Recording Report 2020

Justine Patton

Stephen Palmer Conservation Registered in 2206468 Registered Charity 254937 John Girdley

President Sir David Attenborough Richard Walker Head Office Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP Kevin McCabe 01929 400209

0 Recording Summary in Lancashire 2020

In a change to the way we normally do things around here, a one-off stand-alone moth report has been produced for the first time. The restrictions brought about by the pandemic affected butterfly recording more so than we have seen with moth recording and so considering the amount of moth data that would need analysis if we were to wait another year to combine the two, it would make for an onerous task to say the least. Whilst on the theme of change, toward the end of 2020 we said farewell to the County Macro- moth Recorder (CMR) for Vice County 60 (VC60), Pete Marsh, who for several years had written the majority of the moth section of our annual Butterfly and Moth report. We would like to thank Pete for his considerable contribution to BC and the Annual Report for the last seven years. Despite being plunged into lockdown for the best part of the year, recorders were as active as ever. Many of the regulars in the County already collect data in their gardens throughout the year, but this year brought a new wave of enthusiasts eager to experience what nature had to offer on their own doorstep. Whilst garden moth recording took off, we saw a drop in field records and daytime observations, with overnight trapping at more remote field sites really taking a hit. However, a small number of people managed to get into the field when restrictions were eased. Daily exercise was taken advantage of and records of those regularly encountered during daytime excursions were recorded, albeit in smaller numbers. In 2020, the CMR’s of Lancashire received and verified no fewer than 68,873 records from 236 recorders, bringing the total number of records held in the County database to over 1.63 million. 140,166 individual of 887 species were recorded in VC59 (South Lancashire) and 75,656 moths of 768 species were recorded in VC60 (). Four species were new to Lancashire, all from VC59 and three new species were added to the respective VC lists. This is a fantastic effort given the difficulties 2020 brought, so thank you for all of your contributions. With so many species to be found throughout the County, it is difficult to share them all and then choose which ones are mentioned. So, a selective species account from across the County of species not mentioned elsewhere in the report will be given month-by-month.

1 Macro-moth Highlights January The mothing year kicked off with the usual suspects of Pale Brindled Beauty from Yealand (01/01 - B Hancock - BH), Mottled Umber in Flixton (02/01 - K McCabe – KM), Early Moth in Great Eccleston (24/01 – M Wilby - MW) and good numbers of Spring Usher (31) as per usual from Millhouses (24/01 – P Marsh – PM). A couple of milder spells encouraged species such as (21/01 – R Moyes - RM), (22/01 – J Patton – JP) and Herald (25/01 – R Banks – RB) out of hibernation before the end of the month. February What better way to start the month than opening a trap to find Beauty (01/02 – J Girdley – JG). The majority of the meagre pickings came from the South of the region in the form of (02/02 – S Roberts - SR) at Heaton Moor and an eager Common quaker in Great Sankey (02/02 – A Riley - AR). Activity picked up a little in the north towards the end of the month when March Moth (14/02 – BH) and Mottled Grey (25/02 – JP) turned up in the AONB. The rest was much the same as the previous month. March The beginning of March brought milder conditions which heralded an explosion of spp. which dominated catches for the whole month. A limited number of Yellow horned were seen, with records from on the 4th (RM) and on 24th in Silverdale (JP). Having a narrow flight period means it can be easily missed as colder temperatures can dissuade folk from turning the trap on. Grey Shoulder-knot is another that was encountered in small numbers, but one turned up in a garden (04/03 – D Bickerton – DB). Double-striped Pug at Anchorsholme (23/03 – S Eaves) and Brindled Pug in (24/03 – K Eaves – KE) were the first pug moths of the year to make an appearance. Lead-coloured Drab is a species with a close association with tremula (Aspen) and very rarely wanders. It is an unusual garden moth, but it comes to light annually in Flixton (16/03 – KM). April After another wet Winter, the weather was perhaps unseasonably warm and dry throughout the month. Whilst traps invariably became busier, many were noting lower numbers than would be expected for the time of year. With the seemingly favourable mothing conditions came a flurry of early variety to those with urban or open country trap sites such V-pug in Lancaster (10/04 – J Mason - JM), Bright-line Brown-eye (04/04 – MW), Early Thorn at Halebank (02/04 – D Hunt) and a good record of Grey at Lightfoot Green (10/04 – C & S Palmer – C&SP). The illusive Mullein came to light in a garden on 03/03 and 14/03 (T Davenport - TD). This is a species more frequently encountered as a feeding gregariously on its namesake foodplant. Of the 21 records to come in of Shoulder Stripe, all came from VC60, with over 80% from the Silverdale area alone. Toward the end of the month Light Knot Grass came to light in Heysham (23/04 – KE) and a Puss Moth was found on the wall of a property at Pilling (24/04 – P Ellis - PE). It is not unusual for Puss Moth to rest some distance from a light source, highlighting the importance of a thorough search all around the trap site. May The weather continued to be warm and dry during the day which brought out the day-fliers. A small number of Speckled Yellow were observed during the day around its favoured

2 Limestone , with a particularly late one being seen at Gait Barrows (26/06 – L Renshaw) and Brown Silver-line were being kicked up from amongst the Bracken in good numbers at Birk Bank (20/05 – JG). Small Yellow Underwing was spotted during the day at Haslam (07/05 – G ) and another at Fletcher (22/05 – D Higginson-Tranter) . Only the second larval record of one of our rarer Orthosias, Blossom Underwing, came from Gaitbarrows (09/05 – JP), some 20 years after the first. The gregarious larval web was found on Oak. Nights on the other hand can be clear and cold, so the traps can be disappointing for the time of year. However, a couple of Marbled Coronet were recorded in Poulton-le-Fylde (24/05 - B Dyson) and (29/05 - M Jackson - MJ) and the superb Kitten came to gardens in the Preston area (08/05 – G Dixon and 25/05 – C&SP). Good numbers of Chocolate-tip records came in from VC59 with the majority of records coming in throughout the month. June A small number of Silver Hook were seen across the County, the first of which was observed during a visit to Ainsdale (01/06 – J Morris). Obscure Wainscot is found in similar habitat and numbers, so three records from Middleton Nature Reserve were notable (16/06, 23/06 and 30/06 – JM/PM). Some of the best counts of Double Dart in recent years came from the same superb brownfield site with two double-figure counts. The rather local and unpredictable Grey Scalloped Bar turned up in a number of garden traps including one in Briercliffe (01/06 – G Turner - GT) and an upland trap site at Greenbank (PM) on the same day. A single record of Archer’s Dart came in for VC60 from (23/06 – K Green), well away from its Southerly stronghold of the dune systems of St Anne’s and Formby. Another Bilberry Pug was netted whilst dusking at Docker Moor (24/06 – BH) along with a new County record of Satyr Pug (see new for County records section). Marbled White Spot continued its steady establishment within the county, proving that specialist species can also be winners in response to change in climate. Individuals were recorded in Flixton (10/06 – KM), Chorlton (12/06 – B Smart - BS), Woolton (16/06 – S McWilliam - SM) and Docker Moor (15/06 – SP/MJ). July As we reached the height of Summer we were met with particularly cool, wet weather for much of the month. But before it managed to take hold, moth-ers across the County headed out in search of Clearwings. This are admired for their mimicry of various Hymenopterans. And just as they fool predators with their disguise, moth recorders find them equally difficult to observe, so turn to the synthetic pheromones developed to survey them. Two records of Six- belted Clearwing were the first in of the month (01/07 – P Brash) and only the second after it’s discovery just last year. On the same day the last record of Red-tipped Clearwing came from Ainsdale (P Kinsella). Reports of improved efficacy of the Lunar Hornet Moth pheromone lure was supported by country-wide successes, with records coming in from across Lancashire where suitable habitat occurs. Access to these lures will undoubtedly help fill in the distribution gaps with such species. Finding new species within the Arnside and Silverdale AONB is difficult as it is one of the best recorded corners of Lancashire, so hearing of a record of Varied Cornet in Silverdale on 06/07 (J Stonehouse) was fantastic. As new species are being added to the AONB’s stellar species list, others are on the verge of being lost. Just four records of the ever-dwindling V-moth were reported within a stones throw from one another, the last being from Yealand (09/07 – BH). Tawny Pinion from trapping at Formby (02/07 – R Walker - RW) was an unusual record for the time of year and only a singleton of Golden Plusia was trapped in a Preston garden (02/07 – R Boydell). No adults have been reported from VC60 since 2018. Enviable garden records of Scarce Footman and Broad-

3 barred White came from Rishton (24/07 and 25/07 – DB) and Canary-shouldered Thorn in Flixton (24/07 - KM) and September Thorn at Brockhall Village (24/07 – J Jones) signalled the beginning of the end of Summer. August Manchester Treble-bar turned up in a trap at Tarnbrook (03/08 – R Foster) and a few individuals were seen by day around Burn Moor where Grey Mountain Carpet was also picked up (08/08 – T Whitaker). Dusky Sallow was found during the day nectaring on Knapweed at the side of the road near (09/08 – N Garnham). This is the first record for VC60 in 20 years. Red Carpet gracing a trap left overnight at Greenbank (11/08 – PM) rounded off the upland specialists nicely. The AONB was once again turning up the goods with Beautiful Carpet in Warton (09/08 – P Stevens) and the first Small Purple-barred for quite some time (09/08 – T Mather). Second generation Small Elephant Hawk-moths are becoming more frequent in the north with one coming to light in Heysham (07/08 – KE). Double Dart turned up again in (11/08 – A Draper) suggesting this too was part of an unusual second generation. Top garden records were again coming from Rishton with Poplar Kitten and Dingy Shell (06/08 and 07/08 – DB), then not one, but two Scarce Silver- lines were caught on 06/08 and 10/08 at Woolton (SM), followed by Brindled Green at Lightfoot Green (14/08 and 26/08 – C&SP). September As Autumn began to creep in, species richness waned. However, species such as , Portland Moth and White-line Dart were still coming in from many coastal sites (02//09 – PE, 06/09 – K Hillier and 08/09 – RW). The Dagger moths are a tricky pair, especially as dissection is required in order to separate them. Whilst the adults look identical, their larvae are distinctively different, so when a Dark Dagger larva was seen along the cycle path to Conder Green (07/09 – J Woodward), there was no doubting which it was. Orange Sallow is an irregular visitor to traps throughout the County but can turn up wherever Limes ( spp.) are found, especially in suburban areas as it is a popular choice for planting around housing. Records came from Park Road, Manchester (10/09 – P Pemberton) and Lightfoot Green (15/09 – C&SP). October Merveille du Jour is the Autumnal favourite of many and can be found wherever mature are plentiful. Singletons were recorded late into the month with the last coming from Hale on the 22/10 (C Cockbain - CC). Large Wainscot, Feathered Ranunculus and Lunar Underwing continued to show up (08/10, 11/10 and 17/10 – KE) for those that continued to turn the trap on. The larva of Bleached Pug was found feeding on Goldenrod at Gait Barrows during the day on 28/10 (BS) which was a positive find of this rare species as it can prove difficult to locate at times. The single Flounced Chestnut that came to light at (14/10 – S Piner) constituted one of only two individuals to be seen in 2020. The end of the month ended with reports of a Death’s-head Hawk-moth at on 26/10 that was unfortunately expired upon discovery (I Higginson). November Juniper Carpet continued to do well where cultivated Juniperus spp. can be found and remain eternally illusive in the vicinity of wild Juniper. An individual came to light on 14/11 at Heaton Moor (SR), which was the latest of the year. Not a single December Moth was recorded in December. Other cold-adapted species such as Northern Winter Moth and Scarce Umber were encountered in limited numbers. Many of the species that later in the year are seldom

4 recorded, not just because there are fewer of them, but because trapping effort virtually stops. It is just as important for data to be collected for these species, particularly if we are to understand the climate impact on phenology of those that eke out an existence at the extremes. December The final month of the year provided limited records as traps have long been packed away until the following Spring. Those that trapped only on the mildest of nights were rewarded for their perseverance. The early emergence of Spring species such as Common Quaker is not unusual when the weather is mild and so one was caught at Lightfoot Green (18/12 – C&SP) and alongside singles of Mottled Umber and Winter Moth at Flixton (KM), these were the final Macro-moths of the year to be recorded.

Micro-moths Highlights January The beginning of the year is always slow off the mark where micros are concerned. The only Micro-moth to be recorded in VC60 was Tortricodes alternella (23/01 – BH). In the South of the County things fared much better with a plethora of early stages such as azaleella, Fomoria septembrella and Coptotriche marginea being found in the Chorlton area (BS). The ever-present Epiphyas postvittana made numerous appearances in St Helens (RB). A species being found indoors regularly is Mompha jurassicella, quickly taking advantage of open windows and doors in Autumn to go into hibernation shortly after emergence, then surfacing on mild days at a window as was the case in Flixton (30/01 – KM). February More species were turning up indoors than in the traps with another overwintering Momphid, Mompha subbistrigella (08/02 – KM), the regulars Hofmannophila pseudospretella and Endrosis sarcitrella in Chorlton (08/02 – BS) and another record the adventive Duponchelia fovealis in Warton (08/02 – M Elsworth). The over-wintering larval cases of argentula on (Yarrow) at Crosby (26/02 – SM) and Coleophora laricella on Larix decidua (Larch) at Chorlton golf course (27/02 – BS). March Mompha bradleyi is being found more frequently in VC60 since it was first recorded in 2015. However, the majority of records are coming from Lightfoot Green, including one on 06/03 (C&S Palmer), suggesting its advances northward are quite slow. Even by early Spring, adult Micro-moths are thin on the ground. However, looking for the early stages can be quite productive if you know your . A trip to Middleton Nature Reserve on 06/03 (KM and C&SP) produced the larvae of bifractella inside the seedheads of (Fleabane) and the larval exit holes of Glyphipterix simpliciella on Dactylis glomerata (Cocksfoot). Similarly, in Chorlton, Manchester, a number of early stages were recorded including a lantanella mine on Viburnum tinus (Viburnum) and the larval exit hole Spuleria flaviciput on monogyna (Hawthorn) (21/03 – BS). Toward the end of the month a number of fagella were on the wing.

5 April Agonopterix alstromeriana was found by torch light at Town Lane and was one of only three sightings (04/04 – RM). Tineids are not as common as they once were, so a trio of Tinea pellionella in St Helens on 05/04 (D Owen), T. bisselliella at Fulwood (16/06 – A Powell) and T. trinotella on 24/04 at Flixton (KM) were most welcome. Daytime sightings across the county of ulicetana flitting around europaeus (Gorse) was another sign that the weather was finally getting warmer along with the scarcer Pancalia leuwenhoekella at Gait Barrows (15/04 – JP). Psychoides filicivora was particularly early (05/04 G Jones -GJ), was a nice find during the day in a garden toward the end of the month (22/04 – C Clay) and Ocnerostoma friesei came to light in (23/04 – RM). May This is when the day-flying species really start to emerge and carrying a net becomes essential. The wonderfully metallic was spotted in Greater Knowley (02/05 – L Poxon) and reaumurella during the day at Billinge (14/05 – C Darbyshire - CD). The Eriocraniids are on the wing particularly early in the year and can be found dancing within narrow strips of sunlight around their larval foodplant, Betula spp. (Birch). The adults are seldom encountered and are tricky to differentiate, but the distinctive blotches made by the larvae in the are an easier method of recording this group. A nice selection were encountered across the County including Eriocrania cicatricella in Rochdale (02/05 – BS), E. unimaculella at Birk Bank (20/05 – JG), E. sparrmannella at Grize Dale (26/05 – C&SP), plus Dyseriocrania subpurpurella and Eriocrania salopiella at Flixton (07/05 and 16/05 – KM). An adult Coleophora discordella came to light on 25/05 at Formby (RW). An interesting record of the local Clavigesta purdeyi came from a garden in Briercliffe (25/05 – G Turner) and the only Phyllonorycter klemannella at Flixton (31/05 – KM). June The first of only two records of Parapoynyx stratiotata (Ringed -mark), a scarce species in Lancashire, was observed during the day at the Estuary Commerce Park, Speke on 09/06 (SM). Then Nymphula nitidulata (Beautiful China Mark) was caught on 17/06 in Lancaster (JM) and Great Eccleston (MW). A burst of Yponomeuta rorrella records came in, mostly of fresh, well-marked adults, the first being a larval web photographed at Rimrose Valley Country Park on 13/06 (SM). A couple of the rather local Rhyacionia buoliana were recorded on the 15/06 and 23/06 in a Southport garden (RM) and Rhyacionia pinivorana from Formby (19/06 – JG), Briercliffe (22/06 – GT) and Altcar MOD (25/06 – RW & TD). A single record of the sand dune specialist Anerastia lotella came from Formby on 23/06 (JG). Finding Cydalima perspectalis (Box Moth) at Barton Grange Garden Centre (20/06 – A Baines) may not be welcome news if there are any Buxus spp.(Box) in stock. This large Crambid is an accidental introduction to the UK, originating from south-east , the larvae of which can completely defoliate plants. It is becoming apparent that the Wray area is a hotspot for Hedya ochroleucana as it turned up twice on 21/06 and 25/06 (GJ). Adela croessella was netted during a daytime visit to Gait Barrows on 23/06 (S Garland - SG), making this the first modern day record (1st recorded in 1886 nr Preston). It shows that exciting finds are still to be made even at well-recorded sites. Schreckensteinia festaliella is perhaps one of the more unusual Micro-moths, not only because it is so infrequently encountered despite the foodplant being fruticosus spp. (Blackberry), but because of its distinctive resting posture, where the hindlegs point up above the head at an angle. Just the one came to light at Flixton (24/06 – KM).

6 July This was a notably quiet month for the height of Summer which was no doubt influenced by the persistent heavy rain and cooler daytime temperatures than had gone before. Ephestia elutella was a notable record to kick the month off. It came to light in Southlands and is the first report since 2013 (01/07 - JG) Superb records continued to come in from Flixton, where the locally distributed and rather nondescript Morophaga choragella turned up on 04/07 (KM). Care should be taken to differentiate it from similar Tineids, however, its larger size makes it distinguishable. Three Aroga velocella from Dune Heath were collected from a visit on 12/07 (JG). Dissection confirmed these as the first at this site for a decade. Orthotelia sparganella from the central marsh at Middleton Nature Reserve (07/07 – PM) was a new species for the site but has been recorded at the nearby Heysham NR in the past and marmorea was a welcome visitor to light in Silverdale 27/07 (JP), the first in the area for five years. Large numbers of Oidaematophorus lithodactyla were recorded at Dobcroft Nature Reserve on 16/07 and 31/07 (C&SP and J Foran) and one record at Rixton claypits on 09/07 (BS). The rather impressive Gelechiid blandella was a new species to a trap in Hale (29/07 – CC). August The weather finally turned a corner at the start of the new month and an excellent record of Choreutis pariana came in from a photograph taken in the field at Marshside, Southport on 31/08 (R Hill). The second Parapoynyx stratiotata came to light in a garden in Bolton-le- sands on 12/08 (SG). The close proximity of suggests this is the likely origin. Stenolechia gemmella is a distinctive, but thinly distributed Gelechiid with low single figures recorded almost annually. Singles came to light at Rishton (12/08 – DB) and Lightfoot Green (14/08 – C&SP). Two Phycitodes maritima at Lightfoot green were also notable. A second County record of the Nationally Scarce species ustulana was found during the day in a Silverdale garden at rest on vegetation above a cultivated variety of Ajuga (Bugle), the larval foodplant (13/08 – JP). A small number of rebeli were reported from Southport, the last being on 05/08 and 07/08 (RM) and Ptycholomoides aeriferana continues to make slow but steady progress establishing itself within the County since arriving at the turn of the Millennium. One individual came to light in Chorlton on 11/08 (BS). Fewer Agriphila selasella were seen, perhaps as a result of fewer forays to coastal locations. The highest count of six came from a visit to Potts Corner, Middleton on 17/08 (SP). More Cochylidia implicitana were recorded in 2020 than the whole of the last decade, all originating in Hale, (CC) where it was seen throughout the main flight period, but most were from August. A number of the rather distinctive and beautiful Calybites phasianipennella were also taken in the same garden. September The distinctive -mines of Euspilapteryx auroguttella were seen at Rixton Claypits on 02/09 (BS). The larvae create a two-stage mine on Hypericum spp. (St. John’s Wort) which can be numerous in some areas. The larval case of Coleophora fuscocuprella was found on Corylus avellena () at on 16/09 (JP), only the second sighting of this Nationally Scarce species away from Gait Barrows. Cochylidia rupicola is a very local species whose larvae feed on the and seeds of Eupatorium cannabinum (Hemp Agrimony). A single adult came to light in Hale on 03/09 (CC) and is the first record in 12 years. A single Achroia grisella turned up at Ainsdale (15/09 – RM and C Daly) and the fourth modern-day record of Loxostege sticticalis at Freshfield Dune Heath on the same night (RW

7 and TD). The distinctive mine of Stigmella myrtillella was recorded on myrtillus (Bilberry) at both Cragg Wood, Littledale (04/09 – BS) and Beacon Fell (27/09 – C&SP). October The number of species coming to the light traps began to dwindle. The majority of records submitted from hereon were mostly of the early life-history stages. A good number of the local Exapate congelatella records came in from across the County, some of the first being at Greenbank (19/10 – PM and J Roberts) and Great Eccleston (20/10 – MW). A couple of late Tinea semifulvella came to light in Flixton (05/10 – KM). A visit to Middleton Nature Reserve on 07/10 produced the beautifully constructed larval cases of Coleophora discordella, C. lineolea and C. lusciniaepennella to name just a selection (BS and SP). Phyllonorycter emberizaepenella feeding signs can be found on Lonerica spp. (), mostly in VC59. A small number of mines were observed around Flixton (13/10 – KM) and Chorlton (13/10 – BS). Like other Parornix spp. the adult of Parornix finimitella cannot be identified without examination of the genitalia structure. The mine is also difficult to differentiate from that of Deltaornix torquillella and so examination of the larva is essential. A number of mines were positively identified as larvae were present on spinosa (Blackthorn) on 11/10 at Dalton, VC59 (CD). November Diurnea lipsiella is perhaps our latest day-flying Micro-moth species. The females have vestigial wings only and so the males can be found on sunny Autumnal days searching between the Oaks for a female. One male was seen at Warton Crag, one of its strongholds, on 04/11 (JP) and was the first in four years. Ectoedemia argyropeza mines were seen at Chorlton Water Park (09/11 – BS). Larvae first mine the of (Aspen) then later move to the leaf creating a green island and can be numerous on some . A selection of Tortricids such as sparsana, A. variegana and A. comariana were still frequently coming to light traps throughout the County, but Acleris hyemana was the best of the bunch at Briercliffe (09/11 – GT). was also on the wing until late in the season, turning up in many traps until the end of the month. December A respectable 18 species were recorded in December, many of which were multivoltine generalists, hibernating adults becoming active on milder days and early stages observed on evergreen or low-growing vegetation. The mines of Phyllonorycter leucographella and Stigmella aurella were observed at Greenbank Park, Liverpool (07/12 – SM). For such ubiquitous species, surprisingly few recorders make a note of their mines. Second generation Aspilapteryx tringipennella larvae were found overwintering in their mines on lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) at Hardy Farm, Chorlton (17/12 – BS). The vacated mines of Psychoides filicivora, Stigmella hybnerella and Stigmella floslactella were observed at Sharoe Brook, Preston (17/12 – C&SP) and were some of the last records of the year.

J. Patton

8 Migrant Moths in Lancashire 2020

In good weather conditions, during a so called “Spanish Plume”, when warm winds arrive from the south and south-east, a variety of continental moths can arrive on these shores. Most will be seen on the South coast but if conditions prevail for a few days, the migrants can trickle as far as Lancashire. 2020 was perhaps a slightly below average year but the sight of Death’s- head Hawk moth would surely get any moth enthusiast’s blood flowing!

18.001 Diamond-backed Moth xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758)

There were a total of 396 records of 907 moths which was slightly down on the 469 records last year! The first record was on 31/1/2020, Great Sankey, Joy Mitchell-Lisle (JM-L),(x1), with most arriving after 8/4/2020. Peak count was 37 at Hale, Carol Cockbain (CC), 25/6/2020. The final record was from Longton, John Girdley (JG), 26/11/2020, (x1)

63.031 Rusty Dot Pearl Udea ferrugalis (Hübner, 1796)

There were 29 records of 32 moths this was down on last years’ 71 records. The 1st record was on 24/2/2020, Heysham, Kevin Eaves (KE), (x1), the last record was on 25/11/2020, Heaton Moor, Steve Roberts (SR), (x1).

63.048 Palpita vitrealis (Rossi, 1794)

There were 6 records, all of singletons. First was 26/7/2020, Woolton, Steve McWilliam (SMc) (x1) and the last 30/10/2020, Manchester, Phil Pemberton (PP) (x1). This was the best year on record with only 20 Lancashire records in total, the first being in 2001.

63.052 Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)

There were just 3 records of 3 moths, marking a very poor year for this species which is normally quite regular. There were 12 records in 2019 by comparison. The 1st record was on 30/8/2020, Longton, John Girdley (JG), (x1), the last record was on 8/10/2020, St. Helens, D. Owen (DO), (x1).

69.004 Convolvulus Hawk-moth Agrius convolvuli (Linnaeus, 1758)

There were three Lancashire records in 2020, all singletons, an average year. First was 6/8/2020, Fleetwood, Ken Green (KG) and the last on 21/9/2020, Silverdale, Jim Stonehouse (JS).

69.005 Death’s-head Hawk-moth Acherontia atropos (Linnaeus, 1758)

There was a record on Twitter, which thankfully, was passed on to us. (Please submit records in the normal way!), 26/10/2020, Yealand Redmayne, Ian Higginson (IH). This was the first in the county since 2 in 2017.

69.010 Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum (Linnaeus, 1758)

There were 52 records all of singletons, up on the 37 records last year. The 1st was on 7/6/2020, Longton, Roy Boydell (RB), the last was on 23/9/2020, Ball o’Ditton, Clive Martindale (CM)

69.014 Bedstraw Hawk-moth Hyles gallii (Rottemburg, 1775)

There were 2 Lancashire records in 2020, both singletons, the first in the County since 2014. Both occurred on the same day, 12/8/2020, Flixton, Kevin McCabe (KMc) and Heysham, (KE).

9 69.015 Striped Hawk-moth Hyles livornica (Esper, 1804)

Just one record from Formby National Trust, 23/7/2020, (RW & TD), (x1). This was the first Lancashire record since 2006.

70.038 Vestal Rhodometra sacraria (Linnaeus, 1767)

There were 5 records, all singletons in 2020. An average year for this species. First were at Hale, (CC) and Gressingham, Stuart Piner (SP), both on 7/8/2020. the last was 18/9/2020, Silverdale, (JP).

70.047 Gem Nycterosea obstipata (Fabricius, 1794)

There have been no records of this species since 2017. Prior to this, 2-3 a year was about average.

72.073 Small Marbled Eublemma parva (Hübner, [1808])

There were no records this year following this species best ever year in 2019, when there were, 6 records.

73.003 Ni moth Trichoplusia ni (Hübner, 1803)

There were no records of this species following the last good year in 2017

73.015 Silver Y Autographa gamma (Linnaeus, 1758)

It is difficult to separate primary migrants from further ongoing generations of this species. However early records, very late records and inexplicably large counts likely refer to migrants. There were 1368 records of 3935 moths. First was, 11/4/2020, , Rob Yates (RY), (x1) and the last was 18/12/2020, Lightfoot Green, Steve Palmer (SMP), (x1). The highest count was on 5/7/2020, Worsthorne, Graham Gavaghan (GG) (x 102!)

73.074 Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigera (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)

There were 2 records of singletons, possibly of the same moth, 6/8/2020 and 8/8/2020, Tarnbrook, Rob Foster (RF). Quite a poor year, though the first since 2017, of what is quite a sporadic moth.

73.076 Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner, 1808)

Just 1 record of what is normally a more common moth than Bordered Straw. 2/7/2020, Hale (CC).

73.087 Small Mottled Spodoptera exigua (Hübner, 1808)

There were no records of this species following good years in 2017 and 2019.

73.295 Delicate Mythimna vitellina (Hübner, 1808)

There was just one record, 26/8/2020, Longton, (RB). This remains a rare migrant in Lancashire, with just 21 records to date.

73.304 The Cosmopolitan Mythimna loreyi (Duponchel, 1827)

A record from Wray, 9/11/2020, Gary Jones was the second ever in Lancashire following the first in 2008.

73.307 Pearly Underwing (Hübner, 1808)

10 A below average year with just 2 records. 27/8/2020, Hale, (CC), (x1) and 18/9/2020, MOD Altcar, Richard Walker (RW) and Trevor Davenport (TD).

73.327 Dark Sword-grass Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel, 1766)

There were 88 records of 99 moths. This is slightly up on last years’ 52 records. First was 2/4/2020, Silverdale, Justine Patton (JP), (x1), the last was 17/11/2020, Formby, (RW), (x1). Largest count was at Formby National Trust, 28/8/2020, (RW & TD), (x5)

J. Girdley

Lancashire’s Action Plan (BAP) Priority Species Update

Below is an update on the BAP species that occur in Lancashire, detailing recent monitoring efforts and plans for the coming year. Action plans are set out for those species (or ) that are most threatened with the aim of aiding recovery.

50.001 Goat Moth Cossus cossus (Linnaeus, 1758) Fourteen adults were observed between the 25th May and 20th of August 2020, all but one coming to MV light. In thirteen cases they either lay on the sheet under a suspended light or more often within about four meters of the light. This latter point has become a frequent observation over a number of years and care should be exercised when walking around the sheet. Records were from seven different sites, Ainsdale one, Freshfield Dune Heath two and Formby National Trust four. 2020 counts as a success for Goat Moth records.

54.002 The Forester Adscita statices (Linnaeus, 1758) The public lockdown has stopped the usual crop of Forester records. A total of eight adults were recorded at Ainsdale between the 11th and 24th of August at the moths main site. The food , Sheep’s Sorrel, is plentiful and this small colony looks stable, unlike four areas near Formby which have been overgrown with coarse grasses and bramble. Despite regular checks no larvae or adults have been seen as follows Lankhill Field, since 2013, Asparagus Field since 2012, Ainsdale Dune Heath since 2008 and Massem Slack since 1982. But two reports in 2019 showed adults seen about three hundred meters South from the main Ainsdale site and in 2020 a new site was found within the Montegue triangle.

54.003 Cistus Forester Adscita geryon (Hübner, [1813]) Just low single figures have been noted in recent years which are mainly being picked up during butterfly transects withing their extremely restricted range on the South-facing rocky outcrops of Warton Crag. The hot Summer of 2018 decimated the larval foodplant nummularium (Rock ) which likely had a negative impact. The last records came in 2019 of just two individuals. Pheromone surveys have been recommended to fully assess the population

11

63.024 (Ström, 1768) There were just two records of seven moths in 2020. This is considerably down on the thirteen records in 2019 though Covid restrictions could have been a factor. Surveys are being planned for 2021 and 2022 throughout the Morecambe Bay area. Goldenrod plants were planted out at Myers Allotment in Autumn 2020 and there are plans for more in 2021. 09/05/2020 - Gaitbarrows NNR, (x2) 20/5/2020 - Warton Crag, (x5)

70.088 Netted Carpet Eustroma reticulata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) Numbers of this moth at its only known Lancashire site continue to drop and metapopulations are being lost. Only 12 individuals were recorded in 2020 and the annual count was cancelled due to Covid restrictions. In an attempt to improve the habitat for the larval foodplant, Impatients noli-tangere Touch-me-not-balsam, volunteers are trailing new management methods in an attempt to increase plant abundance and to create new patches of the plant.

73.132 Sandhill Rustic Luperina nickerlii (Freyer, 1845) Due to lockdown no visits to the Green Beach at Ainsdale were permitted, so no records during 2020 were sent in. The development of new primary sand dunes with Sand Couch growing in abundance suggest the moth will hold its own. The previous records, a single at each site, both in August 2019 were made by a torch light search on the outer sand dunes at Cabin Hill NNR and MOD Altcar.

70.201 Barred Tooth-striped Trichopterix polycommata ([Denis &Schiffermüller], 1775) In the last few years our understanding of this species has grown immensely. Targeted pheromone and larval surveys around the Morecambe Bay limestone stronghold between 2017 to 2019 have produced exciting results. The first larva was found on Ash at Warton Crag in 2018 and at multiple other sites throughout its range since. More pheromone surveys are being planned. As part of the new Green Recovery project, Wild Ligustrum vulgare is to be grown and planted out to support this species as an alternative to Ash as Hymenoscyphus fraxineus takes hold.

70.250 Belted Beauty zonaria ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) Over the last few years counts have been very variable on the saltmarsh south of Potts Corner, its single remaining site in England and Wales. The Annual organised daytime count (involving an average of c25 participants per year) over the last few years produced the following maximum adult counts:

2015 – 30 on 11th April (an individual count a week later produced 93 moths) 2016 – 20 on 17th April 2017 – 366 on 16th April 2018 – 90 on 22nd April 2019 – 86 on 15th April

No surveys were possible in 2020 due to Covid restrictions. If a count becomes possible in April 2021 details will be advertised nearer the time.

73.146 Least minor captiuncula (Treitschke, 1825) Numbers of this predominantly diurnal and relatively unknown species have been extremely low in recent years. It’s small size and rapid flight make it difficult to locate. An organised survey at Warton Crag in 2020 proved unsuccessful. As such, there have been no records from its favoured open limestone sites since 2018, however, there have been limited records

12 from just over the Cumbrian border at Hutton Roof. Further surveys at sites where the larval foodplant Glaucous sedge is found are currently being devised.

J. Patton, R. Walker, S. Palmer, J. Girdley

New to Lancashire

35.003 Aproaerema larseniella (Gozmány, 1957) Freshfield Dune Heath (SD299092) VC59, single adult on 12th July 2020 to MV light, Richard Walker (genitalia det., male, Steve Palmer). Most northerly record on the west side of the British Isles of this pedunculatus (Greater Bird’s-foot-trefoil) feeder.

45.023 Crescent Plume Marasmarcha lunaedactyla (Haworth, 1811) Redland Crescent, Chorlton (SJ815927) VC59, single adult on 24th June 2020 in 125w MV Skinner trap, Ben Smart (confirmed by Steve Palmer, from photo). Most northerly record on the west side of the British Isles of this Ononis spp. (Restharrow) feeder.

70.032 Birch Mocha Cyclophora albipunctata (Hufnagel, 1767) Formby National Trust (SD277076) VC59, a single adult on 7th June 2020 in MV trap, Richard Walker. An uncommon species outside its woodland and heathland habitats of southern and south-eastern England and northern Scotland.

70.302 Small Emerald Hemistola chrysoprasaria (Esper, 1795) Hawthorne Place, (SD742423) VC59, a single adult on 25th June 2020 at 125w MV Robinson trap, Jack Morris (confirmed from photo, Richard Walker). Associated with Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s-joy) and cultivated Clematis this is a species predominantly found in the southern half of England but has (rarely) been recorded in Cumbria.

New to VC59

37.068 Coleophora adjunctella (Hodgkinson, 1882) Southlands (SD493242) VC59, a single adult on 2nd June 2020 in 125MV Robinson trap, John Girdley (genitalia det., male). A wanderer from its exclusively coastal saltmarsh habitat where the larvae feed on gerardii (Saltmarsh Rush).

62.065 Ephestia woodiella (Richards & Thomson, 1932) Formby, Lifeboat Road Car Park (SD274066) VC59, a single adult on 23rd June 2020 at 125w MV light above a sheet, John Girdley (genitalia det., male). At about its northern limit in Britain, this species has been seen once before in Lancashire, at RSPB Leighton Moss in 2010.

73.282 Hadena compta Varied Coronet ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

13 Reigate Road, Flixton (SJ740938) VC59, a single adult on 25th June 2020 to MV light trap, Kevin McCabe. There are two other records of this species in Lancashire, both from VC60, in 2015 and 2020. This is a species largely associated with Sweet William in gardens and has been gradually extending its range northwards since the first record in Kent in 1948.

New to VC60

49.186 Endothenia gentianaeana (Hübner, [1799]) Middleton Industrial Estate (SD4159) VC60, ten larvae in seed-heads of fullonum (Wild Teasel) on 19th October 2019, Steve and Carolyn Palmer, Mark and Jemma Young, bred ex larvae, emerged 11th and 12th May 2020. Identity confirmed by dissection of one female, SP. It seems very likely that this species is pushing northwards in Britain. It was first noted in Lancashire in 2004 at Irlam, Manchester and there are now several scattered records across lowland areas of VC59.

70.177 Satyr Pug satyrata (Hübner, [1813]) Docker Moor (SD57) VC60, three adults on 15th June 2020 in MV light trap Steve Palmer, Matt Jackson, Pete Marsh and Jean Roberts. One genitalia det., female (SP). A common species of heather moorland in parts of northern England and particularly in Scotland, it has been searched for regularly in the past in VC60 with no success until 2020. Further sightings were made at the same site throughout the rest of June. It appears to be a very local species in the county, with historic records from a few lowland in VC59 and one more recent sighting at Freshfield Dune Heath in 2004.

72.029 Scarlet Tiger Callimorpha dominula (Linnaeus, 1758) Fishwick Local Nature Reserve, Preston (SD552289) VC60, a single adult seen and photographed by day on 25th June 2020, Terry Blackburn, Steve Priestley. Spreading rapidly northwards in England and Wales, this beautiful day-flying moth may become a regular in riverside areas over the coming years.

S. Palmer

New 10km Square Records

SD20

4.008 Stigmella glutinosae Formby 07/06/2020 R. Walker

35.003 Aproaerema larseniella Formby 12/07/2020 R. Walker

62.065 Ephestia woodiella Formby 23/06/2020 J. Girdley

14 63.099 Catoptria pinella Formby 07/06/2020 R. Walker

70.032 Birch Mocha Formby 07/06/2020 R. Walker

70.037 Clay Triple-lines Formby 25/06/2020 R. Walker

72.049 Orange Footman Formby 25/06/2020 R. Walker

73.200 Tawny Pinion Formby 02/07/2020 R. Walker

SD21

35.041 Bryotropha desertella Ainsdale 01/06/2020 J. Girdley

40.002 Mompha ochraceella Ainsdale 01/06/2020 J. Girdley

45.013 Stenoptilia bipunctidactyla Ainsdale 01/06/2020 R. Walker

49.297 rosaecolana Ainsdale 01/06/2020 R. Walker

62.005 Achroia grisella Ainsdale 15/09/2020 Ron Moyes, C Daly

63.022 Ainsdale 15/06/2020 Ron Moyes

70.146 Haworth's Pug Ainsdale 01/06/2020 R. Walker

SD30

16.015 Swammerdamia caesiella Freshfield 12/07/2020 J. Girdley

37.069 Coleophora caespititiella Freshfield 29/05/2020 J. Girdley

37.071 Coleophora glaucicolella Freshfield 29/05/2020 J. Girdley

49.083 Acleris ferrugana Freshfield 12/07/2020 J. Girdley

49.376 aurita Formby 12/06/2020 Mary Dean & Rod Hill

49.379 Pammene aurana Meadows 23/06/2020 Steve McWilliam

63.002 Loxostege sticticalis Freshfield 15/09/2020 R. Walker, J. Girdley

70.025 Lesser Cream Wave Formby 15/06/2020 Mary Dean & Rod Hill

72.010 Black Arches Formby 29/08/2020 Mary Dean & Rod Hill

SD31

12.026 Tineola bisselliella Southport 24/05/2020 Ron Moyes

15.003 Caloptilia populetorum Southport 11/08/2020 Ron Moyes

15.007 Caloptilia azaleella Southport 18/08/2020 Ron Moyes

19.002 Southport 31/05/2020 Ron Moyes

35.093 mulinella Southport 21/07/2020 Ron Moyes

35.148 Carpatolechia fugitivella Southport 07/06/2020 Ron Moyes

36.001 praeangusta Southport 21/07/2020 Ron Moyes

15 38.038 rufocinerea Southport 19/05/2020 Ron Moyes

48.007 Choreutis pariana Dunes 31/08/2020 Mary Dean & Rod Hill

49.133 Cochylis nana Southport 09/06/2020 Ron Moyes

52.003 Lunar Hornet Moth Ainsdale 06/07/2020 Peter Kinsella

62.012 Matilella fusca Southport 02/06/2020 Ron Moyes

63.046 Duponchelia fovealis Southport 07/08/2020 Ron Moyes

SD32

48.007 Choreutis pariana Marshside 17/09/2020 Ben Smart

SD33

72.069 Beautiful Hook-tip Normoss 16/07/2020 Mike Gosling

73.099 ’s Rustic Appleby Road, 11/09/2020 D. J. McGrath

SD34

3.003 Map-winged Swift Fleetwood 02/07/2020 Ken Green

28.012 fuscescens Fleetwood 24/07/2020 Ken Green

49.059 Tortrix viridana Fleetwood 25/06/2020 Ken Green

49.078 Acleris aspersana Fleetwood 25/06/2020 Ken Green

49.254 Epinotia bilunana Thornton 07/06/2020 H. Phillips

49.279 dealbana Fleetwood 12/07/2020 Ken Green

49.357 funebrana Fleetwood 30/06/2020 Ken Green

62.058 Phycitodes binaevella Fleetwood 06/08/2020 Ken Green

63.067 Fleetwood 30/07/2020 Ken Green

69.017 Small Elephant Hawk-moth Fleetwood 26/06/2020 Ken Green

73.058 Mullein Fleetwood 16/06/2020 Ken Green

73.276 Campion Fleetwood 29/05/2020 Ken Green

SD35

72.084 Mother Shipton Heysham harbour 09/05/2020 Malcolm Downham

SD41

12.048 Psychoides filicivora Scutchers Acres 22/10/2020 John Watt

63.092 Agriphila selasella Martin 31/07/2020 Ron Moyes

16 73.238 Dark Brocade Langleys Farm, Nr 08/05/2020 Gary Clewley

SD42

7.001 Nemophora degeerella Southlands 25/06/2020 John Girdley

37.068 Coleophora adjunctella Southlands 13/06/2020 John Girdley

49.283 Southlands 02/06/2020 John Girdley

49.358 Grapholita tenebrosana Southlands 23/06/2020 John Girdley

50.002 Leopard Moth Longton 25/06/2020 Roy Boydell

52.013 Currant Clearwing Hesketh Bank 23/06/2020 Rob Yates

70.009 Satin Wave Southlands 20/05/2020 John Girdley

70.224 Scorched Wing Longton 31/05/2020 Roy Boydell

71.027 Chocolate-tip Hesketh Bank 25/04/2020 Rob Yates

73.026 Silver Hook Southlands 31/05/2020 John Girdley

SD43

37.007 Coleophora flavipennella Cottam 14/06/2020 Steve Palmer

39.001 hellerella Cottam 14/06/2020 Steve Palmer

49.043 Exapate congelatella Great Eccleston 20/10/2020 Maurice Wilby

49.281 Cottam 14/06/2020 Steve Palmer

49.345 Cottam 14/06/2020 Steve Palmer

62.048 Euzophera pinguis Great Eccleston 31/07/2020 Maurice Wilby

63.005 Pyrausta despicata Great Eccleston 23/07/2020 Maurice Wilby

63.054 Cydalima perspectalis Cottam 30/07/2020 Sophie Bagshaw

63.060 Evergestis pallidata Great Eccleston 12/07/2020 Maurice Wilby

63.118 Beautiful China-mark Great Eccleston 17/06/2020 Maurice Wilby

71.006 Alder Kitten Great Eccleston 17/06/2020 Maurice Wilby

72.007 Beautiful Snout Great Eccleston 19/06/2020 Maurice Wilby

72.012 Brown-tail Great Eccleston 26/06/2020 Maurice Wilby

73.102 Brown Rustic Great Eccleston 15/06/2020 Maurice Wilby

SD45

19.001 Orthotelia sparganella Middleton NR 07/07/2020 Pete Marsh

49.022 lecheana Middleton NR 04/06/2020 L. Renshaw, B. Crooks

52.003 Lunar Hornet Moth Middleton NR 07/07/2020 Pete Marsh

17

SD46

37.102 Coleophora argentula Williamsons Park, 07/03/2020 Justine Patton Lancaster

49.234 Endsleigh Grove 09/06/2020 Alan Draper

73.024 Marbled White Spot Bell Aire Park 26/06/2020 Kevin Eaves

73.161 Crescent Striped Bell Aire Park 09/07/2020 Kevin Eaves

SD47

20.005 trifasciata Silverdale 20/03/2020 Justine Patton

22.003 Prays ruficeps Silverdale 24/07/2020 Justine Patton

73.272 Glaucous Shears Silverdale 17/05/2020 Justine Patton

73.282 Varied Coronet Silverdale 06/07/2020 Jim Stonehouse

SD50

16.015 Swammerdamia caesiella Wigan 09/08/2020 Geoff Wynn

71.027 Chocolate-tip Billinge 20/08/2020 Christopher Darbyshire

73.280 Small Ranunculus Billinge 30/07/2020 Christopher Darbyshire

SD52

15.084 Phyllonorycter acerifoliella Cuerden Valley 17/08/2020 Steve Palmer

62.012 Matilella fusca Hoghton 28/05/2020 Graham Dixon

63.020 Hoghton 01/06/2020 Graham Dixon

70.292 Grey Scalloped Bar Hoghton 31/05/2020 Graham Dixon

72.029 Scarlet Tiger Fishwick LNR 25/06/2020 Terry Blackburn

SD53

4.065 Trifurcula cryptella Dobcroft NR 22/07/2020 G. Blackburn, C & S. Palmer.

28.014 unitella Dobcroft NR 31/07/2020 J. Foran, C & S Palmer

37.033 Coleophora trifolii Dobcroft NR 16/07/2020 Palmer, S M and C A

45.037 Oidaematophorus Dobcroft NR 16/07/2020 Palmer, S M and C A lithodactyla

73.272 Glaucous Shears Lightfoot Green 09/05/2020 Palmer, S M and C A

18

SD54

1.005 Micropterix calthella Grize Dale 26/05/2020 Palmer, S M and C A

2.004 Eriocrania sparrmannella Grize Dale 26/05/2020 Palmer, S M and C A

3.004 Gold Swift Beacon Fell CP 14/06/2020 Anthony Hunter

4.024 Stigmella magdalenae Beacon Fell CP 17/09/2020 Palmer, S M and C A

15.010 Caloptilia stigmatella Wyresdale Park 06/08/2020 Palmer, S M and C A

20.012 Argyresthia goedartella Wyresdale Park 06/08/2020 Palmer, S M and C A

28.024 Tachystola acroxantha Wyresdale Park 06/08/2020 Palmer, S M and C A

37.006 Coleophora gryphipennella Wyresdale Park 06/08/2020 Palmer, S M and C A

63.054 Cydalima perspectalis Bilsbarrow 20/06/2020 Ashley Baines

72.022 Muslin Moth Catterall 22/05/2020 Kate Hughes

SD55

52.003 Lunar Hornet Moth 01/07/2020 Diane Townley

70.102 Striped Twin-spot Carpet Tarnbrook 16/05/2020 Rob Foster

73.061 Anomalous Tarnbrook 24/08/2020 Rob Foster

73.074 Bordered Straw Tarnbrook 06/08/2020 Rob Foster

73.335 Fen Square-spot Tarnbrook 11/07/2020 Rob Foster

SD56

4.003 Stigmella confusella Cragg wood 04/09/2020 Steve Palmer

4.008 Stigmella glutinosae Clougha 05/10/2020 Palmer, S M and C A

6.004 Heliozela resplendella Forgebank, Halton 14/07/2020 Justine Patton

21.001 Lyonetia clerkella Cragg wood 04/09/2020 Ben Smart

37.030 Coleophora binderella Cragg wood 04/09/2020 Steve Palmer

49.216 Ancylis mitterbacheriana Cragg wood 04/09/2020 Ben Smart

70.198 Seraphim Crook O' Lune 01/06/2020 Steve Graham

73.120 Dusky Sallow Roeburndale 09/08/2020 Garnham, Nicola

SD57

12.048 Psychoides filicivora Newcroft Warton 08/05/2020 Peter Stevens

17.002 Lord’s Lot Wood 01/09/2020 Gary Jones

28.014 Crassa unitella Newcroft Warton 14/08/2020 Peter Stevens

19 35.066 Monochroa tenebrella Docker Moor 16/06/2020 Palmer, S M & Jackson, M

37.066 Coleophora laricella Docker Moor 28/06/2020 John Girdley

40.011 Mompha langiella 25/05/2020 Justine Patton

63.122 Donacaula mucronella Newcroft Warton 16/06/2020 Peter Stevens

69.005 Death's-head Hawk-moth Yealand Redmayne 26/10/2020 Ian Higginson

70.041 July Belle 15/06/2020 Brian Hancock

70.177 Satyr Pug Docker Moor 15/06/2020 Palmer, S M & Jackson, M

72.046 Scarce Footman Newcroft Warton 26/08/2020 Peter Stevens

72.067 Small Purple-barred Yealand 09/08/2020 Tony Mather

SD60

49.028 Syndemis musculana Abram, Wigan 24/04/2020 Judith Smith

63.016 Abram, Wigan 13/06/2020 Judith Smith

70.227 Bordered Beauty Abram, Wigan 07/08/2020 Judith Smith

SD61

49.338 Cydia pomonella Horwich 08/08/2020 Jill Mills & Ken Haydock

70.063 Carpet Horwich 31/07/2020 Jill Mills & Ken Haydock

SD63

45.010 Amblyptilia acanthadactyla 24/06/2020 Gavin Thomas

SD66

12.048 Psychoides filicivora Wray west 05/04/2020 Gary Jones

20.007 Argyresthia cupressella Wray west 12/06/2020 Gary Jones

35.141 Teleiodes vulgella Wray west 12/06/2020 Gary Jones

49.133 Cochylis nana Wray west 27/05/2020 Gary Jones

63.005 Pyrausta despicata High Tatham 24/07/2020 Pete Marsh

70.029 Blood-Vein Wray west 29/05/2020 Gary Jones

70.169 Angle-barred Pug Greenbank Keith 26/06/2020 Marsh, P and Roberts, J

70.179 Ling Pug Greenbank Keith 28/07/2020 Marsh, P and Roberts, J

73.193 Lunar Underwing Greenbank Keith 13/09/2020 Marsh, P and Roberts, J

73.304 Cosmopolitan Wray west 09/11/2020 Gary Jones

20

SD71

52.013 Currant Clearwing Bradshaw Brow 20/06/2020 Russell Hedley

SD72

10.001 Tischeria ekebladella Rishton 25/06/2020 Dave Bickerton

19.014 Acrolepia autumnitella Rishton 24/04/2020 Dave Bickerton

22.003 Prays ruficeps Rishton 11/08/2020 Dave Bickerton

35.159 Exoteleia dodecella Rishton 06/07/2020 Dave Bickerton

35.160 Stenolechia gemmella Rishton 12/08/2020 Dave Bickerton

37.083 Coleophora saxicolella Rishton 31/07/2020 Dave Bickerton

49.016 Archips rosana Rishton 23/06/2020 Dave Bickerton

49.043 Exapate congelatella Rishton 09/11/2020 Dave Bickerton

49.128 Aethes rubigana Rishton 13/07/2020 Dave Bickerton

49.228 Epinotia sordidana Rishton 18/10/2020 Dave Bickerton

62.028 Dioryctria abietella Rishton 12/08/2020 Dave Bickerton

62.048 Euzophera pinguis Rishton 06/08/2020 Dave Bickerton

62.076 Hypsopygia glaucinalis Rishton 29/07/2020 Dave Bickerton

63.037 Udea olivalis Rishton 30/07/2020 Dave Bickerton

70.158 Juniper Pug Rishton 12/08/2020 Dave Bickerton

70.188 Bordered Pug Rishton 31/07/2020 Dave Bickerton

70.251 Oak Beauty Rishton 23/03/2020 Dave Bickerton

70.253 Spring Usher Rishton 22/01/2020 Dave Bickerton

72.046 Scarce Footman Rishton 24/07/2020 Dave Bickerton

73.101 Treble Lines Rishton 21/05/2020 Dave Bickerton

73.174 Tawny Marbled Minor Rishton 22/06/2020 Dave Bickerton

73.175 Rufous Minor Rishton 22/06/2020 Dave Bickerton

73.222 Dingy Shears Rishton 20/06/2020 Dave Bickerton

SD73

5.001 Opostega salaciella Brockhall Village 17/06/2020 Jane Jones

32.017 Brockhall Village 07/05/2020 Jane Jones

49.025 cerasana Brockhall Village 06/08/2020 Jane Jones

49.029 Lozotaenia forsterana Brockhall Village 13/06/2020 Jane Jones

21 49.038 consimilana Brockhall Village 26/06/2020 Jane Jones

49.127 Aethes cnicana Brockhall Village 13/06/2020 Jane Jones

49.254 Epinotia bilunana Brockhall Village 02/06/2020 Jane Jones

49.292 Notocelia cynosbatella Brockhall Village 29/05/2020 Jane Jones

49.297 Brockhall Village 28/05/2020 Jane Jones

49.338 Cydia pomonella Brockhall Village 28/05/2020 Jane Jones

62.048 Euzophera pinguis Brockhall Village 19/06/2020 Jane Jones

63.037 Udea olivalis Brockhall Village 17/06/2020 Jane Jones

63.057 Evergestis forficalis Brockhall Village 24/06/2020 Jane Jones

63.114 Elophila nymphaeata Brockhall Village 13/06/2020 Jane Jones

70.029 Blood-Vein Brockhall Village 17/06/2020 Jane Jones

70.103 Water Carpet Brockhall Village 07/05/2020 Jane Jones

70.305 Common Emerald Brockhall Village 22/06/2020 Jane Jones

71.017 Swallow Prominent Brockhall Village 17/06/2020 Jane Jones

73.033 Figure of Eight Brockhall Village 04/10/2020 Jane Jones

SD74

12.016 Nemapogon cloacella Clitheroe 07/05/2020 Jack Morris

21.001 Lyonetia clerkella Clitheroe 23/06/2020 Jack Morris

45.004 Platyptilia gonodactyla Clitheroe 02/06/2020 Jack Morris

49.338 Cydia pomonella Clitheroe 25/06/2020 Jack Morris

49.342 Cydia fagiglandana Clitheroe 26/06/2020 Jack Morris

52.013 Currant Clearwing Clitheroe 02/06/2020 Jack Morris

70.092 Spinach Clitheroe 25/06/2020 Jack Morris

70.270 Clitheroe 10/04/2020 Jack Morris

70.302 Small Emerald Clitheroe 25/06/2020 Jack Morris

72.007 Beautiful Snout Clitheroe 14/06/2020 Jack Morris

72.069 Beautiful Hook-tip Clitheroe 25/06/2020 Jack Morris

73.047 Coronet Clitheroe 02/06/2020 Jack Morris

73.155 Clouded Brindle Clitheroe 14/06/2020 Jack Morris

73.320 Heart and Club Clitheroe 26/06/2020 Jack Morris

22 SD80

35.047 Bryotropha affinis Alkrington, 31/07/2020 Charles Farrell Middleton

49.338 Cydia pomonella Alkrington, 14/06/2020 Charles Farrell Middleton

70.200 Yellow-barred Brindle Alkrington, 20/05/2020 Charles Farrell Middleton

70.274 Grey Birch Alkrington, 28/05/2020 Charles Farrell Middleton

72.043 Buff Footman Alkrington, 07/08/2020 Charles Farrell Middleton

72.069 Beautiful Hook-tip Alkrington, 24/05/2020 Charles Farrell Middleton

73.109 Straw Underwing Alkrington, 17/07/2020 Charles Farrell Middleton

SD81

2.005 Eriocrania salopiella Healey Dell, 06/06/2020 Ben Smart Rochdale

2.006 Eriocrania cicatricella Healey Dell, 02/05/2020 Ben Smart Rochdale

2.008 Eriocrania sangii Healey Dell, 02/05/2020 Ben Smart Rochdale

4.015 Stigmella anomalella Rochdale 25/06/2020 Ben Smart

12.048 Psychoides filicivora Healey Dell, 18/01/2020 Ben Smart Rochdale

37.015 Coleophora serratella Healey Dell, 02/05/2020 Ben Smart Rochdale

38.025 Elachista atricomella Healey Dell, 07/11/2020 Ben Smart Rochdale

38.039 Elachista maculicerusella Mandale Park, 25/04/2020 Ben Smart Rochdale

70.121 Scallop Shell Whitworth 29/06/2020 Stephen Rush

72.007 Beautiful Snout Whitworth 14/06/2020 Stephen Rush

73.193 Lunar Underwing Whitworth 19/09/2020 Stephen Rush

73.341 Northern Rustic Whitworth 03/08/2020 Stephen Rush

SD82

73.069 Early Grey Rossendale 22/04/2020 Stephen Rush

73.242 Clouded Drab Rossendale 10/04/2020 Stephen Rush

23 73.245 Small Quaker Rossendale 17/04/2020 Stephen Rush

73.336 Red Chestnut Rossendale 20/04/2020 Stephen Rush

SD83

4.076 Ectoedemia decentella Briercliffe 17/06/2020 George Turner

19.003 Glyphipterix fuscoviridella Whitty Bank 15/06/2020 George Turner Shedden

20.007 Argyresthia cupressella Briercliffe 13/06/2020 George Turner

32.010 Agonopterix conterminella Briercliffe 20/07/2020 George Turner

38.039 Elachista maculicerusella Briercliffe 12/08/2020 George Turner

39.001 Blastodacna hellerella Briercliffe 20/06/2020 George Turner

40.013 Mompha locupletella Briercliffe 23/06/2020 George Turner

49.082 Acleris hyemana Briercliffe 23/04/2020 George Turner

49.087 Acleris literana Briercliffe 11/04/2020 George Turner

49.183 Lobesia abscisana Briercliffe 25/07/2020 George Turner

49.224 Spilonota ocellana Briercliffe 05/08/2020 George Turner

49.307 Rhyacionia pinivorana Briercliffe 22/06/2020 George Turner

49.367 Pammene fasciana Briercliffe 21/07/2020 George Turner

63.002 Loxostege sticticalis Worsthorne 13/08/2020 Graham Gavaghan

63.020 Anania perlucidalis Briercliffe 26/06/2020 George Turner

63.054 Cydalima perspectalis Briercliffe 16/07/2020 George Turner

66.010 Drinker Worsthorne 11/08/2020 Graham Gavaghan

70.008 Small Dusty Wave Worsthorne 12/07/2020 Graham Gavaghan

70.059 Yellow Shell Whitty Bank 15/06/2020 George Turner Shedden

73.195 Dark Chestnut Briercliffe 12/10/2020 George Turner

73.257 Beautiful Yellow Underwing Briercliffe 12/08/2020 George Turner

SJ38

19.014 Acrolepia autumnitella Wavertree, 09/09/2020 Steve Mcwilliam

SJ39

16.005 Yponomeuta rorrella Primrose Valley 13/06/2020 Steve Mcwilliam Country Park

40.010 Mompha epilobiella Crosby Liverpool 16/06/2020 Steve Mcwilliam

24 47.005 Epermenia chaerophyllella Primrose Valley 13/06/2020 Steve Mcwilliam Country Park

70.158 Juniper Pug Crosby Liverpool 25/08/2020 Grant, Janet

70.184 Crosby Liverpool 27/05/2020 Grant, Janet

70.251 Oak Beauty Crosby Liverpool 28/04/2020 Grant, Janet

73.039 Sycamore Crosby Liverpool 07/07/2020 Grant, Janet

73.099 Vine's Rustic Crosby Liverpool 04/09/2020 Grant, Janet

SJ48

4.043 Stigmella lemniscella Speke, Liverpool 27/10/2020 Steve Mcwilliam

12.048 Psychoides filicivora Childwall, Liverpool 23/11/2020 Steve Mcwilliam

15.003 Caloptilia populetorum Woolton, 07/08/2020 Steve Mcwilliam Merseyside

15.004 Caloptilia elongella Widnes 25/10/2020 Steve Mcwilliam

15.052 Phyllonorycter corylifoliella Widnes 20/08/2020 Steve Mcwilliam

15.074 Phyllonorycter schreberella Speke, Liverpool 27/10/2020 Steve Mcwilliam

25.001 Woolton, 03/09/2020 Steve Mcwilliam Merseyside

49.321 petiverella Speke, Liverpool 24/07/2020 Steve Mcwilliam

63.048 Palpita vitrealis Woolton, 26/07/2020 Steve Mcwilliam Merseyside

63.117 Parapoynx stratiotata Speke, Liverpool 09/06/2020 Steve Mcwilliam

63.122 Donacaula mucronella Hale, Widnes 09/08/2020 Carol Cockbain

70.149 Cloaked Pug Woolton, 03/07/2020 Steve Mcwilliam Merseyside

71.011 Lunar Marbled Brown Hale, Widnes 22/04/2020 Carol Cockbain

73.024 Marbled White Spot Woolton, 16/06/2020 Steve Mcwilliam Merseyside

SJ49

4.055 Stigmella hemargyrella Croxteth Hall C.P. 19/10/2020 Steve Mcwilliam Croxteth

15.041 Phyllonorycter platani Croxteth Hall C.P. 19/10/2020 Steve Mcwilliam Croxteth

71.027 Chocolate-tip Blacklow, Huyton 28/04/2020 Kirkman, Andrea

73.273 Shears Eccleston, St 28/05/2020 Ferguson, T. Helens

25

SJ58

35.038 Bryotropha domestica Hale, Widnes 14/08/2020 Joy Mitchell-Lisle

35.159 Exoteleia dodecella Hale, Widnes 29/05/2020 Joy Mitchell-Lisle

62.027 Dioryctria simplicella Great Sankey 17/07/2020 Aileen Riley

63.054 Cydalima perspectalis Great Sankey 26/09/2020 Aileen Riley

72.046 Scarce Footman Great Sankey 13/07/2020 Aileen Riley

73.101 Treble Lines Great Sankey 23/05/2020 Aileen Riley

SJ59

13.002 Roeslerstammia erxlebella Parr, St Helens 11/05/2020 Ray Banks

40.007 Mompha bradleyi Parr, St Helens 04/04/2020 Ray Banks

62.027 Dioryctria simplicella Town Centre, St 01/07/2020 Dave Owen Helens

70.077 Pine Carpet Parr, St Helens 08/09/2020 Ray Banks

73.127 Large Ear Town Centre, St 15/08/2020 Dave Owen Helens

SJ68

15.017 Calybites phasianipennella Bluebell Wood, Nr. 01/10/2020 Kevin McCabe. Rixton

63.048 Palpita vitrealis New Cut Trail 19/08/2020 Terry Eagan

SJ69

37.027 Coleophora potentillae Risley Moss 12/02/2020 Kevin McCabe.

40.007 Mompha bradleyi Risley Moss 10/09/2020 Ben Smart, K.McCabe

49.357 Grapholita funebrana Silver Lane Landfill, 15/10/2020 Kevin McCabe. Risley

SJ79

4.075 Ectoedemia louisella Davyhulme 19/06/2020 Ben Smart Millennium Nature Reserve

15.051 Phyllonorycter lantanella Irlam 15/03/2020 Ben Smart

49.285 Epiblema scutulana Stretford Ees 01/03/2020 Ben Smart

62.034 Acrobasis repandana Flixton 25/06/2020 Kevin McCabe.

72.049 Orange Footman Flixton 29/05/2020 Kevin McCabe.

73.099 Vine's Rustic Flixton 26/06/2020 Kevin McCabe.

73.139 Twin-spotted Wainscot Flixton 13/08/2020 Kevin McCabe.

73.282 Varied Coronet Flixton 25/06/2020 Kevin McCabe.

26

SJ89

15.058 Phyllonorycter hilarella Park Range, 21/09/2020 Phil Pemberton Manchester

19.011 Acrolepiopsis assectella Brighton Grove 23/06/2020 Phil Pemberton Allotments, Manchester

20.007 Argyresthia cupressella Redland Crescent, 13/06/2020 Ben Smart Chorlton

35.066 Monochroa tenebrella Redland Crescent, 25/06/2020 Ben Smart Chorlton

36.002 Batrachedra pinicolella Redland Crescent, 24/06/2020 Ben Smart Chorlton

37.013 Coleophora siccifolia Hardy Farm, 05/06/2020 Ben Smart Chorlton

45.023 Marasmarcha lunaedactyla Redland Crescent, 24/06/2020 Ben Smart Chorlton

49.097 Cochylimorpha straminea Redland Crescent, 12/08/2020 Ben Smart Chorlton

49.313 Dichrorampha acuminatana Redland Crescent, 30/05/2020 Ben Smart Chorlton

49.357 Grapholita funebrana Hardy Farm, 29/08/2020 Ben Smart Chorlton

62.028 Dioryctria abietella Park Range, 08/08/2020 Phil Pemberton Manchester

62.072 Pyralis farinalis Redland Crescent, 27/05/2020 Ben Smart Chorlton

63.048 Palpita vitrealis Park Range, 30/10/2020 Phil Pemberton Manchester

63.054 Cydalima perspectalis Heaton Moor 12/06/2020 Steve Roberts

63.069 Redland Crescent, 12/08/2020 Ben Smart Chorlton

69.017 Small Elephant Hawk-moth Heaton Moor 25/05/2020 Steve Roberts

K. McCabe

27 Lancashire’s Most Abundant Moths

As we stepped into 2021, it seemed the perfect time to take a look at which moths were dominating our light traps in 2020 and to compare this to the dynamics of the most common species on the wing in 2010. Inferences can be made about the changes in the community composition of the moths in VC’s 59 and 60 over the last decade, but they are arbitrary. Please be mindful that not all changes to community composition are due to biodiversity loss in relation to anthropogenic activities, although it cannot be denied they are a driver of change. As such, examples have been given to help explain how dynamic moth communities are and some of the influences at play. The tables are separated by Macro-moths and Micro-moths, by VC and by year, then presented so that direct comparisons can be made (read in two-page view). The most- abundant species were separately listed by VC for a number of reasons including, but not inclusively; differences in habitat extent and composition, variation in number of recorders and recording effort and land area covered by the respective VC’s. Moth communities are dynamic. Species such as Small Square spot Diarsia rubi (Vieweg, 1790) (Fig. 1) are known to experience extreme fluctuations in abundance between years. The data from the past 40-years displays the peaks and troughs of this cycling in an almost boom or bust fashion. The implications of being a double-brooded species means there is potential for quick within-generational turn around in abundance. However, these benefits are not equally distributed throughout the population and success may be limited by unfavourable environmental conditions during critical developmental stages. Smaller numbers of records prior to the turn of the millennium are likely attributed to recording effort at that time.

Figure 1. Small Square Spot abundance in VC59 and VC60 between 1980 and 2020. Some species have arrived in the county quite recently, some naturally in response to improvements in environmental conditions, whilst others have received some anthropogenic assistance. Dingy footman Eilema griseola (Hübner, [1803]) (Fig. 2) has increased in range and abundance throughout the County since the first record in VC59 in 2004. Like many

28 species within this , the larvae feed on and algae. Improvements in air quality have assisted with their expansion northwards and is now a regular in the trap during the Summer months.

Figure 2. Dingy Footman abundance in VC59 and VC60 since its arrival in 2004.

Not all species that are expanding their range are positive. Tachystola acroxantha (Meyrick, 1885) (Fig. 3) is a non-native invasive species likely introduced from with imported plants. Since the first record from Devon in 1908, it became firmly established throughout southern Counties. The first records in VC59 came in 1996, then 2008 in VC60 where similar increases in abundance are beginning to emerge. It can now be found in the northernmost reaches of the County and can be numerous in places.

Figure 3. The arrival of the non-native invasive Tachystola acroxantha in VC59 from 1996 and the subsequent spread into VC60 from 2008.

29 Top 20 Macro-moths in VC59 2020 Code Taxon Vernacular Records Individuals 73.342 pronuba 1301 25463 73.317 Agrotis exclamationis 1011 8337 73.162 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 677 3648 73.359 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 441 3644

73.015 Autographa gamma Silver Y 909 3051 73.345 Noctua comes 572 2531 70.016 Ideaea aversata Riband wave 583 1912 73.249 Orthosia gothica Hebrew character 486 1587 73.348 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow 323 1506 Underwing 73.329 plecta 618 1423 70.226 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 601 1347

73.291 Mythimna pallens Common wainscot 226 1322 72.044 Eilema griseola Dingy Footman 211 1195 70.258 Peribatodes rhomboidaria Willow beauty 510 1183

70.097 Dysstroma truncata 482 1105 73.293 Mythimna impura Smoky Wainscot 296 1079 73.267 Laconobia oleracea Bright-line Brown-eye 540 1072 72.045 Eilema lurideola Common Footman 311 1054 69.016 Elephant Hawk-moth 363 1019 73.096 Hoplodrina octogenaria Uncertain 281 1005

Top 20 Micro-moths in VC59 2020 Code Taxon Vernacular Records Individuals 49.039 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Moth 866 2340 63.080 Chrysoteuchia culmella Garden Grass-veneer 402 1849 63.038 Patania ruralis Mother of Pearl 278 1633 63.067 Eudonia lacustrata 294 1066 63.089 Agriphila tristella 189 1022 41.002 306 988 18.001 Plutella xylostella Diamond-back Moth 289 735 63.064 ambigualis 230 702 15.089 Cameraria ohridella 105 692 63.093 Agriphila straminella 212 663 28.024 Tachystola acroxantha 347 661 63.074 284 588 62.001 Aphomia sociella Bee Moth 325 571 20.005 Argyresthia trifasciata 104 554 28.010 Hofmannophila Brown House-moth 306 536 pseudospretella 63.025 Small Magpie 245 474

63.081 Crambus pascuella 169 422 21.001 Lyonetia clerkella Apple 194 412 45.044 Emmelina monodactyla Common Plume 273 389 28.009 Endrosis sarcitrella White-shouldered House-moth 174 362

30 Top 20 Macro-moths in VC59 2010 Code Taxon Vernacular Records Individuals 73.342 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 1453 24155 73.317 Agrotis exclamationis Heart and Dart 866 7638 73.249 Orthosia gothica Hebrew Character 738 4462 73.162 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 781 3968 73.334 Diarsia rubi Small Square-spot 582 3962 73.392 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 1049 3543 73.345 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 607 3335 73.244 Orthosia cerasi Common Quaker 508 3266 73.359 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 614 2966 73.328 putris Flame 532 2696 73.348 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow 447 2646 Underwing 72.045 Eilema lurideola Common Footman 329 2304 73.361 Xestia triangulum Double Square-spot 466 2204 70.016 Idaea aversata Riband Wave 610 2111 73.242 Orthosia incerta Clouded Drab 491 1757 72.002 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot 569 1570 73.084 Bryophila domestica Marbled Beauty 503 1459 72.019 Spilosoma lutea 426 1396 72.003 Hypena proboscidalis Snout 464 1367 73.325 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 542 1280

Top 20 Micro-moths in VC59 2010 Code Taxon Vernacular Records Individuals 63.093 Agriphila straminella 202 1345 63.038 Patania ruralis Mother of Pearl 253 1268 63.064 Scoparia ambigualis 245 1200 49.039 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 494 1183 63.080 Chrysoteuchia culmella Garden Grass-veneer 250 955 16.001 Yponomeuta evonymella Bird-cherry Ermine 130 899 63.074 Eudonia mercurella 213 635 63.089 Agriphila tristella 166 619 49.325 Cydia ulicetana 21 539 62.001 Aphomia sociella Bee Moth 239 418 02.001 Dyseriocrania subpurpurella 61 413 41.002 Blastobasis adustella 127 358 28.010 Hofmannophila Brown House-moth 211 339 pseudospretella 63.081 Crambus pascuella 102 334 63.033 119 323 44.001 Many-plumed Moth 193 317 49.166 Celypha lacunana 129 287 32.018 103 286 62.035 Acrobasis advenella 117 263 63.086 Crambus lathoniellus 48 261

31 Top 20 Macro-moths in VC60 2020 Code Taxon Vernacular Records Individuals 73.342 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 1008 23656 73.317 Agrotis exclamationis Heart and Dart 695 4688 73.249 Orthosia gothica Hebrew Character 440 1612 73.162 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 482 1327 73.329 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 448 1137 72.019 Spilosoma lutea Buff ermine 360 992 73.345 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 302 991 72.045 Eilema lurideola Common Footman 251 963 73.015 Autographa gamma Silver Y 459 888 72.020 Spilosoma lubricipeda White ermine 282 730 73.254 Cerapteryx graminis Antler Moth 103 715 73.244 Orthosia cerasi Common quaker 262 680 72.044 Eilema griseola Dingy Footman 176 573 73.359 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 191 569 70.016 Idaea aversata Riband wave 277 565 73.348 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow 149 546 Underwing 70.226 Opisthograptis luteolata Brimstone Moth 302 539 70.097 Dysstroma truncata Common Marbled Carpet 274 532 73.293 Mythimna impura Smoky Wainscot 154 471

73.176 Oligia fasciuncula Middle-barred Minor 158 489

Top 20 Micro-moths in VC60 2020 Code Taxon Vernacular Records Individuals 63.093 Agriphila straminella 110 944 63.080 Chrysoteuchia culmella Garden Grass-veneer 167 657 49.039 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 255 571 63.089 Agriphila tristella 79 474 63.067 Eudonia lacustrata 98 325 62.001 Aphomia sociella Bee Moth 161 275 41.002 Blastobasis adustella 106 270 63.074 Eudonia mercurella 96 240 28.010 Hofmannophila Brown House-moth 125 219 pseudospretella 18.001 Plutella xylostella Diamon-back Moth 107 198 19.007 Glyphipterix simpliciella Cocksfoot Moth 6 164 63.064 Scoparia ambigualis 79 158 63.038 Patania ruralis Mother of Pearl 93 150 28.024 Tachystola acroxantha 75 138 37.069 Coleophora caespititiella 7 135 16.001 Yponomeuta evonymella Bird-cherry Ermine 51 133 63.100 Catoptria margaritella 41 130 37.073 Coleophora alticolella 4 108 49.194 Bactra lancealana 27 98 20.007 Argyresthia cupressella Cypress Tip Moth 21 97

32 Top 20 Macro-moths in VC60 2010 Code Taxon Vernacular Records Individuals 73.342 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing 983 22957 73.317 Agrotis exclamationis Heart and Dart 546 4221 73.249 Orthosia gothica Hebrew Character 546 4221 73.244 Orthosia cerasi Common Quaker 380 2572 73.334 Diarsia rubi Small Square-spot 440 2494 73.163 Apamea monoglypha Dark Arches 519 2373 70.250 Lycia zonaria Belted Beauty 16 2258 72.045 Eilema lurideola Common Footman 279 1980 73.329 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder 621 1759 73.242 Orthosia incerta Clouded Drab 358 1492 72.019 Spilosoma lutea Buff Ermine 385 1366 73.345 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing 374 1340 73.015 Autographa gamma Silver Y 532 1298 73.348 Noctua janthe Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow 374 1340 Underwing 73.325 Agrotis puta Shuttle-shaped Dart 491 1231 73.359 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character 316 1086 70.049 Xanthorhoe fluctuata Garden Carpet 382 983 54.008 Zygaena filipendilae Six-spot Burnet 14 951 73.245 Small Quaker 172 946 70.097 Dysstroma truncata Common Marbled Carpet 429 922

Top 20 Micro-moths in VC60 2010 Code Taxon Vernacular Records Individuals 16.001 Yponomeuta evonymella Bird-cherry Ermine 151 2497 63.089 Agriphila tristella 250 1437 63.093 Agriphila straminella 195 1152 49.039 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 343 1106 63.086 Crambus lathoniellus 60 790 63.080 Chrysoteuchia culmella Garden Grass-veneer 218 787 63.064 Scoparia ambigualis 170 749 63.074 Eudonia mercurella 223 658 63.038 Patania ruralis Mother of Pearl 191 435 63.088 Crambus perlella 113 334 41.002 Blastobasis adustella 146 319 49.025 Pandemis cerasana Barred -tree Tortrix 65 316 63.033 Udea lutealis 139 301 28.010 Hofmannophila Brown House-moth 214 298 pseudospretella 35.017 Neofaculta ericetellla 6 274 49.166 Celypha lacunana 118 269 63.025 Anania hortulata Small Magpie 157 224 49.194 Bactra lancealana 84 222 49.077 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 133 207 63.081 Crambus pascuella 21 206 J. Patton

33 Early Records

Each year, a number of species emerge particularly early or continue to fly beyond the dates currently expected. Below is a selection of the earliest and latest records from across the County.

Species Date Site Recorder

Red Chestnut 8th November Yealand Hancock, B Pale Mottled Willow 25th April Lancaster Mason, J Gold Swift 25th May Low Bentham Roberts, J Clay Triple-lines 21st May Silverdale Patton, J Thyme Pug 1st June Warton Daunter, P Red-tipped Clearwing 25th May Ainsdale Dean, M Clouded border 23rd April Flixton McCabe, K Burnet Companion 5th May Chorlton Smart, B Hebrew Character 28th November Southlands Girdley, J Small Brindled Beauty 24th January Millhouses Roberts, J Agriphila geniculea 07th June Formby Walker, R

Late Records

Species Date Site Recorder

Brick 22nd January Silverdale Patton, J Dotted Border 25th May Flixton McCabe, K Lyme Grass 14th October Formby Walker, R Pink-barred Sallow 16th November Flixton McCabe, K Beaded Chestnut 10th November Hesketh Bank Yates, R Acleris variegana 22nd November Southlands Girdley, J Anania perlucidalis 20th August Hale Cockbain, C Blastobasis adustella 16th November Southlands Girdley, J

J. Patton

34 Submitting Records

I must start by saying a huge thank you to those who have submitted their records for the 2020 recording period. Without them, there would be no report. Whilst 2020 had been a challenging year to say the least, it allowed far more people to connect with nature and many did so by taking-up moth recording. Record numbers of moth traps were sold, with dedicated natural history suppliers selling out. It is fantastic to hear that our army of citizen scientists continues to grow, and that people are engaging with nature. And with this surge in interest, it seems apt to bring to the fore, the guidelines that we must follow if our recording efforts are not to be in vain. Where do your records go? Before some of the key points are made that make for robust moth records, it is important to understand where the records you so diligently enter end up. There will be many that will read this who are well-versed in the protocol adopted for making sure our records are accurate. However, we can become complacent and even the best of us make mistakes, so please do take the time to refamiliarise yourselves.

Figure 1. Simplification of dataflows and outputs.

Fig. 1 shows that the data collected either by individuals running moth traps from their garden, or as part of an organised event such as National Moth Night or the Garden Moth Scheme, are submitted to your County Moth Recorder (CMR). It is then down to the CMR to check these records against County-appropriate grading guidelines. What this entails will be discussed in greater detail below. Only when a number of rigorous checks have been completed can your records be included in the county and national databases and passed on to National Recording Schemes. This data is hugely important and is used in a number of ways such as informing conservation policies and scientific studies assessing population trends in relation to the likes of climate change.

35 Recording accuracy When entering what can sometimes be quite large volumes of data, errors inherently creep in; the wrong month is entered for the date; a finger slips and a 7 was entered instead of a 6 for a grid refence; you select Figure of Eight instead of Figure of Eighty from the spreadsheet drop-down list. These raise red flags to CMR’s; this record is outside of the known flight period; this species has been recorded outside of its known range; this one in Autumn, but the record is from Spring. I hope the point being made is clear – this generates lots of work for what is a voluntary role. I know you will be excited to send them off to your CMR, but please check, check, and double check for any glaring errors. One of the commonest queries a CMR makes is for supporting evidence to a record. Unsubstantiated records just cannot be accepted. If you are contacted about any of your records it is not because we do not believe you, it is because we want to be able to submit all of your records. In most cases, a recorder has evidence, be it a photograph or a specimen. It may just have been documented incorrectly when the record was entered. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to refer to the grading guidelines document on the Lancashire Moths webpage - Lancashire Moths - Guidelines For Recorders. It would be good practice to do this after you have checked your trap and noted down your catch, but prior to release. It will certainly save you and your CMR any trouble and you will quickly learn which species require evidence and the level of evidence required, if at all. It can be hard to walk away from identifying difficult species, but sometimes it is the best thing to do, especially when a specimen is very worn. If in any doubt about a moth you have caught, please do get in touch with your CMR as soon as possible so that they can advise you on the best course of action to take. The next query that surfaces frequently are the aggregated species; closely related species that cannot be reliably identified based upon external morphological features alone. The obvious are Grey Dagger/Dark Dagger, Common Rustic/Lesser Common Rustic, Ear Moth/Large Ear/Saltern Ear/Crinan Ear, Marbled Minor/Tawny Marbled Minor/Rufous Minor, // and Acleris comariana/A. laterana. Small Autumnal Moth does not require dissection as its flight period is clearly before that of the other Epirittas. Examination of the structural features of the genitalia are often essential for conclusive identification of these species and will not be included in the database without it. There is some debate as to the necessity of aggregating the Uncertain/Rustic pair. There is an option in the drop-down list of the spreadsheet, but it would be advisable to consider not recording specimens that are worn and difficult to differentiate. /Svensson’s Copper Underwing are also identifiable through examining the extent of the orange/yellow on the underside of the hindwing. If a CMR sees records without any indication as to whether key identification features have been checked, then the recorder will be contacted in order to verify. A number of records each year are flagged by the additional checks carried out once the records are sent for inclusion in the National Moth Recording Scheme database for having an incorrect grid reference/being outside of known range. This often happens when 10-figure grid references are entered using Mapmate, which, unbeknownst to the recorder, chops the last two digits off. Therefore, it would be wise to standardise the use of grid-references to 6-figure and 4-figure. The majority of moth species are highly mobile, so there is no need to know where the record came from to the nearest 1m. Lastly, a field that throws up many errors is the observed life-history stage. When the majority of records are of adult moths, it is easy to forget to change the field for larval records. If you are recording leaf mines, the carefully identified larval foodplant, whether a larva is present in the mine and, in a few cases, the position of the should be noted in the comments as

36 these are often integral to their identification. If mines are required to be bred through and they are not tenanted, please do not submit the record. If larvae are bred through, then follow the protocol in the grading guidelines and enter details in the comments. It may still be necessary to examine the genitalia at this point to fully validate the identification. How to submit records There are two preferred methods for submitting records: Mapmate and dedicated Macro and Micro-moth spreadsheets. Mapmate is a dedicated biological recording software package designed to record, map, analyse and share your records. Sync files can be sent to your CMR regularly for verification. The spreadsheets are available to download here - Lancashire Moths - Submitting Records – which are then sent to the relevant CMR. Thorough guidance notes accompany these dedicated spreadsheets and can be found in the first tab. Additionally, records collected on nature reserves and such should be submitted to the relevant land- owner/organisation. It is not the responsibility of the land-owner/organisation to submit your records so they must also go to the CMR. If only a small number of records are being generated per year, then iRecord may be a more suitable method of storing and submitting your records, but please be mindful that the same level of evidence is required and that all data-entry fields should be filled in to the fullest despite not being mandatory. There is a species group-specific form for moths on iRecord that ensures important fields are filled in such as stage, method, and determiner to name a few. This is all information a CMR has to then fill in before your records are suitable for adding to the database if the recorder has not already done so. There is no need to submit records to your CMR using Mapmate or the spreadsheets if they have already been entered using iRecord as this will result in the duplication of your records. As this is a voluntary role and due to the large volumes of data sent to CMR’s each year, please aim to submit records at regular intervals throughout the year or at the end of the recording season in November/December. Verification is a lengthy process, so delays are likely if they are not in by the first week in January and you risk not having your records included in annual reports or newsletters. If you are sending specimens to your CMR or others for dissection, it is still your responsibility to enter that record using one of the preferred methods above. Social media The use of social media to share moth finds has skyrocketed and it is easy to see why. Experienced recorders are available to help with those tricky brown-jobs and confirm rare finds. The trouble is this help is not being documented correctly. For those that do have their identification queries answered, by and large they are not noting what we call the determiner (the individual that identified the moth). For those that do state the determiner it must be remembered that just because you have attained what are for the most part accurate identifications, this is still not the essential verification from your CMR. The protocol in the grading guidelines for a given species must still be followed. Any moths posted on social media must still be submitted using the methods mentioned in the previous section. Whilst CMR’s may have the time to assist with online identification, they simply do not have the time to enter records on behalf of the recorder and so it should not be assumed that if you have posted a find on social media and a CMR has interacted with it, that your records have been entered and fully verified. Your CMR does not have the time to search for photos on social media as evidence to records. When required, photos and specimens must assist record submissions.

37 Photographic evidence Most people now have access to a smart phone or digital camera - both have the ability to take high quality photographs. When taking photos of your moths for evidence please consider the following points. For Macro-moths, a clear image from above showing the whole moth will suffice. For Micro-moths, a clear photo from above and the side are essential to aid identification. You should also refer to the grading guidelines as these may indicate whether additional photographs are required of particular features (e.g. palps or antennal features). Please note that not all species can be identified by photos alone, especially with the micros. For worn specimens, especially the likes of the Pugs, consider whether it is even worth it – they can be tricky enough when fresh. Ultimately, It is the responsibility of the recorder to provide the CMR with as much information as possible. By doing so, the chances of needing to investigate individual records decreases considerably, which reduces the workload of both the recorder and the CMR. Please use the preferred methods of the CMR to submit your records and follow the grading guidelines closely.

J. Patton

38 Vice Counties

The map below shows the Watsonian Vice-county boundaries of Lancashire and are used as the standard by moth recorders Country-wide. The geographical division of Counties had the aim of sub-dividing larger Counties in smaller units of approximately equal sizes. North Lancashire (VC60) covers a land area of 1457km2 and South Lancashire (VC59) 3041km2, so not as equal as most. Whilst the political boundaries have changed considerably over the years, Vice-county boundaries have not and so the data remain comparative through the years. To locate other VC’s that you may be recording in and for help finding grid references, here are a few useful websites to do that: https://www.cucaera.co.uk/, BNHS Grab a Grid Reference Duo, and Grid Reference Finder. Information detailing who the County Moth Recorders are for each VC can be found here: County Moth Recorders (butterfly-conservation.org).

VC60

VC59

39 The Tanyptera Project’s Lancashire Tetrad Moth Maps

Following early discussions between Richard Walker (VC59 Macro-moth Recorder) and Gary Hedges of the Tanyptera Trust, the Lancashire Moth Group were approached Gary Hedges of the Tanyptera Project to see if we’d be interested in cooperating in the production of a tetrad-scale atlas for Lancashire’s moths. We, of course, jumped at the opportunity and, following provision of Lancashire’s raw moth data from our ‘clean copy’ of MapMate (and a prolonged delay due to Covid issues), detailed accuracy checks of each individual map and production of the associated text saw us complete the project in mid-February 2021.

How do I access and use the maps?

The maps are currently available on the Tanyptera website in a downloadable PDF format – see https://www.northwestinvertebrates.org.uk/document/lancashire-moth-atlas/. They can be searched by using the Control + F function on your keyboard which allows a search by species name, taxonomic or vernacular. Alternatively, at the end of the document, the PDF contains an alphabetical Index of species and genera which will guide you to the appropriate ABH (Agassiz, Beavan and Heckford) species number.

What is included in the Lancashire Moth Atlas?

This project has provided access to detailed and accurate distribution maps covering all 1523 different moth species recorded in Vice Counties 59 and 60 (a map showing these VCs is available in the PDF). Each species has distribution mapped to a tetrad (2 x 2km square) level wherever possible, and these have been produced from the 1.56 million moth records submitted and verified over the last 150 years or so. The maps (see Figure 1) contain date banding in the form of open blue squares for pre 2000 data and infilled yellow squares for records made from 2000 onwards. There are also additional small sections which cover a range of information including vagrant species, verification and the county validation procedures and many additional useful items such as record and species density maps.

A big ‘thank you’ to all our moth recorders!

This has only been possible due to the effort and enthusiasm of you, our dedicated moth recorders, and of course, those who have gone before you. The submission of your moth data annually to the various County Moth Recorders over the past years has allowed us to achieve a valuable and extensive set of records. It started in the 19th Century when J W Ellis wrote a book on the moths of the NW region and has continued, on and off, to the present day with each person’s records being a significant piece of the jigsaw puzzle. As a result, the maps contain dots covering both historic and modern data submitted and verified up to the end of 2019.

We hope that you will find these maps of interest and value. It may prompt you to visit under-recorded areas, perhaps take on a conservation project to monitor rare species, or even search to see if you can rediscover moths which have long been thought to have been lost in the county. And if they also help you to enthuse and educate others,

40 particularly those who may have little or no knowledge about moths, then so much the better.

What is the Tanyptera project?

This is a seven-year initiative (2017‐2024) funded by the Tanyptera Trust to promote the study and conservation of and other invertebrates in the Lancashire and Cheshire region of NW England.

The project has very wide-ranging aims which include Inspiration, Education, Conservation, improving identification skills and knowledge. The promotion of recording Invertebrates comes high on the Tanyptera Project’s list of priorities, as is the intention to reach a much wider audience than just those already interested in Entomology. These maps are a significant step forward in achieving these aims but are only a relatively small part of what has already been achieved. For more information, including how to get involved, visit: www.northwestinvertebrates.org.uk

Figure 1. Hebrew Character records in Lancashire to the end of 2019

S. Palmer

41 Acknowledgements

Each year a large number of people contribute records from across Lancashire. Please accept our apologies if your name is not mentioned below. We are extremely grateful to all who submit their records to the County Moth Recorders, and we thank you for your continued support to Butterfly Conservation. BC are particularly indebted to Stephen Palmer, John Girdley, Richard Walker and Kevin McCabe for their contributions to the recording report and support throughout the production, thank you.

Adamson, S Conway, R Hampton, C McLean, I Simpson, A Agnew, G Conway, T Hancock, B McMullan, G Slade, P Ambrose, C Cooper, B Haselton, S McWilliam, S Slater, C Armo, S Crooks, B Haydock, K Miles, J Small, M Atkins, S Cunnelly, A Hayward, A Mills, A Smart, B Attfield, J Daly, C Haywood, D Mills, J Smith, J Bagshaw, S Darbyshire, C Hedges, G Mitchell, I Smith, P Bailes, E Daunter, P Hedley, R Mitchell-Lisle, J Smith, R Baines, A Davenport, T Higginson, I Moreton, J Southworth, N Bal, W Davis, J Higginson- Morris, J Steeden, J Balding, D Dean, M Tranter, D Morris, P Stevens, P Ball, I Deerstalker, K Hill, R Moyes, R Stonehouse, J Banister, S Dixon, G Hillier, K Nadin, W Thackeray, S Banks, R Dixon, L Hillyer, P Neville, R Thomas, G Barnes, C Dockery, M Hodson, P Nixie, B Thompson, H Barrett, Z Dore, A Holding, J O'Hara, S Thomson, S Bateson, A Dore, J Holmes, P Owen, D Turner, G Bateson, P Downham, M Honeywell, B Packham, J Walker. R Batty, C Draper, A Horne, K Palmer, C. A Warford, S Bayton, E Dyson, B Hughes, K Palmer, C. L Warrington, S Beamish, C Eagan, T Hunt, D Palmer, M Watt, J Beard, M Eaves, K Hunt, N Palmer, S Whitaker, T Beattie, D Eaves, S Hunter, A Parker, A Whittle, I Beattie, J Ellis, P Hunter, B Patton, J Wilby, M Beevers, D Elsworth, M Jackson, M Pemberton, P Williams, J Bennett, C Evm, D Jardine, R Phillips, H Wilson, G Bennion, D Farrell, C Jones, G Piner, S Wilson, K Bentley, D Fergerson, T Jones, J Platt, C Woodward, J Bickerton, D Fish, E Keogh, A Powell, A Workman, C Bissitt, A Fletcher, C Kinsella, P Poxon, L Wright, E Blackburn, G Flint, P & S Kirkman, A Priestley, S Wright, N Blackburn, T Foran, J Knower, D Pryce, A Wynn, G Boardman, P Foreman, B Krischkiw, P Pyefinch, B Yates, R Bond, D Foster, R Langrish, E Raby, C Bond, S Fowler, K Lawrenson, S Rahulan, E Bowman, E Garland, S Lea, K Reed, L Boydell, R Garnham, N Lilley, G Renshaw, L Brash, P Gavaghan, G Llyod, J Riley, A & D Breaks, M Gibson, J Lyon, L Riley, E & O Brighton, P Girdley, J Maidment, K Roberts, J Burke, S Gorman, S Marsh, P Roberts, S Burke, T Gorse, J Martindale, C Roberts, S Busby, P Gosling, M Mason, J Roebuck, S Callender, D Graham, S Mather, T Root, N Christie, E Grant, J Maynard, M Rose, L Clark, J Greaves, P McAllister, B Rush, M Clay, C Green, A McCabe, K Rush, S Clerk, M & J Green, K McCartney, K Savage, D Clewley, G Hardy, P McCauley, W Sawyer, J Cockbain, C Hall, S McGrath, D Shearer, D

42 Useful Contacts and Links

BC Lancashire Branch

Chair – Jane Jones Tel: 01254 248832 / 07798 758852 Email: chairman@lancashire-.org.uk

Branch Organiser/Librarian - Chris Winnick Tel: 01539 728254 Email: [email protected]

Moth Officer - Justine Patton Email: [email protected]

Butterfly Recorder - Laura Sivell Tel: 01524 69248 E-mail: [email protected]

Membership Secretary - Zoe Foster Email: [email protected]

Reserves Officer -Dave Wrigley Tel: 01524 805527 E-mail: [email protected]

Webmaster/Social Media - Gemma McMullan Email: [email protected]

Committee members without portfolio Chris Atherton

County Moth Recorders in Lancashire

North Lancashire (VC60) Macro Moth Recorder Justine Patton: [email protected]

North Lancashire (VC60) Micro Moth Recorder John Girdley: [email protected]

South Lancashire (VC59) Macro Moth Recorder Richard Walker: [email protected]

South Lancashire (VC59) Micro Moth Recorder Steve Palmer: [email protected]

43 Online Resources

Useful Websites

Butterfly Conservation https://butterfly-conservation.org/ Butterfly Conservation Lancs https://butterfly-conservation.org/in-your-area/lancashire-branch Lancashire Moth Group https://www.lancashiremoths.co.uk/ UK Moths https://www.ukmoths.org.uk/ Norfolk Moths https://norfolkmoths.co.uk/ British Leafminers http://leafmines.uk/ Gelechiid Recording Scheme https://www.gelechiid.co.uk/ Lancashire & Cheshire Fauna Society https://lacfs.org.uk/

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