2022 Annual Report for: Pterophoridae / Pterophorinae

For species seen in 2022 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is taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species.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 2022 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 2022, 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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10292018562019
11373519732020
12181319712021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11111
12111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Allbrook, one, 23 Aug (SIng);

VC12: Basingstoke, one, 15 Jun (GAH)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10393918562021
1124226019712021
129611719762021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10331
111091
12441

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Shanklin, one, 22 Jun; one, 08 Jul; Osborne Wood, one, specimen, 23 Jun (IOu);

VC11: Marchwood, one, 07 Jul (TDCh); Woodlands, NF, present, 19 Jun (RBW); Lee, one, 02 Jul (CTha); Romsey, one, 03 Jul (MJB); Broughton, one, 21 Jun (GCE); Fareham, one, 20 Jun (ADT); Wickham, one, 17 Jun (JRDS); Horsea Island, one, 22 Jul (RJD, MLO, ADT, DWal, KJW); Portsmouth, one, 17 Jul (IRT); Hengistbury Head, one, 04 Jul (MJef);

VC12: Cholderton, one, 19 Jul (TJN); Hawk Conservancy Trust, Weyhill, one, 17 Jun (MJhn); one, 09 Aug (FBro); North Waltham, one, 21 Jul (AJon)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1042571718562021
113833614819832021
1271084319962021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10851175
113244166
121091365

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Cowes, 06 Jan, 1 (DNor) Latest: Totland, 21 Dec, 1 (RTer) Max count: Shanklin, 20 Jun, 5 (IOu)

VC11: Earliest: Woodley, 27 Jan, 1 (NBin) Latest: Totton, 27 Nov, 1 (LHan) Max count: Portsmouth, 23 Aug, 6 (IRT)

VC12: Earliest: Blackwater, 10 Jan, 1 (BGD) Latest: Old Basing, 24 Dec, 1 (MEC) Max count: Basingstoke, 29 Jul, 5 (MJW)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10121119002019
1110811219842021
12535419822021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11661

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Marchwood, one, 27 Jul (CTha); Romsey, one, 17 Apr; one, 11 Jun (MJB); Fareham, one, male, det'd genitalia 10,442. Very worn, 07 Oct; one, gen det, 03 Oct (ADT det. RJD)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10282818562021
1113821419712021
1219535419712021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10111
1110101
1223428

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Shanklin, one, 20 Jul (IOu);

VC11: Romsey, one, 07 Jul (NRJ); Broughton, one, 07 Jul; one, 07 Jul; Winter Down Copse, Little Somborne, one, 17 Jun; one, 17 Jun; one, 12 Jul; one, 12 Jul; Crawley, one, 30 Jul; one, 22 Jun (GCE); Dean, one, 15 Jul (DTru);

VC12: Cholderton, present, 19 Jul (TJN); Nether Wallop, one, 03 Jul; Little Somborne, one, 22 Jul (GCE); Bulpits Hill, Vernham Dean, one, 16 Jul; one, 30 Jul; two, 12 Jul; one, 13 Jul (JHal); Longparish, six, 23 Jun; one, 23 Jun; one, 21 Jul; Cole Henley, one, 05 Jul; one, 05 Jul (GCE); Tidgrove Warren, nr Overton, three, 23 Jul (MJW, ACB det. MJW); Cheriton Wood, eight, field observation, 03 Jul (DAS); Basingstoke, one, 19 Jul (MJW); Ron Ward's Meadow, Tadley, one, field observation, 06 Oct; Pamber Forest, one, 23 Jun (GJD); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne, one, 09 Jul; one, 08 Jul (IBla); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 23 Jul; one, 28 Jul (ASwa); Minley Wood, two, field observation, 02 Jul; five, swept, 15 Jun (BGD)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1016618562018
11223619752016
12405119862021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10111
11111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC10: Shanklin, one, field observation, gen. det. completed 07 August, 20 Jul (IOu);

VC11: Upham, one, male, det'd genitalia (10,367). (3 lamps), 01 Jul (PAB, KCok & RJD)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
109424018562021
1125746319732021
12559519962021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
106155
11881
12452

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Afton Down, one, field observation, 18 Jun; Shanklin, two, 11 Jul; three, 12 Jul; one, 18 Jul; three, 20 Jul; Osborne Wood, five, 23 Jun (IOu);

VC11: Totton, one, 08 Jul (CNB); one, 17 Jun (LHan); Horndean, one, 12 Jul (PHog); Hurn, one, 06 Jul; Hengistbury Head, one, 11 Jul (MJef); Pennington, one, 08 Jul (RFC); Browndown Coastal Ranges, one, 08 Jul (RJD, ADT, DWal & KJW); Hayling Island, one, 15 Jun (STho);

VC12: Morn Hill, Winchester, two, 09 Jul (CRB, DAS, PDF et al); Basingstoke, one, 06 Jul (GAH); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, one, field observation, on restharrow , 15 Jul (DAS); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne, one, 08 Jul (IBla)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
103018561880
11141319722021
126419712012

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11100

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Broughton Down HIWWT NR, present, field observation, 15 Jun (RAC)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
11324219732020

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11321

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Beaulieu Heath, NF, one, field observation, one adult flushed from bog despite breezy conditions, 04 Jun (WLan); Widden Bottom, NF*, present, field observation, 12 Jun (MHar det. STho); one, field observation, 12 Jun (STho)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1027438119782021
1184089119672021
1256265319742021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
1024304
1132322
1234423

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: West High Down quarries, one, 12 Jul (IOu); Totland, one, field observation, 28 Jun (RTer); Newport, one, 06 Jul (DPl); Bonchurch, one, 22 Jun; one, 02 Jul; two, 06 Jul; two, 09 Jul; one, 15 Jul (JHa); Haseley Manor, one, 10 Jul; St. Martin's Down, one, field observation, 05 Jul; Shanklin, one, to lighted window, 22 Jun; four, field observation, 02 Jul; one, 08 Jul; one, 20 Jul (IOu); Alverstone, one, 17 Jun; one, 20 Jun; one, 11 Jul; two, 13 Jul; one, 15 Jul; one, 18 Jul (DFai); Wootton Bridge, one, 16 Jun (DElm); Oakfield, Ryde, one, field observation, 15 Jun (JHam);

VC11: Marchwood, one, 18 Jun (TDCh); one, 06 Jul; one, 04 Jul (CTha); Woodlands, NF, present, 06 Jul (RBW); Totton, one, 07 Jul; one, 03 Aug (LHan); Ashley, one, 11 Jul; Broughton, one, 21 Jun; Stockbridge Down NT, one, 12 Jun; Crawley, one, 08 Jul (GCE); Blackfied, one, to lighted window, 20 Jun (PGS); Itchen Valley CP, one, 01 Jul (CTha); Allbrook, one, 08 Jul (SIng); Crawley, two, 22 Jun (GCE); Funtley, one, 07 Jul; one, 11 Jul (TDC); Fareham, one, 10 Aug (ADT); Botley, one, 01 Jul; one, 03 Jul; one, 14 Jul (SLB); Portsmouth, two, 17 Jun (IRT); Northney, one, 22 Jun (IMea); Horndean, one, 16 Jun; one, 10 Jul; one, 26 Jul (PHog); Stroud, Petersfield, present, 17 Jul (RAll); Hengistbury Head, one, 11 Jul (MJef); Thorney Hill, Bransgore, one, 22 Jun; one, 09 Jul (JFen); New Milton, one, field observation, 17 Jun (RPH); Sway, one, 22 Jun (SKee); Sway, NF, one, 05 Jul (DMui);

VC12: Bulpits Hill, Vernham Dean, two, 13 Jul (JHal); Bullington, one, 16 Jun; Cole Henley, one, 05 Jul; one, 05 Jul; two, 15 Jun; two, 05 Jul (GCE); Ecchinswell, one, 12 Jul (MTay, CSul); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 09 Jul (CRB, DAS, PDF et al); Cheriton, three, 12 Jul; one, 12 Aug (DAS); Hinton Ampner, one, 16 Jun; one, 23 Jun; two, 09 Jul (ASD); Overton, one, 23 Jun (ACr); North Waltham, two, 16 Jun; one, 22 Jun; one, 03 Jul; two, 05 Jul; one, 18 Jul; one, 15 Aug (AJon); Ecchinswell, one, field observation, 22 Jun; one, field observation, 23 Jun (MJN); Ropley, one, 11 Jul (KrWil); Weston Patrick, one, field observation, 26 Jun (MEC); Basingstoke, one, 17 Jul (DJJ); one, 11 Jul (IFS); Whitedown, Alton, one, 12 Jul (BCA); Alton, one, to artificial light, 21 Jun; one, 06 Jul (DBO); Chawton, one, 30 Jun (DAS); Whitehill, one, 02 Jul (ASto); Broxhead Common, one, field observation, 07 Jun (KBW); Blackwater, one, 13 Jul (BGD)

45.033 [B&F: 1510] Thyme Plume Merrifieldia leucodactyla ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - Local

Local on chalk downland, sea cliffs and sandhills throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire recorded on the downs in small numbers, barely annually. Not recorded reliably on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 18-25 mm. Thoroughly confused in the past with M. tridactyla from which separated only by microscopic examination of the antennae. Larva feeds on Wild Thyme.

Records prior to 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
118719752011
1215619812021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11111

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

Record Details

VC11: Broughton, one, 07 Jul (GCE)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10131018562019
11212719712021
12252619712021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11221
12221

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Old Winchester Hill, one, female, genitalia 10, 389, 05 Aug; one, 05 Aug (RJD, MLO, ADT, DWal, KJW);

VC12: Cholderton*, one, 19 Jul (TJN); Crawley, one, 09 Jul (GCE)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10271518802021
1117535419722021
12273219872021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
11211

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC11: Romsey, one, 21 Jul (NRJ); Sway, NF, present, 08 Jul (DMui)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
10476719002021
11383019902019
129719792020

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10474
11100

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: West High Down quarries, four, field observation, 12 Jul (IOu); Compton Down, one, 18 Sep; Brook Down, one, gen. det, 12 Sep (PBar); Shanklin, one, 11 Jul (IOu);

VC11: Northney, Hayling Island*, present, 15 Aug (JWP)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
1015725918802021
1121727619732021
1218538719802021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
10214510
1114141
12431

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Details

VC10: Tennyson Down, one, field observation, 12 Jul (DCk); West High Down quarries, 10, 12 Jul (IOu); Totland, one, 01 Jul; three, 02 Jul; one, 25 Jul; four, 26 Jul; three, 27 Jul; one, 29 Jul; one, 02 Sep (RTer); Lower Hamstead*, one, 26 Jul (KRyl); Bonchurch, one, 02 Jul; one, 06 Jul; three, 09 Jul; one, 10 Jul; two, 15 Jul; two, 03 Aug; one, 15 Aug; two, 24 Aug (JHa); Osborne Wood, three, 18 Jul; two, 13 Aug (IOu); Brading Marsh, larva, one, field observation, larva inside stem of Eupatorium cannabinum. Noticed by swelling near node and small hole, 22 Sep (PBar);

VC11: Totton, one, 10 Jun (LHan); Romsey, one, 01 Jul (MJB); Kings Somborne, one, 27 Jul (GCE); Romsey, one, 31 Jul (NRJ); Fareham, one, 27 Jul (MLO); Botley, one, 21 Jul (SLB); Wickham, one, 01 Aug (JRDS); Hurn, one, 12 Jul; one, 22 Jul; one, 23 Jul; one, 25 Jul; one, 26 Jul; one, 30 Jul (MJef); Browndown Coastal Ranges, one, 12 Aug (KCok, RJD, MLO, ADT, DWal);

VC12: Cholderton, present, 19 Jul (TJN); Chilbolton, one, field observation, 19 May (GCE); Basingstoke, one, 19 Jul (MJW); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, one, field observation, 02 May (DAS)

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 2022

Vice County #Records #Individuals First Record Last Record
101271292118562021
11104751960819712021
122778443419762021

2022 records

Vice County #Records #Individuals Max Quantity
101943286
11727118912
122934948

Records by year

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)


Record Summary

VC10: Earliest: Bonchurch, 09 Feb, 1 (JHa) Latest: Wroxall, 28 Oct, 2 (JRB) Max count: Bonchurch, 17 Jul, 6 (JHa)

VC11: Earliest: Thornhill, Southampton, 13 Jan, 1 (PAB) Latest: Woodley, 18 Dec, 1 (NBin) Max count: Portsmouth, 22 Jun, 12 (IRT)

VC12: Earliest: Ecchinswell, 01 Feb, 1 (MJN) Latest: Farnborough, 30 Dec, 1 (KBW) Max count: North Waltham, 09 Aug, 8 (AJon)