Notice Board 2026
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.
2026 Records and Notices:
25th July 2026
Two more Dark Seedhead Moths Apodia martinii moths have been recorded to light traps - one from a cemetery site survey in Wellingborough (SP96), and the other to a garden trap in Thrapston (SP97 - second site record, previously in August 2023). these represent the 9th & 10th county records.
25th July 2026
And another - single Ni Moth Trichoplusia ni taken to a garden light trap in Oundle (TL08) - the 13th VC32 record, and 4th this year to the same site.
25th July 2026
Following-up from an example of this species taken two days previously, another Striped Hawk-moth Hyles livornica has been reported, this time to a garden light trap in Higham Ferrers (SP96) - the same site as the Great Brocade of 21st July. 13th VC32 record.
23rd July 2026
Positioning moth traps amongst a healthy stand of Common Fleabane in private woodland near Kettering (SP98) resulted in two Dark Seedhead Moths Apodia martinii being recorded. This is the 8th county record, and second site record for the moth. The previous site record was of eight individuals reared from collected seedheads of the plant in 2022.
23rd July 2026
The 12th county record of Striped Hawk-moth Hyles livornica was of a single moth to light in an Old Stratford garden (SP74). Further evidence, should it be required, of the ongoing migration activity to the UK. As far as I'm aware, two have been reported in the county this year.
23rd July 2026
And another one - the 4th record this year, thus 5th VC32 record of Marbled Yellow Pearl Evergestis extimalis was recorded to one of the light traps at Pitsford Reservoir (SP76).
21st July 2026
This one did its best to avoid detection, by hiding some way from the moth trap. Luckily, it was spotted before it flew away: A single Great Brocade Eurois occulta was recorded to a garden light trap in Higham Ferrers (SP96). The species is a known migrant, being last recorded in September 2015. Its best year locally was in "the migrant year" of 2006, with eighteen records that year; followed by a further seven in 2007. (NB: I have since read that there was one taken on the night of 22 July in Leicestershire/VC55).
20th July 2026
Despite slightly cooler conditions, and a reduced catch as a result, a single Marbled Yellow Pearl Evergestis extimalis was recorded to a light trap in Easton Hornstocks (TF00). This will be the 4th all-time VC32 record for this species.
Retrospective record - 11th July 2026
Two adult
Fig-leaf Skeletoniser Choreutis nemorana were taken in a garden light trap in Northampton (SP76). These represent the 5th VC32 record. However, of further interest, the captor reports approximately 100 larvae/larval feeding signs of the species on the garden Fig tree.
17th July 2026
For the third time this year,
a single Ni Moth Trichoplusia ni was taken to a garden light trap in Oundle (TL08) - the 12th county record, and just plain greedy if you ask me!
16th July 2026
Hot on the heals of a record earlier in the week, another Rolled Grass-moth Pedesia contaminella was taken to light, this time at a regular cemetary survey site in Wellingborough (SP86). This is the 8th VC32 record.
Retrospective record - 25th June 2026
Following dissection: the 6th all-time VC32 record (5th since 2000) of Agrimony Case-bearer Coleophora follicularis was taken to light in private woodland near Kettering (SP98). Traps were laid in an area containing a significant amount of Fleabane, which is one of the larval foodplants for this species.
16th July 2026
A 7th VC32 record of Rolled Grass-moth Pedesia contaminella was taken to light at a golf course site near Northampton (SP65).
14th July 2026
A 3rd VC32 record of the migrant species Rusty Acorn Piercer Cydia amplana was recorded in a garden light trap in Denton (SP85).
11th July 2026
A second Ni Moth Trichoplusia ni was taken to a garden light trap in Oundle (TL08) - following on from one on 31st May this year. This is therefore the 11th county record for this known migrant species.
10th July 2026
A 2nd VC32 record of Spiny Hook-tip Watsonalla uncinula has been recorded, at Farthinghoe NR (SP54). The site hosts a decent number of Holm Oaks and the species is known to utilise this foodplant.
10th July 2026
A single Comfrey Ermine Ethmia quadrillella was taken to a garden light trap in Kingsthorpe, Northampton (SP76). This is the 5th VC32 record of this species categorised as Nationally Scarce B.
9th July 2026
A single Dingy White Plume Merrifieldia baliodactylus was recorded in a garden light trap in Oundle (TL08). This is the 9th VC32 record and follows on from other sightings of this species away from its previously known sites earlier this summer.
8th July 2026
A further two records of Fig-leaf Skeletoniser Choreutis nemorana - Oundle garden (TL08) and Nether Heyford (SP65), thus 3rd and 4th VC32 records.
6th July 2026
Quite an unusual sighting - a "mixed pair/odd couple" seen in cop - Dun-bar and Smoky Wainscot, seen at Pitsford Reservoir (SP77). I have seen documented evidence of inter-species matings before, but not sure I've seen this one!
3rd July 2026
Two Light Crimson Underwing Catocala promissa were recorded to light in private woodland near Northampton (SP85). This is the 5th confirmed VC32 record, hot on the heels of one recorded two nights previously.
1st July 2026
Another Light Crimson Underwing Catocala promissa has been recorded to light, this time in Easton Hornstocks (TF00). This is the 4th confirmed VC32 record, and a repeat record for the site, exactly 12 months since a previous record there. Maybe evidence of local breeding.
1st July 2026
A gentle stroll to the local shops in Thrapston (SP97) took me past a garden Fig tree, whereupon a quick rummage amongst the leaves hanging over a tall garden wall revealed tell-tale feeding damage and a single pupa of Fig-leaf Skeletoniser Choreutis nemorana within an edge leaf roll. I have examined this particular tree on many occasions in the past, but this is the first time I've found the moth there. This is the 2nd VC32 record - well worth searching any Fig trees in your neighbourhood for further records.
30th June 2026
First recorded in the county in 2022, with another five records last year, the first Plumed Fan-foot Pechipogo plumigeralis of the year (of which I know) has been recorded to a garden light trap in Oundle (TL08) - the third time recorded at this garden site. This is therefore the 8th VC32 record.
28th June 2026
Singletons of Dingy White Plume Merrifieldia baliodactylus (8th VC32 record) and Marjoram Snout Acompsia schmidtiellus (4th VC32 record) have been recorded to light at Ring Haw (TL09). These are both newly recorded on the site. Previously M. baliodactylus was only known from a couple of sites in the county (and one garden site), but with the profusion of Wild Marjoram at Ring Haw, I'd have been surprised if it wasn't to be found there! A. schmidtiellus has been recorded in larval stage on two adjacent sites directly across the public road from Ring Haw (Old Sulehay, Yarwell Quarry), so again, was likely to be present at Ring Haw, but it is excellent to have both confirmed as being present.
28th June 2026
Is this another species "back from the grave"? A single Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris fuciformis was reported in Bucknell Woods (SP64), around the old car park area near Bucknell Wood Farm. Sadly, the moth evaded an attempt to photograph it, but was witnessed by an experienced recorder. Never a common moth in the county, it used to be found in various woodland complexes throughout VC32, namely Castor Hanglands, Geddington Chase and Wakerley Woods in the northern areas, and Salcey, Yardley Chase and Hazelborough in the south. The last known record for the species in VC32 was in June 1955. This is therefore a tempting prospect for more to be seen as the sighting is within an area where it used to be known. Addendum: The moth was seen again, at the exact same location on 29.vi.2026 in conjunction with another recorder.
27th June 2026
A single Light Crimson Underwing Catocala promissa has been recorded to light at Farthinghoe NR (SP54). This is the 3rd confirmed VC32 record. Two were noted in 2025, which were the first records since an unconfirmed record noted at an unknown site in 1921.
27th June 2026
The 5th and 6th VC32 record of Tree Hollow Moth Triaxomasia caprimulgella were taken to LUN pheromone lures - two individuals in Bulwick Estate (SP99) and another singleton at the Doddington Road Cemetary, Wellingborough (SP86).
26th June 2026
I'm shortly going to run out of superlatives to add to these news items. Amazingly, a single Lappet Gastropacha quercifolia has been reported in a garden light trap in Old Stratford (SP74). Despite some significant effort by individuals, and the Moth Group, to record this moth within the county, the species has not been recorded since July 1996, in Yardley Chase - a full 30 years ago! The species was once fairly widespread and recorded several times each year up until that time - then vanished. The captor also reports that one was taken nearby in Buckinghamshire, at Stowe (SP63), which is probably 20 miles from the Old Stratford site.
25th June 2026
Singletons of Dingy White Plume Merrifieldia baliodactylus (7th VC32 record) and Pine-blossom Knot-horn Vitula biviella (10th VC32 record) have been recorded in a Higham Ferrers garden light trap (SP96 - different to the site mentioned in the previous post). M. baliodactylus was only previously known at two sites in the county, both of which support extensive stands of Wild Marjoram, the larval foorplant, so this individual may have wandered from another site, or possibly an adventive from nearby garden planting. V. biviella was last recorded in the county in 2020.
25th June 2026
New VC32 record - the twelfth of the year to date I believe: A single Kiwi Enigma Trachypepla contritella was recorded in a garden light trap in Higham Ferrers (SP96). This recent adventive from New Zealand has been recorded in Beds and Hunts in recent years, and thus appeared ion the BOLO list in the 2025 VC32 Moth Report. The larvae are leaf-litter feeders, and may be encountered in the next couple of months, although exact flight periods, voltinism etc are as yet not fully understood in the UK. A moth trap record shot is below:
23rd June 2026
Hot on the heals of the record in Oundle two nights previously, another Marbled Yellow Pearl Evergestis extimalis has been recorded to a garden light trap, this time in Peterborough (TL19). This is therefore the 3rd VC32 record. Of interest, I saw a reports on social media of this species having been recorded in Leicestershire on the same night, and a couple from Lincolnshire earlier during June. Migration...dispersal...range expansion...?
23rd June 2026
An 8th all-time VC32 record: A single Marbled Clover Heliothis viriplaca was taken to a garden light trap in Higham Ferrers (SP96). The moth was last rcorded in the county in what we used to call "the migrant year" of 2006. Before that one was seen in August 2004. All other records are prior to 2000. Noted as being a specialist to the Breckland of East Anglia, I'm assuming this is a migrant/vagrant individual. A quick trap-shot can be seen below:
21st June 2026
Another significant moth capture to report: A single Willow Knot-horn Sciota adelphella was taken in a garden light trap in Desborough (SP88). This is another new record for VC32. Whether this individual is a primary migrant, or from recent range expansion cannot be determined, but there are recent records in neighbouring Hunts and Cambs. The moth is pictured "as captured" in the moth trap below:
21st June 2026
An amazing capture to report. A single Marbled Yellow Pearl Evergestis extimalis has been recorded to a garden light trap in Oundle (TL09). This is only the 2nd VC32 record for this migrant species - the last being in (or around) 1902! The 1902 capture is listed in the Victorian County History by Eustace Wallis, but has no other detail assigned, not even a location or exact date. The Oundle moth is pictured below:
20th June 2026
A new VC32 record to report: A single Dusky Clearwing Paranthrene tabaniformis was recorded to the TAB pheromone lure in Northanpton (SP76). The species was put on the local "BOLO" list a couple of years ago, and several recorders have been looking for this with the same TAB lure. The moth is pictured below:
19th June 2026
A 6th VC32 record of Rolled Grass-moth Pedesia contaminella was noted to light at Sywell Country Park (SP86). This is the third year on the trot that this species has been recorded at this location.
19th June 2026
A sixth VC32 record of Fen Snout Brachmia inornatella was recorded in a Thrapston garden light trap (SP97). Recorded in the same location in June 2021.
18th June 2026
A further Small Marbled Eublemma parva has been recorded to a garden light trap in Oundle (TL09) - same site as below. The individual is smaller the the one caught on 16th June and thus the 14th VC32 record.
16th June 2026
Reports of southerly air-flows and likely migrant moth activity has been supported by two Small Marbled Eublemma parva being recorded to garden light traps - one in Oundle (TL09) and the other in Denton (SP85). These (I think) represent the 12th and 13th VC32 records. Prior to the start of the year there were 8 records for the species in the county.
15th June 2026
A further site record of Dark-bordered Pearl Evergestis limbata was noted in a garden light trap in Helpston (TF10). This is the 4th VC32 record for this species, and tyhe thrird time in this particular garden - further supporting the theory that there is a breeding colony in the area.
13th June 2026 - another retrospective record:
31st May 2026: a further sighting of Eastern Bordered Straw Heliothis nubigera has been brought to my attention - this time to a garden light trap, in Stanwick (SP97). As far as I know, this will be the 5th VC32 record - all seen in the last few days of May!
9th June 2026 - a retrospective recors:
Following a further early season dissection session, another interesting moth to note from an Oundle garden (TL08):
21st May 2026 - Gorse Case-bearer Coleophora albicosta - singleton to MV light. This is the 6th VC32 record, and was recorded in the same garden previously in 2025. Possibly as a result of nearby garden or civic planting.
8th June 2026
A very wet site visit to Courteenhall Estate (SP75) yielded a fair bit of feeding damage and a single larva of Fig-leaf Skeletoniser Choreutis nemorana in the process of spinning-up for pupation on a large Fig tree. This species has recently been recorded in several nearby vice-counties, following it's first record in the UK in 2014. This is the 1st VC32 record for the moth and another species that I had hoped would appear in the county.
5th June 2026
A single Pied Grey Eudonia delunella was recorded to a garden light trap in East Haddon (SP66). This is the 1st VC32 record of this Nationally Notable species. This is a moth that I'd been hoping for some time would grace the VC32 species list.
5th June 2026
Despite the sub-optimal conditions this week (although we retain a predominantly southerly airstream), another Eastern Bordered Straw Heliothis nubigera has been recorded to a garden light trap, in Cogenhoe (SP86). This is the 4th VC32 record.
3rd June 2026
Another single Small Marbled Eublemma parva has been recorded, to a light trap on the edge of Yardley Chase (SP85). Keeping up to date with social media has been tricky recently, so I may have missed postings, but I believe this to be the 11th VC32 record of this rare migrant species.
31st May 2026
Further evidence of the ongoing "Midland migrant storm" with the following recorded from garden light traps:
Two individuals of Small Marbled Eublemma parva - one in Old Stratford (SP74) and another in Helpston (TF10). This appears to be the 9th & 10th all-time VC32 records, and at opposite ends of the Vice-county!
Ni Moth Trichoplusia ni - singleton in Oundle (TL08) - being the 10th VC32 record; 8th post-2000. The last time this species was noted in the county was back in 2015, with three individuals recorded between 10th and 12th June (one of which was to the same garden light trap location).
30th May 2026
Yet another Eastern Bordered Straw Heliothis nubigera has been recorded to a garden light trap, this time in Kingsthorpe, Northampton (SP96). This is now the third county record. Based on the latest information (per a reputable social media source), approximately 100 moths have been reported in the UK over the past few days - an unprecedented arrival of this previously rare migrant.
30th May 2026
Extensive feeding damage and a few larval cases of Fleabane Case-bearer Coleophora inulae were located at Grafton Park Wood (SP98), in a bed of Common Fleabane. This is a new VC32 record for this nationally scarce species. Worth checking patches of Fleabane and Ploughman's Spikenard at the moment for the tell-tale feeding windows, and sizeable larval cases.
29th May 2026
Cool and clear conditions once again greeted the moth group visit to Swaddywell Pits (TF10). The session was well attended, with approximately 30 moth traps deployed. A total of 161 Concolorous Photedes extrema was recorded. A single Tare Case-bearer Coleophora amethystinella was noted amongst the catch, which is the 3rd VC32 record - the previous record was from the same site in 2024.
29th May 2026
Another Eastern Bordered Straw Heliothis nubigera was recorded to a garden light trap, this time in Oundle (TL08). This therefore is the 2nd county record.
28th May 2026
Two Eastern Bordered Straw Heliothis nubigera were recorded to a garden light trap in Higham Ferrers (SP96). These represent another 1st VC32 record for this rarely encountered migrant species. That said, I note many reports of the moth from southern and eastern counties in the past couple of days, indicating an unprecedented influx.
28th May 2026
Another Striped Hawk-moth Hyles livornica was recorded to light in a garden in Cogenhoe (SP86). Further evidence of ongoing migration to the Midlands. Indeed, the species was noted quite widely on social media.
28th May 2026
A single larva of Marjoram Snout Acompsia schmidtiellus has been found at Old Sulehay (TL09) feeding within a spun leaf-roll on Wild Marjoram. This is the 2nd VC32 record, but the first larval record. Further searches will be made to locate further examples. The moth was first noted in the county as an adult to light in July 2025.. A quick snap of the leaf roll is below. NB: following up on this, a further 14 larvae were found in the same general area of the reserve over a 45 minute period. The foodplant is extensive there and thus it would appear that there is a well-established colony in existence. The reseve has been subject to light trapping, but the adults have not been recorded there.
25th May 2026
Another Tree-mallow Tortrix Crocidosema plebejana was also recorded in a garden light trap in East Haddon (SP66), thus the same night as the one noted below and 8th VC32 record.
25th May 2026
Recorded at Cogenhoe (SP86) alongside the species mentioned immediately below was also a single Tree-mallow Tortrix Crocidosema plebejana. Last recorded in 2025 (twice), this is another rare migrant to the locality and is only the 7th VC32 record.
25th May 2026
Two records of Gold Cloak Phtheochroa schreibersiana has been taken in garden light traps - one in Oundle (TL08) and the other Cogenhoe (SP86). These represent the 3rd and 4th VC32 records for the species. I noted via social media that it had been recorded quite widely in the south of the UK, with what I believe was also the first record in neighbouring Leicestershire/VC55.
Previous records are from 2019 and 2020. An image of the Cogenhoe moth is below:
23rd May 2026
Apologies for posting this slightly out of date sequence, but only came to my attention after the two records noted below. So, yet another new for VC32 to report during this amazing period of migrant activity - a single Palm Tabby Diplopseustis perieresalis was recorded to a garden light trap in Higham Ferrers (SP96). Originally Antipodean in origin, it has colonised many European countries, and there are scattered records in eastern and southern UK vice counties. A quick pot-shot of the moth can be seen below:
24th May 2026
And if one county-first is not enough - another extremely rare migrant species has been recorded locally - a single Lunar Double-stripe Minucia lunaris was taken to light in Fineshade (SP99). This species is a very rare visitor to the UK. The BC publication (Atlas of Britain & Ireland's Larger Moths - 2019) lists seven UK records since 2000. A photo of the moth is below:
24th May 2026
Following a period of moth migration, with Small Mottled Willow and high numbers of Diamond-back Moth being reported, a single Beautiful Marbled Eublemma purpurina was recorded to a garden light trap in Kingsthorpe, Northampton (SP76). This is not only a very rare migrant to the Midlands, but also another first for VC32.
Retrospective record - 28th April 2026
A single Mottled Orache Moth Scrobipalpa atriplicella was confirmed by dissection. The moth was taken in a garden light trap in Oundle (TL09). This is the 8th all-time VC32 record, but only the second since 2000. Prior to that a number were identified from material collected during the early/mid 1990s from the now defunct Rothamsted light trap that was operated in Fineshade. The larvae of this species feed on Orache (Atriplex) and Goosefoot (Chenopodium), and could well be more widespread than records suggest.
12th May 2026
A single Great Prominent Peridea anceps was recorded in a garden light trap in Old Stratford (SP74). This is the first record in the Milton Keynes area, and new to that 10Km grid square, and away from the known colonies around the Hazelborough Wood complex. There are a couple of other outlying records in the south-west of the vice county, which may have resulted from dispersal events.
8th May 2026
A single Striped Hawk-moth Hyles livornica was recorded to a garden light trap in Werrington, Peterborough (TF10). This follows on from some recent migrant activity reported in the southern counties of the UK, and represents only the 10th all-time VC32 record (7th since 2000).
3rd May 2026
Following on from some reports of migrant moth speices being seen in more southerly counties, a single Small Mottled Willow Spodoptera exigua was seen at light at Pitsford Reservoir (SP74). More often seen in the summer months locally, it's unusual to record migrant activity this ealry in the year. That said, there are a couple of other early-season records for this species: 30.iv.2022, Helpston and Farthinghoe NR on the same night, and (amazingly) 08.iii.1952, Wellingborough.
1st May 2026
Two mines of Hazel Spring Jewel Paracrania chrysolepidella were recorded on Hazel in Old Head Wood (SP98). This represents only the 6th all-time VC32 record for this species (5th post-2000 record), despite much recent searching! The last record was of a single larval mine at Old Sulehay in 2019.
Belated record: 3rd March 2026
Two larvae of Birch Bagworm Proutia betulina were recorded when they crawled out of a collection of fallen Norway Spruce cones (gathered in order to record Cydia strobilella on the site). There are mature Birches growing in amongst the Spruce plantation, so the assumption is that they originated from there. This represents the 1st VC32 record of this nationally rare species.
23rd April 2026
Two Birch Catkin Moth Pammene obscurana were recorded to the MOL pheromone lure, positioned against a mature Silver Birch in Fermyn Woods (SP98). The lure trap was placed in the early afternoon, left in-situ overninght, and checked the following morning. These represent the 2nd VC32 record for this nationally rare species. The previous record was at the same site, but was of a singleton taken to light on 01.v.2025.
14th April 2026
A single Pine Cone Moth Gravitarmata margarotana was recorded in a garden in Peterborough (TL19). This is the 1st VC32 record for this species. Since it's first UK record in 2011 (Kent), it now appears to be reasonably well-established in Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, with a single record also in South Leicestershire. Of interest, there was a record of the moth in Mid-Bedfordshire on the same night, which was also new to VC30. So whether this record reflects a dispersal event, or genuine range-expansion is unknown. Running light traps between now and mid-May in and around stands of Pine might lead to further records.
Addendum: Lincolnshire saw it's first record for this species on 1st May 2026, with that record located near Bourne, which is only some 30 miles further north of the Peterborough record.
31st March 2026
At least four Sallow Longhorn Adela cuprella were seen in flight above a large Sallow at Farthinghoe NR (SP54). This therefore is the 10th VC32 record (5th post-2000), and clearly a considerable distance from those found recently around the Old Sulehay area, suggesting the species could well be found almost anywhere in the county.
18th March 2026
Approximately 37 Sallow Longhorn Adela cuprella were recorded on two seperate sites in and around the Old Sulehay quarry area (TL09).
These represent the 8th & 9th VC32 records, but only the third/fourth time since 2000. The moths were seen around the tops of mature Sallow trees, aided with binoculars. They were mostly seen in flight high-up near the tree tops, but could also be seen at rest on Sallow blossoms too. Interestingly, not every tree had moths around them, and were not seen above trees where they were seen there in 2002. So now is a great time to record this species, given the excellent forecast for the next few days.
25th February 2026
An interesting set of sightings at moth traps around the county - Small Eggar Eriogaster lanestris adults were recorded at three locations: Higham Ferrers garden (SP96), Raunds garden (SP97) and Collyweston Great Wood (TF00). Interesting in that the adults are not often recorded (maybe three or four in a year), and that these were all on the same night, and two records are dispersed from known larval sites. And also, that these are all quite a bit earlier than in previous years - more usual flight time being mid-March.
25th February 2026
A very good sighting to report, to properly kick the 2026 season off with a bang! A single Mottled Grey Colostygia multistrigaria was recorded to light at Farthinghoe NR (SP55). The moth was spotted and captured just a few minutes after the light was turned on. This is a species which has been recorded in Northants only sporadically, with just twelve records spanning 1882 to 1995, almost exclusively in the north-east of the county (the exception being one at Salcey Forest, circa 1969). There were no further sightings until a single moth was recorded in a garden light trap in Woodnewton on 15.iv.2013. Therefore this is only the second modern, post-2000 record, and the first for thirteen years! Henwood and Stirling (Field Guide to the Caterpillars of Great Britain and Ireland, 2020) state the foodplants to be Heath & Lady's Bedstraw, but also Cleavers, noting that it's preferred habitat is therefore calcareous grassland. These plants are not rare in the county, and thus it is difficult to explain the apparent dearth of records. Perhaps it reflects the relative infrequency of field-trapping at this time of year (although the Moth Group has looked for the species in years gone by, at this time of year).
22nd February 2026
A single Humming-bird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum was spotted in Mears Ashby (SP86). Whether this is a moth that has over-wintered locally, or a primary migrant (given the recent southerly air-flows and Saharan dust flow), is open to debate. Certainly several migrant species have been caught in moth traps in the south-east recently (per social media).
12th February 2026 - retrospective records from 2025
Only recently dissected and confirmed - a species new to VC32: Gold-finged Dot Bohemannia auricileilla. The moth was taken to light in ancient parkland near Northampton (SP66) on 17.vi.2025. The moth appears to be nationally rare, with very few records to date.
Also of note, and some of you will have seen the news item/heard the radio interview: a single Hollyhock Seed Moth Pexicopia malvella was taken to an actinic light trap as part of an under-graduate project, at Delapre Abbey (SP75) on 29.vi.2025. This is the first Northants record since July 1940 and only the 4th all-time VC32 record!
1st January 2026
It's that time of year when (I copy and paste this message from last year...and the one before that!) and wish you all a Happy New Year. I'd like to thank all those who have already submitted their 2025 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 2025 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 2026 version of the Recording Spreadsheet, a copy of which was sent direct by email to those recipients on that list.