Friends Pages

Moth Report 2000

Rob Field & Simon Avery.

Introduction

This report details all the micro- and macro moths caught on Skomer in 2000. It is intended that it is used in conjunction with, and to supplement, the Skomer Lepidoptera checklist produced by Nick Littlewood for records up to and including 1998, and the update produced by Jane Hayden for 1999. The layout used is broadly similar to that used by Littlewood, with species numbered and ordered following Bradley (1998). Figures to the left of species name are the catalogue numbering, whilst figures to the right of each record are the number trapped in 2000. Observers are noted in the text for notable records. This report is also presented with an Excel spreadsheet containing the individual records, detailing site, date and observer.

A total of 5456 moths, of 16 micro- and 112 macro-moth species were identified in 2000, mostly trapped at light using portable Heath traps, with Actinic light sources powered by 12v car batteries. Trapping effort was regular and, whilst not as intensive as in 1998, coverage was quite good for areas around North Haven and the Farm. Early season records were not obtained, since trapping only began in early May, but continued until early October. The year was a good one for scarce and unusual immigrants, and for the more common immigrants, but not so for the scarce breeders. Of the three �Notable A� species known to breed on the island, only one, Barrett�s Marbled Coronet was caught (though in larger than normal numbers). Numbers of all �Notable B� species were down on recent years. Five species of macro-moth were recorded on Skomer for the first time in 2000, although one (Six-spot Burnet) is probably resident and breeding, but has previously been overlooked. Of the others, Bordered Straw was trapped several times, coinciding with large immigrations of the species throughout the southwest of the UK. Chinese Character, Copper Underwing and Small Mottled Willow were all trapped for the first time as singles. Several species only infrequently encountered on Skomer were seen in 2000. A third record of Spruce Carpet in early May, an eighth Small Magpie in June and five White Specks, previously only recorded in 1998. 2000 proved an excellent year for Humming-bird Hawk Moths, with twenty being seen, peaking at eight at one time at the Lantern. All records presented refer to moths trapped at light unless otherwise stated.

Observers referenced in the text and in the spreadsheet:

SLA � Simon Avery

RHF � Rob Field

JEH � Jane Hayden

NAL � Nick Littlewood

MP � Mike Pilsworth

JT � John Talbot

EMW � Elizabeth Wilberforce

Acknowledgements

Thanks to the following observers for contributing records; Jane Hayden, Elizabeth Wilberforce, John Talbot, Mike Pilsworth. Jane Hayden, Nick Littlewood and Norman Lowe helped with identification. Thanks also to all those in Research Quarters over the summer who tolerated a fridge full of moths, and in particular to Tom Clarke for carrying car batteries the length and breadth of the island.

SPECIES ACCOUNTS

15 Orange Swift Hepialus sylvina 6

Six trapped between 13/8 and 6/9.

17 Common Swift Hepialus lupulinus 29

Limiting dates 13/5 � 8/7.

18 Map-winged Swift Hepialus fusconebulosa 13

Limiting dates 15/6 � 31/7

169 Six-spot Burnet Zygaena filipendulae 3

First records of this species on the island, at least three individuals being netted and identified amongst day flying Five-spot Burnet in July (SLA). This species is thought to be a scarce breeding resident overlooked amongst its congener Z. trifolii.

170 Five-spot Burnet Zygaena trifolii 5

The number given here refers to the small number of individuals trapped and identified; this is not a measure of abundance. This is a common breeding resident. (SLA)

648 White Shouldered House Moth Endrosis sarcitrella 1

Regular around buildings on the island, but does not come to notice often.

1184 Epiblema scutulana 11

Caught in South Valley and at Moorey Mere in May and June, with a maximum of 8 trapped on 15/5 at Moorey Mere (RHF). This site appears a stronghold for the species although it is probably widespread (Littlewood, 1998).

1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella 1

A single trapped at light at the farm on 29/7 (SLA). A scarce breeding resident only trapped once in 2000, and not at all in 1999.

1294 Crambus pascuella 1

One at North Pond on 26/7 (SLA). This is best regarded as a probable record of a difficult to identify species, only positively identified once before on the island, in July 1974 by an unknown observer (Littlewood, 1998). Littlewood asserts there is a range of suitable larval host plants on the island, though its status is unknown. At least one other Crambus spp. individual was caught at North Haven Research Quarters and may have also been of this species (RHF).

1304 Agriphila straminella 2

A common breeding resident, much under-recorded.

1305 Agriphila tristella 1

Breeding resident not counted during 2000, but present.

1309 Agriphila geniculea 1

As for its congeners above.

1333 Scoparia pyrallela 1

Scoparia spp. were trapped regularly but infrequently in 2000, and it is tentatively suggested that this species and the following were both present this year. However, the similarities between many of the Scopariinae make these identifications uncertain. Both species have been recorded on the island in the past. (Littlewood, 1998).

1334 Scoparia ambigualis 1

See entry above for S. pyrallela.

1341 Eudonia lineola 3

This �Notable B� was much less frequent than in previous years, all three records coming from two dates in early July.

1376 Small Magpie Eurrhypara hortulata 1

An uncommonly seen breeding resident, with just one individual seen by day at North Haven Research Quarters on 22/6 (RHF). This is only the eighth record of this species for the island.

1395 Rusty-dot Pearl Udea ferrugalis 41

Numbers of this immigrant species have varied over recent years, with 257 being trapped in 1998, only one in 1999 and 41 in 2000. Limiting dates in 2000; 19/6 � 12/9, maximum 14 on 28/8.

1398 Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella 244

An immigrant species that fluctuates markedly in abundance. 2000 was a very good year for this species, previously recorded in 1988(2), 1998(124) and 1999(2). This year�s 244 were mostly accounted for during a short period around the end of August and beginning of September, coinciding with influxes of other migrants, particularly butterflies (Painted Lady). Maximum 53 on 28/8, 40 on 1/10 (JEH/EMW).

1428 Bee Moth Aphomia sociella 9

A good year for this species, with nine being trapped in June and July. All bar one of these were caught around North Haven (RHF).

1484 Phycitodes saxicola 1

Identification of this and the following species is only tentative, as genital examination is required to separate the two. P. saxicola is known to be a breeding resident on Skomer, whilst P. maritima has only been reported once, and that record is uncertain.

[1485 Phycitodes maritima 1]

See entry for P. saxicola.

1634 The Lackey Malacosoma neustria 95

A good year for this species, whose distinctive larvae in their communal webs were noted in profusion in June and July on Willow at Moorey Mere and North Stream Crossing.

1637 Oak Eggar Lasiocampa quercus 3

No day flying males were noted this year, and only three females were trapped at light in July and August. This is in contrast to recent years, when this resident has been seen regularly.

1640 The Drinker Euthrix potatoria 1

A single on 10/7 at the Farm (SLA).

1651 Chinese Character Cilix glaucata 1

A single on 13/5 at Captain Kites, a first record for the island (RHF).

1669 Common Emerald Hemithea aestivaria 2

Two individuals were trapped at North Pond on 26/7.

1689 Mullein Wave Scopula marginepunctata 12

Records mainly around coastal slopes, particularly North Haven, between 26/5 and 25/8. Numbers are well down on previous years, but this is probably more a function of the reduced amount of trapping on the more exposed coastal areas around Skomer Head and Wick Basin, than a change in abundance.

1702 Small Fan-footed Wave Idaea biselata 5

All records of this species came from the farm this year (SLA).

1708 Single-dotted Wave Idaea dimidiata 1

This breeding resident was very scarce this year.

1713 Riband Wave Idaea aversata 4

Another regular scarce this year.

1724 Red Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe spadicearia 18

Records were widespread, with limiting dates 9/5 to 30/8, and a maximum of 10 at North Stream Crossing on 30/8 (SLA).

1725 Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe ferrugata 7

Scarce this year, with the few records coming from widespread sites. Limiting dates 13/5 and 27/7 to 31/7.

1728 Garden Carpet Xanthorhoe fluctuata 19

Limiting dates 13/5 to 13/9, maximum 3 each on 13/5, 19/6 and 25/8.

1738 Common Carpet Epirrhoe alternata 3

Two trapped on 13/5 at North Stream Crossing and Captain Kites, and one on 19/6 at North Haven.

1742 Yellow Shell Camptogramma bilineata 6

This record is a drastic under-estimate, with only casual records of day fliers recorded here. This species is a common breeding resident, and widespread over the central areas of the island.

1769 Spruce Carpet Thera britannica 1

One trapped at Captain Kites on 9/5 (RHF), only the third record for the island. This record is considerably earlier than the first two, which coincided with other migrant species. Although this individual shared a trap only with common resident species, it is common and widespread in Welsh pine plantations, and double brooded, the first brood flying from early May.

1776 Green Carpet Colostygia pectinataria 1

A single on 29/7 at the Farm. A locally distributed, and regularly (if infrequently) trapped species, this record agrees with the location of previous records, being situated around the central areas of the island.

1808 Sandy Carpet Perizoma flavofasciata 2

Two individuals in the same trap at South Valley on 9/6. Another infrequently trapped breeding resident, common around areas of its main food plant, Red Campion (Littlewood, 1998). All records come from the South Valley/Moorey Mere area.

1817 Foxglove Pug Eupithecia pulchellata 6

A total of six individuals all caught singly at locations around North Haven. Limiting dates 13/5 to 19/6.

1823 Netted Pug Eupithecia venosata 8

Eight individuals trapped singly, mainly at coastal locations, limiting dates 9/5 to 6/6. Casual observations suggest this resident species is locally very common in coastal areas of the island, often being disturbed by day in areas of Sea Campion.

1825 Lime-speck Pug Eupithecia centaureata 43

Records of this common resident were widespread, with limiting dates 9/5 to 29/8. Numbers trapped were well down on previous years (cf. 107 in 1997 and 186 in 1998 (Littlewood, 1998)).

1830 Wormwood Pug Eupithecia absinthiata 2

Both records were from the centre of the island, in July.

1834 Common Pug Eupithecia vulgata 6

Six widespread records only, limiting dates 9/5 to 29/6.

1837 Grey Pug Eupithecia subfuscata 23

Almost all records of this species occurred around North Haven, in June. Limiting dates 9/6 to 4/7. This common resident has previously been recorded in all areas of the island.

1846 Narrow-winged Pug Eupithecia nanata 1

A single trapped at North Pond on 26/7 (SLA), in line with previous years� records, near areas of heather, the larval food plant.

1884 The Magpie Abraxas grossulariata 1

A single at the farm on 11/8 (SLA).

1902 Brown Silver-line Petrophora chlorosata 27

This species was under-represented this year, with records concentrated around bracken (food plant) rich areas, limiting dates 2/5 to 26/7.

1906 The Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni 1

A single, as in previous years, at North Haven on 12/9 (MP).

1921 Scalloped Oak Crocallis elinguaria 2

Two individuals trapped at the Farm on 6/8 (SLA) & 14/8 (JT).

1941 Mottled Beauty Alcis repandata 6

Six between 11 & 30/7, from around the Farm and North Haven.

1984 Humming-bird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum 20

A very good year for this immigrant species, with 18 being seen by day in June (peak 8 on 17/6 at The Lantern (RHF)), one in September and one on 10/10, the latest record on Skomer (SLA).

1994 Buff-tip Phalera bucephala 1

A single trapped in May at North Pond (SLA). This breeding resident remains uncommon.

2035 Round-winged Muslin Thumatha senex 1

The single individual that was trapped at North Pond on 26/7 (SLA) was the second incidence of this species on Skomer.

2038 Muslin Footman Nudaria mundana 1

A single at Moorey Mere on 2/7 (RHF).

2045 Hoary Footman Eilema caniola 3

This �Notable B� was scarcer than in recent years, two on 27/7 and one on 2/8 only.

2057 Garden Tiger Arctia caja 75

A very good year for this species, with larvae seen regularly in June. Limiting dates 11/7 to 1/8, maximum 18 on 26/7 at North Pond.

2060 White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda 194

This species was common and widespread, being trapped in numbers in most sampling locations. Limiting dates 9/5 to 30/7, maximum 24 on 26/6 at Well Field.

2061 Buff Ermine Spilosoma luteum 162

Again common and widespread. Limiting dates 13/5 to 31/7, maximum 15 on 19/7 at North Stream.

2063 Muslin Moth Diaphora mendica 98

A total of 98 trapped between 2/5 and 11/7, with a maximum of 14 on 8/5 at North Haven.

2064 Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa 7

Records were mainly from the central areas of the island, limiting dates 23/6 to 2/8, with a maximum of 2.

2068 Scarlet Tiger Callimorpha dominula 7

This species is far more common than the trapping totals suggest, with numbers seen day-flying probably similar to the 165 reported in 1999 (JEH).

2069 The Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae 2

Two recorded by day in South Stream Valley, 30/6.

2080 Square-spot Dart Euxoa obelisca 73

Numbers of this �Notable B� species were considerably down on the previous two years, although trapping effort was not inconsiderable during the flight period. Peak catch was 21 on 30/8 at North Stream Crossing. Limiting dates 1/8 to 4/9.

2087 Turnip Moth Agrotis segetum 38

This resident and immigrant species was relatively common this year, the larger catches coinciding with the arrival of other immigrant species. Limiting dates 13/6 to 1/10, peak 6 on 13/6 at North Haven.

2088 Heart and Club Agrotis clavis 1

Only a single record of this species on 15/6 at North Haven Research Quarters (RHF), and only the fourth year recorded on the island.

2089 Heart and Dart Agrotis exclamationis 19

Comparatively common this year, again with most records centred around North Haven and the Farm (although this also represents trapping effort to some extent). A total of nineteen individuals were caught between 9/5 and 14/7, with peak catches of just two on several occasions.

2090 Crescent Dart Agrotis trux 345

Numbers of records and peak catches of this locally abundant �Notable B� were considerably down on recent years. Most records were from coastal slopes, with a peak catch of 77 at North Haven on 27/7 (JEH). Two other notable records were catches of 60 and 67 on consecutive nights at the Farm (29&30/7, SLA). Limiting dates 29/6 to 30/8.

2091 Dark Sword-grass Agrotis ipsilon 115

This immigrant was comparatively common this year, especially around the Farm (maximum 32 on 25/8, SLA). Records were spread throughout the season, from 13/5 to 1/10, but most records were from the period August to October. 13 were trapped on 1/10; the last date a trap was set on the island (JEH/EMW).

2102 Flame Shoulder Ochropleura plecta 48

As in previous years, North Valley produced the most records, with the peak catch of 12 here on 16/8. Limiting dates 2/5 to 27/8.

2104 Northern Rustic Standfussiana lucernea 1

A single trapped at North Haven on 4/7 was this year�s only record (RHF).

2107 Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba 285

Good numbers of this immigrant/resident were caught between 5/6 and 24/9, though mainly in August, with a maximum of 104 at the Farm on 25/8 (SLA).

2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing Noctua comes 50

Fifty trapped between 8/7 and 1/10, with a peak of 12 at the Farm on 25/8.

2112 Least Yellow Underwing Noctua interjecta 6

Widely distributed around the island, if infrequent. Limiting dates 28/7 to 30/8, with a maximum of 2.

2117 Autumnal Rustic Eugnorisma glareosa 115

The largest catches of this late flier were in August and September (limiting dates 24/8 to 1/10), with a peak of 42 on 30/8 at North Stream Crossing (SLA). The greatest numbers were encountered around the farm and central plateau. Scarce compared to 1997 and 1998.

2118 True Lover's Knot Lycophotia porphyrea 130

Again, relatively scarce this year, although this is partially due to the distribution of trapping effort, this species being quite localised on the island, largely confined to areas of heather. This is reflected in the location of records and of peak catches. The two largest catches were 57 at North Pond on 26/7 (SLA) and 15 at Well Pond on 31/7. Limiting dates 18/6 to 30/8.

2119 Pearly Underwing Peridroma saucia 15

A regular but infrequent migrant, showing influxes in June and again in September and October. Records widespread from coastal sites.

2120 Ingrailed Clay Diarsia mendica 10

All records this year came from the Farm/ North Valley area, between 13/7 and 25/8.

2123 Small Square-spot Diarsia rubi 60

This double-brooded species was trapped regularly in widely distributed locations between 13/5 and 22/6, and 17/8 and 10/9. Lower numbers than in previous years probably reflect low trapping effort in areas of abundance (see Littlewood, 1998).

2126 Setaceous Hebrew Character Xestia c-nigrum 24

A good year for this species, the majority of records coming in August and September, though a few individuals were caught in June and July. Limiting dates 15/6 to 23/9.

2127 Triple-spotted Clay Xestia ditrapezium 19

Very scarce this year in comparison to recent years. Limiting dates 2/7 to 28/7, maximum 8 on 2/7 at Moorey Mere (RHF). Records were centred around the Farm, North Valley and South Valley.

2134 Square-spot Rustic Xestia xanthographa 97

This autumn emerging species was common and widespread in 2000. Records were confined to August and September, with limiting dates 24/8 to 23/9, with a peak catch of 39 on 30/8 at North Stream Crossing (SLA).

2135 Heath Rustic Xestia agathina 13

A slightly better year than of late for this apparently declining heather feeding species. Most of the records however, refer to a single trap night, 30/8, at North Stream Crossing, which yielded 11 individuals. Singles were trapped on two other nights, 25 & 26/8, at the Farm.

2139 Red Chestnut Cerastis rubricosa 12

There were very few records of this species this year, all confined to May. The flight period of this early species was largely over by the time trapping started on Skomer in 2000. Limiting dates 10/5 to 23/5, maximum 5 at North Stream Crossing.

2145 The Nutmeg Discestra trifolii 1

A single trapped at the Farm on 11/8 (SLA), the eighth record of this species on the island, and the latest.

2147 The Shears Hada plebeja 1

Only the fourth year this species has been recorded on Skomer, with a single trapped at Captain Kites on 13/5 (RHF). This record represents a new site (the third) and the earliest record to date. Limiting dates 13/5/2000 to 22/6/1996.

2160 Bright-line Brown-eye Lacanobia oleracea 369

Common and widespread, limiting dates 8/5 to 6/8 representing the main first brood, with only a single record on 20/9 representing the smaller second flight typical of this species in the south of the UK. Maximum 33 on 14/6 at Captain Kites.

2163 Broom Moth Melanchra pisi 41

Regularly caught in small numbers throughout the flight period (13/5 to 13/7, maximum 6 on 5/6 at Skomer Head). Records were widespread.

2166 The Campion Hadena rivularis 332

The two generations of this moth were again well marked, though almost merging in early July. In 2000, in contrast with recent years, the first generation was more numerous, with 218 of the 332 being trapped in May and June. Approximate limiting dates: 7/5 to 7/7 and 14/7 to 25/8 (maximum 27 on 27/7 at Moorey Mere). A single individual trapped on 8/9 may represent the third generation reported by Littlewood (1998).

2167 Tawny Shears Hadena perplexa 277

Records of this common species were concentrated in May, June and July (probably representing two overlapping generations), with peak numbers trapped in May. Total numbers caught were considerably down of previous years. Limiting dates 6/5 to 30/7, maximum 25 on 20/5 at the Basin. A single was also trapped at North Haven on 10/9 (MP).

2167 The Pod Lover Hadena perplexa

Although the subspecies H. perplexa perplexa (above) common on Skomer closely resembles The Pod Lover (H. perplexa capsophila), it is thought all records of H. perplexa on the island belong to the former subspecies. Thus, although H. p. capsophila is on the Skomer list, all records reported here are ascribed to the subspecies perplexa (see Littlewood, 1998).

2169 Barrett's Marbled Coronet Hadena luteago 12

A good year for this �Notable A� species, records, as in previous years, come from coastal slopes. Limiting dates 7/6 to 4/7, maximum 3 at High Cliff on 1/7 (RHF).

2171 Marbled Coronet Hadena confusa 225

A common species, trapped throughout May, June and July in two rather ill defined generations. The largest catches came from coastal areas with abundant Sea Campion, a favoured larval host plant (18 and 19 trapped at North Haven on 7 & 8/5 and 20 and 18 trapped at Captain Kites on 9 & 23/5). Limiting dates 6/5 to 27/7.

2173 The Lychnis Hadena bicruris 97

Widespread and caught regularly across the island in small numbers from May to August. Limiting dates 7/5 to 16/8, maximum 11 at both Captain Kites and Moorey Mere on 9 & 15/5.

2176 Antler Moth Cerapteryx graminis 14

Records were confined to July and August (29/7 to 14/8) with a peak catch of 8 on 2/8 at Well Field (SLA).

2190 Hebrew Character Orthosia gothica 3

2000 was only the fourth year this species has been recorded on Skomer, with three records being the highest yearly total yet. Singles were trapped at North Pond on 12/5 (SLA) and at North Stream and Captain Kites on 13/5 (RHF & SLA).

2193 The Clay Mythimna ferrago 2

This species was very scarce this year, with only two individuals trapped at Well Pond and North Haven on 31/7 and 4/7 respectively. This figure may be slightly misleading, since in previous years the majority of records of this species have been from around North Haven, and this site was poorly sampled during the July and August flight period.

2198 Smoky Wainscot Mythimna impura 12

As in previous years, most numerous around the Farm and North and South Valleys. Limiting dates 13/7 to 30/8, peak 3 at Moorey Mere on 27/7.

2199 Common Wainscot Mythimna pallens 4

Four widely distributed individuals were caught at South Stream, North Stream, Chicken Sheds and North Haven, between 30/6 and 30/8.

2203 White Speck Mythimna unipuncta 5

The second year this scarce immigrant has been recorded on Skomer after the three trapped in 1998 (Littlewood, 1998). Singles were trapped on 5 separate occasions; 21/6 North Haven (RHF), 29/6 Captain Kites (RHF), 13/9 & 20/9 Chicken Sheds (SLA), 23/9 North Haven (MP).

2214 Chamomile Shark Cucullia chamomillae 4

All four records of this species in 2000 occurred in May, with two at the Farm on 2/5 (SLA) and two singles at Captain Kites on 13 & 30/5 (RHF).

2232 Black Rustic Aporophyla nigra 1

Only one individual in 2000, trapped at North Haven on 23/9 (MP).

2255 Feathered Ranunculus Polymixis lichenea 14

This common coastal species was scarce this year, though trapping effort was relatively low during its autumn flight period, especially in coastal areas. Limiting dates 8/9 to 1/10 (the last date a trap was set), maximum 3 on both 23/9 and 1/10.

2270 Lunar Underwing Omphaloscelis lunosa 38

Again, as above, low numbers in 2000 probably reflect lack of trapping effort when autumn species were flying. All but one of the moths trapped were in the same trap at the Farm on 1/10 (JEH/EMW).

2289 Knot Grass Acronicta rumicis 26

Regularly, if infrequently, caught in low numbers between 8/5 and 8/9 in several locations. Maximum catch was of three on several occasions.

2295 Marbled Green Cryphia muralis 5

Numbers of this �Notable B� were slightly down on previous years, but this again may reflect the lack of coastal trapping effort during the flight period.

2297 Copper Underwing Amphipyra pyramidea 1

A single on 12/9 at North Haven (MP), represents the first record of this species for Skomer.

2305 Small Angle Shades Euplexia lucipara 43

Small numbers were caught regularly, mainly in the central areas of the island (and mainly in July), between 20/5 and 22/8.

2306 Angle Shades Phlogophora meticulosa 18

A species regularly, if infrequently caught at widespread locations during a long flight period (13/5 to 11/9). Most records (12) were from August.

2321 Dark Arches Apamea monoglypha 160

Most records in 2000 came from the area around the farm, with peak catches at the end of July. Limiting dates 8/6 to 30/8, maximum 16 on 30/7 at the Farm.

2330 Dusky Brocade Apamea remissa 8

Two specimens of this uncommon resident were trapped at Captain Kites on 9/5 (RHF) and at the Farm on 4/8 (SLA). These are the earliest and latest dates yet recorded for this species on Skomer.

2336 Double Lobed Apamea ophiogramma 4

This species was trapped on three occasions in 2000, representing the fifth, sixth and seventh records for Skomer. Records were centred on the Farm, with a single there on 29/7 and 2 on 24/8. A single was also trapped at North Stream Valley on 22/8. (All records SLA).

2342 Rosy Minor Mesoligia literosa 3

As in 1997 and 1998, the only representative of its genus or Oligia trapped, with two trapped at North Haven on 27/7 (JEH) and one at the Farm on 29/7 (SLA).

2343 Common Rustic Mesapamea secalis 62

Limiting dates 27/6 to 12/9 with a maximum of 30 at the Farm on 25/8.

2350 Small Wainscot Chordotes pygmina 9

This species was uncommon in 2000, with nine trapped, all in August at the Farm and North Stream. Limiting dates 16/8 to 30/8, maximum of 4 at North Stream on 16/8.

2353 Flounced Rustic Luperina testacea 316

An autumn flying species, with all records in August and September (14/8 to 13/9). The largest catch was of 64 at North Haven on 25/8 (SLA).

2361 Rosy Rustic Hydraecia micacea 1

This single, trapped at the Farm on 25/8 (SLA), makes 2000 the fourth year this species has been found on the island.

2364 Frosted Orange Gortyna flavago 11

Caught infrequently between 25/8 and 23/9, maximum 3 on 30/8.

2369 Bulrush Wainscot Nonagria typhae 1

A singles of this species was trapped at North Pond on 26/7 (SLA), near to the small patch of Great Reedmace on which it is dependent.

2373 Webb's Wainscot Archanara sparganii 1

A single of this �Notable B� species was trapped at the Farm on 29/7 (SLA). As with the previous species, this moth depends on Great Reedmace, which is only found at North Pond. A. sparganii was first recorded on the island when a wandering individual was caught at the farm in 1997 (Littlewood, 1998), and females are known to wander quite widely.

2381 The Uncertain Hoplodrina alsines 139

As stated by Littlewood (1998), this species is very similar to the following species, H. blanda, and whilst it is thought identification of these two species is broadly accurate, both abundance figures should be treated with caution. Limiting dates 26/6 to 24/8, maximum 25 at both Moorey Mere and North Haven on 27/7 (SLA and JEH respectively).

2382 The Rustic Hoplodrina blanda 283

See above. Limiting dates 26/6 to 16/8, maximum 81 at the Farm on 30/7 (SLA).

2385 Small Mottled Willow Spodoptera exigua 1

A single of this species trapped at Captain Kites on 29/6 was a first record for the island (RHF det. JEH/NAL).

2403 Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigera 3

Three singles of this species represent the first occurrence of this partially immigrant species. One was trapped at Captain Kites on 29/6, one at High Cliff on 1/7 (both RHF) and one at the Farm on 25/8 (SLA).

2434 Burnished Brass Diachrysia chrysitis 25

Numbers of this common resident were down this year, probably not entirely due to the vagaries of trapping effort, since the larval food plant (Nettle) is widely distributed across the island. Limiting dates 19/6 to 11/9, maximum 4 each on 2/7 at Moorey Mere and 13/7 at the Farm.

2441 Silver Y Autographa gamma 117

This immigrant species was relatively abundant, though this figure (of moths trapped at light), is probably an underestimate, as many were seen day flying on sunny days throughout the summer. Limiting dates 21/5 to 1/10, maximum 65 on 25/8 at the Farm (SLA).

2450 The Spectacle Abrostola tripartita 30

Regular low numbers of this species were caught at many localities around the island during the long flight period 7/5 to 25/8.

2469 The Herald Scoliopteryx libatrix 2

2000 was the third year in which this species has been recorded, with singles trapped on 9 & 13/5 at Well Pond and North Stream Crossing (both SLA). Both these records are well within the recorded flight period on Skomer, limiting dates 30/3/46 to 20/9/99.

2474 Straw Dot Rivula sericealis 2

As in previous years a scarce species, with just two singles trapped in Well Field and at North Pond on 15 & 26/7 respectively (both SLA).

References

Bradley, J. D. 1998. Checklist of Lepidoptera recorded from the British Isles. Bradley & Bradley, Hampshire.

Hayden, J. E. 1999. Report on the Lepidoptera recorded on Skomer Island NNR, Pembrokeshire, updated for 1999. Unpublished report.

Littlewood, N. A., 1998. Report on the Lepidoptera recorded on Skomer Island NNR, Pembrokeshire, with special reference to 1997 and 1998. Unpublished Report.