2020 Annual Report for: Erebidae / Arctiinae

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taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species.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

72.019 [B&F: 2061] Buff Ermine Spilosoma lutea (Hufnagel, 1766) - Common

Common in a wide range of habitats, including gardens, hedgerows, parkland and woodland throughout England and southern Scotland, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 34-42 mm. The females much darker than the males. Larva feeds on Stinging Nettle, Honeysuckle, Hop and Wild Plum, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101366351219512019
11131133014519492019
1237401141819512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
107916615
112794328
122193788

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Shanklin, 03 May, 1 (IOu) Latest: Shanklin Upper Chine, 20 Aug, 1 (IOu) Max count: Kingston, 17 Jun, 15 (ENes)

VC11: Earliest: Southsea, 12 May, 1 (JGe) Latest: Fareham, 21 Sep, 1 (MLO) Max count: Burton, nr Christchurch, 29 Jul, 8 (JSw)

VC12: Earliest: Ecchinswell, 16 May, 1 (MTa, CSu) Latest: Crawley, 12 Aug, 1 (GCE) Max count: Liss, 10 Jul, 8 (LBe)

72.020 [B&F: 2060] White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common in gardens, hedgerows, grassland, heathland, moorland and woodland throughout the British Isles, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 34-48 mm. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, especially Stinging Nettle and several species of dock, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10787194219812019
1172471548619472019
122305750819512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1055795
1119930147
121482709

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Bonchurch, 02 May, 1 (JHa) Latest: Brook, 16 Jul, 1 (IOu) Max count: Shanklin Upper Chine, 02 Jun, 5 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Milford on Sea, 10 Apr, 1 (MMcM) Latest: Petersfield, 08 Sep, 1 (RAll) Max count: Timsbury, 28 May, 47 (TRa)

VC12: Earliest: Cheriton, 10 Apr, 1 (DAS) Latest: Hammer Vale, Woolmer, 25 Jun, 1 (ASw) Max count: Pamber Forest, 18 May, 9 (GJD)

72.022 [B&F: 2063] Muslin Moth Diaphora mendica (Clerck, 1759) - Common

Common in open woodland, gardens and hedgerows, and on downland and sand-dunes throughout much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread, but has declined recently. Wingspan male 30-35 mm, female 36-43 mm. The males are sometimes common at light, the females fly infrequently but are sometimes seen during the day. Male unmistakable, female is similar to White Ermine and Water Ermine, but smaller. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including Dock and Dead-nettle, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1032256819432019
113219490919482019
121008165319512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10581049
111832605
12921596

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Bonchurch, 17 Mar, 1 (JHa) Latest: Freshwater, 21 Sep, 1 (PBa) Max count: Bonchurch, 23 Apr, 9 (JHa)

VC11: Earliest: Petersfield Heath, 02 Feb, 1 (RAl) Latest: Lee, 18 Jul, 1 (CTh) Max count: Botley, 22 Apr, 5 (SLB)

VC12: Earliest: Alton, 05 Apr, 1 (BCA) Latest: Liss, 29 May, 1 (LBe) Max count: Pamber Forest, 07 May, 6 (GJD)

72.023 [B&F: 2059] Clouded Buff Diacrisia sannio (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local on heathland, moorland and calcareous grassland throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight once locally frequent on the dry chalk, nowadays it is found only on the damp heaths of the New Forest and the north-east, with occasional wanderers appearing elsewhere. Wingspan male 40-50 mm, female 35-45 mm. Unmistakable. Larva polyphagous on various heathland plants, including Heather, Bell Heather, Sheep's Sorrel, Devil's-bit Scabious, Common Dog-violet, Ribwort Plantain and Greater Plantain.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1025718562010
1132331418002019
1212114119512018

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11531

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Brockwood, one, 23 May (SDut); Ibsley Common, two, field observation, 30 May (MCur); three, field observation, 07 Jun; Rockford Common, one, field observation, 07 Jun (BWT); Acres Down, one, field observation, 22 Jun (REam); Ocknell Plain, New Forest, one, field observation, 24 Jun; Bramshaw Telegraph, NF, one, field observation, 14 Jun; Claypits Bottom, one, field observation, 14 Jun (NOwe); Withybed Bottom, NF, present, 20 Jun (SAB); White Moor, NF, present, field observation, 07 Jun (RBW); Matley Bog, NF, one, field observation, ♂, 04 Jun (JHC); Black Down, one, field observation, 17 Jun (JAnn); Sway, one, 22 Jun (S&SL);

VC12: Broxhead Common, one, field observation, 13 Jun; one, field observation, 17 Jun (AGre); Yateley Common, one, field observation, 15 Jun (JHH)

72.024 [B&F: 2064] Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common on downland, heathland and sand-dunes, and in woodland clearings, farmland and gardens throughout England. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 28-38 mm. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including Common Ragwort, Ribwort Plantain and Greater Plantain.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1043583819512019
1154051138419512019
122330736419492019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10378916
1122656725
1215341119

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Cowes, 05 Apr, 1 (DNor) Latest: Freshwater, 20 Sep, 1 (PBa) Max count: Kingston, 19 Jul, 16 (ENes)

VC11: Earliest: Lockerley, 18 Mar, 1 (RJen) Latest: Wildern LNR, 28 Sep, 1 (TCr) Max count: Stockbridge Down NT, 24 Jul, 25 (GCE)

VC12: Earliest: Whitehill, 11 Apr, 1 (ASto) Latest: Alton, 21 Sep, 1 (NDP) Max count: Wherwell, 29 Jul, 19 (GCE)

72.025 [B&F: 2056] Wood Tiger Parasemia plantaginis (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local on heathland and downland throughout much of the British Isles, but has disappeared from many localities, especially in southern England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight a species that has decreased dramatically through loss of habitat. It is still present on the remaining areas of unspoilt downland. Wingspan 33-42 mm. Sufficiently distinctive not be confused with other more common species of tiger-moth. Larva polyphagous on plants such as Bell Heather, Ribwort Plantain, Greater Plantain, Common Rock-rose, Salad Burnet and Groundsel.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
106816118002019
117534419402019
129219119492019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
125135

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC12: Martin Down NNR, five, field observation, 25 May (DKel); one, field observation, 01 Jun (PEH); Cholderton, one, field observation, 19 May; one, field observation, 19 May (TJN); Combe Hole, nr Kingsclere, one, field observation, 26 May (ACB)

72.026 [B&F: 2057] Garden Tiger Arctia caja (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Reasonably common, but has declined drastically in recent years, in gardens, water meadows, marshes, fens, sand-dunes and open woodland throughout the British Isles, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight still widespread, but present only in small numbers. Wingspan 50-78 mm. Variable, but generally unmistakable. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including Stinging Nettle, Broad-leaved Dock, Greater Burdock and Lesser Burdock.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1030251519512019
113781906319512019
1250367319482019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1023374
1144698
1210101

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Freshwater Cliffs, one, 03 Aug (SDa); Shippards Chine, Compton Bay, one, 16 Jul (IOu); Brighstone, one, to actinic, 07 Aug (TDov); Kingston, four, 19 Jul; one, 22 Jul; four, 29 Jul (ENes); Haseley Manor, four, 11 Aug; Shanklin, one, 12 Jul; one, 16 Jul; one, 17 Jul; one, 25 Jul; two, 26 Jul; one, 29 Jul; one, 07 Aug; two, 08 Aug; one, 09 Aug (IOu); Sandown, one, to actinic, 31 Jul; one, to actinic, 02 Aug; one, to actinic, 05 Aug; one, to actinic, 09 Aug (JMar); East Cowes, one, to actinic, 08 Aug; one, field observation, 21 Jul (TWhi); Bembridge Fort, four, 06 Aug (IOu);

VC11: Pigbush, NF, larva, one, field observation, 20 May (NRJ); Catisfield, one, 10 Aug; one, 12 Aug (ALR); Fareham, three, 09 Aug; one, 11 Aug; one, 14 Aug (ADT); five, 11 Aug (IMcP); one, to actinic, 22 Jul; one, to actinic, 23 Jul; one, to actinic, 10 Aug; one, to actinic, 11 Aug (MLO); one, ♂, 10 Aug; one, 12 Aug (KJW); Botley, two, to actinic, 01 Aug; one, to actinic, 26 Jul; one, to actinic, 27 Jul; one, to actinic, 29 Jul; one, to actinic, 31 Jul; one, to actinic, 02 Aug; one, to actinic, 03 Aug; one, to actinic, 10 Aug (SLB); Shirrell Heath, one, 11 Jul (LEdg); Wickham Common, one, 26 Jul (KC); Wickham, one, 10 Aug; one, 11 Aug (JRDS); North End, Portsmouth, larva, six, field observation, 22 May (ETee); Portsmouth, one, 17 Jul; two, 31 Jul; one, 07 Aug; one, 10 Aug; one, 12 Aug; two, 16 Aug; one, 18 Aug; one, 02 Sep (IRT); Lovedean, one, 13 Aug; one, 14 Aug (ARJ); Northney, Hayling Island, present, 12 Aug; present, 15 Aug (JWP); Petersfield, one, to actinic, 16 Jul (RAll); Southsea, one, 18 Jul; one, 01 Aug; one, 02 Aug; two, 03 Aug; one, 04 Aug; two, 06 Aug; four, 10 Aug; two, 11 Aug; two, 12 Aug; eight, 13 Aug; three, 15 Aug; one, 29 Aug; one, 01 Sep; one, 02 Sep (JGe);

VC12: Chilbolton, one, to actinic, 02 Jul; Goodworth Clatford, one, to actinic, 19 Jul (GCE); Overton, one, 31 Jul (MSi); Basingstoke, one, field observation, 21 Jul; one, field observation, 22 Jul; one, field observation, 23 Jul; one, field observation, 24 Jul (PEH); Whitehill, one, to actinic, 07 Jul; one, to actinic, 18 Jul (ASto)

72.027 [B&F: 2058] Cream-spot Tiger Arctia villica (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local on clifftops, undercliffs, saltmarshes and sand-dunes in southern England and South Wales, predominantly coastal. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight more or less confined to the coasts of vice-counties 10 and 11, where it is locally fairly common. Wingspan 50-66 mm. Could be confused with the occasional Scarlet Tiger Callimorpha dominula which has yellow hindwing. Larva feeds on White Dead-nettle, Black Horehound, Common Ragwort and Common Cow-wheat.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1032764418002019
1151789619482019
123019511951

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10411059
1110101

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Freshwater Cliffs, two, 20 May (SDa); Mottistone Down, one, field observation, 20 May (KNow); Whitwell, one, field observation, 24 May (ASal); Wheelers Bay, nine, 27 May (ABu); Bonchurch, three, 18 Apr; one, 19 Apr; two, 21 Apr; one, 23 Apr; one, 24 Apr; three, 26 Apr; four, 27 Apr; eight, 28 Apr; two, 02 May; four, 08 May; three, 09 May; one, 12 May; three, 15 May; five, 16 May; four, 18 May; nine, 21 May; three, 25 May; four, 26 May; three, 27 May; two, 29 May; one, 30 May; three, 02 Jun; one, 07 Jun; one, 08 Jun; one, 11 Jun; one, 15 Jun; one, 17 Jun (JHa); Rookley, one, to actinic, 09 May; one, to actinic, 20 May; one, to actinic, 21 May; one, to actinic, 24 May; one, to actinic, 26 May; one, 27 May (JBa); Haseley Manor, five, 28 May; Shanklin, two, 21 May; three, 26 May; Shanklin Upper Chine, one, 21 May (IOu);

VC11: Portsmouth, one, 17 May; one, 19 May; one, 20 May; one, 21 May; one, 23 May; one, 25 May; one, 26 May; one, 01 Jun (IRT); larva, one, 24 Mar; larva, one, 27 Mar (JMi); Boscombe Chine, one, field observation, 15 May; one, field observation, 15 May (CRou); Barton on Sea, one, field observation, 23 May; one, field observation, 23 May (PCol)

72.029 [B&F: 2068] Scarlet Tiger Callimorpha dominula (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local on river-banks, and in fens, marshes and damp meadows throughout south-western England and south Wales. In Hampshire still common in the Avon, Test, Itchen and Wey valleys and occasionally wanders elsewhere. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 52-58 mm. Day-flying, but fairly frequent at over-night light traps. Usually, the bright red underwing precludes confusion with other tiger moths, however it occasionally has a yellow underwing, when it superficially resembles Cream-spot Tiger Arctia villica, but Cream-spot Tiger has a large white basal patch and is a more slender moth. Larva feeds on Common Comfrey, Hemp-agrimony, Stinging Nettle, Bramble, Honeysuckle and Meadowsweet.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1150388518002019
12701170219402019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1127242
1211425736

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC11: Earliest: Woodlands, New Forest, 28 Mar, 0 (RBW) Latest: Fishlake Meadows, Romsey, 14 Jul, 1 (MMi) Max count: Romsey, 17 Jun, 6 (RGri)

VC12: Earliest: Overton, 20 Mar, 6 (AsHu) Latest: Overton, 13 Jul, 1 (PEH) Max count: Overton, 22 Mar, 36 (PEH)

72.030 [B&F: 2067] Jersey Tiger Euplagia quadripunctaria (Poda, 1761) - Nb

Locally common on sea cliffs, undercliffs, gardens, rough ground and hedgerows, mainly in south-western England. Predominantly coastal, it is probably most common in Devon but the 21st century has seen an increase in range along the coast to Dorset and the Isle of Wight, and increasingly on mainland Hampshire, and it continues to extend its range eastwards. There are also populations in London and Somerset, both of which may be as the result of accidental (or in the case of Somerset, deliberate) introduction.

First recorded on the Isle of Wight as a migrant in 1935, there were no further sightings in our area until one in Fareham, Hampshire on 12 August 1987. Low level residence was first suspected in the early 1990s, since when it has increased year on year on the island and is now locally frequent there (light traps in Ventnor have turned up 50-100 individuals on one night). With this, it was to be expected that frequency of sightings would increase on the mainland across the Solent, and it appears now to be resident (supplemented by dispersal from Wight) across the south Hampshire coast. It is making inroads inland and is occasionally reported in North Hampshire.

Wingspan 52-65 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on herbaceous plants such as Stinging Nettle, Hemp-agrimony, White Dead-nettle, Ribwort Plantain, Greater Plantain, Ground-ivy and Bramble.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10666265118772019
114355578202019
124420112019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10104479112
1118446118
12771

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Cowes, 03 Jul, 1 (TBou) Latest: East Afton Down, 22 Aug, 1 (CCor) Max count: Bonchurch, 06 Aug, 112 (JHa)

VC11: Earliest: Ashurst, 04 May, 1 (NSK) Latest: Brockenhurst, 01 Sep, 1 (PDB) Max count: Hill Head, 08 Aug, 18 (ZCa)

VC12: Earliest: Whitehill, 31 Jul, 1 (ASto) Latest: Cheriton, 15 Aug, 1 (DAS) Max count: Lower Froyle, 11 Aug, 2 (EFig)

72.031 [B&F: 2069] Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common on grassland, sand-dunes, heathland, gardens and woodland rides throughout much of England and Wales, rare in Scotland, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and usually common, especially in the larval stage, on dunes, downs, open woodland and other places where the foodplant grows. Wingspan 35-45 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on Common Ragwort, occasionally also on Oxford Ragwort, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10531174619512019
1145181050119452019
122225888019512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
105411124
11191460100
1220593178

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Shanklin, 23 Apr, 1 (IOu) Latest: Culver Down, 03 Aug, 2 (IOu) Max count: Kingston, 22 Jun, 24 (ENes)

VC11: Earliest: Sway, 16 Apr, 1 (SKe) Latest: Norleywood, NF, 09 Aug, 0 (RBW, MWa) Max count: Langley, 22 Jun, 100 (PGS)

VC12: Earliest: Pamber Forest, 24 Apr, 1 (GJD) Latest: Magdalen Hill Down NR, 23 Aug, 1 (A&LB) Max count: Overton Lagoons, 29 Jun, 78 (PEH)

72.035 [B&F: 2037] Rosy Footman Miltochrista miniata (Forster, 1771) - Local

Local in broad-leaved woodland, heathland and mature hedgerows throughout southern England, but rare elsewhere; widely distributed and relatively common throughout Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 25-33 mm. A beautiful and unmistakable moth. Larva feeds on various lichens.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101010478219512019
1167131765919492019
121579550919512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
105542054
1124557317
1213834213

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Ningwood Common, 16 Jun, 3 (JMar) Latest: St Lawrence: Salem Close, 02 Oct, 1 (PBa) Max count: Shanklin, 09 Aug, 54 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Wickham, 13 Jun, 1 (JRDS) Latest: Wickham, 16 Sep, 2 (JRDS) Max count: Wickham, 07 Aug, 51 (JRDS)

VC12: Earliest: Alton, 17 Jun, 1 (NDP) Latest: Burghclere, 19 Sep, 1 (PBl) Max count: Cholderton, 08 Aug, 48 (TJN, HE)

72.036 [B&F: 2038] Muslin Footman Nudaria mundana (Linnaeus, 1761) - Local

Local in dry-stone walls and rocky areas throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight very local and uncommon in the area. There are very scattered records from all three vice-counties. Wingspan 19-23 mm. The most likely confusion species is Round-winged Muslin Thumatha senex, which see for differences. Larva feeds on various lichens, often on walls.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1012222418562019
11221819512019
12303519512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10144
11100
12111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Kingston, four, 24 Jun (ENes);

VC11: Totton*, present, 17 Jul (LH);

VC12: Wonston*, one, to actinic, 17 Jul (GCE)

72.037 [B&F: 2035] Round-winged Muslin Thumatha senex (Hübner, [1808]) - Local

Local in fens, bogs, moorland, damp grassland and marshes throughout much of England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight there are scattered colonies in bogs and marshes in all three vice-counties, with occasionally wanderers elsewhere. Wingspan 20-22 mm. The most likely confusion species is Muslin Footman Nudaria mundana, which differs in having two rather poorly-defined zigzag fasciae running across the less-rounded forewing, and fewer spots than Round-winged Muslin. Larva feeds on various lichens and various mosses.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10648419002019
1149263418002019
12343114019402019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
103158
1121202
12221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Haseley Manor, four, 09 Jun; three, 06 Jul; eight, 11 Aug (IOu);

VC11: Ditchend Brook, Newfoundland, NF, present, 30 Jul; Godshill, NF, present, 12 Jul (RBW, MWa); Pig Bush, NF, one, 18 Jul; Culverley, NF, two, 19 Jul (CL); Woodlands, New Forest, present, 12 Jul (RBW); Lee, one, 18 Jul (CTh); Stanbrige Earls, one, to actinic, 08 Jul; one, to actinic, 10 Jul (JRMi); Romsey, one, 24 Jun; one, to actinic, 26 Jun (NRJ); Houghton, one, to actinic, 19 Jun; one, to actinic, 24 Jul; Kings Somborne, one, to actinic, 24 Jul; Houghton, one, to actinic, 19 Jun; one, to actinic, 24 Jul; Stockbridge Down NT, one, to actinic, 19 Jun; one, to actinic, 24 Jul (GCE); Winchester, two, 31 Jul (THW); Wickham Common, one, 20 Jul (KC);

VC12: Pamber Forest, one, 08 Jul (GJD); Castle Bottom NNR, present, 25 Jun (JHH, AMD); Fleet, one, 15 Jul (MHals)

72.038 [B&F: 2040] Four-dotted Footman Cybosia mesomella (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local on heathland, moorland, damp grassland, fens and open woodland throughout the British Isles. Widespread and fairly common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 29-34 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on lichens growing on various woody plants, including Heather and Sallow.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10928919812019
111175146919512019
12724112519512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1041916
1116193
1229395

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Cranmore, present, to actinic, 15 Jun (CHic); Ningwood Common, two, to actinic, 16 Jun (JMar); Cranmore, one, field observation, 09 Aug; 16, field observation, 15 Aug (KNow);

VC11: Godshill, NF, present, 12 Jul (RBW, MWa); Breamore*, one, field observation, 06 Jul (SWan); Pignal Inclosure, NF, one, field observation, 24 Jun (JAda); Pig Bush, NF, one, 18 Jul; Culverley, NF, one, 19 Jul (CL); Marchwood, one, 14 Jul (CTh); Woodlands, New Forest, present, 13 Jun (RBW); Stanbrige Earls, one, to actinic, 16 Jun (JRMi); Timsbury, one, to a lighted window, 28 May (TRa); Romsey, one, 19 Jun (MB); Kings Somborne, one, to actinic, 11 Jun; Hursley, one, to actinic, 11 Jun; Stockbridge Down NT, one, to actinic, 19 Jun; three, to actinic, 19 Jun; three, to actinic, 19 Jun; two, to actinic, 19 Jun (GCE); Dibden Purlieu, one, to actinic, 01 Jun; one, to actinic, 04 Jun (RAC); Southampton, one, 07 Jun (MEdg); Wickham, one, 13 Jun (JRDS);

VC12: Over Wallop, one, 29 May (CM); Cholderton, one, 10 Jul (TJN, HE); Longstock, one, to actinic, 29 May; Chilbolton, one, to actinic, 02 Jul; Goodworth Clatford, one, to actinic, 30 May; Wherwell, two, to actinic, 29 Jun; one, to actinic, 29 Jun; two, to actinic, 13 Jun; one, to actinic, 13 Jun; Harewood Forest, one, to actinic, 24 Jun; one, to actinic, 23 May; Chilbolton, one, to actinic, 16 Jun (GCE); Crawley, one, 25 Jun (TNo); Barton Stacey, three, to actinic, 22 Jun; one, to actinic, 27 May; one, to actinic, 22 Jun; one, to actinic, 27 May; one, to actinic, 08 Jun; one, to actinic, 27 May; one, to actinic, 27 May; one, to actinic, 22 Jun; one, to actinic, 08 Jun; one, to actinic, 27 May; two, to actinic, 22 Jun (GCE); Ecchinswell, one, to actinic, 24 Jun (MTa, CSu); Beech, two, 23 Jun (NDP); Pamber Forest, five, 14 Jun; one, 08 Jun; one, 15 Jun (GJD); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 16 Jun (ASw)

72.041 [B&F: 2051] Four-spotted Footman Lithosia quadra (Linnaeus, 1758) - Migrant

Local in broad-leaved woodland in southern England and western Wales, sporadically as far north as Ross-shire and the Isle of Man. It is probable that the population is from time to time reinforced by immigration. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight resident at low density in the New Forest and an uncommon, presumed, immigrant elsewhere. The individual pictured here was taken in the Isles of Scilly, where it is much more frequent. Wingspan male 35-40 mm, female 40-55 mm. Although only the female has spots, the large size precludes confusion with other Lithosiinae. The unspotted male is much more common to light then the female. Larva feeds on lichens growing on oak trees.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10865511718562019
11733115919042019
1217432419512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
104434135
11285114
12183715

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Ventnor Botanic Garden, 01 Jul, 1 (IOu) Latest: St Lawrence: Salem Close, 28 Sep, 1 (PBa) Max count: West High Down Quarry, 07 Aug, 35 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Southampton, 08 Jun, 1 (MEdg) Latest: Ashurst, NF, 15 Sep, 1 (SAB) Max count: Hilltop, The Hangers, 01 Aug, 14 (SI)

VC12: Earliest: Chilbolton, 14 Jul, 1 (GCE) Latest: Cholderton, 22 Aug, 1 (TJN, LF) Max count: Cholderton, 08 Aug, 33 (TJN, HE)

72.042 [B&F: 2039] Red-necked Footman Atolmis rubricollis (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local in broad-leaved woodland and plantations throughout much of southern England and Wales. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight has increased from the mid 1980s onwards; after failing to appear in the county between 1971 and 1985, the species is now widespread across much of the county and on the Island. Wingspan 28-36 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on lichens growing on Oak, Birch, Beech, European Larch, Norway Spruce and various trees, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10566318002019
1128138218002019
127410018002018

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11111
12463

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Dibden Purlieu, one, to actinic, 25 Jun (RAC); Lovedean, one, 20 Jun (ARJ);

VC12: Goodworth Clatford, one, to actinic, 24 Jun; Harewood Forest, one, to actinic, 24 Jun (GCE); Pamber Forest, three, 25 Jun (GJD); Castle Bottom NNR, present, 25 Jun (JHH, AMD); one, to actinic, 16 Aug (JHH); Straits Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest*, one, field observation, 11 Jul; Farnborough, one, field observation, 24 Jun (DBuc)

72.043 [B&F: 2049] Buff Footman Eilema depressa (Esper, 1787) - Local

Local in broad-leaved woodland, mixed woodland, scrubby downland, scrubby heathland and fens throughout much of southern England and Wales. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and not uncommon, having increased in range over the last 20 years. Wingspan 28-36 mm. Distinctive once known, the relatively broad, plain wings give the species a characteristic appearance. The most likely confusion species is the pale straw-yellow form (ab. stramineola) of Dingy Footman E. griseola. Larva feeds on lichens growing on various deciduous and coniferous trees, including Oak, Birch, Hawthorn and Yew.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10501154719302019
112211485019512019
121012356619512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1025558
11548311
126414113

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Ningwood Common, 16 Jun, 1 (JMar) Latest: Freshwater, 16 Sep, 1 (PBa) Max count: Shanklin, 25 Jul, 8 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Wickham, 29 Jun, 1 (JRDS) Latest: Pennington, 17 Aug, 1 (RFC) Max count: Winchester, 17 Jul, 11 (THW)

VC12: Earliest: Harestock, 18 Jun, 1 (GRog) Latest: Cholderton, 22 Aug, 4 (TJN, LF) Max count: Cholderton, 08 Aug, 38 (TJN, HE)

72.044 [B&F: 2044] Dingy Footman Eilema griseola (Hübner, [1803]) - Common

Common in fens, water meadows, damp grassland and rural gardens throughout southern England and Wales, north to Yorkshire. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 32-40 mm. Either plain straw yellow (ab. stramineola) or grey with yellow costal streak, both forms best distinguished from Common Footman E. lurideola and Buff Footman E. depressa by characteristic wing-shape. Larva feeds on various lichens growing on deciduous trees and bushes.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10950363819512019
1166021719719492019
1222761074919512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
105237453
1120141420
1212434812

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Haseley Manor, 06 Jul, 6 (IOu) Latest: St Lawrence Undercliff, 28 Sep, 3 (PBa) Max count: Haseley Manor, 11 Aug, 53 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Northney, Hayling Island, 21 Jun, 0 (JWP) Latest: Kings Somborne, 28 Sep, 1 (GCE) Max count: Wickham, 23 Jul, 29 (JRDS)

VC12: Earliest: Harestock, 20 Jun, 1 (GRog) Latest: Crawley, 07 Sep, 1 (GCE) Max count: Cholderton, 08 Aug, 18 (TJN, HE)

72.045 [B&F: 2050] Common Footman Eilema lurideola (Zincken, 1817) - Common

Common wherever there are lichens, in gardens, farmland, marshes and woodland throughout England, Wales and southern Scotland. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 31-38 mm. Wing-shape and posture of live specimens is a far more reliable way of separating the various Eilema species than examination of prepared specimens, and familiarity with E. lurideola is the key to the identification of the other Eilema species; the most likely confusion species is Dingy Footman E. griseola, which see. Larva feeds mainly on various lichens, perhaps also on the foliage of various trees and bushes, including Hawthorn and Dogwood.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10970485419222019
1194484106719482019
1233391779319492019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
107442750
11347109031
1220184237

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Bonchurch, 02 Jun, 1 (JHa) Latest: Seaview, 18 Aug, 1 (JMas) Max count: Kingston, 29 Jul, 50 (ENes)

VC11: Earliest: Sway, 08 Jun, 1 (S&SL) Latest: Wickham, 26 Aug, 1 (JRDS) Max count: Sway, 22 Jul, 31 (S&SL)

VC12: Earliest: Farnborough, 13 Jun, 1 (KBW) Latest: Preston Candover, 08 Sep, 1 (MJW) Max count: Wonston, 17 Jul, 37 (GCE)

72.046 [B&F: 2047] Scarce Footman Eilema complana (Linnaeus, 1758) - Local

Local in heathland, moorland, woodland, gardens and sand-dunes throughout England and Wales; widespread and common in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 30-36 mm. Has been confused in the past with Common Footman E. lurideola, however wing-shape and posture of live specimens completely different; very similar to Hoary Footman E. caniola, which see. Virtually impossible to separate from Northern Footman E. sericea, now known only from Whixall Moss, Shropshire, and with which it is perhaps best treated as conspecific. Larva feeds on various lichens.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10397127819812019
1149181163319512019
121463356719492019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1021538
1121349240
1212633822

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Wheelers Bay, 15 Jun, 2 (ABu) Latest: Shanklin, 14 Aug, 1 (IOu) Max count: Brook, 16 Jul, 8 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Totton, 14 Jun, 1 (LH) Latest: Dibden Purlieu, 16 Aug, 2 (RAC) Max count: Pig Bush, NF, 18 Jul, 40 (CL)

VC12: Earliest: Crawley, 09 Jun, 1 (GCE) Latest: Yateley, 17 Aug, 1 (JHH) Max count: Barton Stacey, 12 Jul, 22 (GCE)

72.047 [B&F: 2045] Hoary Footman Eilema caniola (Hübner, [1808]) - Nb

Nationally scarce (Nb) on sea cliffs and shingle beaches, and inland on quarries, from Kent to Anglesey. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight first recorded on the Island in 1992 and, on the mainland, in 1997, now increasingly seen in the north-east of the county where it is spreading from the east. Wingspan 28-35 mm. Very similar to Scarce Footman E. complana, but hindwing very pale yellowish grey (ochreous yellow in Scarce Footman), a feature which is difficult to see on live specimens. Larva feeds on various lichens, often on rocks.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10191819812019
11354119932018
125913120032018

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10331
11441
12221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: St Lawrence: Salem Close, one, to actinic, 28 Sep (PBa); Shanklin, one, 29 Jul; Bembridge Fort, one, 06 Aug (IOu);

VC11: Dibden Purlieu, one, to actinic, 03 Jul (RAC); Pennington, one, 05 Aug; one, 08 Aug; one, 10 Aug (RFC);

VC12: Pamber Forest, one, 19 Jul (GJD); Farnborough, one, 31 Jul (KBW)

72.049 [B&F: 2043] Orange Footman Eilema sororcula (Hufnagel, 1766) - Local

Local in deciduous, especially oak and beech, woodland throughout much of southern England, chiefly in the south-west. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight still common in areas of oak woodland, and may even be extending its range. Wingspan 27-30 mm. Could be confused with ab. stramineola of Dingy Footman E. griseola, which is larger, has the costa more strongly arched, and the thorax and abdomen yellow (MBGBI Vol 9). Larva feeds on lichens growing on Oak, Beech and Blackthorn, over-wintering as a pupa.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10660219018002019
112926667618002019
121269534419512019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10359910
119729615
127112915

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Shanklin, 08 May, 2 (IOu) Latest: Kingston, 22 Jul, 1 (ENes) Max count: Shanklin, 26 May, 10 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Romsey, 22 Apr, 1 (NRJ) Latest: Hen Wood, 24 Jul, 1 (F.M.G.) Max count: Romsey, 19 May, 15 (NRJ)

VC12: Earliest: Hammer Vale, Woolmer, 25 Apr, 1 (ASw) Latest: Chilbolton, 02 Jul, 1 (GCE) Max count: Chilbolton, 25 May, 15 (GCE)