2023 Annual Report for: Pterophoridae / Pterophorinae
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is taken from the main Hantsmoths website, and it is possible that some information on abundance and occurrence can get out of date, as it is impossible to keep up with all changes; however it should give a good introduction to each species.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.
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 42 | 42 | 1856 | 2022 |
| 11 | 252 | 269 | 1971 | 2022 |
| 12 | 101 | 122 | 1976 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 5 | 5 | 1 |
| 12 | 6 | 9 | 3 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Lee, one, 01 Jul (CTha); Allbrook, one, 17 Jun (SIng); Lee-on-Solent, one, 28 Jun (IHrg); Portchester, one, 23 Jun (CEH, JGS); Horsea Island, one, 16 Jun (F.M.G. det. RJD);
VC12: Littleton, one, 27 Jun; Cole Henley, one, 17 Jun (GCE); Magdalen Hill Down NR, one, 23 Jul (AMD); Tidgrove Warren, nr Overton, two, 07 Jul (MJW, ACB); Ecchinswell*, one, indoors, 26 Jun (MJN); Hawley Meadows, three, field observation, 24 Jul (BGD)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 510 | 834 | 1856 | 2022 |
| 11 | 4131 | 6508 | 1983 | 2022 |
| 12 | 816 | 972 | 1996 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 215 | 305 | 10 |
| 12 | 62 | 68 | 4 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Summary
VC11: Earliest: Woodley, 02 Jan, 1 (NBin) Latest: Woodley, 15 Dec, 1 (NBin) Max count: Portsmouth, 27 Jul, 10 (IRT)
VC12: Earliest: Alton, 03 Feb, 1 (DBO) Latest: Whitehill, 08 Nov, 1 (ASto) Max count: Shortheath Common, 13 Aug, 4 (DAS)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 12 | 11 | 1900 | 2019 |
| 11 | 113 | 117 | 1984 | 2022 |
| 12 | 53 | 54 | 1982 | 2021 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 12 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Stubbington, one, 16 Jun; one, 24 Jun (DPH);
VC12: Windmill Hill, Chalton, one, 15 Jun (CJP); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 27 Jul (ASwa det. MJW); Farnborough*, one, 16 Aug (KBW)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 29 | 29 | 1856 | 2022 |
| 11 | 151 | 228 | 1971 | 2022 |
| 12 | 218 | 396 | 1971 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| 12 | 11 | 15 | 3 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Allbrook, one, 18 Jul; one, 27 Jul (SIng); Bishop's Waltham, one, field observation, 21 Jun (DTru); Butser Hill, one, netted, gen. det., 29 Jul (AMD);
VC12: Nether Wallop, one, 22 Jun (GCE); Stockbridge Down, three, 08 Jul (MEdg); Littleton, one, 27 Jun; Barton Stacey, one, 09 Jul; Cole Henley, one, 07 Jul; two, 07 Jul (GCE); Old Burghclere, two, field observation, 03 Aug (GJD); Magdalen Hill Down NNR, one, 24 Jun (KArb, ARho, PPea); Magdalen Hill Down NR, one, 23 Jul (AMD); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 24 Jun (CRB, PDF, DAS); Hammer Vale, Woolmer, one, 07 Jul (ASwa)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 17 | 7 | 1856 | 2022 |
| 11 | 24 | 38 | 1975 | 2022 |
| 12 | 40 | 51 | 1986 | 2021 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC12: Magdalen Hill Down NR, one, gen. det., 02 Jun (AMD)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 2 | 2 | 2009 | 2020 |
| 11 | 5 | 6 | 1977 | 2021 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: East Tytherley*, one, 11 Jul (GCE)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 100 | 255 | 1856 | 2022 |
| 11 | 265 | 471 | 1973 | 2022 |
| 12 | 59 | 100 | 1996 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 18 | 25 | 6 |
| 12 | 9 | 12 | 3 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Ogden's Purlieu, NF, one, 17 Jun (AMD); Romsey, one, 22 Jun (NRJ); Allbrook, one, 07 Jul (SIng); Winchester, one, 07 Jul (THW); Stubbington, two, 16 Jun (DPH); Fareham, one, confirmed by Richard Dickson. , 14 Jun (ADT); one, 26 Jun (IMcP); Horsea Island, one, 16 Jun (F.M.G. det. RJD); Portsmouth, one, 15 Jun; two, 21 Aug (IRT); Waterlooville, one, 22 Jun; one, 24 Jun; one, 27 Jun (DWhe); Hurn, one, 22 Jun (MJef); Battramsley, NF, one, 11 Jun (MWelf det. MJW); Southsea, one, 21 Jun; one, 23 Jun (JGdr);
VC12: Littleton, one, 27 Jun; Cole Henley*, one, 07 Jul (GCE); Morn Hill, Winchester, two, 24 Jun (CRB, PDF, DAS); North Waltham, three, 27 Jun (AJon); Basingstoke, one, 27 Jun (MJW); Silchester Common*, one, 07 Jul (WLan); Alton, one, 29 Jun (DBO); Blackwater*, one, 27 Jun (BGD); Farnborough*, one, 07 Jul (KBW)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 5 | 1930 | 2020 |
| 11 | 55 | 57 | 1971 | 2018 |
| 12 | 6 | 21 | 2006 | 2020 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Needs Ore NNR, two, 02 Jul (CNB); two, 02 Jul (PCra)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 36 | 44 | 1973 | 2022 |
| 12 | 1 | 0 | 1928 | 1928 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 12 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Hatchet Pond, NF, one, field observation, gen det. , 17 Jun (STho);
VC12: Shortheath Common, Oakhanger, two, field observation, 06 Aug (AMD)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 296 | 409 | 1978 | 2022 |
| 11 | 870 | 921 | 1967 | 2022 |
| 12 | 595 | 694 | 1974 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 61 | 64 | 5 |
| 12 | 50 | 54 | 3 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Summary
VC11: Earliest: Blackfield, 08 Jun, 1 (SJJ) Latest: Hengistbury Head, 09 Oct, 1 (MJef) Max count: Lee, 17 Jun, 5 (CTha)
VC12: Earliest: Morn Hill, Winchester, 10 Jun, 1 (CRB, DAS, PDF et al) Latest: Cheriton, 11 Sep, 1 (DAS) Max count: Fleet Pond, 07 Jul, 3 (MHals)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 4 | 0 | 1900 | 1929 |
| 11 | 40 | 98 | 1974 | 2020 |
| 12 | 32 | 51 | 1975 | 2021 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC12: Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne*, larval feeding signs, present, field observation, 09 Jun (AMD)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 9 | 8 | 1975 | 2022 |
| 12 | 15 | 6 | 1981 | 2021 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC12: Basingstoke, one, 12 Jul (MJW); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne*, one, 09 Jun (AMD, FHay det. AMD)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 13 | 10 | 1856 | 2019 |
| 11 | 23 | 29 | 1971 | 2022 |
| 12 | 27 | 28 | 1971 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 12 | 5 | 6 | 2 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC12: Stockbridge Down, one, 08 Jul (MEdg); Magdalen Hill Down NNR*, two, 24 Jun (KArb, ARho, PPea); one, 07 Jul (SIng, NRJ, PPea); Magdalen Hill Down NR*, one, 23 Jul; one, gen. det., 07 Aug (AMD)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 27 | 15 | 1880 | 2021 |
| 11 | 177 | 355 | 1972 | 2022 |
| 12 | 27 | 32 | 1987 | 2021 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Fishlake Meadows, one, 13 Jul; Romsey, one, 18 Jul (NRJ)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 51 | 74 | 1900 | 2022 |
| 11 | 39 | 30 | 1990 | 2022 |
| 12 | 9 | 7 | 1979 | 2020 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC12: Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne, one, gen. det., 01 Sep (AMD, FHay det. AMD)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 178 | 304 | 1880 | 2022 |
| 11 | 231 | 290 | 1973 | 2022 |
| 12 | 189 | 390 | 1980 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 6 | 6 | 1 |
| 12 | 10 | 25 | 15 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Details
VC11: Crab Wood, Winchester, larva, one, field observation, larva inside gall at axil on hemp agrimony. , 29 Jul (WLan); Winchester, one, 07 Jul (THW); Teg Down, Winchester, larva, one, field observation, larva inside gall at axil on hemp agrimony. , 29 Jul (WLan); Horsea Island, one, 16 Jun (F.M.G.); Hurn, one, 21 Jul (MJef); Barton on Sea, one, field observation, 11 Aug (SKee);
VC12: Wonston, one, 28 Aug (GCE); Old Burghclere*, larval feeding signs, one, field observation, one gall on hemp agrimony. , 03 Aug (GJD); Magdalen Hill Down NR, one, gen. det., 23 Jul (AMD); Morn Hill, Winchester, one, 08 Jul (CRB, PDF, DAS, LHur); one, 02 Sep (CRB, PDF, DAS); Overton, one, 10 Aug (ACr); Basingstoke, one, 27 Jul (MJW); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, 15, field observation, 23 May (DAS); Noar Hill HIWWT NR, Selborne, two, 09 Jun; one, gen. det., 11 Aug (AMD, FHay det. AMD)
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 2023
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | First Record | Last Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1465 | 3249 | 1856 | 2022 |
| 11 | 11165 | 20739 | 1971 | 2022 |
| 12 | 3068 | 4910 | 1976 | 2022 |
2023 records
| Vice County | #Records | #Individuals | Max Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 615 | 914 | 8 |
| 12 | 239 | 441 | 18 |
Records by year
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
Record Summary
VC11: Earliest: Pennington, 18 Jan, 1 (MHay) Latest: Hordle, 28 Dec, 1 (SKee) Max count: Barton on Sea, 09 Oct, 8 (SKee)
VC12: Earliest: North Waltham, 04 Jan, 1 (AJon) Latest: Shortheath Common, Oakhanger, 29 Dec, 1 (AMD) Max count: North Waltham, 09 Aug, 18 (AJon)