2023 Annual Report for: Crambidae / Scopariinae
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is taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species.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.
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 136 | 201 | 1856 | 2022 |
| 11 | 290 | 246 | 1951 | 2022 |
| 12 | 395 | 458 | 1951 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 12 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Needs Ore NNR, one, 24 Jul; one, 09 Aug (CNB);
VC12: North Waltham, one, 27 Jun (AJon); Tidgrove Warren, nr Overton, one, 07 Jul (MJW, ACB); Basingstoke, one, 27 Jun (MJW); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne, one, 11 Aug (AMD, FHay det. AMD)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 138 | 214 | 1922 | 2022 |
| 11 | 556 | 677 | 1951 | 2022 |
| 12 | 137 | 238 | 1951 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 32 | 53 | 6 |
| 12 | 4 | 7 | 3 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Hale Purlieu, NF, one, 21 Jun (JPuz); East Tytherley, one, 11 Jul (GCE); Fishlake Meadows, five, 13 Jul (NRJ); Winter Down Copse, Little Somborne, one, 31 Jul (GCE); Needs Ore NNR, two, 02 Jul (CNB); two, 02 Jul (PCra); six, 23 Jul (CNB); three, 23 Jul (PCra); Allbrook, one, 10 Jun; one, 02 Jul; three, 07 Jul; three, 18 Jul (SIng); Botley Wood, one, 28 Jul (F.M.G.); Fareham, one, 25 Jun; one, 26 Jun; one, 27 Jun (MLO); Botley, one, 18 Jun; one, 23 Jun; one, 25 Jun; one, 27 Jun; one, 29 Jun; one, 06 Jul; two, 07 Jul; one, 30 Jun (SLB); Wickham, three, 23 Jun (F.M.G.); Waterlooville, one, 17 Jun; one, 18 Jul (DWhe); Sway, one, 07 Jul (SKee); Needs Ore NNR, one, 23 Jul (PCra);
VC12: Longparish, one, 11 Aug; Cole Henley*, one, 07 Jul (GCE); Silchester Common, two, 10 Jun (MBot); Pamber Forest, three, 18 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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 280 | 587 | 1856 | 2022 |
| 11 | 2622 | 5036 | 1951 | 2022 |
| 12 | 1936 | 4671 | 1951 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 54 | 88 | 10 |
| 12 | 67 | 108 | 10 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Summary
VC11: Earliest: Brockwood, 12 May, 1 (SDut) Latest: Old Winchester Hill, 22 Sep, 1 (F.M.G.) Max count: Pig Bush, NF, 01 Jun, 10 (NRJ)
VC12: Earliest: Fleet Pond, 14 May, 4 (MHals) Latest: Cheriton, 10 Oct, 1 (DAS) Max count: Fleet Pond, 03 Jun, 10 (MHals)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 250 | 536 | 1856 | 2022 |
| 11 | 1005 | 2681 | 1951 | 2022 |
| 12 | 968 | 2688 | 1951 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 19 | 33 | 8 |
| 12 | 55 | 120 | 6 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Lee, three, 17 Jun (CTha); North Baddesley, one, 12 Jun (RWPas); Romsey, three, 09 Jun; four, 15 Jun (MJB); Broughton, eight, 21 Jun; two, 23 Jun (GCE); Chandler's Ford, one, 27 Jun (KArb); Allbrook, one, 13 Jun (SIng); Wickham, one, male gen det. , 23 Jun (F.M.G. det. RJD); Portsdown, one, field observation, 22 May (KJW det. RJD); Waterlooville, one, 17 Jun (DWhe); Stroud, Petersfield, one, 04 Jun; present, 09 Jun; one, 10 Jun; one, 12 Jun (RAll); Hengistbury Head, one, 19 Jun; one, 26 Jun; one, 27 Jun; one, 28 Jun (MJef);
VC12: Cholderton, two, 20 May (TJN); Nether Wallop, three, 22 Jun; two, 22 Jun (GCE); Stockbridge Down, three, 02 Jun (MEdg); Anna Valley, Andover, four, 10 Jun; one, 07 Jul (TJN); Barton Stacey, one, 09 Jul; Littleton, one, 27 Jun; one, 27 Jun; three, 27 Jun; two, 27 Jun; one, 27 Jun; Wonston, one, 16 Jun; four, 16 Jun; four, 16 Jun; Cole Henley, two, 17 Jun; five, 17 Jun; one, 07 Jul; four, 17 Jun; two, 17 Jun; one, 24 May; one, 07 Jul; six, 17 Jun; one, 07 Jul; one, 17 Jun (GCE); Magdalen Hill Down NNR, three, 10 Jun (KArb, SIng, PPea); four, 27 May (KArb, SIng, PPea, MEdg); Morn Hill, Winchester, six, 10 Jun (CRB, DAS, PDF et al); six, 10 Jun (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur); four, 24 Jun (CRB, PDF, DAS); Cheriton, two, field observation, 27 Jun (DAS); Hinton Ampner, one, 24 May; four, 02 Jun (ASD); North Waltham, one, 10 Jun; one, field observation, 12 Jun; one, 14 Jun; one, 16 Jun; two, 27 Jun; one, 01 Jul (AJon); Ecchinswell, one, 24 Jun (MJN); Basingstoke, one, 24 Jun; one, 27 Jun; Sherborne St John, one, 16 Jun (MJW); Silchester Common, one, 10 Jun (MBot); Alton, one, 27 Jun; one, 06 Jul; two, 11 Jul; one, 27 Jul (DBO); Windmill Hill, Chalton, three, 12 Jun; two, 14 Jun (CJP); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, one, field observation, 23 May (DAS); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne, present, several, 09 Jun (AMD, FHay det. AMD); Blacknest, Binstead, four, field observation, 09 Jun (MAng); Minley Wood, five, field observation, 30 May; Blackwater, one, 11 Jun (BGD)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 457 | 2399 | 1980 | 2022 |
| 11 | 2957 | 6698 | 1951 | 2022 |
| 12 | 1945 | 6597 | 1951 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 200 | 357 | 11 |
| 12 | 92 | 170 | 10 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Summary
VC11: Earliest: Romsey, 28 May, 1 (NRJ) Latest: Waterlooville, 10 Oct, 1 (DWhe) Max count: Brockwood, 10 Jul, 11 (SDut)
VC12: Earliest: Hammer Vale, Woolmer, 03 Jun, 1 (ASwa) Latest: Farnborough, 10 Oct, 1 (KBW) Max count: Tidgrove Warren, nr Overton, 07 Jul, 10 (MJW, ACB)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1147 | 2119 | 1856 | 2022 |
| 11 | 5079 | 7757 | 1951 | 2022 |
| 12 | 644 | 820 | 1951 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 492 | 1148 | 20 |
| 12 | 92 | 170 | 16 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Summary
VC11: Earliest: Blackfied, 12 Feb, 1 (PGS) Latest: Waterlooville, 25 Oct, 1 (DWhe) Max count: Hengistbury Head, 11 Sep, 20 (MJef)
VC12: Earliest: Whitehill, 28 Apr, 1 (ASto) Latest: Whitehill, 19 Oct, 1 (ASto) Max count: Farnborough, 11 Sep, 16 (KBW)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 18 | 20 | 1880 | 2022 |
| 11 | 587 | 873 | 1951 | 2022 |
| 12 | 35 | 50 | 1951 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 133 | 256 | 13 |
| 12 | 9 | 10 | 3 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Summary
VC11: Earliest: Romsey, 29 May, 1 (MJB) Latest: Chandler's Ford, 07 Aug, 1 (KArb) Max count: Romsey, 07 Jul, 13 (NRJ)
VC12: Earliest: Whitehill, 12 Jun, 1 (ASto) Latest: Cholderton, 29 Jul, 0 (TJN) Max count: Sherborne St John, 07 Jul, 3 (AWan)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 52 | 102 | 1959 | 2022 |
| 11 | 1014 | 1993 | 200 | 2022 |
| 12 | 320 | 750 | 1951 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 8 | 14 | 6 |
| 12 | 16 | 19 | 3 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Marchwood, one, 09 Jun (CTha); Botley Wood, one, 08 Sep (F.M.G.); Fareham, one, 10 Aug (MLO); Wickham, two, 11 Aug; Pigeon House Coppice, Boarhunt, six, 11 Aug; Horsea Island, one, 04 Aug; Old Winchester Hill, one, 22 Sep (F.M.G.); Muscliffe*, one, 10 Aug (KingB);
VC12: Pamber Forest, one, 18 Jul; one, 10 Aug; one, 21 Aug; one, 12 Sep (GJD); Alton, one, 15 Jun; one, 25 Jun; one, 29 Jun; one, 09 Jul; three, 11 Jul; two, 27 Jul; one, 14 Aug (DBO); Whitehill, one, 06 Sep (ASto); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 21 Aug; one, 29 Aug (ASwa); Fleet Pond, one, 16 Sep (MHals); Yateley Common, one, 26 Aug (BGD)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 397 | 1382 | 1893 | 2022 |
| 11 | 5115 | 13111 | 1951 | 2022 |
| 12 | 2461 | 7591 | 1951 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 318 | 751 | 52 |
| 12 | 138 | 262 | 12 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Summary
VC11: Earliest: Dibden Purlieu, NF, 08 Jun, 1 (RAC) Latest: West End, 06 Oct, 1 (AMD) Max count: Needs Ore NNR, 23 Jul, 52 (CNB)
VC12: Earliest: Overton, 04 Jun, 1 (ACr) Latest: North Waltham, 04 Sep, 1 (AJon) Max count: Whitehill, 27 Jul, 12 (ASto)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 194 | 298 | 1900 | 2022 |
| 11 | 1361 | 2247 | 1951 | 2022 |
| 12 | 772 | 1666 | 1951 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 40 | 44 | 2 |
| 12 | 37 | 67 | 6 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Blashford Lakes HIWWT NR, one, 10 Jun (PWhtk); East Tytherley, one, 27 Aug; Broughton, one, 27 Aug (GCE); Marchwood, one, 26 May; one, 28 May; one, 03 Jun; one, 18 Jul; one, 23 Jul; two, 27 Aug; one, 01 Sep; one, 09 Jun; two, 05 Sep (CTha); North Baddesley, one, 27 Aug (RWPas); Stanbridge Earls, one, 13 Sep (JRM); Fishlake Meadows, one, 15 Jun (NRJ); Romsey, one, 15 Jun; one, 15 Sep (KPea); Broughton, one, 22 Jun; one, 22 Aug; Crawley, one, 20 Aug; one, 10 Sep (GCE); Swaythling, Southampton, one, 03 Aug (MEdg); Itchen Valley CP, one, 29 Jul (CTha); Allbrook, one, 11 Jun; Highbridge, Eastleigh, one, 05 Sep (SIng); Stubbington, two, 10 Aug; two, 06 Sep (DPH); Funtley, one, 01 Jun; one, 06 Sep; one, 14 Sep; one, 16 Sep (TDC); Fareham, one, 05 Sep (IMcP); Horsea Island, one, 04 Aug (F.M.G.); Portsmouth, one, 07 Jul (IRT); Langstone, one, 24 Aug (RPic); Hurn, one, 10 Jun (MJef); Sway, one, 19 Aug (SKee); Pennington, one, 09 Jun; one, 12 Jun (RFC); Southsea, one, 07 Sep (JGdr);
VC12: Nether Wallop, two, 22 Jun; Leckford Estate, one, 08 Sep; three, 08 Sep; Wherwell, two, 07 Sep; one, 07 Sep; two, 07 Sep (GCE); Anna Valley, Andover, one, 10 Jun (TJN); Littleton, two, 03 Sep; five, 03 Sep; five, 03 Sep; six, 03 Sep; Barton Stacey, two, 06 Sep; three, 06 Sep; one, 11 Sep; one, 11 Sep; one, 16 Sep; Cole Henley, one, 24 Aug; one, 12 Sep; one, 17 Jun (GCE); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 09 Sep (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur); North Waltham, one, 27 Aug; one, 01 Sep; two, 04 Sep (AJon); Basingstoke, one, 09 Jun; one, 10 Jun (MJW); Sherborne St John, one, 07 Sep (AWan); Pamber Forest, one, 13 Jun; three, 06 Sep (GJD); Alton, one, 07 Sep (DBO); Whitehill, one, 23 Aug (ASto); Fleet Pond, one, 14 Jun; four, 06 Sep; one, field observation, 05 Jun (MHals); Blackwater, one, 10 Jun; three, 11 Jun; one, 12 Jun (BGD); Farnborough, one, 11 Jun (KBW)