2020 Annual Report for: Pterophoridae / Pterophorinae

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taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species.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

45.004 [B&F: 1501] Triangle Plume Platyptilia gonodactyla ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Common

In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight thinly distributed and local in meadows and woodland margins amongst the foodplant in all three vice-counties. Wingspan 22-28 mm. Larva feeds on stems and leaves of Colt's-foot.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10292018562019
11333119732017
12171219712019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11441

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Winchester, one, 14 Aug (THW); Barton on Sea, one, indoors, 03 Aug (PCol); Pennington, one, 08 Aug; one, 08 Sep (RFC)

45.008 [B&F: 1504] Yarrow Plume Gillmeria pallidactyla (Haworth, 1811) - Common

Common in a wide range of habitats, both dry and damp, including waste ground and gardens, throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widely distributed, but not particularly common. Wingspan 23-27 mm. Similar to P. ochrodactyla but hindleg plain below middle spur, and forewing plainer. Larva feeds on stems and leaves of Yarrow and Sneezewort.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10343018562019
1122324219712019
129111119762019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10122
11882
12221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Freshwater Cliffs, two, 03 Aug (SDa);

VC11: Woodlands, New Forest, present, 24 Jun (RBW); Kings Somborne, two, to actinic, 15 Jun; one, to actinic, 15 Jun (GCE); Dibden Purlieu, one, to actinic, 24 Jun (RAC); Fareham, one, 14 Jun; one, 25 Jun (ADT); Botley, one, to actinic, 11 Jun; one, to actinic, 30 Jun (SLB); Sway, one, 02 Jul (SKe);

VC12: Stockbridge Down NT, one, field observation, 13 Jun (MDu det. PEH); Home Farm, Burkham*, one, field observation, 07 Jun (DLev)

45.010 [B&F: 1497] Beautiful Plume Amblyptilia acanthadactyla (Hübner, [1813]) - Common

Common in woodland, heaths and mountains throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and generally more common than A. punctidactyla. Wingspan 17-23 mm. Very similar to A. punctidactyla, which see for differences. Larva feeds on flowers and leaves of Hedge Woundwort, Common Restharrow, Spiny Restharrow and Meadow Crane's-bill.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1032658718562019
113317538719832019
1257068119962019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1039563
112293409
1247583

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Bonchurch, 03 Feb, 1 (JHa) Latest: Shanklin, 19 Oct, 1 (IOu) Max count: West High Down Quarry, 07 Aug, 3 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Brockwood, 31 Jan, 1 (SDut) Latest: Southsea, 27 Nov, 1 (JRL) Max count: Portsmouth, 07 Sep, 9 (IRT)

VC12: Earliest: Farnborough, 14 Mar, 1 (KBW) Latest: Liss Forest, 13 Nov, 1 (RJM) Max count: Pamber Forest, 25 Jun, 3 (GJD)

45.011 [B&F: 1498] Brindled Plume Amblyptilia punctidactyla (Haworth, 1811) - Local

Local in woodland, heaths and river-banks throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread, but generally less common than A. acanthadactyla. Wingspan 18-23 mm. Confusable with A. acanthadactyla. A. punctidactyla has a greyish or, when fresh, dark greenish tinge, whereas A. acanthadactyla is reddish; also, A. punctidactyla has a lot of speckling on the basal half of the forewings, A. acanthadactyla has very little. Larva feeds on flowers and seeds of Hedge Woundwort, Common Restharrow, Spiny Restharrow and Meadow Crane's-bill.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10121119002019
1110611019842019
12474819822019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
12221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC12: Hinton Ampner, one, indoors, 19 Aug (ASD); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 15 Aug (ASw)

45.012 [B&F: 1509] Brown Plume Stenoptilia pterodactyla (Linnaeus, 1761) - Common

Common in downland, open woodland and dry pastures throughout much of the British Isles, more numerous in the south. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight recorded from all three vice-counties, but with few records from the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 20-26 mm. Larva feeds on flowers, leaves and seeds of Germander Speedwell.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10252518562019
1112119519712019
1214617919712019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10111
11321
1216161

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Kingston, one, 02 Jul (ENes);

VC11: Lee, one, 18 Jul (CTh); Houghton, one, to actinic, 19 Jun (GCE); Bishop's Waltham, present, 17 Jun (DTr);

VC12: Cholderton, present, 31 Jul; one, 08 Aug (TJN, HE); Anna Valley, Andover, one, 25 Jun (TJN); Wherwell, one, to actinic, 29 Jun; one, to actinic, 29 Jul; one, to actinic, 29 Jun; one, to actinic, 29 Jul; one, to actinic, 29 Jul; Chilbolton, one, to actinic, 14 Jul; one, to actinic, 16 Jun; one, to actinic, 14 Jul; Barton Stacey, one, to actinic, 22 Jun; one, to actinic, 22 Jun (GCE); Harestock, one, to actinic, 10 Jul; one, to actinic, 14 Aug; two, to actinic, 15 Aug (GRog); Barton Stacey, one, to actinic, 16 Jul; one, to actinic, 16 Jul; one, to actinic, 22 Jun; one, to actinic, 12 Jul; one, to actinic, 12 Jul; one, to actinic, 22 Jun (GCE); Yateley, one, netted, 23 Jun (JHH)

45.013 [B&F: 1508] Twin-spot Plume Stenoptilia bipunctidactyla (Scopoli, 1763) - Common

Common on damp heathland, downland and in flower meadows throughout much of the British Isles, where suitable habitat exists. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight the species is found sparsely in all three vice-counties. Wingspan 17-25 mm. Larva feeds on flowers and seeds of Devil's-bit Scabious, Field Scabious and Small Scabious.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1016618562018
11223619752016
12364719862015

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC12: Cholderton, one, 31 Jul (TJN, HE)

45.021 [B&F: 1507] Dowdy Plume Stenoptilia zophodactylus (Duponchel, 1840) - Local

Local on sea cliffs, dry grassland and sand-dunes throughout much of England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight has been recorded in the past from all three vice-counties, but there are no recent records from north Hampshire, and the species is probably under-recorded in the south and on the Island. Wingspan 16-23 mm. Larva feeds on flowers and seeds of Centaury, Yellow-wort and Gentian.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1012618562018
11203319732017
122220112011

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC12: Lower Froyle*, one, 11 Aug (EFig)

45.022 [B&F: 1496] Rose Plume Cnaemidophorus rhododactyla ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Nationally Scarce A

Nationally scarce (Na) in hedgerows and woodland in parts of south-eastern England. In Hampshire known only from Botley Wood, where it was first seen in 1977, with a probable immigrant individual being the first on the Isle of Wight in 2020. Wingspan 18-26 mm. A fairly distinctive plume moth. Larva feeds on buds, flowers and leaves of Wild Rose, Dog-rose and Cultivated Rose.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101120092009
114519772008

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: New Vice-county Record: Shanklin*, one, 24 Jun (IOu)

45.023 [B&F: 1495] Crescent Plume Marasmarcha lunaedactyla (Haworth, 1811) - Local

Local on downland, shingle beaches and sand-dunes throughout much of southern England and southern Wales, where suitable habitat exists. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight probably occurs wherever the foodplant occurs. Wingspan 18-22 mm. Recognised by the cream-coloured moon-shaped marking on outer part of forewing. Larva feeds on stems and leaves of Common Restharrow.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
108422018562019
1124845319732019
12488719962019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10375
11441
12342

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Mottistone Down, five, 20 Jun; Shanklin, one, 25 Jun; one, 26 Jun (IOu);

VC11: Kings Somborne, one, to actinic, 09 Jul (GCE); Winchester, one, 07 Jul (THW); Horndean, one, to actinic, 24 Jun; one, 24 Jun (PHog);

VC12: Anna Valley, Andover, one, 25 Jun (TJN); Harewood Forest, one, to actinic, 24 Jun; one, to actinic, 24 Jun; Chilbolton, two, to actinic, 14 Jul (GCE)

45.025 [B&F: 1490] Small Plume Oxyptilus parvidactyla (Haworth, 1811) - Nationally Scarce B

Local, on heaths, dry pastures and chalk downland, throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire, locally common on unspoilt downland, but not recorded recently from the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 13-18mm. Difficult to differentiate from other Oxyptilus, unless reared from the host plant or via dissection. A diurnal moth, and can be seen in afternoon sunshine, until dusk. The flight period is June to July. Larva feeds on Mouse-ear Hawkweed, living within a spun or rolled leaf.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
103018561880
11121119722019
126419712012

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC12: Anna Valley, Andover*, one, 20 Jul (TJN)

45.028 [B&F: 1494] Wood Sage Plume Capperia britanniodactylus (Gregson, 1869) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) in southern Britain, occurring uncommonly and only where the foodplant grows out in the open, for instance on shingle, or in open woodland rides. In Hampshire reasonably common in the New Forest and along the southern coast of the county, but reporting frequency is very low. Also on the northern coast of the Island, although not recently reported. Wingspan 18-21 mm. Larva feeds on Wood Sage, biting through stems and feeding on the wilted leaves.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
109419302018
11555719712018
1252120062019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Bonchurch, one, 02 Jun (JHa)

45.029 [B&F: 1493] Sundew Plume Buckleria paludum (Zeller, 1839) - Nationally Scarce A

Nationally scarce (Na) on damp heathland and mosses in parts of England and Wales, more numerous in the south. In Hampshire widespread in the bogs of the New Forest in the vicinity of the foodplant: elsewhere, two adults reported from Shortheath Common, Oakhanger in August 2023 were the first sightings for North Hampshire since Fassnidge reported it from Woolmer Forest in 1928. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 11-13 mm. The moth is easily disturbed in daytime, and flies naturally just before dusk. Larva feeds on leaves of Round-leaved Sundew.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
11314119732018

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Bagnum, Burley, one, field observation, 15 Jul (DAS)

45.030 [B&F: 1513] White Plume Pterophorus pentadactyla (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common in dry grassland, waste ground and gardens throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, wherever bindweed is well-established. Wingspan 24-35 mm. Flies at dusk and through the night, often appearing at lighted windows at dusk. The only completely all-white plume moth. Larva feeds on Bindweed.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1024034019782019
1176782119672019
1251860919742019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1016233
1134352
1227292

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Compton, one, field observation, 30 May (KShw); Bonchurch, two, 20 Jun; one, 22 Jun; two, 25 Jun; one, 12 Jul (JHa); Haseley Manor, one, 09 Jun; two, 06 Jul (IOu); Havenstreet, one, field observation, 24 Jun (KShw); Shanklin, one, 25 Jun; one, 26 Jun; one, 05 Jul; two, field observation, 05 Jul; one, 08 Jul (IOu); Broadley Copse, one, to actinic, 25 Jun (JBa); Ryde, two, field observation, 07 Jul (JMas); Bembridge, three, at dusk, 09 Jun (IOu);

VC11: Marchwood, one, 20 Jun (CTh); Beaulieu Heath, NF, present, field observation, 17 Jun (iNat); Woodlands, New Forest, present, 17 Jun (RBW); Ashurst, NF, one, 31 May; one, 07 Jun (SAB); Totton, one, 31 May; two, 01 Jun; one, 24 Jun; one, 16 Jul (LH); Timsbury, one, field observation, 07 Jun; one, field observation, 24 Jun (TRa); Romsey, present, field observation, 08 Jun (iNat); Kings Somborne, one, to actinic, 23 Jun; Houghton, one, to actinic, 19 Jun; Stockbridge Down NT, one, to actinic, 19 Jun; Ashley, two, to actinic, 23 Jun; Kings Somborne, one, to actinic, 15 Jul (GCE); Blackfied, one, to lighted window, 20 Jun (PGS); Southampton, one, to actinic, 23 Jun (MEdg); Allbrook, one, 01 Jun; one, 15 Jun (SI); Teg Down, one, to actinic, 31 Jul (EmPe); Fareham, one, 24 Jun (IMcP); Botley, one, to actinic, 10 Jun; one, to actinic, 22 Jun; one, to actinic, 15 Jul; one, to actinic, 08 Jun; one, to actinic, 09 Jun; one, to actinic, 10 Jun; one, to actinic, 23 Jun; one, to actinic, 25 Jun (SLB); Portsmouth, one, 02 Jun; one, 07 Jul (IRT); Lovedean, one, 21 Jun (JGe); Northney, Hayling Island, present, 07 Jun; present, 17 Jun; present, 22 Jun (JWP); Horndean, one, to actinic, 04 Jul (PHog); Petersfield, one, to actinic, 24 Jun; one, to actinic, 25 Jun; one, to actinic, 07 Jul; one, to actinic, 21 Jul (RAll); Sway, two, 01 Jun; one, 02 Jun (SKe);

VC12: Broughton, one, to actinic, 29 May; one, to actinic, 29 May; Longstock, one, to actinic, 29 May; Wherwell, one, to actinic, 13 Jun; Chilbolton, one, to actinic, 16 Jun (GCE); Crawley, one, 25 Jun (TNo); one, to actinic, 30 Jun; Barton Stacey, one, to actinic, 22 Jun; one, to actinic, 22 Jun; one, to actinic, 11 Aug; one, to actinic, 22 Jun; one, to actinic, 22 Jun (GCE); Cheriton, two, to actinic, 15 Jun; one, to actinic, 24 Jun; one, to actinic, 16 Jul; two, to actinic, 15 Aug; one, to actinic, 20 Aug (DAS); Southington, one, field observation, 29 Jul; Overton Lagoons, one, field observation, 24 Jun (PEH); Ecchinswell, one, field observation, 26 Jun (MJN); Basingstoke, one, 22 Jun; one, 26 Jun (MJW); Steep, one, 25 Jul (MSho); Church Crookham, one, to actinic, 03 Jun; one, indoors, 05 Jun; one, to actinic, 23 Jun (DDim); Yateley, one, 23 Jun (JHH)

45.031 [B&F: 1514] Spotted-white Plume Porrittia galactodactyla ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) in open woodland and dry pastures throughout much of southern England and southern Wales. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight recorded from all three vice-counties but not recently from the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 20-25 mm. Forewing pale with diagnostic backward-pointing rear lobe, but imago seldom encountered, and the species is much more likely to be recorded in the larval stage, when feeding signs are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva feeds on Lesser and Greater Burdock, making characteristic large holes in the leaves and often found nearby, resting along the edge of a vein on the underside of the leaf.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
104019001929
11389819742015
12294719752019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
12244

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Winter Down Copse, King's Somborne, larval feeding signs, present, field observation, 17 May (TJN, LF);

VC12: Old Burghclere, larva, four, field observation, extensive feeding damage on many plants, 06 May (GJD)

45.034 [B&F: 1512] Dingy White Plume Merrifieldia baliodactylus (Zeller, 1841) - Nationally Scarce B

Nationally scarce (Nb) on chalk downland and waste ground, mainly in the southern counties of England. In Hampshire restricted to the few areas of unimproved grassland at sites such as Oxenbourne, Stockbridge and Magdalen Hill Down. Recently recorded on the Isle of Wight for the first time since 1981. Wingspan 20-27 mm. Very similar to several other species of plume moth, from which separable only by dissection of the genitalia. Larva feeds on stems of Wild Marjoram.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10131018562019
11182419712019
12202119712019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11221
12331

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Winchester, one, 27 Jun (THW); West Meon, one, ♂, gen det, 31 Jul (F.M.G.);

VC12: Chilbolton*, one, to actinic, 14 Jul (GCE); Hinton Ampner, one, indoors, 10 Aug (ASD); Greywell Moors HIWWT NR*, one, field observation, 20 Jul (GJD)

45.037 [B&F: 1523] Dusky Plume Oidaematophorus lithodactyla (Treitschke, 1833) - Local

Local on grassland, roadside verges and embankments throughout much of England and western Ireland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight local amongst the foodplants, and found in all three vice-counties, but doubtless under-recorded. Wingspan 26-29 mm. Noticeable scale tufts on tibia. Larva feeds on flowers, stems and leaves of Common Fleabane.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10261418802019
1117135019722019
12253019872019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11321
12111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Woodlands, New Forest, present, 29 Jul (RBW); Allbrook, one, 15 Jul (SI);

VC12: Ecchinswell*, one, 22 Jun (MJN)

45.039 [B&F: 1519] Citron Plume Hellinsia carphodactyla (Hübner, [1813]) - Local

Local on chalky ground in parts of southern England. This is true of Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight where recorded from all three vice-counties at low density. Wingspan 14-23 mm. Larva feeds within flowerheads of Ploughman's-spikenard.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10456519002019
11383019902019
128619792018

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
12111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC12: Cliddesden, one, 30 May (MJW)

45.043 [B&F: 1517] Hemp Agrimony Plume Adaina microdactyla (Hübner, [1813]) - Common

Common on downland throughout England, more numerous in the south. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight locally common amongst Hemp-agrimony, especially where the plant is growing in drier localities. Wingspan 13-17 mm. Small size precludes confusion with most other species of plume moth. Larva feeds within stems of Hemp-agrimony, forming galls.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1014123418802019
1121227019732019
1218038219802019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
107124
12111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: West High Down Quarry, four, 07 Aug (IOu); Bonchurch, one, 07 May; two, 26 May; one, 20 Jun; two, 12 Jul; one, 13 Jul (JHa); Brading, larval feeding signs, one, field observation, stem swelling and hole on Eupatorium cannabinum, 19 Sep (PBa);

VC12: Cholderton, one, 24 Jul (TJN, HE); Basingstoke, one, 16 Jul (RHil det. MJW)

45.044 [B&F: 1524] Common Plume Emmelina monodactyla (Linnaeus, 1758) - Common

Common in gardens, rough ground, hedgerows and woodland edges throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight common to abundant throughout. Wingspan 18-27 mm. The imago hibernates and comes to light early in the year. Larva polyphagous on plants such as Bindweed, Knotgrass, Bilberry and Heather, living between shoots spun together with silk.

Records prior to 2020

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101050247618562019
1192221750919712019
122395388819762019

2020 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10811268
11585107015
121271795

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Wheelers Bay, 01 Jan, 1 (ABu) Latest: Freshwater Bay, 07 Nov, 1 (SDa) Max count: Shanklin, 09 Aug, 8 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Romsey, 23 Jan, 1 (NRJ) Latest: Totton, 28 Nov, 4 (LH) Max count: Botley, 30 Jun, 15 (SLB)

VC12: Earliest: Pamber Forest, 10 Jan, 1 (GJD) Latest: Whitehill, 09 Nov, 1 (ASto) Max count: Anna Valley, Andover, 30 Jul, 6 (TJN)