Sphingidae
1972 Agrius convolvuli - Convolvulus Hawk-moth
Status: Rare migrant.
Habitat/Food plant: Can be found anywhere, though more likely round the coast. The larval food plants are species of Convolvulus (bindweeds) ... in captivity they will accept Garden Privet.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying from June till October.
Earliest date: n/a.
Latest date: n/a.
Peak count: n/a.
1976 Sphinx ligustri - Privet Hawk-moth
The adult Moth
The enormous Caterpillar, found in my front Privet hedge.
Status: Once fairly scarce, now annual and increasing.
Habitat/Food plant: Hedgerows, open woodland etc. The larval food plants are Wild and Garden Privet, Ash, Lilac and Guelder-rose.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing in June and July.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 1. 2001 = 0. 2002 = 1. 2003 = 2. 2004 = 1. 2005 = 1. 2006 = 0. 2007 = 1. 2008 = 6. 2009 = 1. 2010 = 15+. 2011 = 13. 2012 = 25+.
2013 = 15. 2014 = 15. 2015 = 34. 2016 = 15. 2017 = 13. 2018 = 22. 2019 = 35. 2020 = 42. 2021 = 30. 2022 = 34. 2023 = 25. 2024 =
Earliest date: 18th May 2022.
Latest date: 9th August 2011.
Peak count: 6 on 13th July 2021.
1978 Sphinx ligustri - Pine Hawk-moth
This moth was in fairly good nick when it went in the trap but by the following morning had mashed itself for whatever reason? I used to breed them so have seen hundreds in the distant past but it was all the more annoying seeing as it was a new thing for the garden. I hate doing this to moths, it's almost as bad as accidentally treading on them.
.JPG)
An odd thing occurred in June 2023. After just the one sighting (above) in over twenty full years of constant trapping I then got two sightings of two separate moths on consecutive nights. The above being the second of those two.
Status: Scarce here.
Habitat/Food plant: A moth of coniferous woodland, the food plant is self explanatory.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing in June and July.
Earliest date: n/a.
Latest date: n/a.
Peak count: n/a.
Smerinthinae
1979 Mimas tiliae - Lime Hawk-moth
Status: Annual, though showing signs of decline.
Habitat/Food plant: Most habitats from Woodland to urban areas. The larval food plants are Lime, Elms, Downy Birch and Alder.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from May till July.
1999 - 2023 garden records: There were signs of definite decrease in the later noughties/teens.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 2. 2000 = 10. 2001 = 4. 2002 = 6. 2003 = 20. 2004 = 10. 2005 = 12. 2006 = 6. 2007 = 7. 2008 = 6. 2009 = 7. 2010 = 4. 2011 = 1. 2012 = 3.
2013 = 3. 2014 = 5. 2015 = 6. 2016 = 1. 2017 = 4. 2018 = 6. 2019 = 3. 2020 = 12. 2021 = 8. 2022 = 7. 2023 = 14. 2024 =
Earliest date: 27th April 2004.
Latest date: 2nd August 2002.
Peak count: 3 moths, in 2000 and 2003.
1980 Smerinthus ocelllata - Eyed Hawk-moth
Status: Annual.
Habitat/Food plant: Gardens, Orchards, riverside parks etc. The larval food plants are Willows, Sallows and Apple Trees.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing between May and July.
1999 - 2023 garden records: Numbers can be very up and down here, where it can be scarce some years.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = ?? 2000 = 1. 2001 = 2. 2002 = 12. 2003 = 7. 2004 = 7. 2005 = 4. 2006 = 10. 2007 = 7. 2008 = 5. 2009 = 1. 2010 = 12. 2011 = 3. 2012 = 2.
2013 = 3. 2014 = 15. 2015 = 2. 2016 = 2. 2017 = 6. 2018 = 3. 2019 = 5. 2020 = 5. 2021 = 1. 2022 = 1. 2023 = 3. 2024 =
Latest date: n/a.
Peak count: n/a.
Smerinthinae
1979 Mimas tiliae - Lime Hawk-moth
Status: Annual, though showing signs of decline.
Habitat/Food plant: Most habitats from Woodland to urban areas. The larval food plants are Lime, Elms, Downy Birch and Alder.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from May till July.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 2. 2000 = 10. 2001 = 4. 2002 = 6. 2003 = 20. 2004 = 10. 2005 = 12. 2006 = 6. 2007 = 7. 2008 = 6. 2009 = 7. 2010 = 4. 2011 = 1. 2012 = 3.
2013 = 3. 2014 = 5. 2015 = 6. 2016 = 1. 2017 = 4. 2018 = 6. 2019 = 3. 2020 = 12. 2021 = 8. 2022 = 7. 2023 = 14. 2024 =
Earliest date: 27th April 2004.
Latest date: 2nd August 2002.
Peak count: 3 moths, in 2000 and 2003.
1980 Smerinthus ocelllata - Eyed Hawk-moth
Status: Annual.
Habitat/Food plant: Gardens, Orchards, riverside parks etc. The larval food plants are Willows, Sallows and Apple Trees.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing between May and July.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = ?? 2000 = 1. 2001 = 2. 2002 = 12. 2003 = 7. 2004 = 7. 2005 = 4. 2006 = 10. 2007 = 7. 2008 = 5. 2009 = 1. 2010 = 12. 2011 = 3. 2012 = 2.
2013 = 3. 2014 = 15. 2015 = 2. 2016 = 2. 2017 = 6. 2018 = 3. 2019 = 5. 2020 = 5. 2021 = 1. 2022 = 1. 2023 = 3. 2024 =
Earliest date: 14th May in both 2000 and 2017.
Latest date: 25th August 2015.
Peak count: 3 moths, in 2010.
1981 Laothoe populi - Poplar Hawk-moth
The more unusual pallid form which shows up only every now and again.
And the usual type.
Status: Regular, though in small numbers.
Habitat/Food plant: Parks, Gardens, woodland etc. The larval food plants are Poplars, Sallows and Willows.
Broods/flight period: Mostly single brooded, on the wing from May till July. An occasional, but small second brood can show during September.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 3. 2000 = 6. 2001 = 11. 2002 = 30. 2003 = 20. 2004 = 12. 2005 = 15. 2006 = 12. 2007 = 15. 2008 = 15. 2009 = 15. 2010 = 12. 2011 = 20. 2012 = 10.
2013 = 30. 2014 = 13. 2015 = 13. 2016 = 9. 2017 = 8. 2018 = 10. 2019 = 4. 2020 = 14. 2021 = 23. 2022 = 15. 2023 = 13. 2024 =
Earliest date: 7th May 2007.
Latest date: 14th August 2002 and 2015. On two occasions I have taken second generation moths, both on the same day of the year, on 3rd September in both 2005 and 2013.
Peak count: 5 moths, one night in 2013.
Macroglossinae
.JPG)
Usually seen only by day, this specimen was my one and only 'in the trap' sighting here.
Status: Scarce but increasing day flying migrant.
Habitat/Food plant: Mainly coastal, the larval food plants are Lady's Bedstraw, Hedge Bedstraw and Wild Madder.
Broods/flight period: Mostly seen between May and October.
Earliest date: I did see one by day on 27th March 2007 which is a very early date.
Latest date: n/a.
Peak count: n/a.
1986 Hyles euphoribiae - Spurge Hawk-moth
Status: rare migrant.
Habitat/Food plant: A moth inhabiting open sunny places around the Mediterranean. The larval food plants are Spurge.
Broods/flight period: wanders into the UK between May and October.
1999 - 2023 garden records: 1 on 12th August 2020.
Earliest date: n/a.
Latest date: n/a.
Peak count: n/a.
1990 Hyles livornica - Striped Hawk-moth
Status: Rare migrant from Southern Europe and North Africa.
Habitat/Food plant: On the continent, mainly coastal, using warm open habitats. The larval food pants are varied but include Willowherbs, Hedge Bedstraw, Snapdragons, Fuschias, Sorrels and Docks.
Broods/flight period: Arrives from April till October.
1999 - 2023 garden records: One record here, taken on 24th August 2009.
Earliest date: n/a.
Latest date: n/a.
Peak count: n/a.
1991 Deilephila elpenor - Elephant Hawk-moth
Status: Almost annual here, but always in small numbers.
Habitat/Food plant: Rough ground, hedgerows ditches etc. The larval food plants are mainly Rosebay and Greater Willowherb (plus other Willowherbs and Bedstraws) but also garden Fuschias too.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing in June and July/August.
1999 - 2023 garden records: Showing an enormous increase in numbers here since 2015.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 0. 2001 = 1. 2002 = 3. 2003 = 0. 2004 = 2. 2005 = c.10. 2006 = 4. 2007 = 5. 2008 = 1. 2009 = 4. 2010 = 6. 2011 = 3. 2012 = 4.
2013 = 5. 2014 = 5. 2015 = 20. 2016 = 9. 2017 = 22. 2018 = 51. 2019 = 27. 2020 = 79. 2021 = 58. 2022 = 64. 2023 = 99. 2024 =
Earliest date: 29th May 2020.
Latest date: 18th August 2023.
Peak count: 7 moths, one night in 2018 also 7 on 26th June 2020, 8 on 6th July 2020 and 10 on 8th July 2023.
1992 Deilephila porcellus - Small Elephant Hawk-moth
Status: Notable.
Habitat/Food plant: Open grassy habitats. The larval food plants are mainly Ladies Bedstraw but also Marsh, Heath and Hedge Bedstraw too. Also recorded on Rosebay Willowherb and Purple Loosestrife.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing in May and June/July.
1999 - 2023 garden records:
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 1. 2000 = 2. 2001 = 1. 2002 = 0. 2003 = 0. 2004 = 1. 2005 = 2. 2006 = 0. 2007 = 1. 2008 = 0. 2009 = 2. 2010 = 5. 2011 = 2. 2012 = 2.
2013 = 2. 2014 = 0. 2015 = 0. 2016 = 0. 2017 = 1. 2018 = 1. 2019 = 1. 2020 = 6. 2021 = 5. 2021 = 5. 2022 = 0. 2023 = 0. 2024 =
Earliest date: 9th June 2009.
Latest date: 9th July 2021.
Peak count: 2 seen on 3rd June 2020 was the only multiple capture.
Notodontidae
1995 Cerula vinula - Puss Moth
Status: Scarce.
Habitat/Food plant: Hedgerows, open woodland, scrub etc. The larval food plants are Poplars and Willows, particularly Aspen and Goat Willow.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from May till July.
1999 - 2023 garden records: 7 records here, on 15/06/02, 22/05/03, 1/06/05, 4/06/05, 31/05/11, 4/06/13 and 14/05/2022.
Earliest date: 22nd May 2003.
Latest date: 15th June 2002.
Peak count: Single only.
1997 Furcula furcula - Sallow Kitten
Status: Notable.
Habitat/Food plant: Open woodland and scrub, hedgerows etc. The larval food plants are various Willows and some Poplars.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing in May and June, then again in July and August.
1999 - 2023 garden records: Twelve records here.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 0. 2001 = 0. 2002 = 0. 2003 = 2. 2004 = 0. 2005 = 2. 2006 = 0. 2007 = 0. 2008 = 1. 2009 = 2. 2010 = 0. 2011 = 0. 2012 = 2.
2013 = 0. 2014 = 0. 2015 = 0. 2016 = 1. 2017 = 0. 2018 = 2. 2019 = 0. 2020 = 0. 2021 = 1. 2022 = 0. 2023 = 1. 2024 =
Earliest date: 25th May 2005.
Latest date: 6th August 2003.
Peak count: Singles only.
1998 Furcula bifida - Poplar Kitten
Habitat/Food plant: A moth inhabiting open sunny places around the Mediterranean. The larval food plants are Spurge.
Broods/flight period: wanders into the UK between May and October.
Earliest date: n/a.
Latest date: n/a.
Peak count: n/a.
1990 Hyles livornica - Striped Hawk-moth
Status: Rare migrant from Southern Europe and North Africa.
Habitat/Food plant: On the continent, mainly coastal, using warm open habitats. The larval food pants are varied but include Willowherbs, Hedge Bedstraw, Snapdragons, Fuschias, Sorrels and Docks.
Broods/flight period: Arrives from April till October.
Earliest date: n/a.
Latest date: n/a.
Peak count: n/a.
1991 Deilephila elpenor - Elephant Hawk-moth
Status: Almost annual here, but always in small numbers.
Habitat/Food plant: Rough ground, hedgerows ditches etc. The larval food plants are mainly Rosebay and Greater Willowherb (plus other Willowherbs and Bedstraws) but also garden Fuschias too.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing in June and July/August.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 0. 2001 = 1. 2002 = 3. 2003 = 0. 2004 = 2. 2005 = c.10. 2006 = 4. 2007 = 5. 2008 = 1. 2009 = 4. 2010 = 6. 2011 = 3. 2012 = 4.
2013 = 5. 2014 = 5. 2015 = 20. 2016 = 9. 2017 = 22. 2018 = 51. 2019 = 27. 2020 = 79. 2021 = 58. 2022 = 64. 2023 = 99. 2024 =
Earliest date: 29th May 2020.
Latest date: 18th August 2023.
Peak count: 7 moths, one night in 2018 also 7 on 26th June 2020, 8 on 6th July 2020 and 10 on 8th July 2023.
1992 Deilephila porcellus - Small Elephant Hawk-moth
Status: Notable.
Habitat/Food plant: Open grassy habitats. The larval food plants are mainly Ladies Bedstraw but also Marsh, Heath and Hedge Bedstraw too. Also recorded on Rosebay Willowherb and Purple Loosestrife.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing in May and June/July.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 1. 2000 = 2. 2001 = 1. 2002 = 0. 2003 = 0. 2004 = 1. 2005 = 2. 2006 = 0. 2007 = 1. 2008 = 0. 2009 = 2. 2010 = 5. 2011 = 2. 2012 = 2.
2013 = 2. 2014 = 0. 2015 = 0. 2016 = 0. 2017 = 1. 2018 = 1. 2019 = 1. 2020 = 6. 2021 = 5. 2021 = 5. 2022 = 0. 2023 = 0. 2024 =
Earliest date: 9th June 2009.
Latest date: 9th July 2021.
Peak count: 2 seen on 3rd June 2020 was the only multiple capture.
Notodontidae
1995 Cerula vinula - Puss Moth
The outrageous caterpillar, reared from eggs found in one of my moth traps.
Status: Scarce.
Habitat/Food plant: Hedgerows, open woodland, scrub etc. The larval food plants are Poplars and Willows, particularly Aspen and Goat Willow.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from May till July.
Earliest date: 22nd May 2003.
Latest date: 15th June 2002.
Peak count: Single only.
1997 Furcula furcula - Sallow Kitten
Status: Notable.
Habitat/Food plant: Open woodland and scrub, hedgerows etc. The larval food plants are various Willows and some Poplars.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing in May and June, then again in July and August.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 0. 2001 = 0. 2002 = 0. 2003 = 2. 2004 = 0. 2005 = 2. 2006 = 0. 2007 = 0. 2008 = 1. 2009 = 2. 2010 = 0. 2011 = 0. 2012 = 2.
2013 = 0. 2014 = 0. 2015 = 0. 2016 = 1. 2017 = 0. 2018 = 2. 2019 = 0. 2020 = 0. 2021 = 1. 2022 = 0. 2023 = 1. 2024 =
Earliest date: 25th May 2005.
Latest date: 6th August 2003.
Peak count: Singles only.
1998 Furcula bifida - Poplar Kitten
Status: Rare but increasing.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland and gardens containing the larval food plants of (mainly) Poplar also Sallow on occasion.
Broods/flight period: One generation, May till July.
1999 - 2023 garden records: None at all before 2019 before showing annually afterwards in small numbers. Singles up till now were taken on 3rd June 2019, 24th May 2020, 5th June 2021, 12th June 2021, 2 on 14th June 2021, 1 on 4th August 2022 and 19th August 2022.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland and gardens containing the larval food plants of (mainly) Poplar also Sallow on occasion.
Broods/flight period: One generation, May till July.
2019 = 1. 2020 = 1. 2021 = 2. 2022 = 2. 2023 = 2.
Earliest date: 13th May 2024.
Latest date: 19th August 2022.
Peak count: 2 on 14th June 2021.
2000 Notodonta dromedarius - Iron Prominent
Status: Notable.
Habitat/Food plant: Broadleaved woodland, The larval food plants are mainly Birches and Alder, sometimes Hazel and Oaks.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing in May/June and July/August.
1999 - 2023 garden records:
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 0. 2001 = 1. 2002 = 1. 2003 = 0. 2004 = 1. 2005 = 1. 2006 = 1. 2007 = 2. 2008 = 1. 2009 = 1. 2010 = 0. 2011 = 1. 2012 = 1.
2013 = 0. 2014 = 0. 2015 = 6. 2016 = 1. 2017 = 4. 2018 = 2. 2019 = 2. 2020 = 4. 2021 = 2. 2022 = 2. 2023 = 3. 2024 =
Earliest date: 14th May 2004.
Latest date: 23rd August 2021.
Peak count: 2 on 6th August 2023 the only multiple sighting here.
2003 Notodonta ziczac - Pebble Prominent
Status: Notable.
Habitat/Food plant: Mature woodland, gardens etc. The larval food plants are Sallows, Willows, Aspen and Poplars.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing in May/June and July/August.
1999 - 2023 garden records:
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 0. 2001 = 3. 2002 = 2. 2003 = 5. 2004 = 1. 2005 = 3. 2006 = 1. 2007 = 1. 2008 = 0. 2009 = 3. 2010 = 0. 2011 = 0. 2012 = 1.
2013 = 1. 2014 = 2. 2015 = 1. 2016 = 0. 2017 = 2. 2018 = 2. 2019 = 2. 2020 = 1. 2021 = 2. 2022 = 3. 2023 = 2. 2024 =
Earliest date: 14th April 2015.
Latest date: 24th August 2012.
Peak count: 2 on 29th July 2001.
2006 Pheosia gnoma - Lesser Swallow Prominent
Status: Rare.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, parks etc. The larval food plants are Silver and Downy Birch.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing from April till June then July and August.
1999 - 2023 garden records: Four records, all single moths, on 16th August 2003, 27th May 2009, 31st August 2019, 2nd September 2019 and 28th June 2023.
Earliest date: n/a.
Latest date: n/a.
Peak count: n/a.
2007 Pheosia tremula - Swallow Prominent
Status: Annual in small numbers.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, parks etc. The larval food plants are Aspen, Poplar and Sallows.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing from late April till June then again in August.
1999 - 2023 garden records:
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 7. 2000 = 10. 2001 = 10. 2002 = 10. 2003 = 10. 2004 = 10. 2005 = 10. 2006 = 9. 2007 = 3. 2008 = 15. 2009 = 7. 2010 = 7. 2011 = 2. 2012 = 8.
2013 = 7. 2014 = 16. 2015 = 4. 2016 = 4. 2017 = 4. 2018 = 8. 2019 = 3. 2020 = 7. 2021 = 15. 2022 = 8. 2023 = 11. 2024 =
Earliest date: 18th April 2018.
Latest date: 30th August in both 1999 and 2009.
Peak count: 4 moths, one night in 2008 and 18th August 2021.
2008 Ptilodon capucina - Coxcomb Prominent
Status: Rare.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland and scrub. The larval food plants are various deciduous trees including Birch, Hazel, Alder, Aspen, Sallow, Hawthorn, Limes, Oaks, Beech etc.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, flying from late April till June then in August and September.
1999 - 2023 garden records: Two records here, on 3rd July 2002 and 4th July 2010.
Earliest date: n/a.
Latest date: n/a.
Peak count: n/a.
2009 Ptilodon cucullina - Maple Prominent
Status: Notable.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, scrub, parkland etc. The larval food plant in mainly Field maple but also Sycamore.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from May till July.
1999 - 2023 garden records:
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 0. 2001 = 2. 2002 = 2. 2003 = 0. 2004 = 1. 2005 = 0. 2006 = 3. 2007 = 2. 2008 = 8. 2009 = 2. 2010 = 6. 2011 = 1. 2012 = 0.
2013 = 1. 2014 = 1. 2015 = 4. 2016 = 1. 2017 = 0. 2018 = 1. 2019 = 0. 2020 = 3. 2021 = 0. 2022 = 5. 2023 = 3. 2024 =
Earliest date: 27th May 2009.
Latest date: 25th August 2006. Latterly I then took (a fresh) one on on the rather late date of 6th September 2024.
Peak count: 2 moths, one night in 2008.
2011 Pterostoma palpina - Pale Prominent
Status: Annual in small numbers.
Habitat/Food plant: Gardens, parks etc. The larval food plants are Aspen and other Poplars.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing in May/June and July/August.
1999 - 2023 garden records:
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 1. 2000 = 0. 2001 = 1. 2002 = 6. 2003 = 7. 2004 = 5. 2005 = 8. 2006 = 2. 2007 = 6. 2008 = 8. 2009 = 1. 2010 = 6. 2011 = 8. 2012 = 4.
2013 = 12. 2014 = 7. 2015 = 0. 2016 = 5. 2017 = 6. 2018 = 4. 2019 = 5. 2020 = 8. 2021 = 16. 2022 = 6. 2023 = 5. 2024 =
Earliest date: 11th April 2014.
Latest date: 20th August 2008.
Peak count: 3 moths, one night in 2011 and 10th August 2021.
Pygaerinae
2018 Clostera anachoreta - Scarce Chocolate-tip
Status: Scarce ... hee hee.
Habitat/Food plant: Coastal shingle colonised by Sallow [Grey Willow] scrub, which is the primary larval food plant. They also accept Willows, Aspen and Poplars too.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing in April/May and July/August. Occasionally a third brood in October too.
1999 - 2023 garden records:
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 0. 2001 = 0. 2002 = 0. 2003 = 0. 2004 = 0. 2005 = 1. 2006 = 0. 2007 = 1. 2008 = 0. 2009 = 1. 2010 = 2. 2011 = 0. 2012 = 0.
2013 = 1. 2014 = 0. 2015 = 0. 2016 = 0. 2017 = 0. 2018 = 0. 2019 = 0. 2020 = 0. 2021 = 0. 2022 = 0. 2023 = 0, 2024 =
Earliest date: 24th May 2010.
Latest date: 12th August 2005.
Peak count: Singles only.
2019 Clostera curtula - Chocolate-tip
Status: rare till the late 2000's and virtually annual since 2006.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, hedgerows etc. The larval food plants are Aspen, Poplars, Sallows and Willows.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing in April/May and July/August.
1999 - 2023 garden records:
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 0. 2001 = 0. 2002 = 0. 2003 = 0. 2004 = 0. 2005 = 0. 2006 = 1. 2007 = 1. 2008 = 1. 2009 = 0. 2010 = 2. 2011 = 1. 2012 = 6.
2013 = 4. 2014 = 3. 2015 = 3. 2016 = 0. 2017 = 1. 2018 = 2. 2019 = 1. 2020 = 1. 2021 = 0. 2022 = 2. 2023 = 0. 2024 =
Earliest date: 22nd April 2014.
Latest date: 14th August 2013.
Peak count: 2 moths, one night in 2012.
2022 Thaumetopea processionaea - Oak Processionary
Status: a rare but increasing migrant to the UK with a few scattered adventive populations in London, Berkshire etc.
Habitat/Food plant: The larval food-plant is Oak, of which it is a pest species causing total defoliation etc.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from July till mid September.
1999 - 2023 garden records:
Earliest date: 13th May 2024.
Latest date: 19th August 2022.
Peak count: 2 on 14th June 2021.
2000 Notodonta dromedarius - Iron Prominent
Status: Notable.
Habitat/Food plant: Broadleaved woodland, The larval food plants are mainly Birches and Alder, sometimes Hazel and Oaks.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing in May/June and July/August.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 0. 2001 = 1. 2002 = 1. 2003 = 0. 2004 = 1. 2005 = 1. 2006 = 1. 2007 = 2. 2008 = 1. 2009 = 1. 2010 = 0. 2011 = 1. 2012 = 1.
2013 = 0. 2014 = 0. 2015 = 6. 2016 = 1. 2017 = 4. 2018 = 2. 2019 = 2. 2020 = 4. 2021 = 2. 2022 = 2. 2023 = 3. 2024 =
Earliest date: 14th May 2004.
Latest date: 23rd August 2021.
Peak count: 2 on 6th August 2023 the only multiple sighting here.
2003 Notodonta ziczac - Pebble Prominent
Status: Notable.
Habitat/Food plant: Mature woodland, gardens etc. The larval food plants are Sallows, Willows, Aspen and Poplars.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing in May/June and July/August.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 0. 2001 = 3. 2002 = 2. 2003 = 5. 2004 = 1. 2005 = 3. 2006 = 1. 2007 = 1. 2008 = 0. 2009 = 3. 2010 = 0. 2011 = 0. 2012 = 1.
2013 = 1. 2014 = 2. 2015 = 1. 2016 = 0. 2017 = 2. 2018 = 2. 2019 = 2. 2020 = 1. 2021 = 2. 2022 = 3. 2023 = 2. 2024 =
Earliest date: 14th April 2015.
Latest date: 24th August 2012.
Peak count: 2 on 29th July 2001.
2006 Pheosia gnoma - Lesser Swallow Prominent
Status: Rare.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, parks etc. The larval food plants are Silver and Downy Birch.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing from April till June then July and August.
Earliest date: n/a.
Latest date: n/a.
Peak count: n/a.
2007 Pheosia tremula - Swallow Prominent
Status: Annual in small numbers.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, parks etc. The larval food plants are Aspen, Poplar and Sallows.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing from late April till June then again in August.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 7. 2000 = 10. 2001 = 10. 2002 = 10. 2003 = 10. 2004 = 10. 2005 = 10. 2006 = 9. 2007 = 3. 2008 = 15. 2009 = 7. 2010 = 7. 2011 = 2. 2012 = 8.
2013 = 7. 2014 = 16. 2015 = 4. 2016 = 4. 2017 = 4. 2018 = 8. 2019 = 3. 2020 = 7. 2021 = 15. 2022 = 8. 2023 = 11. 2024 =
Earliest date: 18th April 2018.
Latest date: 30th August in both 1999 and 2009.
Peak count: 4 moths, one night in 2008 and 18th August 2021.
2008 Ptilodon capucina - Coxcomb Prominent
Status: Rare.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland and scrub. The larval food plants are various deciduous trees including Birch, Hazel, Alder, Aspen, Sallow, Hawthorn, Limes, Oaks, Beech etc.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, flying from late April till June then in August and September.
Earliest date: n/a.
Latest date: n/a.
Peak count: n/a.
2009 Ptilodon cucullina - Maple Prominent
Status: Notable.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, scrub, parkland etc. The larval food plant in mainly Field maple but also Sycamore.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from May till July.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 0. 2001 = 2. 2002 = 2. 2003 = 0. 2004 = 1. 2005 = 0. 2006 = 3. 2007 = 2. 2008 = 8. 2009 = 2. 2010 = 6. 2011 = 1. 2012 = 0.
2013 = 1. 2014 = 1. 2015 = 4. 2016 = 1. 2017 = 0. 2018 = 1. 2019 = 0. 2020 = 3. 2021 = 0. 2022 = 5. 2023 = 3. 2024 =
Earliest date: 27th May 2009.
Latest date: 25th August 2006. Latterly I then took (a fresh) one on on the rather late date of 6th September 2024.
Peak count: 2 moths, one night in 2008.
2011 Pterostoma palpina - Pale Prominent
Status: Annual in small numbers.
Habitat/Food plant: Gardens, parks etc. The larval food plants are Aspen and other Poplars.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing in May/June and July/August.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 1. 2000 = 0. 2001 = 1. 2002 = 6. 2003 = 7. 2004 = 5. 2005 = 8. 2006 = 2. 2007 = 6. 2008 = 8. 2009 = 1. 2010 = 6. 2011 = 8. 2012 = 4.
2013 = 12. 2014 = 7. 2015 = 0. 2016 = 5. 2017 = 6. 2018 = 4. 2019 = 5. 2020 = 8. 2021 = 16. 2022 = 6. 2023 = 5. 2024 =
Earliest date: 11th April 2014.
Latest date: 20th August 2008.
Peak count: 3 moths, one night in 2011 and 10th August 2021.
Pygaerinae
2018 Clostera anachoreta - Scarce Chocolate-tip
Status: Scarce ... hee hee.
Habitat/Food plant: Coastal shingle colonised by Sallow [Grey Willow] scrub, which is the primary larval food plant. They also accept Willows, Aspen and Poplars too.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing in April/May and July/August. Occasionally a third brood in October too.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 0. 2001 = 0. 2002 = 0. 2003 = 0. 2004 = 0. 2005 = 1. 2006 = 0. 2007 = 1. 2008 = 0. 2009 = 1. 2010 = 2. 2011 = 0. 2012 = 0.
2013 = 1. 2014 = 0. 2015 = 0. 2016 = 0. 2017 = 0. 2018 = 0. 2019 = 0. 2020 = 0. 2021 = 0. 2022 = 0. 2023 = 0, 2024 =
Earliest date: 24th May 2010.
Latest date: 12th August 2005.
Peak count: Singles only.
2019 Clostera curtula - Chocolate-tip
Status: rare till the late 2000's and virtually annual since 2006.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, hedgerows etc. The larval food plants are Aspen, Poplars, Sallows and Willows.
Broods/flight period: Double brooded, on the wing in April/May and July/August.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 0. 2001 = 0. 2002 = 0. 2003 = 0. 2004 = 0. 2005 = 0. 2006 = 1. 2007 = 1. 2008 = 1. 2009 = 0. 2010 = 2. 2011 = 1. 2012 = 6.
2013 = 4. 2014 = 3. 2015 = 3. 2016 = 0. 2017 = 1. 2018 = 2. 2019 = 1. 2020 = 1. 2021 = 0. 2022 = 2. 2023 = 0. 2024 =
Earliest date: 22nd April 2014.
Latest date: 14th August 2013.
Peak count: 2 moths, one night in 2012.
2022 Thaumetopea processionaea - Oak Processionary
11th August 2019.
2nd August 2020.
Habitat/Food plant: The larval food-plant is Oak, of which it is a pest species causing total defoliation etc.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from July till mid September.
Singles on 11th August 2019, 2nd August 2020 and 30th July 2022, 3 on 31st July 2022, 1 on 1st August 2022 and 1 on 2nd August 2022.
Earliest date: n/a.
Latest date: n'a.
Peak count: n/a.
Phalerinae
1994 Phalera bucephala - Buff-tip
Status: Annual in small numbers.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, scrub, hedgerows etc. The larvae are not too fussy and feed on various things.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from May till July.
1999 - 2023 garden records:
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 1. 2000 = 7. 2001 = 4. 2002 = 6. 2003 = 12. 2004 = 5. 2005 = 6. 2006 = 3. 2007 = 4. 2008 = 0. 2009 = 0. 2010 = 4. 2011 = 6. 2012 = 12.
2013 = 20. 2014 = 8. 2015 = 16. 2016 = 0. 2017 = 6. 2018 = 30. 2019 = 30. 2020 = 40. 2021 = 18. 2022 = 15+ 2023 = 12. 2024 =
Earliest date: 8th May 2018.
Latest date: 5th August 2015.
Peak count: 5 moths, one night in 2013.
Dilobinae
2020 Diloba caeruleocephala - Figure of Eight
Status: Rare.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland and hedgerows etc. The larval food plants are Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Crab Apple, Wild Roses and fruit trees.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from late September till November.
1999 - 2023 garden records: One record, on 28th October 2002.
Earliest date: n/a.
Latest date: n/a.
Peak count: n/a.
Lymantriidae
2026 Orgyia antiqua - Vapourer
Status: Annual in small numbers.
Habitat/Food plant: Anywhere, feeding on anything.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from July till October.
1999 - 2023 garden records: The males are quite often seen flying by day into late autumn on sunny afternoons.
Earliest date: n/a.
Latest date: n'a.
Peak count: n/a.
Phalerinae
1994 Phalera bucephala - Buff-tip
Status: Annual in small numbers.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, scrub, hedgerows etc. The larvae are not too fussy and feed on various things.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from May till July.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 1. 2000 = 7. 2001 = 4. 2002 = 6. 2003 = 12. 2004 = 5. 2005 = 6. 2006 = 3. 2007 = 4. 2008 = 0. 2009 = 0. 2010 = 4. 2011 = 6. 2012 = 12.
2013 = 20. 2014 = 8. 2015 = 16. 2016 = 0. 2017 = 6. 2018 = 30. 2019 = 30. 2020 = 40. 2021 = 18. 2022 = 15+ 2023 = 12. 2024 =
Earliest date: 8th May 2018.
Latest date: 5th August 2015.
Peak count: 5 moths, one night in 2013.
Dilobinae
2020 Diloba caeruleocephala - Figure of Eight
Status: Rare.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland and hedgerows etc. The larval food plants are Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Crab Apple, Wild Roses and fruit trees.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from late September till November.
Earliest date: n/a.
Latest date: n/a.
Peak count: n/a.
Lymantriidae
2026 Orgyia antiqua - Vapourer
Status: Annual in small numbers.
Habitat/Food plant: Anywhere, feeding on anything.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing from July till October.
2023 = 5. 2024 =
Earliest date: 19th June 2009.
Latest date: 11th October 2001.
Peak count: 5 moths, one night in 1999.
2028 Caliteara pudibana - Pale Tussock
Status: Notable.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, gardens, parks etc. The larval food plants are a wide variety of things.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing in May and June.
1999 - 2023 garden records:
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 2. 2001 = 0. 2002 = 2. 2003 = 2. 2004 = 6. 2005 = 2. 2006 = 1. 2007 = 3. 2008 = 1. 2009 = 7. 2010 = 12. 2011 = 1. 2012 = 0.
2013 = 1. 2014 = 5. 2015 = 0. 2016 = 1. 2017 = 1. 2018 = 0. 2019 = 1. 2020 = 2. 2021 = 3. 2022 = 0. 2023 = 2. 2024 =
Earliest date: 29th April 2014.
Latest date: 24th June 2010.
Peak count: 3 moths, one night in 2010.
2029 Euproctis chrysorrhoea - Brown-tail
Status: Common and increasing.
Habitat/Food plant: Mainly coastal scrub. The larval food plants are Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Bramble, Dog Rose, Sallow etc.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing in July and August.
1999 - 2023 garden records: A vast increase in numbers occurred here in 2012, 2013 and 2023.
Earliest date: 13th June 2017.
Latest date: 30th August 2015.
Peak count: 47 on 8th July 2023.
2030 Euproctis similis - Yellow-tail
Status: Annual in small numbers.
Habitat/Food plant: Hedgerows, scrub, woodland etc. The larval food plants are varied including Hawthorn, blackthorn, birch, hazel, oak, sallow etc.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing in July and August.
1999 - 2023 garden records: Although numbers (like most species) fluctuate a bit, overall the population remained fairly stable here until recent years when an obvious decline was noted.
Earliest date: 19th June 2009.
Latest date: 11th October 2001.
Peak count: 5 moths, one night in 1999.
2028 Caliteara pudibana - Pale Tussock
They come in various guises, from dark to pale with various intergrades between the two.
Status: Notable.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland, gardens, parks etc. The larval food plants are a wide variety of things.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing in May and June.
The annual counts have been:
1999 = 0. 2000 = 2. 2001 = 0. 2002 = 2. 2003 = 2. 2004 = 6. 2005 = 2. 2006 = 1. 2007 = 3. 2008 = 1. 2009 = 7. 2010 = 12. 2011 = 1. 2012 = 0.
2013 = 1. 2014 = 5. 2015 = 0. 2016 = 1. 2017 = 1. 2018 = 0. 2019 = 1. 2020 = 2. 2021 = 3. 2022 = 0. 2023 = 2. 2024 =
Earliest date: 29th April 2014.
Latest date: 24th June 2010.
Peak count: 3 moths, one night in 2010.
2029 Euproctis chrysorrhoea - Brown-tail
Status: Common and increasing.
Habitat/Food plant: Mainly coastal scrub. The larval food plants are Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Bramble, Dog Rose, Sallow etc.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing in July and August.
Earliest date: 13th June 2017.
Latest date: 30th August 2015.
Peak count: 47 on 8th July 2023.
2030 Euproctis similis - Yellow-tail
Bottom photo: The dead pose, used to fool predators.
Status: Annual in small numbers.
Habitat/Food plant: Hedgerows, scrub, woodland etc. The larval food plants are varied including Hawthorn, blackthorn, birch, hazel, oak, sallow etc.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, on the wing in July and August.
2022 = 1. 2023 = 6. 2024 =
Earliest date: 23rd June 2014.
Latest date: 21st August in both 2008 and 2010. Rogue second generation moths were taken on 23rd October 2014 and 15th October 2017.
Peak count: 3 moths, in 2005 and 2009.
2031 Leucoma salicis - White Satin Moth
Status: Rare.
Habitat/Food plant: Hedgerows, scrub, woodland parks etc. The larval food plants are Aspen, Poplars, Sallows and Willows.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying in July and August.
1999 - 2023 garden records: Six records prior to 2019, all as singles on; 20th August 1999, 20th June 2009, 28th July 2013, 30th July 2013, 4th July 2017 and 8th July 2017. After this they became far more regular.
1999 = 1. 2000 - 2008 = 0. 2009 = 1. 2010 - 2012 = 0. 2013 = 2. 2014 - 2016 = 0. 2017 = 2. 2018 = 0. 2019 = 5. 2020 = 5. 2021 = 8. 2022 = 4.
Earliest date: 23rd June 2014.
Latest date: 21st August in both 2008 and 2010. Rogue second generation moths were taken on 23rd October 2014 and 15th October 2017.
Peak count: 3 moths, in 2005 and 2009.
2031 Leucoma salicis - White Satin Moth
Habitat/Food plant: Hedgerows, scrub, woodland parks etc. The larval food plants are Aspen, Poplars, Sallows and Willows.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying in July and August.
1999 = 1. 2000 - 2008 = 0. 2009 = 1. 2010 - 2012 = 0. 2013 = 2. 2014 - 2016 = 0. 2017 = 2. 2018 = 0. 2019 = 5. 2020 = 5. 2021 = 8. 2022 = 4.
2023 = 12+. 2024 =
Earliest date: 26th May 2020.
Latest date: 2nd September 2022.
Peak count: 3 on 8th July 2023.
2033 Lymantria monocha - Black Arches
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland. The larval food plants are mainly Oaks but it will also use Coniferous trees too.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying in July and August.
1999 - 2023 garden records: singles on 28th July 2020, 8th August 2023 and 24th August 2023.
Earliest date: n/a.
Latest date: n/a.
Peak count: n'a.
2034 Lymantria dispar - Gypsy Moth
Status: Rare migrant.
Habitat/Food plant: In Europe, woodland, scrub etc. The larval food plants are varied.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying in July and August.
1999 - 2023 garden records: Three records before 2020, of two separate moths on 24th August 2012 and 26th August 2012 then another on 11th August 2017. Seemingly established by 2020 I then took eight more between 9th and 18th of August 2020 followed by a veritable Gypsy deluge after 2021.
Earliest date: 26th May 2020.
Latest date: 2nd September 2022.
Peak count: 3 on 8th July 2023.
2033 Lymantria monocha - Black Arches
Status: Rare.
Habitat/Food plant: Woodland. The larval food plants are mainly Oaks but it will also use Coniferous trees too.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying in July and August.
Earliest date: n/a.
Latest date: n/a.
Peak count: n'a.
2034 Lymantria dispar - Gypsy Moth
The first moth, taken on 24/08/12
The second moth, taken two nights later on 26/08/12
The 'radar' antennae
Status: Rare migrant.
Habitat/Food plant: In Europe, woodland, scrub etc. The larval food plants are varied.
Broods/flight period: Single brooded, flying in July and August.
1999 - 2011 = 0. 2013 = 2. 2014 - 2016 = 0. 2017 = 1. 2018 - 19 = 0. 2020 = 8. 2021 = 27. 2022 = 33. 2023 = 73. 2024 =
Earliest date: 21st July 2022.
Latest date: 12 September 2021.
Peak count: 6 on 10th August 2023.
Earliest date: 21st July 2022.
Latest date: 12 September 2021.
Peak count: 6 on 10th August 2023.
