2023 Annual Report for: Erebidae / Scoliopteryginae
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is taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species.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.
72.001 [B&F: 2469] Herald Scoliopteryx libatrix (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common
Common in broad-leaved woodland, fens, heathland, parks and gardens throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and generally common, and comes freely to sugar, and also to light before and after hibernation; hibernating moths can be found in sometimes large groups in cellars, garages and outhouses. Wingspan 46-52 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on Grey Willow, Creeping Willow, Aspen, White Poplar and Black Poplar; often found on bushes of sallow, willow and poplar in late summer.
Records prior to 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 287 | 307 | 1978 | 2022 |
| 11 | 2387 | 2431 | 1951 | 2022 |
| 12 | 530 | 494 | 1951 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 19 | 17 | 1 |
| 12 | 18 | 56 | 40 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Brockwood, one, 07 Jul (SDut); Blashford, one, 11 Aug (RWT); Fordingbridge, one, 18 Aug (SCT); Marchwood, one, 24 Jun; one, 26 Jun (CTha); Totton, one, 09 Jun (CNB); North Baddesley, one, 05 Aug (RWPas); Romsey, one, 13 May (MJB); one, 18 Jul (NRJ); Wildern LNR, Hedge End, larva, one, field observation, 11 Aug (TCrw); Allbrook, one, 18 Jul (SIng); Locks Heath, present, field observation, 12 Sep (iNat); Fareham, one, 08 Jul (ADT); Wickham, one, 15 Jul (JRDS); Waterlooville, one, wine roping, 19 Jul (DWhe); Muscliffe, one, 05 Jul (KingB); Hengistbury Head, one, 02 Jul (MJef); Barton on Sea, one, field observation, 10 Jul (SKee); Sway, NF, present, 15 Sep (DMui);
VC12: Wherwell, one, 18 Jul (GCE); Anna Valley, Andover, one, 07 Aug (TJN); Newton Stacey, one, 16 Aug (GCE); New Alresford, present, field observation, 25 Jul (LBin); Overton, one, 31 Jul (ACr); North Waltham, one, 27 Jul (AJon); Axmansford, one, field observation, 15 Sep (ACB); Basingstoke, one, 27 Jul (MJW); Vyne Lodge Farm, Cufaude, one, 25 Jul; one, 27 Jul (AWan); Lord's Wood, Pamber Forest, one, 07 Jul (WLan); Alton, one, 18 Jul (DBO); Fleet Pond, one, netted, 24 Jun; one, 07 Jul; one, 03 Aug; 40, to sugar, 13 Jul (MHals); Farnborough, one, 20 Feb; one, 16 Jul (KBW)