2020 Annual Report for: Crambidae / Pyraustinae

For species seen in 2020 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is taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species.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 2020 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 2020, 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.

63.002 [B&F: 1368] Loxostege sticticalis (Linnaeus, 1761) - Migrant

Irregular immigrant to the British Isles from southern Europe, common in some years. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight most frequent on the coast, but very irregular in appearance, with a notable influx in 1995 when at least 12 were recorded. Most common in the south, where it is nearly annual, reports from the north are very rare, with only four to date: one in 2022 was the first for 21 years (five individuals were reported in VC12). Wingspan 24-29 mm. Most likely to be confused with the abundant Udea olivalis, but distinguished by the characteristic white terminal streak. Larva feeds on Mugwort, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10131118562019
11171519552017
123319702001

2020 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: West High Down Quarry, one, 07 Aug (IOu)

63.003 [B&F: 1367] Pyrausta cingulata (Linnaeus, 1758) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb). Local, on chalky ground and sand-dunes, mainly on the coast, throughout much of England, Wales and southern Scotland, and in parts of Ireland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight known principally from West Wight; records from the mainland should be treated with caution. Wingspan 14-17mm. Distinguished from P. nigrata by larger size and straighter white cross-lines on the forewing. Larva feeds on Wild Thyme, living within a spinning.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
105712918562018
111019511951

2020 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: West High Down Quarry, one, 07 Aug (IOu)

63.005 [B&F: 1365] Pyrausta despicata (Scopoli, 1763) - Common

Local, on sand-dunes, dry heathland, downland and open areas on chalk or limestone, throughout the British Isles. Widespread in Hampshire and Wight. Wingspan 14-19mm. Forewing more mottled and less clearly marked than in any other British Pyrausta species [Goater]. Flies both by day and night. Larva feeds on Ribwort and Greater Plantain, forming silken galleries.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1019940618562019
1166793419512019
1219728219512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10193812
1140565
1219233

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Tennyson Down, one, field observation, 05 Aug; West High Down Quarry, one, 07 Aug (IOu); Freshwater Bay, six, to actinic, 13 Sep; two, to actinic, 15 Sep (PBa); Cranmore, present, to actinic, 19 Aug (CHic); St Catherine's Point, one, field observation, 16 Aug; Windy Corner, one, 14 Sep (IOu); St Catherine's Down, one, field observation, 21 Sep (PBa); Mottistone Down, 12, 20 Jun (IOu); Bonchurch Revetment, one, field observation, 23 Apr (ABu); Bonchurch, one, 20 Jun; one, 22 Jun; three, 24 Jun; two, 12 Jul (JHa); Shanklin, one, 24 Jun; one, 01 Aug; one, 02 Aug; one, 23 Aug; Culver Down, one, 17 Jun (IOu);

VC11: Woodlands, New Forest, present, 25 Jun (RBW); Totton, one, 02 Jul; present, 15 Aug; one, 22 Aug (LH); Kings Somborne, one, to actinic, 31 Jul; one, to actinic, 08 Sep; one, to actinic, 07 Aug (GCE); Dibden Purlieu, one, to actinic, 16 Aug; one, to actinic, 17 Aug (RAC); Hilltop, The Hangers, one, 01 Aug (SI); Portsmouth, one, 03 May; one, 08 Jun; one, 17 Jun; two, 24 Jun; one, 26 Jun; one, 17 Jul; one, 18 Jul; one, 19 Jul; three, 03 Aug; one, 04 Aug; four, 07 Aug; four, 08 Aug; one, 09 Aug; one, 10 Aug; two, 12 Aug; one, 13 Aug; two, 16 Aug; five, 18 Aug; three, 23 Aug; one, 24 Aug; one, 25 Aug; one, 28 Aug; one, 20 Sep (IRT); Horndean, one, 24 Apr; one, field observation, 24 Apr (PHog); Pennington, one, 14 Aug; one, 11 Sep (RFC); Southsea, one, 24 Jun; two, 11 Aug; one, 13 Aug (JGe);

VC12: Cholderton, six, 08 Aug (TJN, HE); one, field observation, 11 Aug (TJN, LF); Stockbridge Down NT, one, field observation, 14 Jun; one, field observation, 14 Jun (DKel det. PEH); one, field observation, minimum count recorded on site, 16 Jun; one, field observation, minimum count recorded on site, 16 Jun (MDu); Chilbolton, three, to actinic, 17 Aug; one, to actinic, 16 Jun; Barton Stacey, one, to actinic, 14 Aug (GCE); Harestock, one, to actinic, 12 Aug (GRog); Barton Stacey, one, to actinic, 25 Jun; one, to actinic, 11 Aug; one, to actinic, 14 Aug; one, to actinic, 16 Jul (GCE); Overton, one, field observation, 24 Apr (ACB); Ecchinswell*, one, 22 Aug (MJN); Basingstoke*, one, 06 Aug; one, 08 Aug (RHil); Warren Hill, Liss Forest, one, 27 Jun; three, 08 Aug; one, 15 Aug (RJM); Whitehill, one, to actinic, 15 Aug (ASto); Alton*, one, 17 Aug (EFig); Yateley*, one, 13 Aug (JHH)

63.006 [B&F: 1361] Pyrausta aurata (Scopoli, 1763) - Common

Local, on chalk downland and open, grassy areas, discontinuously throughout much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, sometimes abundant on the downs, but also in gardens amongst cultivated mint. Wingspan 15-18mm. Flies by day and night. The main confusion species is P. purpuralis which is larger and occurs less frequently in gardens. P. aurata has fewer cream spots on the forewing and the spot near the dorsal edge is either absent or small and broken into three parts. P. purpuralis has a rounded leading edge to the dorsal cream spot. Note that the purple scales apparent when freshly emerged quickly wear off and leave just a brown appearance. Larva feeds on Mint, Marjoram and Thyme, living within a silken tube or tent.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1034460018562019
114346799019512019
121825462619512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1011133
1126287216
1212022816

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Wootton, 11 Apr, 1 (KShw) Latest: Cranmore, 09 Aug, 1 (KNow) Max count: East Cowes, 08 Aug, 3 (TWhi)

VC11: Earliest: Romsey, 07 Apr, 1 (MB) Latest: Portsmouth, 05 Oct, 1 (iNat) Max count: Totton, 23 Jul, 16 (LH)

VC12: Earliest: Farnborough, 26 Apr, 1 (KBW) Latest: Magdalen Hill Down NR, 20 Sep, 1 (BJon) Max count: Alton, 06 Aug, 16 (DBO)

63.007 [B&F: 1362] Pyrausta purpuralis (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Found on chalk downland and dry, grassy areas, throughout much of Britain favouring very short turf. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, locally common on the downs, and sometimes found in gardens where Thyme is grown. Wingspan 15-22mm. Flies by day and night. At first glance, confusable with P. aurata, from which distinguished by its larger size and the rounded leading edge to the dorsal cream spot on the forewing. The hindwing always has one or two yellow spots or short, broad streaks; this is best seen by viewing the underside of the moth. Also see the very similar P. ostrinalis for differences. Note that the purple scales apparent when freshly emerged quickly wear off and leave just a brown appearance. Larva feeds on Wild Thyme and Large Thyme and sometimes Corn Mint, living within a silken tube or tent.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1012840218562019
111185171519512019
1240056119512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1013173
1150552
124812815

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Kingston, 24 Jun, 1 (ENes) Latest: Brighstone, 29 Aug, 1 (TDov) Max count: West High Down Quarry, 07 Aug, 3 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Bushfield Camp, 23 Apr, 1 (KLo) Latest: Kings Somborne, 08 Sep, 1 (GCE) Max count: Brockwood, 07 Aug, 2 (SDut)

VC12: Earliest: Popley, Basingstoke, 24 Apr, 1 (MDu) Latest: Cholderton, 12 Sep, 1 (TJN, LF) Max count: Barton Stacey, 11 Aug, 15 (GCE)

63.009 [B&F: 1366] Pyrausta nigrata (Scopoli, 1763) - Local

Local, on chalk downland and limestone pavements, throughout much of southern England and in the Lake District. In Hampshire found locally on the downs. On the Isle of Wight, recorded only occasionally in recent years after an absence of over a century. Wingspan 14-17mm. Identified by the combination of black wings with white fringes and angled cross-lines. Larva feeds on Wild Thyme, Wild Marjoram and Corn Mint, living between leaves spun together with silk, over-wintering as a pupa

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1071519002007
1112620219512019
1213318119512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11111
12385

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Pennington, one, 07 Oct (RFC);

VC12: Cholderton, 30, field observation, 25 Apr; one, field observation, 02 May (TJN); Stockbrige Down, five, field observation, 08 May; Stockbridge Down, one, field observation, 08 May (CKn); Old Burghclere, two, field observation, 06 May (GJD); Noar Hill, one, 25 Apr (DAS)

63.014 [B&F: 1370] Sitochroa palealis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Local

Local on heathland, downland, waste ground and cliff-tops throughout much of southern England and East Anglia. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight an immigrant which has become established; since 1990, singletons have been seen regularly, and breeding colonies are established, perhaps temporarily, in several localities on the coast and across the chalk downland. Wingspan 29-34 mm. Fairly unmistakable: pale sulphur-yellow when fresh, fading whiter with age, but always with prominent veins. Larva feeds on flowers and seeds of Fennel, Wild Carrot, Pepper-saxifrage, Hogweed and other umbellifers.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10401718562018
1140447619492019
12746619512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10111
11211

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Bonchurch, one, 06 Aug (JHa);

VC11: Calshot, present, field observation, 19 Jul (VPi); Portsmouth, one, 12 Jul (IRT)

63.016 [B&F: 1386] Anania fuscalis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Local

Local in open woodland, moorland and damp meadows throughout much of Britain. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight locally common on downland amongst Yellow Rattle and less so in acid woodland where the foodplant is Common Cow-wheat, and occasional elsewhere. Wingspan 20-26 mm. The most likely confusion species is Algedonia terrealis, which see for differences. Larva feeds on Yellow-rattle and Common Cow-wheat.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10251918562018
1117024719512019
12153192819512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10221
11111
12232

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Bonchurch, one, 07 Jun; one, 17 Jun (JHa);

VC11: Kings Somborne, one, to actinic, 11 Jun (GCE);

VC12: Leckford, one, field observation, 17 Jun (GCE); Anna Valley, Andover, one, 02 Jun (TJN); Old Burghclere, two, field observation, 24 May; Pamber Forest, one, 30 May (GJD)

63.017 [B&F: 1377] Anania lancealis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Common

Common in damp woodland and fens throughout southern England and Wales. Widely distributed and relatively common throughout Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 30-34 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on Hemp-agrimony, Hedge Woundwort and Greater Water-parsnip.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1023156018562019
1150246419512019
1227349719512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1011203
1115183
12221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Parkhurst Forest, one, 29 Jun (IOu); Bonchurch, one, 20 Jun; two, 22 Jun; three, 24 Jun; two, 25 Jun; three, 12 Jul; three, 13 Jul (JHa); Haseley Manor, one, 09 Jun; Shanklin, one, 05 Jul; Borthwood Copse, Winford, one, 23 Jun; Firestone Copse, two, 21 Jul (IOu);

VC11: Culverley, NF, one, 19 Jul (CL); Ashurst, NF, one, 24 Jun (SAB); Totton, one, 23 Jun (LH); Romsey, one, 24 Jun (SC); Kings Somborne, one, to actinic, 09 Jul; Stockbridge Down NT, one, to actinic, 24 Jul (GCE); Allbrook, one, 16 Jul; one, 30 Jul (SI); Winchester, one, 23 Jun; one, 04 Jul; two, 07 Jul; one, 24 Jul (THW); Titchfield Haven NNR, one, 17 Jul; Hen Wood, three, 24 Jul (F.M.G.); Sway, one, 23 Jun (SKe); Pilley Bailey, NF, one, 07 Jul (RBW, MWa);

VC12: Anna Valley, Andover, one, 25 Jun (TJN); Ropley, one, 26 May (TJN, LF); Pamber Forest, one, 25 May; one, 15 Jun (GJD)

63.018 [B&F: 1378] Anania coronata (Hufnagel, 1767) - Common

Common on rough ground and in gardens throughout England, Wales and Ireland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight common wherever elder flourishes, and occasionally recorded away from the foodplant. Wingspan 23-26mm. The main confusion species is the far rarer P. stachydalis, which differs, for example, in the distinctly irregular distal edge of the large white spots on the hindwing and forewing — in P. coronata these white spots are neatly delineated and circular — and the slightly falcate wing-tip of P. stachydalis. Larva feeds on Elder, living within a spun or rolled leaf.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1035877318562019
114056607819462019
1273592019512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1018375
11921073
1224399

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Bonchurch, 15 Jun, 1 (JHa) Latest: Shanklin, 14 Aug, 1 (IOu) Max count: Bonchurch, 24 Jun, 5 (JHa)

VC11: Earliest: Totton, 31 May, 1 (LH) Latest: Southsea, 15 Aug, 1 (JGe) Max count: Southampton, 06 Jul, 3 (MEdg)

VC12: Earliest: Basingstoke, 01 Jun, 1 (RHil) Latest: Harestock, 16 Aug, 1 (GRog) Max count: Basingstoke, 16 Jul, 9 (RHil)

63.020 [B&F: 1380] Anania perlucidalis (Hübner, [1809]) - Common

A species of fens and reed-beds, damp meadows and wasteground. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, first recorded in the county in 1973, but not seen again until 1988. Since then, it has become established and is evidently spreading, though still at low density; most commonly found in the Test valley above Stockbridge, with scattered records elsewhere. Wingspan 21-23 mm. Prominent dark discal spot precludes confusion with any other species [Goater]. Larva feeds on Thistle Carduus/Cirsium.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1011819812017
11525219812019
12657719812019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11562
12331

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Stockbridge Down NT, two, to actinic, 19 Jun; one, to actinic, 19 Jun; one, to actinic, 19 Jun; one, to actinic, 19 Jun (GCE); Southsea*, one, 11 Jul (JGe);

VC12: Crawley, one, 21 May (TNo); Basingstoke, one, 26 Jun (MJW); Pamber Forest, one, 08 Jun (GJD)

63.022 [B&F: 1385] Anania crocealis (Hübner, 1796) - Local

Local in water meadows, marshes, river-banks and damp areas throughout much of England and Wales. The most likely confusion species is Udea lutealis, in which the cross-lines are more intricately sinuate, the stigmata are larger and clearly outlined, and there is a dark cloud in apex of hindwing [Goater]. Could also be mistaken for the extremely rare Paracorsia repandalis. Wingspan 22-25 mm. Larva feeds on Common Fleabane and Ploughman's-spikenard, living between leaves spun together with silk.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101039718562019
1136032219512019
12889619512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10541
1112111
12111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Chessell, one, field observation, 24 Jul (DNor); Cranmore, present, to actinic, 13 Jun (CHic); Bonchurch, one, 08 Jun; one, 17 Jun (JHa); Rookley, one, to actinic, 17 Jul (JBa);

VC11: Woodlands, New Forest, present, 09 Jun (RBW); Romsey, one, 19 Jun; one, 16 Jul; one, 18 Jul (MB); Kings Somborne, one, to actinic, 07 Aug (GCE); Fareham, one, 10 Aug (KJW); Botley, one, to actinic, 11 Jun; one, to actinic, 15 Jul (SLB); Wickham, three, 20 Aug (JRDS); West Walk, one, field observation, 06 Jul (RJD); Lovedean, one, 17 Aug (ARJ); Hen Wood, one, 24 Jul (F.M.G.); Northney, Hayling Island, present, 08 Aug (JWP); Southsea, one, 11 Jul; one, 12 Jul (JGe);

VC12: Liss, one, 14 Aug (LBe); Castle Bottom NNR, present, 25 Jun (JHH, AMD)

63.023 [B&F: 1382] Anania verbascalis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) in open areas where the foodplant grows, such as heaths and shingle beaches, in parts of southern England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight chiefly confined to the New Forest and the coast, and distinctly uncommon in northern Hampshire. Wingspan 22-26 mm. The species has a characteristic bronze coloration which readily distinguishes it [Goater]. Larva feeds on Wood Sage.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
105418562016
11867119072019
123119512003

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10111
12111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Bonchurch*, one, 13 Aug (JHa)

63.025 [B&F: 1376] Small Magpie Anania hortulata (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common wherever there are nettles, throughout southern England and locally in northern England and southern Scotland. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 33-35 mm. One of the most distinctive and easily recognised British species of micro-moth. Larva feeds on both perennial and annual species of nettle, Stinging Nettle and Small Nettle.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10815202319512019
1164341007319512019
123096646219512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10631136
111962897
121462478

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Shanklin, 27 Apr, 1 (IOu) Latest: Shanklin, 13 Aug, 1 (IOu) Max count: Bonchurch, 24 Jun, 6 (JHa)

VC11: Earliest: Wickham, 09 May, 1 (JRDS) Latest: Wickham, 20 Aug, 1 (JRDS) Max count: Winchester, 02 Jun, 7 (THW)

VC12: Earliest: Overton, 23 Apr, 1 (PEH) Latest: Crawley, 12 Aug, 2 (TNo) Max count: Wherwell, 13 Jun, 8 (GCE)

63.028 [B&F: 1375] European Corn-borer Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner, 1796) - Local

Local on waste ground in south-east England, formerly a rare immigrant, subsequently becoming established in the Thames Valley and around Portsmouth, and now found throughout much of southern England. Widespread and fairly common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 29-37 mm. Male is unmistakable; female can be confused with Sitochroa verticalis, but in that species the second line on forewing is evenly curved, not angled below half-way. Larva feeds in Britain on Mugwort, on the continent it is often a serious pest of Maize.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1019132718502019
111677221819512019
1232051219512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1025335
111211626
1246667

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Rookley, 24 Jun, 1 (JBa) Latest: Haseley Manor, 21 Sep, 1 (IOu) Max count: Freshwater, 12 Sep, 5 (PBa)

VC11: Earliest: Romsey, 02 Jun, 1 (NRJ) Latest: Ashley, 22 Sep, 2 (GCE) Max count: Burton, nr Christchurch, 23 Jun, 6 (JSw)

VC12: Earliest: Alton, 07 Jun, 1 (BCA) Latest: Whitehill, 28 Sep, 1 (ASto) Max count: Chilbolton, 15 Sep, 7 (GCE)

63.030 [B&F: 1374] Paratalanta hyalinalis (Hübner, 1796) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) on chalk downland and in woodland clearings in parts of southern England. In Hampshire widespread across the chalk in the north of the county, and occasionally numerous, as at Micheldever Spoil Heaps in 2005 and Danebury in 1999, but distinctly uncommon in the south and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 28-35 mm. The most likely confusion species is Sitochroa verticalis, from which distinguished by the characteristic shape of the cross-lines. Larva feeds on Common Knapweed, Great Mullein and Stinging Nettle.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10101119742014
11547818002019
124010519512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
12111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC12: Barton Stacey, one, to actinic, 12 Jul (GCE)