county. On the Isle of Wight apparently restricted to the north-west coast. Wingspan 10-13 mm. The pale costal streak and other markings distinguish this species from all other Argyresthia. Larva mines bark of Sallow and Willow.

Records prior to 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1081819302017
11747719722022
124419882010

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Waterlooville, one, 09 Jul (DWhe)

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 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
102220222022
11308719362021
12232119802022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Muscliffe*, one, 08 Jun (KingB)

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 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101119781978
1117639319722022
128913219742022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11441
12661

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Romsey, one, 28 Jun (NRJ); Botley Wood, one, 09 Jun (F.M.G.); Waterlooville, one, 20 Jun (DWhe); Hurn, one, 09 Jun (MJef);

VC12: Silchester Common, one, 07 Jul; one, 07 Jul (WLan); Pamber Forest, one, 18 Jul (GJD); Blackwater, one, 11 Jun (BGD); Farnborough, one, 21 Jun; one, 16 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 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
105419732021
11835019662022
12231119882022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11232

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Romsey, two, 16 Jul (NRJ); Pennington*, one, 10 Jun (RFC)

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 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10323719002022
1125025719732022
12485419962022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1116236
12111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Totton, one, 04 Jun; one, 09 Jun (CNB); Romsey, one, 15 Jun (NRJ); Dibden Purlieu, NF, one, 10 Jun (RAC); Chandler's Ford, one, 10 Jun (KArb); Botley Wood, one, 09 Jun (F.M.G.); Funtley, one, 01 Jun; one, 04 Jun; two, 09 Jun (TDC); Fareham, two, 10 Jun; one, 20 Jun (ADT); Botley, one, 11 Jun (SLB); Portsmouth, one, 15 Jun (IRT); Waterlooville, one, 12 Jun (DWhe); Hurn, one, 09 Jun (MJef); Needs Ore NNR, six, 10 Jun (CNB);

VC12: Fleet Pond, one, 10 Jun (MHals)

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 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10213320172022
11435119852021
12333819972022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Marchwood, one, 13 Jul (CTha); Pennington, one, 10 Jun (RFC)

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 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
103319002018
11635819722022
12496919902022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
12133

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC12: Fleet Pond, three, field observation, on oak, inc a pair in cop., 14 Jun (MHals)

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 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1012919002021
1124826919742022
129212119812022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11441
12221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Marchwood, one, 13 Aug (CTha); Waterlooville, one, 27 Jul (DWhe); Tuckton, Christchurch, one, 01 Jul; one, 20 Jul (APard);

VC12: Pamber Forest, one, 10 Aug (GJD); Farnborough, one, 27 Jul (KBW)

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 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10245519002022
1120434919322022
128511819602022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11441
12331

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Titchfield, one, field observation, 06 Jul; one, field observation, 07 Jul (IHrg); Botley Wood, one, 08 Sep; one, 08 Sep (F.M.G.);

VC12: Cholderton, one, 29 Jul (TJN); Great Haughurst Copse, Axmansford*, one, 12 Aug (ACB det. GJD); Yateley Common, one, 26 Aug (BGD)

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 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
106512019002022
1124524919732022
12656719672022

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11573
12661

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Needs Ore NNR, one, 23 Jul (CNB); Winchester, one, 11 Aug (THW); Titchfield, three, field observation, 06 Jul (IHrg); Pigeon House Coppice, Boarhunt, one, 11 Aug (F.M.G.); Waterlooville, one, 05 Sep (DWhe);

VC12: Magdalen Hill Down NR*, one, 23 Jul (AMD); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 09 Sep (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur); Selborne, one, 08 Sep; one, 08 Sep (CJP); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne, one, 09 Jun (AMD, FHay det. AMD); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 04 Sep (ASwa)

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 2023

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
104119262021
11303019232022
1281219592014

2023 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11221
12221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Romsey, one, 01 Oct (MJB); one, gen det. , 22 Aug (NRJ det. DJG);

VC12: Barton Stacey, one, 11 Sep (GCE); Minley Wood*, one, field observation, 23 Aug (BGD)