A REVIEW OF NEW AND INTERESTING MOTHS SEEN IN SUFFOLK DURING 2021 NEIL SHERMAN
This article aims to review the new county records and other selected moth species of interest seen during the 2021 season. Species are listed in checklist order, with notes on the observation as well as the location and recorder(s). Any additional determination of the record will also be given. The number for each species is the one assigned using the Checklist of the Lepidoptera of the British Isles by Agassiz, J. L., Bevan, S. D. & Heckford, R. J., 2016. All records are from light traps unless otherwise mentioned.
It was another good year for records received with over 130,000+ sent in. This follows on from the big jump in records in 2020 and shows the continuing increase in people recording moths and sending in their data. This was especially apparent in West Suffolk (VC26) this year which historically hasn’t been covered as much as the east. The greater coverage in that area resulted in a lot of interesting species being found including new county records as well as species not seen for many years.
However, most recorders reported a poorer season than more recent years, with actual numbers of moths seen much lower than expected. It is probable that the changing climate was partly to blame for this. The cold, dry spring followed by some quite wet weather in the summer reduced catches and there were very few waves of migrant moths arriving in the UK, even when conditions seemed ideal. A lot of scarcer species only appeared as singletons or very small numbers in traps which was quite concerning. Only time will tell whether this trend will continue.
SPECIES NEW TO SUFFOLK IN 2021
12.008 Stenoptinea cyaneimarmorella (Millière, 1854) - 15/07/2021 - Brandon VC26 (GG & ZG).
This moth was caught in the daytime using the Raspberry clearwing pheromone (HYL). Only a handful of historic records nationally with the last in 1979 and thought to be extinct. In recent years the use of the pheromone has produced a number of records in neighbouring Essex and Norfolk so it wasn’t too unexpected that it turned up in the county. It is a very dark coloured moth with scale tufts and a ferruginous head. It has been suggested that it feeds as a larva on rotten wood or lichens like related species although this hasn’t been proven. With more people now using pheromone lures for moths further records may be forthcoming.
34.012 Sorhagenia rhamniella (Zeller, 1839) - 03/07/2021-26/07/2021 - Brandon VC26 (GG & ZG).
Recorded seven times with a total of twelve moths counted, all from the same site. All were dissected to confirm the identity as this species cannot be separated on external features from the other two moths in the group Sorhagenia lophyrella (found in Suffolk) and S. janiszewskae (not currently known from the county). They are all small dull grey moths with scale tufts across the wings. S. rhamniella feeds as a larva in spun shoots and flowers of both Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) and Buckthorn (Frangula
cathartica). Probably an overlooked resident species due to the difficulties in identification and will probably turn up at other sites as Buckthorn is fairly widespread in the west of the county.
35.153 Pseudotelphusa paripunctella
1794) - 16/06/2021 - Brandon VC26 (GG & ZG).
A species that has two races in the UK, a greyish form that is found in northern England which feeds on Bog Myrtle (Myrica gale), and a brownish form that feeds on oak (Quercus sp.) in the south. This moth was the brown form and had the distinctive 4 rows of black dots down the wings with a pale fascia at three-quarters. Not widely recorded from East Anglia with only two records in Norfolk in 1966 and 1999. Hard to know at the moment whether this is an overlooked resident species that is rarely seen or a wanderer from elsewhere in the UK.
38.018 Elachista bisulcella (Duponchel, 1843)
13/08/2021 - Raydon Great Wood VC26 (JC, JS & NS).
Recorded at a Suffolk Moth Group survey event. A small dark fuscous coloured moth with a broad band across the wing halfway along. This band is whitish in colour with the outer edge distinctly yellowish. A leaf mining species with the larvae creating blotch mines in Tufted Hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
Fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Probably an over looked resident species in the county as the studied due to identification difficulties and are rarely recorded in light traps.
41.004 Blastobasis vittata (Wollaston, 1858)
14/12/2021 - Felixstowe VC25 (MM, det. JH). This moth, a male, was dissected to confirm the record. A small brownish moth with a few dark dots and a pale cross band, although it can be quite variable. Females have a dark mark on the shoulders which is quite distinctive for this species. Very similar to other members of the Blastobasis group of moths, all of which are introductions to the UK.
Normally found on the Madeira islands, the first British record was found in Sussex in 2008 and was thought to be an introduction. Has now established populations on the south coast where it is expanding so not too much of a surprise it has spread to Suffolk. More records are likely now recorders are alerted to its presence.
48.0071 Choreutis nemorana (Hübner, 1799) - 11/10/2021 - Lowestoft VC25 (AW).
First found in the county in Lowestoft as larvae, feeding signs plus cocoons on Fig (Ficus carica). Once news of this discovery was put out on social media further discoveries were made with more larval records and cocoons noted in Hollesley, Worling-ham, Stutton, Aldringham, Orford, Kessingland and Carlton Colville. One recorder (AW) used Google street view to locate further Fig trees in his local area to search for the moth! The final record of the year was on 17/11/2021 in Lowestoft (AW).
Cocoon Adult
First noted in the UK in 2014 in London and has spread rapidly. Likely to have arrived in Suffolk previous to 2021 given the spread of locations in the county. The moth is triangular in shape and is a warm brown colour with bands of varied shades of brown across the wings. The legs are white which are distinctive. It hibernates as an adult moth. The larvae feed on the upper surface of Fig leaves from within a loose web, starting by grazing the upper surface before eating right through the leaf when larger. This damage is very distinctive and as with most pest species of garden plants it has been given an English name - the Fig-leaf skeletonizer. Once fully grown the larvae move to the edge of a leaf where they fold over a section and spin their distinctive cocoons within.
Further records of this moth are expected as it continues its spread across Suffolk.
49.364 Pammene suspectana (Lienig & Zeller, 1846) - 24/06/2021 - Brandon VC26 (GG & ZG).
A male moth, confirmed by dissection. Caught in the daytime using the FUN (Grapholita funebrana) pheromone. This species has very few old records in the UK but is another moth now being found with more regularity since using pheromone lures has become more popular as a recording technique. Very hard to distinguish from related species so dissection is necessary to confirm the identification. It is a generally dark coloured moth with a paler blotch across the base of the wings and whitish streaks along the costa. Thought to be associated with Ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior) with the larvae feeding under the bark. Probably an overlooked resident species as the adults are not known to be drawn to light traps. There were no new macro species of moth noted in Suffolk in 2021.
OTHER SELECTED SPECIES OF NOTE SEEN IN 2021
04.073 Bohemannia auriciliella (Joannis, 1908)
03/07/2021 - Westleton common (AW & PF, det. RW) + 13/07/2021 - Westleton (JC & JS). Both VC25. Both moths were confirmed by dissection. This is a very rare moth across Europe with only around 35 known records. These are the second and third records for the county with the only other record from Rendlesham forest in 2014 (RW). Its breeding habits are pretty much unknown but it is thought to be associated with Birch ( have been close to Small-leaved Lime (Tilia cordata Nepticulid at 9mm. It has an orange head with dark brown wings with a large patch of shiny grey scales at the base. There is also a silver cross band in the middle of each wing. Almost certainly resident in the Westleton area given these two records.
12.023 Triaxomasia caprimulgella (Stainton, 1851)
02/07/2021 - Easton VC25 (MP) + Haverhill VC26 (PB).
Noted at Easton four times between 02/07/2021 and 14/07/2021 and also noted at Purdis Farm, Ipswich on 09/07/2021 (NS). Most records were at the LUN (Lunar hornet clearwing) pheromone apart from the sighting on the 14/07 at Easton which was at actinic light.
Only one previous record for Suffolk listed by Morley in July 1933 (Dr. Whittingham).
A very rare moth in the UK in the past with few records. The recent use of pheromone lures has turned up a lot of new records so it may have just been overlooked. Thought to feed as a larva on decaying wood or dead insects in spider webs. It is a very distinctive moth with brown wings with bands and patches of yellowish scales and a yellowish head. With the more regular use of pheromone lures in the county it will certainly be found at more sites in the future.
12.047
Psychoides verhuella (Bruand, 1853)
09/05/2021 - Purdis Farm, Ipswich VC25 (NS). The record was of larvae found feeding on Hart’s tongue Fern (Phyllitis scolopendrium) with an adult bred out to confirm the record. The only previous county record in the database was from C. Morley in 1935 at Monk Soham (a larval record).
The larvae have dark heads which separates them from the similar filicivora larvae which can be on the same food plant at the same time. The larvae initially create a blotch mine before leaving the blotch and constructing a portable case covered with sporangia which they continue to feed from. The adult moths are dark winged with a purple gloss and lack the pale spot which is present on the similar P. filicivora.
15.0115 Caloptilia fidella (Reutti, 1853) - 2 sites at light + 10 sites as leaf mines all VC25 (various recorders).
Found new to Britain in Suffolk in 2020, with more records of adults at light in 2021 plus numerous records of larval mines, feeding signs and folds on Hops (Humulus lupulus) found showing the moth is well established as a breeding species in the county.
Records at light were at Butley (18/07/2021 HMW) and Hollesley (24/07/2021 +23/10/2021 RW).
Leaf mines and cones were noted at Capel St Andrew (30/08/2021, 2 sites NS), Hollesley (30/08/2021 NS + 04/09/2021 PB), Shottisham (05/09/2021 NS+DC), Newbourne (05/09/2021 NS+DC), Hemley (06/09/2021 JC+JS), Chelmondiston (06/09/2021 JC+JS), Butley (08/09/2021 HMW), Benhall Green (11/09/2021 TP) and Purdis Farm, Ipswich (17/09/2021 NS). Searches of Hops at sites further west including in VC26 have failed to find the moth as yet. Expected to continue spreading inland following the distribution of the food plant, especially along river valleys. Many recorders managed to get to see this relatively new species to Britain by breeding the moth from the larval folds. Also found breeding in Kent in 2021 showing the initial arrival was widespread in the south-east of the UK.
34.007 Cosmopterix orichalcea (Stainton, 1861)
14/06/2021
There are dots on both the VC25 and VC26 maps for this species in the Butterflies of Great Britain & Ireland been found to support these as yet. So, this is the first confirmed county record currently.
This small moth has blackish wings with an orange band plus a few silver lines across the wings similar to other species in the group but does have the very distinctive large silver blotch at the wing base. The larva is a leaf in various marshland grasses. Known to be resident in the Norfolk broads and in the Cambridgeshire fens so is quite likely to be resident in Suffolk but overlooked. More targeted searches in the fens in the west of the county may well locate more sites.
35.068 Monochroa tetragonella (Stainton, 1885)
09/07/2021 - Hen reedbeds VC25 (NS).
Recorded at a Suffolk Moth Group survey event. A very rare saltmarsh species in the county and a pRDB1 nationally. There are only two other Suffolk records at Iken in 2015 (PK, det. RW) and Hollesley in 2018 (RW).
Feeds as a larva on Sea Milkwort (Glaux maritima The 2021 moth had a whitish forewing with a patterning of dots plus yellowish palps. The previous moth seen at Iken was much more nondescript, being quite greyish overall. All Suffolk records were confirmed by dissection.
35.137 Caryocolum tricolorella (Haworth, 1812)
14/08/2021 - Blyford VC25 (AW et.al).
Dissected by Graham Smith to confirm the record as it can be similar to others in the genus.
Morley lists this as ‘quite a frequent species, known from Washbrook, Ipswich, Framsden, Leiston, Southwold, Lowestoft; and in the utmost profusion at light beside Fritton Lake in early August 1934. Tuddenham village on the Breck in June 1903’. This is certainly not the case now with this being the only record since 1934. The moth has a patterning of dark brown, white and fuscous patches which can be variable. The larva feeds on Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria holostea) making fairly distinctive blotch mines and feeding signs so targeted searches for these signs may prove the moth is more widespread.
37.058 Coleophora conspicuella (Zeller, 1849)
3 VC26 sites in 2021.
Recorded again in 2021 as larval cases at the known site at Thurston (TG). Also noted as larval cases on Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) on 12/06/2021 at Cavenham (NS, JC, JS et al.). Finally, recorded as an adult at light on 07/07/2021 in Brandon (GG+ZG). Searches of Breckland sites with the food plant should locate more breeding locations for the species as the larval cases and feeding signs are very conspicuous in the spring.
37.061 Coleophora lixella (Zeller, 1849) - 24/07+25/07/2021 - Brandon VC26 (GG+ZG).
The first record on the 24/07/2021 was dissected to confirm the record. There is a dot on the VC26 map for this species in the Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain & Ireland Volume 3, although no records have been found to support this as yet. So, this is the first confirmed county record currently.
A large species of Coleophora moth, with yellowish ochre wings with silver white stripes edged in black. The apex is curved and pointed projecting upwards when at rest. It is very similar to the very rare Coleophora tricolor, a moth only found in the Breckland in the UK. Can be told from that species by the antennae which are not fully ringed to the apex. The larvae feed in cases initially on Thyme (Thymus sp.) before switching to grasses after hibernation.
39.005 Chrysoclista linneella (Clerck, 1759)
06/08/2021 - Somerleyton Park VC25 (BJ). A rare species in Suffolk, with only one previous record in 2012 at Holywells Park, Ipswich (RG, confirmed TP). Feeds as a larva under Lime (Tilia sp.) bark, with the tree present at both locations where the moth was found. It is a very colourful species of moth with orange wings with silver lines and scale tufts across the wings. Four were noted at Somerleyton suggesting it is well established at the site.
52.001 Raspberry clearwing Pennisetia hylaeiformis (Laspeyres, 1801) - 5 sites in VC26 (various recorders).
All records were noted by using the HYL pheromone. Noted at the same Woolpit site as in 2020 by PB on 20/07/2021. A targeted search of allotments in Bury St Edmunds on 24/07/2021 resulted in seven seen in a very short time, suggesting a good population of the moth there (PB). There were further records at Brandon (03/08/2021 GG+ZG), Pakenham (03/08/2021 JM) and Long Melford (11/08 + 18/08/2021 DU). Further sites for the moth are expected to be found given targeted searches where there are stands of the food plant. A few sites in VC25 were searched in 2021 but no records from that vice county have been found as yet.
54.002 Forester Adscita statices (Linnaeus, 1758) - 26/07/2021 - Outney Common (AW). Widely known and regularly found in the Breckland in VC26 for many years. There are old records from VC25 in the Oulton Broad (1898), Bradwell (1933) and Fritton Marshes (1935) areas listed by Morley. There were no more records in VC25 until 2018 when one moth was seen and photographed at North Warren (RP, confirmed TP). No more records were found until 2021 when two were seen at Outney Common (AW). Has this moth been hiding in the north-east corner of Suffolk all that time, without being detected? More survey work in the area may find other sites for the moth but they can be quite hard to spot as their metallic green colour blends in well with their grassland habitat. They do visit flowers so this would be the best way to locate them.
62.020 Etiella zinckenella (Treitschke, 1832) - 24/08/2021 - Hollesley (RW) + Bawdsey Hall (MD), 25/08/2021 - Felixstowe (MM).
There was another small influx of this scarce immigrant pyralid species from southern Europe and Africa into south-east Suffolk in 2021, following on from the six noted in 2020. Both the moths seen at Hollesley and Bawdsey Hall were on the same night (24/08/2021) with the Felixstowe record the next night (25/08/2021). This species is becoming a more regular immigrant to the UK so more records can be expected in the future.
63.054 Cydalima perspectalis Box-tree moth (Walker, 1859) - Recorded widely across the county in 2021. The first county records of this adventive pest species of moth were noted in 2016 at Bawdsey (MD). It hasn’t taken it too long to spread right across the county and in 2021 there were some large counts of adult moths caught in light traps in the Ipswich area showing it is now becoming very common. At Purdis Farm, Ipswich, 184 were light-trapped on the 24/09/2021 followed by 231 on the 26/09/2021, with both the normal plus the melanic colour forms present. A walk around the local area at Purdis Farm at that time revealed many green waste bins with dead Box bush (Buxus sp.) remains damaged by the larvae sticking out of them! There was also a large count of 1000+ larvae on Box bushes at Aldeburgh on 01/09/2021 (JK). This moth is rapidly becoming the dominant autumn species in moth traps in Suffolk where it can be a pest as the moths are quite restless and disturb the other species in the trap. The only control on numbers will be when all the food plant is eaten in an area so they have to move elsewhere.
63.078 Friedlanderia cicatricella (Hübner, [1824])
31/07/2021 - Aldeburgh beach (JC, JS, NS, BJ et al.). The only other records for this species in Suffolk were in 2004 on Orfordness (MM + JA). The two moths seen on 31/07/2021 were the first since then. Thought to feed as a larva on Common Club-rush (Schoenoplectus lacustris), which was present at the site so it just may be possible the moth has established there although it is known as a migrant species. More survey work in the future is required to find evidence. It is a typical grass moth in appearance with long palps and narrow wings which are straw coloured with darker patches of brown scaling. There is a fairly distinctive pale straw-coloured streak along the forewing edge. There are also some small patches of white scales in the wing centre. Both the moths seen were male - the females are much more distinctive with darker reddishbrown forewings with a very obvious wide pale streak along the forewing edge.
63.1181 Musotima nitidalis (Walker) - Records in both VC25 & VC26 in 2021 (various recorders).
A small brownish member of the Crambid family with some prominent white spots. Native to Australia and New Zealand, it is thought to have been imported with tree ferns (Dicksonia spp).
First found in Suffolk in 2019 at Landguard (NO). In 2021, it was first noted on 18/08/2021 at Landguard (NO), with the next record at the same site on the 08/09/2021. It was then seen on 03/10/2021 during survey work at Rougham (JS, JC, NS et al.), being noted in the daytime in a wood with an extensive Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) under-storey so it is possibly breeding at that site. This was the first record for VC26. It was then noted as an adult attracted to a lighted window at Carlton Marshes on 29/10/2021 (AW). There were then a series of records at Brandon (GG+ZG) from 09/11-12/11/2021, with a maximum of four on the 09/11/2021. These numbers are suggestive of local breeding. The final record for the year was at Stowupland on the 20/11/2021 (BM).
66.005 Small eggar Eriogaster lanestris (Linnaeus, 1758) - 29/03/2021 (adult) - Risby (NH) + 08/07/2021 (larva) - Risby (NH).
The first records for the county since 2004, when larval nests were found at Dalham. The adult moth was a female trapped at an actinic trap which was unfortunately killed and partially eaten by a large ground beetle that was also lurking in the trap. A search by the same recorder later in the summer in Risby resulted in the discovery of a large larva on Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa). This chocolate brown eggar moth seems to be increasing in neighbouring Norfolk so is now perhaps beginning to do the same in Suffolk. It does fly early in the year in March/April so could have been overlooked as not all recorders trap early in the season.
70.047 Gem Nycterosea obstipata (Fabricius, 1794)
Recorded widely across the county in 2021. This was one of the only regular species of migrant moth to the county that had a good season, in fact possibly its best year ever. There were 67 records in 2021, compared to 8 records only in 2020. The first moth was noted on 09/05/2021 at Purdis Farm, Ipswich (NS) and was followed by more in the next few days. These moths arrived with a spell of warm weather from the continent. After this initial arrival in May, moths were not seen again until July. These moths could have been the progeny of the earlier immigrants. They were then noted regularly across the county throughout the rest of the summer and well into the autumn, aided by the mild conditions. The final 2021 record was on 16/11 but that wasn’t the end of the moth sightings as the mild conditions over the Christmas and New Year period resulted in a moth surviving and appearing in a trap on the 01/01/2022 in Brantham (EJ).
72.006 Bloxworth snout Hypena obsitalis (Hübner, 1813) - Landguard (same moth as 2020 - NO) + 24/06/2021 - Lowestoft (AW).
The Landguard moth found hibernating in a cellar, which was seen up until the end of 2020, was noted again on the 01/01/2021, but not subsequently. The moth at Lowestoft is the fourth county record and fits the pattern of the other records of turning up at a coastal location. More records of this species are expected as it continues to colonize the county.
72.007 Beautiful snout Hypena crassalis (Fabricius, 1787) - 17/06/2021 - Leiston (JE). The third county record of this very attractive member of the Snout group of moths. The previous records were in 1850 at Brandeston and between 1968-1979 in a Rothamstead trap at Higham.
Not thought to be resident in the county as the habitat isn’t available as it feeds as a larva on Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) so this moth was almost certainly a migrant or an internal wanderer.
The Suffolk moth was a more light-brown form with dark chocolate blotches on the wings. Other forms can be more extensively marked with white.
72.030 Jersey tiger Euplagia quadripunctaria 2021.
Since the last review on this species in the 2019 moth report (Sherman, 2019) this moth has increased dramatically as expected and is now becoming regular at some recorder’s traps, including multiple individuals. In 2020 there were 18 records.
In 2021 there were 35 records, with most sightings in the Felixstowe area where it now seems to be well
established. It has spread right up the coastal strip as far as Blythburgh as well as inland as far north as Redgrave. Both the regular orange winged form and the yellow winged lutescens form have now been noted in the county. Expected to increase and spread further in the near future.
72.034 Crimson speckled Utetheisa pulchella (Linnaeus, 1758) - 12/09/2021Hollesley (AC).
This record was sent in with a photo via iRecord. Found during the day on Aster flowers at the Suffolk Punch Trust, Hollesley. This beautiful, rare and unmistakeable migrant moth has a white ground colour with a pattern of pinkish and black dots. This sighting was the 11th county record and the first since 2018 when two were found.
72.040 Small dotted footman Pelosia obtusa (Herrich-Schäffer, 1851) - 17/07/2021Beccles Marshes (NS, BJ et al.) + 24/07/2021 - Chediston (MD).
Two more records of this moth for the county following the first in 2015 at Bawdsey Hall (MD), with further singles in 2017 (North Cove) & 2019 (Purdis Farm). With one of the 2021 records right on the county boundary in suitable habitat it is still possible that this moth is attempting to colonize Suffolk from its Norfolk Broads haunts where it has been increasing and spreading south, with records at Great Yarmouth and Aldeby in 2019. It favours the dry edges of reedbeds where the larvae are thought to feed on algae or lichens.
72.047 Hoary footman Eilema caniola (Hübner, [1808]) 9 records in both VCs. There was an apparent influx of this species into the county in 2021. First noted on the 29/08/2021 at two sites in VC26 with the last sighting on the 23/09/2021 at Landguard (NO) in VC25. This species is very difficult to separate from the much more common Scarce footman (Eilema complana) but there are features to help the identification. The moths have a paler, silky grey forewing with a more faint yellow costal edge and the hindwings are pure white rather than the pale yellow of the Scarce footman. Some are difficult to separate on external characters so dissection can be necessary. This moth has been increasing and spreading in the UK so it could be that this was a colonization event rather than a migration. It will be interesting to note if any moths are found in 2022.
72.076 Clifden Nonpareil Catocala fraxini (Linnaeus, 1758) - Widely recorded in the county.
Another good year for this spectacular species in the county with many more recorders seeing this moth for the first time in their traps. There were 70 records (55 in 2020). The most notable record was the discovery of a larva at Aldringham-cumThorpe on the 04/07/2021 (JK), proving the moth is breeding in the county without doubt.
72.086 Lunar double stripe Minucia lunaris ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)09/06/2021 - Rushmere St Andrew (JH).
A rare migrant species, last seen in the county at Felixstowe in 2019, coincidentally also on 09/06. This record is the third for the county. Maybe this is a sign that the moth is starting to occur more regularly in the UK. It was previously known to bred in woodland in Kent from 1942-1958. It is quite a large moth, with light brown wings and yellowish cross-lines and a darker brown spot between them.
73.010 Dewick’s plusia Macdunnoughia confusa (Stephens, 1850) - Recorded widely across the county. Breeding has now been confirmed. This moth used to be a scarce migrant in Suffolk, with the first county record back in 1997 at Landguard (NO). Numbers remained low until around 2017 when there was a big increase. This increase has continued till the present day, with moths appearing in the summer and then again in the autumn suggesting two broods. Breeding has been suspected for a while in the UK and more recently in Suffolk but there have been no larval records until 2021. A single larva was found whilst weeding a flower bed at Purdis Farm, Ipswich (NS) on 01/09/2021. The recorder had bred the moth from the egg on two occasions before so was familiar with the larva’s appearance (black head, pale green with a white stripe down the side). It was unknown what the larva was actually feeding on as it was discovered rolled up. Plants close to the larva included Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) and Oregano (Origanum vulgare). They are known to eat various plants in captivity. Unfortunately, the larva was parasitized so no adult moth was bred out. However, on 17/09/2021 a pristine adult was caught in a light trap run only a few metres from where the larva was found perhaps suggesting that further larvae may have been present.
The moths are related to the Silver Y, but are smaller and have a rusty-brown patch in the centre of the wing containing a white figure eight shaped blotch.
73.028 Pale shoulder Acontia lucida (Hufnagel, 1766) - 24/07/2021 - Heveningham Hall (MD).
The second county record of this rare migrant. The first record was at Blythburgh on 18/08/2004 (DW). It is a mainly white coloured moth, with a chocolate brown band across the wing. Quite unlike any other species found in the UK.
73.122 Fisher’s estuarine moth Gortyna borelii (Pierret, 1837) - 03/10/2021Landguard, Felixstowe (NO).
The second county record of this distinctive species, with the previous one on 10/10/2019 also at Landguard (NO). This moth again like the previous one would have been a wanderer from the nearest Essex colony just across the river Stour. Perhaps this moth is trying to colonize Suffolk? Unfortunately, there is no food plant, Hog’s Fennel (Peucedanum palustre) in that area of the county so breeding would be impossible for the species.
73.135 Blair’s wainscot Sedina buettneri (Hering, 1858) - Five records from two sites. Noted on the 14/10/2021 at Easton (MP) and Stowmarket (KS), then noted again at the same Stowmarket site on 16/10, 17/10 and 24/10/2021. The last Suffolk records were in 2018. This moth is thought to be establishing in the county and the Stowmarket records are possible proof of this. The foodplant, Lesser Pond Sedge (Carex acutiformis), can be found close to the Stowmarket site. This wainscot species of moth can be confused with similar members of the group but the late in the season flight time and all dark hindwings are distinctive. The Stowmarket record on the 14/10 was the first for VC26.
73.207 Golden-rod brindle Xylena solidaginis (Hübner, [1803]) - 01/09/2021Landguard (NO).
This was the third county record and the first for VC25. The previous records were both in VC26 at Nowton (1995, RE) and Sicklesmere (2006, SD). This moth is a resident species of moorland and upland habitats in the north and west of the UK and is only known as a very rare migrant in the south-east. It is a silvery-grey moth that rolls up at rest similar to a Buff-tip (Phalera bucephala) and characteristically sits head downwards.
73.214 White-spotted pinion Cosmia diffinis (Linnaeus, 1767) 30/07/2021 - Icklingham (RFo).
One of the major discoveries of the year, this moth hadn’t been recorded in the county since 1968 despite targeted searches and was feared to be extinct. This record
came as a complete surprise and was noted by a moth recorder on holiday from Scotland so it was good that he sent in his record. This moth feeds as a larva on Elm sp. (Ulmus sp.) and has declined dramatically in the UK due to Dutch Elm disease killing the mature trees it prefers. In recent years
there has been a slight increase in sightings in surrounding counties so it may be the moth has started to make a comeback. It is hoped that further survey work in the area in the future may turn up more records. It is a very attractive species, being mainly reddish with distinct white marks along the costa.
73.223 Oak rustic Dryobota labecula (Esper, 1788) - Recorded at a number of sites across the county.
As expected, there was an increase in sightings of this moth with 58 individuals noted from 10 sites (22 moths from 9 sites in 2020). Most records were coastal, but there were a few inland as well, including the first VC26 record at Brandon (GG+ZG). The other inland location was Purdis Farm, Ipswich (NS) where it was new to the site list. There were actually four records at that site including the last record for the year on the 15/12/2021. This moth is known to have a long flight season from October - December.
73.268 Splendid brocade Lacanobia splendens Stowmarket (DC+MC).
This was the first VC26 record of this species. It is the seventh county record, with the last noted in 2019 at Purdis Farm, Ipswich (NS). Thought to be a potential future colonist, it appears this moth is still only a scarce migrant species to Suffolk.
73.330 Radford’s flame shoulder Ochropleura leucogaster (Freyer, [1831]) - Six records from two sites.
Noted at Bawdsey Hall on 06/10, 10/10, 11/10 & 15/11/2021 (MD) and at Landguard on 07/10, 15/10 & 10/11/2021 (NO) - these were the first site records for both locations. The only previous county record was in Felixstowe on 14/10/2019 (WB). This moth was previously a very scarce migrant species to the UK but in recent years has established breeding colonies along the south coast. These moths could therefore be pioneering individuals of a colonization wave into Suffolk or perhaps wanderers from the near continent. Further records may show whether it establishes. The species is very similar to the very common Flame shoulder (Ochropleura plecta) so care is needed to separate worn individuals. Radford’s is normally a darker shade of
specimen or a good photograph.
2018 ADDITION - NEW TO SUFFOLK
35.027 Acompsia schmidtiellus (Heyden, 1848) - 01/08/2018 - Brantham VC25 (EJ confirmed NS+DG).
This record was sent in with a batch of 2018 data not currently in the database. Luckily, photos were taken of the moth to prove the record. The moth is triangular in shape and is mainly a light shade of ochre with a light line across the wing. There is a distinctive large black dot one third of the way down the wing. It has long palps on the head. The larva feeds in a folded leaf of Marjoram and is very striking with dark and pale banding. The food plant is present at the site so a check for larvae may prove breeding. It is quite rare nationally so was a good find.
Thanks to all the above mentioned recorders for supplying their records for this report: Andrew Carpenter (AC), Antony Wren (AW), Ben Moyes (BM), Brian Jones (BJ), Darren Underwood (DU), Dave Grundy (DG), David & Margie Carter (DC+MC), David Wilson (DW), Denice Caulfield (DC), Edward Jackson (EJ), Graham & Zoe Geen (GG+ZG), Helen McClennon-Warnock (HM-W), James Kitson (JK), John Chainey (JC), Jeff Higgott (JH), Jenny Spence (JS), Jim Askins (JA), Joe Myers (JM), John Evans (JE), Keith Scarff (KS), Matthew Deans (MD), Mike Marsh (MM), Mike Prentice (MP), Nigel Hannay (NH), Nigel Odin (NO), Neil Sherman (NS), Paul Bryant (PB), Paul Kitchener
(PK), Peter Follett (PF), the late Rafe Eley (RE), Richard Perryman (RP), Raymond Watson (RW), Rob Garrod (RG), Ron Forrester (RFo), the late Stan Dumican (SD), Tony Prichard (TP), Trevor Goodfellow (TG), William Brame (WB) and the Suffolk Moth Group (SMG).
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.
Sherman, N. (2020). A Review of moths in Suffolk 2019 and new additions to the county list from previous years not yet reported. Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 56: 156–166.
Sherman, N. (2021). A Review of new and interesting moth species seen in Suffolk 2020. Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 57: 37–46.
Neil Sherman (Suffolk Moth Recorder)
2 Golf Cottages
Bucklesham Road
Ipswich
Suffolk IP3 8UG
moths@sns.org.uk