Current Volume - (137) 2025:

137 (1):

FIRST UPDATE TO A CHECKLIST OF THE LEPIDOPTERA OF THE BRITISH ISLES (Second edition), 2024
DAVID J. L. AGASSIZ, S. D. BEAVAN & R. J. HECKFORD
Department of Science, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
Abstract
This update incorporates information published before 1 January 2025 into A Checklist of the Lepidoptera of the British Isles (Second edition), 2024.

POPULATIONS OF COLEOPHORA HYDROLAPATHELLA (HERING, 1921) (LEP.: COLEOPHORIDAE) FOUND BREEDING ON RUMEX CRISPUS L. IN COASTAL SUFFOLK
NEIL SHERMAN
2 Golf Cottages, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 8UG moth@sns.org.uk
Abstract
Coleophora hydrolapathella is reported breeding on Curled Dock Rumex crispus at a number of coastal sites in Suffolk. It is hypothesised that similar estuarine habitat in the UK could be worth searching for the species
Keywords: Suffolk coast, Coleophora hydrolapathella, Biodiversity Action Plan.

SOME OUTSTANDING SPECIES OF LEPIDOPTERA REPORTED FROM THE ISLAND OF CRETE (GREECE)
HENRY EDMUNDS
The Estate Office, Cholderton, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0DR.
Email: henryaedmunds@gmail.com
Abstract
Several probable new species and other unusual lepidoptera for Greece are reported from the area of Agia Galini on the south coast of Crete. Phycita (= Laristania) taftanella (Amsel, 1953) is reported new to the European fauna. Cucullia syrtana Mabille,1888, Synclera traducalis (Zeller, 1852) and Agrotis subspinifera (Hampson, 1903) are each reported for the third time in Europe. Myelois synclinaMeyrick, 1936
shows signs of extending its range northwards into Europe.
Key Words: Lepidoptera; New European records.

OBSERVATIONS ON OVIPOSITION BEHAVIOUR OF THE LATTICE BROWN BUTTERFLY KIRINIA ROXELANA CRAMER 1777
IN KERKYRA (CORFU), GREECE
1ANNE F. SORDINAS & 2 DAN (G. W.) DANAHAR
1Aghia Marina, Kalafationes, Corfu, Greece. anne@corfubutterflyconservation.org
2 35 Coldean Lane, Brighton, BN1 9GD. dan@corfubutterflyconservation.org
Abstract
Observations on the oviposition behaviour of Kirinia roxelana (Satyrinae) are discussed. It is concluded that high summer temperatures are probably the primary driver for the evolution of this aspect of this butterfly’s survival strategy.
Keywords: Kirinia roxelana, climate, survival strategy, substrate, host plant, ova, oviposition, diapause, Kerkyra, Corfu

137 (2):

CORK OAK NYCTEOLINE NYCTEOLA COLUMBANA (TURNER, 1925) (LEP.: NOLIDAE) RECORDED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN GREAT BRITAIN
P. H. STERLING
28 East Wyld Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 0RP. micromoth@hotmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4260-2387
Abstract
A specimen of Cork Oak Nycteoline Nycteola columbana (Turner, 1925) found at MV light in a garden in Weymouth, Dorset is reported. This is believed to be the first sighting of the species in Great Britain.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Nolidae, Cork Oak Nycteoline, Nycteola columbana, Dorset, Great Britain.

IDENTIFICATION OF SQUARE-SPOT DART EUXOA OBELISCA ([DENIS& SCHIFFERMÜLLER], 1775) (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) SPECIMENS IN SOUTH-EAST SCOTLAND
1 MARK CUBITT, 2 PETER R. HALL, 3 KATTY BAIRD, 4 LAURA CUBITT
AND 5 DAVID C. LEES
1 12 Burgh Mills Lane, Linlithgow, EH49 7TA.
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8939-732X
2 Easter Craiglands, Rosemarkie, Fortrose, IV10 8SJ.
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1109-4557
3 4 Rhodes Holdings, North Berwick, EH39 5PH.
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2066-1322
4 The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London, NW1 1AT.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1948-6795
5 Department of Science, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road,
South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7580-8560
Address for correspondence: mark@thecubitts.net
Abstract
Species of the genus Euxoa Hübner, 1821 can be difficult to separate using external or genitalia features. The aim of this study was to use DNA barcoding to support an analysis of these features to provide more substantiated evidence in distinguishing E. tritici (L., 1761) and E. obelisca ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775). The presence of wedge-shaped or arrowhead markings in the subterminal area was found to be
unreliable in distinguishing these species. Plain muddy brown colouration and the path of the post-median line were the most useful external features to support identification in unworn specimens. In female genitalia, the length of the ductus bursa and the shape of the bursa copulatrix seem to be the most reliable features. In males the structure of the sub-basal diverticulum was helpful, however everting the vesica and interpretation of this feature are difficult. Combining both external and genitalia features is advised for species identification of problematic specimens when genetic sequencing is not available.

PAMMENE JUNIPERANA (MILLIÈRE, 1858) (LEP.: TORTRICIDAE) RESIDENT IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND
1 JAMES E. HAMMOND, 2 WILLIAM B.V. LANGDON
1 John Krebs Field Station, Wytham, Oxfordshire, OX2 8QJ. hammondjames26@gmail.com
1 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9603-3410
2 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8695-403X
Abstract
We report records of Pammene juniperana (Millière, 1858) in southern England in 2022 and 2023, and the first discovery of larvae in the UK, feeding on the berries of Juniperus communis L. over two seasons at two sites in Oxfordshire. We suggest this species is resident over a large area of southern England in habitats with both wild and planted Juniperus spp., and provide descriptions of the early stages, with advice on their identification, and the recording of this species

137 (3):

DICHRORAMPHA OBSCURATANA (WOLFF, 1955) (LEP.: TORTRICIDAE) IN THE BRITISH ISLES
KNUD LARSEN
Røntoftevej 33, 2870 Dyssegård, Danmark knud.torts@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5556-3503
Abstract
Dichrorampha obscuratana (Wolff, 1955) is a British species that has been overlooked and misidentified as Dichrorampha plumbagana (Treitschke, 1830). Comments are made on the identification of the species in this difficult genus. The adult male is
illustrated alongside photographs of the genitalia of both sexes.
Key Words: Tortricidae, Dichrorampha obscuratana, British checklist; genitalia determination

APATEMA MEDIOPALLIDUM WALSINGHAM, 1900 (LEP.: AUTOSTICHIDAE), AN ADVENTIVE SPECIES NEW TO THE
BRITISH ISLES AND AN ACCOUNT OF THE HITHERTO UNDESCRIBED LARVA
S. D. BEAVAN
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7662-3393
and
R. J. HECKFORD
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4036-5748
Department of Life Sciences, Terrestrial Invertebrates Division, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
Abstract
Information is provided on rearing Apatema mediopallidumWalsingham, 1900, from a larva found feeding under the bark of an imported Olive tree, Olea europaea L. in Devon, England, together with a description and image of the larva which has not been previously described. No larva of any Apatema species has been described previously. A. mediopallidum has not been previously recorded in the British Isles and is an adventive here. An account is also given of finding larvae feeding amongst dead leaves of Olea europaea in Croatia and rearing one moth.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Autostichidae, Apatema mediopallidum, larva, Olea europaea.

FIRST UPDATE TO THE CHECKLIST OF BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS (LEPIDOPTERA) OF THE BURREN REGION OF WESTERN IRELAND, PLUS OTHER NOTABLE SPECIES FOUND IN THE REGION IN 2024
MELISSA G BANTHORPE 1, DAVID ALLEN 2 AND BRIAN NELSON 3
1 32 Long Close, Lower Stondon, Bedfordshire SG16 16JS Email: vc30moths@btinternet.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6552-6181
2 80 Ballynahatty Road, Belfast BT8 8LE Email: rosefinch90@hotmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4978-1746
3 Scientific Advice and Research Directorate, National Parks and Wildlife Service, 90 North King Street, Dublin D07 N7CV
Email: Brian.Nelson@npws.gov.ie
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2449-9462
Abstract
This is the first update of the Checklist of Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) of The Burren Region of Western Ireland, that was published in 2024. It details 24 species that are additions to the checklist, with the majority having been recorded in 2024.

MOTHS NEW TO HERTFORDSHIRE AND MIDDLESEX SINCE 2017 WITH COMMENTS ON THE VALUE OF CONTINUOUSLY UPDATING COUNTY MOTH LISTS
COLIN W. PLANT
14 West Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 3QP e-mail: colinwplant @gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9227-4597
Abstract
Moth species recorded in either Hertfordshire, Middlesex or both Vice-counties since the last published update in 2017 are presented. Lists for large geographical areas such as counties allow for a meaningful analysis of lost or gained species since these areas will contain a diversity of habitats for comparison. The value of publishing additions, deletions and other changes, to ensure that county lists are up-to-date is emphasised.
Keywords: County moth fauna, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Biodiversity analysis.

137 (4):

RUPTUREWORT CASE-BEARER COLEOPHORA SCABRIDA TOLL, 1959 (LEP.: COLEOPHORIDAE) IN GUERNSEY, CHANNEL ISLANDS
1P. H. STERLING, 2M. LAWLOR, 3D. C. LEES & 4D. J. L. AGASSIZ
1 28 East Wyld Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 0RP https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4260-2387
2 St. Etienne, Les Effards, St Sampsons, Guernsey GY2 4YN
3 Department of Science, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7580-8560
4 Garden House, Stafford Place, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset BS23 2QZ https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4300-8067
Abstract
Details of the identification and observations of the adults and early stages of Coleophora scabrida Toll, 1959, discovered in Guernsey, Channel Islands in July 2022, are reported. The species was detected by the presence of larval cases on Fringed Rupturewort Herniaria ciliolata Melderis, 1957 (Caryophyllaceae), a rare plant on the island. This is a previously unrecorded foodplant for the moth. Adult moths and larval cases were common around the plant in 2023.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Coleophoridae, Coleophora scabrida, larval cases, DNA barcode, Fringed Rupturewort, Herniaria ciliolata, Guernsey, Channel Islands.

INFLUENCE OF LIGHT POLLUTION ON MACROMOTH CATCHES IN LIGHT TRAPS: COMPARISON OF LIGHT LEVELS AND MOTH TRAPS
CHRIS TYLER-SMITH & YALI XUE
14 High St., Linton, Cambs. CB21 4HS Email: ylxcts@gmail.com
Chris Tyler-Smith 0000-0002-6492-5403
Yali Xue 0000-0002-4501-6909
Abstract
We have investigated the effect of light pollution at night on catches of macromoths in light traps in an English garden. Light pollution levels of 0, 2, 4 and 6 lux were tested using Robinson-type and Skinner-type traps for a year, recording 6882 individual moths of 253 species/aggregates in all. Increased light pollution levels progressively reduced the number of macromoth individuals caught per night, down to 58% in the Robinson trap and 48% in a Skinner trap with 6 lux pollution compared with no light pollution, but had no detectable effects on proportions of moth species. We also explored the effects of shields placed between the source of light pollution
and the trap. Small shields that shadowed only the trap had no effect, but larger shields that blocked a wider area partially ameliorated the effect of 6 lux light pollution whether the source of light pollution was to the sides of the trap (45% of the no light pollution value increased to 56%) or above the trap (58% increased to 71%).
Keywords: artificial light at night, reduced macromoth numbers, improvement by shielding

NYCTEOLA REVAYANA (SCOPOLI, 1772), OAK NYCTEOLINE, (LEP.: NOLIDAE): OBSERVATIONS ON THE EGG, INITIAL LARVAL
FEEDING SITE AND LARVAE FROM THE FIRST INSTAR
¹ S. D. BEAVAN, ²R. J. HECKFORD & ³G. M. TORDOFF
¹ Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7662-3393
² Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4036-5748
³ 82 College Road, Cardiff, CF14 2NX https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0067-2184
Abstract
An account is provided of the discovery in the British Isles of the egg of Nycteola revayana (Scopoli, 1772), oak Nycteoline, the initial larval feeding site and descriptions of the larvae from the first instar, together with images.
Keywords: Lepidoptera, Nycteola revayana, egg, larval descriptions

RECENT DROP IN NUMBERS OF THE COMMON EARWIG, FORFICULA AURICULARIA SENSU LATO LINNAEUS 1758 (DERMAPTERA)
IN BRITAIN
JoHN B. MURRAY
School of Environmental, Earth & Ecosystem Scences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA.
j.b.murray@open.ac.uk
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1177-0989
Abstract
Light trapping has demonstrated that Common Earwig abundance has fallen two orders of magnitude over 30 years at one site in southern Britain where the habitat has remained largely unchanged. Limited anecdotal evidence suggests this decline may be more widespread. Years of exceptionally high earwig numbers in 1996 and 1997 are linked in each case to high summer sunshine, low summer rainfall and cool
autumn temperatures in the previous two years, but there is no significant association with any weather parameters in the year in question. Years of low earwig abundance correspond with delayed moulting of first instar nymphs of the first brood. Causes of delayed moulting may include concurrent exceptional numbers of late ground frosts in April and May. A by-product of this study has been the observation that first brood first instar nymphs of =3 mm length accompany adults on foraging trips >53 cm above ground, at an earlier stage than had previously been observed, and may pass the night in temporary nests within the light trap.
Key Words. Endoparasites, insect declines, light trap, nymph growth, phenology, weather.

137 (5):

THE IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH ISLES IN 2021
SEAN P. CLANCY
1 Myrtle Villas, Sussex Road, New Romney, Kent. TN28 8DY. E-mail: trapsite@vfast.co.uk
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5698-3493
Abstract
Formally accepted records of immigrant Lepidoptera occurring in the British Isles during the year 2021 are listed and discussed. For less frequently encountered species, full information is given in Annex 1, presented in vice-county order, the individual localities then listed alphabetically for each VC. For the more regular/frequent immigrant species recorded during the season, annual summaries and a selection of the more significant records are presented in Annex 2.

THE FLIGHT PERIOD, PHENOLOGY AND LOCAL DISTRIBUTION OF PAMMENE GIGANTEANA (PEYERMHOFF, 1863) AND
GRAPHOLITA LOBARZEWSKII (NOWICKI, 1860) (LEP.: TORTRICIDAE)
DONALD W. JENNER* & PHILIP J. JEWESS 1
1 Boyce’s Cottage, Newington, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 7JF Email: philip_jewess@hotmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4215-7244
*Deceased
Abstract
Pheromone trapping of Pammene giganteana (Peyermhoff, 1863) over the period 2008 to 2020 and Grapholita lobarzewskii (Nowicki, 1860) from 2017 to 2021 has shown that for both species, the daily flight period (at least for males) is in the daytime rather than during the hours of darkness. Over the period 2008-2020 no individuals of P. giganteana were captured in the MV or actinic moth traps operated in the same areas in which pheromone trapping was so successful. Similarly, no specimens of G. lobarzewskii were recorded in the period 2017-2021 at MV or actinic light. It is suggested that these data imply that the apparent historical scarcity of these two species is due to a primary reliance on light-trapping in recording adult Lepidoptera. Males of both species come readily to pheromone lures. P. giganteana flies early in the year (mostly in March) and G. lobarzewskiimostly in June. Experiments designed to determine the local distribution of both species were inconclusive, although male P. giganteana were attracted to pheromone lures in localities where no oak trees were noticed.
Key words: Pammene giganteana, Grapholita lobarzewskii, pheromone lures, phenology.

FURTHER RECORDS OF INTERESTING AND ELUSIVE SPECIES OF LEPIDOPTERA ARE REPORTED FROM THE ISLAND OF CRETE
HENRY EDMUNDS
The Estate Office, Cholderton, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0DR Email: henryaedmunds@gmail.com
ORCID: 0009-0009-4744-7743
Abstract
Nine interesting and elusive species of Lepidoptera Crete are reported from Crete (Greece) and their habitats discussed.
Key Words: Crete, Peoria translucidella, Peoria pectinellum, Pempelia brephiella, Thylacoptila paurosema, Ancylosis lacteicostella, Euchromius cambridgei, Noorda blitealis, Cydalima perspectalis, Aethes stigmatana.