Moths and Butterflies of Spurn
SPURN MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES
Spurn is one of the most important sites in Yorkshire for the recording of moths and butterflies. Several factors contribute to this importance: firstly its geographical position at the extreme south-east corner of the county makes it a natural entry point where those species which are extending their range northwards into Yorkshire and beyond as a result of climatic warming are able to gain a foothold prior to further expansion; secondly its exposed coastline makes it a natural landing place not only for bird migrants and vagrants but also for moths and butterflies flying in from across the sea; thirdly the peninsula combines a blend of habitats—including sand dunes and saltmarsh—that is unique in Yorkshire; and finally, the area has been particularly fortunate in attracting the interest of naturalists, including entomologists and lepidopterists, from as far back as the late nineteenth century whilst detailed moth and butterfly recording has been carried out in the area on a regular and systematic basis over the last three decades.
Up to the end of 2001, the total number of macrolepidoptera (larger moths and butterflies), recorded at Spurn was 425 with a further 337 species of microlepidoptera (micro-moths). This total increases almost every year as new species continue to be recorded. Although detailed surveys of the insect fauna of Spurn had been carried out from time to time by members of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union in the 1940s and 1950s, it was not until 1969 that regular systematic recording began. In that year, the present warden of the Spurn National Nature Reserve, Barry Spence, began to fully count and record the nightly catches made in the Rothamsted Insect Survey light trap newly installed as part of a nationwide insect survey that continues to this day. In the following year a Mercury Vapour light trap was set up at the Warren. This trap has been in operation on most suitable nights (that is nights without heavy rain or strong winds) throughout the year from early spring to late autumn until the present. A second MV light trap at the Spurn Bird Observatory’s newly acquired property near the church in Kilnsea was installed in 1999. The moths caught in these traps are carefully recorded, both identity of species and number of individuals, and the records are reported to the county moth recorders. After being recorded, the moths themselves are released back into the wild.
Most of the moths taken at Spurn are resident species that live on the peninsula, their caterpillars feeding on the plants that grow there. The bulk of these moths are relatively common and may be found elsewhere in Yorkshire. However since Spurn is the only area in Yorkshire where reasonably large areas of sand dunes and saltmarsh are found in close proximity, many species of moth which are dependent on these habitats and their plants, are restricted to Spurn (or at least found only in large numbers there) in their Yorkshire distribution pattern. Such ‘Spurn specials’ are the Sharp-angled Peacock (Semiothisa alternata), Star-wort (Cucullia asteris), Sand Dart (Agrotis ripae), Crescent Striped (Apamea oblonga), Lyme Grass (Chortodes elymi), and Saltern Ear (Amphipoea fucosa paludis), to name some of the more well known ones.
Spurn is a notable site for immigrant species. Among the more common species of macro-moth, Silver Y (Autographa gamma), Dark Sword-grass (Agrotis ipsilon), and Pearly Underwing (Peridroma saucia), are recorded regularly every year. The Silver Y, especially, can sometimes be taken at light or seen feeding on flowers during the day in very large numbers. As with birds, large influxes of immigrant moths and butterflies of one or more species may occur when the conditions are right. For example, on 10th August 1988, some 200 butterflies comprising nine species were recorded as moving down the peninsula in one hour. In years of high immigrant activity, common species such as Silver Y and the micro-moths, Diamond-back Moth (Plutella xylostella) and Rush Veneer (Nomophila noctuella), have been recorded flying or resting during the daytime in their thousands. Even the less common migrants such as Bordered Straw (Heliothis peltigera) are occasionally recorded by day in good numbers; for example on 24th August 1996, 16 Bordered Straw were seen feeding on flowers along the peninsula with Silver Ys. Other less common macro-moth immigrants recorded regularly if only in single figures are Gem (Orthonama obstipata), Vestal (Rhodometra sacraria), Humming-bird Hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum), Convolvulus Hawk-moth (Agrius convolvuli), Delicate (Mythimna vitellina), and Great Brocade (Eurois occulta). Also on the list are such comparative rarities as White-speck (Mythimna unipuncta), White-point (M. albipuncta), Spotted Clover (Schinia scutosa), Pine Hawk-moth (Hyloicus pinastri), Bedstraw Hawk-moth (Hyles gallii), Death’s Head Hawk-moth (Acherontia atropos), Scarce Bordered Straw (Helicoverpa armigera), and even greater rarities such as Golden Twin-spot (Chrysodeixis chalcites), Grey Shoulder-knot (Lithophane ornitopus ornitopus), Grey Carpet (Lithostege griseata), Ni Moth (Trichoplusia ni), Clifden Nonpareil (Catocala fraxini), and Blackneck (Lygephila pastinum). Perhaps the most exciting record of recent years, however, is provided by the immigrant moth, Nycteola asiatica, which was taken at light on 13th September 2002—the first time that this species has ever been recorded in Great Britain. Among immigrant species of butterfly, Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) and Large White (Pieris brassicae) are of course regular and sometimes in very large numbers. Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) occurs regularly, too, but usually in smaller numbers except for those years when the species invades the country with large influxes. Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus) is a similar species—normally very low numbers but occasional record years when it comes across in very high numbers. Camberwell Beauty (Aglais antiopa) has been recorded on only two occasions, both times in 1976.
In all 25 species of butterfly have been recorded at Spurn. These include occasional vagrants such as Swallow-tail (Papilio machaon) and Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria tircis) but apart from the immigrants already mentioned, the remainder are resident. There are fairly substantial colonies of Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus icarus), Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus britanniae), Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus pamphilus), Wall (Lasiommata megera), Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina insularis), and Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus). In addition, Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) has been recorded regularly in recent years in small numbers on the Point and near the Lighthouse. Brown Argus (Aricia agestis) has also been reported in very small numbers at the Point in the last two or three years and may be struggling to establish itself as a resident breeding species. The sudden dramatic appearance of Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus britanna) and its establishment as a resident breeding species in Yorkshire over the last few years was recorded at Spurn as elsewhere in the county. Another species, which has become notably more common in recent years, as a result of range expansion northwards, is the Comma (Polygonia c-album).
Perhaps one of the most surprising moths ever to be caught at Spurn was the Maori (Graphania dives), a New Zealand moth, not previously recorded in Britain, which was caught at Spurn by day in July 1950. This was almost certainly an accidental introduction and may have come off a ship passing in the Humber. Such shipborne introductions are always possible, if unlikely, for a maritime site such as Spurn, and it is interesting to conjecture what other exotica might be forthcoming
Pete Crowther – 2002
THE MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES OF SPURN
NEW SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE PERIOD 1992 TO 1997 INCLUSIVE
Although it is only six years since The Moths and Butterflies of Spurn (Spence, 1991) was published, listing all species recorded up to 1991, so many new species have been recorded in those six years, that I decided that a typed supplement listing them should be produced. In all a further 86 species (50 microlepidoptera and 36 macrolepidoptera—including one butterfly) have been identified, of which an amazing total of 19 are new for Yorkshire, and one of these is also new for Britain. The grand totals, as at 31st December 1997, now stand at 314 microlepidoptera and 386 macrolepidoptera (including 25 butterflies).
The following list should be read in conjunction with the introduction to The Moths and Butterflies of Spurn (Spence, 1991).
NEPTICULIDAE
99. Stigmella hybnerella Hb.
Larval mines were found on hawthorn, along Beacon Lane, on 13th August 1994 (HEB in litt.).
TINEIDAE
229. Monopis obviella D. & S.
The first record was of two caught in the RIS trap on 25th August 1995, det. HEB.
Subsequently, singles have been caught at light on 9th (det. HEB) and 11th July 1996, and 12th June, 27th July, and 23rd August 1997.
232. Monopis monachella Hb.
One caught in the RIS trap on 14th August 1997 is not only the first record for Yorkshire but only the tenth for Britain.
YPONOMEUTIDAE
419. Argyresthia semifusca Haw.
One was caught in the MV trap on 29th July 1996.
426. Yponomeuta malinellus Zell. Apple Ermine
One caught at light on 15th July 1990, det. HEB (“more likely to be malinellus, an apple feeder, than cagnagella, which is a spindle feeder”, HEB in litt.).
During 1992, the presence of this species was confirmed, when moths were bred from pupae collected during the summer from an apple tree growing along the Canal Zone. Larvae have been recorded annually since then from the same tree.
COLEOPHORIDAE
493. Coleophora serratella Linn.
One was caught in the window of the information centre at the Warren on 28th July 1996, det. HEB.
517. Coleophora frischella Linn. Small Clover Case-bearer
One was caught in the MV trap on 23rd July 1997.
536. Coleophora betulella Heinemann & Wocke = ibipennella Zell.
One was caught in the RIS trap on 14th July 1996, det. HEB.
547. Coleophora discordella Zell.
One was caught in the MV trap on 19th May 1997, det. HEB.
563. Coleophora argentula Steph.
During 1997, singles were caught in the RIS trap on 21st and 23rd July, and in the MV trap on 8th August, all det. HEB.
565. Coleophora saxicolella Dup.
A total of 66 was caught at light (mainly in the RIS trap) between 22nd July and 17th August 1997, all det. HEB. Obviously a well-established species at Spurn!
567. Coleophora adspersella Ben.
One was caught in the RIS trap on 7th and another on 14th July 1997, both det. HEB. A new species for Yorkshire.
568. Coleophora versurella Zell.
Five were caught at light between 7th and 23rd July 1997, all det. HEB.
573. Coleophora atriplicis Meyr.
One was caught by day on 5th July followed by two in the RIS trap on 6th July 1997, all det. HEB. Another new species for Yorkshire.
582. Coleophora glaucicolella Wood
Two were caught in the RIS trap on 28th July 1997, both det. HEB.
OECOPHORIDAE
687. Exaeretia allisella Stt.
Two were caught in the MV trap on 20th July 1995.
GELECHIIDAE
730. Apodia bifractella Dup.
One caught near the Canal Zone on 29th August 1994 (B. Elliott in litt.) was a new record for Yorkshire.
776. Teleiopsis diffinis Haw.
One was caught in the MV trap on 18th August 1997, det, HEB.
789. Bryotropha domestica Haw.
One was found sitting on a wall at the Warren by day on 13th June 1997, det. HEB.
792. Mirificarma mulinella Zell.
One was caught in the MV trap on 5th August 1997, det. HEB.
816. Scrobipalpa obsoletella F. v. R.
Singles were caught in the RIS trap on 23rd July and 10th August 1997, det. HEB.
866. Brachmia blandella Fabr.
The first record was of one caught in the MV trap on 24th June 1996, det. HEB.
Another was caught in the MV trap on 13th July 1997, det. HEB.
BLASTOBASIDAE
873. Blastobasis lignea Wals.
The first records were singles caught on 25th July (RIS trap) and 10th August (MV trap) 1996, both det. HEB.
Subsequently, one caught in the RIS trap on 11th August 1997, det. HEB, was identified as this species. It should be noted that during the summer of 1997, a good number of similar looking moths were caught at light and believed to be this species, but only one was submitted to HEB for identification.
TORTRICIDAE
956. Cochylidia implicitana Wocke
One caught at light during the autumn of 1995, det. HEB, was the second record for Yorkshire.
Another one was caught in the RIS trap on 21st August 1997, det. HEB.
998. Epiphyas postvittana Walk. Light Brown Apple Moth
This species seems to have quickly established itself during 1997, with 13 caught (all but one in the MV trap) between 6th July and 5th October.
999. Adoxophyes orana F. v. R. Summer Fruit Tortrix
One caught in the MV trap on 19th August 1997 is yet another new species for Yorkshire.
1010. Ditula angustiorana Haw. Red-barred Tortrix
The first record was of two caught in a UV trap at Chalk Bank on 9th July 1994 (P. A. Crowther in litt.).
A subsequent record is of one caught, again in a UV trap, near Kilnsea Church on 1st July 1995 (P. A. Crowther in litt.).
1053. Acleris hastiana Linn.
One was caught in the RIS trap on 26th October 1997, det. HEB.
1109. Lobesia littoralis Humph. & Westw.
One was caught in the RIS trap on 11th August 1997.
1110. Bactra furfurana Haw.
Four were caught in 1997 as follows: one in the RIS trap on 9th June, det. HEB; one in the MV trap on 16th August; two in the RIS trap on 22nd August, det. HEB.
1159. Rhopobota naevana Hb. Holly Tortrix
Singles were caught in the MV trap on 20th and 23rd August 1996, both det. HEB.
1163. Zeiraphera ratzeburgiana Sax.
One was caught in the RIS trap on 23rd July 1996, det. HEB.
1179. Epiblema incarnatana Hb.
One was caught in the MV trap on 14th August 1995, det. HEB. Another addition to the Yorkshire list.
1181. Epiblema grandaevana Lien. & Zell.
The first record was of one caught in the RIS trap on 9th June 1993, det. HEB.
Subsequent records are of singles caught in the RIS trap on 7th June 1996 and 9th June 1997.
1192. Eucosma conterminana H.-S.
One was caught in the RIS trap on 12th and another one in the MV trap on 27th July 1997. Another new species for Yorkshire.
1211. Rhyacionia pinicolana Doubl.
The first record was of one caught in the MV trap on 23rd July 1996.
A subsequent record is of one caught in the MV trap on 11th August 1997, det. HEB.
1255. Cydia succedana D. & S.
The first record was of several noted flying around a gorse bush at the Point on 5th June 1993 (P. A. Crowther in litt.).
Subsequent records were a total of eight noted at the Point between 14th May and 4th June 1994, and one on 6th May 1995 (P. A. Crowther in litt.).
1261. Cydia pomonella Linn. Codling Moth
Surprisingly, the first record for this species did not occur until one was caught in the RIS trap on 4th July 1994.
Subsequently, 11 were caught in a UV trap near Kilnsea Church (next to an apple orchard) between 28th July and 11th August 1995, and singles there on 25th July and 15th August 1997 (P. A. Crowther in litt.).
1281. Dichrorampha simpliciana Haw.
Two were caught in the MV trap on 27th July 1997.
PYRALIDAE
1292. Calamotropha paludella Hb.
One caught in a MV trap at the Narrow Neck on 27th July 1995 is the only Yorkshire record (B. Elliott in litt.).
1321. Thisanotia chrysonuchella Scop.
One caught in the MV trap on 7th June 1997 is also an only record for Yorkshire.
1326. Platytes cerussella D. & S.
Four (two in the MV trap and two in the RIS trap) caught on 9th June 1997 constitute yet another new species for Yorkshire.
1361. Pyrausta aurata Scop.
The first record was of one caught in the MV trap on 26th July 1995.
Another one was caught, again in the MV trap, on 11th August 1997.
1452. Phycita roborella D. & S.
The first to be recorded was one caught in a UV trap near Kilnsea Church on 28th July 1995 (P. A. Crowther in litt.).
Then in 1996, a further six were caught in the light traps run at the Warren between 24th July and 17th August. Also in 1996, three were caught in a UV trap near Kilnsea Church between 14th and 26th August (P. A. Crowther in litt.).
1438. Numonia suavella Zinck.
One caught in the RIS trap on 29th July 1992 was another new Yorkshire record.
Subsequently, singles were caught in the MV trap on 17th and 18th August 1993, and two were caught in the MV trap on 23rd July 1996.
1467. Ancylosis oblitella Zell.
A specimen of this scarce immigrant was caught in the MV trap on 29th July 1996. Another addition to the Yorkshire list.
Vitula edmandsii Pack.
One caught in the MV trap on 8th August 1997 is the first record for Britain, det. HEB.
PTEROPHORIDAE
1491. Oxyptilus distans Zell.
One caught in the MV trap on 23rd August 1992 is the only Yorkshire record, det. HEB.
1497. Amblyptilia acanthadactyla Hb.
Singles were caught in the MV trap on 11th and 24th August 1997, det. HEB.
1508. Stenoptilia bipunctidactyla Scop.
One was caught in the MV trap on 12th August 1997, det. HEB.
1520. Leioptilus osteodactylus Zell.
The first to be recorded was one caught in the MV trap on 16th July 1994, det. HEB.
A subsequent record is of one caught in the MV trap on 20th August 1996, det. HEB.
SATYRIDAE
1614. Pararge aegeria tircis Butl. Speckled Wood
The first to be recorded was one seen at the Warren on 15th May 1992.
A subsequent record was of one seen at the Point on 8th October 1994 (T. Collins, pers. comm.).
THYATIRIDAE
1657. Ochropacha duplaris Linn. Common Lutestring
One was caught in the MV trap on 5th June 1996.
GEOMETRIDAE
1673. Hemistola chrysoprasaria Esp. Small Emerald
One caught in the MV trap on 9th July 1994 was a new record for Yorkshire.
1680. Cyclophora punctaria Linn. Maiden’s Blush
One was caught in the MV trap on 20th August 1996.
1681. Cyclophora linearia Hb. Clay Triple-lines
One was caught in the MV trap on 7th and another in the RIS trap on 14th June 1992.
1709. Idaea subsericeata Haw. Satin Wave
One was caught in the MV trap on 8th August 1996.
1715. Idaea straminata Borkh. Plain Wave
One was caught in the MV trap on 13th July 1995.
1747. Anticlea derivata D. & S. The Streamer
The first to be recorded was one caught in a UV trap at the Point on 29th April 1994 (P. A. Crowther in litt.).
Subsequent records have been: one caught in the RIS trap on 5th May 1995; and one caught in a UV trap near Kilnsea Church on 20th May 1995 (P. A. Crowther in litt.).
1756. Eulithis populata Linn. Northern Spinach
One was caught in the RIS trap on 15th August 1995.
1778. Hydriomena impluviata D. & S. May Highflyer
One was caught in the MV trap on 12th June 1997.
1789. Rheumaptera undulata Linn. Scallop Shell
One was caught in a UV trap at the Point on 13th June 1992 (P. A. Crowther in litt.).
1819. Eupithecia exiguata exiguata Hb. Mottled Pug
The first to be recorded was one caught in the MV trap on 21st June 1995.
The only subsequent record is of one caught in a UV trap near Kilnsea Church on 7th June 1996 (P. A. Crowther in litt.).
1840. Eupithecia subumbrata D. & S. Shaded Pug
One was caught in the MV trap on 28th June 1993.
1867. Aplocera plagiata plagiata Linn. Treble-bar
The first was caught in a UV trap near Kilnsea Church on 15th August 1997 (P. A. Crowther in litt.). This was quickly followed, a day or two later, by singles in the MV trap on 17th and 20th August.
1876. Hydrelia flammeolaria Hufn. Small Yellow Wave
One was caught in the MV trap on 11th July 1996.
1883. Acasis viretata Hb. Yellow-barred Brindle
One was caught in the RIS trap on 5th August 1994.
1932. Agriopis leucophaearia D. & S. Spring Usher
One was found sitting on the wall adjacent to the RIS trap on 28th February 1992.
1947. Ectropis bistortata Goeze The Engrailed
One was caught in the MV trap on 23rd July 1997.
1957. Lomographa bimaculata Fabr. White-pinion Spotted
One was caught in a UV trap near Kilnsea Church on 7th June 1996 (P. A. Crowther in litt.).
SPHINGIDAE
1978. Hyloicus pinastri Linn. Pine Hawk-moth
The first record was of one caught in the MV trap on 30th June 1992.
Subsequent records are of one caught in the MV trap on 29th July 1995 and one, again in the MV trap, on 8th and 9th August 1996.
ARCTIIDAE
2041. Pelosia muscerda Hufn. Dotted Footman
One caught in the MV trap on 12th July 1995 is only the second record for Yorkshire.
2062. Spilosoma urticae Esp. Water Ermine
One caught in the MV trap on 8th June 1992 is the only Yorkshire record.
NOCTUIDAE
2179. Panolis flammea D. & S. Pine Beauty
One was caught in the MV trap on 9th May 1995.
2194. Mythimna albipuncta D. & S. White-point
The first Yorkshire record of this regular immigrant to southern Britain was one caught in the MV trap on 10th June 1997.
2196. Mythimna pudorina D. & S. Striped Wainscot
One was caught in the MV trap on 3rd July 1994.
2240. Lithophane leautieri hesperica Bours. Blair’s Shoulder-knot
The first records were of singles caught in the MV trap on 30th September and 11th October 1994.
Subsequently, four were caught at light between 4th and 12th October 1996.
2280. Acronicta leporina Linn. The Miller
Singles were caught in the MV trap on 23rd and 29th July 1996.
2316. Cosmia affinis Linn. Lesser-spotted Pinion
One was caught in the MV trap on 15th August 1995.
2338. Oligia versicolor Borkh. Rufous Minor
The first record was of one caught (genitalia checked) in the RIS trap on 25th July 1992.
Subsequently, one to four have been caught annually at light, with dates ranging from 27th June (1996) to 29th July (1996).
2357. Amphipoea lucens Freyer Large Ear
The first record was of one caught in the MV trap on 20th August 1992.
Subsequently, one was caught in the RIS trap on 15th August 1995. Then four were caught in the MV trap and one in the RIS trap between 11th August and 25th September 1996.
2369. Nonagria typhae Thunb. Bulrush Wainscot
Two were caught in the MV trap on 20th August 1996.
2384. Hoplodrina ambigua D. & S. Vine’s Rustic
The first record was of one caught in the MV trap on 16th August 1994—a new species for Yorkshire.
This species is obviously now well established at Spurn, as numbers have increased annually, with two in 1995, seven in 1996, and 18 in 1997. Dates range from 5th to 11th June in the spring and 16th August to 15th September in the autumn, plus one record on 8th July. There were also three UV records in 1997, with singles caught at the Point on 23rd and near Kilnsea Church on 25th and 26th August (P. A. Crowther in litt.).
2418. Earias clorana Linn. Cream-bordered Green Pea
One was caught in the MV trap on 14th June 1992.
2428. Chrysodeixis chalcites Esp. Golden Twin-spot
A specimen of this rare immigrant caught in the MV trap on 20th September 1992 is the only Yorkshire record.
2449. Abrostola trigemina Werneb. Dark Spectacle
The record by H. N. Michaelis, quoted in Sutton and Spence (1974a), has now been traced. It should, however, read “two recorded in July 1963” (H. N. Michaelis in litt.).
A subsequent record is of one caught in the MV trap on 31st May 1992.
2489. Herminia tarsipennalis Treit. The Fan-foot
Two were caught in the MV trap on 12th and another one on 23rd July 1997.
B. R. Spence – 1997
Annual Reports on Spurn Lepidoptera (by B. R.
Spence)
1996
Unless otherwise stated, all records in this report refer to a MV trap and the Rothamsted light trap run by B. R. Spence in the Warren area, plus a portable UV Heath trap run by P. A. Crowther near Kilnsea church. These are supplemented by field records by B.R.S., P.A.C. and visitors staying at the Bird Observatory.1996 was an eventful year from the lepidoptera point of view and will be remembered not for the numbers of resident species caught at light, but for the variety of species caught, and the vast numbers of immigrants recorded. During the year, 251 species of macrolepidoptera were recorded, which is only two less than last year’s record number. In spite of 28 years intensive moth trapping at Spurn, no less than eight new species were added to the list, which brings the grand total up to 407. These new species were: a Common Lutestring, Ochropacha duplaris, on 5th June; a Maiden’s Blush, Cyclophora punctaria, on 20th August; a Satin Wave, Idaea subsericeata, on 8th August; a Small Yellow Wave, Hydrelia flammeolaria, on 11th July; a White-pinion Spotted, Lomographa bimaculata, on 7th June; White-point, Mythimna albipuncta, with two on 17th and another on 20th August (new for Yorkshire); single Millers, Acronicta leporina, on 23rd and 29th July; and two Bulrush Wainscots, Nonagria typhae, on 20th August. Microlepidoptera also fared well, with nine new species caught, bringing the grand total up to 289. These were: an Argyresthia semifusca on 29th July; a Coleophora serratella on 28th July; a Coleophora betulella on 14th July; a Brachmia blandella on 24th June; a Blastobasis lignea on 25th July with another on 10th August; a Rhopobota naevana on 20th and another on 23rd August; a Zeiraphera ratzeburgiana on 23rd July; a Rhyacionia pinicolana on 23rd July; and an Ancylosis oblitella on 29th July (also new for Yorkshire). The abundance of Nomophila noctuella, Painted Ladies, Cynthia cardui, and Silver Ys, Autographa gamma, will probably be what most people will remember about the year. The first N. noctuella was on 29th May, followed by a small influx on 7th June. After this they chiefly occurred in three main periods: 23rd July to 3rd August (maximum at light was 26 on 29th); 9th August to 5th September (maximum at light was an unprecedented 262 on 21st); and 30th September to 9th October (maximum at light was 38 on 7th). There were also hundreds seen along the peninsula by day during these three periods. One tardy individual was caught on 23rd October. Painted Ladies first appeared on 31st May, with the first real influx on 6th June (29) with numbers increasing to 79 next day. After this only small numbers were seen until 2nd August, when 250 presumed British-bred ones appeared, increasing to a record 800 next day. These quickly moved on, with only very small numbers daily until 450 came in off the sea from the east during the 10th August. From then on, apart from 98 on 17th August, only very small numbers were recorded until the last one on 17th October. Record numbers of Silver Ys were seen, with the first influx being on 6th June, when there were 150 (normally only single figures at this time of year) increasing to 450 next day. Few were seen after this until 60 appeared on 21st July increasing to 1,400 by 25th July. Numbers quickly decreased again until 3rd August when they increased once more, to 500. After this they increased daily, until by 15th August there was a minimum of 25,000 along the peninsula. Large numbers were then present for a couple of weeks, before quickly moving on and only very small numbers were recorded after this until the last on 1st November. In addition to the above three species, many other immigrants or suspected immigrants were recorded, as follows: Plutella xylostella occurred between 16th April and 31st August, but with the only notable influx being on 7th June, when 1,000s were present along the peninsula; an Epiblema grandaevana on 7th June; an Evergestis extimalis on 11th and two more on 21st August; a Margarita sticticalis on 27th August; Udea ferrugalis with singles on 9th and 18th June, 13th August and 9th September plus an unprecedented 85 between 19th August and 5th September, with a maximum of 20 on 30th; a Dioryctria abietella on 21st August; the Ancylosis oblitella on 29th July; two Clouded Yellows, Colias croceus, on 7th and 10 on 8th June, plus one to three on eight dates after this until the last one on 15th September; small numbers of Red Admirals, Vanessa atalanta, between 20th April and 15th November; three Gems, Orthonama obstipata, with singles on 23rd and 24th June and 28th July; a Convolvulus Hawk‑moth, Agrius convolvuli, on 15th August and another one on 8th September; a Pine Hawk-moth, Hyloicus pinastri, on 8th August; a Humming-bird Hawk-moth, Macroglossum stellatarum, on the late date of 11th September; single Brown-tails, Euproctis chrysorrhoea, on 7th, 10th and 11th August; occasional Dark Sword Grasses, Agrotis ipsilon, between 12th May and 22nd October; a Pearly Underwing, Peridroma saucia, on 14th and two on 24th June, then 25 between 30th September and 24th October; a Great Brocade, Eurois occulta, on 6th September; the three White-points (two on 17th and one on 20th August); a Reed Dagger, Simyra albovenosa, on 19th July; single Small Mottled Willows, Spodoptera exigua, on 11th, 15th, 16th, and 18th August, a Scarce Bordered Straw, Heliothis armigera, on 25th September; single Bordered Straws, Heliothis peltigera, in the MV on 17th, 19th, 20th, and 21st August, plus 24 found feeding amongst Silver Ys along the peninsula with four on 21st, two on 23rd, 16 on 24th, and two on 27th August; and a Ni Moth, Trichoplusia ni, on 22nd August. In addition to all the above, 405 Large Yellow Underwings, Noctua pronuba, in the MV on 23rd July, were believed to be immigrants as well. Several species, which are relative newcomers to the Spurn area (in two cases to Yorkshire), continue to increase and, this year produced the following records: four Blair’s Shoulder-knots, Lithophane leautieri, between 4th and 12th October; three Rufous Minors, Oligia versicolor, between 27th June and 29th July; five Large Ears, Amphipoea lucens, between 11th August and 25th September; six Vine’s Rustics, Hoplodrina ambigua, between 20th August and 15th September. In addition one species, Treble Lines, Charanyca trigrammica (with singles on 7th and 10th June), appeared for the first time since 1950.
(From: Spurn Wildlife No. 6)
1997
Unless stated otherwise, all records in this report refer to a MV trap and a Rothamsted light trap run by B.R. Spence in the Warren area. These are supplemented by records from a portable UV Heath trap run by P.A. Crowther near Kilnsea and those obtained by him and C. Jones as a result of three nights’ trapping at the Point, plus field records by B.R.S., P.A.C. and visitors staying at the Bird Observatory. Grateful thanks are due to H.E. Beaumont, who identified many of the microlepidoptera and confirmed others. In spite of the lack of immigrants this year, 1997 was still quite an exciting one on the Lepidoptera front. A good total of 247 species of macrolepidoptera was recorded, which included five new species for the area, bringing the grand total to 411. These new species were: a May Highflyer, Hydriomena impluiata, on 12th June; Treble-bar, Aplocera plagiata, with singles on l5th (caught by P.A.C. in Kilnsea), 17th and 20th August; The Engrailed, Ectropis bistortata, on 23rd July; The Fan-foot, Herminia tarsipennalis, with two on 12th and one on 23rd July; and a White-point, Mythimna albipuncta, on 10th June—this last species is also new for Yorkshire (see errata at the end of this report).However, it was really the microlepidoptera that provided most of the year’s excitements, with an astounding 25 new species for the Spurn area, of which no less than eight were new for Yorkshire and one of these also new for Britain. This brings the grand total recorded in the Spurn area to 314. These new species were (* indicating a new species for Yorkshire and ** the new species for Britain): a *Monopis monachella on 14th August (only the tenth British record this century); a Coleophora frischella on 23rd July; a Coleophora discordella on 19th May; three Coleophora argentula between 21st July and 8th August; 66 Coleophora saxicolella between 22nd July and 17th August; single *Coleophora adspersella on 7th and 14th July; five Coleophora versurella between 7th and 23rd July; five *Coleophora atriplicis on 5th and 6th July; two Coleophora glaucicolella on 28th July; a Teleiopsis diffinis on 18th August; a Bryotropha domestica on 13th June; a Mirificarma mulinella on 5th August; single Scrobipalpa obsoletella on 23rd July and 10th August; 13 Epiphyas postvittana between 6th July and 5th October; an *Adoxophyes orana on 19th August; an Acleris hastiana on 26th October; a Lobesia littoralis on 11th August; four Bactra furana between 9th June and 22nd August; single *Eucosma conterminana on 12th and 27th July; two Dichrorampha simpliciana on 27th July; a *Thisanotia chrysonuchella on 7th June; four *Platytes cerussella on 9th June; a **Vitula edmandsii on 8th August; single Amblytpilia acanthadactyla on 11th and 24th August; and a Stenoptilia bipunctidactyla on 12th August.Although the number of immigrants recorded in 1997 was abysmal compared with the previous year, there were some bright spots. The best was the capture of the V. edmandsii already mentioned. The only other unusual emigrants recorded were a European Corn Borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, on 28th June, single Convolvulus Hawk-moths, Agrius convolvuli, on 10th and 31st August, and 9th and 14th September, a Great Brocade, Eurois occulta, on 23rd July, the White-point already mentioned and a Scarce Bordered Straw, Heliothis armigera, caught by C.J. and P.A.C. at the Point on 23rd August. Of the commoner immigrants, only Plutella xylostella was numerous: the first was on 29th May and the last on 6th November, with mainly small to moderate numbers present between these dates, but occasional minor influxes plus a massive arrival on 22nd July (653 in the RIS trap, 102 in the MV, and hundreds of thousands along the peninsula). The other commoner species were recorded as follows: very small numbers of Red Admirals, Vanessa atalanta, between 14th May and 26th October (mainly single figures during August and September); a total of only 13 Painted Ladies, Cynthia cardui, between 8th June and 7th September; 33 Dark Sword Grass, Agrotis ipsilon, between 1st April and 27th September (mainly from mid-July through to the end of August); a Pearly Underwing, Peridroma saucia, on 21st August; extremely small numbers of Silver Ys, Autographa gamma, between 14th May and 6th November, but with virtually none before mid-July or after mid-September; a Dioryctria abietella on 23rd July and one each of Udea ferrugalis and Nomophila noctuella on 1st September.Other records of interest during the year involved: Green Hairstreak, Callophrys rubi, which continue to strengthen their colony, and this year 33 were recorded between 22nd April and 1st June; Common Blue, Polyommatus icarus, with record numbers occurring and a maximum of 437 being counted on 8th August; Holly Blue, Celastrina argiolus, which made a welcome resurgence with 57 being seen between 9th April and 23rd August, plus an unprecedented late record on 18th October; Small Tortoiseshell, Aglais urticae, with a huge influx on 21st August, involving at least 1,000 moving in from the south and increasing to 5,000 by 26th, still all moving north; a Scarce Pug, Eupithecia extensaria, on 18th June was the first since 1988; Sharp-angled Peacock, Semiothisa alternaria—this species continues to increase, and this year 222 were caught (C.J. and P.A.C. also caught 78 in three traps run at the Point on 23rd August). This compares with a total of only 21 being caught from 1969 to 1991; a Clouded Silver, Lomographa temerata, on 12th June was only the third Spurn record; a Buff Footman, Eilema deplana, on 19th July was only the fourth record, with the last one being ten years ago; a Red Sword-grass, Xylena vetusta, on 2nd May was the third record; and Vine’s Rustic, Hoplodrina ambigua, also continues to consolidate its position with 18 between 5th June and 29th August.Errata, Spurn Wildlife no. 6: In the report on Butterflies and Moths on page 72, the record for White-point should be deleted—the species concerned was in fact Twin-spotted Wainscot, Archanara geminipuncta. Similarly the colour plate after page 44 should have the caption changed to Twin-spotted Wainscot.
(From: Spurn Wildlife No. 7)
1998
This report is compiled from records from a MV trap and a Rothamsted light trap run by B. R. Spence in the Warren area plus records from other light traps run on various dates and at various sites on the peninsula by P. A. Crowther, D. J. Boyle, M. J. Pilsworth, C. Jones, and M. G. Neal. Also included are sight records by various observers.
1998 was a generally poor year for Lepidoptera with only 216 species of Macrolepidoptera recorded in spite of the number of light traps operated. However, there were still two new species for Spurn recorded—a Lime Hawk-moth, Mimas tiliae, on 1st July and Brown Argus, Aricia agestis. A small colony of the latter was located at the Point with one to six recorded between 30th May and 14th June, then one to three were seen at Chalk Bank and the Narrows between 8th and 25th August. These two species bring the grand total of Macrolepidoptera recorded at Spurn to 413. Microlepidoptera fared no better, with very small numbers caught, although there were also two new species recorded (bringing the grand total to 316) with an Anarsia spartiella on 1st August and a Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella, on 21st July with another one on the next night.The numbers of common immigrants recorded was generally low, although there were three good influxes, on 17th and 27th–28th August and 27th September. Numbers recorded (all were at light, unless stated otherwise) were:— 140 Diamond-back Moth, Plutella xylostella, between 9th May and 26th September; 52 Rush Veneer, Nomophila noctuella, between 1st July and 29th September; 22 Rusty-dot Pearl, Udea ferrugalis, between 31st July and 28th September; 150 Dark Sword-grass, Agrotis ipsilon, between 15th May and 12th October, of which 106 were between 24th September and 1st October with a peak of 36 on 27th September; a Pearly Underwing, Peridroma saucia, on 25th July, then five between 9th September and 12th October; and very small numbers of Silver Y, Autographa gamma, between 13th May and 21st October, but with two large daytime arrivals, on 17th August, when 5,000 were estimated, and 27th August with 1,000, increasing to 7,000 next day. Migrant butterflies were generally in low numbers as well, with: small numbers of Red Admirals, Vanessa atalanta, between 12th May (there were two earlier ones: one on 31st March and another one on 24th April) and 30th October; a scattering of Painted Ladies, Vanessa cardui, with singles on 16th May and 7th June, then a total of 235 between 20th June and 23rd September; single Clouded Yellows, Colias croceus, on three dates in June from 21st, one in July, two in August, and two in September, plus two on 6th and 18th September.There was quite a good selection of less common immigrants recorded. These were: a Vestal, Rhodometra sacraria, caught by day on 23rd June; single Gems, Orthonama obstipata, on 19th May, 17th August, 8th, 15th, and 28th September and 3rd October; an Autumn Green Carpet, Chloroclysta miata, resembling the Scandinavian form on 12th October (the only other moths in the MV that night were a Dark Sword-grass, two Pearly Underwings, and a Silver Y); single Convolvulus Hawk-moths, Agrius convolvuli, at light on 25th August and 2nd September, plus singles found by day on 25th August, 16th September, and 3rd October; a Bedstraw Hawk-moth, Hyles gallii, on 2nd July; single Humming-bird Hawk-moths, Macroglossum stellatarum, on 4th and 25th July (a fully grown larva was also found on 6th August, which pupated next day and emerged on 19th September); and lastly, a Bordered Straw, Heliothis peltigera, was caught by day on 3rd July.Few other species recorded were of any note, although a Mullein Wave, Scopula marginepunctata, on 30th August was Spurn and Yorkshire’s second record, and a Campion, Hadena rivularis, caught on 24th June, was the first to be caught at Spurn as the only previous record for this species was of larva, found in 1950.
(From: Spurn Wildlife No. 8)
1999This report is compiled from records from a MV trap and a Rothamsted light trap run by B. R. Spence in the Warren area plus records from other light traps run on various dates and at various sites on the peninsula by P. A. Crowther, C. Jones, N. Littlewood, M. G. Neal, and M. J. Pilsworth. In addition, this year a MV trap (KV) was run by D. P. Boyle at the Observatory’s new acquisition, Kew Villa, from April to November and this produced many interesting records, including four species of Macrolepidoptera and three species of Microlepidoptera which were new to the Spurn area.
1999 proved to be quite a reasonable year for both the variety and numbers of Lepidoptera recorded, although the common species of immigrant moths were very scarce. In all 268 species of Macrolepidoptera were recorded (though 42 of these were confined to Kew Villa) including seven new ones for the Spurn area. These new ones were: Freyer’s Pug, Eupithecia intricata arceuthata, with two on 15th June (one at the Warren and one at KV), one on 16th (KV) and one on 20th June; a Common White Wave, Cabera pusia, on 1st September; a Heath Rustic, Xestia agathina, on 9th September (KV); a Green Arches, Anaplectoides prasina, on 2nd June (KV); two Sycamores, Acronicta aceris, with one on 29th June and another on 2nd July (KV); an Alder Moth, Acronicta alni, on 2nd June (KV); and a Spotted Clover, Schinia scutosa (new for Yorkshire), on 3rd August (KV). These seven new species bring the grand total of Macrolepidoptera recorded in the Spurn area to 420. Although the numbers of Microlepidoptera occurring during the year was on the whole poor, no less than 12 new species were recorded, with: a Niditinea fuscella on 20th June; an Acrolepiopsis assectella (new for Yorkshire) on 25th August; two Batia lunaris on 17th July; an Olethreutes schulziana on 3rd August (KV); an Epinotia abbreviana on 3rd August; a Crocidosema plebejana (new for Yorkshire) on 14th October (KV); a Pammene aurita on 24th July (it was found dead in a water butt!); a Cydia amplana (new for Yorkshire) on 3rd August; a Dichrorampha alpinana on 3rd July; single Twenty-plume Moths, Alucita hexadactyla, on 20th May and 3rd August (both KV); a Dipleurina lacustrata on 8th July; and a Pima boisduvaliella (new for Yorkshire) on 31st July. These bring the grand total of Microlepidoptera recorded in the Spurn area to 328.As mentioned above, the number of commoner immigrant moths that occurred was rather poor, with: only five Plutella xylostella caught between 3rd June and 3rd August; an Udea ferrugalis caught on 8th November; 14 Nomophila noctuella (eight of them at KV) caught between 20th September and 7th October; 57 Dark Sword Grass, Agrotis ipsilon (28 of them caught at KV), caught between 24th April and 9th October; a Pearly Underwing, Peridroma saucia, caught on 29th May (KV), then four between 7th and 26th September; and very small numbers of Silver Ys, Autographa gamma, recorded between 7th May and 3rd November, except for 10th July (200), 3rd (600), 4th (1,000) and 28th August (300). Butterfly numbers were about average or slightly above with 1,559 butterfly/days for Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta, (including 500 south on 28th and 100 south on 30th September) between 8th May and 3rd November, and 71 butterfly/days for Painted Lady, Cynthia cardui, between 29th May and 2nd October. There was a nice selection of rare or rarer (for Yorkshire) immigrants. These were as follows: single Dioryctria abietella on 2nd (KV) and 26th June and 2nd, 11th (KV) and 12th July (KV); a Vestal, Rhodometra sacraria, on 8th September; a Gem, Orthonama obstipata, on 21st September (KV); six Convolvulus Hawk-moths, Agrius convolvuli, with singles on 8th (KV) and 31st July (KV), 13th August (KV) and 16th September, plus two on 1st September (KV); a Pine Hawk-moth, Hyloicus pinastri, on 7th July (KV); single Humming-bird Hawk-moths, Macroglossum stellatarum, on 19th July and 14th October (both in Kilnsea; a Bedstraw Hawk-moth, Hyles gallii, on 2nd August (netted feeding at Honeysuckle, Lonicera periclymenum, at KV); a Great Brocade, Eurois occulta, on 20th August; a Delicate, Mythimna vitellina, on 9th September (KV); a Scarce Bordered Straw, Helicoverpa armigera, on 23rd September; and the Spotted Clover on 3rd August (KV). The Heath Rustic on 9th September at KV may well have been an immigrant too.One of the most interesting features of the year was that no less than 64 species produced their earliest ever recorded date in the year and 32 species their latest. This is even more remarkable when one considers that intensive daily recording of Lepidoptera has been carried out at Spurn for the past 30 years. Almost all of these early dates were by no more than a few days, as were most of the latest. Five species, however, produced unusually late dates, with: a Six-spot Burnet, Zygaena filipendulae, seen on 3rd October (normally comes out during July and early August); a Small Blood-vein, Scopula imitaria, caught on 15th October (KV—normally last date is early August); a Barred Rivulet, Perizoma bifaciata, caught on 16th September (KV—normally last date is mid-August); a Swallow-tailed Moth, Ourapteryx sambucaria, caught on 29th September ((KV—normally last date is the end of July); and quite remarkably a Buff Ermine, Spilosoma luteum, caught on 7th November (it normally flies during June and July).In most years a very small number of species are caught for which there are only one or two previous records for Spurn. 1999 was no exception, with seven species in this category. The first were no less than six (including two at KV) Green Carpets, Colostygia pectinataria, between 15th May and 16th June—the only previous records were singles in 1971 and 1987. The next were eight (seven at KV) White-pinion Spotted, Lomographa bimaculata, between 26th May and 9th June—the only previous record was at KV in 1996. The other species were: four (three at KV) Golden Rod Pugs, Eupithecia virgaureata, between 15th May and 24th July—the only previous record was of ‘moths bred’ in 1950; two (one at KV) Treble-bars, Aplocera plagiata, on 3rd September—the only previous records were of three in 1997; an Engrailed, Ectropis bistortata, at KV on 7th July—the only previous records were in 1992 and 1997; four (three at KV) Centre-barred Sallows, Atethmia centrago, between 3rd and 13th September—previous records in 1973 and 1982; Cream-bordered Green Peas, Earias clorana, on 6th and 8th July and 3rd August (all KV)—the only previous record was in 1992.
(From: Spurn Wildlife No. 9)
2000
This report is compiled from records from a MV trap and a Rothamsted light trap run by B. R. Spence in the Warren area and a MV run by D.P. Boyle at Kew Villa (KV). There are also a small number of records from other light traps run on various dates and at various sites on the peninsula by P. A. Crowther, C. Jones, N. Littlewood, and M. G. Neal.
It was very much a year of ups and downs, with the first half of March, June, August and the first half of September, being excellent for both numbers and variety, but the rest of the season was generally poor, particularly July, normally the peak month, which was abysmal. However, new species for the area still keep being recorded, and this year they were: a Honeysuckle Moth, Ypsolopha dentella, at KV on 2nd August; a Large Twin-spot Carpet, Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata, on 31st July; a Spruce Carpet, Thera britannica, on 20th October; a Grey Shoulder-knot, Lithophane ornitopus lactipennis, caught in a Heath trap run by P.A. Crowther near Wire Dump on 30th September (only the 2nd Yorkshire record since 1886); a Bird’s Wing, Dypterygia scabriuscula, on 1st July. These bring the grand total of species recorded in the Spurn area to 329 microlepidoptera and 424 macrolepidoptera.Perhaps the most exciting feature of the year was the number and variety of rare or scarce immigrants to Yorkshire that were recorded. These were: three Convolvulus Hawk-moths, Agrius convolvuli, in the spring, with one on 26th and two on 27th June, plus a total of 12 different ones between 18th August and 11th September, and a tardy one on 30th September (it should be noted, however, that as an experiment, a box of tobacco plants, Nicotiana spp., was placed next to the MV trap during the late summer/autumn period); a Pine Hawk-moth, Hyloicus pinastri, on 12th July; one to three Humming-bird Hawk-moths, Macroglossum stellatarum, almost daily from 18th June to 7th July, plus singles on 14th and 18th July and 11th and 24th September; single Great Brocades, Eurois occulta, on 18th and 19th July; four Delicates, Mythimna vitellina, between 28th and 30th September; an unprecedented seven White Specks, M. unipuncta, between 5th and 21st October (there is only one previous Spurn record); and three Bordered Straws, Heliothis peltigera, between 24th and 27th June. An Evergestis extimalis was also caught on 20th August. The commoner immigrants also had a good year, with a considerable influx in late June then well above average numbers (except for Silver Ys, Autographa gamma) from late August through to mid/late October. Highlights were 68 Udea ferrugalis (max. 15 on 14th September, 366 Nomophila noctuella (max. 49 on 30th September), 75 Clouded Yellows, Colias croceus, between 18th June and 19th October, 225 Dark Sword-grass, Agrotis ipsilon, and 55 Pearly Underwings, Peridroma saucia (max. 10 on 20th October). Every year species are caught for which there are few previous Spurn records and this year there were more than usual. They included: a Small Scallop, Idaea emarginata, on 27th July and two on 1st August (two previous records); a Wood Carpet, Epirrhoe rivata, on 30th and 31st July (the ninth record since 1980); a Spinach, Eulithis mellinata on 3rd July (fourth record); a Mottled Grey, Colostygia multistrigaria, on 16th March (second record); a Sandy Carpet, Perizoma flavofasciata, on 30th July (first since 1982); a Freyer’s Pug, Eupithecia intricata arceuthata, on 17th June (first records were last year); an August Thorn, Ennomos quercinaria, at KV on 20th August (second record); a Lime Hawk-moth, Mimas tiliae, at KV on 3rd July (second record); a Mullein, Shargacucullia verbasci, at KV on 15th May (first since 1992); a Large Ranunculus, Polymixis flavicincta, at KV on 12th September (sixth since 1979); a Centre-barred Sallow, Atethmia centrago, on 6th September (fifth record); four Sycamores, Acronicta aceris, between 27th June and 30th July (first recorded last year); and a Silky Wainscot, Chilodes maritimus, on 27th July (eighth record). Single Speckled Wood, Pararge aegeria tircis, seen on 3rd, 21st, and 23rd September (two previous records) could have been one, two or three different individuals. The only other species worthy of comment are: Comma, Polygonia c-album, which had 52 butterfly/days recorded, though most of these refer to regular sightings in both spring and autumn at Kew Villa, where it must now be breeding; Brown Argus, Aricia agestis, with 10 sightings between 29th May and 26th August, which show that it is still maintaining a toehold here; Vine’s Rustic, Hoplodrina ambigua, is still just clinging on, with only six recorded between 3rd August and 9th September, despite being annual since 1994; and for the first time since regular recording began in 1969, no Antler Moths, Cerapteryx graminis, were recorded at all.
(From: Spurn Wildlife No. 10)
Visitors who might wish to explore further are directed to the book written by the Spurn YWT warden and moth recorder, Barry Spence, The Moths and Butterflies of Spurn (Kilnsea: SBO, 1991)-price £3.50 (including p. & p.) available from the author,
At the Warren, Spurn National Nature Reserve, Kilnsea, East-Yorkshire, HU12 OUG.
All information by P Crowther