A review of moths in Suffolk 2019

156

Suffolk Natural History, Vol. 56

A REVIEW OF MOTHS IN SUFFOLK 2019 AND NEW ADDITIONS TO THE COUNTY LIST FROM PREVIOUS YEARS NOT YET REPORTED NEIL SHERMAN This article aims to review the new county records and other moth species of interest seen during 2019. Also covered at the end of this article are some new Suffolk moths from previous years which were discovered during 2019 following re-determinations of previous identifications.

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.

15.0862 Phyllonorycter pastorella (Zeller, 1846) 31/10/2019 - Kessingland (AW). Recorded as a leaf mine on Crack willow (Salix fragilis). The mine differs from other Phyllonorycters on the same tree as it has a single prominent central longitudinal crease. First recorded as a British species in Buckingham Palace Gardens in 2014. Has since spread to other counties and is likely to be found at other sites in Suffolk in the future. The adult moth is obscurely marked in light and brown colours making it difficult to separate from similar species. Identification therefore needs to be determined by dissection.

Helen Bantock

32.021 Agonopterix putridella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - 25/07/2019 - Landguard, Felixstowe (NO). A scarce member of the group, found mainly in Essex and Kent, following the distribution of its foodplant, Hog’s fennel

Jeff B Higgott

15.0131 Caloptilia honoratella (Rebel, 1914) 21/09/2019 - Hollesley (RAW). Not only the first Suffolk record, but also the second for the UK. The first UK record was also in 2019 with a single specimen noted at Cheriton, Kent which was confirmed by dissection. Thought to feed as a larva on Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), making leaf cones as per other members of this group of moths. Has since been noted at further sites in the UK so could be colonizing from mainland Europe like its congener Caloptilia hemidactylella has done in recent years.

Ben Sale

SPECIES NEW TO SUFFOLK IN 2019

Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 56 (2020)

MOTH REPORT 2019

157

(Peucedanum officinale). Mainly light brown with distinctive dark streaks down the wings. The Suffolk specimen is no doubt a wanderer from the nearest Essex population across the river Stour as the only known Suffolk site for the plant is at Southwold.

35.064 Argolamprotes micella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - 24/06/2019 - Rushmere St Andrew (JBH). A small bronzy coloured Gelechid with a scattering of white streaks and dots across the wings. Feeds as a larva on Raspberry and Bramble (Rubus sp). The centre of this species distribution in the UK is in the south-west, extending as far as Hampshire. There are a few records from coastal east Kent that are thought to be immigrants, and this is also likely to be the case for the Suffolk record.

35.136 Caryocolum blandulella (Tutt, 1887) - 16/07/2019 - Hollesley (RAW). A creamy coloured Gelechid with a few dark marks. The Suffolk specimen had damaged wings and was determined by dissection. Feeds as a larva on little mouse ear (Cerastium semidecandrum). The Suffolk status of this moth is currently unknown.

45.027 Oxyptilus laetus (Zeller, 1847) - 01/07/2019 - Kessingland (AE det. RAW). A small orangey-brown immigrant species of plume moth that is very similar to Oxyptilus distans which is resident in the county in the Sandlings and Brecks. Close examination for small differences and dissection is required for identification. The first record, a female, was determined by dissection. Recorded at the same Kessingland site on the 30/07/2019 and on 01/08/2019, plus at Lound on 11/07/2019 (KK, BJ & AE, det. RAW). This suggests a small migration of this species into the north of the county as the coastal recording stations further south failed to note the moth.

49.143 Eudemis porphyrana (Hübner, [1799]) - 09/07/2019 - Rushmere St Andrew (JBH). This brownish marbled tortrix moth is very similar to the abundant Eudemis profundana and dissection is required to separate the two. This first Suffolk specimen, a male, was determined by dissection. Has been noted in north Essex recently so is possibly overlooked in Suffolk. Feeds as a larva on apple (Malus sp).

Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 56 (2020)

Neil Sherman

Trevor Goodfellow

32.058 Coleophora conspicuella (Zeller, 1849) 25/05/2019 - Thurston (TG, det. NS). Recorded as larval cases on Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) in a wild -flower meadow. The cases are much larger and are a different shape to the much commoner C. paripennella found on the same plant. A species that is spreading in Essex to many new sites so its discovery in Suffolk was expected. Not found at any other sites yet. 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.

158

Suffolk Natural History, Vol. 56

63.1181 Musotima nitidalis (Walker) - 18/09/2019 Landguard, Felixstowe (NO). A small brownish member of the Crambid family with some prominent white spots. First recorded in the UK in Dorset in 2009 and has spread since then including into Essex.

Native to Australia and New Zealand, it is thought to have been imported with tree ferns (Dicksonia sp).

Larvae have been found feeding on bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) and other native ferns in the UK. Likely to occur more widely in the county in the future as its spread continues. The Suffolk specimen was quite a worn individual.

Neil Sherman

63.113 Ancylolomia tentaculella (Hübner, 1796) 01/08/2019 - Great Finborough (JO). A large and distinctive member of the Crambid moth group which is a scarce immigrant to the UK with very few records. Part of a national influx in 2019, this species was surprisingly recorded at an inland location with no others noted at any of the coastal recording stations.

Neil Sherman

62.016 Sciota hostilis (Stephens, 1834) - 29/06/2019 - Hollesley (RAW). A dull greyish Pyralid moth with a few small patches of pinkish scales. Much duller in colour than related species. Also recorded on two further dates at the same site: 30/06/2019 plus 24/07/2019 and also at Bawdsey on 30/06/2019. Feeds as a larva on aspen (Populus tremula). Not currently known to be resident in eastern England so these records are probably of immigrants.

73.122 Fisher’s estuarine moth Gortyna borelii (Pierret, 1837) - 10/09/2019 - Landguard, Felixstowe (NO). This quite distinctive species is not unlike a large frosted orange. It is listed in schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside act, due to its rarity and vulnerability. Its main UK distribution is centred on coastal Essex with some outlier populations in north Kent. This matches the distribution of its foodplant, hog’s fennel (Peucedanum palustre). A lot of conservation work has been done in recent years to increase the breeding area for the moth in Essex away from threatened coastal habitat which has met with some success. The Suffolk

Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 56 (2020)

Neil Sherman

71.026 Dusky marbled brown Gluphisia crenata (Esper, 1785) - 24/06/2019 Hollesley (RAW). A scarce immigrant species with eight UK records, including three more on the same night in Kent suggesting a small national influx then. Feeds as a larva on aspen (Populus tremula) and other poplars (Populus sp). Like the resident Marbled brown (Drymonia dodonaea) but is smaller with a pale central comma mark and a brownish cross-band.

MOTH REPORT 2019

159

73.330 Radford’s flame shoulder Ochropleura leucogaster (Freyer, [1831]) 14/10/2019 - Felixstowe (WB). An immigrant species to the UK that has increased dramatically in its appearances in recent years being annual on the south coast and in numbers. Could be attempting to colonize but no first brood specimens have been noted yet.

Very similar to the abundant Flame shoulder (Ochropleura plecta) and differs by its longer, narrower wings, white hindwings (flame shoulder has yellowish hindwings) and the longer black streak. A species that was expected to turn up in Suffolk with records increasing in Kent.

Jeff B Higgott

specimen was no doubt a wanderer from the nearest Essex colony just across the river Stour. Not normally found far from the foodplant, so this record is unusual.

ADVENTIVE SPECIES

72.0282 Israeli tiger moth Olepa schleini (Witt et al., 2005) - 05/08/2019 - Landguard, Felixstowe (NO). As the English name suggests, found naturally in Israel. First described in 2005. Feeds on the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), infestations causing plants to wither.

A large greyish tiger moth with red hindwings, quite unlike any British species.

Probably arrived in the UK accidentally because of the horticultural trade, quite possibly from the nearby Port of Felixstowe (Odin & Higgott, 2020).

Symmetrischema pallidochrella (Chambers, 1872) - 02/06/2019 - Landguard, Felixstowe (NO). A small greyish North American species of Gelechid moth. Probably an import from the nearby port. Not formally included on the British list yet, so no species number.

21.002 Lyonetia prunifoliella (Hübner, 1796) 11/07/2019 - Rushmere St Andrew (JBH), 24/07/2019 - Woolpit (PB), 30/08/2019 - Bawdsey (MD), 10/09/2019 - Hollesley (RAW). The first county record was noted in 2019 at Westleton. The record from Woolpit counts as the first for VC26 West Suffolk. Likely to occur at more sites in the county as the species continues to increase in the UK. A leaf miner of blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), mines have yet to be found in Suffolk.

Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 56 (2020)

Neil Sherman

OTHER SPECIES OF NOTE SEEN IN 2019

49.160 Celypha rufana (Scopoli, 1763) - Fifteen noted at five sites - Bawdsey (five, MD), Ipswich Golf course, Purdis Farm (five, NS), Landguard, Felixstowe (two, NO), Felixstowe (two, MM) and Hollesley (one, NM). Following records from last year, it may just have started colonization of the county. Further records may prove this. Feeds as a larva on the roots of tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris).

49.302 Gravitarmata margarotana (Heinemann, 1863) - 26/04/2019 - Dunwich Forest (AW+PF).

Another species of tortrix moth that appears to be colonizing the county following the first record in 2014. Four were noted on this night within Dunwich Forest, a suitable habitat for this species. More records may prove this.

Neil Sherman

40.011 Mompha langiella (Hübner, 1796) 22/05/2019 - Purdis Farm, Ipswich (NS). The second county record and the first for VC25 East Suffolk.

Previously recorded at Elveden in VC26 West Suffolk in 2006 as larvae in spinnings on willowherb (Epilobium), the moths being bred out to confirm the record (BP).

Neil Sherman

Suffolk Natural History, Vol. 56

Neil Sherman

160

62.018 Sciota rhenella (Zincken, 1818) - 25/06/2019 - Carlton Colville (PF) + Lowestoft (AW). Another species of Sciota that has appeared as a migrant in Suffolk on one occasion before (2015, RAW). These two records were part of a small national influx and were determined by photos posted on social media.

It is a fairly distinctive species if fresh, being light grey with two black dots and an area of reddish scales at the base of the forewing.

Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 56 (2020)

Neil Sherman

49.374 Pammene trauniana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - 13/05/2019 - Lowestoft (AW). The last and only known county record of this species was in 1981. The Lowestoft record was of a moth seen in the daytime. Originally identified as a Pammene regiana, the clear photographs taken of the moth were recently reexamined and found to be Pammene trauniana. The two species are quite similar but trauniana differs by having a more evenly curved yellow dorsal blotch and thicker costal streaks; regiana has an angled blotch and much thinner streaking. Pammene trauniana feeds as a larva on field maple (Acer campestre) seeds and the moth was found close to a tree of that species. Probably an overlooked species in the county.

161

63.056 Cynaeda dentalis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - 23/07/2019 Bawdsey (MD), 26/07/2019 + 14/09/2019 Landguard, Felixstowe (NO).

This attractive and very distinctive species of the Crambid group of moths was last noted in Suffolk in 2009 close to the breeding area at Shingle Street. It is unknown whether this colony died out, but the lack of records does suggest this. These new records may show the moth is perhaps returning to the county following the recent trend of moths resident in coastal Kent starting to spread northwards into Suffolk.

Neil Sherman

MOTH REPORT 2019

70.003 Bright wave Idaea ochrata (Scopoli, 1763) 29/06/2019 (two) - Bawdsey (MD), 01/07/2019 Minsmere dunes (RW). The Minsmere record was a daytime observation. This species was formerly resident between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness but was thought to have died out in the 1980s. There were three records in 2007 (at Bawdsey and Orfordness) and another in 2012 (at Dunwich heath) - these were believed to be migrants. The recent Suffolk records could also be migrants but there may be a chance that a northward spread from the expanding populations in Kent is occurring, especially as one record was of a moth seen in suitable habitat.

Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 56 (2020)

Stuart Read

63.072 Eudonia delunella (Stainton, 1849) 26/06/2019 - Bawdsey (MD). Another member of the Scoparia/Eudonia group of Crambid moths, this one being one of the more distinctive species with a contrasting black and white pattern. Usually found in ancient woodland in the UK. Only one previous known Suffolk record from Bungay in 1902. The Bawdsey sighting was at a time when other species of moths that are known immigrants/wanderers to Suffolk were being noted on the coast, so this is the probable explanation for the record. Unlikely to be an overlooked resident in the county due to its distinctive appearance.

Neil Sherman

63.071 Eudonia lineolea (Curtis, 1827) - 25/06/2019 - Bawdsey (MD). The Scoparia/ Eudonia group of Crambid moths are very similar in appearance and require experience to identify. This species which is generally greyish in colour has a small black cross on the wing which can aid identification. Rarely recorded in Suffolk, possibly overlooked. Appears to have a coastal distribution in the UK. This was the first known record in the county since the 1990s and also the first in the Bawdsey area.

70.129 Dentated pug Anticollix sparsata (Treitschke, 1828) - 05/07/2019 - Carlton Marshes (AW+PF). The first site record. There have now been five records in the county of this scarce moth, all in the north-east corner. Much commoner over the border in the Norfolk Broads, perhaps recent restoration work in the area is increasing potential habitat for this moth that feeds on yellow loosetrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) as a larva.

72.029 Scarlet tiger Callimorpha dominula (Linnaeus, 1758) - 24/06/2019 - Bawdsey (MD), 10/07/2019 - Purdis Farm, Ipswich (NS). This very attractive species is currently spreading and increasing from its strongholds in the south and west of the UK. A known introduced population has been present in west Suffolk since 2014. These first modern records from VC25 in suitable habitat could be part of the species natural spread, but their occurrence is clouded by possible introductions. Several moths were noted in 2019 at Bixley Heath, Ipswich in atypical habitat for the moths and are thought to be one of these introductions so are not recorded in the county database.

Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 56 (2020)

Neil Sherman

71.015 Three-humped prominent Notodonta tritophus ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) 01/08/2019 - Hollesley (RAW). The sixth county record of this scarce immigrant species to the UK. The most recent three records have all been noted in the last ten years, suggesting it is becoming a more regular visitor to the UK.

Neil Sherman

70.296 Rest harrow Aplasta ononaria (Fuessly, 1783) - Being noted regularly in the Felixstowe area around Landguard and also Bawdsey. This perhaps suggests colonization has now taken place. Plenty of foodplant, restharrow (Ononis repens), present at Landguard. Another species potentially moving north from populations in Kent.

Neil Sherman

70.021 Lace border Scopula ornata (Scopoli, 1763) 26/09/2019 - Bawdsey (MD). This further record follows the two records at coastal sites in 2018. This could be yet another species moving from populations further south in the UK or perhaps an immigrant from Europe. With no marjoram (Origanum vulgare - the required foodplant) being present in the vicinity of these records, colonization is unlikely.

Neil Sherman

Suffolk Natural History, Vol. 56

Neil Sherman

162

163

Neil Sherman

72.030 Jersey tiger Euplagia quadripunctaria (Poda, 1761) - 03/08/2019 - Landguard, Felixstowe (NO), 23/08/2019 - Rickinghall (RC). The fifth and sixth records for the county. This brightly coloured species is still slowly moving into Suffolk from large populations in Essex. Other sightings were reported on social media, but the records have unfortunately not been sent in to the County Recorder.

72.040 Small dotted footman Pelosia obtusa (Herrich-Schäffer, 1851) - 29/07/2019 - Purdis Farm, Ipswich (NS). The third county record following a migrant individual at Bawdsey in 2015 and another on the edge of the broads at North Cove in 2017.

This record follows others of this species away from regular sites in Norfolk in recent years. Too early to say at present whether this species is trying to colonize the county, although this may happen given that it has increased its range in Norfolk.

Neil Sherman

MOTH REPORT 2019

72.081 Dark crimson underwing Catocala sponsa (Linnaeus, 1767) - Following seven reports in 2018, a further sixteen records were made in 2019, (including five at Minsmere; not formally submitted to the County recorder at the time of writing) not all of them at coastal sites. This moth is either becoming a more regular migrant or there could just be the chance that colonization is starting to occur.

Has recently been found breeding in Kent. Formerly noted as a resident species in the late 1800s in woods south of Ipswich.

72.086 Lunar double stripe Minucia lunaris ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) 09/06/2019 - Walton, Felixstowe (MJ). The second county record of this very rare migrant species to the UK (which previously bred in Kent from 1942-1958). Confirmed by photographs taken of the moth before release. This sighting comes many years since the last Suffolk record on 21st June 1832, noted by Captain Chawner as it flew to the Lowestoft lighthouse; a record that was also the first for the UK.

Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 56 (2020)

Neil Sherman

72.076 Clifden Nonpareil Catocala fraxini (Linnaeus, 1758) - Eleven records reported across the county in 2019. This spectacular species (see Cover photo) appears to be increasing in its appearances with some sites noting it in consecutive years suggesting that it is now breeding. This is in line with what is happening in the rest of the UK with the moth being reported at many new sites and spreading northwards. It was also widely reported in the press in September 2019 as part of the ‘Moth Night’ event organized by Atropos and Butterfly Conservation and this resulted in more records being sent in. Additional records were reported on social media but to date have unfortunately not been sent to the County Recorder.

73.149 Concolorous Photedes extrema (Hübner, [1809]) - 24/06/2019 - Bawdsey (MD). Two moths recorded. A small sandy coloured Noctuid moth with a row of black dots across the wing. The 2019 record follows the four seen in 2017 and one in 2018 at the same site. The moth is known to be resident in the UK in the Midlands primarily at fen and old woodland sites. Coastal records are presumed to be immigrants from the continent. Either immigration of this species is happening more frequently, or perhaps localized colonization has occurred given the regularity of the records from the same site. Would depend upon the presence of the larval host plant, wood small-reed (Calamagrostis epigejos) in the Bawdsey area. No stands of the plant have been located there currently.

73.223 Oak rustic Dryobota labecula (Esper, 1788) 13/10/2019 - Theberton (MC), 17/11/2019 Landguard, Felixstowe (NO). The third and fourth sites for this moth in Suffolk. Also noted again at Bawdsey (four records), colonization of Suffolk appears to have taken place and more sites where holm oaks (Quercus ilex) are present on the coast are likely to be colonized soon. f. albomacula

Neil Sherman

73.268 Splendid brocade Lacanobia splendens (Hübner, [1808]) - 25/06/2019 - Purdis Farm, Ipswich (NS). The second site record of this species and the fifth county record. This sighting is notable as the moth was caught in suitable breeding habitat (a fen with a good amount of bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) a known foodplant) and had a crippled forewing which hadn’t expanded properly suggesting migration from the continent would have been impossible.

Neil Sherman

73.196 Black-spotted chestnut Conistra rubiginosa (Scopoli, 1763) - 22/11/2019 + 27/11/2019 Felixstowe (MM). The second and third county records recorded at the same site by the same recorder as the first one in 2014. A very distinctive species with greyish forewings and black spots.

Currently increasing and spreading in the UK. More records followed early in 2020 so colonization of the county appears to be taking place.

Neil Sherman

Suffolk Natural History, Vol. 56

Neil Sherman

164

Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 56 (2020)

MOTH REPORT 2019

165

NEW COUNTY RECORDS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS

Trevor Goodfellow

17.014 Ochsenheimeria taurella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) - 28/07/2017 - Minsmere (DG), 22/08/2019 - Kessingland (AE). A small brownish species of moth not unlike a caddisfly in appearance.

The Ochsenheimeria group of moths are rarely recorded as they are normally day fliers; these two light-trapped records are therefore unusual. This species has antennae distinctly clothed in large scales. The Minsmere record was submitted as a clear photograph showing the antennae on the Suffolk Moths website. The Kessingland record was also determined from close examination of a photograph submitted by the recorder. The moth had one worn antenna so it was good fortune that a photo was taken of both sides so that the unworn one could be seen.

49.102 Phalonidia udana (Guenée, 1845) 24/05/2012 - Hollesley (RAW). This species was only recently split from the very similar Phalonidia manniana. The foodplants are different, with udana feeding on purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and manniana feeding on water mint (Mentha aquatica) and gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus). The sole confirmed Suffolk record was from Lakenheath in 2015 (JC). Two further records were accepted in 2019 following a re-determination of a genitalia slide of a female from Hollesley (RAW) and a dissection of a male from a Suffolk Moth Group meeting at Redgrave Fen on 19/07/2013 (JCh). The Hollesley record is well away from the known distribution of this moth which appears to be centred on the Norfolk Broads/Waveney Valley and may indicate further unknown populations although there is no known foodplant close to the Hollesley record, meaning it could be a wanderer.

49.356 Grapholita lobarzewskii (Nowicki, 1860) - 15/06/2018 - Bawdsey (MD det.

JCh). Two more seen in 2019 at Hollesley (RAW). This moth has a bright orange thorax and a reddish-brown forewing with obscure white streaks. Feeds within apples

Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 56 (2020)

Neil Sherman

45.015 Stenoptilia inopinata (Bigot & Picard, 2002) - 24/06/2016 - Orfordness (MM det RAW & CH). Also recorded on the 25/06/2016 - a daytime observation (MM) and at light (SMG). Originally identified as Stenoptilia zophodactylus, the genitalia of these moths were re-examined in 2019 and found to be female Stenoptilia inopinata. This moth is a rare immigrant to the UK with few confirmed records. The Stenoptilia group of plume moths are a difficult group to differentiate hence why this record was redetermined.

Suffolk Natural History, Vol. 56

Neil Sherman

166

(Malus spp) as a larva. Like a few other species, the first record at Bawdsey was confirmed by dissection early in 2020. Two more records were noted in 2019, at nearby Hollesley. An increasing species in the UK and more records are expected in Suffolk.

Grapholita lobarzewskii

Thanks to all the above mentioned recorders for supplying their records for this report: Alan Eaton (AE), Antony Wren (AW), Bob Palmer (BP), Brian Jones (BJ), Colin Hart (CH), Dave Grundy (DG), Jeff Higgott (JBH), John Chainey (JCh), John Owen (JO), Jon Clifton (JC), Keith Knights (KK), Malcolm Currie (MC), Matthew Deans (MD), Mike Marsh (MM), Mike James (MJ), Nick Mason (NM), Nigel Odin (NO), Neil Sherman (NS), Paul Bryant (PB), Peter Follett (PF), Raymond Watson (RAW), Richard Walden (RW), Rob Clark (RC), Tony Prichard (TP), Trevor Goodfellow (TG) and William Brame (WB).

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.

Higgott, J. B., & Odin, N. (2020). The first British record of Israeli Tiger Moth Olepa schleini Witt et al., 2005 at Landguard Bird Observatory, Suffolk. Atropos 66: 20-22.

Neil Sherman (Suffolk Moth Recorder) 2 Golf Cottages, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich, IP3 8UG moths@sns.org.uk

Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 56 (2020)