A REVIEW OF NEW AND INTERESTING MOTHS SEEN IN SUFFOLK DURING 2022 PLUS AN ADDITION TO THE COUNTY LIST FROM 2009 NOT YET REPORTED NEIL SHERMAN
This article aims to review the new county records and other selected moth species of interest seen during the 2022 season as well as covering any older records recently discovered that are new species for Suffolk. 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. and Heckford, R. J., 2016. All records are from light traps unless otherwise mentioned.
It was a bumper year for moth recording in the county, with over 144,000+ records sent in. This was almost certainly due to the extraordinary weather conditions during 2022. The hot summer with its record-breaking temperatures plus a mild autumn resulted in big catches of moths in traps. In such conditions widespread dispersal of species away from their normal habitats and also from other parts of the UK can occur and this was certainly the case in this year. On top of that there were a number of waves of migrant moths from southern Europe and north Africa, particularly in the autumn which added to the mix. The result was that it was a record-breaking year for species in Suffolk with 1437 noted, beating the previous highest in 2021 of 1386 by some margin. This high total was also been boosted by all the additional recording effort as there were more suitable nights for running moth traps during the year.
However, the drought conditions that occurred because of the heatwave in the summer may yet have a knock-on effect on moths. With grassland and heathland habitats suffering particularly badly with major areas of dieback and also localized wildfires and trees shedding their leaves early in woodlands, hedgerows and gardens it will be interesting to see how these conditions affect moth numbers in 2023.
With the large number of interesting records seen in the county in 2022 this report cannot cover them all in detail so selected sightings not in the main accounts are listed at the end.
SPECIES NEW TO SUFFOLK IN 2022
15.018 Povolnya leucapennella (Stephens, 1835) et al.).
Recorded at a Suffolk Moth Group survey event on the Rougham estate. A scarce species in the UK with a scattered distribution. A cream-coloured moth with the characteristic upright stance of this group of moths. The main distinguishing feature is the cone shaped tuft of scales projecting forwards from the head, no other species in the group has this. Double again from August through to April, hibernating as an adult. Feeds as a larva on Oak (Quercus sp.) and the moth was found in a trap close to a remnant of old Oak woodland in one of the woods at Rougham.
15.057 Phyllonorycter dubitella (Herrich Wood VC25 (JC, NS et al.).
Recorded as a leaf mine on Sallow (Salix sp.) during a survey event, with the moth bred out and dissected (a female) to confirm the record in April 2023. A scarce species in the UK which was only discovered in 1970. Very few records in adjoining counties. There are several Phyllonorycter species that feed on Sallow so moths must be bred from them to confirm any records. Not many recorders do this so the moth could be overlooked. Makes quite a large blister-mine in a leaf causing it to distort.
34.008 Cosmopterix scribaiella (Zeller, 1850) - 09/06/2022 (3 adults) Purdis Farm, Ipswich VC25 (NS).
Noted as adults at light at the same site on 23 June and again on 6 July (2). Following these sightings, larval mines in Common Reed (Phragmites australis were found at the same location on 18 September + 18 November. Searches at Lakenheath Fen plus Lackford Lakes in VC26 on 25 September resulted in the discovery of more mines. These were the first records for the vice county. This moth is possibly now widely established in the county given the spread of records and could well be found anywhere where reeds grow in slightly dry and shady spots favoured by the moth. First noted in the UK in 1996, it has been spreading rapidly in recent years, so it is not too much of a surprise it has colonized Suffolk. It is a very attractive micro moth with a chocolate-brown ground colour with a band of orange across the wing and streaks of silver scales, one of these streaks extending from the orange band to the wingtip. The mines in reed can be distinguished from other species that mine the plant by the fact they eject their frass from the mine and hide away at the base of it, only emerging to feed on the plant tissue at night. Found as an adult from June through to October.
47.004 Epermenia aequidentellus (Hofmann, 1867) - 12/11/2022 - Hollesley VC25 (RW) A coastal species in the south of the UK, flying in two broods in June/July and September to November. Thought to be increasing and spreading at the moment. Feeds as a larva on Wild Carrot (Daucus carota) and Burnet Saxifrage (Pimpinella saxifraga).
49.329 Cydia illutana (Herrich-Schäffer, 1851) - 20/05/2022 Rougham VC26 (JM, NS et al.).
Recorded at a Suffolk Moth Group survey event on the Rougham estate. Another adult was noted on 24 June at the same site by the group doing a second survey. Quite difficult to tell apart from similar species in the group so dissection was carried out to
confirm the records with the first being male and the second a female (NS). Feeds as a larva on the young cones of Larch (Larix sp.) and Norway Spruce (Picea abies), both of which were present in the wood where the survey was taking place so probably resident at the site. First noted in the UK in 1975.
49.2912 Epiblema graphana (Treitschke, 1853) - 17/06/2022 - Hollesley VC25 (RW, identified by Knud Larsen).
Not only new to Suffolk, but also new to the UK. The moth, a male, was dissected with the identification via the genitalia by Knud Larsen. An extremely variable moth mottled with black, grey and brown scales with a white dorsal patch. Very similar to several other Tortrix moth species. Quite possibly an overlooked species or perhaps even a wanderer from Europe given the warm weather in 2022. More records may well turn up in future years now recorders are alerted to its presence in the UK. Feeds as a larva on Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).
62.013 Uncinus obductella (Zeller, 1839) - 18/07/2022 - Purdis Farm VC25 (NS).
A further record of this species was noted at Bawdsey Hall on 22 July (MD), with the moth also noted as new to Norfolk around the same time suggesting a wave of moths moving north. As a resident species found almost exclusively in Kent on chalk downland close to the foodplant, Marjoram (Origanum vulgare). Known to wander in warm conditions. Mainly on the wing in July and early August. Quite an attractive and distinctive moth with patches of reddish, orange and grey scales and the up turned ‘knot-horn’ palps of this group of moths. The habitat for the moth does occur in the county so will be interesting to see if this movement north results in colonization in future years.
70.152 Channel Islands Pug Eupithecia ultimaria (Boisduval, 1840) - 30/07/2022Purdis Farm VC25 (NS) + Felixstowe (MM).
Also noted on the 31 July at Landguard (NO). A fairly distinctive member of the pug group of moths, being greyish in colour with a characteristic elongated discal spot unlike other pugs flying at that time of year. First noted in the UK on Guernsey in 1984, has since colonized the south coast and was expected to continue to move around the coast and reach Suffolk. Also noted as new to Essex around the same time. Feeds as a larva on Tamarisk (Tamarix sp.) which is present at one of the sites so larval searches are planned in the near future to see if it is now breeding.
70.2841 Banded Pine Carpet Pungeleria capreolaria ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) 14/06/2022 - Landguard VC25 (NO).
First noted in the UK as a migrant in 2014 (four sightings in the south), with records most years since then and speculation that it may have colonized but this has yet to be proven. Found in southern and eastern Europe where it is found in coniferous areas of woodland. The larva feeds on Silver Fir (Abies alba) and Norway Spruce (Picea abies).
73.086 Shining Marbled Pseudeustrotia candidula ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) 11/09/2022 - Middleton VC25 (CW).
A quite distinctive small moth with a white ground colour and a large dark scaled triangular patch on each wing. A common moth in Europe of meadows and woodland rides, feeding as a larva on various grasses. Flies from May right through to September. First noted in the UK as a migrant in 2006 with more records since then. A species expected to turn up in Suffolk with recent records in both Kent and Essex.
OTHER SELECTED SPECIES OF NOTE SEEN IN 2022
04.084 Ectoedemia turbidella (Zeller, 1848) - 25/09/2022 - Lackford SWT reserve VC26 (NS et al.).
Recorded as a ‘green window’ mine in a fallen Grey Poplar (Populus × canescens) leaf during a survey event. Was some discussion at the time the leaf was found as to what species of tree it had come from as there were other mines in more Aspen-like leaves which could have been produced by a different species, E. argyropeza. Leaves were retained to try and breed out moths and one emerged in April 2023 which on external appearance appeared to be turbidella. The moth was dissected and was a male - this immediately ruled out argyropeza as that is parthenogenetic in the UK. A check of the genitalia on the UK Moth Dissection website confirmed the original identification of turbidella. This is the second county record, the only other being leaf mines found at Mildenhall in 2004 by the late John Langmaid.
08.004 Incurvaria praelatella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) Rougham VC26 (NS et al.).
Recorded during a Suffolk Moth Group survey event. Very rare in Suffolk with just two previous records in 1900 at Copdock (Rev. John Hocking) and more recently in 2018 at the Bradfield Woods reserve (NS + Suffolk Moth group) which is not too distant to the south of Rougham. Probably a relict population surviving in the fragments of ancient woodland on the Rougham estate. Feeds on Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) and Water Avens (
11.003 Dahlica triquetrella (Hübner, [1813]) - 14/10/2022 Purdis Farm, Ipswich VC25 (NS).
This species is parthenogenetic - only the wingless grub-like females emerge from the larval cases and live a very short time, basically laying eggs then dying. The record was of a larval case found crawling up the outside of a brick wall. The cases are made up of fragments of lichen, sand/soil grains and pieces of dead insects. The larval diet is lichen, decaying plant matter and dead insects. A rare or overlooked species in the county, this being the 2nd Suffolk record following the first in 2007 at nearby Rushmere St Andrew (JH).
15.0115 Caloptilia fidella (Reutti, 1853) - Various sites in East Suffolk VC25 (many recorders).
There were 15 records of this relatively new colonist to the UK in 2022 showing more range expansion. There were four records of adults in light traps with the rest of the sightings being of the larval mines and feeding cones on Hop (Humulus lupulus). New breeding areas for the moth were at Dunwich, Walberswick, Kessingland and Lowestoft. Some of these locations were searched in previous years with mines not found suggesting that they have been recently colonized. More range extension is expected and recorders in the neighbouring counties of Essex and Norfolk have been alerted to look out for it.
15.0131 Caloptilia honoratella (Rebel, 1914) (various recorders).
Another recent colonist to the UK seemingly expanding rapidly. First noted in Suffolk in 2019 as a singleton, there were two records in 2020 followed by two more in 2021. In 2022 however there were 19 records, stretching from 6 May through to the 5 September. The earlier records are strongly suggestive that the moth overwintered as an adult successfully. Feeds as a larva on Sycamore ( pseudoplatanus). This moth is quite similar in appearance to some of the other Caloptilia in the UK and there are yet more species in Europe which look like could also turn up, so all records now require dissection to confirm. A number of the records of this moth sent in were rejected as a dissection wasn’t carried out.
15.027 Parornix carpinella (Frey, 1863) - 18/09/2022 - Purdis Farm, Ipswich VC25 (NS).
Noted as leaf mines plus folds on Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus). This is a very rarely recorded species in Suffolk with just two other records in the database - mines/folds on Hornbeam at this same location in 2002 plus a record of an adult at light in Stutton on 18/07/2020 (MN, det. RW). The Parornix sp. are similar to the Caloptilia group of moths in that they rest with an upright stance. Most are greyish in colouration and are very similar in appearance so require dissection to confirm. Their feeding signs are quite specific to certain tree types, so they are much easier to record that way.
15.055 Phyllonorycter viminetorum (Stainton, 1854) - 17/05/2022 - Purdis Farm, Ipswich VC25 (NS).
An adult recorded at light and dissected to confirm the record although the adults are quite distinctive, having a white basal streak that touches the apex of the first dorsal mark. A very rare species both nationally and in Suffolk with just two other records in the database. First noted 1932-35 at Stowmarket by Bishop Whittingham. Not seen again until 31/07/2013 when blister mines were found on Osier (Salix viminalis
Lackford lakes and adults bred out (Ian Barton). Genuinely scarce as more regular leaf mine recording in recent years has failed to locate this moth at other sites despite the presence of the foodplant.
15.0862 Phyllonorycter pastorella vice counties (various recorders).
The distinctive leaf mines of this species with their single crease were found on long-leaved Willow sp. at the following sites: Oulton Broad VC25 23 September (AW), Lackford lakes 25 September (TP al.) new to VC26, Aldringham VC25 08 October (GM), Meldham, Haverhill VC26 15 October (NS et al.), Easton Bavents VC25 21 October (RWa) and Kessingland VC25 22 October (AW). This increase is almost certainly due to range expansion as some sites have been surveyed before for leaf mines without finding the species. More records are expected as colonization continues.
16.011 Zelleria oleastrella (Millière, 1864) - 04/09/2022 30/10/2022 Purdis Farm, Ipswich VC25 (NS).
The first county record of this moth was in 2018 at Hollesley (RW). Feeds as a larva on Olive ( europaea), where in Europe it can be a pest. Can be accidentally imported as a larva to the UK on Olive trees but also occurs as a migrant. All the Suffolk records including the two in 2022 turned up when there were warm southerly winds so are probably genuine migrants rather than imports.
28.011 Borkhausenia minutella (Linnaeus, 1758)Record confirmed from a photograph of the moth. A very rare moth in Suffolk with just one previous record from 1903 in Ipswich (recorder unknown). Morley states ‘ lpswich palings in 1903; very numerous at Monks Soham light, in garden and stables 10 May to 24 July only (Mly); Glemham Magna (Bloomf.); Leiston (Grey); Southwold (Ctw)
Unfortunately, without a year listed with most of these records, they haven’t been added to the database. Possibly expanding its range further from SE England. Feeds as a larva on dried litter and seeds.
34.009 Cosmopterix pulchrimella (Chambers, 1875) - seven records in 2022 (various recorders).
There were three records of this moth at light at Hollesley (RW) and Easton (MP). On 28 November DB found eight adults flying round a patch of the foodplant, Pellitory (Parietaria judaica) in Ipswich. Subsequent searches of the plant located leaf mines containing larvae, thus proving the species is now a resident in Suffolk. Further mines were found at a second site in Ipswich by the same recorder on the 05 December. More breeding locations are expected as the moth establishes itself in the county. Similar in appearance to others in the group so care is needed to identify them.
35.118 Scrobipalpa ocellatella Beet Moth (Boyd, 1858) - Recorded widely across the county in both vice-counties with some large counts made. What happened in the county and in the UK with this moth in 2022 was one of the major events of the year.
This species of Gelechid moth prior to 2022 was only noted in small numbers in Suffolk and primarily near the coast following the distribution of its food plant, Sea Beet (Beta vulgaris maritima). The first record was in 1936 at Shingle Street (Whittingham).
Not noted again until 2003 at Purdis Farm (NS), most likely because this family of micros were poorly studied until recent times. From 2003-2019 there are only 22 records in the database. As interest in micros increased and a change to any records of the species not needing dissection for confirmation numbers increased with 48 noted in 2020, and 36 in 2021. Most records were of singletons with the highest single count from a site being seven in 2021.
This slow increase changed dramatically in 2022, when 513 records were received. Moths were recorded from 1 May right through until 18 November. There were some huge counts from traps in both vice counties: 305 at Landguard VC25 on 19 August (NO), 255 at Stowupland VC25 (BM) on 16 August and 250 at Brandon VC26 on 4 September (GG+ZG). Reports from across the UK suggested this was a national event with large counts at other sites and many counties well inland picking up their first ever records.
So, what happened to cause this explosion in records? Studies are ongoing but there are two main theories at the moment, both of which may have happened at the same time. First, due to the warm weather it could have been a migration event. This may explain the large counts on the coast. The second theory is the moth has switched food plant and is now utilizing Sugar Beet. This could explain the large counts at inland sites and there is some evidence for this in the county as an estimated 200+ moths were flushed in the daytime from the edge of a field of Beet at Wherstead on 11 September (NS). Will be interesting to see if this population explosion continues in 2023.
35.145 Neotelphusa sequax (Haworth, 1828) - 16/06/2022 (BS).
The second county record and the first for VC26. Morley states the first record was ‘taken in 1903 in woods by the Orwell at Nacton (Gibbs; Trans, i, 36). Perhaps from cultivated Helianthemum’.
Feeds on Common Rockrose (Helianthemum nummularium) as a larva and, with other records from the Breck region in Norfolk, it is quite likely to be resident there but perhaps overlooked in Suffolk. It is quite a variable moth with patches of brown, white and black scales but has a distinctive white head.
38.024 Elachista poae (Stainton, 1855) - 06/05/2022 - Hollesley VC25 (RW). Confirmed as a male by dissection as the Elachista group of moths are very similar in appearance as adults. The second county record with the first taken in 1932 at Brandon by Claude Morley. A dark grey moth with two whitish zigzag lines across the wing which are more obvious in the female. Feeds as a leafmining larva in Reed Sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima). Probably an overlooked resident species as the adult Elachista species are rare in light traps and few people search for leaf mines in the spring when the mines of this species can be located.
41.004 Blastobasis vittata (Wollaston, 1858) - three more county records noted in VC25.
The second county record following quickly on from the first in December 2021 was at Hollesley on 19 July 2022 (RW) and was a female with the distinctive dark patches on the shoulders. There were then two more records: Felixstowe on the 13 September (MM, confirmed JH) and Purdis Farm, Ipswich on 22 September (NS, male, confirmed by dissection). The two September records were both picked out from the commoner B. adustella as they were quite pale orangey brown in colouration and were smaller in size. These records are strongly suggestive that the moth has colonized the county and more records are expected as recorders get their eye in.
49.143 Eudemis porphyrana (Hübner, [1799]) - 15/07/2022 - Blackbourn Valley VC26 (NS et al.) + 23/07/2022 - Raydon Great Wood VC26 (NS Both moths were confirmed by dissection and were male. This species is very similar to the very common E. profundana, being plainer brown in colour without a white dorsal patch.
These were the second and third records for the county and the first for VC26. The only other record was at Rushmere St Andrew in VC25 in 2019 (JH). Feeds as a larva on Apple (Malus sp.). This species was also new to Norfolk in 2022 suggesting range expansion is in progress.
49.262 Phaneta pauperana (Duponchel, [1843]) - 06/05/2022 - Hollesley VC25 (RW). A very scarce moth in the UK with only one previous record in the database from Rushmere St Andrew on 18/04/2020 (JH). Can be identified from similar species by its early flight period, April and May. Feeds as a larva on the flowers and developing fruits of Dog Rose (Rosa canina).
49.296 Notocelia incarnatana (Hübner, [1800]) 13/08/2022 Dunwich beach VC25 (NS, JC, JS, BL).
Only the second county record of this very pretty pink-washed moth. The first record was in 2016 at Hollesley (RW). Noticeably smaller than similar species in the group. Probably a migrant or wandering species to the county as it is normally found in more chalky areas, feeding as a larva on various Rose species including Burnet Rose ( pimpinellifolia).
62.018 Sciota rhenella (Zincken, 1818) - Four records in 2022 from three coastal sites. A very rare migrant species to the UK with Suffolk doing well for it with five previous records, the first being in 2015. There were two records at Landguard on 25 and 26 June (NO), a record from Bawdsey Hall on 18 July (MD) and lastly a record from Hollesley also on the 18 July (MD). Time will tell whether the regular records in the last few years in Suffolk are a breeding population. Feeds on Aspen (Populus tremula) and White Poplar (Populus alba) as a larva so there is no shortage of foodplant.
63.002 Loxostege sticticalis (Linnaeus, 1761) - Noted by various recorders in both vice counties.
A record year for this former Breckland resident species, now only recorded as a migrant to the county. There were 25 records from twelve sites, with a wave of moths arriving from 11 July -2 August then a larger influx from 24 August – 13 September although the vast bulk of the records were on the nights of the 1 and 2 September. Feeds as a larva on Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), a very common plant. This big arrival may perhaps allow it to re-colonize the county.
63.011 Uresiphita gilvata (Fabricius, 1794) – Four records from four VC25 sites. A very rare migrant moth to the UK, normally found in hot, dry rocky areas in southern Europe. Generally, arrives in autumn on warm southerly winds. There are four previous autumn county records with the first in 1869 at Bury St Edmunds VC26 (Rev A H Wratislaw). The next wasn’t until 2006 when one arrived at Landguard (NO), another good year for migrants to the UK. The next was on Orfordness in 2013 (MM) with the next in Ipswich in 2014 (PK). The records in October 2022 were as follows: 22nd Felixstowe (MM), 25th Bawdsey Hall (MD), 26th Shottisham (PK) and finally 28th Hollesley, an extremely worn individual (NM). It is a very distinctive moth, having dark chocolate-brown forewings with darker markings and very vivid yellow hindwings with a thick dark border.
63.027 Psammotis pulveralis (Hübner, 1796) - 30/07/2022 - Landguard VC25 (NO). The second county record of this scarce migrant moth to the UK. The only other record was in 2017 at Bawdsey (MD). A sandy brown coloured species with faint brown cross lines and quite pointed palps. A marshland and wet grassland species in Europe where it feeds on Mints (Mentha sp.) and Gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus).
63.032 Udea fulvalis (Hübner, [1809]) - 23/07/2022 - Felixstowe VC25 (MM). The second county record of this Pyralid moth with the first at nearby Landguard in 2016 (NO). Another rare migrant species which has shown an upturn in records in southern Britain in recent years suggesting colonization. Flies in July and August and feeds as a larva on various members of the Labiate family.
63.044 Diasemiopsis ramburialis (Duponchel, 1834) - 29/10/2022 (RW) + Stowmarket VC26 (KSc).
Another very rare migrant species to the UK normally arriving in the autumn on warm winds from the south. Resident around the Mediterranean region. There are six previous county records, all from VC25, so the Stowmarket record is the first for VC26. The first county record was in 2003 at Denham (Nigel Whinney), with three records in 2006 at Landguard (NO) and two at Dunwich Heath (DBr), then two at Bawdsey Hall in 2014 (MD). There were quite a few records across the UK of this species during the warm autumn in 2022 around the same time as the Suffolk records including the first for Norfolk on the same night (per Jim Wheeler, Norfolk Moth recorder).
63.072 Eudonia delunella (Stainton, 1849) - 17/06/2022
Also, an earlier county record from 25/06/2020 has also now been sent in from Reydon Wood VC25 and confirmed from a photograph (JE). There are now four county records of this species, the previous two being from Bungay in 1902 (Mrs H E Mann) and Bawdsey Hall in 2019 (MD). Seemingly a rare species in East Anglia with very few records, more common in the west of the UK. Feeds as a larva on lichens and mosses on tree trucks so perhaps it is starting to spread across the country now there is cleaner air promoting better growth of the food plants.
66.005 Small Eggar Eriogaster lanestris (Linnaeus, 1758) - Five records in 2022. First noted as an adult at Risby in VC26 on 12 April (NH), the same site that an adult and larva were found in 2021 suggesting it is established there. There were four more records of larvae/larval nests in June, all in the south-west corner of the county at Little Thurlow (JHa), Withersfield (NS + PB), Barnardiston (NS + PB) and Kirtling (KR). The larval nests can be quite obvious being pure white in colour with the branches stripped of leaves around them and can be spotted in roadside hedges from a passing car which is how the Withersfield and Barnardiston records were discovered. The increase in records predicted in the 2021 report seems to be taking place.
69.013 Spurge Hawk Hyles euphorbiae (Linnaeus, 1758) - Eight records in 2022 all in VC25.
The best year for records in Suffolk of this spectacular hawk moth from southern Europe. There were six adult records plus two larval sightings. Both of the larval records (one in July and the other in August) were close to areas where there were patches of Euphorbia. The adult records were at Landguard on 29 June, 30 July and 14 August (NO), 12 July at Knodishall (JK), 1 August at Purdis Farm, Ipswich (NS) and 3 August in Felixstowe (MJ). Still quite possible this species is establishing, at least temporarily, small colonies on our coast and also seems to be doing the same in both neighbouring Essex and Norfolk.
69.015 Striped Hawk Hyles livornica (Esper, [1804]) - Nine records in 2022 in both vice counties.
An excellent year for this migrant hawk moth from southern Europe. There were lots of records in the UK in 2022 with most on the south coast in May/June with more appearing later in the summer suggesting that they bred. The first two records were on the 19 May at Hollesley in VC25 (MD) and Great Cornard in VC26 (SR). On 21 May there were two more: at Landguard VC25 (NO) and the other found by day in Felixstowe docks VC25 (DP). The other records were: 26 May Hollesley VC25 (CS), 27 May Bucklesham VC25, found at rest by day (JR), 16 June Bawdsey Hall VC25 a very worn individual, 30 July Brandon VC26 (GG+ZG) and 15 August Hollesley VC25 (RW).
70.033 Blair’s Mocha Cyclophora puppillaria (Hubner, [1799]) Eight records in 2022 all in VC25.
Another scarce migrant species to Suffolk having a record year for sightings. All the records were noted in the very warm spell in late October/early November. There have been eight other sightings in Suffolk with the first back in 1996. Last noted in the county in 2018. Records in 2022 were: 22 and 28 October Purdis Farm, Ipswich, both females (NS), 28 October in Felixstowe (CH+ SH), 29 October at Carlton Colville (PF) and Bawdsey Hall (MD), 30 October at Hollesley (MD, RW - separate locations) and finally 5 November
in Lowestoft (AW). Feeds as a larva on Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) and has established breeding colonies in the south of the UK, so may colonize Suffolk in the future. A very variable moth in colour, all the Suffolk sightings in 2022 being a pale orange colour with the distinctive white spots edged in black.
70.140 Marsh Carpet Gagitodes sagittata (Fabricius, 1787) - Two adult records in 2022.
A threatened and much declined species in the UK. Scarce at light traps, normally recorded as larvae. Has always been a rare species in the county with most records in VC26. In recent years, the only reliable site for the moth has been the Lakenheath Fen RSPB reserve where larval counts on the food plant, Meadow Rue (Thalictrum flavum) are undertaken annually to monitor the population. The caterpillars are very cryptically coloured and are hard to spot on the seedheads (which they eat). Unfortunately, since 2019 no larvae have been found at the site and the habitat hasn’t changed really (surveys still took place during the Covid pandemic). This moth is known to have big population fluctuations so may yet return to the fen. Other sites in the Waveney valley where patches of food -plant occur were searched in 2022, but no larvae were found.
There were two adult records in 2022 in a moth trap at Brandon VC26 on 11 and 12 July (GG+ZG, different moths). These would have almost certainly have come from a population that breeds on the north side of the Little Ouse River in Norfolk.
70.217 Rannoch Looper Macaria brunneata (Thunberg, 1784) - 14 records in VC25. The biggest arrival of this scarce migrant species to Suffolk since 2011. There have been big influxes of this moth to the UK in 2009, 2010 and then 2011. There were only single records in Suffolk in 2020 and 2021. There were 14 records in 2022, with the first on 6 June at Wrentham (AW) with the last on 24 June at Flixton (BJ). This moth is a resident species in Scotland, being found in Pine forests with an understorey of Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), the foodplant. Flies in the daytime there, all the records of migrant moths are normally from light traps. The records from southern Britain are thought to originate from the low countries in Europe where it is prone to population explosions. Rests like a butterfly with wings folded over the back.
72.006 Bloxworth Snout Hypena obsitalis (Hubner, [1813]) - Seven records in VC25 in 2022.
As mentioned in the 2021 report, records of this moth were expected to increase and this has indeed been the case. Moths were noted at Landguard on 28 August (NO), Kessingland on 3 September (AE), Felixstowe on 06 November (MM) and a run of four records at Lowestoft on 8, 9, 11, 14 and 20 September (AW) strongly suggestive of local breeding. Hibernates as an adult so will be interesting to note if there are any spring records in 2023 which will prove they can overwinter successfully in Suffolk.
72.034 Crimson Speckled Utetheisa pulchella (Linnaeus, 1758) - Recorded widely in coastal VC25.
A record year both in Suffolk and in the UK with a large wave of these very colourful and distinctive migrant moths arriving in late October/early November on warm winds from southern Europe and north Africa. Most moths stayed close to the coast with only a few moving slightly inland. The vast majority of sightings were of moths disturbed from vegetation in the daytime.
Previously there were eleven Suffolk records with the first in 1871 and the most recent in 2021. There were an incredible 35 records of 44 moths in 2022 with the first, in a moth trap, on the 21 October at Easton (MP) and the last being two moths disturbed in the daytime on 14 November at Landguard (NO). The highest number seen at any one time were the six noted in the daytime at Shingle Street on the 29 October (JC, JS, NS, PB, MD). There were other sightings reported on social media which unfortunately have yet to be sent in to the county recorder. Observers are reminded that records need to be submitted via the correct methods as listed on the Suffolk moths website.
72.062 White-line Snout Schrankia taenialis (Hübner, [1809]) 23/07/2022 Raydon Great Wood VC26 (PB et al.).
Noted on a wine rope during a Suffolk Moth group survey event. The second county record. The first was on 03/08/2013 at Reydon Wood and confirmed from a photograph (JE). A species of damp woodlands so possibly a scarce resident moth in the county. Larvae have yet to be found in the wild. A small species of macro moth that could quite easily be mistaken for a micro.
72.072 Purple Marbled Eublemma ostrina (Hübner, [1808]) - 12/06/2022 Southwold VC25 (AM).
A scarce migrant species to the UK with most sightings along the south coast. The larvae feed on the flowers and seeds of carline thistle (Carlina vulgaris). There has only been a single previous record in Suffolk on 24/10/2012 at Minsmere (Robin Harvey).
72.085 The Alchymist Catephia alchymista ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)18/05/2022 Somerleyton VC25 (GW) + 03/06/2022 Purdis Farm, Ipswich VC25 (NS). These two observations were the third and fourth county records following previous VC25 appearances in 2018 at Corton (CS) and 2020 at Kessingland, at a sugared post (AE). The Somerleyton record was of a moth that landed on the recorder whilst out for a walk in the daytime and was posted on social media requesting an identification. This European moth may just be on the verge of colonization in Suffolk with the four recent records. The larvae feed on Oak (Quercus sp.), preferring young growth. A very distinctive species with mainly black forewings and white hindwings with a wide black outer border.
72.086 Lunar Double-stripe Minucia lunaris ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)17/05/2022 Landguard VC25 (NO).
The fourth county record. This scarce migrant moth seems to be starting to occur more regularly in the UK in recent years. There have now been single records in Suffolk in 2019, 2021 and 2022.
Previously temporarily established in the UK in the 1940s and 1950s. The species inhabits woodland habitat and the larvae feed on oak (Quercus sp.). Adults normally fly between May and June.
73.025 Pretty Marbled Deltote deceptoria (Scopoli, 1763) - 11/06/2022 Wattisfield VC26 (CB).
A very scarce migrant to the UK. The second county record and the first for VC26. The previous record was in 2020 at Westleton Heath (PF+AW). Quite an attractive small moth with bands of black and white across the wings. Feeds as a larva on various grasses.
73.214 White-Spotted Pinion Cosmia diffinis (Linnaeus, 1767) - 18/07/2022 + 02/08/2022 Lackford VC26 (PL).
Much declined in the UK, suffering badly with the loss of Elm due to Dutch Elm disease. Perhaps showing signs of recovery with an increase in records in recent years.
Following the surprise reappearance of this BAP priority moth in Icklingham covered in the 2021 report, there were two more sightings in 2022 at nearby Lackford. This is very strongly suggestive that the moth has re-colonized the west of the county. There are areas of Elm (Ulmus sp.) in the area so it is hoped that larval searches will take place to find out if it is now breeding.
73.308 Portland Moth Actebia praecox (Linnaeus, 1758) - 04/09/2022 - Carlton Colville VC25 (PF) + 20/09/2022 Landguard VC25 (NO).
Last seen in the county in 2014 at Hollesley (RW). A former scarce resident species in the Suffolk, found along the coast and in the Brecks. Extinct since the 1920s and now only occurs as a very scarce migrant. In major decline across the UK possibly due to loss of its sandy coastal habitat and the subject of targeted survey work. Unusual amongst British Noctuid moths being greenish in colour.
OTHER SPECIES OF NOTE SEEN IN 2022 NOT IN THE MAIN ACCOUNTS
14.011 Bucculatrix ulmifoliae - Four records of leaf mines from four sites in VC26 (NS et al.)
35.098 Gelechia scotinella - 15/07/2022 Blackbourn Valley new to VC26 (NS et al.)
39.003 Spuleria flavicaput - 14/05/2022 Blackbourn Valley new to VC26 (NS et al.)
43.007 Scythris limbella - Four records from Brandon new to VC26 (GG+ZG)
52.001 Raspberry Clearwing Pennisetia hylaeiformis - 24/07/2022 Middlewood Green, to pheromone, new to VC25 (CSt)
62.020 Etiella zinckenella - 29/10/2022 East Lane, Bawdsey VC25 (RK)
63.041 Agrotera nemoralis - 05+25/06/2022 Reydon Wood VC25 (JE)
63.047 Spoladea recurvalis - 27/10/2022 Felixstowe Ferry VC25 (SR)
65.004 Dusky Hook-tip Drepana curvatula - 17/05/2022 Purdis Farm, Ipswich VC25 (NS)
70.021 Lace Border Scopula ornata - 08/09/2022 Ipswich VC25 (EP)
70.137 Grass Rivulet Perizoma albulata - 17/05/2022 Felixstowe VC25 (MJ)
70.174 Pinion-spotted Pug Eupithecia insigniata - 01/05/2022 Brandon VC26 (GG+ZG)
72.040 Small Dotted Footman Pelosia obtusa - 18/07/2022 Bawdsey Hall VC25 (MD)
72.073 Small Marbled Eublemma parva - 27/10/2022 Kessingland VC25 (AE)
73.028 Pale Shoulder Acontia lucida - 20/07/2022 Bawdsey Hall VC25 (MD)
70.238 Lunar Thorn Selenia lunularia - 12/04/2022 Felixstowe VC25 (CH+SH)
72.032 Speckled Footman Coscinia cribraria - 24/07/2022 Hollesley VC25 (JZ, EZ et al )
73.149 Concolorous Photedes extrema - 16/05/2022 (2) Reydon Wood VC25 (JE)
73.304 Cosmopolitan Leucania loreyi - 28/10/2022 Landguard VC25 (NO)
73.330 Radford’s Flame Shoulder Ochropleura leucogaster - 28/10/2022 Landguard VC25 (NO)
SPECIES NEW TO SUFFOLK IN 2009
39.006 Chrysoclista lathamella (JE, confirmed NS). This very pretty orange and silver marked moth is a very rare species in the UK with few records. Possibly associated with wetlands in East Anglia, being found in the Broads in Norfolk. Feeds as a larva under the bark of White Willow ( Noted at Hen Reedbeds in 2009, with a photo taken of the moth at the time to prove the record. Not present in the county database but confirmed and added in 2022.
Thanks to all the above mentioned recorders for supplying their records for this report: Adrian Matthews (AM), Alan Eaton (AE), Antony Wren (AW), Ben Moyes (BM), Ben Sale (BS), Bill Last (BL), Brian Jones (BJ), Craig Holden & Susannah Hecht (CH+SH), Craig Shaw (CS), Chris Bishop (CB), Clive Stace (CSt), Clive Watts (CW),
(2023)
David Basham (DM), David Brougham (DBr), David Piotrowski (DP), Denice Caulfield (DC), Eric Patrick (EP), Ellie Zantboer (EZ), Gillian Williams (GW), Glen Meadows (GM), Graham & Zoe Geen (GG+ZG), James Kitson (JK), Jeff Higgott (JH), Jenny Spence (JS), Jessica Hale (JHa), Joe Myers (JM), Jim Runnacles (JR), John Chainey (JC), John Everson (JE), Justin Zantboer (JZ), Karen Robinson (KR), Keith Scarff (KSc), Mark Nowers (MN), Matthew Deans (MD), Mike James (MJ), Mike Marsh (MM), Mike Prentice (MP), Nick Mason (NM), Nigel Hannay (NH), Nigel Odin (NO), Neil Sherman (NS), Paul Bryant (PB), Paul Kitchener (PK), Peter Follett (PF), Peter Lack (PL), Raymond Watson (RW), Richard Walden (RWa), Robert Kelsh (RK), Stuart Read (SR), Tony Fox (TF) and Tony Prichard (TP).
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.
Morley, C. (1937). Final Catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Suffolk. Ipswich: Suffolk Naturalists’ Society.
Sherman, N. (2019). Micro-moths new to Suffolk 2013–2018 plus corrections to earlier additions to the County list. Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc 55: 90–96.
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.
Sherman, N. (2022). A Review of new and interesting moth species seen in Suffolk during 2021. Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 58: 71–86.
Neil Sherman (Suffolk Moth Recorder)
2 Golf Cottages
Bucklesham Road
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP3 8UG moth@sns.org.uk