CHESHIRE (VICE COUNTY 58)

MOTH REPORT FOR 2014

Authors: Steve H. Hind and Steve Holmes

Date: July 2015 Cheshire report 2014

Introduction

An interest in moth recording is currently enjoying an era of increasing popularity. The recent publication of the micro-moth field guide by Sterling, Parsons & Lewington in 2012 has especially helped recorders with the smaller and this has resulted in over 22,000 new micro-moth records during the year. Correspondingly, there has also been an up tilt in the amount of macro-moth data submitted by observers, culminating in 2014, for the first time ever, in over 51,000 records reaching the County Recorder. The graphs below clearly show the upward trend and long may it continue. Put into a different context, the County Moth database in totality has now reached over a million records, with a shade over 802,000 macros and 202,000 micros, thus 2014 alone accounts for 7.27% of the entire database.

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Weather

It was a mild, wet winter with few frosty periods during the early months. These generally mild conditions continued through the spring, enabling reasonably good catches in the light traps. There was plenty of sunshine during the summer months and with warm nights in July several good catches were achieved during the month. August was the coldest since 1993, so numbers of the late summer species were down. September was the driest for 50 years and the mild autumn continued throughout November, providing us more opportunities to look for larvae.

Summary

Four micro- were added to the county list during the year; one as a larval mine and the other three attracted to light. Larval mines of Phyllonorycter roboris (Zeller) were found at Broadbottom and an adult subocellea (Stephens) at Alsager, both of these have probably remained undetected in Cheshire for many years. Blastobasis rebeli Karsholt & Sinev was caught at Wilmslow and is a recent arrival, whereas terminella Fletcher, from Alsager, is a rare migrant.

Time and effort dictate that this report cannot be a complete analysis of 75,000+ records; it does however itemise all 127 macro-moth species that were recorded 10 or fewer times during the year as well as some of the most notable micro-moths. This represents something in the order of 30% of all macro-moths and 10% in total of all species reported (970).

Throughout what follows, header information relating to each species comprises:

3.004 Gold Swift Hepialus hecta (Linnaeus, 1758) (16)

Which, reading left to right detail:

 Incoming Agassiz, Beavan & Heckford species number  Species’ vernacular name  Species’ taxonomic name  Species’ Author(s)  Outgoing Bradley and Fletcher number

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3.004 Gold Swift Hepialus hecta (Linnaeus, 1758) (16) One to light at Ness Gardens on 13th July (ES) was the only record.

4.005 Stigmella betulicola (Stainton, 1856) (110) Larval mines at Bidston Hill on 21st September (MB, SHH, HJ) and Elton on 5th October (SH).

4.020 Stigmella paradoxa (Frey, 1858) (82) A single leaf mine in a roadside Hawthorn monogyna at Gawsworth on 4th August (SHH) was in a different area of Cheshire than all our previous records.

4.024 Stigmella magdalenae (Klimesch, 1950) (104) Larval mines at Brockholes Wood, Crowden on 9th September; Todd Brook Valley on 16th & 18th September (SHH).

4.044 Stigmella continuella (Stainton, 1856) (64) Vacated leaf mines at Bidston Hill on 21st September (MB, SHH, HJ).

4.074 sericopeza (Zeller, 1839) (21) Three records of larval mines in the winged seeds of Norway Maple at Ness Gardens on 13th August and 12th & 22nd September (MB). This is the fourth county site and the first from the western side of Cheshire.

4.075 Ectoedemia louisella (Sircom, 1849) (22) A larval mine in Field Maple samara at Audlem on 27th September (SHH) is the 3rd county record.

4.077 Ectoedemia weaveri (Stainton, 1855) (43) 23 tenanted larval mines at Brushes, Stalybridge on 9th March and at a number of sites on Withinleach Moor on 12th March (SHH).

7.003 Nemophora cupriacella (Hübner, 1819) (146) One to light at Great Sutton on 24th July (MB) is the 3rd county record.

8.001 Incurvaria pectinea Haworth, 1828 (129) One male at Lower Withington on 18th May and larval feeding signs at Warrington Common on 14th May, Big Wood, Withington on 18th May, including 63 larval ‘cut-outs’ on a single leaf, Walkerwood Reservoir on 22nd June and Danes on 1st July (SHH).

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11.006 Taleporia tubulosa (Retzius, 1783) (181) 295 larval cases at Big Wood, Withington on 18th May, included 103 on a single Quercus sp. trunk. This becomes the most easterly site in Cheshire. Also three cases at Bulkeley Hill on 1st June (SHH).

12.010 Morophaga choragella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (196) One to light at Moore on 20th July (MC) is the 3rd county record.

12.026 Common Clothes Moth Tineola bisselliella (Hummel, 1823) (236) Several adults were caught in pheromone traps in a house at Adlington during 2014 (SHH). These are the first confirmed records since the 1950’s.

12.040 Monopis imella (Hübner, 1813) (231) One to light at Alsager on 19th July (MD) is the first county record since 1953.

15.003 populetorum (Zeller, 1839) (281) Following the arrival of this species into Cheshire during 2013, there were three additional records of adults at light during 2014; at Alsager on 16th March & 28th April (MD) and Upton, Chester on 2nd August (RW).

15.012 Caloptilia semifascia (Haworth, 1828) (290) Larval mines at Bowdon on 27th August (RH, SHH, BTS), Bidston on 21st September (MB, SHH, HJ), Audlem on 27th September, Reddish Vale on 1st October and Astbury Mere on 1st November (SHH).

15.017 Calybites phasianipennella (Hübner, 1813) (296) Two to light at Wybunbury Moss on 21st May (BB) and one to light at Elton on 20th July (SH), as well as larval mines on Sheep’s Sorrel Rumex acetosella at Bidston Hill on 21st September (MB, HJ, SHH).

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15.035 Phyllonorycter roboris (Zeller, 1839) (316) ** The first county record. Two larval mines were found on the lower branches of an oak Quercus sp. by the bank of Hurstclough Brook, Broadbottom on 9th August (SHH); one mine had been predated whilst the other was retained for rearing and emerged indoors on 9th April 2015.

15.041 Phyllonorycter platani (Staudinger, 1870) (321a) Prior to 2013, this species was known only from the Stockport area SJ89 & 98, where larval mines were first discovered on London Plane Platanus hybrida near Stockport Cemetery in 2006. Further mines were found in the town centre during 2009/2011 and at Hazel Grove in 2011. During 2013 plane trees were checked across the county and platani was found at a further 19 sites, including the following new hectads SJ27, 28, 37, 47, 67, 76, 77, 78, 87 & 88. A further 14 new sites were discovered during 2014, including in new hectads SJ46, 86, 97 & 99, (BTS, GR, HJ, MB, SHH, SJM). The map shows the county distribution at the tetrad level. If anyone is aware of London Plane growing elsewhere in the county, especially in any of the remaining hectads, could they let me have details of the site, so that we can check them for platani in the autumn. 0321a Phyllonorycter platani

1 Records for Year 2000 onwards [2km] Records for Years before 2000 [2km] Records for Years before 1980 [2km] SD SE

9

8 38 Records 0 Individuals 7 36 Sites

6

5 First Recorded in 2006 Last Recorded in 2014

4 Records for Year 2000 onwards [2km] Earliest: Records for Years before 2000 [2km] Latest: 3 Records for Year before 1980 [2km] SJ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 SK 1 2

15.048 Phyllonorycter junoniella (Zeller, 1846) (328) Larval mines were found at two new sites this spring; Staly Brushes on 9th March and near the Cat & Fiddle on 29th April (SHH).

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15.053 Firethorn Phyllonorycter leucographella (Zeller, 1850) (332a) A single larval mine was found on an elm Ulmus sp. seedling, which was growing through a Pyracantha bush at Hyde Park on 26th October; a new food plant (SHH, GR).

15.089 Horse Chestnut Leaf-miner Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimic, 1986 (366a) To illustrate how abundant this species has now become, an attempt to estimate the number of larval mines on a tree at Willaston on 10th July produced a count of c.50,000; three trees at Thornton Green hosted c.451,500 mines on 12th July (SH).

16.014 Pseudoswammerdamia combinella (Hübner, 1786) (436) One to light at Upton, Chester on 22nd May (RW), is only the third record since Mansbridge (1940), who gave the county status as fairly common but local among blackthorn.

17.002 Ypsolopha nemorella (Linnaeus, 1758) (452) One to light at Delamere Forest on 9th August (MB, HD, HJ).

17.013 Ypsolopha vittella (Linnaeus, 1758) (463) One to light at Elton on 6th August (SH).

19.001 Orthotelia sparganella (Thunberg, 1788) (470) Singles to light at Moore on 22nd July (MC) and Shocklach on 29th July (SHH, AM).

19.011 Leek Moth Acrolepiopsis assectella (Zeller, 1839) (473) Singles to light at Shavington on 30th March (RB, TR), Poynton on 29th April (DB) and Upton, Chester on 28th & 31st October (RW).

20.001 Blastotere (=Argyresthia) laevigatella (Heydenreich, 1851) (401) One to light at Upton, Chester on 26th June (RW).

20.007 Blastotere (=Argyresthia) cupressella Walsingham, 1890 (409b) Recorded from three new sites during the year, with singles to light at Great Sutton (MB) and Frodsham (RGB) on 20th May and Moore on 19th & 20th June (MC).

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22.003 Prays ruficeps (Heinemann, 1854) (448a) Singles to light at Great Sutton on 19th & 29th May and 29th July (MB), Elton on 27th May (SH), Higher Poynton on 1st June (SHH) and Alsager on 3rd June (MD).

28.024 Tachystola acroxantha (Meyrick, 1885) (656) 71 to light on 16th May, followed by 73 on 18th May helped produce an annual total of 620 moths at one garden in Heald Green (BTS). Some of these will be re-traps, although it illustrates how common this species has now become at some sites.

32.002 Semioscopis steinkellneriana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (667) One to light at Delamere Forest on 28th April (MB, HD, HJ) is the first record from the forest since 1939.

32.010 Agonopterix conterminella (Zeller, 1839) (710) One to light at Tegg's Nose Country Park on 17th July (SHH et.al.).

32.015 Agonopterix subpropinquella (Stainton, 1849) (692) A male to light at Cheadle Hulme on 16th February (GL) and a female to light at Alsager on 20th May (MD).

32.031 Agonopterix alstromeriana (Clerck, 1759) (695) Singles to light at Handbridge on 6th March (KP) and Burwardsley on 23rd July (MW) are well within the range of Hemlock Conium maculatum, this species food plant. However, Hemlock is rare east of the Delamere Ridge, Newton (1971), subsequently, most sightings of the moth are from West Cheshire. Our first record away from this area was from Alsager in 2012, followed this year by one at Cheadle Hulme on 28th February (GL).

32.035 Agonopterix yeatiana (Fabricius, 1781) (714) One to light at Handbridge on 30th March (KP). We only have nine county records, four of which have been at this site.

33.002 Ethmia quadrillella (Goeze, 1783) (719) An adult resting on Comfrey officinale in an allotment at Whaley Bridge on 2nd June, followed by one to light nearby in the recorders garden on 12th July (AS). The first county record was disturbed whilst weeding in the same garden on 9th June 2013, which would indicate a resident population at the eastern edge of VC58.

33.004 Fletcher, 1938 (717) ** The first county record. One to light at Alsager on 17th June, followed by a different moth, two nights later (MD).

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35.035 Chrysoesthia drurella (Fabricius, 1775) (746) Tenanted leaf mines at Audlem on 27th September (SHH).

35.053 striatella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (729) This second county record was of one to light at Higher Poynton on 24th July (SHH). The first record was from the same garden on 29th July 2006. A moth trap has been operated regularly at this site, next to a clump of vulgare, the species food plant, yet there have been no sightings in the intervening years.

35.076 suffusella (Douglas, 1850) (741) An adult was netted from near Common Cotton-grass , at Saltersley Moss, during the evening of 23rd June (SHH). The first county record for 55 years and the first from the Wilmslow for 65 years. Known only from two other areas in Cheshire; Delamere Forest and Wybunbury Moss.

35.089 sexpunctella (Fabricius, 1794) (794) Two to light at Wybunbury Moss on 6th June (BB).

35.107 gibbosella (Zeller, 1839) (859) One to light at Higher Poynton on 18th August (SHH). This follows one at the same site on 1st August 2012. A healthy population was discovered in Wigwam Wood, Poynton during 2010/2011, otherwise only found from the Marbury/Anderton area in 1985/1990.

35.109 Scrobipalpa acuminatella (Sircom, 1850) (822) Single males to light at Cheadle Hulme on 20th May (GL) and Alsager on 10th July (MD), as well as larval mines at Tatton Park on 15th October (RH, SHH).

35.148 Carpatolechia fugitivella (Zeller, 1839) (772) Singles to light at Tytherington on 7th July (SHH) and Elton on 3rd August (SH).

36.002 Batrachedra pinicolella (Zeller, 1839) (879) Singles to light at Alsager on 11th & 17th July (MD) and Higher Poynton on 14th July (SHH).

37.024 vitisella Gregson, 1856 (506) A larval case was found at Shooter's Clough, Goyt Valley and evidence of larval feeding on Withinleach Moor on 12th March (SHH).

37.033 Large Case-bearer Coleophora trifolii (Curtis, 1832) (516) Singles to light at Higher Poynton on 18th June (SHH) and Elton on 26th June (SH).

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37.046 Coleophora deauratella Lienig & Zeller, 1846 (519) One to light at Alsager on 26th June (MD) is the 4th county record.

37.053 Coleophora betulella (Heinemann, 1876) (536) Larval case on birch Betula sp. at Newchurch Common on 18th May, adult emerged 6th June (MB).

37.055 Coleophora pyrrhulipennella Zeller, 1839 (541) 21 larval cases were swept from Heather vulgaris at Brookhouse Moss on 30th March (SHH).

37.072 Coleophora otidipennella (Hübner, 1817) (578) Two adults amongst their food plant Field Woodrush campestris at dusk, Higher Poynton on 29th April and one during the afternoon on 15th May, with another at Tytherington on 8th May (SHH).

37.083 Coleophora saxicolella Duponchel, 1843 (565) Two adults to light at Shocklach on 29th July (AM, SHH).

37.099 Coleophora striatipennella Nylander, 1848 (553) A male netted at Woodhead on 6th June, a male and female at Higher Poynton and two males and a female at Mobberley all netted on 9th June, a male to light at Ness Gardens on 13th June and a male to light at Higher Poynton 14th June (SHH). This species is clearly far more common and widespread than our previous ten county records would suggest.

38.005 Elachista triatomea (Clerck, 1759) (611) One at Weston on 1st June and 4 at Basford on 2nd June (RB).

38.007 Elachista subocellea (Stephens, 1834) (613) ** The first county record. A male to light at Alsager on 14th June (MD).

38.046 Elachista (=Biselachista) albidella (Nylander, 1847) (630) One to light at Bowden on 17th June (RH). One netted during the evening at Saltersley Moss on 23rd June. Abundant during the evening, especially at sunset, on Holme Moss / Black Hill on 25th July (SHH).

40.003 lacteella (Stephens, 1834) (887) Two to light at Higher Poynton on 18th June, followed by singles on 2nd & 16th July (SHH).

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40.007 Mompha bradleyi Riedl, 1965 (889a) A female to light at Cheadle Hulme on 1st April (GL), a male found during the day at Moore on 19th April (MC) and three flying amongst Great Willowherb at Mobberley on 16th May (SHH). A number of moths, presumably of this species were found on the inside garage window at Higher Poynton as follows; two on 28th April, one male confirmed; two on 29th April and one on 15th May, followed by one to light on 18th June. Galls on Great Willowherb, most likely made by the larvae of this species were found at the same site during August (SHH).

40.011 Mompha langiella (Hübner, 1796) (880) Tenanted larval mines on Willowherbs Epilobium sp.at Ness Gardens on 14th June, on Broad- leaved Willowherb at Danes Moss on 1st July and on Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum and Enchanter’s Nightshade along the Middlewood Way and Macclesfield Canal, High Lane on 10th July (SHH). Our only adult was of one to light at Elton on 26th July (SH).

41.005 Blastobasis rebeli Karsholt & Sinev, 2004 (875a) ** The first county record. One to light at Wilmslow on 19th July (NG).

45.021 Stenoptilia zophodactylus (Duponchel, 1840) (1507) One netted at Higher Poynton on 12th June and two flying in evening sunshine at Walkerwood Reservoir on 22nd June (SHH) are the first records for East Cheshire.

45.037 Oidaematophorus lithodactyla (Treitschke, 1833) (1523) One to light at Higher Poynton on 2nd August (SHH).

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47.001 fulviguttella (Zeller, 1839) (478) Eight adults were seen on the flowers and beneath the leaves of a number of Angelica sylvestris plants in the early afternoon, at Hurst Clough on 9th August (SHH).

48.007 Apple Leaf Skeletoniser Choreutis pariana (Clerck, 1759) (389) Singles to light at Cheadle Hulme on 27th July (GL) and Higher Poynton on 5th August (SHH), as well as larval workings on Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna at Ashtons Cross on 28th September (MB).

49.005 Epagoge grotiana (Fabricius, 1781) (1006) One netted at Saltersley Moss on 23rd June (SHH).

49.008 Philedone gerningana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (1008) One netted at Brushes, Stalybridge on 22nd June (SHH).

49.021 Ptycholomoides aeriferanus (Herrich-Schäffer, 1851) (987) One to light at Higher Poynton on 4th August (SHH).

49.042 Neosphaleroptera nubilana (Hübner, 1799) (1027) Singles to light at Alsager on 27th June and 11th July (MD).

49.047 Eana incanana (Stephens, 1852) (1030) Singles to light at Alsager on 11th, 12th & 15th July (MD).

49.057 Cnephasia longana (Haworth, 1811) (1016) Singles to light at Elton on 16th, 17th, 22nd, & 23rd July (SH). All but 4 of the 14 county records this century have come from this site.

49.091 Pseudargyrotoza conwagana (Fabricius, 1775) (1011) This species had an exceptional year, with 159 individuals recorded, compared to an average of 14 during the past twenty years. This increase was also noticed in other parts of the country.

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49.096 Hysterophora maculosana (Haworth, 1811) (924) One photographed on the bank of the River Weaver at Frodsham Marsh on 30th May (AMB).

49.108 Gynnidomorpha alismana (Ragonot, 1883) (930) One to light at Handbridge on 17th June (KP) is the 5th county record.

49.128 Aethes rubigana (Treitschke, 1830) (946) Singles to light at Moore on 12th July (MC) and Delamere Forest on 18th July (MB, HD, HJ).

49.132 implicitana (Wocke, 1856) (956) One to light at Moore on 2nd September (MC) is the 3rd county record.

49.195 Bactra furfurana (Haworth, 1811) (1110) At least ten amongst Common Club-rush Scirpus lacustris around the edge of a pool at Mobberley on 9th June (SHH).

49.222 ustomaculana (Curtis, 1831) (1158) Larval workings were found on Cowberry vitis- at Brushes, Stalybridge on 9th March, at a number of sites on Withinleach Moor on 12th March and near the Cat and Fiddle on 29th April (SHH).

49.225 Spilonota laricana (Heinemann, 1863) (1205a) Larvae at Cook Hill, Rainow on 22nd September (SHH) and Tatton Park on 15th October (RH, SHH).

49.228 Epinotia sordidana (Hübner, 1824) (1153) One to light at Alsager on 12th August (MD).

49.243 Epinotia demarniana (Fischer von Röslerstamm, 1840) (1135) One netted at Bosley Cloud on 18th June (SHH) and singles to light at Alsager on 27th & 30th June, 5th, 11th, 25th & 29th July (MD).

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49.264 Eucosma obumbratana (Lienig & Zeller, 1846) (1202) One to light at Elton on 20th July (SH) is the 3rd record this century.

49.280 oppressana (Treitschke, 1835) (1170) Following the first county record at Upton, Chester on 22nd July 2013, two further specimens were caught this year, over in the east of Cheshire, at Poynton on 2nd July (DB) and nearby the next day at Higher Poynton (SHH).

49.283 Gypsonoma aceriana (Duponchel, 1843) (1167) 8 larval feeding tubes at the Gowy Meadows on 17th May (SHH, SH), one of which was retained and an adult emerged later in the year (SHH). SH found a further 44 tubes nearby the next day. Larval tubes were also found at Ness Gardens on 14th June (SHH) and at Stanlow on 25th July (SH).

49.305 Pine Shoot Moth Rhyacionia buoliana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (1210) One to light at Upton, Chester on 1st July (RW).

49.309 plumbana (Scopoli, 1763) (1285) Four at the Silk Road Meadow, Bollington on 27th May and four at Woodhead on 6th June (SHH).

49.320 Dichrorampha alpinana (Treitschke, 1830) (1274) Daytime observations at Basford on 8th June and Weston on 17th June (RB) and one to light at Alsager on 18th July (MD).

49.342 Cydia fagiglandana (Zeller, 1841) (1259) Singles to light at Burwardsley on 25th June (MW) and Alsager on 11th, 17th, 20th & 28th July (MD).

49.349 internana (Guenée, 1845) (1242) One on Gorse at Bulkeley on 1st June (SHH).

49.351 Grapholita lunulana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (1252) Two at Park Pit, Poynton on 6th May, one at Tytherington on 8th May, two at Mobberley on 16th May (SHH) and two at Mobberley on 21st May (GL).

49.357 Plum Fruit Moth Grapholita funebrana (Treitschke, 1835) (1247) Single males to light at Higher Poynton on 26th July (SHH) and Cheadle Hulme on 12th September (GL).

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49.381 Strophedra weirana (Douglas, 1850) (1221) Singles to light at Alsager on 26th May and 23rd June (MD) are the 5th and 6th county records.

50.002 Leopard Moth Zeuzera pyrina (Linnaeus, 1761) (161) One to light at Hazel Grove on 22nd June (PH) was the only record.

52.003 Lunar Hornet Moth Sesia bembeciformis (Hübner, [1806]) (371) Singles were at Moore Nature Reserve on 12th June (SPC) and Greasby on 30th June (LH, MH).

52.013 Currant Clearwing Synanthedon tipuliformis (Clerck, 1759) (373) Five individuals in total, all at Little Sutton; two on 15th June (HJ) and three the following day to pheromone lures (MB, HJ).

52.014 Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (382) Two came to pheromone lures at the Dee Sailing Club Cliffs at Willaston on 16th June (MB, HJ). This constitutes only the 18th record since the first in 2006, the year which accounted for 11 of our 18 records alone.

62.012 Pyla fusca (Haworth, 1811) (1451) One to light at Poynton on 6th June (DB).

62.038 Acrobasis consociella (Hübner, 1813) (1437) Larvae at Big Wood, Withington on 11th June, followed by adults to light at Higher Poynton on 18th July (SHH), Alsager on 18th & 21st July and 7th August (MD) and Oakwood Farm, Styal on 29th July (NG).

62.062 Indian Meal Moth Plodia interpunctella (Hübner, 1813) (1479) Singles on seven dates between 3rd July and 1st August at Shavington (RB) and one flying around the inside of a pet shop at Stockport on 24th August (BS).

62.065 Ephestia unicolorella (=parasitella) Staudinger, 1881 (1474) Two to light at Alsager on 11th June, followed by singles on 14th & 23rd June (MD).

62.074 Large Tabby Aglossa pinguinalis (Linnaeus, 1758) (1421) In addition to the regular sites at Shocklach and Upton, Wirral, there were six at Shavington on 3rd to 6th July (RB).

63.005 Pyrausta despicata (Scopoli, 1763) (1365) One to light at Alsager on 19th July (MD) is the first record since 1964.

63.016 Anania (=Opsibotys) fuscalis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (1386) One to light at Wybunbury Moss on 6th June (BB) is the first record since 1990.

63.018 Anania (=Phlyctaenia) coronata (Hufnagel, 1767) (1378) One to light at Cheadle Hulme on the early date of 27th April (GL).

63.020 Anania (=Phlyctaenia) perlucidalis (Hübner, 1809) (1380) Singles to light at Marbury Country Park on 13th & 18th June, followed by four on 18th July (LB) and Shavington on 17th & 25th June (RB, TR).

63.052 Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (1398) Just the single record of this often common migrant, to light at Great Sutton on 27th October (MB).

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63.079 Calamotropha paludella (Hübner, 1824) (1292) Singles to light at Shavington (RB, TR) and Upton, Chester on 19th July (RW), Waverton (BC) and Elton (SH) on 23rd July, Alderley Edge on 26th July (MDo, KM), Shocklach on 29th July (AM, SHH), Frodsham on 4th August (RGB) and Elton on 9th August (SH).

63.122 Donacaula mucronellus ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (1330) One to light at Wybunbury Moss on 17th July (BB).

65.016 Yellow Horned Achlya flavicornis (Linnaeus, 1758) (1659) Ten records of 39 individuals, all to light, with the undoubted hotspot of Wybunbury Moss accounting for 31 between 14th and 29th March (BB). Elsewhere, four were at Alsager between 7th and 11th March (MD) and two at Higher Poynton over 10th to 15th March (SHH).

66.008 Fox Moth Macrothylacia rubi (Linnaeus, 1758) (1638) A female to light at Higher Poynton on 18th May (SHH) was the only adult recorded all year. Larvae were found at Heyden Moor (1) on 11th April (SHH), Cat and Fiddle (10) on 17th July (RHD) and Holme Moss (1) on 25th July (SHH).

68.001 Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia (Linnaeus, 1758) (1643) Records of adults came from Hoo Moor (3) and Hoo Moor Plantation (4) on 28th April (both SHH). One was found at Tegg’s Nose on 1st July (TW) whilst further larval records (counts not submitted) came from The Tors, Cats Tor and Withinleach Moor on 17th July (all RHD).

69.017 Small Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila porcellus (Linnaeus, 1758) (1992) Five records of adults to light. Heald Green: 21st May (BTS), Macclesfield: 7th June (LG), Hale, Altrincham: 15th June (KN), Frodsham: 23rd June (RGB) and Warrington: 30th June (CW).

70.002 Purple-bordered Gold Idaea muricata (Hufnagel, 1767) (1698) Two records of eight adults; both daytime observations at Wybunbury Moss between 21st June and 5th July (RB). Half the County records (20) have come since 2008.

70.006 Dwarf Cream Wave Idaea fuscovenosa (Goeze, 1781) (1705) Three records of three individuals. Singles to light at Elton on 2nd July (SH) and Ness Gardens on 6th July (ES). One daytime observation of a single at Thornton-le-Moors on 29th June (SH).

70.009 Satin Wave Idaea subsericeata (Haworth, 1809) (1709) Four records of five individuals, four of which came from the Ness Gardens Bio-blitz over 13th-14th June (SHH, SH, JJC, HJ). The only other record was at Marbury Country Park on 16th June (LB). Thirty-one of the County’s 67 records have been since 2001.

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70.023 Mullein Wave Scopula marginepunctata (Goeze, 1781) (1689) One to light at Shavington on 29th July (RB, TR). The 6th County record, following the first at Crewe as recently as 2005; other records came from 2006-07, 2011 and 2013, so no signs yet of any significant arrival. Remains a true vagrant, though records from Shavington suggest a small population is established in that area.

70.026 Smoky Wave Scopula ternate Schrank, 1802 (1694) Seven records of 44 individuals (two larval in April and May); all daytime observations between 30th April and 22nd June (SHH), including 28 adults from Withens Brook on 20th June. Of 49 County records, 12 have come over 2013-14.

70.027 Cream Wave Scopula floslactata (Haworth, 1809) (1693) Ten records of ten individuals, all to light between 25th May and 30th July (ES, MC, BL, LB, SPC). Half originated from Meadowbank, Moore Lane at Moore, with others from Ness Gardens, Nantwich, Marbury Country Park and Knutsford. Almost exactly one-third of all County records have come since 2000, showing an overall upward trend towards the present day.

70.037 Clay Triple-lines Cyclophora linearia (Hübner, [1799]) (1681) One to light at Delamere Forest on 18th July (MB, HJ, HD). Just the 11th County record but the sixth since 2006.

70.038 The Vestal Rhodometra sacraria (Linnaeus, 1767) (1716) Migrant that generally occurs further south of Cheshire. Singles to light at Shavington on 19th July (RB, TR) and Great Sutton on 30th October (MB). The best recent years for the species arrival have been 2006 (24 records) and 2010 (11) from a total of 78 for the County.

70.041 July Belle Scotopteryx luridata (Fabricius, 1775) (1734) Two singles to light as in July as follows: Moore on 22nd (MC) and Mickle Trafford on 25th (MB). The first records since 2011.

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70.047 The Gem Nycterosea obstipata (Fabricius, 1794) (1720) Migrant. One to light at Higher Poynton on 6th November (SHH) was the only record. Almost exactly one third of all County records (52) have come since 2001, with peaks of four in each of 2002 and 2006.

70.051 Red Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe spadicearia ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (1724) Six records of nine individuals, all attracted to light at Moore between 9th April and 14th May (MC). The most productive year this century.

70.055 Large Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata (Clerck, 1759) (1726) Three singles to light in July as follows: Shavington on 11th (RB, TR), Higher Poynton on 20th (SHH) and Wybunbury Moss on 26th (BB). These represent the 7th to 9th County records, since the first at Alsager on July 25th in 2006.

70.060 Small Argent & Sable Epirrhoe tristate (Linnaeus, 1758) (1737) Three daytime observations of 28 adults as follows: Woodhead, Longdendale – 25 between 6th June and 26th July, Withens Brook – three on 20th June (all SHH). A remarkable set of observations that represent just the 2nd to 4th records for the County. The only previous record concerned an unrecorded number seen at Castle Mill sometime prior to 1887.

70.068 Beautiful Carpet Mesoleuca albicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) (1748) Two to light at Alsager on 6th June (MD) was the only record.

70.069 Dark Spinach Pelurga comitata (Linnaeus, 1758) (1749) Three adults to light in July at Elton as follows: two on 24th, one on 26th (SH) were the only records. The best recent year was 2009, which accounted for nine records.

70.070 The Mallow Larentia clavaria (Haworth, 1809) (1745) One record; a daytime observation of one attracted to a security light at Shocklach on 21st September (AM). The first County record since 2007 and just the 11th this century.

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70.084 Blue-bordered Carpet Plemyria rubiginata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (1766) Ten records of ten individuals to light between 3rd July and 25th August. The most favoured area was Nantwich, with three singles at Broomhall (PG) and another single from Willaston (DT).

70.087 Purple Bar Cosmorhoe ocellata (Linnaeus, 1758) (1752) Six individuals to light : Higher Poynton on 9th June and 19th July (SHH), Alsager on 25th June (MD), Willaston on 26th June (RP), Hazel Grove on 17th July (PH) and Cheadle Hulme on 6th September (GL). Six records a year is about the recent average.

70.090 The Chevron Eulithis testate (Linnaeus, 1761) (1755) Four records of four individuals. Given that adults are supposed to fly between July and August in a single generation, the set of records is slightly unusual, though 2014 was a year that broke many records for ‘latest ever dates’. An adult was seen in the daytime at Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB reserve on 20th June (MB, HD). All other records came during September: Macclesfield on 5th (LG) and Alsager on 10th and 11th (MD).

70.104 Devon Carpet Lampropteryx otregiata (Metcalfe, 1917) (1751) Five records of eight individuals, representing the 5th to 9th County records. This is a scarce UK species now finding a toehold in Cheshire following the first sighting in 2011. Records concerned both broods, with that of spring found at Wybunbury Moss on 21st May (3) and 5th June (BB). In autumn, singles were at Higher Poynton on 27th July (SHH) and Delamere Forest on 9th August and 26th September (MB, HD, HJ).

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70.105 Northern Winter Moth Operophtera fagata (Scharfenberg, 1805) (1800) One record of a single at Higher Poynton on 1st November (SHH)

70.110 Small filigrammaria (Herrich-Schäffer, 1846) (1798) One record of a larva at Crowden on 2nd May (SHH). Only the 8th record this century.

70.119 Dark Umber Philereme transversata (Hufnagel, 1767) (1792) One record, a daytime observation of a single at Shocklach (AM). The 5th County record and the first for 10 years (Delamere). The only other records came from Heald Green in 2000, Pensby in 1963 and Saughall in 1948.

70.121 Scallop Shell Hydria undulate (Linnaeus, 1758) (1789) Nine records of 10 individuals to light between 15th June and 25th July as follows: Moore: four between 15th June and 8th July (MC), Marbury Country Park: 25th June (LB), Alsager: three between 29th June and 22nd July (MD) and Higher Poynton: two between 14th and 25th July (SHH). The best year for records this century.

70.130 Chimney Sweeper Odezia atrata (Linnaeus, 1758) (1870) Nine records concerning 210 individuals seen in daytime. Tegg’s Nose: 200 between 6th, 12th and 18th (100) June (TW), Swettenham Meadows: five between 6th, 13th and 18th June (AC), Sutton: one on 14th June (BTS), Compstall: one on 18th June (AB) and Errwood: two on 26th June (SHH).

70.137 Grass Rivulet Perizoma albulata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (1807) Seven records of 11 individuals, four to light, as follows: Whaley Bridge on 17th and 30th May (AS), Cheadle Hulme on 13th June (GL) and Great Sutton on 14th June (MB). Daytime observations accounted for two at Werneth Low (SHH, GR), three at Taxal on 21st May (AS) and two at Cheadle on 11th June (GL).

70.143 Sloe Pug Pasiphila chloerata (Mabille, 1870) (1859) Two to light in June. Cheadle Hulme on 13th (GL) and Great Sutton on 16th (MB). With only 33 records in total this species has never been anything other than distinctly rare within Cheshire, with just 10 records prior to 1990, five to 1999 and 17 this century. Searching Blackthorn blossom for the distinctive looking larvae in springtime may prove to be a viable alternative to depending on trapping adults to establish its presence.

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70.145 Bilberry Pug Pasiphila debiliata (Hübner, [1817]) (1861) One adult to light at Delamere Forest on 18th July (MB, HJ, HD). The 2nd County record following the first in 2012.

70.148 Maple Pug inturbata (Hübner, [1817]) (1812) Three singles to light at Alsager on 21st and 24th July and 8th August (MD). The 13th to 15th records for the County.

70.150 Toadflax Pug Eupithecia linariata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (1816) 10 records of 10 individuals to light as follows: Ellesemere Port on 15th June (HJ), Shavington on 18th, 19th, 25th June and 17th July (RB, TR), Great Sutton on 26th June (MB) and New Brighton on 9th and 28th August, 2nd (3) and 10th September (TS).

70.155 Netted Pug Eupithecia venosata (Fabricius, 1787) (182) One to light at Moore on 8th June (MC) was the first record since 2008 and only the 10th this century. Twenty-seven of the 47 County records originate before 1990.

70.158 Pug Eupithecia pusillata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (1854) Six records of seven individuals to light. Shavington: one on 19th July (RB, TR), Altrincham, one on 25th July (KN), Cheadle Hulme, two on 30th July and one on 7th August (GL), Poynton on 8th August (DB) and Whaley Bridge also on 8th August (AS). This is a species that appears to be in freefall decline if the numbers of records are a true reflection of what is going on. Prior to 1990, there were 574 County records and 277 between 1990 and 1999, but shortly after the turn of the century things have taken a distinct downturn as can be seen in the graph.

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70.163 Larch Pug Eupithecia lariciata (Freyer, 1841) (1856) Four records of singles to light as follows: Alsager on 2nd, 5th and 27th July (MD) and Delamere Forest on 9th August (MB, HJ, HD).

70.166 Plain Pug Eupithecia simpliciata (Haworth, 1809) (1842) One to light at Burwardsley on 28th July (MW) was the only record…only the 15th this century.

70.169 Angle-barred Pug (Hufnagel, 1767) (1848) surrounding this species has undergone reviews through which it widely became accepted as a ‘super species’ that consumed Eupithecia fraxinata and Tamarisk Pug Eupithecia tamarisciata, relegating them to forms of Angle-barred. Ash Pug is now known by some (including the custodians of the British List) as E. innotata f. fraxinata. The nominate form, Angle-barred Pug, feeds on sea-buckthorn ( rhamnoides) and occurs coastally from Yorkshire to Essex.

However, opinions vary as there is also a view that Angle-barred Pug does not occur in this country, and that they are all forms of Ash Pug. Haggett (1963) published a detailed review and concluded that all supposed British records of E. innotata (Angle-barred Pug) should not be regarded as distinct from E. fraxinata (Ash Pug). Skinner (2009) considered Ash Pug as a race of Angle-barred Pug but Agassiz, Beavan & Heckford (2013) treat it as a synonym. For the moment at least we as Cheshire should follow what has been accepted for the British List, which places Ash Pug as a form of Angle-barred.

Given all the above, we can fairly readily accept that the nominate innotata doesn’t occur in the County and that the two records during the year are both of the form fraxinata. Singles were attracted to light at Kelsall on 1st June (BBu) and Greasby on 11th June (LH, MH).

70.175 Triple-spotted Pug Eupithecia trisignaria Herrich-Schäffer, 1848 (1826) Two records of singles to light a Higher Poynton 20th July and 2nd September (SHH).

70.181 Manchester Treble-bar Carsia sororiata Prout, 1937 (1866) A total of 64 adults at Wybunbury Moss between 21st June and 22nd July (MB, RB) mostly field observations, but two to light on 26th June. Wybunbury is the only reliable site in Cheshire and has accounted for virtually all records over recent years.

70.187 Tawny Speckled Pug Eupithecia icterata (Villers, 1789) (1838) Formerly more common than present day observations suggest with just 10 records of 10 singles to light. Bramhall on 23rd July (AC), Moore on 26th July, 15th and 31st August and 2nd September (MC), Handbridge on 30th August (KP), Shavington on 3rd August and 3rd September (RB, TR) and Higher Poynton on 19th September (SHH).

70.188 Bordered Pug Eupithecia succenturiata (Linnaeus, 1758) (1839) Five records of seven individual to light. Elworth on 10th July (PFA), Ellesmere Port on 24th July (2) and 4th August (HJ) and Shavington on 17th (2) and 25th July (RB, TR).

70.192 Treble-bar Aplocera plagiata (Linnaeus, 1758) (1867) Nine records of nine individuals, all but two of which were to light. Records came from Handbridge, Chester: singles on 19th May and 1st September (KP), Ness Gardens on 13th June (MB), Moore on 3rd and 12th September (MC), Basford on 7th May and 3rd September (both field observations), Shavington on 3rd September (RB) and Elworth on 20th August (PFA).

70.195 The Streak Chesias legatella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (1864) Three singles to light as follows: Cheadle Hulme on 20th October (GL), Shavington on 26th October (RB, TR) and Alsager on 11th November (MD). Though it remains distinctly uncommon, there have been 113 records since the turn of the century.

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70.203 Orange Underwing Archiearis parthenias (Linnaeus, 1761) (1661) Nine records of 17 individuals, all of day-flying adults between 10th March and 1st April (SHH, BB, TW, MB, BBu) Recorded at Delamere Forest, Wybunbury Moss, Brookhouse Moss, Saltersley Moss, Tegg’s Nose and Higher Disley.

70.227 Bordered Beauty Epione repandaria (Hufnagel, 1767) (1907) Nine records of nine adults to light in the remarkably narrow window of between 20th July and 3rd August. Records came from Moore, Marbury Country Park, Handbridge (Chester), Bromborough, Burwardsley and Upton (Wirral) (HD, PHo, KP, MW, MW, LB).

70.233 August Thorn Ennomos quercinaria (Hufnagel, 1767) (1912) Nine records of 13 adults to light between 1st August and 29th September from Great Sutton (two, MB), Burleydam (BJ), Broomhall (PG), Marbury Country Park (LB), Altrincham (KN), Poynton (DB) and Whaley Bridge (six, AS).

70.248 Brindled Beauty Lycia hirtaria (Clerck, 1759) (1927) Seven records of 19 individual so light. Willaston, Nantwich: 1st, 2nd and 30th April (DT), Alsager: 21st April (MD), Delamere Forest: 13 on 28th April (MB, HJ, HD), Burwardsley: 20th May (MW) and Altrincham: 3rd June (RH).

70.253 Spring Usher leucophaearia ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (1932) Ten records of ten individuals to light (including a street lamp!). Alsager: five between 7th January and 6th February (MD), Sound, Nantwich: two between 29th January and 17th February (PG, BL), Woodend: two at street lamps on 19th and 26th March (BTS) and Great Sutton on 16th February (MB).

70.264 Satin Beauty Deileptenia ribeata (Clerck, 1759) (1940) Two records of singles to light. Ness Gardens on 13th June (MB) and Wybunbury Moss on 26th June (BB). These constitute only the 11th and 12th reports this century, during which time it has gone unreported in 2000, 2003-2005, 2007, 2009 and 2012.

70.271 Small Engrailed Ectropis crepuscularia ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (1948) One to light at Sound, Nantwich on 27th June (BL) was the only record. This is a species that has never been commonly reported, indeed since the turn of the century it’s far from annual, being unreported in 2005-2006, 2008-2010 and 2013.

70.282 Early Moth Theria primaria (Haworth, 1809) (1960) Eight records of eight individuals, adult unless stated otherwise. Alsager: 10th January (MD), Heatley: 16th January (EH), Sound, Nantwich: on 3rd, 9th and 11th February (BL), Broomhall, Nantwich: 11th February (PG), Moore: 19th February (MC) and Thornton-le-Moors: one larva on 17th May (SHH, SH). The post-2000 yearly average is between 12-15 sightings.

70.300 Blotched Emerald bajularia ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (1667) Nine records of 10 individuals all to light between 13th and 29th June (MC, CRA, LB, RH, MD). Marbury Country Park provided five of the records, the other sites being Moore, Weaverham, Altrincham and Alsager.

71.003 Puss Moth Cerura vinula (Linnaeus, 1758) (1995) Eight records but none concerning adults. Larvae found as follows: Withens Brook (72 on 20th June), Heyden Moor (166 on 20th June) Holme Moss (3 on 25th June), Jacksons Brickworks, Higher Poynton: (one on 29th June), Errwood (nine on 26th June) (all SHH) and Goyt Valley: (one on 6th September (RHD)). The only other record concerned the finding of four eggs at Woodhead, Longdendale on 11th July (SHH). The best year for records this century.

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71.007 Poplar Kitten Furcula bifida (Brahm, 1787) (1998) Nine adults to light: Cheadle Hulme: 19th May and 18th June (GL), Lacey Green, Wilmslow: 25th May and 21st June (NG), Frodsham: 27th and 31st May and 2nd June (RGB), Alsager: 8th June (MD) and New Brighton 29th June (TS).

72.007 Beautiful Snout crassalis (Fabricius, 1787) (2476) Three adults to light. Hazel Grove: 10th June (SS), Elworth: 18th June (PFA), Delamere Forest: 16th June (MB, HJ HD). The 18th to 20th County records since 2005.

72.025 Wood Tiger Parasemia plantaginis (Linnaeus, 1758) (2056) Two records, both daytime observations. Withens Brook: two on 20th June (SHH) and Tegg's Nose Country Park: one on 23rd June (TW). The 10th and 11th records this century and the 30th and 31st overall.

72.042 Red-necked Footman rubricollis (Linnaeus, 1758) (2039) Unfortunately the only record of the year was one found dead at Withens Brook on 20th June (SHH)

72.060 Marsh Oblique-barred Hypenodes humidalis Doubleday, 1850 (2485) One adult to light at Ellesmere Port on 17th July (HJ). The 20th County record, with six since 2001. Could easily be being overlooked as a micro.

72.083 Burnet Companion Euclidia glyphica (Linnaeus, 1758) (2463) Seven records of 16 adults seen during daytime. Basford: 14th May and 12th June (RB), Inner Marsh Farm, Burton: 9th June (LyG), Dibbinsdale Nature Reserve: 11th June (RW), Priory Gardens, Sale: 10 on 11th June (PBH), Wirral Country Park, Thurstaston: 16th June (MB, HJ) and Weston: 20th June (RB). The best year since 2010.

72.123 The Tissue Triphosa dubitata (Linnaeus, 1758) (1790) One adult to light at Willaston on 1st August (RP). Just the 8th since 2001.

73.014 Golden Plusia Polychrysia moneta (Fabricius, 1787) (2437) Two records of singles to light. Marple: 28th June (MPS) and Marbury Country Park: 10th July (LB). This moth was new to Britain in 1890, after which time it spread rapidly north-westwards and into Scotland, becoming established hereabouts in the process. Over recent times however there are signs that it is decreasing its range again.

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73.018 Gold Spangle Autographa bractea ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (2444) Ten records of 11 adults to light. Elton, 26th June (SH) Alsager: 16th July (MD), Heald Green: 17th July (BTS), Cheadle Hulme: 26th and 27th June (GL), Poynton: two, 26th July (DB) and Higher Poynton: 26th and 31st July (SHH). A noticeable reduction from 26 records in 2013.

73.021 Scarce Silver Y Syngrapha interrogationis (Linnaeus, 1758) (2447) Two daytime records of larvae obtained through sweeping. Withinleach Moor: 1, 12th March (SHH) and Crowden: four on 2nd May (SHH). The 18th and 19th County records and though there were three in 2013, the next previous year was 2006.

73.024 Marbled White Spot Deltote pygarga (Hufnagel, 1766) (2410) Nine records of 38 adults 33 to light (l) and five in daytime (d). Wybunbury Moss (35): 21st April (5, l), 1st (1, d), 6th (22, 1; 2, d), 21st (1, d) and 26th June (4, l) (RB, BB), Alsager: 1st June (1, l) (MD), Marbury Country Park: (1, l) (LB) and Saltersley Moss: 2rd June (1, d) (SHH). A remarkable set of observations given the species’ history within the County; previous records came from 1901, 1987 and thereafter 2004, 2010, 2011 and 2013 – all records of single individuals.

73.026 Silver Hook Deltote uncula (Clerck, 1759) (2412) One adult to light at Cheadle Hulme on 28th July (GL). The 7th County record and the first since four in 2009; all records have come since 2004.

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73.039 The Sycamore Acronicta aceris (Linnaeus, 1758) (2279) Five records of adults to light. Shavington: 25th June (RB, TR), Willaston, Nantwich: 28th June, 18th and 19th July (DT), Haslington, Crewe: 20th July (AF). The 15th to 19th County records, with 16 coming since 2009.

73.042 Light Knot Grass Acronicta menyanthidis (Esper, 1798) (2286) One record concerning a larva found at Holme Moss on 25th July (SHH). Just the eighth record since 2002. Twenty-two of our 31 records came prior to 1990.

73.048 Small Yellow Underwing Panemeria tenebrata (Scopoli, 1763) (2397) Eight records of 16 adults recorded between 3rd and 31st May. Burton Mere Wetland RSPB Reserve, Chester Meadows, Thornton Green, Wistaston, Crewe Green (3), Mobberley (7), Astbury and Tytherington (MB, KP, SH, RB, SHH, DRS). Annual since 2002, these records represent an average year since that time.

72.049 Orange Footman Eilema sororcula (Hufnagel, 1766) (2043) Three adults to light. Alsager: One on 19th May (MD), Burwardsley and Marbury Country Park on 20th May (MW, LB). These represent the 6th to 8th County records, following the first in 2009.

73.052 The Shark Cucullia umbratica (Linnaeus, 1758) (2216) Nine records of adults to light. Ellesmere Port: 11th, 14th, 16th, 17th and 19th June (HJ), Handbridge: 17th June (KP), Knutsford: 28th June (SPC), Sound Common: 30th June (PG) and Upton, Wirral: 2nd July (HD). The best year since 2007.

73.053 Chamomile Shark Cucullia chamomillae ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (2214) An adult to light at Shavington on 14th May (RB, TR) was the only record.

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73.058 The Mullein Cucullia verbasci (Linnaeus, 1758) (2221) Three records: Burwardsley: one to light on 3rd May (MW), Elworth: one to light on 17th May (PFA) and Ness Gardens: one larva on 14th June (SHH). Three in a year could be perceived as poor but this beautiful species is being recorded more frequently since the turn of the century than ever before. There were just 21 records up to 1989, only seven more over 1990-1999, but 52 since 2000.

73.065 The Sprawler Asteroscopus sphinx (Hufnagel, 1766) (2227) Single adult to light at Shocklach on 17th November (AM). The first since 2011 and only the 8th in the last 10 years. Over one-third of all County records (103) originate from the last 10 years, with a peak of 17 in 2006.

73.070 Bordered Sallow Pyrrhia umbra (Hufnagel, 1766) (2399) One adult to light at Willaston on 11th July (RP). The first since 2010 and just the 6th this century.

73.074 Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigera ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (2403) Migrant. Two adults (possibly the same one trapped twice) to light at Upton, Chester on 29th and 30th August (RW). The first since the bumper year 2006, which accounted for 21 of the 48 County records. There were just 15 records before 2000.

73.087 Small Mottled Spodoptera exigua (Hübner, [1808]) (2385) Migrant. One adult to light at Cheadle Hulme on 1st November (GL). The first since 2011; 20 of the 35 County records have come since 2000, including 13 in the last major influx of 2006.

73.100 Silky Wainscot Chilodes maritima (Tauscher, 1806) (2391) Nine adults to light. Marbury Country Park: five; 1st and 28th June and 1st 5th and 18th July (LB), Handbridge, Chester: 21st June (KP), Moore: 8th July (MC), Upton, Wirral: 11th July (HD) and Upton, Chester: 19th July (RW). An average year over the last 15.

73.102 Brown Rustic Rusina ferruginea (Esper, 1785) (2302) Eight records of 10 adults to light. Higher Poynton: 29th May (SHH), Moore Lane, Moore: 31st May, 1st and 19th June (five in total, MC), Alsager: 14th June (MD), Willaston, Nantwich and Elworth: 19th June (DT, PFA) and Cheadle Hulme: 25th June (GL). An above average year since 2000.

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73.120 Dusky Sallow Eremobia ochroleuca ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (2352) One adult to light at Heatley on 23rd July (EH) constituted the 4th County record. Previous records came from 2006, 1995 and 1944.

73.127 Large Ear Amphipoea lucens (Freyer, 1845) (2357) One confirmed record of an adult to light, at Cheadle Hulme on 1st September (GL) as determined though examination of genitalia. Just the sixth such record in the last 15 years.

73.128 Ear Moth Amphipoea oculea (Linnaeus, 1761) (2360) Five confirmed records of adults to light as determined by examination of genitalia. Cheadle Hulme: 17th and 25th July and 1st August (GL), Higher Poynton: 19th July (SHH) and Adlington: 21st July (SHH). Thirty-nine records in 2010 remains by far the best year in the last 15.

73.141 Brown-veined Wainscot Archanara dissolute (Treitschke, 1825) (2371) Three adults to light at Marbury Country Park on 17th, 22nd and 26th July (LB). Three of only eight records this century and the first at all since 2008.

73.144 Small Wainscot Denticucullus pygmina (Haworth, 1809) (2350) Nine records of singles to light: Moore: 5th August (MC), Sound Common: 8th, 13th and 14th August (PG), Higher Poynton: 9th and 28th August (SHH), Mickle Trafford: 5th September (MB), New Brighton: 8th September (TS), and Elton: 28th September (SH). An average showing over the last 15 years.

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73.155 Clouded Brindle Apamea epomidion (Haworth, 1809) (2327) Four records of adults to light. Great Sutton: 27th May and 10th June (MB), Higher Poynton: 25th June (SHH) and Burleydam: 27th June (BJ). Four in a year is a little below par for the years since the turn of the century, during which time it went un-recorded in 2000-2001 and 2007.

73.169 Common Rustic Mesapamea secalis (Linnaeus, 1758) (2343) Five confirmed records of adults to light plus one found dead, as determined by examination of genitalia to separate from either Lesser Common or Remm’s. Tytherington: 7th July (JM, SHH), Adlington: 22nd July (SHH), Shocklach: 29th July (AM, SHH), Alsager: 30th July (MD) and Higher Poynton: one found dead on 17th August (SHH). Over 880 additional records received concerned indeterminate Common, Lesser Common or Remm’s, though most likely to be this species.

73.173 Marbled Minor strigilis (Linnaeus, 1758) (2337) Six confirmed records of adults to light, each of which was determined by examination of genitalia. A further 53 records related to indeterminate Marbled, Tawny Marbled or Rufous. Specific Marbled Minor records came from: Alsager: 27th May (MD), Wybunbury Moss: 6th and 26th June and 2nd July (BB), Ness Gardens: 13th June (SHH), Higher Poynton: 16th July (SHH) and Adlington: 22nd July (SHH).

73.174 Tawny Marbled Minor ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (2339) One confirmed record of an adult to light at Tytherington on 7th July, determined by examination of genitalia (JM, SHH). Another 59 records were undetermined, either this species, Rufous or Marbled.

73.175 Rufous Minor (Borkhausen, 1792) (2338) Six confirmed records of 10 adults to light and one adult bred through from larva as determined by examination of genitalia. Whaley Bridge: 25th May – bred from larva (AS), Alsager: 8th June (MD), Ness Gardens: 13th June (six, SHH), Wybunbury Moss: 26th June (BB), Tytherington: 7th July (JM, SHH) and Adlington: 21st July (SHH).A further eight records related to indeterminate Marbled, Tawny Marbled or Rufous.

73.179 Orange Sallow Tiliacea citrago (Linnaeus, 1758) (2271) Ten records of 12 individuals to light. Great Sutton: 11th, 13th (2) and 15th September (MB), Marbury Country Park: 12th September (LB), Alsager: 18th and 27th (2) September and 2nd October (MD), Davenham: 18th September (GO), Hazel Grove: 26th September (SS) and Cheadle Hulme: 5th October (GL). An approximately average score since the turn of the century.

73.188 Flounced Chestnut Agrochola helvola (Linnaeus, 1758) (2265) Three adults to light in September. Tegg's Nose Country Park: 3rd. Higher Poynton: 17th and 19th (all SHH).

73.200 Tawny Pinion Lithophane semibrunnea (Haworth, 1809) (2235) Three adults to light. Upton, Wirral: 29th March (HD), Bickley Hall Farm: 29th April (ST) and Great Sutton: 29th April (MB). Not annual, being un-recorded in 2007, 2008, 2012 and 2013 over recent years.

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73.209 Red Sword-grass Xylena vetusta (Hübner, [1813]) (2241) Three adults to light. Alsager: 9th April (MD) – had hibernated over-winter, Higher Poynton: 1st and 15th November (SHH). The poorest recent year since 2008.

73.213 The Olive Ipimorpha subtusa ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (2312) Ten records of ten adults to light, all within the remarkably tight window of 18th July to 1st August. Records were widespread, coming from: Elton, Willaston (2), Nantwich, Altrincham, Alsager (2), Cheadle Hulme, Poynton and Marple (SH, RP, DT, KN, MD, GL, SHH, MPS).

73.220 Minor Shoulder-knot Brachylomia viminalis (Fabricius, [1777]) (2225) One adult to light at Alsager on 7th August (MD). This species is struggling to maintain a presence in the County, with just 20 records this century.

73.231 Deep-brown Dart Aporophyla lutulenta ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (2231) Three adults to light at Alsager over 17th to 21st September (MD).

73.238 Dark Brocade Mniotype adusta (Esper, 1790) (2250) Two adults to light. Cheadle Hulme: 21st May (GL) and New Brighton: 13th July (TS). The poorest showing since 2002, when it passed unrecorded.

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73.243 Blossom Underwing Orthosia miniosa ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (2183) One to light at Alsager on 24th April (MD). The 7th County record; the first since two at Pensby in April 1964. This was probably part of the influx of immigrants which began in late March and produced a scattering of records, mainly from coastal south-eastern .

73.246 Lead-coloured Drab Orthosia populeti (Fabricius, 1781) (2185) Three records of adults to light. Wybunbury Moss: 14th and 19th March (BB) and Heatley on 4th April (EH). The best year since 2007; unrecorded over 2008-2009.

73.257 Beautiful Yellow Underwing Anarta myrtilli (Linnaeus, 1761) (2142) Three records of nine adults during daytime. Flaxmere: six on 17th May (BBu), Woodhead, Longdendale: one on 6th June, two on 11th July (SHH). An above average year for a species that has gone un-recorded in three of the last 10 years (2007, 2010 and 2012).

73.261 Grey Arches Polia nebulosi (Hufnagel, 1766) (2150) Nine records of nine adults to light. Burwardsley: 31st May, 18th June, 8th and 9th July (MW), Ness Gardens: 13th June (JJC), Bickley Moss: 18th June (JS), Cheadle Hulme: 26th June (GL), New Brighton: 2nd July (TS) and Heald Green: 8th July (BTS). Another par score over recent years.

73.273 The Shears Hada plebeja (Linnaeus, 1761) (2147) Seven records of adults to light. Knutsford: 23rd May (SPC), Burwardsley: 6th June (MW), Alsager: 9th June (MD), Higher Poynton: 10th, 20th and 21st June (SHH) and Bramhall: 11th June (AC). The most productive year since 2007.

73.279 Broad-barred White Hecatera bicolorata (Hufnagel, 1766) (2164) Six records of six adults to light. Elworth: 27th May (PFA), Ellesmere Port: 12th, 13th and 16th June (HJ), Willaston, Nantwich: 15th June (DT) and Appleton Park, Warrington: 8th July (CW). Ninety-five of the 271 County records have come since 2000.

73.280 Small Ranunculus ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (2165) One to light at Elton on 17th July (SH) was the only record; a photograph features on the front cover of this report. First recorded in the County at Birkenhead in 2004, it was subsequently unrecorded in both 2006 and 2007 and peaked at seven records in 2011.

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73.289 Striped Wainscot Mythimna pudorina ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (2196) Two adults to light. Ness Gardens: 13th June (MB) and Wybunbury Moss on 2nd July (BB). These represent the 3rd and 4th County records.

73.290 Brown-line Bright-eye Mythimna conigera ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (2192) One to light at Alsager on 16th July (MD).

73.294 Southern Wainscot Mythimna straminea (Treitschke, 1825) (2197) An adult seen during daytime at Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB Reserve on 20th June (MB, HD) was the only record and the first since 2011.

73.295 The Delicate Mythimna vitelline (Hübner, [1808]) (2195) Migrant. One to light at Willaston, Nantwich on 31st October (DT) was the 6th County record and the first since 2007. The first two reports came from 1992, after which the only others were two in 2006 (of three individuals).

73.302 Obscure Wainscot Leucania obsolete (Hübner, [1803]) (2204) Six records of adults, to light unless otherwise stated. Knutsford: 14th June (SPC), Moore: 15th, 19th and 24th June (MC), Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB Reserve: daytime observation on 20th June (MB, HD) and Marbury Country Park: 1st July (LB).

73.313 White-line Dart Euxoa tritici (Linnaeus, 1761) (2081) Three adults to light. New Brighton on 15th July (TS), Upton, Wirral on 17th July (HD) and Elton on 6th August (SH). This trio represent a basic maintenance of the status quo for the species since 2000.

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73.314 Garden Dart Euxoa nigricans (Linnaeus, 1761) (2082) Four adults to light. Elton: 7th July, 12th and 23rd August (SH) and Willaston, Nantwich 6th August (DT). This species is trending to being very uncommon; the breakdown of 2000-2014 records can be seen below.

73.331 Barred Chestnut Diarsia dahlia (Hübner, [1813]) 92121) Two to light. Alsager: 17th August (MD) and Tegg's Nose Country Park: 3rd September (SHH). Just the 8th and 9th this century.

73.336 Red Chestnut Cerastis rubricosa ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (2139) Seven records of adults to light. Alsager: 11th and 17th March, 7th and 21st April (MD), Sound, Nantwich: 25th March (BL), Heatley: 2nd April (EH) and Cheadle Hulme: 25th April (GL).

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73.351 Double Dart Graphiphora augur (Fabricius, 1775) (2114) Seven records of adults to light. Appleton Park, Warrington: 1st June (CW), Handbridge, Chester: 19th June (KP), Waverton and Broomhall, Nantwich: 20th June (BC. PG), Cheadle Hulme: 2nd July (GL), Higher Poynton: 3rd July (SHH) and Sound, Nantwich: 4th July (BL). An above par year over recent times.

73.355 Neglected Rustic castanea (Esper, 1798) (2132) An adult to light at Higher Poynton on 27th August (SHH) was the only record, and just the 11th this century.

73.356 Heath Rustic Xestia agathina (Duponchel, 1827) (2135) Ten records of 17 individuals, from ten different sites in the east (all records SHH), all but four obtained through sweeping. Four adults came to light at Tegg's Nose Country Park on 3rd September. Records for larvae spanned 9th April to 4th May, biased towards the end of April. Ninety-eight of the County total of 137 records have occurred since 2001.

73.360 Triple-spotted Clay Xestia ditrapezium ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) (2127) Three to light. Great Sutton: 12th June and 8th July (MB) and Delamere Forest: 18th July (MB, HJ, HD). The worst showing since the complete absence in 2004.

References Newton, A., 1971. Flora of Cheshire. Cheshire Community Council

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Cheshire moth recorders for 2014

C. Rupert Adams CRA, Peter F. Atherton PFA, Dave Bancroft DB, Thomas Banks, Steven Bell, Bill Bellamy BB, Mel Bellingham MB, Roger Benson RB, Liz Bentham LB, Ray G Bertera RGB, Andy Bissitt AB, Mike Boothman MB, Tony M. Broome AMB, Duncan Brown, Sue D. Budd, Brian Bull BBu, Paul Cassidy, Alan Chadwick AlC, Andrew Charlton AC, Jeff J. Clarke JJC, Ann Clitheroe, Bob Coan BC, Stephen P. Collins SPC, Frank Cottrell, Alan Creaser, Alex Cropper, Mal Cross MC, Mike Dale MD, Harry Davies HD, Roger L. H. Dennis RHD, Mike Dockery MDo, Peter Dowse, Dave Edwards, Janine Edwards, Steve Edwards, Andy Firth AF, David Frow, Richard G. Gabb, Nicola Ginn NG, Les Green LG, Lynne Greenstreet LyG, Mike Griffiths, Paul Griffiths PG, Les Hall LH, Marion Hall MH, Phil Hampson PH, Julia Harding, Peter B. Hardy PBH, Paul M Hill, Paul F Hillyer, Roy Hilton RH, Steve H. Hind SHH, Elizabeth Hollinshead EH, Steve Holmes SH, Paul Hopkins PHo, Huw John HJ, Beth Jones BJ, John B. Kemp, Chris Knibbs, Guy Knight, John Knight, Brian Leigh BL, Geoff Lightfoot GL, Alison Macchi AM, Jeanette Maddy JM, Susan Marley, George Martin, Kevin McCabe KM, Steve J. McWilliam SJM, Colin S Millington, Norma Mitchell, Keith Neal KN, Susan Noyce, Tom Oliver, Greg Osborn GO, Roger Parry RP, Kevin Peace KP, Julia Phillips, Gillian Pierce, John W. Rayner, Jack Riggall, Glenn Rostron GR, Trevor Rowlands TR, Richard A. Rowlandson, Edwin Samuels ES, Angie Seymour AS, Barry T. Shaw BTS, Jan Shone JS, Dave R Skingsley DRS, Ben Smart BS, Tom Smith TS, Tony V. Smith, David Spiller, Sue Spiller SS, Martyn P. Stanyer MPS, Dave Taylor (Willaston) DT, David Taylor (Marton), Sue Tatman ST, David Tomlinson, Mike Turton, Ron Warne, Clive Washington CW, Tim Ward TW, Michael Whiteside MW, Roger Wilkinson RW, Geoff Wotherspoon , David Wright.

Photographic Credits Small Ranunculus and Yellow Horned (SH): Taleporia tubulosa, Phyllonorycter roboris, Phaulernis fulviguttella, Isophrictis striatella, Monochroa suffusella, Gypsonoma aceriana, Oidaematophorus lithodactyla, Satin Wave, The Gem, Small Argent and Sable, Sloe Pug, Puss Moth, Small Mottled Willow, Small Yellow Underwing, Clouded Brindle, The Shears and Neglected Rustic (SHH): Morophaga choragella, Mompha bradleyi and Netted Pug (MC): The Mallow and Dark Umber (AM): Nemophora cupriacella, Semioscopis steinkellneriana, Devon Carpet and Bilberry Pug (MB): Beautiful Snout (PFA): Marsh Oblique-barred (HJ): Silver Hook and Dark Brocade (GL): The Mullein (MW): Ethmia terminella and Blossom Underwing (MD): The Delicate (DT): Dusky Sallow (EH): Pseudoswammerdamaria combinella and Leek Moth (Acrolepiopsis assectella) (RW): Elachista triatomea (RB): Elachista albidella (RH): Blastobasis rebeli (NG): Hysterophora maculosana (AMB): Gynnidomorpha alismana (KP): Gypsonoma oppressana (DB).

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