2021 Annual Report for: Crambidae / Scopariinae

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taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species.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

63.062 [B&F: 1332] Scoparia subfusca Haworth, 1811 - Common

Common in woodland edges, gardens and rough ground throughout much of Britain. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common, but like its congeners either ignored or unidentified and so under-recorded. Wingspan 20-27 mm. One of the larger Scopariinae, and usually easy to recognise by the rather uniform light brownish grey colour, simple markings and lack of distinct subterminal line [Goater]. Larva feeds on roots of Oxtongue, Colt's-foot and Butterbur.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1011416518562020
1128223519512020
1237643219512020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1016161
11331
12452

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Totland, one, 22 Jul; one, 25 Jul; one, 25 Jul; one, 28 Aug; one, 29 Aug; one, 31 Aug; one, 01 Sep (RTer); Freshwater, one, 13 Jul; one, 22 Jul; one, 17 Aug (DCoo); one, 30 Jun; Brook Down, one, 07 Jul; Rew Down, Ventnor, one, 13 Jul; one, 11 Jul; Bonchurch, one, 10 Jul; one, 14 Jul (PBar);

VC11: Marchwood, one, 26 Jul (CTha); Broughton, one, 08 Jul (GCE); Old Winchester Hill, one, gen det, 11 Jun (RJD, MLO, DWal, KJW det. RJD);

VC12: Chilbolton, one, 05 Aug (GCE); Goodworth Clatford, two, 09 Aug (JMor); Crawley, one, 04 Aug (GCE); Basingstoke, one, 12 Jun (GAH)

63.063 [B&F: 1334a] Scoparia basistrigalis Knaggs, 1866 - Local

Local in deciduous woodland throughout England, less numerous in the north. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight much less common than S. ambigualis, but reported widely across the region. Wingspan 20-23 mm. This species is usually easy to recognise though some individuals are very close indeed to S. ambigualis; in general, S. basistrigalis is a little larger, broader-winged, with apex of forewing blunter, greyer, without ochreous hue, more heavily irrorate blackish and with fringe more strongly chequered [Goater]. Larva feeds on various mosses.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1011318319222020
1146756019512020
1211519019512020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1011133
1139433
12572

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Headon Warren & Undercliff, two, field observation, 26 Jun (DCoo); Totland, one, 19 Jun; one, 24 Jul; one, 26 Jul (RTer); Freshwater, two, 13 Jul; three, 16 Jul; one, 31 Jul; one, 04 Aug; one, 31 Aug (DCoo); Walter's Copse, Newtown, present, 04 Jul; present, several, 04 Jul (PBar);

VC11: Woodlands, NF, present, 19 Jul (RBW); Totton, one, 18 Jul; one, 19 Jul; one, 22 Jul (LHan); Romsey, one, 14 Jul (NRJ); Kings Somborne, one, 29 Jun; Winter Down Copse, Little Somborne, one, 19 Jul; one, 30 Jun (GCE); Allbrook, one, 14 Jul; one, 16 Jul; one, 19 Jul; one, 22 Jul (SIng); Botley Wood, three, 30 Jul (RJD, DWal, KJW); Fareham, one, 08 Jul (ADT); one, 29 Jun; one, 30 Jun; one, 08 Jul; one, 13 Jul; one, 20 Jul; one, 22 Jul; one, 25 Jul; one, 27 Jul (MLO); Wickham, one, to light, 09 Jul (KCok, RJD, MLO, ADT, KJW); Botley, one, 01 Jul; one, 16 Jul; three, 18 Jul; one, 19 Jul; three, 20 Jul; one, 23 Jul; one, 25 Jul; one, 26 Jul; one, 29 Jul; one, 18 Jul (SLB); West Walk, one, 23 Jul (RJD, MLO, ADT, DWal, KJW); Merritown Heath, present, 10 Jun (DFoo); Hurn, one, 29 Jun; one, 02 Jul; one, 17 Jul; one, 18 Jul (MJef);

VC12: Chilbolton, one, 07 Jul (SLE); Crawley, two, 10 Aug; one, 13 Jul (GCE); Pamber Forest, one, 16 Jun; two, 16 Jul (GJD)

63.064 [B&F: 1334] Scoparia ambigualis (Treitschke, 1829) - Common

Common in deciduous woodland and on moorland throughout Britain. Widespread and very common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 15-22 mm. Most likely to be confused with S. basistrigalis and S. ancipitella, which see, and Eudonia truncicolella, which has darker markings and no ochreous wash. Larva feeds on various mosses.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1025153718562020
112454478519512020
121760435319512020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1020374
11638510
1259886

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Osborne Valley Walk, 01 Jun, 3 (IOut) Latest: Shanklin, 11 Aug, 1 (IOut) Max count: Osborne Valley Walk, 22 Jul, 4 (IOut)

VC11: Earliest: Broughton, 27 May, 1 (GCE) Latest: Marchwood, 06 Oct, 1 (TDCh) Max count: Old Winchester Hill, 11 Jun, 10 (RJD, MLO, DWal, KJW)

VC12: Earliest: Little Somborne, 28 May, 2 (GCE) Latest: Basingstoke, 17 Aug, 1 (MJW) Max count: Yateley Common, 05 Jun, 6 (BDal)

63.066 [B&F: 1333] Scoparia pyralella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Common

Common on chalk downland and waste ground throughout much of Britain, less numerous in Scotland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common. Wingspan 17-20 mm. Although this is a variable species, it is usually easy to recognise by the rather short, broad wings, contrasting pattern and the distinctly ochreous rather than grey hue [Goater]. Despite most published literature stating that the larva feeds on various mosses and decaying vegetable matter, Bob Heckford (pers comm) has said that there is no confirmed record of the larva feeding on any moss species that he is aware of. In fact he and Stella Beavan may be the only people alive in Britain who have found the larva, feeding on dead leaves of Plantago lanceolata.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1023450318562020
11919252219512020
12873251819512020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1011277
11419420
1236707

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Headon Warren & Undercliff, one, field observation, 26 Jun (DCoo); Freshwater Bay, one, 02 Jun (SDav); three, 30 Jun (PBar); Compton Cliffs, five, field observation, 29 May (SDav); Brook Down, seven, field observation, 05 Jun (DCoo); two, 07 Jul; Rew Down, Ventnor, one, 11 Jul (PBar); Bonchurch, one, 18 May; two, 05 Jun; three, 11 Jun; one, 15 Jun (JHa);

VC11: Ashley Heath, one, 06 Jun; one, 12 Jun; three, 08 Jul; two, 16 Jul (SDut); Broughton Down, 20, 12 Jun (MBot, DTay det. MBot); one, 12 Jun (MBot); Totton, one, 19 Jul; two, 20 Jul; one, 21 Jul (LHan); Romsey, one, 12 Jun; one, 14 Jun; two, 30 Jun; one, 07 Jul (MBak); Kings Somborne, one, 09 Jun; one, 29 Jun; Ashley, one, 26 Jun; Broughton, two, 13 Jun; four, 13 Jun; three, 13 Jun; two, 08 Jul; one, 13 Jun; one, 13 Jun; one, 08 Jul; two, 13 Jun; one, 08 Jul; Ashley, one, 26 Jun; one, 26 Jun; two, 26 Jun; one, 26 Jun; one, 06 Jun (GCE); Swaythling, Southampton, one, 04 Jun (MEdg); Winchester, one, 30 Jun (THW); Crawley, one, 28 Jun (GCE); Fareham, one, 13 Jul (MLO); Hilltop, The Hangers, 10, 12 Jun (SIng det. DPH); Portsmouth, one, 16 Jun (IRT); West Meon, one, 02 Jul; 10, 02 Jul (RJD, MLO, ADT, DWal, KJW); Old Winchester Hill, two, 11 Jun; three, 11 Jun (RJD, MLO, DWal, KJW);

VC12: Over Wallop, one, 26 Jun (CMap); Cholderton, two, 02 Jul (TJN, LFom, HEdm); Little Somborne, one, 24 Jun; one, 24 Jun; three, 12 Jul; Crawley, one, 28 Jun; one, 28 Jun; Little Somborne, two, 12 Jul; Crawley, one, 24 Jun; Little Somborne, one, 12 Jul; Crawley, three, 28 Jun; one, 28 Jun; Little Somborne, one, 12 Jul; one, 12 Jul; Crawley, one, 25 Jun; one, 14 Jun; one, 13 Jul; three, 13 Jul (GCE); Morn Hill, Winchester, three, 12 Jun (CBey, DAS, PDF et al); present, 12 Jun (DAS); one, 17 Jul (CBey, DAS, PDF); Hinton Ampner, two, 07 Jun; two, 16 Jun; seven, 08 Jul; three, 09 Jul (ASD); Ecchinswell, one, 02 Jun (MJN); Old Basing, Basingstoke, three, 18 Jun; five, 20 Jun (SVic); Basingstoke, one, 04 Jun; one, 07 Jun (JEH); five, 18 Jul (RHil); Pamber Forest, one, 16 Jul (GJD); Alton, one, 30 Jun; one, 22 Jul (DBO); Selborne, six, 24 Jun (CJP); Whitehill, one, 02 Jun (ASto)

63.067 [B&F: 1338] Eudonia lacustrata (Panzer, 1804) - Common

Common in a wide range of habitats throughout most of Britain, south of the Scottish Highlands. Common across much of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 16-18 mm. Similar to Eudonia mercurella, but that species has slightly narrower, more pointed forewing, is usually darker coloured, and subterminal line is not interrupted [Goater]. Larva feeds on various mosses, often on walls and tree trunks.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10349181919802020
112499579019512020
121707603519512020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
105324137
1116730211
129520110

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Shanklin, 16 Jun, 2 (IOut) Latest: Osborne Valley Walk, 26 Aug, 6 (IOut) Max count: Shanklin, 18 Jul, 37 (IOut)

VC11: Earliest: Romsey, 22 Jun, 2 (NRJ) Latest: Hurn, 19 Sep, 1 (MJef) Max count: Allbrook, 16 Jul, 11 (SIng)

VC12: Earliest: Blackwater, 14 Jun, 1 (BDal) Latest: Ropley, 15 Sep, 1 (TJN, LFom) Max count: Basingstoke, 19 Jul, 10 (MJW)

63.069 [B&F: 1342] Eudonia angustea (Curtis, 1827) - Common

Historically associated with coastal sand-dunes and rough ground throughout the British Isles, this species in recent decades has been increasingly common inland. This picture is mirrored in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight and it is generally regular to traps across the two counties, and is the only scopariid to be seen in winter. Wingspan 17-22 mm. Easily recognised by the narrow, pointed, brown-tinted forewing [Goater]. Larva feeds on various mosses, often on walls and sand dunes.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10926174218562020
114287649219512020
1248961419512020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10991587
1127146311
1257733

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Bonchurch, 26 Apr, 1 (JHa) Latest: Freshwater, 30 Dec, 1 (DCoo) Max count: Freshwater, 16 Oct, 7 (DCoo)

VC11: Earliest: Fareham, 01 Apr, 1 (ADT) Latest: Hurn, 18 Nov, 1 (MJef) Max count: Totton, 11 Jun, 11 (LHan)

VC12: Earliest: Blackwater, 09 May, 1 (BDal) Latest: Alton, 19 Nov, 1 (BCA) Max count: Harestock, 18 Sep, 3 (GRog)

63.072 [B&F: 1343] Eudonia delunella (Stainton, 1849) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) on heathland and in woodland in parts of the British Isles. In Hampshire rather frequent on the coast, but very local inland except on the New Forest heaths. There have been no recent records from the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 17-18mm. An easily-recognised species with strongly contrasted black-and-white pattern and prominent discal blotch [Goater]. Larva feeds on various mosses and lichens, often on tree trunks.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10121318802020
1142260319512020
12243919602020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10463
11641086
12892

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Freshwater, one, 18 Jul; one, 22 Jul (DCoo); Parkhurst Forest, three, 13 Jul (TJN, IMer, LFom); Wheelers Bay, one, 18 Jul (ABut);

VC11: Sandleheath, three, 08 Jul (Unknown); Furzehill, NF, two, 29 Jun; one, 08 Jul; one, 18 Jul (SLoa); Marchwood, one, 08 Jul; one, 14 Jul; two, 18 Jul; one, 24 Jul; one, 31 Jul (TDCh); one, 16 Jun; two, 20 Jun; one, 07 Jul; two, 15 Jul; two, 19 Jul; one, 24 Jul; one, 01 Aug (CTha); Woodlands, NF, present, 29 Jun (RBW); Totton, three, 14 Jul (TRac det. MJW); two, 30 Jun; one, 01 Jul; one, 08 Jul; two, 13 Jul; one, 15 Jul; one, 17 Jul; six, 19 Jul; one, 20 Jul (LHan); East Tytherley, one, 14 Jul (GCE); Romsey, one, 24 Jun (NRJ); Winter Down Copse, Little Somborne, one, 19 Jul; one, 30 Jun (GCE); Swaythling, Southampton, one, 09 Jul (MEdg); Valley Park, Chandlers Ford, one, 02 Jul; one, 03 Jul; one, 17 Jul; two, 19 Jul; one, 21 Jul (KArb); Allbrook, one, 30 Jun; two, 01 Jul; two, 08 Jul; three, 13 Jul; four, 14 Jul; one, 15 Jul; three, 16 Jul; three, 17 Jul; five, 18 Jul; three, 19 Jul; one, 20 Jul; one, 22 Jul (SIng); Crawley*, one, 17 Jul; one, 28 Jun (GCE); Hurn, one, 29 Jun; three, 30 Jun; one, 01 Jul; two, 02 Jul; one, 19 Jul (MJef); Burton, nr Christchurch, one, 23 Jun (JStw); Milford on Sea, two, 08 Jul (MMcM); Pennington, one, 27 Jun; two, 29 Jun; four, 14 Jul; one, 15 Jul; one, 19 Jul; four, 24 Jul; one, 27 Jul (RFC);

VC12: Little Somborne, one, 24 Jun; Crawley*, one, 12 Jul; Little Somborne*, two, 24 Jun; one, 24 Jun; one, 12 Jul; Crawley*, one, 17 Jul; one, 14 Jun; one, 13 Jul (GCE)

63.073 [B&F: 1340] Eudonia truncicolella (Stainton, 1849) - Common

Common in a wide variety of habitats, including woodland and gardens, throughout Britain. Wingspan 18-23 mm. Very difficult to distinguish from E. murana, a very much rarer species which has, to 2008, yet to be recorded reliably in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight, but which has a less markedly zigzag postmedian line; can also be confused with Scoparia ambigualis, which see. Larva feeds on various mosses.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10459219592020
1190217252002020
1230172519512020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
106105
11308511
12672

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Freshwater, one, 14 Aug; one, 23 Aug; one, 25 Aug; Newtown Meadows, one, field observation, 11 Aug (DCoo); Cowes, one, 16 Jul (DNor); Shanklin, five, 07 Sep (IOut);

VC11: Ashley Heath, one, 16 Jul (SDut); Marchwood, one, 06 Sep (CTha); Totton, four, 30 Jun; two, 01 Jul; two, 07 Jul; three, 08 Jul; two, 13 Jul; five, 14 Jul; three, 15 Jul; five, 16 Jul; four, 17 Jul; seven, 18 Jul; four, 19 Jul; six, 20 Jul; 11, 21 Jul; two, 22 Jul; two, 25 Jul; two, 04 Aug; one, 11 Aug; one, 13 Aug; two, 17 Aug; three, 18 Aug; three, 19 Aug (LHan); Woodley, one, 16 Jul (NBin); Romsey, one, 09 Sep; one, 14 Sep; one, 15 Oct (NRJ); Botley Wood, two, 10 Sep; West Meon, one, 03 Sep (RJD, MLO, DWal, KJW); Pennington, one, 14 Jul; one, 15 Jul; two, 19 Jul (RFC);

VC12: Alton, one, 22 Jul; one, 25 Jul; two, 27 Jul (DBO); Hammer Vale, one, 23 Aug; one, 02 Sep (ASwa); Blackwater, one, 14 Aug (BDal)

63.074 [B&F: 1344] Eudonia mercurella (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common in a wide range of habitats, including woodland and gardens, throughout Britain. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 16-19 mm. Distinguished from other Scopariinae by the generally dark forewings and X-shaped configuration of cross-lines which occupies the whole of the subterminal region [Goater]. Larva feeds on various mosses, often on walls and tree trunks.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10332116018932020
114438117451212020
122230709719512020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1025519
1113226417
128215910

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Headon Warren & Undercliff, 26 Jun, 2 (DCoo) Latest: Wydcombe, 06 Sep, 1 (JRB, IOut) Max count: Totland, 24 Jul, 9 (RTer)

VC11: Earliest: Portsmouth, 11 Jun, 1 (IRT) Latest: Kings Somborne, 15 Sep, 1 (GCE) Max count: Marchwood, 19 Jul, 17 (CTha)

VC12: Earliest: Yateley Common, 01 Feb, 4 (BDal) Latest: Crawley, 14 Sep, 1 (GCE) Max count: Anna Valley, Andover, 20 Jul, 10 (TJN, LFom)

63.075 [B&F: 1336] Eudonia pallida (Curtis, 1827) - Local

Local in marshes, river-banks and damp areas throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common. Wingspan 17-19 mm. One of the smallest British scopariines, easily recognised by the weak markings, pale coloration, and small, blackish stigmata [Goater]. Larva feeds on various mosses.

Records prior to 2021

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1017225519002020
111251212319512020
12722160619512020

2021 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10112713
1137415
1219223

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Totland, one, 19 Jun; one, 23 Jun (RTer); Freshwater, one, 13 Jul (DCoo); Afton Marsh, one, 03 Jul (PBar); Freshwater Bay, one, 29 Jun; one, 30 Aug (SDav); Wydcombe, three, 06 Sep; Shanklin, 13, 18 Jul; two, field observation, 11 Aug; Shanklin Upper Chine, one, 18 Jul; two, 21 Jul (IOut);

VC11: Broughton Down, two, 12 Jun (MBot, DTay det. MBot); Marchwood, one, 08 Sep; one, 10 Sep (CTha); Totton, one, 31 May; one, 01 Jun; one, 02 Jun; two, 14 Jul; one, 20 Jul; one, 21 Jul; one, 22 Jul (LHan); East Tytherley, one, 12 Jun (GCE); Romsey, one, 10 Jun (MBak); one, 09 Sep (NRJ); Kings Somborne, one, 12 Aug; Broughton, one, 13 Jun; one, 06 Sep; two, 06 Sep; Ashley, one, 04 Sep; one, 06 Jun (GCE); Southampton, one, 14 Jun (MGP); Allbrook, one, 14 Jun (SIng); Brownwich cliffs, one, 16 Jul (MLO, RJD, KJW); Fareham, one, 14 Jun (MLO); Botley, one, 16 Jun; one, 20 Jul; one, 21 Jul; one, 22 Jul; five, 26 Jul; one, 12 Sep (SLB); Portsmouth, one, 03 Jul; one, 14 Jul (IRT); West Walk, one, 23 Jul (RJD, MLO, ADT, DWal, KJW); Merritown Heath, present, 10 Jun (DFoo); Burton, nr Christchurch, one, 11 Jun (JStw); Pennington, one, 14 Jul (RFC);

VC12: Crawley, one, 14 Sep; one, 25 Sep; two, 07 Sep; one, 10 Aug; one, 07 Sep; Barton Stacey, one, 24 Sep; one, 24 Sep; three, 24 Sep; one, 02 Sep; one, 24 Sep; one, 02 Sep; Bullington, one, 19 Sep (GCE); Basingstoke, one, 09 Jun (GAH); one, 23 Jun; one, 09 Sep (MJW); one, 12 Jun (RHil); Pamber Forest, one, 24 Jun (GJD); Alton, one, 14 Sep (DBO); Farnborough, one, 22 Aug (KBW)