A REVIEW OF NEW AND INTERESTING MOTH SPECIES SEEN IN SUFFOLK DURING 2020 NEIL SHERMAN
This article aims to review the new county records and other moth species of interest seen during the 2020 season. Species are listed in checklist order, with notes on the observation as well as the location and recorder(s). Any additional determination of the record will also be given. The number for each species is the one assigned using the Checklist of the Lepidoptera of the British Isles by Agassiz, J. L., Bevan, S. D. & Heckford, R. J., 2016. All records are from light traps unless otherwise mentioned.
The number of moth records sent in increased dramatically in 2020, up from about 74,000 in 2019 to around 140,000. Some of this was no doubt due to the Covid pandemic with its lockdowns, as moth trapping was an easy way to study wildlife in the garden whilst stuck at home. The new website with its online recorder has also helped as it is now very easy for recorders to enter their data on there and get the records into the county database once verified. This important increase in data will give a much better understanding of how the moth fauna is faring in the county under increasing outside pressures like climate change and habitat loss.
SPECIES NEW TO SUFFOLK IN 2020.
4.052 Stigmella filipendulae (Wocke, 1871)17/10/2020 - Secret Fen, Cavenham VC26 (JS & SMG). Recorded as a leaf mine on meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) in an area of fen. Only one vacated mine was found. The mines can also be found on dropwort (Filipendula vulgaris). The bright yellow larva creates a contorted gallery in the leaf with a central broken frass (dropping) line. The very small adult moths are brown with a white fascia and are very similar to other Stigmella species so can only be determined by dissection. Probably an overlooked resident species likely to be found at other sites as leaf mining species of moths were not well studied until recent times.
14.011 Bucculatrix ulmifoliae (Hering, 1931)25/10/2020 - Cornard Country Park VC26 (SMG). Recorded as leaf mines on an unknown species of smooth leaved elm (Ulmus sp.) with around 30 early mines plus a few vacated moulting cocoons found suggesting it is well established in the area. First noted in the UK in 2006 on an ornamental species of elm in Surrey, it has since spread in the south-east of the UK. The larvae make distinctive short leaf mines with an obvious straight section before they leave the leaf and continue feeding on the underside of the leaves. The early galleries are quite different to the other leaf mines found on elm. Likely to be found at other sites as colonization of the county continues.
Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 57 (2021)
15.0115 Caloptilia fidella (Reutti, 1853) 29/07/2020 - Kessingland VC25 (AE, det. NS). A moth species new to Britain as well as Suffolk. Originally identified as the similar looking Caloptilia azaleella until the discovery of fidella in Suffolk in 2021. The photos of the Kessingland moth were revisited by NS in 2021 and found to be a misidentified earlier record of fidella. The moth has a square topped triangular blotch in the centre of the forewing which can be yellow or white in colour (yellow in the Suffolk moth). There are a number of small patches of dark scales within this mark along the forewing upper edge which is a distinguishing feature. The rest of the wing is a brownish colour. Feeds initially as a leaf miner in Hops (Humulus lupulus) before leaving the mine to make leaf rolls to feed in the same manner as most other species in the Caloptilia group of moths. There were more sightings of this moth in 2021 which will be covered in the report for that year.
49.262 Phaneta pauperana (Duponchel, 1843) - 18/04/2020 - Rushmere St Andrew VC25 (JBH). A scarce tortrix species in the UK with few records. Has a large welldefined black basal area to the forewing, the rest of the wing being greyish white with a patch of scattered black scales. Unlike any other species flying early in the year. Feeds as a larva on the flowers and fruits of dog rose (Rosa canina). Unknown at present if this is an overlooked scarce resident species or a wanderer from outside the county.
49.290 Epiblema turbidana (Treitschke, 1835) - 26/06/2020 - Stowmarket VC26 (KS, det. NS). There is a dot on the VC26 map for this species in the Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain & Ireland Volume 5, although no record has been found to support this as yet. So this is the first confirmed county record currently. Another scarce tortrix moth in the UK that doesn’t stray far from the foodplant, butterbur (Petasites hybridus). Colonies of this plant are known to be present close to the trapping location. The moth is pretty nondescript, being mainly fuscous brown in colour with darker brown patches and costal strigulae. Flies mainly in the afternoon but on warm nights it will come to light. This may be why it has been overlooked in Suffolk in the past. Butterbur colonies are known at other sites in Suffolk which would be worth checking for this species.
70.210 Dorset cream wave Stegania trimaculata (Villers, 1789) - 31/07/2020 - Gorleston-on-Sea VC25 (BJ). A very rare immigrant species to the UK, with this moth being just the fifth to occur. Occurs in two main colour forms - creamy white with brownish cross lines and also sandy brown with brownish cross lines and scattered patches of brown scales - known as form cognatana. The Suffolk specimen was the brown form. Feeds as a larva on poplar (Populus sp.). With most of the UK records since the turn of the century this could be a species that may turn up more regularly in the future.
Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 57 (2021)
73.025 Pretty Marbled Deltote deceptoria (Scopoli, 1763) - 13/06/2020 - Westleton Heath VC25 (AW & PF, confirmed NS). A scarce migrant species to the UK, with this specimen being the 21st British record. Very rarely recorded in recent times with just five records in the south-east of the UK since 1990. Recorded at an LED light trap, an increasingly used light source for moth trapping in recent years. The moth is a small species of noctuid with bands of black and white across the forewings, these bands having a wavy edge. Feeds as a larva on various grasses.
OTHER SELECTED SPECIES OF NOTE SEEN IN 2020.
4.072 Bohemannia quadrimaculella 1853) - 18/07/2020 small species of leaf head tuft, white tipped antennae, and glossy purple wings with two opposing golden spots on each forewing. Thought to mine the buds of alder ( This is the first VC26 record, the previous three Suffolk records all being in VC25.
15.0131 Caloptilia honoratella 29/07/2020 - Bawdsey Hall VC25 (MD, det. GS) + 30/10/2020 Woolpit VC26 (PB det. NS). The Woolpit record is the first for VC26. Just possible that this species is colonizing the county. More records have been noted nationally too including in neighbouring Norfolk. Feeds as a larva on sycamore ( pseudoplatanus). The Hollesley record reported in 2019 is in fact the third UK record, not the second as stated, with an earlier specimen from Surrey in 2017 being found pre Kent record in 2019.
15.087 Phyllonorycter comparella (Duponchel, 1843) - 06/07/2020 - Hollesley VC25 (RW), 06/08/2020 Ipswich Golf Course, Purdis Farm VC25 (NS) + 17/10/2020 Cavenham Heath VC26 (SMG). The July record of an adult from Hollesley was confirmed by dissection and is the first for VC25. It was closely followed by the second VC25 record as an underside blister mine on grey poplar at Ipswich Golf course, Purdis Farm. The other 2020 record at Cavenham was a small number of blister mines on grey poplar. A species that is increasing and spreading in the UK, so more Suffolk records are expected. The adult moths are dull white with areas of darker scales; dissection is required to separate them from similar species.
Suffolk Nat. Soc. 57 (2021)
34.009 Cosmopterixpulchrimella
23/07/2020 - Staverton VC25 (HM Hollesley VC25 (RW). These are the second and third records for the county, the first being in 2017. A species that is increasing and spreading nationally so it may have colonized Suffolk. The larvae are leaf miners of pellitory The adults are dark brown in colour with an orange cross-band with silver cross lines and marks and need to be checked carefully against similar species to identify them.
32.058 Coleophora conspicuella 27/04/2020 + 22/07/2020
NS). Recorded as larval cases on Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) in April at the same site as last year, and also as an adult at a light trap in July. Still not found at any other sites yet despite searches for the larval cases. The adults are typical of the group with dark patches and white streaks on the wings and are difficult to determine so require either a good photograph or a dissection to confirm the identity.
39.004 Dystebenna stephensi (Stainton, 1849) - 22/07/2020 - Woolpit VC26 (PB, det. NS). This is the first record for VC26. It was noted in VC25 a few times in 2020 as well where it has been noted in previous years. It is a whitish coloured moth with patches of brown and black scales plus tufts of black scales. Feeds as a larva under the bark of oak (Quercus sp.). The Woolpit specimen was slightly worn so was confirmed by dissection.
40.006 Mompha jurassicella (Frey, 1881) - 01/11/2020 - Micklemere VC26 (JM, det. J. Symonds). Found as an adult moth in the bird hide at Micklemere. This is the second county record following the first seen in 1996 at Elveden also in VC26. This species is similar to others of the genus, so a dissection was undertaken which proved the initial identification. The moth was a female. Likely to be overlooked due to the difficulties in identification. The moth is dull brown in colour with indistinct markings. Feeds as a larva on great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum
43.007 Scythris limbella (Fabricius, 1775)
07/08/2020 - Landguard VC25 (NO). This is the second Suffolk record, the only previous one being in 1834. The moth is brownish in colour with cream patches along the forewings and is unlike any others in the group. Normally a day-flying species, this one however turned up in a light trap. Feeds as a larva on goosefoots (Chenopodium sp.) and oraches (
Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 57 (2021)
52.001 Raspberry clearwing Pennisetia hylaeiformis (Laspeyres, 1801) - 05/08/2020 - Woolpit VC26 (PB). This moth was attracted to a pheromone lure in the observer’s garden. This is the second County record of this species, the first being in 2009 at Great Waldingfield. Synthetic pheromone lures for the clearwing group of moths are being used much more commonly in the county now so more records of this moth are likely to appear. They are all day-flyers so are not generally seen at light traps. The moths resemble wasps, being mainly black with bands of yellow down the abdomen. Thought to be introduced accidentally into the UK, being first found in Hertfordshire in 2007 as larvae within Raspberry canes in which the larva lives, creating a gall near the stem base.
62.020 Etiella zinckenella (Treitschke, 1832)10/08/2020 - Hollesley (RW) + Felixstowe Ferry (NP), 12/08/2020 Carlton Colville, Lowestoft (PF), 13/08/2020 Hollesley (MD) + Kessingland (AE), 16/08/2020 Bawdsey Hall (MD) - all VC25.
The first Suffolk record was in 2018 in Ipswich. All of the six Suffolk records in 2020 were part of a national influx of this scarce immigrant species from southern Europe and Africa. Inland records of the moth are thought to be imports as the larvae feed in the pods of legumes. The moth is unmistakeable in appearance, with a greyish forewing with a white costal streak, a yellow band across the wing and very pointed palps.
65.004 Dusky Hook-tip Drepana (Borkhausen, 1790) - 02/08/2020 - Felixstowe (WB), 10/08/2020 Carlton Colville, Lowestoft (PF) VC25. There have been two previous county records of this immigrant species; in 2009 at Bawdsey (MD) then in 2018 at Kessingland (AE). Very similar to the common resident Pebble Hook-tip ( falcataria), so needs careful examination to identify. Dusky Hook-tip tends to be darker in colour and the line on the hindwing is smoother, being very jagged in the Pebble Hook-tip. This species has established breeding colonies in Kent so it is possible that more records may occur in future seasons. Feeds as a larva on alder (Alnus) and birch (Betula sp.).
66.002 Pale eggar Trichiura crataegi (Linnaeus, 1758) - Recorded widely across Suffolk in both VC25 and VC26 in 2020. This small greyish species of Eggar moth has undergone a massive reduction in abundance and distribution across the UK in recent years, possibly due to poor hedgerow and woodland
management. Before 2020, there had only been single records from single sites from 2012 -2017: 2012 Broom’s Barn, 2014 Lackford and 2017 Bradfield Woods (21 trapped). In 2018, there were records from two sites: Broom’s Barn and Lackford. 2020 bucked the recent trend with nine records from eight sites with the highest count of five at a site near Hadleigh (SMG). There was also the first site record for Landguard (NO). This increase of records was noted in other counties also. Whether this is an upturn in fortunes for this species only time will tell.
69.013 Spurge hawk Hyles euphorbiae (Linnaeus, 1758) - 12/08/2020 - Bawdsey Hall VC25 (MD). Recorded on the same night as a Bedstraw hawk (Hyles gallii), possibly the first time both these species of immigrant hawkmoth have been caught at the same time in the county. This is the first county record since 2017 when there were a number of records of both adults and larvae in the Felixstowe area. A potential future colonist if it can survive the British winter.
70.217 Rannoch looper Macaria brunneata (Thunberg, 1784) - 13/06/2020 - Mendlesham VC25 (SW). Part of a small national influx at the time. This is the first county record since the big immigration events between 2009-2011 when the moth was noted widely in both vice counties. Normally found as a resident species in the Scottish highlands with the larvae feeding on Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus Moths in southern England are thought to be immigrants from Holland. Rests like a butterfly with the wings folded over the back. The moth is dusky yellow in colour and heavily speckled with brown scales. Colonization was thought possible after the big invasions into southern Britain, but this didn’t happen, perhaps due to lack of food plant.
70.260 Feathered beauty Peribatodes secundaria (Esper, 1794) - 30/06/2020Bawdsey Hall VC25 (MD). The actual specimen of this brownish species of moth was in very poor condition with tatty wings. The distinctive large, feathered antennae were obvious however leading to the correct id. The first Suffolk record of this very scarce immigrant since 2006 which was also noted by the same recorder at Bawdsey. There have now been three Suffolk records. The moth used to breed in woods in Kent but following the removal of Norway spruce (Picea abies) from its known sites as part of woodland management it hasn’t been seen for several years and is believed to be extinct. Very similar to the abundant Willow beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria); careful checking is needed to determine moths.
Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 57 (2021)
70.296 Rest harrow Aplasta ononaria (Fuessly, 1783) - Again noted in the Felixstowe area around Landguard and Bawdsey, with a few records further north at Havergate Island (MM), Theberton (MC) and Dunwich (JC). This continues to suggest colonization has now taken place with the moth spreading north along the coast. The August total seen at Landguard was twenty-one, with nine recorded on the 07/08/2020 (NO).
71.001 Oak processionary Thaumetopoea processionea (Linnaeus, 1758)Noted widely across Suffolk in both vice counties in 2020. A record year for this small greyish, furry moth in Suffolk, which might not actually be good news given its pest status in the UK! There were forty-five records of fifty-nine moths, with many locations recording their first site records. Most were in the first half of August, coinciding with some very warm nights which probably aided dispersal from both the continent and from the introduced populations around London. Records and numbers of this moth are being watched by the authorities in case measures are needed to control numbers if large outbreaks occur. The problems with this species are mainly caused by the hairy larvae which live in large silken nests which they leave in columns one by one (hence the species name) to feed on the foliage of oak (Quercus sp). They can defoliate whole trees if there are large numbers. When they moult and pupate the larval hairs are shed, and these are very irritating causing bad skin reactions in humans. It isn’t known currently whether the moth has established in Suffolk yet, all records being adult male moths so far.
72.006 Bloxworth snout Hypena obsitalis 1813) - 07/11/2020 - Hollesley VC25 (CS) + Landguard (NO + WB). The Hollesley moth was seen at a moth trap whilst the Landguard record was a moth found hibernating in a cellar and was seen up until the end of the year. This is a more patterned species of snout moth compared to its relatives with patches of paler scales and black dots. The first county record was at Bawdsey in 2016, these recent sightings being the second and third for Suffolk. The moth is increasing in the UK and spreading so more records are expected. Feeds as a larva on -the-wall (Parietaria judaica).
72.032 Speckled footman Coscinia cribraria (Linnaeus, 1758) Bawdsey Hall VC25 (MD). The second Bawdsey record of the plain white continental race arenaria, the first being in 2015. There have been four county records of this species. The British race ssp. bivittata which has more extensive black marks and used to be found on the heaths of Dorset and Hampshire has become extremely rare with only one recent record in 2020 in Dorset.
Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 57 (2021)
72.074 Beautiful Marbled Eublemma purpurina (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) - Recorded widely across the county including the first two records for VC26. A record year for this beautiful purple and buff coloured species. Seen at twenty-seven sites with forty-five moths recorded, many of these being the first records for the recorders. Most were in VC25, but there were two in VC26 including the first at Stowmarket on 26/05/2020 (DC). There were three peaks in the records - a small peak in May/June, the main peak when most were seen in August followed by a very small peak in September. There are strong suspicions, given the number and spread of the records as well as the peaks matching known brood patterns on the continent, that this moth may have colonized the county. More data in future years may prove this as searches undertaken for the larvae on thistle (Cirsium sp.) have failed so far.
72.076 Clifden Nonpareil Catocala fraxini (Linnaeus, 1758) - Recorded widely in both vice counties in 2020. Colonization of the county by this impressive species continued apace in 2020. There were fifty-five records of sixty-two individuals with some sites recording multiple sightings during the flight period. The first moth was noted on the 14/08/2020 with the last seen on 20/10/2020. These large moths are known to be long-lived and can survive for several months. A number of records were reported by non-moth people as they can be quite often found at rest during the day on houses, especially if outside lights are on at the location. These records are checked carefully as confusion can occur with the Red underwing (Catocala nupta) which can exhibit the same behaviour, especially if the moths are out of reach so the blue hindwings cannot easily be exposed. The spread of this moth is likely to continue so any recorders who haven’t picked it up for their site lists yet should do so soon.
72.082 Light Crimson underwing Catocala promissa (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)02/07/2020 - Staverton VC25 (HM-W). This record follows on from the two other recent records of singletons in 2017 and 2018. Seemingly a rarer migrant/wanderer than the very similar Dark Crimson underwing (Catocala sponsa) which is turning up more commonly in the county with breeding possibly now occurring. The habitat close to the trap site is very like the New Forest, which is the known main location in the UK, hinting that this species may also be attempting to re-colonize Suffolk following extinction in the 19th century.
72.085 The Alchymist Catephiaalchymista (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) - 30/06/2020 - Kessingland VC25 (AE). This moth was taken at a sugared post in the observer’s garden. A very rare immigrant species to the UK. This is the second county record with the first being taken in 2018 at Corton (CS). An unmistakeable species with blackish forewings and a white hindwing with a thick black border. Feeds as a larva on Oaks (Quercus sp.).
Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 57 (2021)
73.031 Four-spotted Tyta luctuosa Schiffermüller, 1775) - 13/07/2020 - Bawdsey Hall VC25 (MD). The first county record since 2006, when it was seen in the far south- west at Great Bradley as a larva on Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis seen in VC25 in 1956. This species was a known resident in the Breck area but appears to have become extinct, possibly due to a lack of soil disturbance to favour its food plant growing in the right conditions for the larvae. This specimen was almost certainly a wanderer during the warm conditions at the time, something this moth is known to do. An unmistakeable moth, being black in colour with a large white spot on each wing.
73.196 Black-spotted chestnut Conistra rubiginosa (Scopoli, 1763) - Recorded in both vice counties. The expected increase in records mentioned in the 2019 report did occur in 2020, with six sightings. Three were in the first half of the year - Stutton 26/01/2020 (MN), Lackford 31/01/2020 - the first for VC26 (PL) and again in Stutton on 14/02/2020 (TF). The three in the second half of the year were at Lackford 30/10/2020 (PL) and at the same Felixstowe site as previous records on 18 & 21/11/20 (MM). The increase in sites for this species is expected to continue as it has done in other areas of the UK.
73.223 Oak rustic Dryobota labecula (Esper, 1788) - Recorded at a number of sites in VC25. Another species where records were expected to increase in 2020. Noted from nine sites with a total of twenty-two moths seen. Nearly all sites are close to the coast with the furthest inland found at Easton (MP). Colonization is expected to continue with a further spread northwards along the coast plus more movement inland. This spread will be dependent on presence of Holm Oak (Quercus ilex), the food plant.
Correction to the 2019 report:
The Fisher’s estuarine moth Gortyna borelii at Landguard was taken on the 10/10/2019, not the 10/09/2019 as reported by Sherman, N (2020: 158). Thanks to all the above mentioned recorders for supplying their records for this report: Allan Eaton (AE), Antony Wren (AW), Brian Jones (BJ), Craig Shaw (CS), Daniel Cooper (DC), Graeme Smith (GS), Helen McClennon-Warnock (HM-W), Jeff Higgott (JBH), Jenny Spence (JS), Joe Myers (JM), Julian Clarke (JC), Keith Scarff (KS), Malcolm Currie (MC), Mark Nowers (MN), Matthew Deans (MD), Mike Marsh (MM), Mike Prentice (MP), Nigel Odin (NO), Neil Sherman (NS), Nick Percival (NP), Paul Bryant (PB), Peter Follett (PF), Peter Lack (PL), Raymond Watson (RW), Steve Woolnough (SW), Tony Fox (TF), Trevor Goodfellow (TG), William Brame (WB) and the Suffolk Moth Group (SMG).
Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 57 (2021)
Suffolk Natural History, Vol. 57
Please send all future moth records in to me at moth@sns.org.uk, or use the online recorder at www.suffolkmoths.co.uk. Note records are not collected from social media sites so observers are encouraged to use the above ways to make sure your sightings get into the county database and into reports such as this.
References
Agassiz, J. L., Bevan, S. D. & Heckford, R. J. (2016). Checklist of the Lepidoptera of the British Isles. Royal Entomological Society, St Albans. Bland, K. P., Hancock, E. F. & Razowski, J. (2014) The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland Volume 5 part 2. Tortricidae: Olethreutinae. Brill. Sherman, N. (2020). A Review of moths in Suffolk 2019 and new additions to the county list from previous years not yet reported. Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 56: 156166.
Neil Sherman (Suffolk Moth Recorder)
2 Golf Cottages, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich, IP3 8UG moths@sns.org.uk
Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 57 (2021)