2023 Annual Report for: Noctuidae / Psaphidinae
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is taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species.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.
73.065 [B&F: 2227] Sprawler Asteroscopus sphinx (Hufnagel, 1766) - Common
Common in broad-leaved woodland, gardens, and areas with scattered trees throughout England, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widely distributed, but not particularly common. Wingspan 38-50 mm. No other similar species has such a late flight period. Larva feeds on Pedunculate Oak, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Hazel, Goat Willow, Small-leaved Elm and Common Lime.
Records prior to 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 127 | 580 | 1903 | 2022 |
| 11 | 345 | 559 | 1947 | 2022 |
| 12 | 269 | 535 | 1950 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 8 | 7 | 1 |
| 12 | 6 | 9 | 4 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Blashford Lakes HIWWT NR, one, 22 Nov (CWri); Waterlooville, one, 03 Nov; one, 05 Nov; one, 11 Nov; one, 23 Nov (DWhe); West Walk, one, 03 Nov (F.M.G.); Stroud, Petersfield, present, 05 Nov; one, 22 Nov (RAll);
VC12: Harewood Forest, larva, one, field observation, 07 May (BGD); North Waltham, one, 06 Nov; one, 14 Nov (AJon); Ecchinswell, two, 14 Nov (MJN); Selborne, four, 13 Nov (CJP); Farnham, present, field observation, 07 Nov (iNat)
73.068 [B&F: 2245] Green-brindled Crescent Allophyes oxyacanthae (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common
Common in broad-leaved woodland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens throughout the British Isles, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widely distributed, but not particularly common. Wingspan 38-48 mm. Occurs in two forms, and their intermediates, in any shade on a scale from green to brown, but always easy to recognise and unlike any other British moth. Larva feeds on Hawthorn and Blackthorn and, less frequently, other broad-leaved trees and shrubs.
Records prior to 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 355 | 1251 | 1979 | 2022 |
| 11 | 1715 | 2392 | 1951 | 2022 |
| 12 | 698 | 1176 | 1951 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 107 | 182 | 7 |
| 12 | 58 | 133 | 10 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Summary
VC11: Earliest: Lee, 16 Sep, 1 (CTha) Latest: Botley, 09 Nov, 1 (SLB) Max count: North Baddesley, 20 Oct, 7 (RWPas)
VC12: Earliest: Barton Stacey, 11 Sep, 3 (GCE) Latest: Selborne, 23 Oct, 1 (CJP) Max count: Vyne Lodge Farm, Cufaude, 09 Oct, 10 (AWan)
73.069 [B&F: 2243] Early Grey Xylocampa areola (Esper, 1789) - Common
Common in broad-leaved woodland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 32-40 mm. Larva feeds on Honeysuckle, over-wintering as a pupa.
Records prior to 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 859 | 1947 | 1856 | 2022 |
| 11 | 7704 | 17808 | 1950 | 2022 |
| 12 | 2408 | 5503 | 1951 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 217 | 361 | 12 |
| 12 | 75 | 212 | 28 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Summary
VC11: Earliest: Romsey, 17 Feb, 1 (MJB) Latest: Fareham, 17 May, 1 (MLO) Max count: Horndean, 09 Apr, 12 (PHog)
VC12: Earliest: North Waltham, 16 Mar, 2 (AJon) Latest: Vernham Dean, 21 May, 1 (JHale) Max count: North Waltham, 08 Apr, 28 (AJon)