Notice Board 2025

The notice board is one of the principal modes of communication for those interested in VC32 moths. I am keen to keep this resource active throughout the year and will be happy to post interesting sightings or issues. In general, at the time of recording I would like to hear of moths that are UK BAP species, new to the county, very localised or rare, or which have not been recorded since 2000. Additionally any exceptional or interesting captures, i.e. very high numbers, species seen out of season and unusual extremes of variation or melanism etc. will be welcome.

All other records can be submitted at the end of the season for inclusion in the central database.

Site Images: We are keen to complete the species illustrations on the site, additionally some of the earlier photographs now look below par and could be improved. If anyone has photographs of the species that we have not yet pictured, or clear improvements, and does not mind us using them to fill some of our gaps will they please let the County Moth Recorder Mark Hammond know. Any photographs used will of course be acknowledged.

The up to date grid square coverage map is now available by clicking onto:
Request for Information/Records from the County Recorder

IDENTIFICATION AND NOTICE BOARD ENTRIES: Any member of the group is able to handle identification queries on moths at any of their stages and if in doubt will refer the matter on for a second opinion. At the outset the insect should be retained and a realistic photograph provided to confirm the identity. Due to the limitations sometimes imposed by photographic images of moths it is not always possible to identify difficult species from a photograph alone. Basically there is always a preference for a moth in the hand. Accordingly if there are still doubts the actual insect should then be seen by either Mark Hammond, Philip Horsnail or Pete Sharpe who will act as determinors.

2025 Records and Notices:

7th October 2025
One more Plumed Fan-foot Pechipogo plumigeralis has been recorded to a garden light trap in Earls Barton (SP86) - the second one at this site in just over a week. There may be others which I haven't heard about, but my guess is that this is now the 7th VC32 record.

Retrospective records
As a result of further dissection work:
15th May 2025: A single Coleophora otidipennella was noted to light in Yardley Chase (SP85). This is the 5th all-time VC32 record, but only the second time recorded since 2000, with the last record being in 2015.
23rd June 2025: The county's 2nd record of Clepsis peritana was taken in a garden light trap in Oundle (TL09). Not only is this the 2nd VC32 record, it's the second time recorded in this particular garden, with a singleton noted last year! Strong evidence that the moth could be breeding in that area. When it was recorded in 2024 there were only a few known UK records. I've not seen further records published or mentioned on social media, so this may well also be a record of national significance.
13th August 2025: Another new county record in one Large Ear Amphipoea lucens being taken to light in the same Oundle garden as the previously mentioned record (TL09). Given that the normal habitat for this species tends to be acid grassland and moorland, the moth is likely an adventive rather than resident.

1st October 2025
Well worth keeping those moth traps running, as a further two Plumed Fan-foot Pechipogo plumigeralis have been recorded in the county, hot on the heels of the previous one on 30th September. One was to a garden light trap in Kingsthorpe, Northampton (SP76), the other also to a garden light trap in Higham Ferrers (SP96). These two records share the honours for being the 5th VC32 record.

30th September 2025
Another Plumed Fan-foot Pechipogo plumigeralis has been recorded in the county, this time to a garden light trap in Earls Barton (SP86). This follows on from one at Oundle earlier in the month, and is the 4th VC32 record. I noted one or two others reported from adjacent counties in the past couple of days on social media.

Retrospective records
12th May 2025: Following some dissection work, a single Pammene ignorata was confirmed as being take to light at Easton Hornstocks (TF00). This is new to VC32. This species is apparently extremely rare in the UK, with just a scattering of records known from the south-west and another in Cheshire. Little is known of its habitat requirements.
31st August 2025: A single Yponomeuta sedella confirmed from Fineshade (SP99) - 6th VC32 record.

Retrospective record: 19th September 2025
In a shocking turn of events... a species which appeared on the BOLO section (Be On the Look Out for) of the 2024 Moth Report has actually turned-up! A single Spiny Hook-tip Watsonalla uncinula was recorded in a garden light trap in Desborough (SP88) and is therefore new to VC32. The moth was subsequently confirmed by dissection. It's currently known stronghold is around Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Glamorgan. It appears that the moth has been recorded once in Bedfordshire (October 2024) and I believe Buckinghamshire (Westcott area, November 2024), otherwise I cannot find records in other adjacent vice-counties. Have a good look at any Oak Hook-tips you might have in your traps...

21st September 2025
Another mine of Phyllonorycter cavella has been located on Birch at Farthinghoe NR (SP54), on the same tree as one was recorded in 2024! That therefore is the 6th all-time VC32 record, and 4th since 2000.

19th September 2025
Another interesting migrant species has been recorded in the Vice County. A single Golden Twin-spot Chrysodeixis chalcites was taken in a garden light trap in Desborough (SP88). This represents the 4th county record, and third at light. A couple of others were noted on social media from other parts of the UK over the past couple of nights.

17th September 2025
A 4th VC32 record of Pedesia contaminella was noted to light at Sywell Country Park (SP86). Interestingly one was captured at the same site on 20th July 2024.

17th September 2025
And it continues! The vice-county's 3rd record of Plumed Fan-foot Pechipogo plumigeralis was taken in a garden light trap in Oundle (TL09). The moth was recorded at this same garden site in September 2022 (then new for VC32), which is quite interesting as this species is still only rarely seen in the Midlands.

16th September 2025
Continuing migration has resulted in the 2nd VC32 record of Porter's Rustic Athetis hospes to light in a Cogenhoe garden (SP86), pictured below:

7th September 2025
Interesting migration to the Midlands continues with a single Jersey Mocha Cyclophora ruficiliaria being noted outside the trap in an Oundle garden (TL08). This is the 1st VC32 record for this rare migrant species. I have noted a few other inland records from nearby counties (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire), and is probably on the increase nationally, having likely colonised some of the southern-most English counties. A record-shot of the moth can be seen below:

Retrospective record:
4th July 2025: Confirmed from dissection, a single Ephestia elutella was taken in a light trap at Farthinghoe NR (SP54), being the 6th VC32 record. However, more significantly, this is the first VC32 record since 1960, when larvae were discovered at the Victoria Mills in Little Irchester. Prior to that, there are only sporadic records of adult moths between 1903 and 1942. These historic records do not show if those adults were dissected to confirm their identification, but were noted at the time by respected entomologists of the era. The larvae are to be found on a wide variety of stored foodstufs such as cereals and aniomal feeds. Further records might therefore be obtained from light traps operated in or around facilities where these materials may be found. NB: dissection is essential to differentiate from the much more widespread E. woodiella and other congeners.

26th August 2025
An Oundle garden light trap (TL08) produced a Striped Hawk-moth Hyles livornica. This is further evidence of significant migration activity to the region over the past day or so, and only the 6th post-2000 VC32 record for this species. Interesting to note that three of those records came in 2022, and this is a repeat site record (previously recorded there on 18th September 2019).

26th August 2025
A remarkable record for this far inland - a single Passenger Dysgonia algira was recorded to a garden light trap in Higham Ferrers (SP96). This is the 1st VC32 record. Whilst being fairly widespread on The Continent, this is still quite a rare migrant/vagrant to the UK, with most records being from the south-east.

23rd August 2025
A second site record of Evergestis limbata was noted in a garden light trap in Helpston (TF10). This is the 3rd VC32 record for this species. This follows a report of one to light in another Helpston garden on 13th July, noted below on this page. The cluster of three records in Helpston adds further weight to the possibility that the species has a local breeding colony.

Retrospective record:
24th July 2025: A single Pediasia contaminella was taken in a garden light trap in Kingsthorpe, Northampton (SP76). This is only the 4th VC32 record. The species is principally found in the south-east, with Northants being at the northern edge of current range.

Retrospective records:
6th August 2025: An over-night session at Swaddywell Pit (TF10) produced a species list in excess of 174 species, with some dissections still outstanding. Amongst these was another new for VC32: Coleophora squamosella. A single specimen was retained and dissected to prove ID. Blue Fleabane, the only larval foodplant, is present on the site to support this Red Data Book species. In addition, several second brood Cochylidia heydeniana were recorded (which were also noted on the group trip there on 30th May) - being the 11th VC32 record, and a sinlge Coleophora follicularis also confirmed from dissection - the 5th VC32 record. Lastly, a single Cochylidia implicitana as confirmed by dissection. This is the 4th VC32 record, but only the 3rd since 2000.

15th August 2025
A single Ptocheuusa paupella was noted amongst a modest garden light trap catch in Thrapston (SP97). This is the 1st VC32 record for this rather sporadically-recorded species. Records exist in most neighbouring vice-counties, but appears to be have quite a scattered distribution across the south-east of the UK.

14th August 2025
Another new county record to report: a single example of the rare migrant Diasemiopsis ramburialis was taken in a garden light trap in Kingsthorpe, Northampton (SP76). This site has taken a good share of interesting migrant species over the years, and continues to reap rewards. A "pot-shot" of the moth is shown below:

12th August 2025
The 6th VC32 record of the presumed adventive species Duponchelia fovealis was noted in a garden light trap in Denton (SP85). To date, all records in the county have been of adults from garden light traps, with records scattered throughout the calendar.

11th August 2025
A single Pammene populana was recorded in a light trap in Fermyn Woods (SP98). This is the 1st VC32 record for this Nationally Scarce species. Alongside this, as part of a 90-species catch, was also a singleton of Elachista obliquella, which is the 2nd county record.

10th August 2025
A 4th VC32 record of Ethmia quadrillella has been taken in a garden light trap in Earls Barton (SP86). The only other records are from the north of the county, two of which were from one garden a few years apart.

7th August 2025
Despite it evading capture, the description has been accepted to add yet another species as new to VC32. A single Philedone gerningana was noted sitting on the outside of a light trap at Farthinghoe NR (SP54). Despite best efforts to record it in a photograph, the moth decided to depart! From the vivid description provided, it is clear that the moth was a female - being sexually dimorphic. This species is primarily associated with upland bogs and areas such a limestone outcrops, and recorded in more western and northern counties across the UK. Given its current distribution and habitat preferences, my assumption is that this is most likely to be a vagrant individual. Larval foodplants include Bilberry, Cinquefoils, Rock-roses and Thrift.

26th July 2025
A moth that we see occasionally in the midlands, with maybe one or two a year at most; a Bedstraw Hawk-moth Hyles gallii was discovered in bird mist-nets at Stanford Reservoir (SP68).

25th July 2025
Although an egg mass of this species has been found before in the county, I believe that this is the first time that an adult female Gypsy Moth Lymantria dispar has been sighted. This was found at rest by day, on top of its egg mass (which is covered with hair from the female's abdomen), on a Beech tree in a cemetary in Wellingborough (SP86). The females are not known to fly far from their pupation site, if at all, and so it is reasonable to assume that it is breeding local to, or on this site. An interesting side-note is that the recorder also found seven Red Underwings at rest on the nearby tree trunks.

21st July 2025
A single White-spotted Pinion Cosmia diffinis was recorded in a garden light trap in Higham Ferrers (SP96) - likely to a dispersing individual. Of further note: a good number (18) were recorded at a known site in the north of the county on 18th July.

17th-21st July 2025
I have received several reports of Ancylosis oblitella from several garden traps around the county over the past few days. These include Thrapston (2nd and 3rd site records), Oundle, Higham Ferrers and Cogenhoe. This species has become more widely recorded in the county over the past couple of years. The outstanding record is that from Cogenhoe (SP86) where 16 were recorded in one night on 19th July. Clearly there are still lots of migrant species around at the moment, but that number in one location, along with repeat site-records at Thrapston are strong indicators of local breeding.

19th July 2025
There have been a few reports of Oak Processionary Thaumetopoea processionea over-night in the vice-county. All are presumed to be as a result of dispersal activity, and likely will follow a similar pattern to that of previous years, with multiple, dispersed sightings over one or two nights. Social media and other sources suggest that the species was recorded at several nearby counties including Bedfordshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire. Local records as follows:
Kingsthorpe, Northampton (SP76) - six individuals from two nearby sites
Daventry (SP56) - two moths to light in a garden trap
Cogenhoe (SP86) - seven males to one garden light trap

18th July 2025
I have received and confirmed further sightings of Langmaid's Yellow Underwing Noctua janthina over the past few days. More specimens have been taken to light in a couple of locations in Kingsthorpe, Northampton (SP76) and others at Denton (SP85). Putative specimens need to be closely examined and all identification criteria satisfied in order to get an ID.

18th July 2025
A retrospective record following dissection:
A further record of a species new to VC32. A single Tinea columbariella was recorded to light in Cogenhoe (SP86). Looking at UK county moth websites, it seems that this species is either very rare, or is significantly under-recorded.

13th July 2025
A single Acrobasis tumidana was taken in a garden light trap in Cogenhoe (SP86). This is the 2nd VC32 record of this known migrant species. The first record was of one taken in Kingsthorpe in July 2019.

13th July 2025
The 2nd VC32 record of Evergestis limbata has been noted to a garden light trap in Helpston (TF10). My first reaction was that this would relate to migrant activity, but there is a significant caveat with that statement. E. limbata was known only as a rare migrant to these shores until fairly recently. It is now known to be resident in some southern counties of the UK, including many records from Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and some in Cambridgeshire. Interestingly, the only other VC32 record of this species was of a single moth taken in a garden light trap, also taken in Helpston, in June 2022. Maybe a resident population...?

11th July 2025
The amazing run of good sightings continues. Another Light Crimson Underwing Catocala promissa has been recorded to light, this time at Farthinghoe NR (SP54). This is the 2nd confirmed VC32 record. The moth is pictured below:

10th July 2025
A further record of Langmaid's Yellow Underwing Noctua janthina has been taken to light, this time in Kingsthorpe, Northampton (SP76), not very far from another site where the species has been recorded in recent years. This, therefore, is the 5th VC32 record to date.

8th July 2025
Another new VC32 record: a single Acompsia schmidtiellus was recorded to light in Cogenhoe (SP86). The species has scattered records in the southern counties of England. At the time of writing the nearest record I can find is in Cambridgeshire. The larvae feed within a spun leaf-roll on Wild Marjoram.

4th July 2025
A single Langmaid's Yellow Underwing Noctua janthina taken to light in Oundle (TL08), confirmed from checks on various characteristics of both hindwing and the underside of the forewing. So far there are only three other confirmed records of this species in the county, this therefore being the 4th VC32 record. They can be difficult to separate from Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, but suspicion should be aroused with "early" examples, and those which appear a bit darker upon first inspection. Ideally these should be retained for critical examination and confirmation prior to release.

1st July 2025
An amazing record from Easton Hornstocks (TF00), part of an estimated 187 species catch - a 2nd VC32 record of Light Crimson Underwing Catocala promissa. The only previous record in the database refers to a single moth taken in Ashton Wold in 1921. There is precious little detail assigned to this old record, appearing only as an entry in The Moths of Oundle, a list compiled by M. B. Skirrow in 1947 (although the rcord is not reflected in Volume 10, Pt II of The Moths & Butterflies of Great Britain & Ireland, or indeed in other recent text books). No other details of the original recorder are forthcoming. So this recent record should probably be referred to as the first confirmed record for the species in VC32. The origin of this moth can only be guessed at, and likely a migrant/vagrant individual.

2nd July 2025 - retrospective records
A couple of records to report following microscopical examination:
A single Tinea dubiella has emerged from a selection of Barn Owl pellets, collected from Althorp Estate (SP66) in mid-June. There are only two previous records in VC32, both from 1999 from the Rothamsted Trap that used to operate in Fineshade. This is therefore the 3rd VC32 record. There are numerous larval cases in amongst the remaining pellets, which may yield further records for this species.
A Coleophora verusella was amongst a busy catch in a garden moth trap in Thrapston (SP97) on 26th June. This appears to be the 4th post-2000 record for VC32. There are ten records prior to 2000, derived mostly from the same Rothamsted Trap as mentioned above, and from Pitsford Reservoir.

28th June 2025
A 2nd VC32 record of Olive Crescent Trisateles emortualis was taken in a garden light trap in Pitsford (SP76). The only other record was of a singleton to light in Easton Horstocks on 6th July 2017. The species is not believed to be resident in the county, bit it is known to disperse from established colonies during favourable weather conditions. Given the recent migrant activity, it is assumed, as with the previous record, that this individual is a vagrant specimen.

25th June 2025
In common with several other areas in the southern part of the UK, a number of the migrant species Small Marbled Eublemma parva were noted to garden light traps: Oundle (TL09); Kingsthorpe, Northampton (SP76); Earls Barton (SP86). There were only five records for this species prior to this date. Of interest, this is also the 4th time it has been recorded at the Kingsthorpe site (previously 2015, 2017, 2019)!

23rd June 2025
A single Bohemannia quadrimaculella was seen in the evening, at rest on an Alder leaf (the larval foodplant for this species) on Farthinghoe NR (SP54). This is only the 2nd post-2000 record for VC32 (with one previously from circa 1940).

Belated news: 11th June 2025
Two examples of the locally rare Phaulernis dentella were seen by day nectaring on umbellifers in Bedford Purlieus (TL09). This is the 3rd VC32 record, following singletons previously recorded in 2012 and 2014

19th June 2025
Two examples of the nationally rare Monopis fenestratella were taken to light in Yardley Chase (SP85). These are new to VC32. As some of you know, I'm not the biggest fan of the recently introduced vernacular names for the micro-moths, but this one is named as The Raptor Nest Moth! It is associated with nests of these birds, and who's larvae feed upon keratin found in the nest material. There is also some association with poultry rearing/housing establishments. Alongside this was also a single Citron Plume Hellinsia carphodactyla, a species which is regularly recorded in the north-east of the county (around Ring Haw/Fineshade/Easton Hornstocks), but with only a single record outside of this area to date.

17th June 2025
The 2nd modern/post-2000 VC32 record of Triaxomasia caprimulgella was taken to the LUN pheromone lure left overnight in a privately-owned, mature deer park (SP66). Also of note were two further Four-spotted Footman Lithosia quadra to light on the same site.

13th & 14th June 2025
Two reports of Four-spotted Footman Lithosia quadra have been received - one male to a garden light trap in Wellingborough (SP86) on the night of 13th June, and another on 14th June, also a male to a garden light trap, in Northampton (SP76). There are only 16 previous VC32 records for this species (most being after 2000) with very few repeat site records, suggesting it remains a migrant to the area. NB: as an update to this post, I have been made aware of other records over the same time period, in nearby Rutland Water and in other areas of Leicestershire and Bedfordshire.

30th May 2025
The full catch-list has not yet been derived for the annual outing to Swaddywell Pits (TF10), but initial indication is that over 100 Concolorous Photedes extrema were recorded up until lights were extinguished at around 01:30am. Also seen were four Epiblema grandaevana along with the 10th VC32 record of Cochylidia heydeniana (second site record for this locally scarce moth). Pleasingly, Dingy White Plume Merrifieldia baliodactylus was also recorded again on the site.

29th May 2025
An article has been published in The Entomologist's Record & Journal of Variation (Vol. 137, Part 3) alerting us to the fact that Dichrorampha plumbagana has likely been mis-identifed over the years, and that D. obscuratana also exists in the UK. Mis-identifications have taken place as dissection images of D. plumbagana on various web pages contained images of D. obscuratana! As with many species within this genus, adults require dissection to prove identification, so do please retain any putative D. plumbagana. It is reported that the flight period for D. obscuratana is between mid-June and the end of July (peak being early July). The larvae feed on the rootstock of Tanecetum (e.g. Tansy). D. plumbagana flies between early June and early July (with a peak around mid-June), and the larvae feed in the rootstock of Achillea millefolium (Yarrow).

22nd May 2025
A single Telechrysis tripuncta was seen resting on an Ivy leaf during a daytime guided walk at Farthinghoe NR (SP54). This is only the 9th all-time VC32 record, and 6th post-2000 record. The moth rarely visits light traps and is more often seen in the late evening and around dusk.

20th May 2025
A single Luquetia lobella was recorded at light at Ring Haw (TL09). This represents the 8th VC32 record. The moth is reportedly hard to record, being rarely seen, even at light traps. Further records could be obtained by beating smaller Blackthorn bushes, which the moth seems to prefer over larger, more mature plants.

19th/20th May 2025
Further records (probable - some pending confirmation) of Coleophora violacea have been noted to the Ni Moth pheromone lure at Farthinghoe (SP54) and Cogenhoe (SP86).

18th May 2025
A 3rd VC32 record of Coleophora violacea - two individuals recorded to the Ni Moth lure, this time at Fermyn Wood (SP98), left overnight in amongst a hedgerow containing mature Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Dog Rose.

Retrospective record - 1st May 2025
A single small, dark Tortrix moth was taken in a light trap operated in Fermyn Woods (SP98). Upon subsequent examination, this proved to be Pammene obscurana, which is the 1st VC32 record for this nationally rare species. The moth may be found in Birch woodland, where the larvae feed within the catkins. Adult moths do attend light traps, but also come to several pheromone lures.

Retrospective record - 23rd April 2025
Following dissection, a single Scrobipalpa atriplicella has been confirmed from a light trap in Ring Haw (TL09). This is the first modern, post-2000 record for this species, and only the 7th all-time record for VC32. Previous records were all from the Rothamsted Trap which operated at Fineshade (SP99).

29th April 2025
A single Aethes williana was noted during the day at Swaddywell Pits (TF10). This is only the 7th VC32 record (and 5th post-2000 record). The moth is small, and thus easily overlooked, but might be found on other sites where Wild Carrot, its larval foodplant, is present.

18th April 2025
A number of putative Pammene agnotana have been recorded to pheromone lures in a Cogenhoe garden (SP86) (IDs to be confirmed). This is after an absence of records for this species since 2022, but represent repeat records for this site. Interestingly, I have tried with pheromone lures at many sites around the north of the county, targeting mature Hawthorn, without success.

16th February 2025
Please find the 2024 Moth Report here: VC32 Moth Summary 2024. Hopefully this will be of interest, without too many omissions or errors. 2024 was a “funny old year”, and I think this is reflected in some of the stats and numbers. My thanks go to everyone who has submitted records for 2024, and of course, for previous years,enabling some basic comparisons. Here’s hoping that 2025 proves to be fruitful. Do let me know if you get any interesting sightings through the year, which I can post here. NB: I will be updating the distribution maps on the web shortly, as time allows.

5th February 2025
A Humming-bird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum has been seen in flight around Spindle at Sywell Country Park (SP86). I am presuming that this is an over-wintering moth which has been tempted out by the sunny and mild conditions.

4th February 2025
A couple of significant retrospective records to report, both from 26th June 2024, taken to light on a private estate near Northampton (SP66):
Dystebenna stephensi - a single moth was recorded. This is the 1st VC32 record. The larvare feed under the bark of mature Oak trees.
Coleophora adspersella - another singleton. This is only the 2nd county record, the last being seen in 1999.
Both the above records have recently been confirmed following dissection.

30th January 2025
For those who missed the Butterfly Conservation Moth Recorders Conference, and for those wishing to re-visit the meeting, which this year was an on-line/Zoom presentation on Saturday 25th January, the link to the recording is here: 2025 Moth Recorders Conference. They noted during the introduction that they were unsure as to whether future conferences would be held in-person (usually the Birmingham Midland Institute) or continue as Zoom presentation. We wait with bated breath... In the meantime, I was particularly taken with Samual Fabian's presentation concerning his experiments on how nocturnal insects respond to light sources. Certainly seems to explain the moth responses we see around moth traps and other light sources, and hence enabling us to understand how some moth trap designs work better than others. For those wanting a more in-depth read, here is a link to his paper: Why flying insects gather at artificial light.

1st January 2025
It's that time of year when (I copy and paste this message from last year!) and wish you all a Happy New Year. I'd like to thank all those who have already submitted their 2024 records. I have sorted through just about all of these. I'll be going into iRecord to perform verifications on the more recent entries, etc soon. I will make my customary request for any outstanding moth records for 2024 please (or indeed any others you may have lurking from previous years) to be sent to Mark Hammond as soon as possible please, so that I can assimilate records, run the necessary checks, update species information on the website and write the report for the year. Note too that I have uploaded the 2025 version of the Recording Spreadsheet, a copy of which was sent direct by email to those recipients on that list.