CARMARTHENSHIRE & BUTTERFLY GROUP NEWSLETTER ISSUE No.4 AUGUST 2006

Editor: Jon Baker (County Moth Recorder for VC44 Carms)

INTRODUCTION This is the 4th newsletter of the VC44 Moth & Butterfly Group. In this edition you will find the moth highlights from August 2006 as well as a number of articles which I hope are informative and interesting. August has been a real let down after the won- derful weather in June and July. Temperatures have been low; rain and wind have been high. Consequently there is far less to report this month than I had hoped. There have been impressive numbers and quality of migrants in England, but only a fraction seems to have reached us. Hopefully September will pick up a bit.

REPORT ON THE FIELD OUTING TO PEMBREY BURROWS 23rd August 2006 Our third field meeting was held at one of my main trap sites – Pembrey Burrows, at SS4199. This site was chosen in the hope of seeing some of its specialities – that occur in sand-dunes in late summer, and which are unlikely to be found further inland. The weather forecast in the days leading up to the event had been very pessi- mistic, but as with our previous field meetings, the gods were kind, and it actually turned out to be dry, moderately calm and not too cold. In attendance were myself, Anna Hobbs, Dai Rees, Arnold Johnson, Hilton Marlton, Fay Sharpley, David Groom, Mike Harrington and Martin Lovell. Two MV and an actinic trap were run in the vicinity of SS414995. An excellent 68 were seen by 1am. Most of the target “sand-dune species” turned up as expected: Grass Eggar Lasiocampa trifolii (12), Oblique Striped Phibilapteryx virgata (6), Tawny-speckled Pug Eupithecia icterata (5), Ash Pug Eupithecia fraxinata (6), Yellow Belle Semiaspilates ochrearia (10), Archer’s Dart Agrotis vestigialis (5), Hedge Rustic Tholera cespitis (2) and Vine’s Rustic Hoplodrina ambigua (2).

Archer’s Dart Agrotis vestigialis We also did very well with migrants: Rusty-dot Pearl Udea ferrugalis (5), Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella (10), Dark Sword-grass Agrotis ipsilon (2), Small Mottled Spodoptera exigua (1), Silver Y Autographa gamma (4) and Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera (1). There were also two nice surprises – a late or 2nd brood Wood Carpet Epirrhoe rivata and a Hoary Footman Eilema caniola – a new species for Pembrey. Many thanks to all those who attended, especially Martin for bringing the 2nd MV. I hope everyone enjoyed the night.

A SAD FAREWELL We are sadly losing our informal Chairperson in September. Anna Hobbs will be moving to Dorset this month, along with her partner Dai Rees. Anna has been crucial in the formation of this group, and without her enthusiasm it may not have got off the ground. I will personally be very sad to see her go, as she has been an absolute pleasure to work with – both within this group and at Butterfly Conservation. I wish both her and Dai every success and happiness in this new chapter in their lives.

MORE NEWS ON THE WORMWOOD Cucullia absinthii

Following on from the story in last month’s bulletin, it seems we have had great success. Ian Morgan informed me mid-August that there were many larvae on his Wormwood plants, after the release of the adults there in July. Ian and Simeon Jones will be hoping to move some of them to the plants at Machynys, and thereby complete this phase of the project. It is so great to see a bit of active conservation working to save a rare species.

IDENTIFICATION FORUM: CHESTNUT vaccinii vs. DARK CHESTNUT Conistra ligula

I have tried to pick a topical species pair to look at for this month’s Identification Forum, and all I could think of was this pair. Let’s start by looking at their status in VC44.

CHESTNUT : A widespread and commonly encountered moth, both at light and also feeding on Ivy blossom or over-ripe blackberries. It occurs from late September (earliest 23rd September) and hibernates. On mild nights throughout winter it can be trapped, and it reappears regularly in early spring – sometimes as late as May. Of the two species it is massively the commoner in the county.

DARK CHESTNUT Conistra ligula: Far from easy to identify, the status of this species is confused due to the fact that most records of it are unsupported. Less than half a dozen individuals have been documented well enough for acceptance. It is certainly commoner than this would suggest – and hopefully, now that people have the facilities to photograph suspected moths, we will get a number of proven records onto the county database. It occurs in the same localities as C. vaccinii, but its flight period usually runs from early October to December. Any claims from later in the winter, or spring – when specimens are likely to be worn, most certainly require adequate photographic proof. IDENTIFICATION AND SEPERATION: As both species are incredibly variable, telling these two apart can be a daunting task. The key feature to look for is the shape of the apex of the forewing. This can be a very subjective thing, and especially once specimens have become worn, it can be very hard to judge. I have found that the old maxim applies “If you think it’s one - it isn’t. If you know it’s one – it is!” That is to say, hope and enthusiasm can turn an ambiguous Chestnut into a “dark”, but when you really see one, they are actually quite obvious. So, here are four moths….. which one is the Dark Chestnut?

The answer is the top right one. The costa as it reaches the apex is less bowed, and the termen appears to be slightly falcate (hooked) at the apex. You can also see the other key feature in this comparison – the overall look of the moth is glossy, or oily. Though this is subjective and variable, it is usually quite obvious.

IN CONCLUSION: If you think you have seen a Dark Chestnut, please do try and get a photograph. I’m being very strict about this one, I’m sorry to say, as I really think it worth getting a correct and clear understanding of this species’ distribution in the county.

VARIATIONS AND ABERRATIONS Since I’ve had quite a few interesting aberrations this month I thought it timely to have a look at some. Moths are far more variable and prone to aberration than butterflies – which tend to be fairly consistent. This means you can often find interesting examples amongst even the commonest of species. For example, here is a typical Brimstone Moth luteolata, then one missing the yellow pigment, and one with “super-pigmentation”.

Three variations of Brimstone Moth Opisthograptis luteolata

Another variation I saw this month, for only the 2nd time, was the flava form of Rosy Footman Miltochrista miniata, in which the reddish-orange ground colour is replaced with yellowish-orange. This is a known colour form, which seems genuinely scarce, given that I have seen hundreds of the normal form, but just two of form flava.

Rosy Footman Miltochrista miniata Normal form and f. flava

Finally, a very strange form of Willow Beauty Peribatodes rhomboidaria, which appeared in my garden. I’ve not been able to find any previous reference to such a variant, and a number of people I have asked nationally have agreed that it seems most unusual. As I say, even the commonest species can sometimes throw up an in- teresting example!

Aberrant Willow Beauty Peribatodes rhomboidaria HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH: MICROMOTHS All records are mine (JSB) unless noted otherwise. 285 Caloptilia azaleella The first record for the county was of one attracted to MV light on 13th August in my Carmarthen garden (SN3919). Quite probably it had wandered in from an adjoining garden that has many rhododendrons and azaleas. Photographed and specimen kept.

423 Argyresthia semitestacella One beaten out of cover by day on 4th August at Green Castle Woods (SN3916) was the first county record. Lives on beech Fagus. Photographed.

694 Agonopterix nanatella Yet more records from Pembrey Burrows, where it was discovered in 2005. Five on 21st August and four on 23rd (SS4299 and SS4199). Lives on carline thistle Carlina vulgaris. Photographed and one confirmed by dissection.

Agonopterix nanatella 730 Apodia bifractella One found at dusk on its foodplant, fleabane Pulicaria, at Pembrey (SN3803) on 7th August. This is only the 2nd county record, the first being at this same site in 2003.

847 Syncopacma taeniolella Another record of this species on 5th August in Pembrey Burrows (SS4299) – the 5th county record, all having been at Pembrey since 2005. Lives on common bird’s-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus and clovers. Photographed, and confirmed by dissection.

878 Batrachedra preangusta Following on from July’s third county record of this species, one came to light in Pembrey Forest (SN4001) on 14th August. Lives on poplar Populus and willow Salix.

1231 Pammene spiniana One netted on a sunny afternoon on the Llansteffan foreshore (SN3510) on 4th August. Photographed. This represents only the 2nd VC record of this elusive little tortricid. Lives on blackthorn spinosa and hawthorn .

Pammene spiniana

1395 RUSTY-DOT PEARL Udea ferrugalis Appeared in good numbers from early in the month with small numbers in the trap most nights, as well as several found nectaring at dusk. The highest count was just 7 on 14th in Pembrey Forest, so nowhere near the hundreds that occur in some summers. There may well be an increase in September.

1398 RUSH VENEER Nomophila noctuella Slightly more in evidence that the above, with small numbers at light or flowers throughout the month. Highest count was of about 30 seen at dusk on 26th in Pembrey Forest. Regularly encountered by day, kicked up in grassland. BUTTERFLY NEWS In line with the moths, there was a very evident wave of migration from early in August. Painted Lady Vanessa cardui and Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta were common across the county, and there was a notable influx of Clouded Yellows Colias croceus, especially around the 3rd to 5th August. Amongst the dozens of regular forms at Wharley Point (SN3309) on 5th August was this very pretty Helice form.

Clouded Yellow Colias croceus f. helice

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH: MACROMOTHS

1718 OBLIQUE STRIPED Phibalapteryx virgata 6 seen on the moth evening at Pembrey Borrows was the 12th county record (all from Pembrey) and the highest count. 23/08/2006 6 Pembrey Burrows SS4199 Carms Moth Group

1739 WOOD CARPET Epirrhoe rivata One at Pembrey on 23rd, to light, was unseasonably late. By coincidence, earlier that day, John Langmaid had mentioned to me having caught one the previous night. This was the 8th individual (6th record) from Pembrey this year, which seems to be the key site for this species in Carmarthenshire. 23/08/2006 1 Pembrey Burrows SS4199 Carms Moth Group

2045 HOARY FOOTMAN Eilema caniola The 4th county record was a nice surprise on the moth evening at Pembrey Borrows, being a new species for Pembrey. There are colonies on the Gower and along the cliffs towards the Pembrokeshire coast. 23/08/2006 1 Pembrey Burrows SS4199 Carms Moth Group 2051 FOUR-SPOTTED FOOTMAN Lithosia quadra Another record at light from the resident population at Pembrey. 14/08/2006 2 Pembrey Forest SN4001 Jon Baker

2091 DARK SWORD-GRASS Agrotis ipsilon Just one record from August, and a record I missed from July. 21/07/2006 1 Penrhiw SN1924 Melanie Collier 23/08/2006 2 Pembrey Burrows SS4199 Carms Moth Group

2217 STAR-WORT Cucullia asteris A found by Ian Morgan on goldenrod Solidago, at an inland site where he found larvae in 1991. An excellent record of a nationally scarce species. No sightings of it at Pembrey this year, where it has been regular of late, despite much trapping. Never an easy species to find, and like many of the “sharks”, it doesn’t readily come to light. 30/08/2006 larva Garnbig, SE of SN5815 Ian Morgan

2385 SMALL MOTTLED WILLOW Spodoptera exigua Another two records in this record breaking year. 06/08/2006 2 Rhydcymerau SN5739 Julian Wormald 23/08/2006 1 Pembrey Burrows SS4199 Carms Moth Group

2400 SCARCE BORDERED STRAW Helicoverpa armigera The 5th, 6th and 7th county records. This species has been seen in unprecedented numbers across southern Britain this year. 21/08/2006 1 Pembrey Burrows SS4299 Jon Baker 23/08/2006 1 Pembrey Burrows SS4199 Carms Moth Group 25/08/2006 1 14 Job's Well Rd, Johnstown SN3919 Jon Baker

Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera 2403 BORDERED STRAW Heliothis peltigera Two more records, once again from Pembrey, and again quite possibly locally bred individuals rather than fresh migrants. 05/08/2006 2 Pembrey Burrows SS4299 Jon Baker 21/08/2006 1 Pembrey Burrows SS4299 Jon Baker

2452 RED UNDERWING Catocala nupta The first record of this species in VC44 was in 2005, at Penclacwydd. I received a record through Barry Stewart of one seen there again in the last few days of July, as well as one found by Ian Morgan by day, roosting in an old coastal bunker at Machynys. These are therefore the 2nd and 3rd county records. Hopefully over the coming years this beautiful and distinctive species will spread further across the county. 00/07/2006 1 Penclacwydd SS5398 Wendell Thomas 01/08/2006 1 Penrhyngwyn, Machynys SS5197 Ian Morgan

Red Underwing Catocala nupta

THE YEAR SO FAR IN VC44: FIRST DATES Just 17 new species were added to the county macro year list in August, proving just how poor it has been. This takes the 2006 total up to 416 species. The following ad- ditional species, with first dates, have been recorded:

15 Hepialus sylvina Orange Swift 25/08/2006 1833 Eupithecia expallidata Bleached Pug 14/08/2006 1913 Ennomos alniaria Canary-shouldered Thorn 05/08/2006 1914 Ennomos fuscantaria Dusky Thorn 08/08/2006 2045 Eilema caniola Hoary Footman 23/08/2006 2085 Agrotis vestigialis Archer's Dart 21/08/2006 2132 Xestia castanea Neglected Rustic 21/08/2006 2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic 18/08/2006 2177 Tholera cespitis Hedge Rustic 21/08/2006 2178 Tholera decimalis Feathered Gothic 0/08/2006 2217 Cucullia asteris Star-wort 30/08/2006 (L) 2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow 20/08/2006 2297 Amphipyra pyramidea Copper Underwing 13/08/2006 2350 Chortodes pygmina Small Wainscot 07/08/2006 2353 Luperina testacea Flounced Rustic 09/08/2006 2394 Stilbia anomala Anomalous 21/08/2006 2452 Catocala nupta Red Underwing 01/08/2006

ONE TO LOOK OUT FOR….. Brown-spot Pinion litura, despite being a relatively common species in Britain, has not been confirmed yet in VC44. Flying from late August to October, this species comes to light, sugar, ivy and over-ripe blackberries. If you think you have one, it is essential that you get a photograph, or failing that a specimen (photo obviously preferred). The most obvious similar species that you need to rule out is Beaded Chestnut Agrochola lychnidis, but note the shape of the stigma marks and the black line at the base of the forewing.

NATIONAL MOTH NIGHT 2006: SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23rd Please note down the date for NMN and if you can possibly do some recording on that evening, it would really be appreciated. There is an event planned at Brechfa Forest (contact Martin Lovell for details if you need them), and I will be running traps at Pembrey Burrows, Pembrey Forest and at my Pa’s woods north of Carmarthen. If we can get a few more data sets for that night it would be brilliant. If you don’t have access to a trap, don’t worry. It is not essential at this time of year, as you can find many species sitting around, waiting to be potted up and identified, on blackberries, ivy or late flowering plants such as Sedums. Just go out with a torch and some pots/jars from shortly after dark and look around brambles. If you can find ivy flowering then that is a real draw for moths. Churchyards can be a good place to look. There is not a great range of species flying at the end of September, but here are some things to look out for. The commonest carpets are Common Marbled Carpet, Spruce Carpet, Grey Pine Carpet, Green Carpet and Brimstone Moth. Garden Carpet is possible, as are a few others. Several Thorns are possible; Dusky, September, Canary-shouldered, Early or August. Engrailed is an outside chance, as is a late wave of some sort – Clouded Silver has been seen at that time in the last few years. Migrants are obviously unpredictable, but it is a great time of year for them, so fingers crossed we get something extraordinary. A Convolvulus Hawk perhaps? Or maybe a Humming-bird Hawk during the day (please do keep an eye out for that one on 23rd!) Most moths seen will be noctuids, and here is a not-quite exhaustive list of what potentially might be seen: 2087 Agrotis segetum Turnip Moth Possible Common Migrant 2091 Agrotis ipsilon Dark Sword Grass Possible Common Migrant 2098 Axylia putris Flame Possible late individual 2102 Ochropleura plecta Flame Shoulder Possible late individual 2107 Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing Possible 2109 Noctua comes Lesser Yellow Underwing Possible 2111 Noctua janthe Lsr Broad-bd Yellow Underwing Possible late individual 2117 Eugnorisma glareosa Autumnal Rustic Likely 2119 Peridroma saucia Pearly Underwing Possible Rare Migrant 2123 Diarsia rubi Small Square-spot Possible late individual 2126 Xestia c-nigrum Setaceous Hebrew Character Likely 2132 Xestia castanea Neglected Rustic In right habitat, possible 2134 Xestia xanthographa Square-spot Rustic Likely 2176 Cerapteryx graminis Antler Moth Possible late individual 2177 Tholera cespitis Hedge Rustic Possible late individual 2178 Tholera decimalis Feathered Gothic Possible late individual 2198 Mythimna impura Smoky Wainscot Possible 2199 Mythimna pallens Common Wainscot Possible late individual 2203 Mythimna unipuncta White-speck Possible Rare Migrant 2232 Aporophyla nigra Black Rustic Likely 2236 Lithophane hepatica Pale Pinion Possible 2240 Lithophane leautieri Blair's Shoulder-knot A tad early, but possible 2241 Xylena vetusta Red Sword-grass A tad early, but possible 2245 Allophyes oxyacanthae Green-brindled Crescent Likely 2247 Dichonia aprilina Merveille du Jour Possible 2248 Dryobotodes eremita Brindled Green Possible, not too common 2252 Polymixis flavicincta Large Ranunculus Rare, needs confirmation 2254 Antitype chi Grey Chi Rare, needs confirmation 2255 Polymixis lichenea Feathered Ranunculus Even rarer. Definitely needs conf 2256 Eupisilia transversa Satellite Possible 2258 Conistra vaccinii Chestnut A tad early, but possible 2259 Conistra ligula Dark Chestnut Rare, needs confirmation 2262 Agrochola circellaris Brick Likely 2263 Agrochola lota Red-line Quaker Likely 2264 Agrochola macilenta Yellow-line Quaker Possible 2265 Agrochola helvola Flounced Chestnut Likely 2267 Agrochola lychnidis Beaded Chestnut Likely 2269 Atethmia centrago Centre-barred Sallow Possible late individual 2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa Lunar Underwing Likely 2271 Xanthia citrago Orange Sallow Rare, needs confirmation 2273 Xanthia togata Pink-barred Sallow Likely 2274 Xanthia icteritia Sallow Likely 2297 Amphipyra pyramidea Copper Underwing Possible late individual 2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis Mouse Moth Rare, needs confirmation 2306 Phlogophora meticulosa Angle Shades Likely 2361 Hydraecia micacea Rosy Rustic Possible late individual 2364 Gortyna flavago Frosted Orange Possible 2368 Celaena leucostigma Crescent Possible late individual 2369 Nonagria typhae Bulrush Wainscot Rare, needs confirmation 2373 Archanara sparganii Webb's Wainscot Rare, needs confirmation 2375 Rhizedra lutosa Large Wainscot Possible 2384 Hoplodrina ambigua Vine's Rustic Possible 2385 Spodoptera exigua Small Mottled Willow Possible Rare Migrant 2389 Paradrina clavipalis Pale Mottled Willow Possible 2394 Stilbia anomala Anomalous Possible, in right habitat 2400 Helicoverpa armigera Scarce Bordered Straw Possible Rare Migrant 2403 Heliothis peltigera Bordered Straw Possible Rare Migrant 2423 Nycteola revayana Nycteoline Possible 2432 Trichoplusia ni Ni Moth Possible Rare Migrant 2434 Diachrysia chrysitis Burnished Brass Possible late individual 2439 Plusia festucae Gold Spot Possible 2441 Autographa gamma Silver Y Likely 2450 Abrostola tripartita Spectacle Possible 2452 Catocala nupta Red Underwing Rare, needs confirmation 2469 Scoliopteryx libatrix Herald Likely 2474 Rivula sericealis Straw Dot Possible late individual 2477 Hypena proboscidalis Snout Likely 2482 Schrankia taenialis White-line Snout Rare, needs confirmation 2484 Schrankia costaestrigalis Pinion-streaked Snout Moderately Likely

Remember to check with my Submission Guidelines (copy available on request), which species need verification/validation to get accepted. If in doubt about anything, photo it if you can and e-mail it to me. And if you photo any micros for that night, I’ll do my best to name those too. Good luck all.

Merveille du Jour Dichonia aprilina

Thank you: Thanks to all contributors to this bulletin – Barry Stewart, Melanie Collier, Martin Lovell, Julian Wormald, Ian Morgan, Tony Lewis and the Carmarthen Moth Group.

JON BAKER Moth Recorder for VC44 Carms 14 Job’s Well Rd CARMARTHEN SA31 3HG

01267 221681 [email protected]