Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006

A report detailing records received for the moths and butterflies of Vice-county 58

Lancashire & Cheshire Entomological Society Promoting the Study of Insects in the North West Found ed – 1877 Charities Registration No.: 508729

S.P. Farrell, S.H. Hind, B.T. Shaw 30th June 2007 2

Introduction First of all, I hope you will accept an apology for the late production of this report. A house extension at Shane Farrell’s home had to take priority even over mothing activities! Hopefully when you read through the report you will see why it took so long. It really is a difficult task to decide what to have in and what to leave out to ensure the document does not become too onerous to distribute. We hope the wait has been worthwhile. This report follows our usual format but as always we have attempted to improve the quality and usefulness of the information included. We have continued with what is hoped are useful features of the report, such as the National Moth Night Results and generic UK weather summary. The butterfly section is a condensed version of Barry Shaw’s report produced annually for Butterfly Conservation. His report has again been illustrated with, among others, photographs kindly provided by Peter Eeles who runs the UK Butterflies website - see the links at the end of this report for details. The moth data are summarised and presented here for the first time. They are also well illustrated with photographs, which are images of the actual moths referred to in the text unless specified to the contrary. The current report and all past and previous reports, newsletters and distribution matrices since 2000 (a new copy of the macromoth matrix will be produced shortly) can be downloaded as full-colour, free PDF files from http://www.cheshire-butterflies.co.uk/ by clicking the ‘Report Centre’ button and then the appropriate link. They are also now available from the rECOrd website www.record-lrc.co.uk (eg http://www.record- lrc.co.uk/?Mod=Article&ArticleID=G00110008 ). Paper copies are available in black and white printed form upon request. Please be so kind as to provide a stamped (value £1) and labeled envelope to cover costs to Shane Farrell and a copy will be sent by return. We continue to trawl through old publications, recorder’s notebooks etc. and will produce the VC58 Atlas of Lepidoptera as soon as possible. Please continue to send us your moth records past and present, and we will be delighted to receive them. We can only report the data we receive and which has been verified beyond all reasonable doubt. For this reason, it is likely that we can never provide the full picture of our lepidopterous fauna in VC58. However, what we can do is provide the fullest known distribution and occurrence statistics available to us. Quite simply if you don’t send your records directly to us, we cannot guarantee to report your findings. Details of the preferred ways to send us your data are given on the Cheshire Moth Group (CMG) website. As always, many thanks to all recorders and organizations who have already submitted records to us for 2006/2007 and for previous years. Without your efforts this report would not be possible. Please keep the records coming!

Field Meetings The CMG organise regular field meetings during each season and these can either be planned in advance (see below under National Moth Night) or at very short notice. We operate an E-mail notification system where E- mails are sent round as a blind copy to a group and details of each event provided. For Lancashire & Cheshire Entomological Society (LCES) members, we can also provide telephone notification on a cascade basis. If you wish to take advantage of either of these systems or have an event and wish to invite recorders along, please contact Shane Farrell.

Records and Verification. This slightly thorny issue crops up on a regular basis and is occasionally the source of ‘heated debate’ regarding what can and cannot be accepted in terms of a record. Hopefully recorders sending their data to the moth group will accept that we wish wherever possible to ensure that there can be no doubt cast over records in the future. We must do all we can to ensure records on the central database are accurate and moths have been properly identified. We fully accept that some recorders will not retain voucher specimens for dissection or other confirmation and that the best we can hope for in some cases is a good enough photograph to identify certain species. This can be acceptable in some circumstances and if this is the preferred method of a recorder, they are urged to take photographs from several angles and to include features such as the hindwing and antennae/palps. They should also provide some illustration of scale such as a five-penny coin etc, or comparison with a known and readily recognizable species in the same shot. Reference should be made to the available literature to establish what are considered to be the diagnostic characteristics of the species concerned. Where a photograph does not or cannot show diagnostic characters then we will not be able to accept the record in most cases where the species concerned is a category P species and new for the 10km Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

3 square. We are always happy to receive queries about whether evidence is required and it is better to do this before the moth has been released! Photographs are also useful to help illustrate this annual report. It may be possible for a member of the moth panel to visit or meet with a recorder to view a moth where they wish to release the specimen alive. As most of you know, moths can be retained alive in pots in a refrigerator (if you can convince other members of your household that this is reasonable behaviour!) for several days and released unharmed, thus giving you chance to refer to another recorder for an opinion. For category S species, a moth specimen must be retained and sometimes dissected for a record to be accepted. Where this is not in line with the recorder’s views, we will assign the record to an appropriate group of species or place the record in a pending folder until either a subsequent record is confirmed in the 10km square or at the same site. The CMG panel may then agree to include previous records (albeit marked as unconfirmed). Recorders should still provide details of the species they believe the record relates to so that this information can be maintained. The basic principle of all of the above is that people on one side of the debate must accept that some recorders reserve their right not to retain voucher specimens while others must accept that some records will not be accepted unless specimens are retained. Details of which species form which categories can be provided upon request in the form of a paper copy (please send a 50p SAE to Shane Farrell) or a pdf version of the full county macromoth list by email.

Butterflies Barry T. Shaw Cheshire County Butterfly Recorder

Please note that in this section of the report, references to Cheshire relate to areas within the modern Cheshire county boundaries as well as those parts of the Wirral in Merseyside. Barry has already acknowledged the efforts of the recorders supplying him with data in his full report and their names have not been repeated here.

Systematic list of Butterflies recorded in Cheshire & Wirral during 2006 1526 Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris (Poda, 1761) Favourable weather conditions were undoubtedly the main reason why the Small Skipper T. sylvestris had an excellent breeding season with reports from 104 tetrads, compared to 73 tetrads in 2005. Highest counts occurred during July with 68 at Englesea-brook on the 11-Jul, 167 at the Handforth fields on the 13-Jul and 52 in the Dunge Valley (Kettleshulme) on the 21-Jul. (Photo below - Peter Eeles – not Cheshire). 1531 Large Skipper Ochlodes faunus (Turati, 1905) With records from 93 tetrads it was the best year for this butterfly since 1995. Due to poor weather conditions in the early months there was a slow start to the season, but subsequent reports produced double-figure counts from 19 localities, compared to 11 localities in 2005.

Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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1532 Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages (Linnaeus, 1758) This localised butterfly was only recorded from two long-established areas – the complex of sites around Ashton’s Flash (Northwich) and a small, though stable, colony on the Wirral coast at Thurstaston. Peak numbers were seen on 10-May with 17 at Ashton’s Flash and 15 at the nearby Carey Park. 1545 Clouded Yellow Colias croceus (Geoffroy, 1785) Weather conditions favoured migration in 2006 with the result that it was the best year for this insect since 2000 with reports from 53 tetrads. Sightings extended from 11-May at Heswall to 1-Nov at Woolston Eyes where a pair were seen mating on this latter date. Peak numbers were recorded in August amounting to 75% of all records and included an insect of the “helice” form at Chester Cop on the 8-Aug. (Photo above - Peter Eeles –not Cheshire). 1546 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni (Linnaeus, 1758) It was a relatively good year for this butterfly, although it did not seem to benefit from the favourable weather conditions to the same extent as some other species. The year did, however, produce more records than usual from the Pennine foothills, as well as a continuation of the gradual range extension into the west of the county. As usual the majority of reports were of over-wintering insects in the early months (81%), with the emerging butterflies in mid-summer accounting for the remaining sightings (19%). 1549 Large White Pieris brassicae (Linnaeus, 1758) It was a poor year for the Large White P. brassicae with reports from 20% fewer localities than in 2005. First brood insects were hard to find with so few reports that it was impossible to calculate when numbers peaked, especially as no site recorded a count in double-figures. Although the summer brood showed some improvement the only significant count was of 50+ at Heswall on 29-Jul. 1550 Small White Pieris rapae (Linnaeus, 1758) Numbers of the spring brood failed to build up anywhere other than Hale Shore where there was a peak of 37 on 11-Jun. Even during the summer emergence the only significant counts were at Woolston Eyes with 208 on 3-Aug and Pewit Hall Farm (Holmes Chapel) with 100+ on 8-Sep. 1551 Green-veined White Pieris napi (Linnaeus, 1758) Whilst most butterflies fare better during hot weather conditions this insect is the exception as it is a damp- loving creature that prospers in wetter years. It came as no surprise, therefore, that numbers were lower than normal with the highest count during the spring emergence of 37 at Handforth on 10-May and during the summer brood of 39 at Englesea-brook on 11-Jul. 1553 Orange-tip Anthocharis cardamines (Linnaeus, 1758) Despite the unsettled weather throughout the spring months this insect had a reasonably successful year. Earliest sightings were considerably later than normal with no reports until 21-Apr when it was widely recorded across the county. Numbers peaked in mid-May with the highest count of 34 at Handforth on the 10-May. Due to the late season there were regular reports until mid-June, plus an exceptional late sighting at Macclesfield on 6-Jul. 1555 Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi (Linnaeus, 1758) Sightings extended from 27-Apr at Flaxmere to 17-Jun at Wildboarclough, although 92% of reports were confined to the main flight period in May. Highest counts at lowland sites were fairly normal with a maximum of 39 at Cranberry Moss on 9-May. There were, however, significant counts in the Pennine foothills with 50 at Tegg’s Nose Country Park on 9-May and 143 at Cut-thorn Hill on 10-May. 1557 Purple Hairstreak Neozephyrus quercus (Linnaeus, 1758) Further colonies of this elusive insect continue to be found annually with additional sites this year including Upton (SJ46E), Clincton Wood (SJ48X), Hollin Green (SJ64H) and Lyme Park (SJ98Q & SJ98R). Peak numbers occurred in mid-July with 92% of all sightings during the month and included a massive count of 142 seen from a platform in the tree canopy at Englesea-brook on the 11- Jul. 1558 White-letter Hairstreak Satyrium w-album (Knoch, 1782) In the past this insect has always been considered to be Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

5 scarce in the county, but with recent surveys revealing its presence in 85 widespread tetrads it should now be more accurately regarded as “not uncommon, though still elusive”. Additional 10km square records in 2006 were received from SJ64, SJ66 and SJ88. Sightings extended from 16-Jun at Chester to 18-Aug at Englesea- brook. 1561 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas (Linnaeus, 1761) Contributors reported a slightly better year than normal with peak numbers in late May, late July and throughout September. Highest counts were mainly concentrated at sites in the south of the county with a maximum of 30 at Shavington on 23-Sep. With good weather conditions continuing during October and November there were regular sightings throughout these months until a latest report from Old Pale (Delamere) on 6-Nov. (Photo - above Paul Hillyer). 1567 Long-tailed Blue Lampides boeticus (Linnaeus, 1767) On 12-Jul close views were obtained of a male butterfly in a garden at Huntington – the first confirmed sighting in the county for over 100 years. Weather conditions throughout the month were favourable for insect migration and there were other reports of the Long-tailed Blue L. boeticus in the U.K. during the same period. (Photo right - Peter Eeles – not Cheshire). 1574 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus (Rottemburg, 1775) It was an average year for this insect with the two broods tending to overlap. The spring emergence occurred from early May to early July with a highest count of 76 at Moore Nature Reserve on 8-Jun. Numbers were slightly larger during the summer brood from mid- July to mid- September with 135 at Chorlton on 5-Aug and 120+ at Pickering’s Pasture on 6-Aug. It was another disappointing year from the Pennine foothills where the Common Blue has virtually disappeared during the last few years. 1580 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus (Linnaeus, 1758) The last cyclical peak in Cheshire was in 1999, but since then the population has remained at a lower, though stable level. Data received this year revealed some modest increases, although these would almost certainly have been due to improved weather conditions enabling more recording activity to be undertaken. Regular sightings continued until mid-October and probably related to a third generation. 1584 White Admiral Limenitis Camilla (Linnaeus, 1764) Following a period of hot weather, coupled with southerly winds, this insect was recorded at Burleydam on 2- Jul, with a second individual at Prestbury on the same date. These sightings follow the only two previous reports for Cheshire which occurred during 2004. 1590 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta (Linnaeus, 1758) It was an outstanding year for this insect with sightings on 202 days and records extending from 1-Jan at Congleton to 28-Dec at Higher Poynton. Migration, coupled with successful breeding, built up throughout the summer months with many counts in double-figures – maximum of 43 at the Adelphi Mill (Bollington) on 16-Oct. 1591 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui (Linnaeus, 1758) Even though numbers of this migrant fluctuate from one year to another there is a gradual increasing trend. This year the main influx commenced with the onset of southerly winds in early June. There was then a lull in sightings until numbers peaked again in late July and August – these insects probably being a mix of locally bred butterflies and further immigration. Highest count during this period was of 111 at Walgherton on 28-Jul. Latest report was from Chester Zoo on 9-Nov. 1593 Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae (Linnaeus, 1758) Numbers are now much lower than those recorded in the mid-1990s, although short-term fluctuations in abundance are not unusual for this insect. Contributors felt that there was little evidence of a recovery in numbers and the only significant counts were of 201 at the Gowy Woodland Park on 12-Jul and 207 at Hough on 14-Jul.

Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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1596 Camberwell Beauty Nymphalis antiopa (Linnaeus, 1758) 2006 produced the largest influx into the U.K. since 1995 with the majority of the 260 sightings reported in late August or early September. This influx almost went unrecorded in Cheshire except for a single report from Ness Gardens on 9-Sep. (Photo right – James Wright – not Cheshire). 1597 Peacock Inachis io (Linnaeus, 1758) Records showed that it was an excellent year for this butterfly with reports from 209 tetrads making it the third most widespread butterfly of 2006. Peak numbers occurred in late July when there was a synchronised emergence at many sites – by far the largest count in this period was of 223 on a transect walk at Woolston Eyes on the 26-Jul. 1598 Comma Polygonia c-album (Linnaeus, 1758) Hibernating insects did not reappear until late March with small numbers then regularly encountered until early June. Later broods peaked in late July and mid-September, but the unusual feature this year was that 14 localities recorded counts in double-figures, compared with only four localities in 2005. There were also some unprecedented counts including 63 at Woolston Eyes on 8th September, 40 at Rixton Claypits on 9-Sep and 50+ at Ness Gardens on 10-Oct. 1600 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria selene ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) The future for Cheshire’s last remaining colony on private land at Bagmere is not encouraging. It would appear that extensive management work that has been undertaken at this site has merely slowed down the rate of decline. This year there were sightings from 5-Jun to 15-Jun, but with a maximum count of only four insects on the 9-Jun. 1607 Dark Green Fritillary Argynnis aglaja (Linnaeus, 1758) This butterfly has not bred in Cheshire for many years, although single insects continue to be recorded almost annually. All sightings in 2006 were during July at Newchurch Common on the 6-Jul, Wallasey on the 6-Jul, Whirley (Macclesfield) on the 12-Jul, Congleton on the 15-Jul and Knutsford on the 19-Jul. 1608 Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia (Linnaeus, 1758) A sighting at Ridgegate Reservoir (Macclesfield Forest) on 18-Aug, 22-Aug and 25-Aug was the first report of this butterfly in Cheshire since 1995. (Photo left -Peter Eeles – not Cheshire). 1614 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria (Linnaeus, 1758) As usual the flight periods of each generation tended to overlap making it difficult to separate them with sightings virtually continuous from early May to late September. Reports from 223 tetrads meant that this was the second most widely recorded butterfly in Cheshire, although unlike a few years ago very few localities supported significant numbers. Maximum count was of 43 at Rixton Claypits on 9-Sep. 1615 Wall Lasiommata megera (Linnaeus, 1767) The decline in numbers of this once abundant butterfly continues with only 14% of contributors recording this insect in 2006. In 1986 the Wall was the 5th most widespread butterfly in Cheshire, but this year had fallen to the 22nd. A few small colonies continue to survive along the Wirral coast, but this year 17 of the 24 tetrad records were from the hillier regions in the east of the county. Largest counts were of 11 at Burton Point on 24-May and 12 at Tegg’s Nose Country Park on 22-Jul. 1621 Grayling Hipparchia semele (Linnaeus, 1758) There was an exceptional early sighting at Ashton’s Flash (Northwich) on 15-Jun. Subsequent records were Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

7 mainly from nine localities along the Wirral coast with notable counts including 12 at Leasowe on 14-Jul, 11 at the same site on 18-Jul and 10 at Thurstaston on 18-Jul. At Cheshire’s only inland breeding colony at Sandbach Flashes the highest count was of 5 insects on 22-Jul. 1625 Gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus (Linnaeus, 1771) The flight period was relatively short extending from 23-Jun to 3-Sep. Peak numbers occurred in late July, but had fallen sharply by mid-August. Highest counts were at Woolston Eyes with 1,638 on 19-Jul and Heswall with 1,000+ on 17-Jul. Range extension continues into the Peak District where 95 were noted at Dunge Clough (Kettleshulme) on 21-Jul. 1626 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina (Linnaeus, 1758) Populations appear to be stable, although sites recording large numbers tend to be lower than a few years ago. Highest counts were of 292 at Handforth on 3-Jul, 201 at Gowy Woodland Park on 12-Jul and 500+ at Heswall on 17-Jul. 1629 Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus (Linnaeus, 1758) There was further evidence this year of the Ringlet A. hyperantus extending its range from the initial stronghold in the Wych Valley. It would appear that a cluster of colonies is now becoming established between Crewe and the southern border of Cheshire. One of these sites at Walgherton includes butterflies of the aberrant “arête” form. In 2006 there were also indications that the butterfly is colonising Cheshire from the Derbyshire Peak District with single insects recorded in gardens at Higher Poynton on 13-Jul and Bollington on 24-Jul. 1627 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus (Linnaeus, 1758) The remaining stronghold of this insect in Cheshire is in the Pennine foothills where there was a significant count of 109 at Bakestonedale Moor (Pott Shrigley) on 1-Jul. Numbers on the Wirral have fallen in recent times with the highest count in 2006 of 16 at Meols Common on 14-Jul.

Moths Shane Farrell - VC58 County Macromoth Recorder Steve Hind - VC58 County Micromoth Recorder

This report is based upon the current records held on the database of the Cheshire Moth Group (CMG), which incorporates data from Lancashire & Cheshire Entomological Society (LCES) members and publications, and rECOrd, the County Biological Information System. It covers the area within Watsonian Vice-county 58 (Cheshire). Both Steve Hind (micromoths) and Shane Farrell (macromoths) are willing to receive specimens or photographs from Cheshire for confirmation/identification in line with the comments in the introduction. Humanely killed specimens can be posted, preferably in a film canister or similar, with paper/cotton wool either side to prevent too much damage. Alternatively, they can of course be handed to us in person while still alive. Please contact either party direct using the contact details at the end of this report. The report can only cover records for which we have actually received detail, and therefore if your records do not appear here then it is likely that we have not had them and therefore cannot report them. There is the remote possibility that records have been received but not, for some reason, input. This could be a simple error (for which we apologise). If you suspect that this is the case please contact the person to whom your records were submitted. It is also possible that the records require some form of verification in order to allow the CMG Rarity Panel to accept or publish them. In the latter case we would usually contact the recorder concerned to ask for supporting evidence. In many cases such records, once confirmed, will be included in the following year’s report – see Additional Species Records Received Since the Last Report and Relating to 2005 below. Details of the macromoth species requiring verification or dissection are listed on the macromoth checklist for the county – see above. It is hoped that we will eventually be able to provide a similar checklist for micromoths in the future. In the meantime Steve Hind will contact recorders when further details are required. As will be noted from the migrant summary, 2006 was a quite incredible year for both scarce and common migrant species alike. This reflected the general picture across the UK. Numbers of other moths were also generally high and most of our recorders had a species in their traps this year that made their hearts race a little higher than usual! The last five years’ records for all moths are summarised below in Table One. They confirm that 2006 was Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

8 the best year during this period for all aspects of recording. As usual, the numbers generally reflect the fact that light trapping remains the most common method of recording.

Year Species Records 2002 797 (384) 33,315 (24,642) 2003 847 (395) 41,951 (31,131) 2004 828 (406) 42,028 (32,200) 2005 811 (386) 34,808 (27,429) 2006 856 (452) 49,479 (39,787) Table One : Annual summary 2002-2006 of moth records in VC58. (macromoth numbers in brackets).

National Moth Night* V C58 Moths Recorded 10km squares NMN2006 Despite the late date of National 1 Moth Night (and day) 2006 (NMN), it was still a reasonably 0 successful event. On the SD SE night/day of 23-Sep we managed a total of 154 species between us 9 and this included 73 macro-moth species - not bad for the time of 8 year. Records were received from 35 sites and from the same 7 number of recorders in VC58. These were spread across 19 of 6 our 10km squares; there are 45 part squares and 17 full squares 5 in the county. A map is provided (right) which confirms the 4 squares from which we received data and they confirm how even and extensive our coverage is 3 becoming. Thanks are due to all SJ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0SK 1 2 recorders for making the county so well represented for this event. This year NMN was also successful in terms of the target species. We actually recorded two of these, being Dusky-lemon Sallow Xanthia gilvago (Photo left - Ian Copley). and Convolvulus Hawk-moth Agrius convolvuli. The best site was Gleadsmoss SJ86 where Steve Hind recorded 55 species, mainly leaf mines. The best overall catch in a moth trap was at Alsager SJ85 where Mike Dale caught 122 moths of 31 species. Full details of some of the other more interesting species recorded on the night (all sites) are provided below under the systematic list. Records for NMN this year also included the following species: Bohemannia pulverosella, Acrocercops brongniardella, Hypatima rhomboidella, Mompha sturnipennella, Dioryctria abietella, Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera, Pinion-streaked Snout Schrankia costaestrigalis. National Moth Night 2007 is on 11-Aug and this should result in much higher numbers of both species and moths. *It should be noted that officially, early stages were not included in the national criteria, however we have included them here for completeness to recognize the effort involved.

Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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The Commonest Species The 20 most numerous species (in terms of the numbers of individuals) recorded in 2006 are detailed below in Table Two. As usual, we have included ‘Common Rustic agg.’ despite this, of course, not being a true species. The numbers of both records and individuals were substantially higher than in 2005 and with several species added and subtracted from the list compared with that year. The numbers of Setaceous Hebrew Character Xestia c-nigrum and Silver Y Autographa gamma recorded this year are a good indication of the high number of migrant species generally seen in the county in 2006.

Code Vernacular Taxon Records Individuals 2107 Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba 1661 31366 2089 Heart and Dart Agrotis exclamationis 960 14965 2343x Common Rustic agg. Mesapamea secalis agg. 798 13415 2126 Setaceous Hebrew Character Xestia c-nigrum 853 5313 2441 Silver Y Autographa gamma 1411 4678 2321 Dark Arches Apamea monoglypha 746 4660 1713 Riband Wave Idaea aversata 590 3395 2187 Common Quaker Orthosia cerasi 489 3324 0873 Blastobasis adustella 201 3113 2190 Hebrew Character Orthosia gothica 609 2983 2102 Flame Shoulder Ochropleura plecta 996 2898 0171 Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet Zygaena lonicerae 24 2800 2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing Noctua comes 739 2751 0998 Light Brown Apple Moth Epiphyas postvittana 601 2608 2381 Uncertain Hoplodrina alsines 462 2343 2111 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow UW Noctua janthe 479 1954 1937 Willow Beauty Peribatodes rhomboidaria 759 1737 2050 Common Footman Eilema lurideola 326 1723 2199 Common Wainscot Mythimna pallens 497 1657 2188 Clouded Drab Orthosia incerta 415 1647 Table Two : Summary of the 20 most commonly recorded moth species in VC58 in 2006

The Rarer (and New) Species 2006 was an excellent year for scarce and new species. Fourteen species were added to the county list and an impressive five of these were macromoths. One of the most exciting finds was a breeding colony of substantial numbers of Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis on the Wirral. There is a full account of this by the recorder in the systematic summary of scarce species below. Blair’s Mocha Cyclophora puppillaria and Cosmopolitan Mythimna loreyi were migrants recorded for the first time this year. The record of a single specimen of Celypha rufana in the county in 2006 was a good example of how visiting recorders, kind enough to send in their records, can make a real difference. Phyllonorycter platani, Argyresthia cupressella and Isophrictis striatella have probably only recently moved into our area; Argyresthia glabratella, Dichrorampha flavidorsana and Cydia illutana may also be newcomers, although may possibly have been around for a few years and have only just been noticed. Coleophora maritimella and Celypha rufana could well have been present for some time but due to their restricted ranges have only now been found, whereas Antigastra catalaunalis is a rare migrant to Britain which has occurred in large numbers this year in what has been an exceptional year for migrant moths. Steve is always pleased to receive reports of micro-moths from Cheshire, especially from areas of the county from which our knowledge is lacking and would be interested to hear from anyone thinking of taking up the study of our smaller moths. All of the new species recorded in the county in 2006 are summarised in Table Three below and full details can be obtained from the systematic section of this report that follows. As usual Mike Dale lead the way with Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

10 a tally of four new species for the county this year, one of which was in conjunction with Dave Taylor – leave some for us Mike!

Code Vernacular Taxon Recorder Hectad 0321a Phyllonorycter platani SHi&EKe SJ98 0382 Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis PMHill SJ28 0403 Argyresthia glabratella SHi SJ98 0409b Argyresthia cupressella MBa&SHo SJ47 0585 Coleophora maritimella GBr SJ18 0729 Isophrictis striatella SHi SJ98 1065 Celypha rufana SBa SJ68 1266a Cydia illutana MDa&DTa SJ55 1275 Dichrorampha flavidorsana SHi SJ98 1400 Antigastra catalaunalis MDa SJ85 1678 Blair's Mocha Cyclophora puppillaria RHi SJ78 1726 Large Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata MDa SJ85 1812 Maple Pug Eupithecia inturbata MDa SJ85 2208 Cosmopolitan Mythimna loreyi TRo&RBen SJ75 Table Three : New species in VC58 in 2006

Systematic List of Scarce and New Moths in VC58 in 2006 The above records are clearly of major importance for the county and here we can provide fuller detail on the above species and also the other rare and scarce moths recorded in VC58 in 2006. A brief comment on each species is made below, providing detail on where and when the species were found and by whom. Finer detail may be available upon request. Where dates or numbers are not specified then this information was not provided. With a few arbitrary exceptions, records are provided here for species with three or fewer records per year. 0016 Gold Swift Hepialus hecta (Linnaeus, 1758) The only record in 2006 was of three adults seen at dusk near bracken Pteridium at Tegg's Nose C.P. SJ9572 on 06-Jul (SHi). 0023 Ectoedemia argyropeza (Zeller, 1839) Tenanted mines at the Millennium Wood, Disley SJ9882 on 23-Oct and Brabyns Park, Marple SJ9689 on 15- Nov (SHi). 0025 Ectoedemia intimella (Zeller, 1848) Tenanted mines at Brabyns Park, Marple SJ9689 on 15-Nov and the Middlewood Way, Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 25-Nov (SHi). 0067 Stigmella plagicolella (Stainton, 1854) This species, which is often abundant in parts of Cheshire, yet absent from the east, appears to be spreading in that direction, with leaf mines found for the first time this year at previously well worked sites such as Jepsonclough Farm, Adlington SJ9380 on 13-Oct and Poynton Brook SJ9182 on 20-Oct (SHi). 0097 Apple Pygmy Stigmella malella (Stainton, 1854) Leaf mines at Tegg’s Nose Country Park SJ9472 & SJ9572 on 26-Aug (SHi,AWa). 0107 Stigmella regiella (Herrich-Schäffer, 1855) A single mine in a Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna hedge at Jepsonclough Farm, Adlington SJ9380 on 13-Oct (SHi) is only the fifth county record. 0119 Opostega salaciella (Treitschke, 1833) One to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 1-Jul (SHi). 0131 Incurvaria oehlmanniella (Hübner, 1796) One to light at Bulkeley Hill SJ5255 on 17-Jun (MDa,DTa). 0136 Raspberry Moth Lampronia corticella (Linnaeus, 1758) One to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 9-Jun (SHi).

Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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0161 Leopard Moth Zeuzera pyrina (Linnaeus, 1761) Three records of this species, all single specimens at light. Pensby SJ2783 (DHi – photo above) and Macclesfield SJ8874 (SBr) both on 01-Jul. A further moth was at Marbury Country Park SJ6576 on 12-Jul (LBe). 0223 Nemaxera betulinella (Paykull, 1785) A male to light at Jepsonclough Farm, Adlington SJ9380 on 26-Jul (SHi). 0240 Case-bearing Clothes Moth Tinea pellionella Linnaeus, 1758 A female indoors at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 29-Jul (SHi). Three adult males and larvae also indoors at Burleydam SJ6142 on 5-Sep, followed by another adult on 28-Sep (BJo – photos above of adult and cases/pupal skins). 0251 Ochsenheimeria taurella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) A male flying early afternoon along a grassy bank of the Middlewood Way, Higher Poynton SJ9482 on 14- Aug (SHi) is possibly the first record since the 19th century. 0266 Bucculatrix nigricomella (Zeller, 1839) Two leaf mines found on Ox-eye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare at Messuage Farm, near Marton SJ8268 on 29-Aug (CDa). 0287 Caloptilia robustella Jäckh, 1972 One to light at Cheadle Heath SJ8789 on 11-Sep (DHT). 0290 Caloptilia semifascia (Haworth, 1828) A single larval cone on Field Maple Acer campestre along the Middlewood Way at Wood Lanes SJ9381 on 1- Nov (SHi). The only previous record, in 2001, also refers to a larval cone. 0321a Phyllonorycter platani (Staudinger, 1870) ** The first county record. Leaf mines were rare on London Planes Platanus x hispanica on Nangreave Road near Stockport Cemetery SJ9088 on 29-Oct (SHi,EKe). London Planes have been planted all along Nangreave Road and nearby Hillcrest Road, yet no further mines were found when checked the following day. (Photo left - Ian Kimber – not VC58). 0362 Phyllonorycter acerifoliella (Zeller, 1839) Leaf mines at Lower Withington SJ8173 on 18-Oct (SHi).

Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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0371 Lunar Hornet Moth Sesia bembeciformis (Hübner, 1806) The usual colony of this interesting and impressive species was still present at Greasby SJ2587 with pupal exuviae found on at least two occasions in 2006 (LHa). There was a notable find at Tegg's Nose SJ9472 when a pair in cop was found in the quarry on 27-Jun (JMi). This record followed the location of large galleries in cut willow stumps the previous year. It is likely that these were the larval workings of bembeciformis. This means that we now have two confirmed extant colonies of this species in VC58. 0382 Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) **The first county record. There were several sightings of this species in good numbers in 2006, all based around Thurstaston Cliffs on the Wirral. The first record (PMHill – photos below) is fully described below by an extract from a LCES newsletter. The other records are summarised in Table four below.

Site Gridref Quantity Stage Date Recorder Method Dee Sailing Club Cliffs SJ2384 2 Adult 03-Jul LHa,DHi Pheromone trap Thurstaston Cliffs SJ2383 1 Adult 03-Jul LHa,DHi Pheromone trap Dee Sailing Club Cliffs SJ2384 9 Adult 04-Jul DHi Pheromone trap Dee Sailing Club Cliffs SJ2384 1 Egg 05-Jul DHi Daytime observation Dee Sailing Club Cliffs SJ2384 4 Adult 05-Jul DHi Daytime observation Dee Sailing Club Cliffs SJ2384 4 Adult 05-Jul DHi Pheromone trap Thurstaston Cliffs SJ2383 5 Adult 05-Jul DHi Pheromone trap Tinker's Dell SJ2383 2 Adult 06-Jul SHi,DHi Pheromone trap Thurstaston Cliffs SJ2482 5 Pupal exuviae 06-Jul SHi,DHi Daytime observation Thurstaston Cliffs SJ2482 4 Adult 06-Jul SHi,DHi Pheromone trap Thurstaston Cliffs SJ2482 3 Adult 06-Jul SHi,DHi Daytime observation Heswall Fields SJ2482 5 Adult 06-Jul SHi,DHi Pheromone trap Meols Common Burbo Gate SJ2491 2 Adult 08-Jul DHi Pheromone trap Thurstaston Cliffs SJ2482 4 Adult 12-Jul DHi Pheromone trap Table Four : Subsequent (to the first) records of Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis in Cheshire in 2006

Saturday 1st July 2006 will be a day to be remembered by many. For most it was the day that England were knocked out of the World Cup by Portugal, but for me there is another reason. As the weather promised to be hot and sunny I decided to venture to Thurstaston on the Wirral and search for Clearwings. My target species were Thrift Clearwing and Six-belted Clearwing, so armed with the Hyl and Api lures I set off from the visitor centre towards the cliff top to search for Thrift and Bird’s-foot Trefoil, the foodplants of the respective target species. Setting off along the cliff top, in temperatures in the high 20’s I failed to find any Thrift, but did come across some small patches of Bird’s-foot Trefoil. At one of the larger patches (about 300mm in diameter) I placed the Api lure on the plant and waited for any action…and waited…and waited. No joy but undeterred and enjoying the sun and various hoverflies and butterflies I carried on to the steps down to the beach. On reaching the bottom of the steps I turned right and started to head back along the beach to Station Road. After a few yards I found a much larger patch of Bird’s- foot trefoil, covering an area of about 4 square metres. I placed the Api lure on the plants and low and behold two Six-belted Clearwings appeared from nowhere. Anyone who has used the clearwing pheromone lures will know this experience! In less than five minutes five Six-belted Clearwings had investigated the lure, some of them alighting on the bag housing the lure, others settling on the Bird’s-foot Trefoil. Having taken several photographs, I removed the lure and carried on along the base of the cliffs. I tried the lure at a further three patches of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and attracted three Six-belted Clearwings at one of the patches.

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Spurred on by my success I used the lures at various sites around Northwich and Congleton on Sunday, namely the lime-beds near Northwich and Brereton Country Park, but was unsuccessful at both. I suspect that the artificial nature of both sites – both former industrial areas makes them unsuitable for the mainly sedentary Six-belted Clearwing, but I would think that using the pheromones at other sites where Bird’s-foot Trefoil occurs will produce more records. All I need to do now is find some Thrift without wading out to Hilbre! Paul Hill

0388 Prochoreutis myllerana (Fabricus, 1776) Bred from larva on Skullcap Scutellaria galericulata found on the edge of a pond in Dunham Park SJ7387 on 11-Jun (BSm – photo above – not VC58). 0389 Apple Leaf Skeletoniser Choreutis pariana (Clerck, 1759) The second county record was of an adult bred from larva off Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna at Jacksons’ Brickworks SJ9484 on 15-Jun (SHi). 0403 Argyresthia glabratella (Zeller, 1847) ** The first county record. A male to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 10-Jun (SHi). 0409b Argyresthia cupressella Walsingham, 1890 ** The first county records. One to light at Elton SJ4575 on 18-Jun-2005, followed by four in 2006, on 11- Jun, 10, 12 & 16-Jul (MBa,SHo – photo above). 0423 Argyresthia semitestacella (Curtis, 1833) A single adult disturbed from Beech Fagus sylvatica at Brabyns Park, Marple SJ9689 on 4-Sep (SHi) and two to light at Chadkirk SJ9490 on 23-Sep (SFa,JRo). Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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0427 Spindle Ermine Yponomeuta cagnagella (Hübner, 1813) 40 adults amongst Spindle Euonymus europaeus at Frodsham Marsh SJ4978 on 27-Jul (MBa,SHo). 0442 Cedestis gysseleniella Zeller, 1839 Singles to light at Heald Green SJ8586 on 30-Jun (BSh) and Cholmondeley SJ5450 on 29-Jul (SFa). 0447 Roeslerstammia erxlebella (Fabricius, 1787) An adult on a lime Tilia sp. leaf at Dunham Massey SJ7388 on 11-Jun (BSm). Following the discovery of numerous leaf mines on Small-leaved Limes Tilia cordata at Norton Priory, Runcorn SJ5483 on 25-Aug and at Messuage Farm, near Marton SJ8268 on 29-Aug (CDa), mines were found during the autumn at Chester SJ4167 and eight sites in East Cheshire SJ98, including at the top of a remote clough at Lyme Handley SJ97937 82567. Both Small-leaved Lime and Common Lime Tilia x vulgaris were used, although never as often on the latter species (SHi). 0458 Ypsolopha alpella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) Singles to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 21 & 26-Sep (SHi). 0459 Ypsolopha sylvella (Linnaeus, 1767) One to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 14-Sep (SHi) was the fourth county record. 0463 Ypsolopha vittella (Linnaeus, 1758) One to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 13-Sep (SHi). 0510 Coleophora juncicolella Stainton, 1851 Larval cases were swept from Heather Calluna vulgaris at Little Budworth Common SJ5865 on 23-Apr. (ISm et al). 0518 Coleophora mayrella (Hübner, 1813) Three adults: to light at Romiley SJ9390 on 6-Jun (SFa), swept at Jacksons’ Brickworks SJ9484 on 15-Jun and to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 5-Jul (SHi). 0522 Coleophora lineolea (Haworth, 1828) One to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 27-Jul (MDa). 0536 Coleophora betulella (Heinemann, 1876) A male to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 17-Jun (MDa). 0565 Coleophora saxicolella Duponchel, 1843 The eighth county record since the first in 1979, was a male to light at Elton SJ4575 on 15-Aug (MBa,SHo). 0581 Coleophora taeniipennella Herrich-Schäffer, 1855 Larval cases on Middlewood Way, Higher Poynton SJ9482 on 13-Aug (SHi). 0585 Coleophora maritimella Newman, 1873 ** The first county record. Three pupae collected from Sea-rush Juncus maritimus, on the western side of Hilbre Island SJ1888 on 20-May-2002; two produced parasitoids, the third died (GBr). (Photo right - Ian Smith – not VC58). 0596 Elachista poae Stainton, 1855 One to light at Daneside Country Park SJ8165 on 7-Jul (APr,VWe) is the fifth county record. 0598 Elachista kilmunella Stainton, 1849 Abundant amongst Cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium at Whaley Moor SJ9882 on 8-Jun (SHi). 0600 Elachista luticomella Zeller, 1839 Five to light at Elton SJ4575 on 6-Aug (MBa,SHo). 0636 Denisia similella (Hübner, 1796) Singles in Lantern Wood, Lyme Park SJ9782 on 7-Jun and the following evening in a small copse at Lane Ends, Disley SJ9883 (SHi). 0656 Tachystola acroxantha (Meyrick, 1885) I mentioned in the 2004 report of this species range expansion, from north east Cheshire into Frodsham SJ5277. It continues to be recorded at this site (RBert) and has now continued its spread westwards along the M56 corridor, with an adult trapped at Elton SJ4575 on 11-Jun (MBa,SHo). The accompanying map in the 2004 report showed a clear gap in distribution between the two sites, which is more likely due to lack of coverage. I would expect that it has already spread to Warrington either along the M56 or the Mersey Valley and should turn up in Chester and the Wirral soon. I would ask recorders working these areas to look out for this species during the next few years. Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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0670 Depressaria daucella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) Singles to light at Hilbre Island SJ1888 on 15-Apr (GBr) and Elton SJ4575 on 4-May (MBa,SHo). 0695 Agonopterix alstromeriana (Clerck, 1759) One at Hilbre Island SJ1888 on 14-Apr (GBr) and three to light at Elton SJ4575 on 4 & 6-May and 8-Aug (MBa,SHo). 0704 Agonopterix scopariella (Heinemann, 1870) Two males to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 15 & 26-Apr (MDa). Seven moths have now been caught at this site during the past three years. 0710 Agonopterix conterminella (Zeller, 1839) One to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 20-Jul (SHi). 0729 Isophrictis striatella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) ** The first county record. One to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 29-Jul (SHi – photo right - Shane Farrell ). 0735 Monochroa tenebrella (Hübner, 1817) One to light at Tegg’s Nose Country Park SJ9572 on 17- Jun (SHi,JMi,SPa). 0746 Chrysoesthia drurella (Fabricius, 1775) Vacated leaf mines at Gleadsmoss SJ8268 on 23-Sep (SHi). 0747 Chrysoesthia sexguttella (Thunberg, 1794) Vacated leaf mines at Chester SJ4167on 16-Sep (SHi). 0760 Exoteleia dodecella (Linnaeus, 1758) Two to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 27-Jun, with a third on 24-Jul (MDa). 0762 Athrips mouffetella (Linnaeus, 1758) One to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 17-Jul (SHi). 0770 Carpatolechia proximella (Hübner, 1796) Two to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 8-Jun and a third at the same site on 4-Jul (MDa). 0771 Carpatolechia alburnella (Zeller, 1839) One to light at Jacksons' Brickworks, Higher Poynton SJ9484 on 28-Jul (MDa,SHi,KMc). 0774 Teleiodes luculella (Hübner, 1813) One to light at Heald Green SJ8586 on 10-Jun (BSh) 0782 Bryotropha senectella (Zeller, 1839) A male to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 24-Jul (MDa).

0790 Chionodes fumatella (Douglas, 1850) A male to light at Cholmondeley SJ5450 on 29-Jul (SFa – photo left) 0792 Mirificarma mulinella (Zeller, 1839) Bred from larva off Gorse Ulex europaeus at Jacksons' Brickworks, Higher Poynton SJ9484 on 11-May (SHi) and one to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 23-Aug (MDa). 0822 Scrobipalpa acuminatella (Sircom, 1850) Vacated leaf mine at Chester SJ4167 on 16-Sep (SHi).

0873 Blastobasis adustella Walsingham, 1894 As an indication of how common this species has now become; 2,067 were caught in a garden light trap at Alsager SJ8154 during the year, including 670 on 25-Jul (MDa). 0879 Batrachedra pinicolella (Zeller, 1839) Six adults to light at four sites; Romiley SJ9390 on 17-Jun (SFa), Alsager SJ8154 on 4-Jul, 5-Jul and 10-Jul (MDa) and Heald Green SJ8586 (BSh) and Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 5-Jul (SHi). All but one of the ten county records has occurred within the last four years. 0885 Mompha conturbatella (Hübner, 1819) One to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 1-Jul (SHi). 0886 Mompha ochraceella (Curtis, 1839) One to light at Elton SJ4575 on 24-Jul (MBa,SHo). Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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0891 Mompha sturnipennella (Treitschke, 1833) One to light at Elton SJ4575 on 11-Aug (MBa,SHo) and another bred from a gall on Rosebay Willowherb Epilobium angustifolium found by the Weaver Locks SJ6275 on 23-Sep, emerged five days later (AWa). 0925 Phtheochroa rugosana (Hübner, 1799) Four to light at Elton SJ4575 between 2 & 13-Jun (MBa,SHo). 0936 Cochylimorpha straminea (Haworth, 1811) Singles at Littleton SJ4566 on 2-Jun (CDa) and to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 14-Aug (SHi). 0945 Aethes cnicana (Westwood, 1854) One to light at Tegg’s Nose Country Park SJ9572 on 17-Jun (SHi,JMi,SPa). 0946 Aethes rubigana (Treitschke, 1830) Singles to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 26-Jul (MDa) and Elton SJ4575 on 6-Aug (MBa,SHo). 0968 Cochylis nana (Haworth, 1811) Two to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 11-Jun (MDa).

0987 Ptycholomoides aeriferanus (Herrich-Schäffer, 1851) Singles to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 (SHi) and Romiley SJ9390 (SFa – photo above) on 12 Jul, Cholmondeley SJ5450 on 29-Jul (SFa) and an undated record at Bramhall SJ8884 (AC). Since the first in 1995, there have only been four other records, during 1999/2000. 0988 Bilberry Tortrix Aphelia viburnana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) Three amongst Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus at Tegg’s Nose Country Park SJ9472 on 15-Jul (SHi) and a male to light at Romiley SJ9390 on 19-Jul (SFa – photo above). 1000 Ptycholoma lecheana (Linnaeus, 1758) One to light at Bulkeley Hill SJ5255 on 17-Jun (MDa,DTa). 1013 Olindia schumacherana (Fabricius, 1787) An adult flushed from vegetation near Stanlow Refinery SJ4275 on 2-Jun (MBa,SHo) and another to light at Jepsonclough Farm, Adlington SJ9380 on 3-Jul (SHi). 1027 Neosphaleroptera nubilana (Hübner, 1799) One flushed from a Hawthorn Crataegus hedge at Carr Green SJ7188 on 29-Jun (KMc) and a male to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 2-Jul (SHi). 1037 Acleris holmiana (Linnaeus, 1758) One to light at Anderton SJ6475 on 17-Jul (AWa). 1055 Acleris hyemana (Haworth, 1811) An adult disturbed from Heather Calluna vulgaris at Saltersley Moss SJ8280 on 20-Oct (BSh). 1065 Celypha rufana (Scopoli, 1763) ** The first county record. One to light at Appleton Thorn SJ6383 on 4-Jun (SBa). (Photo left - Ian Kimber – not VC58). 1079 Piniphila bifasciana (Haworth, 1811) Singles to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 4-Jul (MDa) and Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 5-Jul (SHi) are our first since 1987. Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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1086 Hedya salicella (Linnaeus, 1758) Singles to light at Elton SJ4575 on 16-Jul and 23-Aug (MBa,SHo).

1096 Apotomis sauciana (Frölich, 1828) Two in garden light traps at Heald Green SJ8586 (BSh) and Romiley SJ9390 both on 20-Jul (SFa – photo right). These sites are well away from the moors and mosses where all previous records have been and presumably where these originated. 1104 Endothenia quadrimaculana (Haworth, 1811) A female to light at Romiley SJ9390 on 11-Sep (SFa) 1113 Eudemis profundana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) Singles to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 25 Jul (SHi), Jepsonclough Farm, Adlington SJ9380 on 26-Jul (SHi) and Cholmondeley SJ5450 on 29-Jul (SFa – photo above). There are only three previous records, of which two have been in the past five years. 1137 Epinotia tetraquetrana (Haworth, 1811) One to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 8-Jun (MDa). 1142 Epinotia tedella (Clerck, 1759) Three flying at dusk amongst spruce Picea spp. on the Middlewood Way, Wood Lanes, Adlington SJ9482 on 30-Jun (SHi). 1151 Epinotia trigonella (Linnaeus, 1758) An adult to light at Bulkeley Hill SJ5255 on 17-Jun (MDa,DTa). 1162 Rhopobota myrtillana (Humphreys & Westwood, 1845) 115 flying over Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus by the roadside below Bow Stones SJ9781 towards dusk on 7- Jun, with another slightly earlier in the evening at Black Rocks, Disley SJ9883 the following day (SHi). 1168 Gypsonoma sociana (Haworth, 1811) A male to light at Jepsonclough Farm, Adlington SJ9380 on 3-Jul (SHi). 1183 Epiblema foenella (Linnaeus, 1758) Singles to light at Anderton SJ6475 on 17-Jul (AWa) and Elton SJ4575 on 25-Jul (MBa,SHo). 1187 Epiblema costipunctana (Haworth, 1811) Four to light at Elton SJ4575 between 11 & 17-Jun (MBa,SHi). 1193 Eucosma tripoliana (Barrett, 1880) Well away from their usual salt marsh habitat were five to light at Cholmondeley SJ5450 on 29-Jul with another at Romiley SJ9390 on 3-Aug (SFa). Were it not for a previous record at the latter site, that record would have been considered possibly the result of a transfer of a specimen from the Cholmondeley session. 1205a Spilonota laricana (Heinemann, 1863) A couple to light at Wornish Nook SJ8465 on 25-Jun-2004 (APr,VWe) and a female to light at Bulkeley Hill SJ5255 on 23-Sep (MDa,DTa) are the third and fourth county records and the first for sixty years. 1207 Pine Leaf-mining Moth Clavigesta purdeyi (Durrant, 1911) Singles to light at Elton SJ4575 (MBa, SHo) and Heald Green SJ8586 (BSh) on 20-Jul and Romiley SJ9390 on 24-Jul (SFa – photo above). Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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1216 Cherry Bark Moth Enarmonia formosana (Scopoli, 1763) Singles to light at Heald Green SJ8586 on 1 & 3-Jul (BSh) and Romiley SJ9390 on 18-Jul (SFa). 1233 Pammene aurita Razowski, 1991 Two to light at Marple SJ9589 on 28-Jul (MSta). 1234 Pammene regiana (Zeller, 1849) Pupal cases found under bark at the base of Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus at Marple SJ9688 on 23-Apr (BSh et.al.). Three to light at Sale SJ7992 on 29-Jun & 2-Jul (PHa) with another at Chester SJ4168 on 18-Jul (TEd). 1242 Grapholita internana (Guenée, 1845) At least two adults were disturbed from amongst gorse Ulex europaeus bushes at Higher Poynton SJ9384 on 31-May (SHi). Surely under recorded, as this is only the third site in the county. 1259 Cydia fagiglandana (Zeller, 1841) The third county record was of two males to light at Jepsonclough Farm, Adlington SJ9380 on 3-Jul (SHi). Previously found at Burton in 1999 and Heald Green in 2005. 1266a Cydia illutana (Herrich-Schäffer, 1851) ** The first county record. A male to light at Bulkeley Hill SJ5255 on 23-Sep (MDa,DTa). 1272 Pammene aurana (Fabricus, 1775) One on the flower head of Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium at Carr Green SJ7188 on 29-Jun (KMc).

1275 Dichrorampha flavidorsana Knaggs, 1867 ** The first county record. Five adults flying at dusk around Tansy Tanacetum vulgare at Higher Poynton SJ9483 between 29-Jul & 5-Aug. A male at the same site on 27-Jul-2002 has only recently been determined. Another adult was also present on 8-Aug-2004 (SHi). (Photo above - Nigel Whinney – not VC58). 1290 Chilo phragmitella (Hübner, 1805) An adult to light at Cholmondeley SJ5450 on 29-Jul (SFa et al). 1307 Agriphila latistria (Haworth, 1811) Singles to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 11-Aug (MDa), Offerton, Stockport SJ9090 on 17-Aug (EKe) and Elton SJ4575 on 21-Aug (MBa,SHo). 1330 Donacaula mucronellus ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) The first record since 1980 and only the fifth ever was recorded to light at Mere SJ7381 on 11-Jun (SBl – photo above Shane Farrell). 1343 Eudonia delunella (Stainton, 1849) One to light at Chester SJ4168 on 15-Aug (TEd – photo left) is the fifth county record and the first for almost sixty years. 1348 Ringed China-mark Parapoynx stratiotata (Linnaeus, 1758) One to light at Anderton SJ6475 on 21-Jul (AWa). 1350 Beautiful China-mark Nymphula stagnata (Donovan, 1806) Singles to light at Anderton SJ6475 on 21-Jul (AWa) and Bromborough SJ3479 on 28-Jun (ESa). Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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1385 Ebulea crocealis (Hübner, 1796) Singles to light at Elton SJ4575 on 6-Aug (MBa,SHo) and disturbed from vegetation at Inner Marsh Farm, Burton SJ3073 on 12-Jul (DHi) and 16-Sep (MBa,SHo).

1400 Antigastra catalaunalis (Duponchel, 1833) ** The first county record of this usually rare British migrant to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 26-Sep (MDa – photo above). 1425 Wax Moth Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus, 1758) Singles to light at Burwardsley SJ5156 on 5-Sep (MWh – photo above), Rope, Crewe SJ6952 on 7-Sep (DCo) and Cheadle Hulme SJ8786 on 27-Sep (GLi) are only the fifth, sixth and seventh county records. 1433 Cryptoblabes bistriga (Haworth, 1811) A single to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 17-Jul (SHi). 1436 Conobathra repandana (Fabricius, 1798) Singles to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 16-Jul (MDa) and Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 19-Jul (SHi) and six at Elton SJ4575 between 25-Jul & 15-Aug (MBa,SHo). 1437 Acrobasis consociella (Hübner, 1813) Five to light at Alsager SJ8154 between 3 & 26-Jul, were followed by another on 25-Sep. Also one to light at Jacksons’ Brickworks, Higher Poynton SJ9484 on 28-Jul (MDa). An exceptional series of records for a species that has only been recorded in the county on four previous occasions. 1454 Dioryctria abietella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) Two to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 11-Sep, followed by a third at the same site on 23-Sep (MDa). 1473 Cacao Moth Ephestia elutella (Hübner, 1796) A female to light at Romiley SJ9390 on 2-Aug (SFa) 1479 Indian Meal Moth Plodia interpunctella (Hübner, 1813) A single to light at Rope, Crewe SJ6952 on 3-Jun (DCo) 1485 Phycitodes maritima (Tengström, 1848) A male to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 23-Jun (SHi) is the first away from the Wirral. 1637 Northern Eggar Lasiocampa quercus f. callunae Palmer, 1847 A single adult to light at Marbury Country Park SJ6576 on 18-Jul was the sole 2006 record (LBe – photo left Paul Hill ). 1647 Barred Hook-tip Watsonalla cultraria (Fabricius, 1775) This moth has become more common in recent years. A single specimen was noted flying down to the ground from a beech Fagus spp. tree at Great Midgel Moss, Delamere SJ5371 on 10-Jun (BBu).

Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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1661 Orange Underwing Archiearis parthenias (Linnaeus, 1761) There were two records of this day-flying moth in 2006. Seven adults were noted flying around the tops of and below mature birches Betula spp. at Great Midgel Moss, Delamere SJ5371 on 30-Mar (BBu) and the following day five were seen at Anderton Nature Park SJ6475 (AWa). (Photo left - Les Hall – different moth).

1665 Grass Emerald Pseudoterpna pruinata (Walker, 1863) Two records of single specimens to light at Nantwich SJ6247 on 07-Sep and 12-Sep (PGri – photo above). 1677 Birch Mocha Cyclophora albipunctata (Hufnagel, 1767) This normally very scarce species had a good year this year and seems to be increasing in frequency. There were two records, a single to light at Bromborough SJ3479 on 10-Jun (ESa) and a minimum of six specimens (possibly as many as ten) came to light on a very wet night at Cholmondeley SJ5450 on 29-Jul (SFa et al. – photo below - Shane Farrell). In total we now have five county records.

1678 Blair's Mocha Cyclophora puppillaria (Hübner, 1799) **The first county record. Reflecting two excellent aspects of the 2006 season, this moth was both a migrant and one of the ‘mocha family’ – we had several of both this year! This is a scarce moth even on a national basis and we were therefore very fortunate to record one this far north. The single adult came to light at Bowdon SJ7686 on 13-Oct (RHi – photo above). 1680 Maiden's Blush Cyclophora punctaria (Linnaeus, 1758) Continuing the above vein, there were two records of this species in 2006. The first at Great Sutton SJ3875 to light on 15-Jun (MBe – photo left), the other also a single moth to light at Cheadle Hulme SJ8786 on 26-Jul (GLi). Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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1681 Clay Triple-lines Cyclophora linearia (Hübner, 1799) The final record in this quartet of species was a single specimen of this very scarce moth to light at Upton, Wirral SJ2588 on 18-Jun (HDa – photo below). This again being the fifth county record.

1689 Mullein Wave Scopula marginepunctata (Goeze, 1781) Again a single record of this moth, following the first county record in 2005. This year there was a single record of one moth to light at Shavington SJ7152 on 29-Jun (RBen,TRo – photo above). 1699 Least Carpet Idaea rusticata Lempke, 1967 A single specimen to light at Shavington SJ7152 on 03-Jul (RBen,TRo – photo below) follows a record at the same site in 2005. This was only the third county record.

1705 Dwarf Cream Wave Idaea fuscovenosa (Goeze, 1781) There were just two records of single moths to light at Little Neston SJ2976 on 03-Jul (ICo) and at Elton SJ4575 on 10-Jul (MBa,SHo). 1709 Satin Wave Idaea subsericeata (Haworth, 1809) This species appears to have a stronghold on the Wirral with three records all to light this year. There were single specimens at Upton SJ2588 on 17-Jun (HDa – photo above) and at Bromborough SJ3479 on 19-Jun (ESa). There were two specimens caught at Thurstaston Common SJ24846 on 15-Jun (DHi). 1720 Gem Orthonama obstipata (Fabricius, 1794) The migrant theme continues with three records of this species in 2007. They were all single moths to light. There were two late spring specimens at Marple SJ9589 (MSta) and at Pensby SJ2783 (Dhi – photo right Harry Davies) both on 10-Jun. The final record was at the same site as the latter moth, again to light on 30-Sep (DHi). 1726 Large Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata (Clerck, 1759) **The first county record of this species was caught at light at Alsager SJ8154 on 25-Jul (MDa). As it was such a worn specimen, this female moth was confirmed by dissection to eliminate the remote possibility that it was an aberrant Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe ferrugata. 1734 July Belle Scotopteryx luridata (Fabricius, 1775) There were further reports of this species at a known site where past specimens have previously been Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

22 confirmed. Other records have been assigned to the aggregate ‘species’ with Lead Belle. There seems to be a good colony at Thurstaston Common SJ2484 (DHi) with numbers caught at light as follows two on 15-Jun, three on 10-Jun, and nine on 23-Jun (DHi). There are now six accepted records for this species. 1745 Mallow Larentia clavaria (Haworth, 1809) This scarce migrant is recorded reasonably regularly on Hilbre Island and there was a single record of an adult found indoors in SJ1888 on 07-Sep (GBr). There have been previous records on the island in 1980, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2002, 2003 and 2005 suggesting an extant colony. 1749 Dark Spinach Pelurga comitata (Linnaeus, 1758) A single moth to light at Alvanley SJ5073 on 03-Aug was the only record in 2006 (AJe – photo right). 1755 Chevron Eulithis testata (Linnaeus, 1761) There were single records of this species, all to light at the following sites, Cheadle Hulme SJ8786 (GLi), Jackson's Brickwork's, Higher Poynton SJ9484 on 28- Jul (MDa,SHi,KMc,DTa) and at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 29-Jul (SHi). 1775 Mottled Grey Colostygia multistrigaria (Haworth, 1809) This early flier is not often recorded and this year there were three records. All were single moths to light at Mere SJ7381 on 15-Apr (SBl), at Pensby SJ2783 (DHi) and Alsager SJ8154 (MDa) both on 26-Apr. 1789 Scallop Shell Rheumaptera undulata (Linnaeus, 1758) This scarce species was recorded once at light at Mere SJ7381 when two specimens were present on 03-Jul (SBl). 1790 Tissue Triphosa dubitata (Linnaeus, 1758) There were two records of this attractive species this year within a few days of each other. The first to light at Shavington SJ7152 on 23-Jul (RBen,TRo – photo left) and the other, again a single specimen at light at Frodsham SJ5277 on 29-Jul (RBert). 1797 Autumnal Moth Epirrita autumnata (Borkhausen, 1794) Records of this species and the related group of moths (with the possible exception of Small Autumnal Moth Epirrita filigrammaria in appropriate habitat) all require genitalia assessment to allow records to stand at species level. Moths not treated in this way should be allotted to the November Moth agg. Females are not currently reliable even when dissected and therefore only records of males will be allowed. Two specimens attracted to light were confirmed in 2006 with a male at Cheadle Hulme SJ8686 in October (GLi det. SHi) and at Pensby SJ2783 on 22-Oct (DHi). 1800 Northern Winter Moth Operophtera fagata (Scharfenberg, 1805) Three records this year with single adults to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 17-Nov and 03-Nov (MDa) and two larvae off Hawthorn Crataegus spp. at Jacksons' Brickworks, Higher Poynton SJ9484 on 11-May (SHi). 1812 Maple Pug Eupithecia inturbata (Hübner, 1817) **The first county record of the this species was found when a small worn male pug was retained and dissected. It came to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 05-Aug (MDa). Given this record, it is possible that larvae may be found at this site and other areas of the county on flowers of Field Maple Acer campestre. This continues a long line of new county records by this recorder. Four of these new county records were in 2006 alone. 1813 Haworth's Pug Eupithecia haworthiata Doubleday, 1856 This is a scarce species in Cheshire and there was a single specimen to light at Burwardsley SJ5156 on 12- Jul (MWh – photo left). This specimen showed the Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

23 importance of taking photographs of specimens as it was identified early in 2007 from a photograph sent for confirmation (pers. comm. SFa). Not all species can be confirmed in this way but with this distinctive pug there was no doubt so the record could be accepted. This was the fifth county record. 1859 Sloe Pug Pasiphila chloerata Mabille, 1870 There are more records of larvae than adults on the database for this species but the three records in 2006 were all of single specimens attracted to light. The first was at a known site so a specimen was not required. This was at Chadkirk Farm SJ9490 on 23-Jun (JRo – photo right). The other two were new for the site so specimens were requested and dissected (SFa) to confirm females at Cheadle Hulme SJ8686 and Cheadle Hulme SJ8786 in July (GLi). 1875 Small White Wave Asthena albulata (Hufnagel, 1767) Just a single record of one moth at light at Marbury Country Park SJ6576 on 10-Jun (LBe). 1889 Peacock Moth Macaria notata (Linnaeus, 1758) Whilst this is not a first county record, it is the first apparently confirmed record and definitely the first record we have since the record from the Ellis List which was pre 1900. This single male came to light at Bulkeley Hill SJ5255 on 17-Jun (MDa,DTa – photo left Mike Dale) and due to the slight possibility of Sharp- angled Peacock, it was deemed prudent to dissect and confirm this specimen. This is only the second county record. 1910 Lilac Beauty Apeira syringaria (Linnaeus, 1758) The three records in 2006 were all at the same site, to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 (SHi). The first three were on 02-Jul with a further single moth on 17-Sep, possibly indicates a second generation in the county this year (SHi, pers. comm.). 1936 Waved Umber Menophra abruptaria (Thunberg, 1792) Two records were both to light at Nantwich SJ6247 on 27-Apr (PGri) and two specimens at Marbury Country Park SJ6576 on 01-May (LBe). 1940 Satin Beauty Deileptenia ribeata (Clerck, 1759) A single record of a male moth to light at Higher Poynton SJ9483 on 05-Jul (SHi). This moth seems to have increased recently with six of the eleven records in the last seven years. 1970 Grass Wave Perconia strigillaria (Hübner, 1787) One of the few known sites for this moth produced two records this year, both of larvae swept from the habitat. They were both at Little Budworth Common SJ5865 on 23-Apr when a single larva was swept from Ling (Calluna spp.) (L&CES member field trip – photo Ben Smart) and reared to confirm the identity. The other was of larvae swept from the same site on 28-Apr (AWa). 1972 Convolvulus Hawk-moth Agrius convolvuli (Linnaeus, 1758) This impressive species was one of the targets for National Moth Night and there were two records this year. One was at the perhaps expected coastal location of Hilbre Island SJ18 in September (CTo,VSe) and the other at Rope SJ6952 on 23-Sep (DCo). Both records were of single adults to light traps. 1973 Death's-head Hawk-moth Acherontia atropos (Linnaeus, 1758) In a year full of migrants, the fact that there was just a single record of this species is perhaps surprising (and from my personal selfish perspective very disappointing!). The one record we did receive was unfortunately somewhat vague as although I did receive a photograph in confirmation of the specimen seen on the Wirral in September, I did not receive any exact site details (CCo – photo below ). If anyone knows the recorder on a Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

24 personal level, it would be appreciated if they can effect an introduction to me as I would be interested to receive further details of this record and any other moth records he may have accrued.

1990 Striped Hawk-moth Hyles livornica (Esper, 1779) This impressive moth now has five records in Cheshire and the latest was found while gardening at Macclesfield SJ8972 on 01-Jun (J&Rev – photo right). The moth did not appear to have been a freshly emerged specimen, being quite worn and is therefore at least possibly a true migrant.

1995 Puss Moth Cerura vinula (Linnaeus, 1758) Just one record this year of a single specimen to light at Pensby SJ2783 on 09-Jun (DHi – photo above). 1998 Poplar Kitten Furcula bifida (Brahm, 1787) Two records, both to light. The first at Offerton SJ9090 on 19-Jun (EKe), and the other specimen was at Hale SJ7886 on 22-Jun (KNe). 2019 Chocolate-tip Clostera curtula (Linnaeus, 1758) Although we actually received two records of this species in 2006, they are assumed to be of the same specimen. There was a single specimen to light at Sound SJ6247 on 27-Apr and again two days later (BLe – photo left). This was the third county record of a species which seems to be on the increase with at least a further two records in 2007. 2031 White Satin Leucoma salicis (Linnaeus, 1758) This potential pest species has fluctuating levels of abundance and this year was a year of very few records. There were just three records of single moths, all to light traps. These were at Little Neston SJ2976 on 03-Jul (ICo), Elton SJ4575 on 12-Jul (MBa/SHo) and at Gatley SJ8487 on 13-Jul (DSh).

Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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2044 Dingy Footman Eilema griseola (Hübner, 1803) In line with other lichen feeding species, this moth has increased in frequency since the first recent record in 2001. In 2006 there were three records, two of which were at the same site. A single moth to light at Great Sutton SJ3875 on 20-Jul (MBe – photo left) was straddled by two records at Shavington SJ7152 on 17-Jul and 23-Jul (RBen,TRo). The latter two were again single specimens at light. There have now been a total of eight records of this moth. 2051 Four-spotted Footman Lithosia quadra (Linnaeus, 1758) As if the above Dingy Footman record was not enough reward for regular trapping, a single Four-spotted Footman was also recorded to light at Great Sutton SJ3875 on 05-Aug (MBe – photo above). This is still a very rare moth with a total of only six records and the records we have are presumably the result of migration rather than residency. 2057 Garden Tiger Arctia caja (Linnaeus, 1758) The national decline of this lovely species has been well-documented in the press; unfortunately, Cheshire is no different to that trend. There were just two records of the moth in 2006, one of which was a single larva at Bignall Hill SJ8250 on 12-May (RBen,TRo). The other record was a single adult to light at Marbury Country Park SJ6576 on 05-Jul (LBe). 2080 Square-spot Dart Euxoa obelisca (Tutt, 1902) and 2081 White-line Dart Euxoa tritici (Linnaeus, 1761) Although previous reports have advised that we will only consider acceptance of records for both species where a dissection has been carried out, in line with our regular appraisal of individual species’ status, the moth panel feel this was a too cautious approach. We will now accept records for tritici without further supporting evidence being required. Records for obelisca will, however still require a dissected specimen to confirm and allow records to be accepted. There were three records of White-line Dart in 2006, all to light and relating to single specimens as follows, Marbury Country Park SJ6576 on 04-Jul (LBe), Elton SJ4575 on 31-Jul (MBa/SHo) and finally, Mere SJ7381 on 12-Sep (SBl). 2082 Garden Dart Euxoa nigricans (Linnaeus, 1761) Recently a scarce species, and there were just two records in 2006. Both were single specimens to light and in terms of time caught were quite widely spaced. The first was at Elton SJ4575 on 31-Jul (MBa,SHo) and the other at Bromborough SJ3479 on 11-Sep (ESa). 2085 Archer's Dart Agrotis vestigialis (Hufnagel, 1766) This coastal species is not often found although being in the correct habitat obviously helps! There were two records of single moths in 2006. Both were at Red

Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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Rocks Marsh SJ2088 and to light on 19-Aug and located by torching on 22-Aug (MBe,HDa,LHa,DHi,HJo – photo above David Hinde). 2114 Double Dart Graphiphora augur (Fabricius, 1775) Another rather scarce dart species with three records in 2006, all single moths to light. These were at Pensby SJ2783 on 18-Jun (DHi – photo right), Frodsham SJ5277 on 25-Jun (RBe) and Nantwich SJ6752 on 28- Jun (DTa). 2121 Barred Chestnut Diarsia dahlii (Hübner, 1813) Just two records of this moth to light at the same site. A single moth was present at Bromborough SJ3479 on 14- Aug and 18-Aug (ESa). 2132 Neglected Rustic Xestia castanea (Esper, 1798) There were two larval records of this species. Both at Little Budworth Common SJ5865 at a LCES Field Trip on 23-Apr and then on 28-Apr (AWa). As expected these were located during sweeping vegetation.

2137 Great Brocade Eurois occulta (Linnaeus, 1758) This large and beautiful migrant was present in good numbers in Lancashire and we had two records in Cheshire. Both were to light with one at Marbury Country Park SJ6576 on 13-Aug (LBe) and the other at Bramhall (SJ8884) on 15-Aug (ACh – photo left). These were the sixth and seventh county records. 2142 Beautiful Yellow Underwing Anarta myrtilli (Linnaeus, 1761) This cryptic day-flying species was recorded three times this year, all in typical habitat. The records were of single moths at Lindow Common SJ8380 on 05-May (SHi) and Saltersley Moss SJ8180 on 23-Jul (BSh). The final record was of larvae at Tegg's Nose SJ9472 found on heather Calluna vulgaris on 22-Aug (SHi). 2170 Varied Coronet Hadena compta ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) A single moth, the third county record, came to light at Offerton SJ9090 on 12-Jul (EKe – photo below).

2177 Hedge Rustic Tholera cespitis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) A single moth to light at Pensby SJ2783 on 17-Aug was the only record in 2006 (DHi). 2195 Delicate Mythimna vitellina (Hübner, 1808) Another migrant species, there were two records in 2006. Both were to light in September, with two at Hilbre Island SJ18 during the month (CTo,VSe – photo above) and another at Bowdon SJ7686 on 25-Sep (RHi).

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These were the third and fourth county records. 2197 Southern Wainscot Mythimna straminea (Treitschke, 1825) Three single specimens to light at Mere SJ7381 on 05-Jul and 07-Jul (SBl) and at Elton SJ4575 on 14-Jul (MBa,SHo). 2208 Cosmopolitan Mythimna loreyi (Duponchel, 1827) **The first county record. This is the third migrant species for which we had a new county record in 2006, reflecting the excellent year for such moths. There was a single moth to light at Shavington SJ7152 on 03-Sep (RBen,TRo – photo left). 2214 Chamomile Shark Cucullia chamomillae ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) Just a single moth at light was recorded at Rope SJ6952 on 28-Apr (DCo).

2231 Deep-brown Dart Aporophyla lutulenta ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) / 2231a Northern Deep- brown Dart Aporophyla lueneburgensis (Freyer, 1848) This pair of species are very difficult to separate and even dissections provide no help at all. Often a specimen has to be compared with other specimens to confirm identity and therefore, it will be a requirement for new site records to be confirmed by retention of a specimen. However, records can still be referred to the group and will be stored as unconfirmed. There were confirmed records of single specimens of Northern Deep- brown Dart to light at Anderton SJ6475 on 24-Sep and 30-Sep (AWa). 2235 Tawny Pinion Lithophane semibrunnea (Haworth, 1809) Two records of this spring species were recorded in light traps as single specimens at Great Sutton SJ3875 on 24-Mar (MBe) and Malpas SJ4746 on 15-Apr (RHi). Recorders should of course, always be aware of the possible confusion with dark specimens of Pale Pinion L. hepatica (Clerck, 1759) although the dark fascia on the underside of the hindwing of semibrunnea is diagnostic. 2250 Dark Brocade Blepharita adusta (Esper, 1790) Three records of single moths to light. There were records at Upton SJ2588 (HDa) and Romiley SJ9390 (SFa) on 05-Jul and also at Willaston SJ6752 on 11-Jul (DTa). 2275 Dusky-lemon Sallow Xanthia gilvago ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) The other NMN2006 target species recorded in Cheshire. There were three records of single moths all to light at Little Neston SJ2976 on 23-Sep (ICo) and at Bromborough SJ3479 on 22-Oct (ESa). The other record was at Nantwich SJ6247 (PGri). 2281 Alder Moth Acronicta alni (Linnaeus, 1767) Just one record of a single moth to light at Tegg's Nose C.P. SJ9572 on 17-Jun (SHi,JMi,SPr). 2286 Light Knot Grass Acronicta menyanthidis (Esper, 1789) This moth turns up every now and again and there was a single record of a melanic specimen to light at Sale SJ7992 on 10-Jun (PHa – photo left). 2327 Clouded Brindle Apamea epomidion (Haworth, 1809) Three records with single moths to light at Marbury Country Park SJ6576 on 25-Jun (LBe), Pensby SJ2783 on 27-Jun (DHi) and Anderton SJ6475 on 05-Jul (AWa). 2338 Rufous Minor Oligia versicolor (Borkhausen, 1792) Records of this group (versicolor, strigilis and latruncula) will only be accepted to species level when confirmed via dissection. There were three such records, all to light, in 2006 as follows: two males at Alsager SJ8154 on 22-Jun (MDa), one male and three females at Adlington SJ9380 on 03-Jul (SHi) and one male at Daneside Country Park SJ8165 on 07-Jul (APr,VWe).

Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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2352 Dusky Sallow Eremobia ochroleuca ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) A real rarity in Cheshire with only two previous records. This lovely little moth was trapped at light (and thankfully photographed) at Gatley SJ8487 on 22-Jul (DSh - photo right). 2391 Silky Wainscot Chilodes maritimus (Tauscher, 1806) This moth was taken at light at the same site on consecutive nights. A single moth was at Marbury Country Park SJ6576 on 01-Jul and 02-Jul (LBe). 2440 Lempke's Gold Spot Plusia putnami Lempke, 1966 The increasing records of this species seem to confirm that it has expanded its range in recent years. There was a further record at a known site and a new site with both confirmed by dissection (SFa). There was one at Cheadle Hulme SJ8786 in late summer (GLi) and one at Bromborough SJ3479 on 04-Aug (ESa). There was a further record from Bramhall in 2005 (ACh det. SFa)

2476 Beautiful Snout Hypena crassalis (Fabricius, 1787) This species tends to be recorded in somewhat elevated areas and can be kicked up during daytime walks. There were three records in 2006, two at the same site and all three to light traps. The first was two specimens at Bulkeley Hill SJ5255 on 17-Jun (MDa,DTa – photo left Mike Dale). The other two were at Tegg's Nose C.P. SJ9572 on 17-Jun (four specimens) and 06-Jul (three specimens) (SHi,JMi).

Additional Records/Amendments Received Since the Last Report and Relating to 2005. In this section we have collated records and amendments for 2005, which were either received too late to be included, or only confirmed after the production of last year’s report and not included in the systematic list above. It is really helpful if records can be sent through to us in whatever format is most convenient to the recorders concerned, well before the normal cut-off date of 28-Feb each year. Recorders are also encouraged to send interim summaries during the year if this is possible. Significant records will still be incorporated into the planned Atlas wherever possible.

1637 Oak Eggar Lasiocampa quercus (Linnaeus, 1758) Additional records during the month of July and all to light were as follows, Sound, Nantwich SJ6247 (BLe), and single adults at three sites - at Heatley, Near Aston SJ6246 (EHo), at Austerson SJ6549 (JDa) and finally at Nantwich SJ6247 on 12-Jul (PGri). 1674 Little Emerald Jodis lactearia (Linnaeus, 1758) Records to light at Sound SJ6247 (BLe), Rope SJ6952 (DCo) in June and three at Nantwich SJ6247 between 8-Jun and 15-Jun (PGri). 1749 Dark Spinach Pelurga comitata (Linnaeus, 1758) An adult to light at Birkenhead SJ3286 on 22-Jul (GJo). 1762 Dark Marbled Carpet Chloroclysta citrata (Linnaeus, 1761) Single specimens to light at Marbury Country Park SJ6576 on 15-Jun (LBe) and Birkenhead SJ3286 on 22- Jul (GJo). 1809 Twin-spot Carpet Perizoma didymata (Linnaeus, 1758) Two to light at Nantwich SJ6247 on 02-Jul (PGri). 1838 Tawny Speckled Pug Eupithecia icterata (Villers, 1789) Single specimens to light at Nantwich SJ6247 on 22-Aug and 26-Aug (PGri). Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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1870 Chimney Sweeper Odezia atrata (Linnaeus, 1758) Six were recorded during the daytime at Springfield Copse SJ9786 on 26-Jun (ABi). 1881 Early Tooth-striped Trichopteryx carpinata (Borkhausen, 1794) Single specimens to light at Marbury Country Park SJ6576 on 03-Apr and 11-May (LBe). 1927 Brindled Beauty Lycia hirtaria (Clerck, 1759) A single moth to light at Nantwich SJ6247 on 27-Apr (PGri). 1978 Pine Hawk-moth Hyloicus pinastri (Linnaeus, 1758) Only the second record, following the first at Mere in 2004 was to light at Nantwich SJ6247 on 13-Jul (PGri – photo left). 2119 Pearly Underwing Peridroma saucia (Hübner, 1808) Records were received from adjacent hectads in November and both to light. There were two at Rope SJ6952 (DCo) and one at Nantwich SJ6247 on 02-Nov (PGri). 2139 Red Chestnut Cerastis rubricosa ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) Recorded to light at Nantwich SJ6651 (MHo) and Nantwich SJ6247 where seven were recorded during March (PGri). 2221 Mullein Shargacucullia verbasci (Linnaeus, 1758) A further larval record at Shavington SJ7152 on 08-Jun (RBen,TRo). 2283 Dark Dagger Acronicta tridens ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) Unusually for this species, we actually had some adults confirmed in 2005. There was a female to light at Alsager SJ8154 on 04-Jun and again at the same site on 23-Jun (MDa). 2327 Clouded Brindle Apamea epomidion (Haworth, 1809) A single moth to light at Marbury Country Park SJ6576 on 30-Jul (LBe). 2354 Sandhill Rustic Luperina nickerlii gueneei Doubleday, 1864 This species was again confirmed as still resident in its only known site at Hoylake SJ28 (IWa). The moth has been confirmed in all years from 1986-2006 so seems relatively stable. 2380 Treble Lines Charanyca trigrammica (Hufnagel, 1766) Single specimens all to light at Austerson SJ6549 in May (JDa), and Nantwich SJ62872 on 26-May and 31-May (PGri). 2444 Gold Spangle Autographa bractea ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) A single specimen to light at Marbury Country Park SJ6576 on 23-Jul (LBe). 2462 Mother Shipton Callistege mi (Clerck, 1759) Recorded during the daytime at Weston Hall SJ73012 on 07-Jun (RBen,TRo – photo right). 2463 Burnet Companion Euclidia glyphica (Linnaeus, 1758) One at Chorlton Chapel SJ7251 on 22-Jun during the day (RBen,TRo).

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Species New for their Respective 10km Squares Here we have created a summary of the species which, according to the information available at the present time, were new for their respective squares in 2006 (or previous years but brought to our attention in 2006). We will welcome comment from anyone that has information to add to this summary. Some of the squares are only partially in VC58 and although species may have been recorded in adjacent counties, they are new for this side of the boundary. Some squares appear to have very few historic records and the recent contribution that the recorders in these areas have made has greatly enhanced the species list for these 10km squares in the last few years and also improved the balance of our knowledge of the distribution of VC58 species. The following are listed in Bradley & Fletcher number order for each 10km square. SJ18 0670 Depressaria daucella (GBr), 0695 Agonopterix alstromeriana (GBr), 2195 Delicate Mythimna vitellina (CTo,VSe). SJ27 0424 Bird-cherry Ermine Yponomeuta evonymella (ICo), 0658 Carcina quercana (BSh), 0663 Diurnea fagella (ICo), 2240 Blair's Shoulder-knot Lithophane leautieri (ICo), 2280 Miller Acronicta leporina (ICo), 2474 Straw Dot Rivula sericealis (ICo). SJ28 0382 Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis (PMHill), 1797 Autumnal Moth Epirrita autumnata (DHi), 1927 Brindled Beauty Lycia hirtaria (DHi – photo left), 2138 Green Arches Anaplectoides prasina (DHi), 2400 Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera (DHi), 2466 Blackneck Lygephila pastinum (DHi). SJ29 0382 Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis (DHi) SJ35 0065 Stigmella speciosa (SHi)

SJ36 0148 Nemophora degeerella (PMHill), 2462 Mother Shipton Callistege mi (PMHill) SJ37 0373 Currant Clearwing Synanthedon tipuliformis (MBe,HJo), 1385 Ebulea crocealis (DHi), 1677 Birch Mocha Cyclophora albipunctata (ESa), 2044 Dingy Footman Eilema griseola (MBe), 2051 Four-spotted Footman Lithosia quadra (MBe), 2130 Dotted Clay Xestia baja (ESa), 2139 Red Chestnut Cerastis rubricosa (ESa), 2385 Small Mottled Willow Spodoptera exigua (MBe), 2440 Lempke's Gold Spot Plusia putnami (ESa), 2473 Beautiful Hook-tip Laspeyria flexula (ESa – photo right). SJ38 0874 Blastobasis lacticolella (GJo). SJ39 0373 Currant Clearwing Synanthedon tipuliformis (LHa), 1405 Mother of Pearl Pleuroptya ruralis (MGr), 1883 Yellow-barred Brindle Acasis viretata (MGr). SJ44 0989 Timothy Tortrix Aphelia paleana (BSh), 2186 Powdered Quaker Orthosia gracilis (RHi), 2235 Tawny Pinion Lithophane semibrunnea (RHi). SJ45 0273 Bucculatrix thoracella (SHi), 0274 Bucculatrix ulmella (SHi), 0363 Phyllonorycter platanoidella (SHi),

Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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0577 Coleophora artemisicolella (SHi), 0672 Parsnip Moth Depressaria heraclei (SHi), 2283 Dark Dagger Acronicta tridens (SHi). SJ46 0092 Rose Leaf Miner Stigmella anomalella (SHi), 0100 Stigmella oxyacanthella (SHi), 0152 Adela rufimitrella (CDa), 0333 Phyllonorycter salictella (SHi), 0447 Roeslerstammia erxlebella (SHi), 0462 Ypsolopha sequella (TEd), 0670 Depressaria daucella (BSm), 0697 Agonopterix arenella (CDa), 0822 Scrobipalpa acuminatella (SHi), 0936 Cochylimorpha straminea (CDa), 0947 Aethes smeathmanniana (CDa), 1126 Ancylis badiana (CDa), 1234 Pammene regiana (TEd), 1343 Eudonia delunella (TEd), 1844 Ochreous Pug Eupithecia indigata (TEd), 2221 Mullein Shargacucullia verbasci (POl,MCa), 2400 Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera (GWo), 2403 Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigera (TEd), 2473 Beautiful Hook-tip Laspeyria flexula (GWo). SJ47 0274 Bucculatrix ulmella (MBa,SHo), 0301 Parornix betulae (MBa,SHo), 0409b Argyresthia cupressella (MBa,SHo), 0410 Argyresthia brockeella (MBa,SHo), 0450 Hawthorn Moth Scythropia crataegella (MBa,SHo), 0565 Coleophora saxicolella (MBa,SHo), 0607 Elachista canapennella (MBa,SHo), 0609 Elachista maculicerusella (MBa,SHo), 0644 Borkhausenia fuscescens (MBa,SHo), 0656 Tachystola acroxantha (MBa,SHo), 0891 Mompha sturnipennella (MBa,SHo), 1013 Olindia schumacherana (MBa,SHo), 1032 Aleimma loeflingiana (MBa,SHo), 1163 Spruce Bud Moth Zeiraphera ratzeburgiana (MBa,SHo), 1184a Epiblema cirsiana (MBa,SHo), 1187 Epiblema costipunctana (MBa,SHo), 1508 Stenoptilia bipunctidactyla (MBa,SHo), 1654 Figure of Eighty Tethea ocularis (MBa,SHo), 1957 White- pinion Spotted Lomographa bimaculata (MBa,SHo), 2236 Pale Pinion Lithophane hepatica (MBo), 2400 Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera (MBa,SHo), 2403 Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigera (MBa,SHo), 2473 Beautiful Hook-tip Laspeyria flexula (MBo). SJ55 0020 Ectoedemia decentella (MDa,DTa), 0246 Tinea semifulvella (MDa,DTa), 0301 Parornix betulae (SFa et al), 0425 Orchard Ermine Yponomeuta padella (SFa et al), 0442 Cedestis gysseleniella (SFa et al), 0464 Diamond-back Moth Plutella xylostella (MDa,DTa), 0587 Coleophora caespititiella (MDa,DTa), 0609 Elachista maculicerusella (SFa et al), 0642 Batia unitella (SFa et al), 079 Bryotropha affinis (MDa,DTa), 0790 Chionodes fumatella (SFa et al), 0969 Chequered Fruit-tree Tortrix Pandemis corylana (SFa et al), 0987 Ptycholomoides aeriferanus (SFa et al), 1000 Ptycholoma lecheana (MDa,DTa), 1020 Grey Tortrix Cnephasia stephensiana (SFa et al), 1092 Apotomis turbidana(MDa,DTa), 1113 Eudemis profundana (SFa et al), 1133 Epinotia bilunana (MDa,DTa), 11151 Epinotia trigonella (MDa,DTa), 1155 Epinotia brunnichana (SFa et al), 1169 Gypsonoma dealbana (SFa et al), 1174 Epiblema cynosbatella (MDa,DTa), 1176 Epiblema trimaculana (MDa,DTa), 1193 Eucosma tripoliana (SFa et al), 1205a Spilonota laricana(MDa,DTa), 1211 Rhyacionia pinicolana (SFa et al), 1266a Cydia illutana (MDa), 1288 Twenty-plume Moth Alucita hexadactyla (SFa et al), 1290 Chilo phragmitella (SFa et al), 1306 Agriphila inquinatella (SFa et al), 1338 Dipleurina lacustrata (SFa et al), 1340 Eudonia truncicolella (SFa et al), 1356 Garden Pebble Evergestis forficalis (MWh), 1376 Small Magpie Eurrhypara hortulata (MDa,DTa), 1425 Wax Moth Galleria mellonella (MWh), 1428 Bee Moth Aphomia sociella (MDa,DTa), 1470 Euzophera pinguis (SFa et al), 1677 Birch Mocha Cyclophora albipunctata (SFa et al), 1742 Yellow Shell Camptogramma bilineata (MWh), 1760 Red-green Carpet Chloroclysta siterata (MWh), 1809 Twin-spot Carpet Perizoma didymata (MWh), 1813 Haworth's Pug Eupithecia haworthiata (MWh), 1825 Lime-speck Pug Eupithecia centaureata (MWh), 1835 White-spotted Pug Eupithecia tripunctaria (MWh), 1854 Juniper Pug Eupithecia pusillata (MWh), 1862 Double-striped Pug Gymnoscelis rufifasciata (MWh), 1874 Dingy Shell Euchoeca nebulata (MWh), 1883 Yellow-barred Brindle Acasis viretata (MWh), 1889 Peacock Moth Macaria notata (MDa,DTa), 1919 Purple Thorn Selenia tetralunaria (SFa et al), 1927 Brindled Beauty Lycia hirtaria (MWh), 1936 Waved Umber Menophra abruptaria (MWh), 2039 Red-necked Footman Atolmis rubricollis (MDa,DTa – photo left), 2064 Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa (MWh), Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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2110 Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing Noctua fimbriata (MWh), 2112 Least Yellow Underwing Noctua interjecta (MWh), 2179 Pine Beauty Panolis flammea (MWh), 2240 Blair's Shoulder-knot Lithophane leautieri (MWh), 2247 Merveille du Jour Dichonia aprilina (MWh), 2264 Yellow-line Quaker Agrochola macilenta (MWh), 2268 Suspected Parastichtis suspecta (SFa et al), 2272 Barred Sallow Xanthia aurago (MWh), 2273 Pink-barred Sallow Xanthia togata (MWh), 2312 Olive Ipimorpha subtusa (SFa et al), 2339 Tawny Marbled Minor Oligia latruncula (MDa,DTa), 2343 Common Rustic Mesapamea secalis (SFa et al), 2368 Crescent Celaena leucostigma (SFa et al), 2379 Small Rufous Coenobia rufa (SFa et al), 2381 Uncertain Hoplodrina alsines (MDa,DTa), 2476 Beautiful Snout Hypena crassalis (MDa,DTa), 2489 Fan- foot Zanclognatha tarsipennalis (MDa,DTa). SJ56 1390 Udea prunalis (BBu), 1417 Meal Moth Pyralis farinalis (BBu). SJ57 1001 Lozotaeniodes formosanus (RBert), 1470 Euzophera pinguis (PMi), 1508 Stenoptilia bipunctidactyla (PMi), 1790 Tissue Triphosa dubitata (RBert). SJ58 0273 Bucculatrix thoracella (CDa), 0447 Roeslerstammia erxlebella (CDa). SJ63 0006 Eriocrania subpurpurella (SFa), 0075 Stigmella floslactella (SFa), 0125 Emmetia marginea (SFa), 0303 Parornix anglicella (SFa), 0304 Parornix devoniella (SFa), 2441 Silver Y Autographa gamma (SFa). SJ64 0148 Nemophora degeerella (BJo), 0240 Case-bearing Clothes Moth Tinea pellionella (BJo), 0647 Brown House Moth Hofmannophila pseudospretella (BJo), 0648 White-shouldered House Moth Endrosis sarcitrella BJo), 0697 Agonopterix arenella (BJo), 0937 Agapeta hamana (BSh), 1288 Twenty-plume Moth Alucita hexadactyla (BJo), 1392 Udea olivalis (BSh), 1398 Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella (PGri), 1417 Meal Moth Pyralis farinalis (BJo), 1984 Humming-bird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum (BJo), 2400 Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera (BJo), 2473 Beautiful Hook-tip Laspeyria flexula (BLe). SJ65 0663 Diurnea fagella (DTa), 1425 Wax Moth Galleria mellonella (DCo), 1479 Indian Meal Moth Plodia interpunctella (DCo), 1972 Convolvulus Hawk-moth Agrius convolvuli (DCo), 2039 Red-necked Footman Atolmis rubricollis (DTa), 2385 Small Mottled Willow Spodoptera exigua (DTa), 2400 Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera (DTa). SJ67 0018 Map-winged Swift Hepialus fusconebulosa (LBe), 2137 Great Brocade Eurois occulta (LBe), 2147 Shears Hada plebeja (LBe), 2259 Dark Chestnut Conistra ligula (AWa), 2385 Small Mottled Willow Spodoptera exigua (LBe), 2400 Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera (AWa), 2403 Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigera (AWa – photo right, Paul Hill – different moth), 2231a Northern Deep-brown Dart Aporophyla lueneburgensis (AWa). SJ68 0409a Argyresthia trifasciata (SBa), 0610 Elachista argentella (SBa), 0663 Diurnea flagella (MMu), 0893 Mompha epilobiella (SBa), 1048 Garden Rose Tortrix Acleris variegana (SBa), 1065 Celypha rufana (SBa), 1288 Twenty-plume Moth Alucita hexadactyla (MMu), 1428 Bee Moth Aphomia sociella (MMu), 1930 Oak Beauty Biston strataria (MMu), 2166 Campion Hadena rivularis (MMu), 2400 Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera (SBa), SJ74 1376 Small Magpie Eurrhypara hortulata (RBen,TRo). SJ75 1002 Lozotaenia forsterana (RBen,TRo), 1033 Green Oak Tortrix Tortrix viridana (RBen,TRo), 1288 Twenty-plume Moth Alucita hexadactyla (RBen,TRo), 1361 Pyrausta aurata (AFi), 1362 Pyrausta purpuralis (RBen,TRo), 1378 Phlyctaenia coronata (SHi), 1415 Orthopygia glaucinalis (RBen,TRo), 1417 Meal Moth Pyralis farinalis (RBen,TRo), 1458 Thistle Ermine Myelois circumvoluta (RBen,TRo), Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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1689 Mullein Wave Scopula marginepunctata (RBen,TRo), 1716 Vestal Rhodometra sacraria (AFi), 1790 Tissue Triphosa dubitata (RBen,TRo), 1827 Freyer's Pug Eupithecia intricata (RBen,TRo), 2135 Heath Rustic Xestia agathina (RBen,TRo), 2179 Pine Beauty Panolis flammea (RBen,TRo), 2208 Cosmopolitan Mythimna loreyi (RBen,TRo), 2232 Black Rustic Aporophyla nigra (RBen,TRo), 2272 Barred Sallow Xanthia aurago (AFi), 2298 Svensson's Copper Underwing Amphipyra berbera (AFi), 2361 Rosy Rustic Hydraecia micacea (RBen,TRo), 2375 Large Wainscot Rhizedra lutosa (RBen,TRo), 2385 Small Mottled Willow Spodoptera exigua (RBen,TRo), 2400 Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera (RBen,TRo), 2403 Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigera (RBen,TRo). SJ77 0313 Acrocercops brongniardella (SHi), 1001 Lozotaeniodes formosanus (PMHill), 1176 Epiblema trimaculana (PMHill), 1212 Spotted Shoot Moth Rhyacionia pinivorana (KBr), 1417 Meal Moth Pyralis farinalis (DEv). SJ78 0447 Roeslerstammia erxlebella (BSm), 1027 Neosphaleroptera nubilana (KMc), 1330 Donacaula mucronellus (SBl), 1497 Amblyptilia acanthadactyla (JMc), 1678 Blair's Mocha Cyclophora puppillaria (RHi), 2195 Delicate Mythimna vitellina (RHi), 2400 Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera (RHi). SJ79 0020 Ectoedemia decentella (PHa), 0285 Azalea Leaf Miner Caloptilia azaleella (PHa), 0644 Borkhausenia fuscescens (PHa), 0787 Bryotropha terrella (PHa), 0866 Brachmia blandella (PHa), 1138 Epinotia nisella (PHa), 1234 Pammene regiana (PHa). SJ85 0083 Stigmella atricapitella (MDa), 0409a Argyresthia trifasciata (MDa), 0421 Argyresthia bonnetella (MDa), 0536 Coleophora betulella (MDa), 0587 Coleophora caespititiella (MDa), 0610 Elachista argentella (MDa), 0696 Agonopterix propinquella (MDa), 0892 Mompha subbistrigella (MDa), 0946 Aethes rubigana (MDa), 1045 Acleris notana (MDa), 1079 Piniphila bifasciana (MDa), 1108 Lobesia abscisana (MDa), 1155 Epinotia brunnichana (MDa), 1331 Water Veneer Acentria ephemerella (MDa), 1340 Eudonia truncicolella (MDa), 1400 Antigastra catalaunalis (MDa), 1436 Conobathra repandana (MDa), 1437 Acrobasis consociella (MDa), 1454 Dioryctria abietella (MDa), 1484 Phycitodes saxicola (MDa), 1654 Figure of Eighty Tethea ocularis (MDa), 1726 Large Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata (MDa), 1775 Mottled Grey Colostygia multistrigaria (MDa), 1812 Maple Pug Eupithecia inturbata (MDa), 1912 August Thorn Ennomos quercinaria (MDa), 2039 Red-necked Footman Atolmis rubricollis (MDa), 2350 Small Wainscot Chortodes pygmina (MDa), 2385 Small Mottled Willow Spodoptera exigua (MDa), 2400 Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera (MDa), 2422 Green Silver-lines (MDa). SJ86 0227 Skin Moth Monopis laevigella (SHi), 0266 Bucculatrix nigricomella (CDa), 0313 Acrocercops brongniardella (SHi), 0368 Phyllocnistis unipunctella (SHi), 0424 Yponomeuta evonymella (APr,VWe), 0447 Roeslerstammia erxlebella (CDa), 0476 Acrolepia autumnitella (SHi), 0559 Coleophora peribenanderi (SHi), 0563 Coleophora argentula (CDa), 0610 Elachista argentella (APr,VWe), 0746 Chrysoesthia drurella (SHi), 0765 Teleiodes vulgella (APr,VWe), 0868 Helcystogramma rufescens (APr,VWe), 0873 Blastobasis adustella (APr,VWe), 0993 Cyclamen Tortrix Clepsis spectrana (APr,VWe), 0994 Clepsis consimilana (APr,VWe), 1000 Ptycholoma lecheana (APr,VWe), 1021 Flax Tortrix Cnephasia asseclana (APr,VWe), 1063 Celypha striana (APr,VWe), 1115 Ancylis achatana (APr,VWe), 1136 Epinotia immundana (SHi), 1201 Eucosma cana (APr,VWe), 1205a Spilonota laricana (APr,VWe), 1302 Crambus perlella (APr,VWe), 1390 Udea prunalis (APr,VWe), 1439 Trachycera advenella (APr,VWe), 1766 Blue-bordered Carpet Plemyria rubiginata (APr,VWe), 2047 Scarce Footman Eilema complana (APr,VWe), 2199 Common Wainscot Mythimna pallens (APr,VWe), 2338 Rufous Minor Oligia versicolor (APr,VWe), 2343 Common Rustic Mesapamea secalis (APr,VWe), 2343a Lesser Common Rustic Mesapamea didyma (APr,VWe). SJ87 0294 Aspilapteryx tringipennella (MDo,KMc), 0354 Phyllonorycter emberizaepenella (SHi), 0362 Phyllonorycter acerifoliella (SHi), 0656 Tachystola acroxantha (MDo,KMc), 1990 Striped Hawk-moth Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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Hyles livornica (J&REv), SJ88 0010 Eriocrania salopiella (BSh), 0013 Eriocrania semipurpurella (BSh), 0442 Cedestis gysseleniella (BSh), 0879 Batrachedra pinicolella (BSh), 0947 Aethes smeathmanniana (ACh), 0987 Ptycholomoides aeriferanus (ACh), 1163 Spruce Bud Moth Zeiraphera ratzeburgiana (ACh), 1680 Maiden's Blush Cyclophora punctaria (GLi), 2385 Small Mottled Willow Spodoptera exigua (DHT – photo above), 2447 Scarce Silver Y Syngrapha interrogationis (Gli – photo right – different moth – Shane Farrell. SJ96 1722 Flame Carpet Xanthorhoe designata (BSh), 2069 Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae (BSh). SJ97 0009 Eriocrania sparrmannella (SHi), 0013 Eriocrania semipurpurella (BSh), 0097 Apple Pygmy Stigmella malella (SHi,AWa), 0282 Caloptilia elongella (SHi), 0313 Acrocercops brongniardella (SHi,AWa), 0317 Phyllonorycter heegeriella (SHi), 0343 Phyllonorycter esperella (SHi,AWa), 0490 Coleophora lutipennella (SHi,JMi), 0892 Mompha subbistrigella (NMi), 1236 Pammene fasciana (SHi,JMi), 1306 Agriphila inquinatella (SHi), 1331 Water Veneer Acentria ephemerella (SHi,JMi), 1654 Figure of Eighty Tethea ocularis (SHi,Jmi,SPr), 1883 Yellow-barred Brindle Acasis viretata (SHi,JMi), 1992 Small Elephant Hawk- moth Deilephila porcellus (SHi,JMi,SPr), 2049 Buff Footman Eilema depressa (SHi,JMi), 2138 Green Arches Anaplectoides prasina (SHi,JMi,SPr), 2343a Lesser Common Rustic Mesapamea didyma (SHi,JMi), 2476 Beautiful Snout Hypena crassalis (SHi,JMi,SPr). SJ98 0067 Stigmella plagicolella (SHi), 0107 Stigmella regiella (SHi), 0251 Ochsenheimeria taurella (SHi), 0290 Caloptilia semifascia (SHi), 0321a Phyllonorycter platani (SHi,EKe), 0362 Phyllonorycter acerifoliella (SHi), 0403 Argyresthia glabratella (SHi), 0447 Roeslerstammia erxlebella (SHi), 0459 Ypsolopha sylvella (SHi), 0729 Isophrictis striatella (SHi), 0879 Batrachedra pinicolella (SHi), 0987 Ptycholomoides aeriferanus (SHi), 1001 Lozotaeniodes formosanus (MSta), 1013 Olindia schumacherana (SHi), 1079 Piniphila bifasciana (SHi), 1168 Gypsonoma sociana (SHi), 1242 Grapholita internana (SHi), 1259 Cydia fagiglandana (SHi), 1275 Dichrorampha flavidorsana (SHi), 1437 Acrobasis consociella (SHi,MDa,KMc,DTa), 1485 Phycitodes maritima (SHi), 1720 Gem Orthonama obstipata (MSt), 2049 Buff Footman Eilema depressa (SHi). SJ99 0065 Stigmella speciosa (KMc), 0156 Heliozela resplendella (SHi), 0272 Bucculatrix cidarella (SFa), 0476 Acrolepia autumnitella (SFa), 0492 Coleophora flavipennella (SFa), 0587 Coleophora caespititiella (SFa), 0696 Agonopterix propinquella (SFa), 0987 Ptycholomoides aeriferanus (SFa), 1096 Apotomis sauciana (SFa), 1104 Endothenia quadrimaculana (SFa), 1207 Pine Leaf-mining Moth Clavigesta purdeyi (SFa), 1483 Phycitodes binaevella (SFa), 1682 Blood-vein Timandra comae (JRo), 1716 Vestal Rhodometra sacraria (WUn), 1754 Phoenix Eulithis prunata (SFa), 2221 Mullein Shargacucullia verbasci (GTi), 2241 Red Sword- grass Xylena vetusta (WUn). SK07 0065 Stigmella speciosa (SHi), 0156 Heliozela resplendella (SHi), 0272 Bucculatrix cidarella (SHi), 0358 Phyllonorycter froelichiella (SHi).

Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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Migrants This whole report could have been written as purely a migrant report, such was the level of obvious migrant activity in 2006. Compared with 2005, which was somewhat quiet on the migrant front, 2006 really was an incredibly spectacular one. Table five confirms the records received in 2006 of species considered migratory. The migrant definitions used here are in accordance with those on the Mapmate system that has been used to create the summaries and maps in this report. This is the recording software used to house the main database and also that of many other users in Cheshire and the UK. The scarce and new species recorded are detailed above in the systematic list but there were some others which would usually merit inclusion within that list which missed out due to a much higher than usual frequency. As would be expected, most of the common migrants did well in a year like this but some were less common than would have been expected. Full details are in Table Five but Small Mottled Willow Spodoptera exigua (nine records before 2006) and Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera (15 records before 2006 – photos left and above Shane Farrell) had exceptional years with totals in one year, well in excess of numbers of records for all other years combined. Many of these are included within the new 10km square species lists above. This pattern of usually extremely scarce species being relatively common was repeated certainly in Lancashire and possibly the whole of the UK.

Code Vernacular Taxon Records Individuals 0464 Diamond-back Moth Plutella xylostella 260 578 1395 Rusty-dot Pearl Udea ferrugalis 40 43 1398 Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella 59 62 1400 Antigastra catalaunalis 1 1 1678 Blair's Mocha Cyclophora puppillaria 1 1 1716 Vestal Rhodometra sacraria 14 14 1720 Gem Orthonama obstipata 3 3 1972 Convolvulus Hawk-moth Agrius convolvuli 2 2 1973 Death's-head Hawk-moth Acherontia atropos 1 1 1984 Humming-bird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum 105 109 1990 Striped Hawk-moth Hyles livornica 1 1 2051 Four-spotted Footman Lithosia quadra 1 1 2091 Dark Sword-grass Agrotis ipsilon 51 61 2119 Pearly Underwing Peridroma saucia 11 12 2195 Delicate Mythimna vitellina 2 3 2208 Cosmopolitan Mythimna loreyi 1 1 2385 Small Mottled Willow Spodoptera exigua 12 13 2400 Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera 52 57 2403 Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigera 22 21 2441 Silver Y Autographa gamma 1411 4678 Table Five : Migrant moth species in VC58 in 2006 Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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Weather It is hoped that the following generic national weather summary will be of interest to readers of this report. The information has been obtained from the Meteorological Office website which can be accessed online at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/index.html. Even though some of the references relate to outside our area, the conditions will have had at least a potential effect upon the flow of migrants in particular. January - Rainfall totals were well below average. England, Wales and Northern Ireland, all had their driest January since 1997. Out of the last 15 months (since November 2004), 13 months have had below average rainfall across England SE & Central S. Mean temperatures close to average across the south of the UK, but well above average across the north of Scotland. February - Mean temperatures ranging from below average across south-west England to above average across Scotland. Rainfall well below average across Northern Ireland, with parts of south-east England and East Anglia, experiencing above average rainfall. March - Mean temperatures below average, ranging from around 1.5 °C below average across NE Scotland to around 0.5 °C below average across S Wales, SW England and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, March was actually colder than any of the three standard winter months (Dec/Jan/Feb). The last time this happened in Scotland was during 1975/76. Rainfall anomalies were quite varied across the UK, with some stations receiving over double the March average. April - Mean temperatures close to average across Scotland and Northern Ireland, but above average across England and Wales. Rainfall ranging from well above average across NW Scotland to well below average across SW England. Sunshine above average across almost all of the UK, with the E of Scotland experiencing well above average sunshine. May - A very wet month in most places, with some areas over England & Wales receiving over double the average May rainfall. The NE of Scotland was the exception, seeing close to average rainfall. Mean temperatures ranging from close to average across Northern Scotland to well above average across East Anglia. Sunshine ranging from well above average across Shetland to below average across Southern England. June - A very warm, dry and sunny month across the majority of the UK. Mean temperatures generally 1 to 2°C above average. Rainfall ranging from close to average across western Scotland, to exceptionally below average across the Midlands. Sunshine levels well above average across southern England. July - An exceptionally warm month. Many areas had their warmest July, with some areas also experiencing their warmest month (using areal series back to 1914). Sunshine was also exceptionally above average, with the sunniest areas compared to average over NE England. Rainfall was generally below average, although there were some notable exceptions. August - Mean temperatures were slightly above average in most places. Monthly average maximum temperatures were over 5 °C lower in the Midlands area than was recorded in July. Exceptionally above average rainfall across East Anglia, where around double the average rainfall was recorded. Sunshine levels generally close to or below average. September - Mean temperatures were exceptionally above average, with all district and regional climate areas having their warmest September (using areal series back to 1914). Driest conditions compared to average across SW England & S Wales, with Northern Ireland being one of the wettest areas compared to average. Sunshine above average across the majority of the UK, although well below average across Shetland. October - Mean temperatures were exceptionally above average in most places. However, both England and Wales had a warmer October in 2005. For Scotland and Northern Ireland, October 2001 was warmer. Rainfall was generally above or well above average, with parts of north-east Scotland receiving well over double the October average. Sunshine levels were generally close to average. November - Mean temperatures generally 1 to 2 °C above average for November, which confirmed

Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

37 the warmest Autumn for all districts and regions (areal series back to 1914). The majority of the UK experienced above-average rainfall. Scotland W district area, experienced its wettest November, with some stations recording well over double the average rainfall. Sunshine levels exceptionally above average across much of the UK with some records being set for sunniest November. However, sunshine was below average across some western areas of Scotland. December - Mean temperatures, 1 to 2 °C above average, which confirmed that 2006 was the warmest year on record for most areas (areal series back to 1914). Very wet over most of western Scotland and also parts of NW England and N Wales, with many stations reporting over double the average rainfall. In contrast, some eastern coastal areas saw below average rainfall, with well below average rainfall in the Aberdeen area. Sunshine exceptionally above average across much of eastern Scotland and northeast England.

Notable and Red Data Book (RDB) Species Notable species and RDB species recorded in VC58 in 2006 are summarized in Table Six, below and further details for most of them can be found in the systematic list above. Once again, the definitions are in accordance with those on the Mapmate listings. These do change regularly and are updated in each of our reports. Records of Currant Clearwing Synanthedon tipuliformis (photo above – Peter Hardy) continue to be reported in places where mature currents Ribes spp. grow. A pheromone lure certainly helps but is not essential where strong colonies exist. Two species confined to the Wirral seem to be having different levels of success. Despite valiant attempts to encourage numbers upward, the Belted Beauty Lycia zonaria Britannica (photo right - Paul Hillyer) is apparently really struggling. There were just four records of ten specimens reported in 2006 and this is in complete contrast with the Lancashire colonies at Sunderland Point where large numbers can be readily found. The reasons for the different success is being investigated and will hopefully provide a potential path forward. Although not a roaring success, the Sandhill Rustic Luperina nickerlii gueneei (photo above – Mel Bellingham) does seem to be holding its own and numbers are reasonably stable based on the limited recording undertaken. Anyone willing to spend time on larval or adult searches for either of these species will be warmly welcomed.

Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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Code Vernacular Taxon Records Individuals Status 0344 Phyllonorycter strigulatella 3 0 Nb 0363 Phyllonorycter platanoidella 10 1 Nb 0373 Currant Clearwing Synanthedon tipuliformis 21 67 Nb 0382 Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis 15 52 Nb 0656 Tachystola acroxantha 171 585 pRDB3 0790 Chionodes fumatella 1 1 Nb 0879 Batrachedra pinicolella 4 4 Nb 0891 Mompha sturnipennella 2 1 Nb 1343 Eudonia delunella 1 1 Nb 1506 Stenoptilia millieridactyla 28 32 pRDB3 1928 Belted Beauty Lycia zonaria britannica 4 10 RDB3 2137 Great Brocade Eurois occulta 2 2 Na 2354 Sandhill Rustic Luperina nickerlii gueneei 4 14 RDB2 Table Six : Notable and red data book moth species in VC58 in 2006

Recorders and Acknowledgements We would like to thank all the recorders that are included in the following list and who have made this report possible by being kind enough to share their data. Please accept our sincere apologies for any unintentional omissions. If you have not been included on the following list please, contact one of us to let us know and we will make sure your efforts are noted in the next annual report. Barry’s report is an extract from his normal annual report, in which he formally acknowledges the input of the appropriate recorders. That list has not been repeated here to save a little space. The contribution of those recorders is, of course, also greatly appreciated. ABi – Andy Bissett, ABr – Tony Broome, ACa – Andy Caesar, ACh – Andrew Charlton, ACr – Alan Creaser, AFi – Andy Firth, AJe – Alastair Jenkins, AKi – Alan Kimber, APr – Alan Prior, ASm - Tony Smith, AWa – Adrian Wander, BBu – Brian Bull, BGo - Brian Goodey, BJo – Beth Jones, BLe – Brian Leigh, BMa - Brian Martin, BMu – B Murphy, BRh - Bob Rhodes, BRo – Bryan Roberts, BSh – Barry Shaw, BSm – Ben Smart, CBr – Carys Brewster, CCo – Charlie Coleman, CDa - Chris Darbyshire, CKn – Chris Knibbs, CTo - Clive Totty, CWh - Charles Whitaker, DCo – David Cookson, DEd – Dave Edwards, DEv – Dave Evans, DHi – David Hinde, DHT - Dave Higginson-Tranter, DJa – David James, DOt – D Otter, DSh - David Shaw, DSten – Don Stenhouse, DStep – D. Stephenson, DTa – Dave Taylor, ECh – E. Chackal, EHo - Elizabeth Hollingshead, EKe – Eric Kearns, ESs – Edwin Samuels, GBa - Ged Barlow, GBr – Gavin Broad, GCo – Graeme Cooke, GJo – Graham Jones, GLi – Geoff Lightfoot, GSt – G. Stringer, GTi - Georgina Tierney, GWo – Geoff Wotherspoon, HBe – Harry Beaumont, HBu – Harry Burrows (late), HDa – Harry Davies, HJo – Huw John, HMi – Hugh Michaelis (late), HVa - Holly Vance, ICo - Ian Copley, ILa – Ian Landucci, IRu – Ian Rutherford, ISm – Ian Smith, IWa – Ian Wallace, J&REv – Jean and Ray Evans, JCla – Jeff Clarke, JCli - Jon Clifton, JDa - Jessica Davies, JMc – Jacky McCabe, JMi – Jim Middlemass, JMo - Julia Mottishaw, JOx – John Oxenham, JPo - Joan Potts, JRo - John Rowland, JSh - John Sheldon, JSw - Jack Swan, KBe - Keith Bennion, KBr – Kane Brides, KMc – Kevin McCabe, KNe - Keith Neal, LBe – Liz Bentham, LGr - Lynne Greenstreet, LHa – Les Hall, MBa – Marion Barlow, MBe – Mel Bellingham, MBo – Mike Boothman, MCa - Moira Carter, MDa – Mike Dale, MDo - Mike Dockery, MGr – Mike Grant, MHo – Mike Holmes, Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007

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MMu – Mike Mulholland, MNa - Margaret Nance, MPa – Mark Payne, MPo - Maurice Pons, MSo – Michael Stokes, MSta - Martyn Stanyer, MStu – Mark Stubbs, MuD – Muriel Dale, MWh - Michael Whiteside, NFr - Neil Friswell, NLi – Nick Littlewood, NMi – Normal Mitchell, NSt – N Stones, P&CBr – Paul and Cerys Brewster, PAl - Peter Alker, PBo – Peter Bowler, PBr - Paul Brewster, PFl – Paz Fletcher, PGre – Paul Greenall, PGri – Paul Griffiths, PHa – Peter Hardy, PMHill – Paul M Hill, PHilly - Paul Hillyer, PHilt - Pat Hilton, PMe – P Meyer, PMi - Paul Miller, POl - Paul Oldfield, PPu - Paul Pugh, PWo – Phil Woollen, RBen - Roger Benson, RBert - Ray Bertera, RBo – Frank Botterill, RBr – Roger Brereton, RHi – Roy Hilton, RHo – Ray Holmes, RJDa - Roger & Joan Davidson, SBa – Sam Bayley, SBl – Sheila Blamire, SBr - S. Browne, SCl - Sean P Clancy, SFa – Shane Farrell, SHe - Stephanie Hefferan, SHi – Steve Hind, SHo – Steve Holmes, SMc – Steve McWilliam, SOr – Steve Orridge, SPa - Steve Palmer, SPi – Sheila Pierce, SPr – S Priestly, TCo - Tim Coleshaw, TEd – Tom Edmondson, THo - T Hollingworth, TOn - Tom O’Neill, TRo - Trevor Rowlands, VSe – Vicky Seager, VWe – Val Weston, WUn - Bill Underwood. (photos above – Barred Sallow Xanthia aurago – Sheila Blamire and Pearly Underwing Peridroma saucia – Ray Bertera). Thanks also to Peter Costen, Keith Tailby and Jeff Higgott who all kindly helped us remove any blunders! However, any remaining errors are the responsibility of the authors alone.

Publications We thought it might be useful to provide a summary of the major publications concerning the VC58 Lepidopterous Fauna so that recorders can access this information if required. There have of course been countless other minor publications which are too numerous to list here but equally valuable. Many of the publications referred to below are available for free loan to members from the substantial and recently catalogued library of the Lancashire & Cheshire Entomological Society. If anyone reading this report has a specific requirement for information in full or summarised form, it may be possible to provide such data. Contact Shane Farrell for details as appropriate. WALKER A. O., 1885, Macrolepidoptera of the Chester District ELLIS, J.W., 1890, The Lepidopterous Fauna of Lancashire and Cheshire DAY G.O., 1903, A List of Lepidoptera Found in the Counties of Cheshire, Flintshire, Denbighshire, Carnarvonshire and Anglesea MANSBRIDGE W., 1940, The Lepidopterous Fauna of Lancashire and Cheshire by Ellis Revised Mansbridge 1940 SMITH S.G.S., 1948, The Butterflies and Moths of Cheshire, Flintshire, Denbighshire, Caernarvonshire, Anglesey and Merionethshire and subsequent updated volumes. RUTHERFORD C.I., 1983, Butterflies in Cheshire 1961-1982. Supplements to Proceedings on Lancashire & Cheshire Entomological Society Journal 1981-1982 SHAW B.T. 1989, The Butterflies of Cheshire RUTHERFORD C.I. 1994, Macro-moths in Cheshire 1961 to 1993 GRIFFITHS P. 2006, The Macromoths of the Nantwich Area

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Useful Contact Details/Links If you would like a link or your contact details to be added to this list, please contact Shane Farrell. Butterflies - Barry Shaw, Cheshire County Butterfly Recorder, 87, Gleneagles Road, Heald Green, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 3EN. Telephone: 0161 491 0753. E-mail: [email protected] Micromoths – Steve Hind, Cheshire County Micromoth Recorder, 32 Carleton Road, Higher Poynton, Stockport, Cheshire. SK12 1TL. Telephone: 01625 859504. E-mail: [email protected] Macromoths – Shane Farrell, Cheshire County Macromoth Recorder, 15 Westover, Romiley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 3ER. Telephone: 0161 355 6919. E-mail: [email protected] rECOrd - rECOrd Manager, rECOrd, Chester Zoological Gardens, Upton, Chester, CH2 1LH. Telephone: 01244 383749/383569 Fax: 01244 383569. E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.rECOrd-LRC.co.uk UKMoths website - http://ukmoths.org.uk/index.php UK Butterflies http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/ Cheshire Moth Group Website - http://www.record-lrc.co.uk/?Mod=Article&ArticleID=G00040001 L&CES Website - http://www.record-lrc.co.uk/?Mod=Article&ArticleID=G00110001 BC Cheshire & Peak District Website - http://www.cheshire-butterflies.co.uk/ Lancs Moth Group and any Lancashire moth records – S. Palmer, 137 Lightfoot Lane, Fulwood, Preston, Lancs PR4 0AH. 01772 861570 or email [email protected] Lancashire Moth Group website - http://www.lancashiremoths.co.uk Mapmate Recording Software – www.mapmate.co.uk

Lepidoptera in Cheshire 2006. Farrell S.P., Hind S.H. and Shaw B.T. 30th June 2007