Thursday, 10 April 2014

Geometridae

Alsophilinae

1663 Alosphila aescularia - March Moth



Status: Er ... mostly annual ... well sort of???

Habitat/Food plant: Open woodland, parkland etc. The larval food plants include Oak, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Crab Apple, Willow, Field Maple, Birch etc.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from February till April.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Up and down here.

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 0.    2000 = 0.    2001 = 6.    2002 = 7.    2003 = 2.    2004 = 3.    2005 = 3.    2006 = 0.    2007 = 2.    2008 = 0.    2009 = 0.    2010 = 3.    2011 = 2.  

2012 = 3.    2013 = 1.    2014 = 3.    2015 = 1.    2016 = 0.    2017 = 1.    2018 = 0.    2019 = 0.   2020 = 1.   2021 = 0.  2022 = 1.   2023 = 0.

2024 = 

Earliest date: 27th January 2007.

Latest date: 15th April 2002.

Peak count: 2 on 26th March 2004.


Geometrinae (Emeralds)



1664 Aplasta ononaria - Rest Harrow



Status: Notable.

Habitat/Food plant: As a non immigrant the only two places that this species occurs in the UK is at Folkestone Warren and the coastal sand dunes between Deal and Sandwich. The larval food plant is Restharrow, both common and spiny.

Broods/flight period: In the UK the main generation is on the wing in June and July with a partial second brood flying in August. Migrants occur from mid July till early October apparently.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Nineteen records here until 2018 when a heatwave during the flight season saw me catching a further 11 moths, wanderers from Sandwich/Kingsdown no doubt?

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 0.    2000 = 0.    2001 = 1.    2002 = 2.    2003 = 0.    2004 = 2.    2005 = 0.    2006 = 1.    2007 = 0.    2008 = 0.    2009 = 2.    2010 = 1.    2011 = 1.    2012 = 0.  

2013 = 3.    2014 = 0.    2015 = 4.    2016 = 2.    2017 = 0.    2018 = 11.    2019 = 3.   2020 = 2.  2021 = 2.  2022 = 10.   2023 = 9.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 1st July 2015.

Latest date: 9th September 2021. 

Peak count: 2 on July 24th, 3rd August 2018 and 18th July 2022 ... also 3 on 3rd August 2022. 


1666 Geometra papilionaria Large Emerald



A worn specimen, which is a shame as they are among the nicest of all the UK moth when fresh. Not to be sniffed at of course as it's a very good sighting in Thanet. 

Status: Rare.

Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, scrubby heathland etc. The larval food plants are Birch, Alder and Hazel.

Broods/flight period: One generation, flying from June till August.

1999 - 2023 garden records: One record, taken on 13th July 2015.

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.


1667 Comibaena bajularia - Blotched Emerald



Status: Rare.

Habitat/Food plant: Long established broadleaved woodland. The larval food plant is Oak.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying in late June and July.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Two records, single moths on 17th June 2004 and 3rd July 2013.

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.


1669 Hemithea aestivaria - Common Emerald



Status: Common.

Habitat/Food plant: woodland, hedgerows scrub etc. The larval food plants include Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Hazel, Oaks, Birch etc.

Broods/flight period: The books say these are single brooded, on the wing in June and July but I have taken these as late as September, so perhaps a very occasional second generation occurs?

1999 - 2023 garden records: Common enough but never numerous.

Earliest date: 16th June 2003.

Latest date: Occasional August records have occurred as late as 19th August 2013. I did once catch one on 7th September 2010, a second brood moth or a migrant perhaps?

Peak count: 8 moths, one night in 2005.


1672 Thalera fimbrialis - Sussex Emerald


Status: Rare.

Habitat/Food plant: Confined to the shingle beaches of Sussex and Dungeness where the larval stage feed on Wild Carrot.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded flying in July and August.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Four records of singles taken on 5th July 2019, 12th July 2022, 8th July 2023 and 10th July 2023.  

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.


1673 Hemistola chrysoprasaria - Small Emerald





The usual type (above) plus a strange reddish form below.

Status: Annual in very small numbers.

Habitat/Food plant: Most situations where the larval food plant, Traveller's-joy or Clematis occurs.

Broods/flight period: Mostly single brooded flying from June till August, though a small second generation flying into September shows up every now and then.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

The annual total counts have been:

 1999 = 0.    2000 = 2.    2001 = 3.    2002 = 1.    2003 = 1.    2004 = 1.    2005 = 1.    2006 = 3.    2007 = 1.    2008 = 3.    2009 = 6.    2010 = 4.    2011 = 4.    2012 = 1.  

2013 = 10.   2014 = 7.    2015 = 5.    2016 = 4.   2017 = 3.    2018 = 1.    2019 = 5.   2020 = 5.   2021 = 4.  2022 = 5.   2023 = 7.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 10th June 2000.

Latest date: First generation moths till 13th August (in 2001) but I have taken second generation moths as late as 5th September in 2013 and 11th September 2022. 

Peak count: I've only ever taken more that one moth in a night on very few occasions, so 4 moths taken one night in July 2013 was exceptional for here.


Sterrhinae (Mochas and Waves)


1678 Cyclophora puppillaria - Blair's Mocha



Status: Rare migrant.

Habitat/Food plant: On the continent it feeds on amongst other things, Evergreen Oak.

Broods/flight period: ???

1999 - 2023 garden records:

Two records, taken on 13th October 2018 and 7th August 2020. 

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.

1678a Cyclophora ruficillaria - Jersey Mocha


There I was, sat at home in July of 2022, bored and pawing over my old daily Blog from four years past, when I spotted this. I'd forgotten to check the moths identity and had tentatively identified it at Clay Triple-lines. That said I had written in the said Blog on that day "there is an outside chance that this might be a Jersey Mocha" before going on to report the ground colour being slightly odd and that I'd have a scout about on the interweb later on. Well I did in fact 'have a scout about' I suppose, just four years later on! The above is screenshot taken from my Blog written on the day, no doubt the actual image has long been deleted? 

Status: Rare migrant. Resident on Jersey, hence the name.

Habitat/Food plant: Pedunculate and Turkey Oak.

Broods/flight period: Double brooded, flying from April to June then again July - September. 

1999 - 2023 garden records:

One (presumably anyhow, the moth was a bit worn?) seen on 19th August 2018 but not identified until the summer of 2022 due to forgetting to check it! 

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.


1680 Cyclophora punctaria - Maiden's Blush



Status: Notable.

Habitat/Food plant: A moth of Oak woodland. The larval food plants are various types of Oak.

Broods/flight period: Double brooded, flying from May till July then late July till September.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 1.    2000 = 0.    2001 = 2.    2002 = 1.    2003 = 0.    2004 = 3.    2005 = 2.    2006 = 10.    2007 = 6.    2008 = 7.    2009 = 1.    2010 = 5.    2011 = 4.    2012 = 0.  

2013 = 1.    2014 = 1.    2015 = 1.    2016 = 1.    2017 = 4.    2018 = 3.    2019 = 2.   2020 = 2.  2021 = 3.  2022 = 2.   2023 = 1.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 7th May 2011.

Latest date: 17th September 2006.

Peak count: 3 moths, one night in 2008.


1681 Cyclophora linearia - Clay Triple-lines



One of only two sightings here, the first in July of 1999 and then this one on 27th July 2018. It took me nineteen years to get on 'on film' due to not owning a digital camera till 2006/7 ...



... then two week later, in typical 'bus waiting' fashion and another shows up ... this one on 9th August 2018. Just a few nights later and another appeared too ...


A first generation example taken in June of 2022. The second generation (above images) varies to the degree that it almost looks like a different species. 

Status: Rare but increasing. 

Habitat/Food plant: Beech woodland, parks and hedgerows. The larval food plant is Beech.

Broods/flight period: Mostly single brooded on the wing from late May till July but there is a partial generation some years, flying from mid August till October.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Nine records, all as singles on; 1st July 1999, 27th July 2018, 9th August 2018, 12th August 2018, 9th August 2018, 2nd June 2019, 18th August 2021, 20th June 2022 and 4th September 2022 then 4 in 2023.   

Earliest date: 15th May 2024. 

Latest date: 18th August 2018. 

Peak count: 2 on 10th July 2023. 


1682 Timandra comae - Blood-vein



Status: Annual though in decline.

Habitat/Food plant: Wide ranging, though they do prefer damp areas. The larval food plants are Docks, Common Orache, Common Sorrel, Knot-grass etc.

Broods/flight period: Two, sometimes three generations, flying from May till early July then again from July till September and sometimes mid September till November.

1999 - 2022 garden records:

The annual counts have been:

1999 = ?.    2000 = 2.    2001 = 15+.    2002 = 4.    2003 = 30.    2004 = 30.    2005 = 10.    2006 = 20.    2007 = 6.    2008 = 4.    2009 = 7.    2010 = 10.    2011 = 7.    2012 = 3.  

2013 = 3.     2014 = 5.      2015 = 2.      2016 = 3.     2017 = 16.    2018 = 20+.   2019 = 20+.   2020 = 8.  2021 = 10.  2022 = 8.   2023 = 5.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 11th May in both 2011 and 2022. 

Latest date: 15th September 2006 and 2011.

Peak count: 4 moths, in 2003, 2004 and 2006.


1684 Scopula nigropunctata - Sub-angled Wave



Status
: Rare wanderer, perhaps migrant? 

Habitat/Food plant: Found mainly around the coastal under cliffs and woodland of Kent and Sussex. The wild larval food-plant is unknown. 

Broods/flight period: Single brooded flying in July and August.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Singles seen on 21st July 2021 then 3rd July 2022. 

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.


1687 Scopula ornata - Lace Border

Status: Rare.

Habitat/Food plant: Calcareous grassland. The larval foodplants are stated as  Thyme, wild marjoram and probably other herbs.

Broods/flight period: Two generations, flying in May and June then again from mid July till early September.

1999 - 2023 garden records: One record, on 26th June 2001.

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.


1689 Scopula marginepunctata - Mullein Wave



Status: Annual, though in decline.

Habitat/Food plant: Coastal grasslands and salt marsh. The larval food plants include Wild Marjoram, Wood Sage, Horseshoe Vetch, Yarrow, Mugwort and Stonecrops.

Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing in June and July then August and September.

1999 - 2024 garden records:

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 12.    2000 = 6.    2001 = 15.    2002 = ?    2003 = 30.    2004 = 20.    2005 = 20.    2006 = 20.    2007 = 2.    2008 = 10.    2009 = 10.    2010 = 2.     2011 = 2.     2012 = 2.  

2013 = 4.    2014 = 1.      2015 = 1.      2016 = 2.     2017 = 3.    2018 = 4.    2019 = 3.   2020 = 5.  2021 = 4.  2022 = 22.   2023 = 4.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 13th May 2022. 

Latest date: 24th September 2009.

Peak count: 4 moths, on 22nd August 2003.


1690 Scopula imitaria - Small Blood-vein



Status: Common, though showing slight signs of decline.

Habitat/Food plant: Wide ranging, using woodland, gardens, scrub, coastal sites etc. The larval food plants include Garden Privet and Honeysuckle.

Broods/flight period: Usually one, sometimes two broods, on the wing in July and August then September and October.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

Earliest date: 13th June 2011.

Latest date: 8th October 2003.

Peak count: Six moths, in 2003 and 2010.


1691 Scopula emutaria - Rosy Wave



Status: Rare.

Habitat/Food plant: The larval food plant remains unknown ... the habitat used by the adult moth includes the saltings along the coast between Sussex and Lincolnshire.

Broods/flight period: One generation, flying in June and July.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Four records, seen on 19th June 2005, 4th July 2009, 9th June 2017 and 17th June 2022. 

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.


1692 Scopula immutata - Lesser Cream Wave



Status: Rare.

Habitat/Food plant: Damp grassland and marshland. The larval foodplants are are Meadowsweet and Common Valerian.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying from late June till August.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Three records, singles on 18th July 2003, 24th August 2010 and 13th June 2020.

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.


1696 Idaea ochrata - Bright Wave



Status: Scarce.

Habitat/Food plant: A moth with a UK population that is restricted to the coastal sand dunes and shingle between Kingsdown and Pegwell Bay. The larval food plants include Hare's Foot Clover, Smooth tare as well as other species including vetches, Lesser Stitchwort and daisies.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying from mid June till early August.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Recorded here presumably as wanders from Pegwell/Sandwich though migrants cannot be ruled out. The earlier dates were: 8/07/2002, 6/07/2006, 8/07/2006, 18/06/2007, 15/07/2007, 30/06/2010 and 18/06/2018.

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 0.    2000 = 0.    2001 = 0.    2002 = 1.    2003 = 0.    2004 = 0.    2005 = 0.    2006 = 2.    2007 = 2.    2008 = 0.    2009 = 0.    2010 = 1.    2011 = 0.    2012 = 0.  

2013 = 0.    2014 = 0.    2015 = 0.    2016 = 0.    2017 = 0.    2018 = 1.    2019 = 3.   2020 = 10.   2021 = 0.   2022 = 0.   2023 = 7.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 18th June 2007.

Latest date: 15th July 2007.

Peak count: a rather mad 7 on the night of 26th June 2020. Also 4 on 8th July 2023 worthy of note. 


1699 Idaea rusticata - Least Carpet



Status: Common.

Habitat/Food plant: Gardens, verges hedgerows etc. The larval food plants include the dead and withered leaves of various plants such as Ivy, Traveller's-joy etc.

Broods/flight period: Mostly single brooded, flying from June till August but there can be a second brood flying from mid September into October.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Often recorded in very large numbers, with 20's and 30's not uncommon, occasionally the catches can be as large as 50 or more.

Earliest date: 10th June 2004.

Latest date: 3rd October 2006.

Peak count: 61 moths, in 2002 and 2004.


1702 Idaea Sylvestraria Dotted Border Wave

Status: rare.

Habitat/Food plant: Open heath land, the larval food-plant is thought to be Dandelion and Knotgrass etc.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying in July and August.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

One, taken on 1st August 2019.

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date:  n/a.

Peak count:  n/a.


1702 Idaea biselata - Small Fan-footed Wave



Status: annual in small numbers.

Habitat/Food plant: Broadleaved woodland, hedgerows, mature gardens etc. The larval food plants are relatively unknown.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying from late June till early August.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

The annual counts have been:

 1999 = ?      2000 = ?    2001 = 8.    2002 = 4.    2003 = 17.    2004 = 7.    2005 = 9.    2006 = 15.    2007 = 20.    2008 = 20+.    2009 = 15.    2010 = 12.    2011 = 3.    2012 = 10.  

2013 = 8.    2014 = 10.   2015 = 9.   2016 = 20.   2017 = 20.    2018 = 30.    2019 = 15.   2020 = 13.   2021 = 10.  2022 = 10.   2023 = 10.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 7th June 2004.

Latest date: 25th August 2008.

Peak count: 7 moths on 21st July 2018. I also caught one on 6th September 2024, this after not seeing one prior since late July of 2024. I can only presume that this moth was from a very unusual second generation? 


1705 Idaea fuscovenosa - Dwarf Cream Wave



Status: Annual in small numbers.

Habitat/Food plant: Hedgerows, scrubby areas, woodland edges etc. The larval food plants are not fully known.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing in June and July.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 0.    2000 = 1.    2001 = 5.    2002 = 4.    2003 = 8.    2004 = 8.    2005 = 5.    2006 = 7.    2007 = 17.    2008 = 4.    2009 = 5.    2010 = 20+.    2011 = 1.    2012 = 8.  

2013 = 4.    2014 = 3.    2015 = 4.    2016 = 4.    2017 = 6.    2018 = 6.    2019 = 20.   2020 = 21.  2021 = 10.  2022 = 5.   2023 = 20.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 15th June 2004.

Latest date: 17th August 2007.

Peak count: 4 moths, one night in 2010.


1707 Idaea seriata - Small Dusty Wave



Status: Common.

Habitat/Food plant: Gardens, hedgerows and rough ground. The larval food plants are the withered leaves and general plant debris.

Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing from May till July then August and September.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

Earliest date: 5th May 2003.

Latest date: 25th October 2022.

Peak count: 43 moths on 10th September 2006.


1708 Idaea dimidiata - Single-dotted Wave



Status: Common.

Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, hedgerows, gardens, marshes etc. The larval food plants include the flowers of Cow Parsley, Burnet-saxifrage and Hedge Bedstraw.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying from June till August.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Regular enough but always in small numbers.

Earliest date: 16th June 2004.

Latest date: 15th September 2007.

Peak count: 8 moths, in 2001 and 2004.


1709 Idaea subsericeata - Satin Wave



Status: Notable/scarce.

Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, scrub, hedgerows, rough ground etc. The larval food plants are not known.

Broods/flight period: Double brooded, flying in June and July then again in August and September.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 0.    2000 = 0.    2001 = 1.    2002 = 1.    2003 = 1.    2004 = 1.    2005 = 1.    2006 = 1.    2007 = 0.    2008 = 2.    2009 = 1.    2010 = 4.    2011 = 0.    2012 = 0.  

2013 = 0.    2014 = 1.    2015 = 0.    2016 = 1.    2017 = 1.    2018 = 3.    2019 = 1.   2020 = 7.   2021 = 11.  2022 = 17.   2023 = 25.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 23rd May 2022. 

Latest date: 17th September 2023.

Peak count: Usually seen here as singles only, 3 on 14th August 2022 was unusual to say the least. 


1711 Idaea trigeminata - Treble Brown Spot



Status: Annual in small numbers.

Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, scrub, gardens, hedgerows, chalk downland. The larval food plants are not yet properly understood, though they have been found feeding on the the withered leaves of Ivy ... possibly Birch and Field Maple too?

Broods/flight period: Single brooded in the main, flying from late May till July. Apparently there is a smaller second generation on the wing from late July till September from time to time, but I've never even known it to occur where I've been running any traps over the years?

1999 - 2023 garden records:

Earliest date: 31st May 2014.

Latest date: 25th July 2013.

Peak count: Up to three moths was the peak count till 2017 when a bumper crop of moths produced 11 moths on one night. Also in 2017 a rare second generation specimen showed up on October 3rd.


1712 Idaea emarginata - Small Scallop



Status: Scarce.

Habitat/Food plant: Damp woodland, grassland, rough ground. The larval food plants are Bedstraws and occasionally on Field Bindweed.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying from mid June till late August.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Recorded on nine occasions, on 10/08/2000, 10/08/2001, 9/08/2005, 24/07/2007, 2/08/2009, 27/07/2010, 19/08/2012, 31/07/2014, 05/05/2020 and 23rd July 2023.  

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 1.    2000 = 0.    2001 = 1.    2002 = 0.    2003 = 0.    2004 = 0.    2005 = 1.    2006 = 0.    2007 = 1.    2008 = 0.    2009 = 1.    2010 = 1.    2011 = 0.    2012 = 1.  

2013 = 0.    2014 = 1.    2015 = 0.    2016 = 0.    2017 = 0.    2018 = 0.    2019 = 0.   2020 = 1.   2021 = 0.   2022 = 0.   2023 = 1.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 23rd July 2023.

Latest date: 19th August 2012.

Peak count: Singles only.


1713 Idaea aversata - Riband Wave





Above: a few variants of this species.

Status: Common.

Habitat/Food plant: Most habitats are used. The larval food plants include Bedstraws, Wood Avens, Primrose, Dandelion and Docks.

Broods/flight period: Usually single brooded, on the wing from June till August but they occasionally have  a partial second generation flying in September and October.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

Earliest date: 18th May 2023. 

Latest date: First generation till 19th September 2006 and [presumed?] second generation moths on 16th October 2011 and 20th October 2015.

Peak count: 47 moths, one night in 2007.

1713 Idaea degeneraria Portland Ribbon Wave


My only sighting here, unfortunately found dead after being chewed on by a Cat!

Status: Rare migrant.

Habitat/Food plant: The larval food plants are uncertain according to UK Moths.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing in June and July.

1999 - 2023 garden records: One record, on 14th June 2020.

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.

1716 Rhodometra sacraria - Vestal




The two usual colour variations ...


... and a rather odd looking two-tone individual.

Status: Scarce migrant.

Habitat/Food plant: Open sunny areas, usually coastal being a migrant species. The larval stage has been found on Knotgrass.

Broods/flight period: Breeds continually in southern Europe and North Africa but only single brooded in the UK on the rare occasions that they ever breed here.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 1.    2000 = 0.    2001 = 0.    2002 = 1.    2003 = 2.    2004 = 0.    2005 = 0.    2006 = 2.    2007 = 2.    2008 = 0.    2009 = 0.

2010 = 0.    2011 = 0.    2012 = 0.    2013 = 0.    2014 = 0.   2015 = 22.   2016 = 1.    2017 = 3.    2018 = 4.    2019 = 1.    2020 = 0.   2021 = 1.   2022 = 7.   

2023 = 11.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 16th July 2007.

Latest date: 10th November 2015.

Peak count: 5 on 1st September 2015.


Larentiinae (Carpets, Pugs and allies)


1718 Phibalapteryx virgata - Oblique Striped



Status: Rare.

Habitat/Food plant: Coastal sand dunes. The larval foodplant is Lady's Bedstraw.

Broods/flight period: Double brooded, flying in May and June then August.

1999 - 2023 garden records: One record, on 16th May 2009.

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.

1719 Orthonama vittata Oblique Carpet



Status: Rare.

Habitat/Food plant: Fens, Marshes, damp places. The larval food plant and mainly Marsh and Heath Bedstraw.

Broods/flight period: Double brooded in the south, flying in May/June then August/September.

1999 - 2023 garden records: One record, on 7th August 2017.

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.


1720 Orthonama obstipata - Gem



Male


Female

Status: Scarce migrant.

Habitat/Food plant: Warm sunny places. The larval food plants in the UK are not properly understood.

Broods/flight period: Immigrants arrive from April till November. They are continuously brooded in Southern Europe and North Africa.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 0.    2000 = 2.    2001 = 4.    2002 = 2.    2003 = 0.    2004 = 1.    2005 = 1.    2006 = 8.    2007 = 0.    2008 = 1.    2009 = 1.    2010 = 0.    2011 = 0.    2012 = 1.  

2013 = 2.    2014 = 6.    2015 = 1.    2016 = 3.    2017 = 3.   2018 = 3.    2019 = 0.    2020 = 4.   2021 = 19.  2022 = 0.   2023 = 2   2024 = 

Earliest date: 15th May 2021. 

Latest date: 20th November 2021. 

Peak count: 2 on 8th November 2020 then on 3 dates in the autumn of 2021.  


1722 Xanthorhoe designata - Flame Carpet



Status: Scarce.

Habitat/Food plant: The habitats used are wide ranging, occurring in upland and lowland grasslands, woodland, hedgerows etc. The larval food plants remain unknown.

Broods/flight period: Double brooded, flying in May and June and then again in July and August.

1999 - 2022 garden records: Ten records here, all of 1 - 2 moths occurring three times in 2019 and 2021. The dates were: 6/08/2001, 4/07/2006, 5/08/2009, 9/05/2011, 2/06/2019, 28/07/2019, 1/08/2019, 15th July 2021, 19th July 2021 and 2 moths on 21st July 2021. 

Earliest date: 9th May 2011.

Latest date: 6th August 2001.

Peak count: 2 on 21st July 2021. 


1724 Xanthorhoe spadicearia - Red Twin-spot Carpet



Status: Though never a common moth, has declined here where it now rather scarce/notable.

Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, hedgerows, downland, fenland, coastal scrub etc. The larval food plants are wide ranging but are documented as 'especially' Bedstraws, Ground Ivy and Wild Carrot.

Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing from April till June then again in July and August.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 0.    2000 = 0.    2001 = 5.    2002 = 5.    2003 = 6.    2004 = 2.    2005 = 6.    2006 = 3.    2007 = 2.    2008 = 1.    2009 = 7.    2010 = 0.    2011 = 1.    2012 = 1.  

2013 = 2.    2014 = 3.    2015 = 1.    2016 = 0.    2017 = 1.    2018 = 4.    2019 = 2.   2020 = 3.   2021 = 0.  2022 = 0.   2023 = 2.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 4th May 2005.

Latest date: 22nd August 2003.

Peak count: 2 moths in 2002, 2005 and 2009.


1725 Xanthorhoe ferrugata - Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet



Status: Notable.

Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, hedgerows, downland, fenland, coastal scrub etc. The larval food plants include Bedstraws, Ground Ivy and Docks.

Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing in May and June then again in July and August.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 0.    2000 = 0.    2001 = 0.    2002 = 0.    2003 = 3.    2004 = 3.    2005 = 3.    2006 = 1.    2007 = 0.    2008 = 2.    2009 = 3.    2010 = 0.    2011 = 0.    2012 = 0.  

2013 = 0.    2014 = 3.    2015 = 0.    2016 = 0.    2017 = 0.    2018 = 0.    2019 = 1.   2020 = 0.   2021 = 0.  2022 = 0.   2023 = 0.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 15th May 2005.

Latest date: 8th September 2008.

Peak count: Singles only.


1727 Xanthorhoe montanata montanata - Silver-ground Carpet



Status: Scarce.

Habitat/Food plant: Damp hedgerows, woodland rides and scrub. The larval foodplants include Cleavers, Hedge Bedstraw, Primrose etc.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying from mid June till late July.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Taken on eight occasions here, on 18/06/2001, 11/06/2006, 18/06/2006, 6/06/2010, 2/08/2013, 29/05/2017 and 2/06/2019.

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.


1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata fluctuata - Garden Carpet



Status: Common.

Habitat/Food plant: Gardens, allotments, rough ground in urban areas, woodland and open coastal situations. The larval food plants are various members of the Cabbage family including Garlic Mustard, Shepherd's Purse, wild Horse Radish, Hairy Bitter-cress, Yellow Alyssum, White Alyssum and cultivated Brassicas.

Broods/flight period: Two/three overlapping generations flying from April till October.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

Earliest date: 12th April 2009.

Latest date: 10th November 2021. 

Peak count: 9 moths, one night in 2007.


1732 Scotopteryx chenopodiata - Shaded Broad-bar



Status: Usually annual in small numbers initially but of late any sightings have become very unusual. 

Habitat/Food plant: Open grassy places where the larval food plants of Vetches and Clovers grow.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying from June till August.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

The annual counts have been:

 1999 = ?     2000 = ?    2001 = 9.    2002 = 8.    2003 = 15.    2004 = 7.    2005 = 9.    2006 = c20.    2007 = 9.    2008 = 0.    2009 = 5.    2010 = 3.    2011 = 2.   2012 = 2.

2013 = 11.  2014 = 2.   2015 = 2.    2016 = 3.     2017 = 1.    2018 = 2.    2019 = 1.    2020 = 0.   2021 = 0.  2022 = 2.   2023 = 0.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 22nd June 2006.

Latest date: 21st August 2000. I did also take a very late specimen, I thought at the time, seeing how fresh it was, to presumably be a second generation moth ... it showed up on 8th September 2009.

Peak count: 4 moths on 18th July 2003.


1735 Catarhoe rubidata - Ruddy Carpet



Status: Scarce.

Habitat/Food plant: Hedgerows, banks, field margins,scrubby places and sea cliffs. The larvae feed on Hedge Bedstraw and Lady's Bedstraw.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying in June and July.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Fourteen records here.

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 0.    2000 = 0.    2001 = 0.    2002 = 1.    2003 = 2.    2004 = 0.    2005 = 1.    2006 = 1.    2007 = 1.    2008 = 3.    2009 = 2.    2010 = 0.    2011 = 1.    2012 = 0.  

2013 = 0.    2014 = 0.    2015 = 0.    2016 = 1.    2017 = 0.    2018 = 1.    2019 = 3.   2020 = 0.    2021 = 0.   2022 = 3.   2023 = 0.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 13th June 2009.

Latest date: 10th July 2003.

Peak count: 2 on 12th July 2022. 


1738 Epirrhoe alternata alternata - Common Carpet



Status: Regular.

Habitat/Food plant: They occur pretty much anywhere, marshes, gardens, parks, grasslands, sand dunes etc. The larval food plants are Cleavers, Hedge Bedstraw, Lady's Bedstraw and other Bedstraws.

Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing in May and June and then again from July till September.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Showing obvious signs of decline here as the years wore on.

Earliest date: 26th April 2008.

Latest date: 2nd October 2000.

Peak count: 10 moths, one night in 2006 ... this would go a good way to matching many of the entire years catch in some of the latter years.


1739 Epirrhoe rivata - Wood Carpet



Status: Rare.

Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, old hedgerows etc. The larval food plants are Hedge Bedstraw and Lady's Bedstraw.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from mid June till early August.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Three records here, on 8th July 2003 and 2nd July 2006 then a late one which showed up on 3rd September 2019.

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.


1740 Epirrhoe galiata - Galium Carpet



Status: Scarce.

Habitat/Food plant: Open grassy places on the coast. The larval food-plants are Ladies, Heath and Hedge Bedstraws.

Broods/flight period: Double brooded flying May - July then again in August.

1999 - 2023 garden records: All dates - 1/08/2004, 14/08/2004, 6/07/2006, 10/07/2006, 27/08/2008, 24/05/2017, 26/08/2019, 28/08/2019, 15/09/2019, 01/09/2020 and 2 on 2nd July 2022.  

2017 = 1,   2018 = 0.   2019 = 3.   2020 = 1.   2021 = 0.   2022 = 3,   2023 = 3. 

Earliest date: 24th May 2017. 

Latest date: 17th September 2023. 

Peak count: 2 on 2nd July 2022. 


1742 Camptogramma bilineata bilineata - Yellow Shell



Status: Common.

Habitat/Food plant: Most lowland situations are used. The larval food plants are Cleavers, Bedstraws, Wormwood, Docks, Sorrel, Dandelion etc.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from June till August.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Stable throughout.

Earliest date: 2nd June 2007.

Latest date: 20th September 2010.

Peak count: 16 moths, on 18th July 2021. 


1745 Larentia clavaria - Mallow



Status: Annual in small numbers.

Habitat/Food plant: Rough weedy places, marshland, roadside verges etc. The larval food plants are various Mallows including Hollyhock.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying from late September till early November.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 12.    2000 = 7.    2001 = 4.    2002 = 3.    2003 = 7.    2004 = 5.    2005 = 8.    2006 = 9.    2007 = 8.    2008 = 6.    2009 = 12.    2010 = 4.    2011 = 12.    2012 = 7.  

 2013 = 6.     2014 = 6.    2015 = 1.    2016 = 1.    2017 = 2.    2018 = 1.    2019 = 1.     2020 = 10.  2021 = 1.  2022 = 0.   2023 = 7.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 19th September 2005.

Latest date: 7th November 2002.

Peak count: 4 moths, one night in 2009.


1746 Anticlea badiata - Shoulder Stripe



My first attempt at moth photography taken way back in April 2006. I never even knew how to find the macro mode button at the time. I was a latecomer to the digital camera party.


My third sighting here, taken in March 2023.

Status: A rarity here. 

Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, hedgerows and scrubby places. The larval food plants are Dog-rose and other Roses.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying in March and April.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Three records, all as singles taken on 2nd April 2006, 10th April 2020 and 30th Match 2023. 

Earliest date: 30th March 2023.

Latest date: 10th April 2020.

Peak count: single only. 


1747 Anticlea derivata - Streamer



Status: Scarce.

Habitat/Food plant: Open woodland, hedgerows and scruby places. The larval food plant is mainly Dog-rose.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying in April and May.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Seven records, all as single moths on 24th April 2009, 28th April 2009, 27th April 2012, 10th April 2014, 30th May 2019 and 11th April 2020.

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.


1749 Pelurga comitata - Dark Spinach

Status: Unusually rare here.

Habitat/Food plant: An urban moth that doesn't like Newington. They occur around disturbed ground, allotments etc. The larval food plants are the flowers and seeds of Goosefoots and Oraches.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying in July and August.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Only one record here for well over a decade (taken on 14th August 2001) before another showed its face on 3rd August 2015.

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.


1752 Cosmorhoe ocellata - Purple Bar



Status: Once fairly regular but now in steep decline and noteworthy.

Habitat/Food plant: Hedgerows, scrub, woodland, calcareous grassland, heathland sand dunes etc. The larval food plants are Bedstraws.

Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing from May till July then in August and September.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

The annual counts have been:

1999 = ?    2000 = 6.    2001 = 11.    2002 = 8.    2003 = 2.    2004 = 6.    2005 = 9.    2006 = 4.    2007 = 7.    2008 = 18.    2009 = 5.    2010 = 1.    2011 = 3.    2012 = 0.  

2013 = 2.    2014 = 3.    2015 = 1.    2016 = 0.    2017 = 1.    2018 = 0.    2019 = 3.   2020 = 3.   2021 = 2.  2022 = 1.   2023 = 1.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 19th May 2004.

Latest date: 12th September 2008.

Peak count: 2 moths on a few dates.


1754 Eulithis prunata - Phoenix



Status: Annual in small numbers.

Habitat/Food plant: Gardens, allotments and woodland. The larval food plants are Black Current, Red Currant and Gooseberry.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded on the wing from late June till August.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 6.    2000 = 2.    2001 = 6.    2002 = 7.    2003 = 7.    2004 = 7.    2005 = 7.    2006 = 6.    2007 = 0.    2008 = 3.    2009 = 1.    2010 = 6.    2011 = 4.    2012 = 3.  

2013 = 3.    2014 = 1.    2015 = 1.    2016 = 1.    2017 = 0.    2018 = 2.    2019 = 1.   2020 = 1.    2021 = 0.   2022 = 0.   2023 = 0.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 11th June 2005.

Latest date: 17th August 2001.

Peak count: 3 moths, one night in 2005.


1755 Eulithis testata - Chevron

Status: Rare.

Habitat/Food plant: The habitat used  is varied, being mainly moorland and scrubby upland grassland but also woodland, fens. marshes and dune. The larval food plants are Sallows, Creeping Willow and Aspen.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying from July till mid September.

1999 - 2023 garden records: One record, on 10th August 2000.

Earliest date: n/a.

Latest date: n/a.

Peak count: n/a.


1757 Eulithis mellinata - Spinach



Status: Notable.

Habitat/Food plant: Gardens, allotments and woodland. The larval food plants are Black Current and Red Current.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying from late June till August.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 0.    2000 = 1.    2001 = 0.    2002 = 2.    2003 = 2.    2004 = 3.    2005 = 2.    2006 = 1.    2007 = 3.    2008 = 1.    2009 = 1.    2010 = 0.    2011 = 0.    2012 = 3.  

2013 = 0.    2014 = 0.    2015 = 1.    2016 = 0.    2017 = 0.    2018 = 0.    2019 = 0.    2020 = 0.    2021 = 0.   2022 = 0.   2023 = 0.   2024 = 

Earliest date: 10th June 2007.

Latest date: 15th July 2009.

Peak count: 2 on 16th June 2004.


1758 Eulithis pyraliata - Barred Straw



Status: Notable.

Habitat/Food plant: Hedgerows, roadside verges, ditches, woodland edges and rough scrubby grasslands. The larval food plants are Cleavers and Bedstraws.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded flying from late May till August.

1999 - 2023 garden records:

The annual counts have been:

1999 = 1.    2000 = 1.    2001 = 5.    2002 = 2.    2003 = 1.    2004 = 1.    2005 = 1.    2006 = 0.    2007 = 1.    2008 = 1.    2009 = 0.    2010 = 0.    2011 = 0.    2012 = 1.  

2013 = 0.    2014 = 0.    2015 = 1.    2016 = 0.    2017 = 1.    2018 = 0.    2019 = 1.   2020 = 0.    2021 = 1.   2022 = 1.   2023 = 0.    2024 = 

Earliest date: 17th June 2002.

Latest date: 11th July 2008.

Peak count: singles only.


1759 Ecliptophera silaceata - Small Phoenix




Status: Scarce.

Habitat/Food plant: Open broadleaved woodland, scrub etc. The larval food plants are Dog-rose, Burnett Rose and probably cultivated Rose.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying from June till early August.

1999 - 2023 garden records: Eight records here, all as single moths - seen on 29th July 2001, 26th July 2002, 28th July 2002, 28th July 2008, 8th August 2009, 15th May 2017, 28th June 2021 and 5th August 2022.  

Earliest date: 15th May 2017.

Latest date: 8th August 2009.

Peak count: Singles only.


1760 Chloroclysta siterata - Red-green Carpet



Status: Annual only since 2010.

Habitat/Food plant: Broad-leaved woodland, hedgerows, large gardens etc. The larval food plants are the leaves of various broad-leaved trees, mainly Oak but also including Blackthorn, Apple, Cherry, Dog-rose and Rowan.

Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from September till November then again in March and April after hibernation.

1999 - 2023 garden records: None at all until the autumn of 2010 when they eventually reached this part of Thanet - the annual numbers since have registered at:

1999 - 2009 = 0.    2010 = 1.     2011 = 2.     2012 = 5.     2013 = 3.    2014 = 8+.    2015 = 1.   2016 = 2.     2017 = 3.    2018 = 4.    2019 = 6.    2020 = 6.   2021 = 1.   2022 = 4.   

2023 = 2,   2024 = 

Earliest date: February 24th 2014/22nd September 2013.

Latest date: 29th November 2014.

Peak count: 2 on 20th October 2012 and 29th October 2012, a few dates in 2014 and 1st November 2024. 





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