yorkshire 75 annual report 2015 small.pdf · mike barnham, paul fletcher, christine frost howard m...

YORKSHIREBUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS

2015An assessment of their status and distribution

BC YORKSHIRE

A selection of moths illustrating colour variations and aberrations.Top Left: 69.007 Pine Hawk-moths Bellflask - Brian MorlandTop right: 73.219 Centre-barred Sallow showing different pattern and colour - Charles FletcherRight: 73.317 Heart and Dart, aberrant and usual form Skelton - Damian Money

A trio of Coleophora larval cases from Andy Nunn. Above left: Coleophora binderella on birch. North Cliffe Wood.Above right: Coleophora peribenanderi larva on creeping thistle.Left: Coleophora ibipennella larva on Pedunculate Oak, North Cliffe Wood.

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BCY / YNU Yorkshire Butterflies and Moths 2015 1

Butterfly Conservation (BC) is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England No 2206468 and a Registered Charity in England and Wales (No 254937) and in Scotland (SCO39268). Head Office: Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QP Tel: 01929 400209Email: [email protected] www.butterfly-conservation.org

Butterfly Conservation Yorkshire (BCY) is a regional branch of the national or-ganisation, with a website detailing activities at: www.yorkshirebutterflies.org.uk

The Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union (YNU)is both an individual membership or-ganisation and a federation of Yorkshire Natural History Societies and conservation groups.Registered Charity: 224 018.Registered office at YNU c/o NEYEDC,10a Minster Gates,York, YO17JFTel: 01904 636952More information at: www.ynu.org.uk

We are pleased to be supported by the North and East Yorkshire Ecological Data Centre. NEYEDC

Data protection policies can be found at www.butterfly-conservation.org

Front cover photos Left to right:White Ermine aberrant, Barry Spence. Leopard Moth, Peter Mayhew.Buff Ermine ab. Zatima, Barry Spence.Duke of Burgundy, Damian Money.Brown Argus, Ian Armitage.Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Damian Money

The Annual Report of Butterflies and Moths in Yorkshire 2015

Argus 75This edition has been published by Butterfly Conservation (BC) under the imprint of Butterfly Conservation Yorkshire (BCY) and the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union (YNU).ISBN 13 978-0-9568935-7-4Copyright ©2016 BCY/YNU

This booklet has been written to share information on Yorkshire’s moths and butterflies in the interests of conservation and scientific learning. The publishers will be happy to see that information utilised for the benefit of our Lepidoptera on the condition that any written or published use by whatever means, is fully referenced to this publication.

Photographs and artwork remain the copyright of those indicated and must not be reproduced in any format without permission. Any views expressed are those of the writers and contributors and may not necessarily represent the views of BC, BCY or the YNU.British Library-in-Publication Data: A catalogue record for this booklet is available from the British Library.

Images should be submitted in digital format and original high (300dpi) resolution and size, with your name, species, picture details, date and place incorporated into the file name. Unless otherwise requested it will be assumed we may retain pictures on file for future use in Argus or in publicising the work of BCY/YNU. The owner retains copyright and will always be acknowledged in any further use. Design and layout are undertaken by the editors.

2 BCY / YNU Yorkshire Butterflies and Moths 2015

YORKSHIRE BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS 2015

ARGUS 75

EDITORS Micro-moths - Harry E Beaumont Macro-moths - Charles H Fletcher

Butterflies - David RR SmithGeneral Editor - Penny A Relf

VICE-COUNTY CO-ORDINATORS OF RECORDING AND CONTRIBUTORY

EDITORS (Butterflies 1st Moths 2nd) VC 61: Sean Clough, Ian Marshall VC 62: Dave O’Brien, Robert Woods VC 63: Steve Mattock, Mike Couling VC 64: Dave Hatton, Charles Fletcher VC 65: Paul Millard, Charles Fletcher

WRITERS AND COMPILERSHarry E Beaumont, Charles H Fletcher

Mike Barnham, Paul Fletcher, Christine Frost Howard M Frost, Dave Hatton, David Howson Lizzie Ingram, Edie Jolley, Steve Mattock Ron Moat, Dave O’Brien, Robert Parks

Dave Ramsden, Paul and Joyce Simmons David R R Smith, Jennifer A Smith Andrew Suggitt, Emily Summer

Dave WainwrightJax Westmoreland, Lee Westmoreland

Terry Whitaker, David Woodmansey

CONTENTS Introduction: page 3 Weather in 2015, pages 4-5 VC Highlights and summaries, page 6 Butterflies 2015 County overview, page 8 Moths 2015 Database, page16 County overview, Migration, page 22 Submitting records, page 33 Systematic lists: Micro-moths, pages 38-45 Butterflies, pages 46- 75 Macro-moths, pages 76- 102 Contacts list, pages 103-104 Contributors, 105

Images on this pageTop: Palpita vitrealis a rare migrant (Jim Morgan)Middle: July Highflier (Damian Money)Bottom: Six-belted Clearwing (Mike Smethurst)


INTRODUCTION

This is the 20th Yorkshire Butterfly & Moth Report in the current series, and the 11th new-format report produced jointly between Butterfly Conservation Yorkshire (BCY) and the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union (YNU) Lepidoptera Group. For BC Yorkshire members it is also Argus 75. Penny Relf (PR) has undertaken the general editing and design work. David Smith (DRRS) has edited the Butterfly Sections and the introductory comments. The Butterfly Vice County Recorders and Species Co-ordinators provide considerable assistance in that process by sending contributions already typed up in a suitable format. The introductory comments and reports relating to the moths have been assembled, edited and typed up by Charles Fletcher (CHF) and Harry E. Beaumont (HEB), with assistance from the Moth Vice County Recorders.

We have integrated the butterfly and moth records into a combined Annual Lepidoptera Report. Our Report opens with introductory comments on 2015, followed by the detailed species reports – the Systematic List. As there are too many moths to include in one report we have to be selective, favouring species with fewer than 20 records in the year, plus those whose distributions have changed, together with any interesting migrants. We have included all Yorkshire’s butterflies with the addition of some exotics and rare migrants.

Thank you to everyone who has helped with this year’s Report, from photographers to proof readers, it’s a huge team effort and we hope that you enjoy reading the results. PR/DRRS/CHF/HEB

Images on this pageTop: Small Skipper (Jason Sargerson)Middle: Dark Green Fritillary Bottom: Meadow Brown (both Peter Mayhew)


YEAR – Globally warmest on record, strong El Niño. January to April – sunniest on record. July – National July record 36.7°C (98°F). Summer – UK mixed, often wet, Europe hot and dry. November – equal warmest on record (England), and the dullest. December – National rainfall record, Cumbria. Warmest December on record.

WEATHER 2015

JANUARY Wet and windy, Atlantic storms. Sleet and snow at times.FEBRUARY Dry and frosty, snow on high ground. Warmer from the 15th, changeable.MARCH High pressure, mild sunny days, a stormy wet end to the month.Mainly clear for solar eclipse on the 20th (total in Svalbard). APRIL High pressure, near-record sunshine, warm. Pennine snow on the 28th. MAY A cool wet start, then sunny and mainly dry. Scotland – snow on high ground, Europe hot, 42°C. JUNE A wet start, more snow in Scotland. High pressure then dominated, mainly dry, very warm from the 23rd. Germany – record temperatures, 40°C.

JULY Very hot and sunny, thunderstorms, then changeable and wet after the 18th.AUGUST Warm and dry up to the 12th, then changeable and wet. Severe storms on 22nd, some flooding.Europe still hot, 39°C.SEPTEMBER Mainly dry and cool, good sunny days. Foggy in the last week.OCTOBER High pressure, variable sunshine, but wetter in the Vale of York. Notable for 13 foggy mornings.NOVEMBER A record warm November, but stormy, windy and wet. Floods.DECEMBER A record warm December. Three major storms, record rainfall, floods.

Roy Bedford


Weather Statistics for Sherburn in Elmet

2015The statistics are based on readings taken by Dave Ramsden who runs a meteorological station at Sherburn in Elmet (North Yorks - VC64): elevation 27m, Lat 53 ̊47’ 48’’ N, Long 1o15’ 24’ W. This point is roughly in the centre of the county. We have published similar tables in our Annual Reports since 1997. As Yorkshire is such a large county, with many variations in relief, these figures will not represent the whole situation. They simply provide a sample which may help to indicate the changes taking place over a longer period of years. In the accompanying tables and graphs the ‘variation’ or ‘difference’, is that compared to the mean over 23 years of collecting statistics at this site. In previous Annual Reports, similar comparisons are made but for mean figures covering the relevant number of years from 1997.

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Flooding at Bubwith E Yorks late December 2015 P Relf


Butterflies 2015 Highlights and Summaries Butterfly recording coverage by 2km square Yorkshire 2015.

BLACK - 1-9 speciesRED - 10-19 species GREEN - 20+ species

This map shows butterfly recording coverage by tetrad (i.e., 2x2km squares on the OS grid) for 2015. Butterfly Conservation organises butterfly recording nationally in 5-year blocks and produces a summary report every five years. The current cycle started in 2015, so this map summarises our coverage in Yorkshire last year which is the first year of the new 5-year (2015-19) national survey. The dots are colour-coded at three levels allowing us to judge species richness: black means that between 1-9 different species were seen in the tetrad over the five years of the recording cycle (of which we are only one year in so far); red means that between 10-19 species were seen in the tetrad; and green means that 20+ species were seen in the tetrad over the recording cycle. Considering the poor erratic weather we had in 2015, we still managed to cover 31% of the county (1277 out of 4120 tetrads). This is a promising start to the new recording cycle. Please help us improve our coverage so that we do even better this recording cycle than we did in the last one (62% coverage over the 2010-2014 recording cycle). Look out for the dots you have added in next year’s Report. Garden recording is just as important as visiting the more picturesque areas of Yorkshire, especially if it is done regularly through the season. Record sheets are available from the VC Butterfly Recorders listed at the back of this Report (see also the Butterfly Conservation Yorkshire Branch website http://www.yorkshirebutterflies.org.uk/). If you usually take part in the national Garden Butterfly Survey (GBS) please note that now BC encourage you to enter these records online (www.gardenbutterflysurvey.org). We should get these online records repatriated to us but if you submit records on paper to the GBS then please send us the information as well.


FLIGHT PATTERNS -SUMMARY OF THE FIRST AND LAST BUTTERFLY SIGHTINGS FOR THE WHOLE OF YORKSHIRE

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BUTTERFLIES COUNTYWIDE 2015 – David SmithThough globally the year was the warmest on record, the weather in Yorkshire was very variable with few periods of extended fine weather. May to July was cooler than average – weakening spring emergence numbers. Orange-tip had a very poor year with its main breeding period across May coinciding with a cold and wet period. Of the three whites, the Large White and Small White slightly improved from their poor showing last year, but Green-veined White numbers crashed by half. Species that have advanced into Yorkshire in the last three or so decades have had a variable year – Speckled Wood numbers have declined relative to last year by 30%, Gatekeeper have increased by around 50%, Holly Blue have increased by about 60% and Comma has remained stable. Green Hairstreak has declined by 80% with very poor numbers in VC64 its stronghold – butterflies with strong populations in upland moorland area such as the Green Hairstreak and Green-veined White suffered this year. The browns have had a mixed year – Ringlet down but Meadow Brown up. Wall which had been mounting a relative comeback in recent years has fallen back (numbers dropping by almost 40%). Common Blue has shown an improvement over the last three years but Marbled White is the winner this year, cementing a brilliant three-year period. The migrant Painted Lady increased by a factor of six compared to last year giving a six-year high (good but not spectacular). Other migrants such as the Peacock and Red Admiral were down, and Clouded Yellow made a very poor show. The record warm November and December led to some late flying butterflies for the three whites, and the Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Comma. Probably the most interesting news in the 2015 season was the re-appearance of Dark Green Fritillary in VC61 and the spread of Essex Skipper in VC61 and VC63. It remains to be seen whether 2016 will reveal if Essex Skipper is present in more of Yorkshire than we currently know. Butterfly StatisticsIn 2015, 36 naturally wild species were recorded countywide, plus a further 6 species about which there are doubts as to their real status. 34,359 butterfly records were submitted with 192,852 individual butterflies counted. These numbers include entries for iRecord, Wider Countryside Survey, Migrant Watch, Big Butterfly Count etc, as well as the usual Butterflies for the New Millennium (BNM) counts, for some of the vice-counties. VC61 South-east Yorkshire - Sean CloughA middling year for records, but low in total butterflies seen - 42,518 (15th since 1997). The records were boosted by the inclusion this year of those submitted by iRecord, Wider Countryside Survey and Migrant Watch (an extra 200 recorders), so this underlines the meagre season. Brown Argus had a particularly poor year as did the Orange-tip, which dipped below 300 for only the fourth time this century (299). Particularly disappointing was the Wall butterfly, which last year bucked the national (and local) downwards trend, but now continues what appears a relentless decline. The Holly Blue continued its steady increase, perhaps on the up as part of the suggested cycle with its parasite. Of note was the return of the Dark Green Fritillary to the vice-county with five sightings - the highest so far. Most interesting was that three of these were on a site in the Wolds known to contain Dog violet, one of the larval foodplants of Dark Green Fritillary (Dave Woodmansey). Perhaps the butterfly will become a resident of VC61? Also on the Wolds, new Dingy Skipper sites were found in Holmdale and on Access Land at Cot


Nab, Mingledale and Manna Green (Sean Clough), whilst Jennifer Watts, a BSc student, surveyed Wharram Quarry for Dingy Skipper eggs in a project to establish habitat preferences for oviposition.VC62 North-east Yorkshire - Dave O'Brien Overall, 2015 was a very disappointing year for butterfly recording, with the cool, wet summer keeping down numbers of butterflies and recorders alike! However, at least one of the early spring species fared well, as Duke of Burgundy was seen in good numbers at most of its extant sites. This was an exception though, as numbers of most other species were considerably lower than in previous years. Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary continues to show up at new sites, and may be extending its distribution. One major surprise of 2015 was the discovery of Essex Skipper in the south of VC66, north of the Tees, which lies just to the north of VC62. Careful observation of Thymelicus Skippers in 2016 across VC62 may pay dividends.VC63 South-west Yorkshire - Steve MattockOver 77,000 individual butterflies were recorded in the 2015 season compared to 67,000 in 2014. A total of 35 species were seen, two more than in 2014, though some included unofficial introductions such as the Wood White. Comparing 2015 to 2014, there were increases of >20% in total numbers of individuals recorded in a number of species: Common Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Essex Skipper, Gatekeeper, Marbled White, Painted Lady, Purple Hairstreak, Small Tortoiseshell and White-letter Hairstreak. The increases in numbers of Common Blue, Gatekeeper and Marbled White were particularly impressive. Declines of >20% between 2015 and 2014 were seen in Green-veined White, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue, Large Heath, Orange-tip and Red Admiral. VC64 Mid-west Yorkshire - Dave HattonIn a very strange and temperamental season, the earlier spring butterflies were noticeable by their absence, especially the three common whites. Most species in VC64 seem to have had a poor season, though in late summer and early autumn there was some recovery in numbers. A few species, like the Small Skipper, seem to have had a good year; others that fared quite well were Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Dark Green Fritillary, Wall, Marbled White and Meadow Brown. Most of the brown butterflies had a reasonable year, and Small Tortoiseshell numbers picked up tremendously in late summer. The hairstreaks, Brown Argus, Northern Brown Argus and blues were mostly down in number; there were a few Dingy Skipper seen, and a couple of Clouded Yellow. There were many late sightings in the mild autumn weather, especially of Red Admiral. Marbled White butterflies seem to be continuing with their range expansion.VC65 North-west Yorkshire – Paul Millard2015 was a challenging year. Records were significantly down due to poor weather reducing the number of site visits and leading to low butterfly abundance. This year’s report for the first time includes data from the Big Butterfly Count. Even so the number of 10km squares visited has fallen to 99 – the lowest since 2008. However, the average number of species recorded per square rose to 5.4 indicating that when recorders could get out they went to the best sites. More data from Migrant Watch and iRecord received in February will hopefully increase our records for the year. There were no records this year for Purple Hairstreak, Clouded Yellow or Marbled White but the Gatekeeper has done much better. All three whites struggled with the cool weather. Brown Argus


and Northern Brown Argus have shown in only one location each. There was a respectable influx of migrant Painted Lady and Red Admiral in the autumn. BUTTERFLIES: THE SMALL PRINTPlease read this section if you want to understand what we have done in presenting these records for you and why we have done it, especially if you are using this Lepidoptera Report for research.KEY to the BUTTERFLY REPORTSThe statistical information in our butterfly section is based on records received by November 2015. Maps are based on 34,359 records. Records sent in later than November won’t generally make it into the Annual Report, though they should eventually end up in our databases. We encourage all butterfly recorders to send in their records at regular intervals through the year so that the VC Recorders can keep on top of the work of verifying and entering the data in order to have it ready for the end of the year. For newcomers to our recording project we urge you to use our special recording forms available from the VC Recorders or the BC Yorkshire Branch website (http://www.yorkshirebutterflies.org.uk/). Once you have enrolled with a VC Recorder you should automatically receive replacement forms in the spring, and whenever you request them, as well as regional recording newsletters.The definition of ‘a record’, as used in this Report, is a sighting of one or more butterflies (or moths) of a single species observed on a single site usually no bigger than a 1km grid square as used on Ordnance Survey (OS) maps; more than one independent observation of the same species/site/date combination will yield more than one record. This Report publishes butterfly distribution maps based on tetrads (2x2km squares on the OS grid). Unless otherwise indicated, our species maps show the recorded presence in the year of the Report. This is new this year (2015), in previous years usually what was shown was the accumulated records for the current recording cycle. Annual Reports have been produced as separate booklets since 1996, and in the present thicker booklet format since 2005. For all our regular species, and some of those which are less common, we have produced a set

of statistics mainly intended to clarify the size of the sample we are using for our comments. We emphasise that, because of the dangers of reading too much into the figures. Readers should always remember that such statistics are directly related to the number of observers and the number of visits they make. However, we also consider that the number of records we are now receiving from all five VCs (20,000 to 40,000+ records per year) represents a large enough sample to have some validity in enabling us to make reasonably objective comparisons from year to year. Nevertheless, the large size of the county and the difficulties associated with covering our higher and more remote regions means that our generalisations may not hold for every corner of the county. There are also a few anomalies in our recording system. Records from Spurn NNR are kept daily throughout the year but due to the problems of having a linear nature reserve covering 14x1km squares in two different 10km squares, records are usually submitted on a 10km basis and from one of those 10km squares (TA41). As our butterfly maps are tetrad based this means that many Spurn records are not mapped. The published maps in our Report will thus underestimate the amount of recording that goes on at Spurn. There may also be a small lack of agreement in the number of dots shown on a map and the figures in the statistics for that species. This is because the maps are based on records sent in after Christmas which may include repatriated data from national recording schemes (iRecord, Migrant Watch, Big Butterfly Count etc), whilst the statistics are based largely on data received before Christmas though augmented by significant late records. Figures for each species may change considerably when late batches of records are received, therefore any comparisons drawn from statistics given in our Annual Reports should be made with due caution.

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The butterfly statistics – definitions:Monthly flight days refers to the number of days the species has been recorded flying in each month and is compared to the total number of butterflies (i.e., the sum of all counts made) seen countywide in that month.Total flight days is the number of different days on which our observers have recorded the butterfly in the year. Whilst many observers only record during the weekends, there are daily counts made in a number of nature reserves and gardens, which help to make this assessment realistic, although it should still be seen as a broad generalisation. More regular garden counts would help to make this statistic even more valuable.Flight season length is measured as the number of days from the first sighting to the last sighting and in most cases this is taken through all broods.In total reports a ‘report’ is almost the same as a ‘record’, but where a record may be of say 60 butterflies, the report associated with it counts as one, irrespective of the number of butterflies seen. By dividing the number of reports into the number of butterflies counted we get the mean number of butterflies seen in an observation. Though this may seem a rather artificial number (possibly inflated by occasional large counts), it gives us some measure of the success of a species from year to year irrespective of annual variations in the number of observers. We encourage observers to make actual counts of the number of butterflies they see unless those numbers are so big that an estimate is the only way to give some idea of the number present. In the figures we give in our reports, round numbers such as 50, 100, 150 and upwards are taken to be estimates, whilst other exact figures are taken to be actual counts.Maps: This year’s Report has retained the use of maps from Butterfly Conservation’s Levana software. This offers better resolution dot (2x2km tetrads) distributions with a three-colour code of abundance. However, there is no terrain map option in Levana as there is in MapMate (used in some earlier Reports).Arrangement: We follow the new Checklist of the Lepidoptera of the British Isles (2013) by Agassiz, DJL, Beavan, SD, & Heckford, RJ. We have also included the old Bradley numbers in brackets to aid the transition between identification systems.

Acknowledgements. Thanks are due to two retiring butterfly species writers Michael Pearson and Mike Barnham. Both have covered their species for many years and provided a valuable service to the Yorkshire branch and they will be a great loss to our team. Their expertise and experience will be sorely missed. They deserve our thanks for all their efforts over the years and we wish them well.This year we have a number of new species writers Lizzie Ingram on Comma and Emily Summer on Small Tortoiseshell. Dave Ramsden has also taken two additional species of Brown Argus and Northern Brown Argus. Thanks for their help and welcome.We are also most grateful for the receipt of the Ripon Quarry Restoration and Aftercare Monitoring Report 2015 produced for Hanson UK by the Bellflask Ecological Survey Team. (BEST) Brian and Susan Morland, Tanfield, Ripon North Yorkshire.This and previous years reports will be available to borrow from Tom Hubball the BCY librarian whose details are on the contacts page.


Appeal for new species writers.The Yorkshire branch of Butterfly Conservation would really welcome new species writers to take on Common Blue (Michael Pearson’s species), Large Skipper and Meadow Brown (Mike Barnham’s) which now become available. Last year I stepped in to cover Ringlet and Large White. I would be grateful if people were interested in taking these species on as well.Species writing involves drawing up an account of how a species has fared during the season (see examples in the Yorkshire Butterflies & Moths report you are reading now). This is usually done around Christmas and should take no longer than a couple of hours of pulling together data provided by the five vice-county recorders. You need to be confident in using a computer, on the internet and possess a copy of Excel which you know how to use. You do not need to be an expert on the species you adopt or indeed butterflies in general, though you will find that your knowledge should naturally deepen as you learn about your species. This is a good first step on developing or extending an interest in butterfly recording. Anyone who would like to know more, or who would like to volunteer, is encouraged to contact David Smith ([email protected]). David Smith

Common Blue ‘in cop’ Alice Mayhew

Yorkshire Butterfly Transects 2015Transect walking involves weekly counting along a fixed route usually for 26 weeks of the year, although a variant transect for rarer species only involves counting during the flight season for that species. Butterfly Conservation initiated online entry of transect records two years ago and this is now the main route that transects feed into the national database. We receive repatriated data from central Butterfly Conservation which should make its way into the local database though not always in time for the Report. Unfortunately due to space requirements we have had to leave out the summary reports of transects. We are deeply appreciative of the effort and commitment that transect walkers put into their routes and our thanks are due to each and every one of the recorders.We thank Jean Murray for her many years service as Transect Co-ordinator. She is now stepping down. For the moment, please get in contact with David Wainwright ([email protected]) or David Smith ([email protected]) if you currently walk these transects (we’d like to get to know who you are!) or if you would be interested in providing records for transects that appear to have lapsed or would like to suggest new transects which would be convenient to where you live.

Grayling Damian Money


Below are listed the Yorkshire butterfly transects that we know of. Live transects are in red, extinct transects are CAPITALS, and transects of which the status is unknown or appears to have lapsed are italic. Possibly those that appear to have lapsed may simply be late in submitting their records. The years indicate when the transect was first established

FAIRBURN INGS 1977 Thorne Moors 1990 Walton Nature Park 1995 Ellerburn Bank 2000 Slingsby 2003 Sun Lane N R 2003 Thorpe Marsh N R 2002 Swarth Moor SSSI 2003 MIDDLETHORPE 2003 Foxglove Covert 2003 Yedmandale 2003 Bootham Stray (York Clifton Backies) 2004 Threshfield, Long Ashes 2004 Priory Fields 2007 Lea Green Bastow Wood 2002 Ballowfield LNR 2007 Craven Limeworks - Langcliffe Quarry2007 Scar Close NNR 2004 Long Causeway Lane 2007 Burniston-Cloughton 2007 MILLINGTON WOOD 2007 Nostell Priory 2008 Broad Heads Farm 2008 Hawnby Hill 2009 ESTON MOOR 2009 Ashberry Pastures 2010 Fen Bog 2010 Burton Leonard Lime Quarry 2010 Deep Dale South 2010 Deep Dale North 2010 Pexton Bank 2010 Bishop Monkton Railway Cutting 2011 Silpho Quarry 2011 CATTERSTYE 2011 Rosedale East 2011 Askham Bog 2011

Staveley East 2011Staveley Western 2011South Gare 2011Yockenthwaite 2012Stirley Farm Malham Tarn NNR Low Ox Pasture 2014Ingleborough High Brae 2014Lower Winskill 2014Oxenber Wood 2014New Fryston 2013Flatts Lane Eston Moor 2014Millfield Meadow Saltburn 2014Yorkshire Arboretum Castle Howard 2015Broxa 2015Riddings Field & St Josephs Wood 2015Ellerburn new 2010Brae Pasture 2015Burton Riggs 2015Cropton Forest 2015Grass Wood 2015Leyburn Old Glebe 2015Littlebeck Wood 2015Ripon Loop 2015Southerscales 2015

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Peter Mayhew


Species %tetrads (2015)

%pt diff. to 2014

2015 Rank 2014 Rank

Small Tortoiseshell 59.2 -1.9 1 1Peacock 51.4 -3.2 2 2Small White 49.9 +4.4 3 4Meadow Brown 45.7 +3.9 4 6Large White 42.8 +6.3 5 9Green-veined White 41.1 -10.9 6 3Ringlet 39.0 +1.6 7 7Red Admiral 38.7 -3.6 8 5Speckled Wood 36.6 -4.0 9 8Comma 28.5 +2.5 10 10Gatekeeper 24.0 +6.3 11 14Painted Lady 23.3 +10.7 12 19Orange-tip 21.2 -3.4 13 11Large Skipper 19.9 +4.2 14 16Small Skipper 19.8 -0.2 15 12Common Blue 19.1 +3.0 16 15Brimstone 17.6 -2.2 17 13Small Heath 16.8 +2.0 18 17Holly Blue 13.9 +4.7 19 21Small Copper 11.8 -2.0 20 18Wall 6.1 -3.3 21 20Dark Green Fritillary 5.1 +0.8 22 24Marbled White 4.7 +0.8 23 26Brown Argus 4.4 +0.1 24 25Green Hairstreak 4.2 -1.1 25 23White-letter Hairstreak 4.2 -1.5 26 22Dingy Skipper 4.0 +0.7 27 27Purple Hairstreak 1.9 -0.3 28 29Essex Skipper 1.7 +1.4 29 36Small Pearl-bordered F. 1.6 +0.8 30 31Northern Brown Argus 1.3 -0.5 31 30Large Heath 0.5 0.0 32 33Duke of Burgundy 0.4 -0.2 33 32Grayling 0.4 0.0 34 34Clouded Yellow 0.4 -1.9 35 28Pearl-bordered Fritillary 0.2 -0.1 36 35

Butterfly species distribution in Yorkshire - comparing 2014 and 2015


The table shows how the thirty-six resident butterflies of Yorkshire compare against each other in terms of distribution. Where there was the same distribution in tetrads, we ranked according to numbers of butterflies seen. We can immediately see that the Small Tortoiseshell was the most widely distributed of Yorkshire’s butterflies in 2015 (Rank of 1), present in 2015 in 59.2% of all tetrads recorded in the year (=1277), so the Small Tortoiseshell was present in 756 tetrads. It has declined by -1.9% compared to 2014 (when it was present in 61.1% of tetrads). However, in both 2015 and 2014 it was the most widely distributed of Yorkshire’s butterflies. The rarest of Yorkshire’s butterflies in 2015 was the Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Comparing differences in ranks between years we can see how some butterflies have done. A large move up or down the rankings can occur for a number of reasons. Green-veined White dropped to 6th in 2015 from 3rd in 2014. There was a massive drop in distribution – the bad weather especially in the VC64 upland moor areas severely reduced numbers. The migrant Painted Lady did much better this year (moving to 12th from 19th rank) – this was due to 2015 being a year of significant migration. Wall dropped one ranking point – there are concerns that Wall is experiencing large falls in numbers especially for inland colonies possibly due to climatic conditions. Marbled White continues to move up the rankings – it is a butterfly expanding in range and has been doing so for some years now. Essex Skipper has done well moving up to 29th rank in 2015 (from being the rarest of butterflies in 2014). It might be expanding but we also asked people to look for it so the increase could also be because people were actively looking for it.

Wall Tim Melling


MOTHS 2015 Highlights 2015 failed to live up to the record year of 2014 in numbers of moths though there were plenty of highlights to report. Conditions in spring were poor for trapping and many people complained about a lack of moths in the trap until half way through June. Warmer weather at the end of the year compensated for this to a certain extent. The final total was 158,483 records of 580,549 moths. This was 10,000 fewer than the previous year. The total number of contributors jumped from 298 to a record 351. The total number of species recorded in the county with last year’s figures in brackets was as follows: 1210 (1183) species comprising 696 (668) species of microlepidoptera and 514 (515) species of macrolepidoptera. This means that a record 70% of the county list was recorded in 2015 – 65% of our micros and 80% of our macros. The impressive numbers of microlepidoptera recorded represent an increased interest and awareness of this group of moths.

Macro MothsCharles Fletcher

There was just one addition to the county list. A Pale Oak Beauty (right: Jim Morgan) was found at Catwick in June. This had been predicted as numbers have been building up in Lincolnshire. It will be interesting to see if we get further records as climatic change stimulates more northward spread. There were seven new vice-county records. Chocolate-tip recolonised the county in 2009. Numbers have increased in VC63 and the first for VC61 was at Cottingham in May. White-marked is rather local in the county and it was a surprise when the first for VC61 turned up at Hunmanby Gap in April, far from the nearest known populations in VC62. The third new addition for VC61 was Triple-spotted Clay at Spurn in August. This was the fourth county record and was confirmed by dissection as it can easily be mistaken for Double Square-spot. There have been scattered records of Black Arches in the south of the county in recent years but the first for VC62 at Bilsdale in August was a big jump in range. Sand Dart was also new for VC62. Three were caught at Marske Beach in July. All our previous records have come from Spurn. There were no additions for VC63 or 64 but there were two new moths for VC65. Beautiful Snout has been increasing in range particularly on the western side of the country and one at Bellflask in July was just into the VC65 part of this site which straddles the VC64/5 border. Four-dotted Footman at Hutton Conyers in June was also new – most records of this species come from the centre of the county.There were many other highlights. Great Oak Beauty was found on Thorne Moors in June following its rediscovery in Yorkshire on Hatfield Moors in 2010. Thorne Moors also provided more records of Purple-bordered Gold, and Scarce Vapourer larvae at this site were bred through resulting in females which attracted further moths here


and in VC61. Stock has been sent to the University of Kent who hope to produce a pheromone lure so we can understand more about this species. Pheromones are becoming used widely for other species and have largely caused the increase of Emperor Moth records this year. We may also be able to use pheromones to look for Forester in 2015. Wormwood appeared to be dying out in the county but we have encouraging records from VC61 and 63. Large Nutmeg reappeared in both VC61 and 63 and there were welcome records of Northern Drab at Haxby and at Spurn. Spurn also produced two records of Lunar-spotted Pinion – a very rare moth in the county. Several traps at Strensall Common on a warm night in July produced a county record of 210 species including most of the local rarities. Dark Bordered Beauty at this site is still giving cause for concern but fencing off small areas to protect the creeping willow appears to be beneficial. Speckled Yellow increased its range with records at Coniston Cold and Red-necked Footman is now present all over the county with a big increase in numbers this year. Numbers of Coronet continue to grow in the south east of the county following the recent invasion from Lincolnshire. Chalk Carpet appeared again at Flamborough, its only current known site in the county and a Heath Rivulet was again found at Bastow Wood – possibly its only site in the whole of England. Some species were trapped in unprecedented numbers – the Rothamsted trap at Wheldrake Ings caught 319 Oblique Carpets, with large numbers at another trap nearby. 81 Obscure Wainscots were caught on one night in July at Nosterfield reed bed.

2015 was the best year for migrants since the record year of 2006 with particularly high numbers of Bordered Straw, Small Mottled Willow and Convolvulus Hawk-moth. There has only been a single previous county record of Small Marbled so four records in the south east of the county represented a major influx. A Silver-striped Hawk-moth at Castleford was a nice find.

Not all species did quite so well. Least Carpet showed a marked spread in 2014 so it was surprising to receive no records in 2015. There were also no records of several other species that we usually record on a regular basis - Annulet, Scarce Prominent, Least Minor, Barred Tooth-striped, Netted Pug, Sloe Pug, Valerian Pug and Wood Carpet. Poplar Lutestring has not been seen in its stronghold in VC62 since 2011. Figure of Eight continues to give cause for concern and there were marked drops in numbers of Twin-spotted Wainscot, Shore Wainscot, Beautiful Yellow Underwing and Barred Rivulet.

Warm weather at the end of the year led to some unusual flight times and 53 species flew on their latest ever dates including Campion on 29th October, Green Carpet on 30th October, Bordered Beauty and Dusky Thorn on 3rd November and Vapourer on 12th November. A particularly warm spell in December produced the earliest ever records of two spring flying moths – Clouded Drab on 8th December and Spring Usher on 27th December.


New to VC61 in 2015Right: 73.360 Triple-spotted Clay by Barry Spence caught at Spurn in August.Below left: 71.027 Chocolate-tip by Andrew Ashworth, taken in Cottingham in May. New to VC62 in 2015:Below right: 73.323 Sand Dart. One of three found by Damian Money on July 1st

VC65 had 2 new records in 2015 Above right; 72.038 Four-dotted Foot-man at Hutton Conyers in June by Charles Fletcher. Above left; 72.007 Beautiful Snout taken at Bellflask (Ripon Quarry) in July by Brian MorlandLeft; 70.135 Heath Rivulet found by John Gavaghan and Mrs Gavaghan at its only English site Bastow Wood


Micro MothsHarry Beaumont

The indifferent weather during the early part of 2015 perhaps had an influence on moth numbers or, equally, may have reduced the activity of some recorders. Whatever the reason new records were fewer than in recent years; three species were added to the Yorkshire list, one of these dating from 2013. The number of new vice-county records was also slightly lower, although as the more widespread moths become recorded from each of the five Yorkshire vice-counties this is to be expected.

All three new species occurred in VC63 and are the result of a northward spread of the moths concerned. Among moths submitted for identification during the year were three examples of Triaxomera parasitella, two from the Worsbrough area, the first taken in 2013 and another during June 2015 and this was followed by another at Rodley also in June. The other two additions were recorded from their larval mines, those of Ectoedemia louisella in the keys of field maple at Potteric Carr in August and those of Phyllonorycter lantanella on wayfaring tree at Sheffield in September. This is an uncommon tree in Yorkshire but the species will also feed on guelder rose so is worth looking for on that foodplant.

New vice-county records numbered 16 in VC61, 4 in VC62, 3 in VC63, 3 in VC64 and 7 in VC65 making a total of 33 in all. In VC61 a number of these were of widespread leaf mining moths, but included Stigmella catharticella at North Cave wetlands in August and the local Ectoedemia rubivora at Thorpe Basset in October. Psychoides filicivora continues to be recorded ever more widely and was found at several localities in the vice-county during the year, often as larvae feeding on hart’s tongue fern. The cypress feeding Argyresthia cupressella was found at North Ferriby and Skidby in June and July and has now colonised all the Yorkshire vice-counties since its first appearance in 2006. The plume moth Capperia britanniodactylus appeared at North Ferriby in July, there are few county records, all of which have been in VC63. Several examples of Eudonia lineolea were recorded at Kilnsea in July and August and these are the first county occurrences since the nineteenth century. The local Recurvaria leucatella was recorded at North Cliffe Wood in August.In VC62 the fourth Yorkshire record of Argyresthia arceuthina was at Hob Hole in June, all records have come from the north of the county. Another fourth county record was of Monochroa suffusella at Strensall Common in July, although the first record was in 1967 at Skipwith Common it has only re-appeared in the county during the last couple of years. Crambus uliginosellus was found at Strensall Common in July but remains very infrequently recorded while Phycitodes binaevella at Haxby in July is a moth that has become much more frequent in recent years and is now recorded in all five vice-counties.In VC63 larvae of Psychoides verhuella were found at Brockadale, this moth has previously been restricted to western areas of the county but there has been evidence of a wider spread in recent years. Phtheochroa inopiana occurred at


West Melton and at Kirk Smeaton in July, it was previously restricted to coastal localities but has turned up at several inland localities during the year. Schoenobius gigantella is another moth that seems to be in the process of colonising the county with one at Rodley in July.In VC64 both Epinotia pygmaeana and Cydia strobilella (seen below Charles Fletcher) were recorded at Hackfall Woods in April, the former is surprisingly rarely recorded, it ought to be frequent in spruce plantations while the latter is only the fourth Yorkshire record, the last being in 1916. Strophedra weirana has been found more frequently in recent years, larval feeding at Otterburn in September means that it now occurs in all five vice-counties.Despite the considerable increase in recording effort in VC65 during the past fifteen years, additions of moths that are otherwise widespread in Yorkshire are still being made. Among these the more notable are Calamotropha paludella, Epiblema costipunctana and Phtheochroa inopiana all at Nosterfield reed bed in July, the first two are now recorded in all five vice-counties whilst the latter is part of the inland spread mentioned earlier. On the other hand Coleophora siccifolia at Hutton Conyers in July is a moth with very few widely scattered records in all vice-counties.Notable occurrences that did not constitute new vice-county records include the tineid moth Nemapogon koenigi at Brockadale in July, only the second recent record. Working out the distribution of moths of the genus Coleophora is a slow process as many require dissection for a convincing determination. Coleophora deauratella, first seen in 2013 was found at three localities in VC63 during the year suggesting establishment in the south of the county. Among the tortricoid moths Crocidosema plebejana at Flamborough in August provided the sixth example of this sporadic immigrant moth that is now established in southern England. Others that have re-appeared in recent years after a long absence include Epinotia fraternana at Skelton in June, only the second modern record and the fourth Yorkshire occurrence of Apotomis lineana at Spurn in July. Epinotia signatana occurred again at Wheldrake in July where the first record was made in 2014. Among the plume moths the second Yorkshire example of Crombrugghia distans came from Spurn in August following on from one at the same locality in 1992 and Oxyptilus parvidactyla at Wharram Quarry in July, the two previous confirmed records were also in VC61.

Right; 45.025 Oxyptilus parvidactyla Small Plume. Mike Coverdale 13.07.16


Leaf miners in 2015 includedRight; 4.097 Ectoedemia rubivora in a blackberry leaf. VC 61 Andy D Nunn

Below;15.051 Phyllonorycter lantanella found in Sheffield on a Viburnum lantana Wayfaring-tree.

Below right; 63.083 Crambus uliginosellus Strensall Common VC 62 Charles Fletcher

Left; One of several 63.071 Eudonia lineola that were recorded at Kilnsea VC 61 in July and August these are the first county occurrences since the nineteenth century.Jan Crowther.

Right; 73.087 Small Mottled Willow a migrant that arrived in good numbers during 2015. Barry Warrington


Migrant Moths in 2015

Good migration years tend to be compared to the great migration year of 2006. 2015 was not quite in that league but nevertheless many species arrived in numbers approaching those that we saw nine years previously. Numbers of Bordered Straw, Small Mottled Willow and Convolvulus Hawk-moth were particularly impressive and many recorders caught up with one or more of these species for the first time. Many other species arrived in increased numbers though the total number of migrant species stayed the same as usual.

The year started off quietly though it was not long before reports of huge numbers of Bordered Straws in Spain led to discussion as to whether the influx would reach the UK. The first migrants to arrive were Diamond-back Moths near Ripon and at Blaxton on 10th April followed soon afterward by the first Dark Sword-grass and Silver Y. The first Bordered Straw arrived at Otley on 10th May followed by a large influx all across the county in June. Many more were reported in late August, presumably the offspring of the first arrivals. The main arrival of Humming-bird Hawk-moths started in June with records rapidly spreading all over the county. The last moth was seen on 5th November. Numbers were boosted by an extra 449 records repatriated from Butterfly Conservation’s “migrant watch”. The other migrant Hawk-moth to enjoy a remarkable year was Convolvulus Hawk-moth. There were very few inland records but numbers at Spurn were exceptional, particularly the trap at Easington which attracted 22 in August and September. As a contrast numbers of Bedstraw Hawk-moths were low with all records on the coast. Rarer Hawk-moths included a Death’s-head Hawk-moth at Spurn on 22nd June, the first here for ten years, but prize for the best Hawk-moth went to a Silver-striped Hawk-moth found in Castleford on 5th November, only the third county record in the last 25 years. A Small Mottled Willow at Hessle on 17th June was the forerunner of a big arrival in July with records extending into September. Four Small Marbled were even more exciting, all arriving in the south east of the county in mid-July. The only previous county record was back in 2005. Vestals and Gems arrived in slightly increased numbers, mostly to coastal areas. Pearly Underwing, Scarce Bordered Straw and Great Brocade also appeared in bigger numbers than usual with scattered records across the county and the figures show that numbers of most migrants were up on previous years. Silver Y recovered from its worst year ever in 2014 and had a much better year. Migrant microlepidoptera did not include any major rarities though Palpita vitrealis put in a good showing for the fourth consecutive year. Two of the four Ostrinia nubilalis were found at inland sites. Numbers of Udea ferrugalis and Nomophila noctuella were steady but unremarkable. Unlike the last two years there were no major late influxes. All the late migrants were common species, particularly Silver Y which was the last migrant of the year on 14th December at Hutton Conyers.


Plutella xylostella (Diamond-back Moth) 296 (454 – 140 – 246 – 1067 – 876)Ostrinia nubilalis (European Corn Borer) 4 (1 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 3)Udea ferrugalis (Rusty-dot Pearl) 42 (19 – 78 – 1 – 6 – 73)Nomophila noctuella (Rush Veneer) 129 (105 – 7 – 34 – 32 – 46)Palpita vitrealis 4 (0 – 0 – 4 – 5 – 4)Convolvulus Hawk-moth 46 (10 – 5 – 4 – 2 – 7)Death’s-head Hawk-moth 1 (1 – 0 – 0 – 1 – 2)Humming-bird Hawk-moth 700 (107 – 198 – 12 – 29 – 107)Bedstraw Hawk-moth 4 (2 – 12 – 15 – 5 – 3)Silver-striped Hawk-moth 1 (0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0)Vestal 10 (0 – 3 – 1 – 18 – 3)Gem 6 (14 – 2 – 0 – 2 – 5)Small Marbled 4 (0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0)Silver Y 2400 (1948 – 1143 – 1912 – 2376 – 1118)Bordered Straw 61 (0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0)Scarce Bordered Straw 8 (2 – 4 – 1 – 2 – 2)Small Mottled Willow 28 (0 – 8 – 0 – 0 – 2)Pearly Underwing 16 (7 – 7 – 0 – 4 – 8)Dark Sword-grass 242 (336 – 187 – 68 – 202 – 120)Great Brocade 5 (5 – 2 – 0 – 0 – 1)

73.074 Bordered Straw Damian Money 69.018 Silver-striped Hawk-moth Beverly Burgess The 3rd county record in the last 25 years.

The following table shows the number of records for each migrant species in 2015 compared with numbers in the five previous years in brackets, ie (2010 – 11 – 12 – 13 --14). This enables readers to check how many of each species might have been expected in a typical year. Bear in mind that the numbers of annual moth records submitted has increased significantly in recent years so this must be taken into account when interpreting the figures.


The Yorkshire Moth database – what has happened in 2015?The weather in 2015 was not as kind as 2014 so despite a record number of contributors the total records fell 10,000 short of the previous year. The final total of 158,483 however was very respectable and with over 10,000 records submitted from previous years, the database has now gone through the two million mark and currently stands at a mammoth 2,163,332 records of over eight million moths. 24% of records this year were for microlepidoptera - a slight increase on last year. Records from national incentives such as migrant watch have been repatriated from Butterfly Conservation to county recorders and this led to an extra 1300 records of Humming-bird Hawk-moth to add to the database.All the records that you submit to us are not just held in the database gathering dust but are passed on to various national recording schemes including the National Moth Recording Scheme, the National Pyralid and Plume Scheme, the National Leaf Mining Scheme, and the National Gelechiid Recording Scheme. A National Micro Moth Recording Scheme is being set up and by the time you read this it should be accepting records. Records of moths new to the vice-county are passed to John Langmaid for publication in Entomologist’s Record and records of migrant moths are sent to Sean Clancy for publication in the same journal. This helps to put our records into a national context and enables country-wide trends to be analysed. National distribution maps are available on several web sites such as Moths Count on http://www.mothscount.org/ and British Leafminers at http://www.leafmines.co.uk/. The database is uploaded once a year to the Yorkshire Moths web site at http://www.yorkshiremoths.info/ and detailed distribution maps for the county can be viewed, with details of each individual record available once you have logged in. The maps as usual show the total number of moths recorded in each of Yorkshire’s 10K squares, with separate maps for macros and micros. They make an interesting comparison with the maps on pages 20 and 21 of the 2014 report and give a good idea as to where increased recorder effort has taken place and where it should be targeted in the future.


This is the final year of field work before the new national macro moth atlas will be produced so it is important to target these squares. Looking at the macro map, the infamous “Holderness Hole” is no more. It could however do with some more coverage in 2016 along with two other squares in VC61 – SE73 (east of Selby) and SE85 (north of Pocklington). VC62 could do with more recording effort in SE67 (Hovingham), NZ40 (Hutton Rudby) and NZ60 (Castleton). VC63 is now well covered apart from the western fringes whilst VC64 and 65 still have several very under-recorded squares in the west. The micro map is looking more healthy particularly in VC61 where there has been a lot more recording effort. Coverage however across the county is very patchy and lots of work remains to be done.Our 200 x 10K squares now have an average of 241 macros and 146 micros per square. Comparable figures for last year were 236 and 139. Another measure of the extent of our coverage is to see how many species have been logged in more than 100 squares. In 12 months this has gone up from 274 to 288. Silver Y still leads the way having been recorded in 182 of our 200 squares, closely followed by Silver-ground Carpet (180) and Large Yellow Underwing and Dark Arches (174). The leading micro is Chrysoteuchia culmella with 155. These are impressive figures when you consider that many of our peripheral squares contain just a small strip of coastline or are shared with neighbouring counties.If you would like to know which species of moths have been recorded in your particular 10K square, drop your VC recorder an e-mail and he will provide you with a list. Do try and trap outside your garden at times and tackle some of these under-recorded squares. You will be filling in lots of dots on the distribution maps and you may find something interesting. Many significant discoveries continue to be made by filling in some of the gaps. Last year’s challenge was to fill the “Holderness Hole” so well done to Mike Coverdale and Jim Morgan for tackling this. Your task for 2016 is to target two squares on the VC61/2 border not mentioned above. SE87 (east of Malton) and SE97 (even further east of Malton!). Both have over 100 macro species recorded but there have been hardly any recorded since 2000. The Moths Count team have pointed this out to us as they want more current dots in these squares


Moths to look out for in 2016Fen Square-spot Diarsia floridaThis is the univoltine form of Small Square-spot (Diarsia rubi). Larger, paler and with a pinkish tinge when fresh, florida is on the wing between the two broods of rubi, with a peak emergence in the second week in July. At this time, any late first brood rubi on the wing will usually be worn. Second broods of rubi are smaller and darker and rarely fly so early. Nearly all recent records of florida have come from damp wet upland areas or lowland heaths. It is reputed to fly later in the night than rubi. Wing markings are almost identical and dissection shows only subtle differences in the genitalia so separation can be tricky. It can sometimes be confused with Ingrailed Clay D. mendica which flies at the same time. The name florida means “blooming” or “bright”, a good description of its appearance and usually the first thing to strike the recorder when one is caught in the trap. Increased recent records of this species may represent better awareness of its presence in the county rather than a true increase in numbers but it is possible that populations exist of which we are unaware so please do keep an eye open for this species.

Yarrow Pug Eupithecia millefoliataThis species has not yet been recorded in the county but may be heading our way. First seen in Kent in 1933 it has recently been spreading north and west. There have been records in Lincolnshire and in 2014 one was found in South Manchester, just into Cheshire. This is a large Pug which could easily be mistaken for other species such as Grey, Plain or Pimpinel Pug, so it really is a species about which we should be aware. It flies in June and July and is commonest in coastal habitats but also rough or scrubby grassland where yarrow grows. The larva is difficult to find by searching and it is apparently better to beat the withered seed heads when brown. Like many Pugs, dusking around the foodplant may be a good way to find it.

Lead-coloured Pug Eupithecia plumbeolataSince Porritt’s list this species has been recorded very infrequently in the county and the only records in the last fifty years have come from Harwood Dale and Goathland in VC62 and from Brimham Rocks in VC64. The foodplant is common cow-wheat, an annual hemiparasite most commonly found at the edges of acid woodlands


on heaths and in upland areas, so commonest in upland VC62 and in those parts of the Dales with acidic soil. It may be more common in the county than we realise and looking for it just before dusk around its foodplant may be productive, as may looking for the larvae in July or August. This is a very small Pug, similar to Haworth’s and perhaps reminiscent of Slender or Maple Pugs without the discal spot. It flies slightly earlier in the year, usually in June.

Thank you to Dave Grundy who supplied the Yarrow Pug and Lead-coloured Pug photos and Charles Fletcher for the Fen Square-spot.

RaritiesVerification of moth records is a little different to bird recording in that we do not have a formal records committee. Records are first assessed by the vice-county or county recorders and in the majority of cases verification is fairly easy. In cases of doubt, opinions are obtained from other experts. If you have caught a new county or vice-county record however, we really do need to see a specimen or good quality photograph. Again this year we have had several possible rarities which could not be verified and are therefore not included in the report. This is a shame as many may well have been correct. If you are unhappy with our decision, that’s fine. We are quite happy to be queried and won’t take offence.The record will then be sent to other experts in the county or at national level to help make a decision. The final verdict however has to come from the county recorder. Micro moths are a little different. The new national scheme for micro moths will have both regional and national panels to help adjudicate on difficult records. Harry Beaumont and Charles Fletcher are both members of the northern regional panel so you should notice little difference except that it will be even easier for us to obtain further opinions. Submission of records to national schemes demands a higher degree of accuracy for rare records and these are subject to greater scrutiny now by those who run the national databases

Yorkshiremoths – Yahoo GroupIf you are not already a member, why not join the Yorkshire Moths newsgroup at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Yorkshiremoths/. We now have 149 members who chat about mothy topics, post tricky pictures for the rest of us to identify or have a stab at answering your queries. We have now been going for 13 years and last year there were many pictures uploaded. People who are new to moth trapping find it very useful to get some help with difficult identifications and to find out what is happening in the county so do log in and join us.Butterfly Conservation Yorkshire Branch also have a Facebook Group as do the YNU. On these social media sites the latest lepidoptera sightings and news can be posted and members’ queries can be answered.


Top Mothing MisidentificationsThere are very few recorders who send in perfect datasets and it is very easy for errors to creep in either through typos when entering records or simply from misidentifications. Every set of records submitted goes through verification software and your county recorders spend a lot of time weeding out incorrect records such as species flying at the wrong time of year or records at light of day-flying species. This is one of the reasons why we like your records well before the year end. Even so it is very easy for errors to creep through. It is increasingly important that our database is correct now that our records are passed on to various national schemes so please be as accurate as you can and try not to guess. Please when using MapMate do use the validation checks (Data Entry -> records/properties/validation) as this will warn you if you have located an extreme rarity or one flying at the wrong time or simply a moth you have not encountered before. Look at the distribution maps on the Yorkshire Moths web site to see if your record is likely. When we receive a dataset we usually query a selection of records but we’ll be delighted if you can prove us wrong by sending us a specimen, a stunning photo or (even better!) a slide of a dissection. If you think there is likely to be any controversy it is always a good idea to keep the specimen.This is particularly the case with many microlepidoptera which often cannot be identified from photographs. Take care when entering the species name. This year common typos have included Five-spot Burnet for Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet, Scalloped Oak for Scalloped Hazel, Figure of Eight for Figure of Eighty, Red-headed Chestnut for Red Chestnut and White-spotted Pinion for White-pinion spotted. The following are some of the commonest errors that we saw this year. Some are the same as in previous years.

Late records of Common Quaker flying from July onwards. These usually turn out to be Vine’s Rustic. A particularly common mistake this year.Cream Wave, Lesser Cream Wave and Small White Wave are commonly reported but very few turn out to be correct. All three do occasionally come to light but all three are very local and usually recorded by day. We really need a photo of these three.Mottled Grey and Early Tooth-striped seemed to cause problems this year. Mottled Grey flies early on uplands and heathland. It has shiny wings with chequered veins. Early Tooth-striped flies later in woodland and has an arched leading edge to the wing.Spinach is now a rare moth and we really need a photo. Many turn out to be Barred Straw or Northern Spinach.Mystery noctuids this year have several times turned out to be Nutmeg or Grey Chi. Don’t forget about these two species.Northern Winter Moth is not common in gardens. It is bigger and paler than the commoner Winter Moth. It can also be confused with late-flying “November” moths.Lots of records of Small Emerald this year but not one was accompanied by a photo. Nearly all claims of this species turn out to be false.Garden Dart is now extremely rare in the county but often claimed. Hang on to the specimen as a photo may not always be enough.Red Carpet in lowland areas is Flame Carpet unless proved otherwise.Dark Brocade in the lowlands is Dusky Brocade unless proved otherwise.Triple-spotted Pug is not common unless you have wild angelica growing nearby.If you are regularly recording unexpected rarities that your neighbour doesn’t record, you have probably got it wrong!


MicrosAll of the errors that we talked about last year turned up on multiple occasions in 2015 so everyone who records micros needs to read this bit! The excellent Field Guide to Micro Moths of Great Britain and Ireland by Sterling and Parsons is very useful but it can on occasions lead to problems and it is easy to fall into the trap of comparing a moth with the illustrations and not fully reading the text. Not all species are depicted and there is a bit of a southerly bias so that in some cases northern species are given less prominence than they deserve. Some genera such as Phyllonorycter and Bucculatrix are under-represented despite many species being identifiable by forewing markings. Many micros have various forms, not all illustrated, and some northern forms often appear darker or different in other ways. Do read the introductory sections especially the key to families and pay particular attention to the palps, the scales on the head and the shape of the hindwing. The second edition of British Moths by Chris Manley is also excellent, highly recommended and a huge improvement on the first edition but again the same problems can apply and it can lead to jumping to erroneous conclusions when the moth seems to match the photo. Limited room for text means that identification difficulties and the need for dissection are not always emphasised enough. The following are some of the commonest errors we came across in 2015.

Acleris ferrugana and notana cannot be separated by forewing characteristics and always need dissection.Acleris laterana and comariana cannot be separated unless you are very experienced and know what occurs in your area.Virtually no adult Coleophora species are separable without dissection with the possible exception of C. mayrella and trifolii. Dichrorampha species are extremely difficult to separate unless you are very experienced. Records from new areas should always be dissected.Yponomeuta species are notoriously difficult to separate, especially Y. cagnagella (Spindle Ermine) and Y. malinellus (Apple Ermine). Despite what the book says, they cannot be separated by dissection. Larval records are acceptable as they are specific to the food plant. Beating the adult from the food plant is acceptable.Parornix species need dissection. Always. When you start dissecting them you will be surprised how many are not anglicella.Beware of those little grey Scoparia/Eudonia species. The books make them look easy. They aren’t! Every year we get several records of the really rare ones such as Eudonia delunella and Scoparia ancipitella. These are nearly always incorrect.It’s not a moth, it’s a caddis. We receive many pictures of caddis flies every year looking remarkably like micro moths. Caddis flies have hairs on their wings (Trichoptera) rather than scales (Lepidoptera) and these are easily visible under a hand lens and usually on the photo.

Y. malinellus from an apple tree Ian Redding


Below Left: Anania hortula Small Magpie. Charles Fletcher Right: Emmelina monodactyla Common Plume. Penny Relf

Top Micro-moths in 2015 Based on numbers of records Code Scientific name Vernacular Records Individuals

49.039 Epiphyas postvittana Light Brown Apple Moth 1981 5493 63.080 Chrysoteuchia culmella Garden Grass-veneer 1457 11957 63.038 Pleuroptya ruralis Mother of Pearl 1119 5566 63.025 Eurrhypara hortulata Small Magpie 1097 2125 49.166 Celypha lacunana 1093 4037 63.093 Agriphila straminella 1063 10441 63.089 Agriphila tristella 996 5980 49.077 Acleris variegana Garden Rose Tortrix 776 1331 41.002 Blastobasis adustella 725 2546 28.010 Hofmannophila pseudospretella Brown House Moth 695 1125 63.074 Eudonia mercurella 691 1740 62.001 Aphomia sociella Bee Moth 679 1043 49.109 Agapeta hamana 633 1658 63.064 Scoparia ambigualis 607 1943 49.161 Celypha striana 573 999 63.067 Dipleurina lacustrata 489 2186 49.156 Hedya nubiferana Marbled Orchard Tortrix 481 1395 63.033 Udea lutealis 415 859 45.044 Emmelina monodactyla 412 563 28.009 Endrosis sarcitrella White-shouldered House Moth 402 521 49.025 Pandemis cerasana Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix 402 1140 49.026 Pandemis heparana Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix 384 630 16.001 Yponomeuta evonymella Bird-cherry Ermine 379 1744 63.102 Catoptria falsella 375 571 49.265 Eucosma cana 364 732 41.003 Blastobasis lacticolella 320 695 49.157 Hedya pruniana Plum Tortrix 320 650 62.035 Trachycera advenella 300 559 18.001 Plutella xylostella Diamond-back Moth 299 409


Top Macro-moths in 2015 Based on numbers of records Code Vernacular Records Individuals

73.342 Large Yellow Underwing 4584 95142 73.317 Heart and Dart 2568 15213 73.162 Dark Arches 2535 20947 73.015 Silver Y 2449 9670 73.329 Flame Shoulder 2258 6478 73.345 Lesser Yellow Underwing 1999 9757 73.334 Small Square-spot 1873 13053 73.249 Hebrew Character 1649 7107 72.045 Common Footman 1590 9330 73.267 Bright-line Brown-eye 1479 4381 73.096 Uncertain 1468 10319 72.002 Straw Dot 1427 6321 73.357 Square-spot Rustic 1421 8808 70.226 Brimstone Moth 1365 2612 73.359 Setaceous Hebrew Character 1356 3719 70.016 Riband Wave 1347 4260 73.293 Smoky Wainscot 1299 7751 73.348 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1236 7056 72.019 Buff Ermine 1230 3825 73.113 Angle Shades 1196 2134 73.244 Common Quaker 1186 5997 72.003 Snout 1179 3676 70.097 Common Marbled Carpet 1171 1980 70.258 Willow Beauty 1163 2149 70.054 Silver-ground Carpet 1124 3161

Winners and Losers in 2015One of the most instructive parts of compiling the report is to see which species have increased and which have decreased in the past year. Climatic change and habitat alteration appear to be driving rapid changes in numbers and distribution of many of our moth species. In Yorkshire 2015 was a colder year than 2014 (although globally the hottest on record) and there seemed to be few moths around in May and early June so the season took a long time to get going. Hot spells were few and far between and most moth trappers reported a decrease in numbers. Several species which have recently increased their ranges went through a year of consolidation with little further range expansion. The following figures are derived in the same way as usual by comparing the number of records in 2015 with the average of the five previous years and applying a correction factor to compensate for the increase in recording effort. The figures below are all for those resident macro moths which are fairly widespread in the county and which have a significant number of records. Migrants, rarities and very local species are omitted.

73.213 Olive - down 56% Jim Morgan


WINNERS CHANGE LOSERS CHANGEOblique Carpet +479% Twin-spotted Wainscot -71% Beautiful Hook-tip +201% Shore Wainscot -69%Small Elephant Hawk-moth +191% Glaucous Shears -68%Red-necked Footman +161% Suspected -62%Marbled White Spot +155% Olive -56%Round-winged Muslin +134% Narrow-winged Pug -56%Small Ranunculus +106% Chestnut -55%Dusky Thorn +100% Dark Marbled Carpet -55%Small Square-spot +96% Spring Usher -54%Buff-tip +95% Twin-spotted Quaker -54%Coronet +95% Dark Brocade -53%Pine Hawk-moth +91% Small Wainscot -52%Emperor Moth +90% Satellite -51%Sharp-angled Peacock +88% Water Carpet -50%Oak/Northern Eggar +82% Brindled Pug -49%Dingy Footman +78% Small Rivulet -47%Sycamore +77% Broken-barred Carpet -46%Vapourer +77% Merveille du Jour -46%Lilac Beauty +76% Gold Spangle -45%Varied Coronet +74% Early Moth -43%

The winners list includes many of the species which have been increasing in numbers and range within the county over the last few years. Beautiful Hook-tip, Red-necked Footman, Small Ranunculus, Coronet, Pine Hawk-moth, Sycamore, Dingy Footman and Varied Coronet are in this category. Several species have bounced back to “normal” numbers following unexpected declines a few years ago such as Small Square-spot, Marbled White-spot, Vapourer, Sharp-angled Peacock and Dusky Thorn. Oblique Carpet merits its place because of an unprecedented explosion of numbers in the lower Derwent valley and increased Emperor numbers are due to the availability of pheromone lures. Some of the others are interesting, particularly the steady rise in numbers of Small Elephant Hawk-moth and Buff-tip for which there seems to be no explanation.

The losers list this year is more difficult to explain. Poor trapping conditions in January were probably a factor in reducing numbers of Spring Usher and Early Moth, though a series of warmer winters has not been kind to Chestnut and Satellite which over-winter better when it is colder. Poor weather in spring seemed to reduce numbers of several early-flying upland species (Glaucous Shears, Narrow-winged Pug, Dark Brocade) and some in the lowlands (Brindled Pug, Water Carpet, Twin-spotted Quaker), though others including the rest of the Orthosia species appeared to be unaffected. The list shows some moths which have been slowly declining in the county, Suspected, Olive and Broken-barred Carpet belong to this group. Shore Wainscot numbers strangely dropped and the second brood hardly materialised. The big drop in numbers of Twin-spotted Wainscot was difficult to explain with a contraction of range and none at all at Spurn.


ADVICE TO MAPMATE USERSPlease back up your database and keep one or preferably two copies in a safe place. Several times each year we are asked to “send back” someone’s records as their computer has crashed and they have no records. This is extremely difficult via MapMate and takes a lot of time and effort.Please use the comments field a bit more – it is really useful for us to know that you realise that the record is unusual/late/early or that you’ve dissected it. If the moth is reared, or is of a leaf mine then please record the food plant. It makes us less likely to query the record.The reference field is not for where you’ve looked it up (e.g. in Waring or Manley) but is designed to provide traceability back to the source of the record you are entering. It’s like a literary reference with author, year and title for example “Joe Smith, records, 2015”.Do use the validation functions on MapMate (from Data Entry – records/properties/validation). These prevent a lot of errors.When sending moth records please use the filter “Lepidoptera: Moths” as we don’t really want all your butterfly records.Please do not put “garden” for site as we have to get the map out every time. “Huddersfield (garden)” makes it a lot easier for us when writing the report!Keep your copy of MapMate up to date by downloading all patches. This will be particularly important in 2016 as the new checklist has now been incorporated so all users will need to download patch 479 before submitting records.We now have a Yorkshire MapMate group enabling us to make considerable savings on the annual subscription. Please contact Penny Relf (contact details at back of this publication) for further details.It can be surprisingly easy to enter duplicate records. Everyone should check by “Analysis/Database info/Show duplicated Records entered here”.We receive a lot of records with strange subspecies, for example only forms seen in the Outer Hebrides. Only use these if you are quite sure you are correct.Do make sure that your grid refs are correct. It is only too easy to put SD instead of SE or to transpose northings and eastings. Also please ensure that the site is in the correct VC. MapMate will do this automatically for you if you create the site by putting (for example) Rotherham@SE123456.

Sending specimens and photographs to your County or Vice-County RecorderWith more people recording moths every year, the number of queries to the recorders continues to increase and 2015 brought increasing numbers of photographs and specimens. Again it was sometimes difficult to keep up with the volume of traffic and we thought that repeating some guidelines would be useful for everyone and help to preserve the sanity of the recorders. Don’t forget they are doing this service in their “spare” time for no remuneration. PhotographsTry to the keep file size down when sending photographs over the internet. You really don’t need to send multiple files of 5Mb. Most photos will compress down to about 100Kb.The better the photo, the more chance of identification. Many micros need photos from the side and from above. A large photo with a small blurry moth in the middle is not a good idea.Please have a stab at identifying it yourself. It is helpful for us to know what you might be thinking. Please avoid “I think I know what this is but I thought I would ask you”.Please enclose detail such as site, date and most importantly the size of the moth.Please don’t send us a disc with 300 photos on it. It will go to the bottom of the pile.Do appreciate that many species cannot be identified from photos. Keep the specimen if in any doubt. Do consider other sources of help such as newsgroups, Facebook and other internet resources.


Specimens

Please put the specimen in some sort of tube or container. We receive many pressed flat. The more scales remaining on the wings, the more chance of an identification.Please think about postal charges. Don’t forget that a letter more than 5mm thick is a large letter and any sort of tube is likely to make the envelope more than 25mm thick which makes it a packet. There have yet again been several trips down to the Post Office this year to pay postage due.Again please have a stab at identification yourself. You’ve seen the beast when it was still alive which gives you an advantage, so for example “this looks like Acleris ferrugana or notana, I would be grateful if you could dissect it for me as neither have been recorded in this area” is much better than “tortrix, please identify”. Identification guides and internet resources have become so much better in recent years that you should have a reasonable idea before you pop it in the post.Please realise that dissection is time consuming. Your recorders are doing this as an unpaid service and can receive multiple packages every week. A packet of scaleless unlabelled micros can take over a week to identify so please try to keep your requests down to manageable levels. We are not happy to receive large numbers of Cnephasia or Coleophora specimens at once. A good rule of thumb might be to send anything suspected of being a county or vice-county record or moths with less than ten county records to be checked. Better still, have a go at dissection yourself and send us a photo of the slide if in doubt.It is helpful to know whether you would like your photos, specimens and tubes returned to you. If so, please enclose an SAE. Please enclose an email address if you would like us to reply by email. We will always try to reply but on occasions when we have no phone number or email address it can be a bit tricky!

Submission of Moth Records

You may have read some of these guidelines before but they are worth repeating as they really are important, especially for new moth trappers who might not be aware of the protocol for sending in records, so please do try and read this section which is designed to make your County Recorders’ lives easier!1. Timing. Once again the vast majority of recorders have sent their records in before the end of the year. Very many thanks to all of you. Prompt submission of records enables this report to appear so early and is very much appreciated. It gives us time to check and verify all the records, and with such a big county and so many people sending in records now, this is a major task and not for the faint hearted. There are however twenty or thirty people who regularly need chasing up. This takes time and verification of their records delays starting the report. It would be a pity not to include the records but as we aim to finish writing the first draft by the end of January it does make it rather difficult.2. Accuracy. Please do not be offended if we query a record. This doesn’t mean that we don’t believe you, but as they say, extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, so if you record something that is really rare in the county, it’s a good idea to take a photo or even better keep the specimen. With so many people recording moths in the county now it can be difficult to get to know all of you individually and get a feel for how confident you are in your identification skills. This means that we often query records of unusual moths, those turning up out of their usual area,


or those flying outside their normal flight time, especially if you have not recorded them before. If you are not sure which species are rare in the county or which ones require photographs, specimens or dissection, look at the Yorkshire Moths web site at http://www.yorkshiremoths.info where for each species under “Local Record” a grading system will tell you the detail required. The distribution maps will also help you know if you have caught a moth which is rare in your area. Please don’t guess – there is no disgrace in not being able to identify a moth! If you are not sure, don’t submit the record. It is doubly important now that our database is accurate and doesn’t contain any unreliable records. All the macro records are uploaded every year to the National Macro Moth Recording Scheme and the same will happen soon with micro moths as there is a similar scheme being set up for the microlepidoptera. (Please refer to the information on page 24). Records of migrants go to Sean Clancy who coordinates national migrant records and all microlepidoptera VC records go to John Langmaid and Mark Young who publish these in The Entomologist’s Record, so as you can see, your county recorders are not idle in the first few months of the year.3. Aggregate species. Don’t forget that many common species are not separable without dissection and should be submitted as the aggregate species. These include the “November” moths, Common/Lesser Common Rustic, Marbled/Tawny Marbled Minor, Dark/Grey Dagger and all of the “Ear” moths. Records of (for example) Common Rustic without mention of dissection are automatically rejected. We continue to receive several thousand each year.4. Social media and online recording schemes: please do not assume that we see your postings on Facebook or Twitter or trawl online recording schemes such as iRecord. There are simply too many of these now to keep an eye on. Please send us your records directly.5. Other Natural History Societies. Many people send records to their local Natural History Society and expect that they will be sent on to the county recorders. This is not always the case and it is a good idea to copy records to both. Don’t assume that we know about your records.6. Which species to send in? Please send in records of all species and not just the rarities. This helps us to get a picture of flight times and population trends which can be really useful data.7. Electronic formats. If you have a large number of records to submit, it is a real help to send them electronically. The vast majority of records are now submitted using MapMate which is quick and easy to use and a great way to store and send your records. Purchase it from www.mapmate.co.uk and you won’t regret it. Records in Excel format are also easy for us to import into the database, but each record should be on a separate line, with the various fields (species, date, site etc) along the top. Having said this, any records are better than no records at all, so even records written on the back of an envelope are fine as long as there aren’t too many of them. However when you post that large list of several hundred hand-written records in January, listen hard and you might just hear the groan of your busy county recorder who has to input them all by hand at the busiest time of year! Electronic submission also enables our report to be more accurate as it stops typographical errors creeping in when we amalgamate the records into our database. Please do not send the same list to more than one recorder as duplication often occurs on the database.8. If you send us records via e-mail or MapMate, sometimes they can get lost. If we don’t reply, we probably haven’t received them!


Moth Night 2015Moth Night 2015 took place over three nights from 10th to 12th September. The theme was migration – an inspired choice as 2015 turned out to be the best year for migrants since 2006. The weather was reasonable and there were plenty of moths on the wing. Records were submitted to the Moth Night website www.mothnight.info and this year it was possible to upload MapMate sync files which made the process much easier. The results will be published later this year in Atropos. Recorders who did not upload their records will not be able to see the fruits of their labours in print, however some early records sent to the county recorders were sneaked in by the back door. 964 records of 143 species were received by the organisers. Please do upload your records in 2016 as it helps to give a broader picture when the results are published in Atropos. If all records from the weekend had been uploaded, we would have had 2212 records of 246 species.There was a good haul of migrants. The star moths were two Convolvulus Hawk-moths at Appletreewick and Spurn (right, Barry Spence) Spurn also boasted a Bordered Straw and two Humming-bird Hawk-moths, whilst up the coast at Catwick there was a Palpita vitrealis. The rest of the migrants included thirteen Udea ferrugalis, seven Plutella xylostella, one Nomophila noctuella, five Dark Sword-grass and rather a lot of Silver Y, especially at Spurn. Other nice moths recorded included Golden-rod Brindle at Skyreholme, Pale Eggar at Lund, Striped Twin-spot Carpet and Crinan Ear at Cold Park, and Large Ranunculus at Scarborough whilst Spurn had some nice micros including Gelechia hippophaella and Aproaerema anthyllidella.

Pale Eggar. A rare moth in the Holderness area. Charles Fletcher

Moth night 2016 will be held from 9th to 11th June and will focus on Hawk-moths. These are always popular with the public, so do please consider putting on a public event and advertising it on the Moths Count web site. As usual there will be prizes for the best macro-moth, best micro-moth and best migrant recorded. In order to qualify for the prize for best migrant moth, entries should also be submitted via the Atropos Flight Arrivals page. Moth Night is a great opportunity to raise awareness about moths. Why not get family and friends involved in whatever you do?

Humming-bird Hawk-moth Brian Morland Above R; Convolvulus Hawk-moth B Spence


VC 61

VC 62

VC 63

VC 64

VC 65

VC 66VC 69

VICE COUNTIES - an explanationThe Map above shows Vice-counties in Yorkshire and the bordering Vice-counties which are still used by butterfly and moth recorders (as well as people recording other wildlife such as plants) because they provide historical stability. The borders of Vice-counties do not change, whereas those of political counties have changed dramatically and continue to do so. County Recorders typically work to Vice-county boundaries. In Britain, butterfly and moth recording is generally organised in accordance with the system of Vice-counties. This system was devised by the botanist H.C. Watson in the mid-nineteenth century. Large traditional counties were split into several Vice-counties to produce units of approximately equal size across the country. Thus large counties such as Devon and Lincolnshire each comprise two Vice-counties, whereas smaller counties such as Bedfordshire and Monmouthshire are each single Vice-counties. YORKSHIRE CONTAINS FIVE VICE-COUNTIES: VCS 61 - 65.

How do you find out which Vice-county you are living and recording in?The Botanical Society of the British Isles has an online tool that will assign a grid reference to a Vice-county, http://herbariaunited.org/gridrefVC/The Biological Records Centre website has a useful feature which lists Ordnance Survey grid squares in each Vice-county, http://www.brc.ac.uk vcgrid Another easy to use site is Cucaera, http://www.cucaera.co.uk/grp/

VC 54

VC 57 VC 56VC 58

VC 60

VC 59


THE SYSTEMATIC LISTThe systematic list follows the usual format with the species order in line with the Checklist of the Lepidoptera of the British Isles by David Agassiz, Stella Beavan and Robert Heckford. For those still not familiar with the new checklist the new numbers start with a family number followed by a three-digit species number, or four digits in the case of adventive species. We are however in a transitional period as some recording software including MapMate still uses the old numbering and species names of Bradley’s 2002 list though it is likely that this will change to the new format in 2016. We anticipate that recorders will be submitting records in line with the new list in 2016. In the following list of species we have again retained the old Bradley number in brackets after the new number for ease of reference as several familiar books still use the old numbering system.It is always tricky to know which species to include. We have limited space and it is not possible to include all of the 1210 species recorded in the county in 2015. As usual we have chosen to include those which we think will be of most interest to the reader. Amongst the microlepidoptera, species are selected for their rarity, spread into an area or vice-county or those showing major changes in distribution or abundance. There has again been a large number of species new for a vice-county this year and these must all be properly documented. Amongst the macrolepidoptera we have listed a much larger selection as these are usually of greater interest to the majority of our readers. These include all species with fewer than twenty records in the year, all new vice-county records, most species of migrant moth and others of interest for example those with a limited distribution but which are locally common such as some of our coastal species. If you do not find a macro species in the list, you can assume that it is either common and widespread or it has not been recorded in the county in 2015. If readers are not sure whether a particular species is “common and widespread” or unrecorded, a glance at the Yorkshire Moths web site at http:www.yorkshiremoths.info will in most cases provide the answer.Initials of recorders can be cross-referenced to the list of contributors at the end of the report. Whilst we can only document the less common species here, all records are extremely valuable and records of the commoner species provide important data on abundance, flight times and distribution, so we really are grateful for all records which are submitted. One or two records from previous years are included because of either late submission or identification in retrospect. Records are of adult moths unless otherwise stated.

SECTION 1. MICRO MOTHS (Mainly the smaller and primitive moths).HEPIALOIDEAHEPIALIDAE

3.004 (16) Gold Swift Phymatopus hecta (Linnaeus)Unusually nearly all records were at light. This species is most commonly recorded at dusk.61. Tophill Low NR, 6.6.2015 (MHo, DF).62. New Marske, 27.6.2015 (DM); Deepdale, 27.6.2015 (DLo, AR, JHo). 64. Bellflask, 2 and 10.7.2015 (BM); Sawley, 3.7.2015 (CHF, JCW, DMS). 65. Nosterfield reed bed, 1.7.2015 (CHF, JCW, SWa).

NEPTICULOIDEANEPTICULIDAE

4.008 (114) Stigmella glutinosae (Stainton)Now thinly recorded in vice-counties 61 to 64. 61. Hessle, tenanted mines on alder 25.9.2015 (BWa); Skidby, tenanted mine 27.10.2015 (ADN). NEW VC RECORD.4.014 (98) S. catharticella (Stainton)Scarce; previous recent records are from vice-counties 63 & 65.


61. North Cave wetlands, mine on buckthorn 11.8.2015 (JOHS). NEW VC RECORD.65. Nosterfield quarry, mines on buckthorn 24.10.2015 (CHF).4.017 (93) S. centifoliella (Zeller)First recorded in 2010, all previous occurrences have been in VC63.61. Hessle, mines on rose 9 & 30.8.2015, moth reared (BWa). NEW VC RECORD.4.036 (72) S. myrtillella (Stainton)This is the first VC62 record since the nineteenth century.62. Bridestones, Dalby Forest, tenanted mines 27.10.2015 (DSh).4.061 (83) S. atricapitella (Haworth)There are few confirmed county records, otherwise it has only been recorded in VC63.61. Hessle, tenanted mines on oak 5.9.2015 conf. J.R. Langmaid from photo (BWa) Cottingham, tenanted mine on oak, 7.11.2015 (ADN). NEW VC RECORD.4.062 (88) S. samiatella (Zeller)Since the first record in 1999 this moth has proved to be widespread and is now recorded from all five vice-counties.61. Hessle, mine on sweet chestnut 13.8.2015 (BWa). NEW VC RECORD.4.075 (22) Ectoedemia louisella (Sircom)This appears to be the most northerly British record.63. Potteric Carr NR, mines in keys of field maple 30.8.2015 (HEB, RIH). NEW COUNTY RECORD.4.097 (31) E. rubivora (Wocke)First recorded in 2001; all previous occurrences have been in the northern half of the county.61. Thorpe Basset, mines on bramble 16.10.2015 (ADN, CHF et al.). NEW VC RECORD.62. Dalby Forest, 27.10.2015 (DSh).

ADELOIDEAHELIOZELIDAE

6.005 (157) Heliozela hammoniella (Sorhagen)Records are thinly spread across the county but there are none from VC62.61. Hull, mine on birch, 22.10.2015 (BWa). NEW VC RECORD.

INCURVARIIDAE8.001 (129) Incurvaria pectinea HaworthMost frequent in VC63 but records now include all vice-counties.65. How Edge, Ravenseat, mines on birch 8.8.2015 (CHF). NEW VC RECORD.8.004 (132) I. praelatella ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Infrequently recorded; there are no records from VC61 and the only one from VC65 dates from the nineteenth century.62. Near Levisham, 26.6.2015 (RWo); Pickering, 14.7.2015 (ADN).

TINEOIDEATINEIDAE

12.010 (196) Morophaga choragella ([Denis & Schiffermüller])First recorded in 1999 then no further records until 2013. During the past three years it has occurred in vice-counties 61 & 63.61. North Cliffe Wood, 1.7.2015 (IM, ADN); Elloughton, 4.7.2015 (EDC).63. Thorne Moors, 17.7.2015 (DWi); Top House Wood, Thorne Moors, 8.8.2015 (MWa).12.011 (225) Triaxomera fulvimitrella (Sodoffsky)Recent records are infrequent but it has now occurred in all five vice-counties.65. Sloe Wood, Bellflask, -.6.2015 (BM). NEW VC RECORD.12.012 (224) T. parasitella (Hübner)63. Worsbrough Village, 5.6.2013 gen. det. HEB (JDHB); Barrow, Worsbrough, 16.6.2015 det. HEB (JDHB); Rodley, 27.6.2015 (JWC). NEW COUNTY RECORD.12.017 (217) Nemapogon koenigi Capuşe = wolffiella Karsholt & Nielsen


63. Brockadale NR, two 1.7.2015 det. HEB (DWi). 12.047 (199) Psychoides verhuella BruandRecently has been found in the west of Yorkshire, the VC63 record is the first from the south east63. Brockadale NR, larva, em. 22.5.2015 (RIH). NEW VC RECORD.64. Nidd gorge, 5.5.2015 (CHF).12.048 (200) P. filicivora (Meyrick)Since the first record in 2009 this moth has occurred at several localities in vice-counties 61, 63 and 64.61. South landing, Flamborough, 22.6.2015 (IM), larvae on harts tongue fern 27.9.2015; Danes Dyke, Flamborough, 27.9.2015 (ADN); larvae 28.10.2015 (DSh); Walkington, 1.11.2015 (ADN); Hessle, larvae 6.11.2015 (BWa). NEW VC RECORD.63. Anston Stones Wood, larvae, em. 11 & 12.5.2015 (RIH); Woodsetts, 26.5.2015 (CT); Auckley, 1.11.2015 (SRS).64. Low Bentham, feeding signs on harts tongue fern 16.8.2015 (TMW); Ingleton, 16.8.2015 (JPe); Baildon, 21.8.2015; Skipton, 7.9.2015 (ADN).

GRACILLARIOIDEABUCCULATRICIDAE

14.008 (272) Bucculatrix cidarella ZellerVery thinly recorded across the county but no record from VC61.63. Wharncliffe Wood, mines on alder 5.10.2015 (CHF).

GRACILLARIIDAE15.003 (281) Caloptilia populetorum (Zeller)This moth remains scarce although it has occurred annually since 2010.63. Potteric Carr NR, 10.4.2015 (RIH); Meersbrook, Sheffield, 1.7.2015 (JT); Wortley, leaf roll on birch 5.10.2015 (CHF).15.012 (290) C. semifascia (Haworth)Only the third county record, the previous one in VC62 was in the nineteenth century.62. Rawcliffe meadows, leaf roll on field maple 4.9.2015 (CHF, JCW, MHa).15.016 (297) Euspilapteryx auroguttella StephensMost records come from VC63 but it is now recorded from all five vice-counties.61. Hessle, 23.6.2015 (BWa); North Ferriby, 11.8.2015 (IM). NEW VC RECORD.15.035 (316) Phyllonorycter roboris (Zeller)Not recorded in VC62 since the nineteenth century; all modern records have been in VC63.62. Dalby Forest, mine 27.10.2015 (DSh).15.051 (331) P. lantanella (Schrank)A moth that is spreading northwards, it is worth looking for it on Guelder rose.63. Tinsley, Sheffield, tenanted mines on Wayfaring tree 16.9.2015 (MGr). NEW COUNTY RECORD.

YPONOMEUTOIDEAYPONOMEUTIDAE

16.021 (442) Cedestis gysseleniella (Zeller)Infrequently recorded but occurs in all five vice-counties.61. Tophill Low NR, 13.7.2015 (MHo, DF).65. Hutton Conyers, 20.7.2015 (CHF).

YPSOLOPHIDAE

17.009 (459) Ypsolopha sylvella (Linnaeus)Although occurring in all five vice-counties there have been fewer records than usual in 2015.61. North Ferriby, 10.9.2015 (IM).64. Collingham, 29.8.2015 (PH); Askham Bryan, 10.9.2015 (DL).


ARGYRESTHIIDAE20.004 (405) Argyresthia arceuthina ZellerThe fourth county record, previously found in vice-counties 64 & 65.62. Hob Hole, 9.6.2015 det. RWo (SF). NEW VC RECORD.20.007 (409b) A. cupressella WalsinghamFollowing the first record in 2006 this moth has spread rapidly and is now recorded from all five vice-counties.61. North Ferriby, 22.6.2014, 19.6-9.7.2015 (IM); Skidby, 14.7.2015 (ADN). NEW VC RECORD.

PRAYDIDAE22.033 (---) Prays ruficeps (Heinemann)The distribution of this taxon, recently separated from P. fraxinella, remains to be ascertained. 63. Torne Bridge, 12.5.2015 det. HEB (SRS).

GELECHIOIDEAOECOPHORIDAE

28.024 (646) Tachystola acroxantha (Meyrick)This recent addition to the county now appears to be established in VC63.63. Pudsey, several 4.6-2.7.2015 (DHa); Meersbrook, Sheffield, 1.7, 5 & 27.10.2015 (JT).

GELECHIIDAE35.035 (746) Chrysoesthia drurella (Fabricius)Although this moth is recorded annually in VC62 and less frequently in VC63, this is only the second VC61 record and the first in over 100 years.61. Hessle, 7.8.2015 (BWa).63. Kirk Smeaton, 1.7.2015 (DWi).35.041 (786) Bryotropha desertella (Douglas)Typically a moth of sandy coasts, most recent records are from the Spurn area but are rather infrequent.61. Spurn NNR, 16.7.2015 (BRS).35.076 (741) Monochroa suffusella (Douglas)The fourth county record of this bog and marsh inhabiting moth, the Yorkshire records are the most northerly in Britain.62. Strensall Common, two on 10.7.2015 (CHF et al.). NEW VC RECORD35.079 (733) Eulamprotes wilkella (Linnaeus)A local moth with few county records, it appeared more often than usual in 2015.61. North Ferriby, 28 & 29.6.2015, 16.7.2015 (IM); Easington, 4.7.2015 (BRS); Hessle, 14 & 21.7.2015 det. CHF (from photo) (BWa).63. Auckley, 11.7.2015; Branton, 12.7.2015 (SRS); Brockadale NR, 12.8.2015 (P&JS).35.089 (794) Prolita sexpunctella (Fabricius)There are very few recent records of this moth; it formerly occurred quite widely on the moors.62. Harland Moor, 13.5.2015 (PeL).35.102 (803) Gelechia muscosella ZellerThis nationally scarce species has been seen quite regularly at two localities near Doncaster in recent years.63. Potteric Carr NR, 13.7.2015 (HEB, RIH).35.129 (828) Caryocolum viscariella (Stainton)Sparsely recorded but possibly overlooked.61. Catwick, 18.7.2015 (JM).63. Almholme, 10.8.2015 gen. det. HEB (SRS).35.143 (774) Teleiodes luculella (Hübner)Locally common in vice-counties 61 to 64, unrecorded in VC65.61. North Cliffe Wood, 4.6.2015 (ADN, IM); Kilnwick, 6.6.2015 (MCo); Hessle, 8.6.2015 (BWa). NEW VC RECORD.35.149 (771) Carpatolechia alburnella (Zeller)


Most often recorded in vice-counties 62 & 63, seemingly scarce elsewhere.61. Skipwith Common, 3.7.2015 (JOHS); North Cliffe Wood, 4.8.2015 (ADN, IM). NEW VC RECORD.62. Strensall Common, 10.7.2015 (CHF et al.).64. Tadcaster, 6.8.2015 (DBa).35.153 (773) Pseudotelphusa paripunctella (Thunberg)Very local with few records.63. Thorne Moors, 27.6.2015 (HEB).35.157 (758) Recurvaria leucatella (Clerck)Previously all recent records had come from VC63.61. North Cliffe Wood, 4.8.2015 (ADN, IM). NEW VC RECORD.35.161 (756) Parachronistis albiceps (Zeller)All county records have come from the Doncaster area, this is the third in recent years.63. Potteric Carr NR, 29.6.2015 (RIH).

COLEOPHORIDAE37.013 (501) Coleophora siccifolia StaintonA scarce moth, there are now single records from each of the five vice-counties.65. Hutton Conyers, 7.7.2015 gen. det. (CHF). NEW VC RECORD.37.029 (511) C. orbitella ZellerA handful of records widely scattered in all vice-counties.62. Keldy Castle, larval case on birch 12.10.2015 (CHF).37.032 (515) C. albitarsella ZellerAll recent records are from the Doncaster area.63. Potteric Carr NR, cases 9.4.2015 (DSh); Kirk Smeaton, 21.7.2016 gen. det. (DWi).37.046 (519) C. deauratella Lienig & ZellerThe two previous Yorkshire records are also from VC63 in 2013 and 2014.63. Rodley, 30.6.2015 gen. det. HEB (JWC); West Melton,13.7.2015 gen. det. (HEB); Brockadale NR, 15.7.2015 gen. det. HEB (DWi, PSi).37.052 (535) C. ibipennella ZellerA scarce moth with widely scattered records but none from VC62.61. North Cliffe Wood, larval case on oak 8.6.2015 (ADN). NEW VC RECORD.63. Potteric Carr NR, 30.6.2015 (RIH).

ELACHISTIDAE38.015 (620) Elachista gangabella ZellerRarely recorded; modern occurrences are restricted to single records in vice-counties 62 to 64.62. Skelton, 1.7.2015 gen. det. RWo (DM).

PARAMETRIOTIDAE39.002 (906) Blastodacna atra (Haworth)There are only three previous records of this moth; it ought to be more frequent.64. Ellington Banks MOD, 24.6.2015 gen. det. CHF (CHF et al.).

MOMPHIDAE40.014 (881) Mompha terminella (Humphreys & Westwood)The only previous VC62 record dates from the nineteenth century.62. Dalby Forest, mines on enchanter’s nightshade, 27.10.2015 (DSh).63. Potteric Carr NR, mines frequent, 30.8 & 20.10.2015 (RIH, HEB).

PTEROPHOROIDEAPTEROPHORIDAE

45.021 (1507) Stenoptilia zophodactylus (Duponchel)Occurs widely but sparsely across the county but there is no record from VC65.61. Kilnsea, 16.9.2015 (BRS).


45.025 (1490) Oxyptilus parvidactyla (Haworth)The fourth Yorkshire record, there is an old record from VC62 but recent occurrences are all in VC61.61. Wharram Quarry, 13.7.2015 (JM, MCo).45.026 (1491) Crombrugghia distans (Zeller)This is the second county record, it previously occurred at the same locality in 1992.61. Spurn NNR, 2.8.2015 (BRS).45.028 (1494) Capperia britanniodactylus (Gregson)All previous records have been in VC63.61. North Ferriby, 3.7.2014 (IM). NEW VC RECORD.45.039 (1519) Hellinsia carphodactyla (Hübner)First found in the county in 2000, it has previously been recorded thinly in vice-counties 63, 64 & 65.64. Tadcaster, 9.9.2015 (DBa).45.040 (1518) H. lienigianus (Zeller)Thinly recorded in vice-counties 61 to 64, most frequent in VC63.63. Kirk Smeaton, 14.7.2015 (DWi).

TORTRICOIDEATORTRICIDAE

49.002 (1014) Isotrias rectifasciana (Haworth)Most frequent in vice-counties 61 & 63 with very few records in the north of the county.62. Haxby, 28.6.2015 gen. det. RWo (TJC).64. Sawley, 3.7.2015 (CHF, JCW, DMS et al.).65. Foxglove Covert, 19.6.2015 (CHF, JCW et al.).49.008 (1008) Philedone gerningana ([Denis & Schiffermüller])A moorland moth that has been infrequently recorded in recent years.64. Bastow Wood, 5.8.2015 (JG).49.076 (1054) Acleris cristana ([Denis & Schiffermüller])There is a record from York (VC unknown) in the nineteenth century that is perhaps best regarded as requiring confirmation. Since 2006 it has occurred sporadically in vice-counties 61 and 63.63. Brecks, Rotherham, 15.4.2015 (MSm).49.086 (1051) A. logiana (Clerck)First seen in the county in 2010 it has since occurred sparsely in vice-counties 61, 63 and 64.63. Thrybergh CP, 21.2 & 27.3.2015 (MSm); West Melton, 6.11.2015 (HEB).49.092 (921) Phtheochroa inopiana (Haworth)Records were previously restricted to coastal localities in vice-counties 61 and 62. It has been seen much more widely in 2015.61. Hunmanby Gap, 28.6, 5 & 15.7.2015 (KC); Kilnwick, 1.7.2015; Lund, 1-21.7.2015 (MCo); Kilnsea, numerous 25.6-24.8.2015; Spurn NNR, 23.7-5.8.2015 (BRS); Wheldrake, 7 and 10.7.2015, 2.8.2015 (JOHS); Flamborough, 10 & 18.7.2015 (IM).62. Littlebeck, 12.7.2015 (MBe).63. West Melton, 4.7.2015 (HEB); Kirk Smeaton, 5.7.2015 (DWi). NEW VC RECORD.65. Nosterfield reed bed, 1.7.2015 (CHF). NEW VC RECORD.49.121 (939) Aethes tesserana ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Except for two old records in VC62 all occurrences have been at Kiplingcotes chalk pit where it has been seen at intervals since 1981.61. Kiplingcotes chalk pit, 12.6.2015 (DA).49.132 (956) Cochylidia implicitana (Wocke)The first Yorkshire record was from VC62 in 1982. From 1997 it has occurred with increasing frequency in VC61.61. Kilnsea, 1.8.2015; Spurn NNR, 6-21.8.2015 (BRS).


49.148 (1091) Apotomis lineana ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Only the fourth modern record of this local moth.61. Kilnsea, 21.7.2015 (BRS).49.197 (1112) Bactra robustana (Christoph)Records of this saltmarsh moth are restricted to the Humber estuary.61. Hessle, 23.6.2015 (BWa); Spurn NNR, 26.6.2015 (BRS).49.203 (1123) Ancylis laetana (Fabricius)Recorded infrequently in vice-counties 62 to 64.63. Potteric Carr NR, two on 16.6.2015 (RIH).49.206 (1121) A. upupana (Treitschke)First seen in Yorkshire in 1995; there have since been occasional records from vice-counties 61 and 63.63. Branton, larva on birch 15.10.2014, em. 12.5.2015 (SRS); Potteric Carr NR, 29.6.2015 (RIH).49.233 (1156) Epinotia solandriana (Linnaeus)Surprisingly this seems to be the first VC65 record of this widespread and often common moth.65. Hutton Conyers, 2.8.2015 (CHF). NEW VC RECORD.49.237 (1144) E. signatana (Douglas)The first county record was from the same locality in 2014.61. Wheldrake, 10 & 31.7.2015 (JOHS).49.246 (1130) E. pygmaeana (Hübner)There are few records of this moth which ought to be more widespread among Norway spruce.64. Hackfall Woods, 10.4.2014 (CHF). NEW VC RECORD.49.253 (1143) E. fraternana (Haworth)This is only the second modern record, both have been in VC62.62. Skelton, 26.6.2015 gen. det. RWo (SF).49.261 (1157) Crocidosema plebejana (Zeller)This is the sixth occurrence of this immigrant moth that has recently become established in southern England. All have been in coastal localities in vice-counties 61 and 62.61. Flamborough, 30.8.2015 (IM).49.289 (1187) Epiblema costipunctana (Haworth)A widespread, if local, moth. Now recorded in all five vice-counties.65. Nosterfield reed bed, 1.7.2015, gen. det. (CHF et al.). NEW VC RECORD.49.296 (1179) Notocelia incarnatana (Hübner)A local moth, first seen in the county in 1995.61. Kilnsea, 1 & 7.8.2015; Spurn NNR, 26.7-7.8.2015 (BRS).49.310 (1286) Dichrorampha sedatana BusckA local moth, occurring among tansy.62. Ryton, 21.6.2015 gen. det. RWo (DF). 63. Kirk Sandall, on tansy 6.6.2015 conf. HEB (SRS).49.335 (1254) Cydia strobilella (Linnaeus)The first county record in almost one hundred years.64. Hackfall Woods, 30.4.2014 (CHF). NEW VC RECORD.49.381 (1221) Strophedra weirana (Douglas)Formerly very scarce, since 2000 has been recorded quite widely in small numbers and now from all five vice-counties. There were several records in vice-counties 61 to 63 in 2015.64. Otterburn, feeding signs on beech 28.9.2015 (CHF). NEW VC RECORD.

COSSOIDEACOSSIDAE

50.002 (161) Leopard Moth Zeuzera pyrina (Linnaeus)A good year for this large attractive moth of lowland areas.


61. Hessle, 11.7.2015 (BWa).62. Strensall Common, 10.7.2015 (CHF, TMW, TJC et al); Haxby, 10 & 22.7.2015 (TJC).63. Thorpe Marsh NR, 10.7.2015 (MaP, MT); Potteric Carr NR, 10.7.2015 (RIH); Woodsetts, 10.7 and 7.8.2015 (CT); Oughtibridge, 11.7.2015 (PBu); Owston, 7 & 14.7.2015 (MaP); Sheffield, 18.7.2015 (SC).64. Bellflask, 11 & 18.7.2015 (BM); Knaresborough, 2.8.2015 (LK); Sharow, 29.6.2015 (JCW).

SESIIDAE52.003 (371) Lunar Hornet Moth Sesia bembeciformis (Hübner)All records were of larval tunnels unless otherwise stated.61. Tophill Low NR, 11.10.2015 (Unknown observer).62. Brotton Golf Course, 20.3 & 18.7.2015 (adult moth); Skelton, 24.7.2015; Skinningrove, 27.3.2015 (DM).63. Shaw Wood, 19.5.2015; Auckley, 25.3.2015 (SRS).64. Rodley NR (adult moth), 18.6.2015 (JK).52.007 (381) Large Red-belted Clearwing Synanthedon culiciformis (Linnaeus)Good to get three records this year. The first record was to pheromones; the other two were daytime observations.61. Skipwith Common, 22.5.2015 (CSR, JR).62. Wykeham Forest, 1.7.2015 (PLe).63. Thorne Moors, 21.5.2015 (MWa, DHh).52.008 (380) Red-tipped Clearwing S. formicaeformis (Esper)All to pheromone lures apart from the Allerthorpe record.61. Tophill Low NR, 29.6, 4 & 15.7.2015 (MHo, DF); Allerthorpe Common – one on creeping thistle, 24.7.2015 (IA); Skipwith Common, 20.5.2015 (CSR, LM).63. Brockadale NR, 29 and 30.6.2015 (DWi).52.012 (374) Yellow-legged Clearwing S. vespiformis (Linnaeus)All to pheromones at one of its most regular sites.63. Thackley, 31.7, 7 and 8.8.2015 (NA).52.013 (373) Currant Clearwing S. tipuliformis (Linnaeus)All to pheromones apart from the Auckley record.63. Auckley – larva in blackcurrant (adult bred), 2.3.2015 (SRS); Thackley, 28.6 and 3.7.2015 (NA).64. Baildon, 24.6.2015 (DP) and 3.7.2015 (JG).52.014 (382) Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis ([Denis & Schiffermüller])A good spread of records from the usual areas in the south and east of the county. About half of the records were to pheromones.61. Tophill Low NR, 18, 20 & 25.7, 1 & 2.8.2015 (MHo, DF); Hessle, 25.6, 6 & 9.7.2015 (BWa).62. Long Nab, 11.7.2015 (TCo).63. Thrybergh Country Park, 21.7.2015 (MSm); Brockadale NR, 30.6.2015 (DWi); Monk Bretton, 7.7.2015 (DeWh); Auckley, 9.7.2015 (SRS).

ZYGAENOIDEAZYGAENIDA

54.002 (163) Forester Adscita statices (Linnaeus)Records from the usual areas. We may be able to use pheromones to look for this species in 2016.63. Moss, 18.6.2015 (MaP); Fen Carr, 2.6.2015 (DWi); Hatfield Moors, 20.7.2015 (DWr); Thorpe Marsh, 9.6.2015 (MT).65. Upper Wensleydale, 23.6.2015 (IMo) and 1.7.2015 (DWa).54.003 (164) Cistus Forester A. geryon (Hübner)Records from the usual Wharfedale population. None from VC62.64. Kilnsey area, 15 & 29.6, 1 & 9.7.2015 (PMi, M&JC, THo); Bastow Wood, 29.6.2015 (KB).


SECTION 2: BUTTERFLIESHESPERIDAE

SKIPPERS

57.001 (1532) DINGY SKIPPER Erynnis tages (Linn 1758)Broods: Normally 1, but a partial 2nd possible even as far north as Yorkshire. Resident, often overlooked. Less common, moth-like species, mainly found in relation to chalk and limestone or old coal tip habitats on the N York Moors, Yorkshire Wolds, and on industrial sites like railway goods yards.Yorkshire 2015: This is a difficult species to assess as few sites are recorded regularly enough to judge the true length of the flight season. Also we know little about the area size of most sites for a species which is reputed to exist in metapopulations (i.e., groups of linked colonies). The number of sites recorded was marginally down on last year’s low total of 51, at 49 sites recorded: VC61: 14, VC62: 11, VC63: 19, VC64: 4, VC65: 1. Most flight activity was in May and early June which is fairly normal. The July records may represent a partial 2nd brood or simply be a late appearance. Observers of late records should be wary of similar-looking moth species and also the fact that true 2nd brood specimens reportedly have paler backgrounds, stronger chequering, and pale yellow-cream underwings. Photos of late specimens would be appreciated! Howard M FrostFIRST SIGHTINGSVC65: 23/04 6 Nosfld LNR Stephen Worwood VC63: 03/05 1 Monk Bretton Chris ParkinVC61: 06/05 1 Wharram Qu Jennifer WattsVC62: 10/05 2 Spaunton Qu Dave O’Brien VC64: 27/05 1 Thruscross Nigel HeptinstallPEAK COUNTSVC63: 13/05 146 Marshalls Yard Steve BranchVC61: 16/05 43 Enthorpe Cut Andrew AshworthVC65: 23/05 6 Nosfld LNR Stephen WorwoodVC62: 26/05 11 Nr Hawnby Dave O’Brien VC64: 04/06 16 Hencliffe Wd Mike Barnham

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Apr 1 (6), May 19 (796), Jun 17 (283), Jul 2 (14). Total flight days/flight season length: 39 / 94 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 127 (1099) = mean 8.65 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 38 (308), VC62: 19 (63), VC63: 61 (677), VC64: 6 (37), VC65: 3 (14).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 51 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

LAST SIGHTINGSVC65: 23/05 6 Nosfld LNR Stephen WorwoodVC61: 19/06 1 Enthorpe Cut Andrew AshworthVC62: 29/06 1 Appleton-le-Moors D O’BrienVC63: 29/06 1 Cudworth Chris ParkinExtra late records/possible 2nd broodVC64: 18/07 12 High Birstwith Richard WaltonVC64: 25/07 1 Garforth Marjorie Edwards

Left: Dingy Skipper Damian Money


57.005 (1527) ESSEX SKIPPER Thymelicus lineola (Ochsenheimer 1808) Broods: 1. Rare resident. Newcomer to southern edges of county from 1996 as part of a national expansion northward. Locally present near Doncaster (VC63), along the banks of the Ouse between Goole and RSPB Blacktoft Sands, occasionally showing up at Spurn (VC61).Yorkshire 2015: There were verified sightings, at the end of July 2015, in the south of VC66 indicating the surprise presence of Essex Skipper around the Middlesbrough area (i.e., just north of VC62). Recorders throughout VCs 61-65 were asked to make a special effort to double-check any Small Skippers seen in case they were Essex Skippers – Small Skipper are very similar in looks to Essex Skipper, behave similarly, fly in the same habitats and have over-lapping flight periods, so there is always the danger of over-looking Essex Skipper. Though the weather in 2015 was not especially good for Skipper hunting, several sightings indicate a slight spread in VC61 (North Cave and Allerthorpe Common) and a more substantial spread in VC63. Reports of the Essex Skipper in VC64 are probably the result of unofficial introductions. There were no sightings in VC62 and VC65 despite a search. David SmithFIRST SIGHTINGSVC61: 21/06 1 Ganstead Paul Stark VC63: 06/07 1 Lindrick Common Diane WardleyVC64: 30/07 3 Kirk Deighton Mike BarnhamVC64: 30/07 48 Coniston Cold Andrew RhodesPEAK COUNTSVC63: 25/07 24 Oxenhope, Marsh C’mn Paula DaleVC64: 30/07 48 Coniston Cold Andrew RhodesVC61: 02/08 1 North Cave Gary DayeVC61: 03/08 1 North Cave Gary DayeVC61: 03/08 1 Allerthorpe Common Steve ElliottLAST SIGHTINGSVC64: 10/07 1 Baildon, Baildon Bank Paul SmithiesVC61: 08/08 1 Allerthorpe Common David SmithVC63: 07/09 1 Brockadale Paul & Joyce Simmons

57.006 (1526) SMALL SKIPPER Thymelicus sylvestris (Poda 1761)Broods: 1. Widespread resident.Yorkshire 2015: Despite the unusual weather conditions in 2015, the Small Skipper appears to have fared quite well. Overall in Yorkshire this butterfly was slightly more numerous than last year. Three of the vice county totals were up this year, except VC61 and VC65 which were substantially down on last year. With the exception of a couple of early sightings, and one or two late ones the main season was fairly short, lasting from late June to early September. There was one very odd late October sighting in VC61. Dave Hatton

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: June 2 (52), July 15 (79), Aug 5 (6), Sept 1 (1). Total flight days/flight season length: 23 / 79 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 35 (138) = mean 3.94 butterflies per observation.b) by VC: VC61: 5 (4), VC63: 25 (78), VC64: 5 (56).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 22 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.


FIRST SIGHTINGSVC65: 06/06 1 Catterick Garrison David HallVC63: 10/06 1 Shipley Station Susan SteadVC61: 15/06 2 Spurn NNR Spurn logbookVC64: 24/06 3 Timble Ings DavidHelenJoan AlredVC62: 29/06 2 Spaunton Qu Dave O’BrienPEAK COUNTSVC63: 07/07 155 Monk Bretton Chris ParkinVC65: 19/07 77 Foxglove Covert D& THelpsVC61: 02/08 174 North Wolds D WoodmanseyVC62: 11/08 172 Langdale J Holder & A RoddaVC64: 01/09 556 Settle,Cleatop Brian ShorrockLAST SIGHTINGSVC63: 01/09 2 Ashford Manor Grant Brook VC65: 01/09 1 Foxglove Covert LNR FCGroupVC62: 06/09 1 Eston Moor Dave O’BrienVC64: 11/09 1 Settle, Swarth Moor T MoverleyVC61: 19/10 1 Fordon Banks J Holder A RoddaSTATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jun 12 (90), Jul 31 (5999), Aug 30 (2414), Sep 6 (17), Oct 1 (1).Total flight days/flight season length: 80/ 97Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 815 (8521) = mean 10.46 butterflies per observation.b) by VC: VC61: 163 (1559), VC62: 83 (672), VC63: 272 (2984), VC64: 269 (3013), VC65: 28 (293).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 253 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

57.009 (1531) LARGE SKIPPER Ochlodes sylvanus (Esper 1779)Broods: 1. Widespread resident, but thin on the ground.Yorkshire 2015: This was another strong season for the Large Skipper. The start was a little delayed – in seven of the last ten years butterflies were seen from mid- to late May, but this year they only began to appear in the first week of June. In both the ‘number of reports’ and the ‘total butterflies seen’ 2015 was the strongest since the Millennium; despite this result, only two reports gave a three-figure count this year. As usual, the more easterly and northerly parts of the county (VC’s 61, 62 and 65) gave the weakest results, and it remains unclear whether this reflects the true state of the butterfly, the amount of observer exploration in those parts or (perhaps most likely) a bit of both. Mike BarnhamFIRST SIGHTINGSVC62: 03/06 1 Pexton Bank Peter Mayhew VC63: 04/06 3 South Kirby Stack Chris ParkinVC64: 07/06 1 Askham Bog Peter MayhewVC61: 07/06 1 Filey Sean CloughVC65: 16/06 4 Foxglove Covert FCGroupPEAK COUNTSVC62: 21/06 12 Deepdale A Rodda, J HolderVC65: 30/06 11 Foxglove Covert FCGroupVC64: 03/07 53 Coniston Cold A Rhodes


VC63: 05/07 168 Thorne Moor James HinchcliffeVC61: 22/07 20 Millington Pastures Ann GurnellLAST SIGHTINGSVC65: 30/07 1 Catterick Garrison P IllingworthVC61: 12/08 5 Sewerby Ian MarshallVC62: 13/08 2 Hornby Glebe John EdwardsVC64: 25/08 1 Leeds, Halton R ProudfootVC63: 04/09 1 Buck Wd Norman Alvin

PIERIDAE‘Whites’

58.001 (1541) WOOD WHITE Leptidea sinapis (Linn 1758)Broods: 1. Extinct former resident, last recorded 1850s, Huddersfield VC63. Also recorded Worral VC63 1951 (introduction suspected) and 2009 Thorpe Salvin VC63 on southern border of Yorks not far from a known unofficial introduction site just over the border in Derbyshire. Yorkshire 2015: A single specimen reported on 16/07 near Thorpe Salvin in VC63 (Paul Townsend). Undoubtedly an unofficial introduction. David Smith

58.003 (1553) ORANGE-TIP Anthocharis cardamines (Linn 1758)Broods: 1. Widespread common resident, flying spring/early summer only.Yorkshire 2015: After the boom of 2014 comes the crash of 2015. This year’s total of 1828 is even lower than the year that many naturalists consider to be the worst of recent times: 2008. The butterfly will have been particularly sensitive to the cold and wet conditions arriving in late spring, during what is a critical time for the species. Productive sites included: Spurn Head, Flamborough (VC61); Carlton Marsh, Hollins Wood (VC63); Timble Ings (VC64); Catterick Garrison and environs (VC65); and the biodiversity hotspot that is Terry Crawford’s back garden (VC62)! Andrew SuggittFIRST SIGHTINGSVC63: 05/04 1 Hollins Wd Chris ParkinVC65: 06/04 3 Leyburn Jean HelmVC62: 18/04 4 Pickering Wds A Rodda & J HolderVC61: 21/04 6 Pocklington Canal Sean CloVC64: 22/04 1 Harrogate Michael LaycockPEAK COUNTSVC62: 04/05 12 Pickering Steve BamfordVC63: 04/05 35 Hollins Wd Chris ParkinVC65: 08/05 20 Foxglove Covert LNR FCGroupVC64: 20/05 30 Timble Ings David, Helen & Joan AlredVC61: 23/05 15 Spurn NNR Species logbookLAST SIGHTINGSVC63: 30/06 1 Hugsett Wd L Corrall & R HibbertVC61: 01/07 1 Buckton Geoff CarrVC62: 03/07 2 Northallerton Edgar MailVC65: 04/07 1 West Tanfield Pauline PercivalVC64: 23/08 1 Sun Lane LNR Anne Riley

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jun 27 (1984), Jul 29 (2859), Aug 18 (177), Sep 1 (1).Total flight days/flight season length: 75/ 94 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 778 (5021) = mean 6.45 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 134 (417), VC62: 65 (209), VC63: 307 (3146), VC64: 245 (1182), VC65: 27 (67).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 254 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.


58.006 (1549) LARGE WHITE Pieris brassicae (Linn 1758)Broods: 2+. Widespread resident and regular migrant both from the S and from the NE (Baltic area - in Aug).Yorkshire 2015: Numbers were up 40% from last year at just under 7,000 for this year. The numbers were in line with expectations for a typical year lacking significant immigration. For such a common butterfly, the striking number of days in the summer for which there were no Large White sightings submitted across the entire county of Yorkshire, gives testament to the year’s sporadic weather. David SmithFIRST SIGHTINGSVC61: 23/03 1 Wressle Steve Bamford VC64: 05/04 1 Bishopthorpe Peter MayhewVC63: 06/04 1 Canklow Stephen BranchVC62: 22/04 1 Skelton Castle Damian Money VC65: 16/05 1 Baldersby Tim HelpsPEAK COUNTS 1st BroodVC62: 15/05 2 Scarborough,L & J WestmorelandVC64: 30/05 16 Harrogate, Richard WaltonVC61: 04/06 12 Flmbrgh Head Ian MarshallVC63: 29/06 193 Carlton Marsh Chris Parkin VC65: singletons only seenPEAK COUNTS 2nd BroodVC61: 17/07 99 Sproatley Tom GarlandVC63: 02/08 46 Kiveton Park George ClayVC65: 05/08 22 Nosfld LNR Pauline PercivalVC64: 08/08 27 Boroughbridge, Milby Mags Latin VC62: 13/10 25 Broxa Pauline PopelyLAST SIGHTINGSVC64: 11/10 1 Otley Adele CarrVC62: 13/10 25 Broxa Pauline PopelyVC61: 20/10 1 Flambrough Head Ian MarshallVC65: 22/10 1 Baldersby Tim Helps

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Apr 22 (442), May 30 (989), Jun 26 (377), Jul 4 (10), Aug 2 (10).Total flight days/flight season length: 84 / 141 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 655 (1828) = mean 2.79 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 153 (299), VC62: 052 (108), VC63: 210 (801), VC64: 180 (472), VC65: 060 (148).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 271 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

VC63: 12/11 1 South Kirby Chris ParkinSTATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Mar 2 (2), Apr 19 (80), May 22 (260), Jun 25 (479), Jul 31 (1197), Aug 31 (4288), Sep 28 (515), Oct 16 (74), Nov 3 (6).Total flight days/flight season length: 117/ 235 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 2363 (6901) = mean 2.58 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 961 (3253), VC62: 133 (276), VC63: 535 (1617), VC64: 645 (1524), VC65: 89 (231).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 546 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.


58.007 (1550) SMALL WHITE Pieris rapae (Linn 1758)Broods: 2+. Widespread, common resident and regular migrant.Yorkshire 2015: There were slightly more records of Small White in Yorkshire in 2015 than in 2014. The average number of butterflies per record continues to decrease. It was, overall, another poor year. There were no March records and the first brood seemed thinly spread, with few if any substantial counts. The second brood was, as expected, much stronger, but there was still only one count of more than 100 individuals. There were no big coastal totals; no evidence of immigration. Once it had begun, the flight season lasted longer, with three records in November extending last year’s season into the autumn by some three weeks. Although undoubtedly scarcer in these areas, the suspicion must remain that Small Whites are under recorded in VCs 62 and 65. Paul FletcherFIRST SIGHTINGSVC61: 02/04 1 Dane’s Dyke Ian MarshallVC64: 04/04 2 Knaresborough M BarnhamVC63: 05/04 1 Ossett Geoff CarrVC65: 05/04 1 Catterick Garrison P IllingworthVC62: 17/04 1 Scarborough L WestmorelandPEAK COUNTS 1st BroodVC65: 06/04 3 Richmond Susan ZisslerVC63: 21/04 16 Cudworth Chris ParkinVC62: 04/05 4 Pickering Steve BamfordVC65: 08/05 3 Nosfld LNR Stephen WorwoodVC62: 11/05 4 Pickering Steve BamfordVC61: 11/05 30 Dane’s Dyke Ian MarshallVC64: 04/06 7 Winksley Mike BarnhamPEAK COUNTS 2nd BroodVC62: 29/07 12 Strensall Common Peter HinksVC64: 03/08 28 Markington Mike BarnhamVC63: 04/08 59 Cudworth C’mn R Hibbert,L CorrallVC65: 08/08 5 Nosfld LNR A MurrayVC61: 11/08 220 Buckton Geoff CarrLAST SIGHTINGSVC65: 08/10 1 Catterick David Oldham VC62: 13/10 6 Broxa Pauline PopelyVC64: 21/10 1 Sharrow Village Jill WarwickVC61: 22/10 1 Flmbrgh Michael PearsonVC63: 10/11 1 South Kirby Chris ParkinSTATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Apr 26 (371), May 29 (539), Jun 29 (386), Jul 31 (1502), Aug 31 (4658), Sep 30 (1129), Oct 18 (145), Nov 3 (15).Total flight days/flight season length: 197/ 223 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 2921 (8745) = mean 2.99 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 1064 (3545), VC62: 152 (315), VC63: 836 (2891), VC64: 777 (1764), VC65: 92 (230).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 624 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

Photos: Page 50, Large White and above, Small White, both by John Money


58.008 (1551) GREEN-VEINED WHITE Pieris napi (Linn 1758)Broods: 2+. Common and widespread resident favouring damp areas and upland habitats.Yorkshire 2015: A relatively poor year for the Green-veined White despite the flight season being the longest for the past ten years. The season began on the 23rd March with a Withernsea sighting for Howard and Christine Frost in VC61 and continued into November in VC63 with a sighting by Chris Parkin on the 10th at South Kirby. Despite the lengthened season (some two weeks longer than in 2014), butterfly records and numbers were greatly reduced in all five vice counties. Of particular note is the fall in butterfly numbers to around a third of those observed in 2014 in VC64 and VC65. Jax Westmoreland FIRST SIGHTINGSVC61:23/03 1 Withernsea Howard & Chris FrostVC64:05/04 2 Bishopthorpe Peter MayhewVC65:07/04 1 Masham B Latty, RTiteVC62:17/04 1 Scarborough L & J WestmorelandVC63:29/04 1 Catcliffe Stephen BranchPEAK COUNT 1st BroodVC64:25/04 150 Bishopthorpe Peter MayhewVC63:04/05 34 Hollins Wd Chris ParkinVC62:23/05 4 Northallerton Edgar MailVC61:26/05 12 Flmbrgh Head Ian MarshallVC65:08/06 16 Hawes Mike GibsonPEAK COUNT 2nd BroodVC61:17/07 23 Sproatley Tom GarlandVC63:25/07 53 Cudworth Chris ParkinVC62:06/08 5 Little Smeaton John EdwardsVC65:07/08 29 Baldersby Tim HelpsVC64:29/08 48 Settle Brian ShorrockLAST SIGHTINGSVC62:09/09 1 Great Smeaton John EdwardsVC65:15/09 1 Foxglove Covert LNR FCGroupVC64:29/09 1 Otley Adele CarrVC61:09/10 1 Spurn NNR Species logbookVC63:10/11 1 South Kirby Chris ParkinSTATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Mar 2 (2), Apr 21 (509), May 28 (1034), Jun 29 (915), Jul 31 (876), Aug 31 (2489), Sep 24 (1), Oct 5 (10), Nov 3 (4).Total flight days/flight season length: 174/ 233 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 1799 (6210) = mean 3.45 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 426 (1209), VC62: 104 (299), VC63: 419 (1927), VC64: 735 (2369), VC65: 115 (406).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 525 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

58.010 (1545) CLOUDED YELLOW Colias croceus (Geoffroy 1785)Broods: Multiple. Highly mobile migrant, occasionally reaching Yorkshire from the continent, mainly southern Europe, or as offspring from butterflies which came earlier in year to southern England. Numbers are usually low but can vary considerably from year to year, with big invasions tens of years apart.

Green-veined White Jessica Bone


Yorkshire 2015: There were 9 reports totalling just 13 butterflies. The earliest records were not until mid August, and they continued very sporadically until mid October. There were 6 reports from VC61 – one (from Rosemary Roach) of 5 butterflies together at Everthorpe Grange near North Cave. VC63 produced 1 report of a butterfly in September, and VC64 had a Clouded Yellow in each of September and October. No reports from VC65. Paul & Joyce SimmonsTetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 5 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

58.013 (1546) BRIMSTONE Gonepteryx rhamni (Linn 1758)Broods: 1. Long-lived, very mobile, hibernating resident.Yorkshire 2015: A poor spring was boosted by early summer numbers, nearly as good as 2014. Numbers of butterflies and records were disappointingly low in VC62. Significantly more widespread and higher counts from VC64. Top sites include Burley-in-Wharfedale, Coniston Cold, Catterick, Masham, Spurn, Driffield, Pickering and Brockadale. Several peak counts in the high teens recorded by Chris Parkin, Peter Hinks, Paul and Joyce Simmonds (all VC63). VC63 also had the longest season of all VCs, covering 11 months. Most records from Joan McCagney, Spurn NNR Species logbook, Terry Crawford, Diane Wardley, David and Rosemary Howson, Andrew Rhodes and Stephen Worwood. Males specifically recorded from VC65 by several recorders. Ova recorded by Sean Clough in Hull (VC61) on 22/04. Butterflies flying on the same day in all five VCs on 6/4, 7/4, 9/4, 23/4, 7/6 & 10/09. Christine Frost FIRST SIGHTINGSVC63: 09/01 1 Gildingwells Brian ReedVC64: 05/03 1 York Peter MayhewVC61: 10/03 1 Driffield Joan McCagneyVC65: 10/03 1 Masham Robert AdamsVC62: 02/04 5 Pickering Steve BamfordPEAK COUNTSVC61: 10/04 6 Driffield Joan McCagneyVC65: 22/04 6 Masham Robert AdamsVC62: 04/05 7 Pickering Steve BamfordVC62: 11/05 7 Pickering Steve BamfordVC63: 16/06 19 Brockadale Hibbert&CorrallVC64: 06/08 6 Collingham Ray BakerVC65: 15/09 6 Foxglove Covert LNR FCGrpLAST SIGHTINGSVC62: 10/09 1 York Peter IzzardVC61: 09/10 1 Little Wold Plt Sean CloughVC61: 09/10 1 Low Hunsely Sean CloughVC64: 20/10 1 Knsbr’Harrogate & District NatsVC63: 01/11 1 South Kirby Chris ParkinVC65: 10/11 1 Thirsk Tim HelpsVC65: 10/11 1 Masham Christine Weaver

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jan 1 (1), Feb 1 (1), Mar 5 (13), Apr 24 (429), May 23 (203), Jun 22 (223), Jul 19 (57), Aug 27(147), Sep 20 (81), Oct 06 (12), Nov 02 (04).Total flight days/flight season length: 150 / 306 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 653 (1169) = mean 1.79 butterflies per observation.b) by VC: VC61: 168 (243), VC62: 33 (57), VC63: 183 (496), VC64: 230 (311), VC65: 39 (62).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 225 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.


NYMPHALIDAENymphalids - the multicoloured species plus the 'Browns'.

59.002 (1615) WALL Lasiommata megera (Linn 1767)Broods: 2. Very localised yet widespread resident which has declined dramatically in S England and is now disappearing from Yorkshire at an alarming rate. Populations seem to suffer from very wet weather. Nationally, a 'species of concern'.Yorkshire 2015: The number of sightings in 2015 was 761, a reduction of over 400 compared to 2014. The overall pattern of distribution was the same as in previous years with VC61 providing the majority of sightings. There were reductions in sightings as follows – 30% in VC61, 79% in VC62, 83% in VC63 and 90% in VC65. In contrast, though admittedly from a low baseline, sightings in VC64 more than doubled from 56 in 2014 to 120 in 2015. There were no first brood sightings in VC63 and only three sightings in total. The date range of the sightings and the number of flight days was similar to 2014. Steve MattockFIRST SIGHTINGSVC65: 24/04 1 Leyburn Mike GibsonVC61: 07/05 1 Flmbrgh S.Landing Ian Marshall VC62: 10/05 1 Spaunton Qu Dave O’BrienVC64: 13/05 1 Barden Moor Nigel Heptinstall VC63: 22/07 1 Thorpe Marsh NR Peter HinksPEAK COUNTS 1st BroodVC61: 23/05 12 Spurn NNR Species logbookVC62: 26/05 6 Cattersty Cliffs Damian MoneyVC64: 11/06 8 Pateley Bridge Mike BarnhamVC65: Only singletonsVC63: No sightings PEAK COUNTS 2nd BroodVC63: 03/08 1 Nr Austerfield Samantha BattyVC61: 19/08 47 Flmbrgh O’tr H’d Ian MarshallVC62: 22/08 2 Brotton, Warsett Hill Damian MoneyVC64: 05/09 8 Blazefield Mike BarnhamVC65: 05/09 2 Nosfld LNR Peter CarltonVC65: 10/09 2 Foxglove Covert LNR FCGroupVC65: 10/09 2 Catterick Training Area David OldhamLAST SIGHTINGSVC63: 15/08 1 Thorpe Marsh NR Mick TownsendVC62: 06/09 2 Eston Moor Dave O’BrienVC65: 13/09 1 Catterick Training Area David OldhamVC65: 13/09 1 Nosfld LNR Stephen WorwoodVC64: 02/10 3 Timble Ings Pat & Ken LimbVC61: 09/10 2 Fordon Banks A Rodda J Holder

59.003 (1614) SPECKLED WOOD Pararge aegeria (Linn 1758)Broods: 3+. Mobile resident which has become established in many parts of the county as a result of recent expansion from the south.Yorkshire 2015: It would appear that the distribution of the Speckled Wood in Yorkshire has now largely filled out, or at least reached a pause, and aside from some gap filling in the north of the county it has remained largely unchanged since

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Apr 1 (1), May 19 (126), Jun 22 (130), Jul 2 (2), Aug 24 (369), Sep 17 (123), Oct 2 (10).Total flight days/flight season length: 87/ 169 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 238 (761) = mean 3.20 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 147 (595), VC62: 16 (29), VC63: 3 (3), VC64: 61 (120), VC65: 11 (14).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 78 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.


2009. Total numbers recorded have been in the range of ~ 7,000 to 12,000 in seven of the last nine years. Nevertheless, this year did represent a drop of around 30% on 2014 levels, with the first brood in particular being quite weak. VC63 remains a stronghold (the Carlton Marsh, Hollins Wood and Cudworth sites in particular), contributing just under half of the countywide numbers reported. Andrew SuggittFIRST SIGHTINGSVC64: 05/04 1 Bishopthorpe Peter MayhewVC63: 06/04 1 Hexthorpe Diane WardleyVC62: 09/04 1 Skelton Castle D MoneyVC61: 18/04 1 Spurn NNR Species logbookVC65: 22/04 1 Nosfld LNR Robert AdamsPEAK COUNTS 1st BroodVC63: 26/04 17 Cudworth Chris ParkinVC65: 08/05 7 Foxglove Covert LNR FCGroupVC64: 15/05 4 Bingley Susan SteadVC61: 16/05 6 Flamborough Ian MarshallVC62: 23/05 3 Scarborough L & J WestmorelandVC62: 26/05 3 Scarborough L & J WestmorelandPEAK COUNTS 2nd and 3rd BroodsVC65: 10/09 25 Foxglove Covert FCGroupVC61: 13/09 36 Flamborough Ian MarshallVC64: 18/09 23 Knaresborough Mike BarnhamVC63: 19/09 206 Hollins Wd Chris ParkinVC62: 25/09 12 Hayburn Wyke John EdwardsLAST SIGHTINGSVC65: 19/10 3 Baldersby Tim HelpsVC61: 27/10 1 Driffield Joan McCagneyVC62: 01/11 2 Stoupe Brow Paul StarkVC63: 02/11 1 Sharrow Cemetery J BradburyVC64: 02/11 1 Coniston Cold Andrew Rhodes

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Apr 22 (231), May 26 (226), Jun 30 (1025), Jul 30 (1054), Aug 30 (840), Sep 30 (3358), Oct 24 (805), Nov 2 (9).Total flight days/flight season length: 194 / 212 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 2317 (7548) = mean 3.26 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 592 (1625), VC62: 137 (296), VC63: 749 (3701), VC64: 757 (1619), VC65: 82 (307).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 467 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

59.004 (1628) LARGE HEATH Coenonympha tullia (Müller 1764)Broods: 1. Sedentary resident of mires and mosses - N York Moors (VC62), Humberhead Peatlands (VC63 – Thorne, Crowle & Hatfield Moors) and Bowland Fells, western Pennines (VC64).Yorkshire 2015: Records from Fen Bog (VC62) and Swarth Moor (VC64) indicate the Large Heath continues to hold on in these two VCs in very small numbers. VC63 records show larger numbers (an increase of ~25%) than in 2014. The flight period was again short in 2015, without any May or August records. Thorne Moor is approximately 4,000 acres in size and Large Heath has now been recorded in 12 different locations across it in one year, as well as on Top House Farm which is adjacent to the Moor. This suggests that the species is continuing to spread. Most surprisingly, Large Heath was again found on Hatfield Moor where it has been looked for every year but not recently recorded. 9 were recorded on 21st June and 6 on 23rd June by Robbie Millar and Katie Jones. These specimens are likely to be the results of an unauthorised re-introduction – as was the case for the last recorded specimens on Hatfield Moor. Ron Moat FIRST SIGHTINGSVC63: 09/06 2 Thorne Moor Steve HinerVC62: 30/06 1 Fen Bog Dave O’BrienVC64: 03/07 1 Swarth Moor Terry Whitaker

PEAK COUNTSVC64: 03/07 1 Swarth Moor Terry WhitakerVC62: 05/07 2 Fen Bog A Rodda & J HolderVC63: 27/06 421 Thorne Moor R Hibbert, L Corrall


59.005 (1627) SMALL HEATH Coenonympha pamphilus (Linn 1758)Broods: 1 to 3. Widespread resident, often more common in upland areas.Yorkshire 2015: A disappointing year with a large fall in the number of butterflies seen county-wide, continuing a trend noted last year. The stronghold vice counties of VC61 and VC64 saw large falls in numbers of butterflies of ~40% and ~30% respectively from 2014. The decline in VC61 is a continuation of a severe fall in the previous year. There were slight increases in the other VCs. The rises in VC62 and VC63 this year do not regain much ground on the higher numbers in 2013. The numbers in VC65 seem to be showing a steady rise, though their numbers are small. In the Wolds (VC61) there were good numbers from a range of sites, particularly Wharram Quarry. In VC62 high counts were made in Thornton-le-Dale, South Gare and Strensall. In VC63 there were small counts on many sites but Chris Parkin recorded high numbers at Rabbit Ings near Barnsley. In VCs 64 and 65 Small Heath is widespread in the Dales. Paul & Joyce SimmonsFIRST SIGHTINGSVC61: 06/05 8 Wharram Qu Jennifer Watts VC63: 11/05 1 Monk Bretton Stack Chris ParkinVC62: 26/05 1 Brotton Damian MoneyVC64: 31/05 1 Coniston Cold Andrew RhodesVC65: 09/06 1 Aysgarth,Ridings Fld Ian CourtPEAK COUNTSVC63: 04/06 124 Rabbit Ings Chris ParkinVC61: 09/07 169 Wharram Qu Joan McCagneyVC64: 17/07 100 Malham Moor Mike BarnhamVC65: 08/08 85 Catterick David OldhamVC62: 16/08 100 Strensall C’mn Nicola LeFanuLAST SIGHTINGSVC62: 06/09 3 Eston Moor Dave O’Brien VC64: 01/10 2 Conistone Dib Gerald LightVC65: 02/10 1 Catterick, David OldhamVC63: 04/10 1 Orgreave Stephen BranchVC61: 09/10 3 Fordon Bnks Holder, Rodda STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: May 12 (174), Jun 27(1447), Jul 28 (2512), Aug 25 (900), Sep 11 (56), Oct 4 (7).

LAST SIGHTINGSVC64: 03/07 4 Swarth Moor Terry WhitakerVC62: 09/07 1 Fen Bog Dave O’BrienVC63: 22/07 1 Thorne Moor Martin Warne

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jun 13 (988), Jul 8 (166).Total flight days/flight season length: 21/ 44 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 27 (1154) = mean 42.74 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC62: 3 (4), VC63: 23 (1146), VC64: 1 (4). Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 6 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

Total flight days/flight season length: 107/157 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 811 (5096) = mean 6.28 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 112 (1049), VC62: 85 (658), VC63: 125 (839), VC64: 447 (2356), VC65: 42 (194)Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 215 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.


[59.008 (1618) SCOTCH ARGUS Erebia aethiops (Esper 1777)]Broods: 1. Formerly a Yorkshire resident in Upper Wharfedale. Appears to have become extinct in 1930s probably due to habitat change and the depredations of collectors. Has recently been subject to several unreported and apparently unofficial introductions to places for which there are no previous records. Currently, there are only two remaining natural sites for this species in England both in Cumbria.Yorkshire 2015: VC63: Sightings were made around the Lindrick Common area (though no details were provided). This is an area where Scotch Argus were unofficially introduced in or prior to 2006. The last recorded sightings in this area were in 2011 which might suggest another attempt at an introduction in 2015. VC64: Continued presence in known locations radiating out from original site of probable introduction at Park Rash (near Kettlewell) in or prior to 2012. Now seen at Grass and Bastow Wood (Grassington), Littondale, Sleets Gill, Park Gill, Park Rash and Caseker Gill. Earliest sighting was 08/07 (Sleets Gill by C Horner & N Barrett) and the last sighting was 24/08 (Bastow Wood, Kelvin Smith). Highest count was 25 individuals seen on 23 August at Park Rash (Tim Howson). Altogether there were 85 specimens recorded in 2015. David Smith

59.009 (1629) RINGLET Aphantopus hyperantus (Linn 1758)Broods: 1. Widespread and expanding resident, unusual in that it can fly in dull conditions and even light rain.Yorkshire 2015: This year’s season marks a drop of ~20% from 2013-2014 which were both exceptionally good years for Ringlet. Numbers held in VC63 and VC64 but declined in the other VCs. The season was again short – compared to last year emerging ten days later but lasting until the end of August in good numbers. This butterfly was able to still fly in the changeable weather that marked the last half of both July and August. There was only one sighting in September. David Smith FIRST SIGHTINGSVC63: 16/06 3 Brockadale R Hibbert, L CorrallVC61: 17/06 1 Burdale Qu Steve Bamford VC64: 21/06 1 Farnham Gravel Pit HDNGVC65: 23/06 1 Ridings Fld & St Jos Wd C BergsVC62: 24/06 2 Beningbrough Hall T CrawfordPEAK COUNTSVC65: 05/07 400 Nosfld LNR Stephen Worwood VC63: 09/07 818 Brockadale R Hibbert & L CorrallVC62: 12/07 100 Spaunton Qu A Rodda, J HolderVC64: 14/07 500 Ripley, Cayton Gill Mike BarnhamVC61: 15/07 198 Speeton, Blk Cliff J & T DaviesLAST SIGHTINGSVC62: 16/08 4 Strensall Cmn. Nicola LeFanu VC61: 23/08 3 Flambrgh, Ian MarshallVC65: 28/08 1 Baldersby Tim HelpsVC64: 29/08 2 Settle Brian ShorrockVC63: 06/09 1 Grange Moor Pam SkyesSTATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jun 14 (1952), Jul 31 (24860), Aug 30 (2521), Sep 1 (1).Total flight days/flight season length:76/ 83

Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 1723 (29334) = mean 17.02 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 345 (3524), VC62: 138 (1296), VC63: 408 (11326), VC64: 725 (10757), VC65: 107 (2431).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 498 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.


59.010 (1626) MEADOW BROWN Maniola jurtina (Linn 1758)Broods: 1. Common and widespread resident on grassland sites often in large numbers.Yorkshire 2015: As judged by ‘total butterflies seen’ this was fourth in the ranking of best seasons of the last ten years, though it did not come close to the excellence of the 2013 season (a count then of 44,616 insects). Emergence from the first week of June was typical of the last five years, though in the first decade of the millennium the butterflies were more often out from mid-May. Duration of the flight period was normal, with final sightings in early October, as has been the case in five of the last ten years. There were some high local counts this year, such as the delightful experience of the Recorder in fields at Thorpe Underwood in July where, in places, the Meadow Browns and Ringlets rose up in their tens and twenties at every footstep. Mike Barnham

FIRST SIGHTINGSVC65: 06/06 1 Catterick David OldhamVC63: 08/06 1 Wakefield Chris ButlerVC62: 09/06 1 Fylingthorpe Paul SmithiesVC64: 15/06 3 Otley Wetlands Paul PurvisVC61: 19/06 1 Enthorpe Cutting A AshworthPEAK COUNTSVC63: 03/07 604 South Kirby Stk Chris ParkinVC64: 07/07 795 Thorpe U’wood M BarnhamVC62: 10/07 223 York, Wlmgt Stray P MayhewVC61: 15/07 422 Thorngumbald M Bruce,P BursellVC65: 17/07 125 Baldersby Tim Helps

LAST SIGHTINGSVC62: 06/09 1 Eston Moor Dave O’BrienVC65: 06/09 1 Bainbridge H SergeantVC63: 24/09 2 Orgreave Stephen BranchVC63: 24/09 1 Goole Moor Martin WarneVC64: 01/10 1 Farnham Grvl Pits HDNGVC61: 09/10 2 Fordon Banks J Holder, A Rodda

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jun 22 (2443), Jul 31 (24,013), Aug 31 (7194), Sep 18 (292), Oct 2 (3).Total flight days/flight season length: 104/ 126Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 2300 (33,945) = mean 14.76 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 478 (6560), VC62: 167 (1477), VC63: 585 (12,604), VC64: 946 (11,609), VC65: 124 (1695).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 583 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

59.011 (1625) GATEKEEPER Pyronia tithonus (Linn 1771)Broods: 1. Expanding resident with northern limit of national distribution in lowland areas on a line between Flamborough and Ripon approx. Expansion currently appears stalled.Yorkshire 2015: Overall the total number of butterflies increased markedly over 2014. VC61 was the only region to show a decline, this after 2 years of increase. VC62 had its best year for 9 years after a low point last year, though 80% of these records came from Strensall Common. VC63 numbers recorded almost doubled the 2014 total, with the higher counts of several hundred butterflies often from restored former colliery sites. VC64 showed a slight increase following the upward trend over the last 5 years. VC65, after a single recorded butterfly in 2014, showed an increase this year. The VC65 populations are small and therefore vulnerable, and the recorded figures could represent re-colonisation from the south rather than stable breeding populations. Paul & Joyce Simmons


FIRST SIGHTINGSVC64: 01/07 1 Burley Susan BartonVC63: 02/07 1 Armthorpe, Fore’s Drn SR SowdenVC61: 09/07 3 Wharram Qu Joan McCagneyVC65: 18/07 1 Richmond Cathy Trent VC62: 21/07 1 Strensall Common T CrawfordPEAK COUNTSVC63: 24/07 757 South Kirby Chris ParkinVC62: 29/07 120 Strensall Common Peter HinksVC64: 29/07 202 Farnham N Lagoon Mike BarnhamVC61: 06/08 82 Thorngumbald M Bruce P BursellVC65: 20/07-08/08 peak of 2 on 4 dates at 3 sitesLAST SIGHTINGSVC62: 22/08 1 Strensall Cmn Peter MayhewVC61: 26/08 6 Spurn NNR Species logbookVC65: 28/08 1 Richmond Michelle BinksVC64: 06/09 1 Burley Paul PurvisVC63: 11/09 1 Goole Moor Martin WarneVC63: 11/09 1 Langsett Wds Chris Parkin

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jul 30 (5332), Aug 27 (4155), Sep 7 (46).Total flight days/flight season length: 64/ 73 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 930 (9533) = mean 10.25 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 210 (1004), VC62: 16 (210), VC63: 370 (6687), VC64: 326 (1620), VC65: 8 (12).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 306 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

59.012 (1620) MARBLED WHITE Melanargia galathea (Linn 1758)Broods: 1. Resident, fairly sedentary species. ‘Wild’ populations found on the Yorkshire Wolds. Populations elsewhere often result from both officially reported and unofficial introductions or re-introductions. However, this species could well be in a period of natural expansion. The species was found on Magnesian Limestone Belt areas in the 19th century but became extinct there by the 1880s.Yorkshire 2015: Marbled White has had another strong year. Numbers have increased by ~20% compared to the last two years, both of which in of themselves represented near 10-year highs. The 2015 season’s numbers exceeded even those of 2006 (7047 versus 6166). This increase in numbers has been in VC63 where diligent counting has returned several large counts in Brockadale during July. What must it have been like to stroll through Brockadale with over 1200 butterflies flying on 9th July? The isolated report we had from VC65 in 2014 has not been repeated – the suspected expansion of the Marbled White might have been curtailed at least for last season by the unpromising weather. Jennifer SmithFIRST SIGHTINGSVC63: 16/06 15 Brockadale R Hibbert & L CorrallVC61: 29/06 12 Enthorpe Cutting A AshworthVC62: 02/07 5 Ellerburn Bank R Hibbert, L Corrall VC64: 03/07 20 Madbanks Dave RamsdenPEAK COUNTSVC64: 03/07 20 Madbanks Dave Ramsden VC63: 09/07 1281 Brockadale R Hibbert, L Corrall VC62: 12/07 67 Spaunton Qu A Rodda,J Holder

VC61: 20/07 200 Thixendale Tom HalsteadLAST SIGHTINGSVC62: 11/08 32 Langdale A Rodda &J HolderVC63: 17/08 1 Brockadale P & J SimmonsVC61: 19/08 3 North Wolds David SmithVC64: 22/08 2 Coniston Cold Andrew Rhodes


STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jun 8 (1396), Jul 27 (5320), Aug 13 (331).Total flight days/flight season length: 52/ 78 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 171 (7047) = mean 41.21 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 72 (2209), VC62: 19 (204), VC63: 57 (4566), VC64: 23 (68).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 60 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

59.013 (1621) GRAYLING Hipparchia semele (Linn 1758)Broods: 1. Rare and very localised resident, often found on disused or little used industrial areas and railway infrastructure.Yorkshire 2015: Generally, numbers of Grayling were lower than in previous years, with the exception of one high count in VC62. Four visits were made to the private VC61 site, where only five butterflies were seen. VC62 fared better in terms of numbers, but Grayling was only recorded from three 1km squares, fewer than in previous years. Most sightings came from the extensive South Gare site, which returned the highest counts, although only two were into double figures. Grayling was also recorded at two sites in East Cleveland, but there have been no records from the Middlesbrough or Thornaby sites, towards the west of the county, for the last couple of years. Three visits were made to the Rotherham site in VC63, but once again only very low numbers were recorded. Dave O’BrienFIRST SIGHTINGSVC62: 05/07 4 South Gare Damian MoneyVC63: 10/07 2 Rotherham Stephen BranchVC61: 23/07 1 Wolds Site David Smith PEAK COUNTSVC63: 10/07 2 Rotherham Stephen BranchVC62: 16/07 82 South Gare Dave O’BrienVC61: 25/07 2 Wolds Site David WoodmanseyLAST SIGHTINGSVC63: 15/07 1 Rotherham Stephen BranchVC61: 08/08 1 Wolds Site David WoodmanseyVC62: 22/08 4 Brotton, Warsett Hill Damian MoneySTATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jul 9 (110), Aug 4 (9).Total flight days/flight season length: 13/ 48 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 14 (119) = mean 8.50 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 4 (5), VC62: 7 (110), VC63: 3 (4).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 5 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

Grayling, South Gare John Money


59.014 (1601) PEARL-BORDERED FRITILLARY Boloria euphrosyne (Linn 1758)Broods: 1. (A partial 2nd sometimes occurs in S England.) Yorkshire’s rarest butterfly confined to 2 or 3 private sites in the N York Moors National Park. See pp 178-182 of The Butterflies of Yorkshire for a full account of this species.Yorkshire 2015: The 2015 flight period of the Pearl-bordered Fritillary coincided with a prolonged period of cool spring weather which limited the activities of both recorders and butterflies. Jonathan Hogg, Ian Armitage and Roderick Robinson shared the honours in terms of earliest sighting on May 4th. Ian and Roderick saw two and three adults respectively at the Quarry site while Jonathan saw a further two at the northern site. Roderick Robinson recorded the year’s peak count, a combined total of 72 butterflies from the north and south sides of the Common site on May 26th. Almost three quarters of the total were recorded from the northern area. Joe Butterick’s count of 4 made at the Common site on the 30th May was the year’s latest record. Further management of bracken and scrub has been undertaken at all three sites and despite 2015’s poor weather it would appear that the Pearl-bordered Fritillary continues to hold its own. Dave Wainwright59.015 (1600) SMALL PEARL-BORDERED FRITILLARY Boloria selene (Denis & Schiffermüller 1775)Broods: 1. Very local resident restricted to mire habitats in VCs 62, 64 & 65.Yorkshire 2015: The start of the flight period in VC62 was only slightly late, but over two weeks late in Craven where the Spring and early Summer was unusually cold. Total records were substantially down, as were numbers seen. Most of the records were derived from butterfly transects. A mark and recapture study by Joanne Feltrup on Newby Moor and Swarth Moor recorded over 50 and 80 individuals on each site respectively. However, due to the intensive nature of the mark and recapture methodology these records are not included in the statistics. The season ended late, probably due to increasingly poor weather, and this resulted in a flight season which was one of the latest on record but flight days were similar to 2014. As usual no-one visited the few VC65 sites and we have had no records from these for several years. Terry WhitakerFIRST SIGHTINGSVC62: 03/06 1 Pexton Bank Peter MayhewVC64: 25/06* 1 Coniston Cold Andrew Rhodes* note; unofficially introduced in 2011 but not seen sinceVC64: 27/06 2 Austwick, Lawkland Moss B ShorrockVC61: No RecordsVC63: No RecordsVC65: No RecordsPEAK COUNTSVC62: 21/06 25 Dalby Forest D’dale A Rodda J HolderVC64: 03/07 9 Swarth Moor Transect Terry WhitakerLAST SIGHTINGSVC64: 17/07 1 Swarth Moor Transect Terry WhitakerVC62: 24/07 1 Dalby Forest, D’dale A Rodda J Holder STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jun 9 (82), Jul 10 (76).Total flight days/flight season length:19/ 52. Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 45 (158) = mean 3.51 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC62: 24 (121), VC64: 21 (37).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 20 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary John Money


[59.017 (1608) SILVER-WASHED FRITILLARY Argynnis paphia (Linn 1758)]Broods: 1. Not uncommon in Yorkshire in the 19th century, but appeared to become extinct by the 1940s. Odd records since then could, just possibly, be long-distance wanderers, but are more likely to be unofficial, casual introductions. In the last few years there have been a number of reports from Dalby Forest (VC62). As the forest authorities have not sanctioned any introduction of this species to Dalby, any unofficial introductions are likely to be illegal. If such a colony were established naturally it is difficult to understand where sufficient numbers of immigrants could have come from as natural colonies lie mainly to the south of a line from mid-East Anglia to mid-Wales. Long-term sustainable colonies are unlikely to be established from a handful of casual releases. The species is spreading up the east coast and east midlands and could eventually reach Yorkshire naturally.Yorkshire 2015: The only sightings in 2015 were two records from VC63. Possibly up to 3 (a pair of females and shortly afterwards another female on its own) were seen on 13/08 near Thorpe Salvin (Bill Mulhearn). Photographs were provided. Another individual butterfly was seen on 19/08, again near Thorpe Salvin (P Townsend & N Jones). Given the vicinity to Lindrick Common, an area known historically for unofficial introductions, it is highly likely that these were casual introductions. David Smith Left: Silver-washed Fritillary Thorpe Salvin-VC63 13 August 2015 Bill Mulhearn59.019 (1607) DARK GREEN FRITILLARY Argynnis aglaja (Linn 1758)Broods: 1. Uncommon, local resident & wanderer which has increased its range in recent years. Mainly an upland species.Yorkshire 2015: The majority of records came from western VC64 where the species is widespread. VCs 62 & 65 were generally under-recorded, most of the latter's records were from the Catterick MOD areas. As usual in VC63 almost all records came from just two sites, Brockadale & Lindrick which totally distorts the VC statistics as the same individuals are probably being recorded many times. This year the species was again reported in VC61 (there were no reports in 2014, 2 reports in 2013, none in 2012, 3 in 2011 and 4 in 2010). The number of reports in the county was roughly the same as last year but more butterflies were recorded. Emergence was marginally late in all areas but, whereas in VC64 the season was greatly extended into mid-September by the changeable weather of July and August, in all other VCs the flight period ended on the normal dates of mid- to late-August. Terry WhitakerFIRST SIGHTINGSVC63: 15/06 1 Brockadale Diane WardleyVC65: 16/06 1 Catterick D OldhamVC62: 29/06 1 Spaunton Qu Dave O'BrienVC64: 30/06 1 Bastow Wd A GramshawVC61: 11/07 1 North Wolds D WoodmanseyPEAK COUNTSVC63: 30/06 100 Brockadale Steve BamfordVC62: 14/07 24 Pexton Bank Peter MayhewVC64: 16/07 45 Scar Close Trsct C Newlands

VC65: 19/07 6 Foxglove Covert Tim HelpsVC61: All records of singletonsLAST SIGHTINGSVC63: 11/08 1 Brockadale P&J SimmonsVC62: 23/08 1 Fen Bog G FeatherstoneVC65: 24/08 1 Catterick D.OldhamVC61: 25/08 1 Sewerby Hall, G C D SmithVC64: 17/09 1 Malham Tarn Brian Shorrock


STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jun 9 (323), Jul 26 (662), Aug 23 (190), Sep 6 (12).Total flight days/flight season length: 64/ 95 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 226 (1187) = mean 5.25 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 5 (5), VC62: 26 (88), VC63: 34 (692), VC64: 149 (372), VC65: 12 (30).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 65 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire

59.023 (1590) RED ADMIRAL Vanessa atalanta (Linn 1758)Broods: Unclear. Probably continuous. Common annual immigrant from S Europe/N Africa, increasingly wintering in UK as partial hibernator.Yorkshire 2015: A very average year for the Red Admiral despite the long flight season. The number of butterflies followed a similar pattern to 2014, with a few early sightings followed by increasing counts through to September, but the totals never matched those from the previous year. The total for September almost matched 2014, but the build-up during June, July and August was slower. This may be partly explained by the lower counts from Spurn and Flamborough, which suggest that migration was steadier this year than in 2014. As usual, VC61 and VC64 were responsible for the bulk of the records – this year they accounted for more than three quarters of the butterflies recorded. Lee WestmorelandFIRST SIGHTINGSVC63: 01/02 1 Branton Diane Wardley VC61: 07/03 1 Barmby Moor Roy CrossleyVC62: 10/03 1 Skelton Castle Damien MoneyVC62: 10/03 1 Scarborough Jax WestmorelandVC64: 11/06 1 Ripon Jill WarwickVC65: 24/06 1 Baldersby Tim HelpsPEAK COUNTSVC61: 08/09 50 Hull Steve BranchVC63: 11/09 14 Langsett Wds Chris ParkinVC62: 16/09 23 York Peter IzzardVC64: 19/09 61 Coniston Cold Andrew RhodesVC65: 03/10 16 Catterick Michael SpensleyLAST SIGHTINGSVC62: 02/11 1 Broxa Pauline PopelyVC64: 10/11 1 Ripon Parks Jill WarwickVC65: 17/11 1 Baldersby Tim HelpsVC61: 02/12 1 Easington Michael StoyleVC63: 07/12 1 Pudsey Dave HattonVC63: 07/12 1 Cudworth Station Chris ParkinSTATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jan 0 (0), Feb 3 (3), Mar 2 (3), Apr 4 (5), May 3 (3), Jun 27 (304), Jul 31 (879), Aug 31 (1254), Sep 30 (2428), Oct 28 (792), Nov 11 (68), Dec 2 (4).

Total flight days/flight season length: 172/ 310 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 2058 (5743) = mean 2.79 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 749 (2452), VC62: 146 (305), VC63: 380 (773), VC64: 681 (1975), VC65: 102 (238).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 494 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.


59.024 (1591) PAINTED LADY Vanessa cardui (Linn 1758)Broods: continuous. Annual immigrant from N Africa in varying numbers from year to year.Yorkshire 2015: The 2015 season proved a good year for the Painted Lady, with more butterflies being recorded than in any year since 2009. The majority of butterflies were recorded in VC64 where numbers increased dramatically. Of particular note are the early count of 50 butterflies at Bishopthorpe by Peter Mayhew on the 5th April and the peak count of 150 butterflies recorded by Peter later in the same month at the same location. Elsewhere in the county, it was a slower start to the season which, despite being three weeks shorter than last year, still managed to produce improved numbers of both butterfly records and butterfly numbers in all vice counties. Jax WestmorelandFIRST SIGHTINGSVC64:05/04 50 Bishopthorpe Peter MayhewVC61:10/04 1 Driffield Joan McCagneyVC62:26/05 1 Redcar Stray Chris SmallVC63:04/06 1 Rabbit Ings Chris ParkinVC65:16/06 1 Catterick David OldhamPEAK COUNTSVC64:25/04 150 Bishopthorpe Peter MayhewVC61:01/07 20 Bempton Paul TownsendVC65:07/08 4 Leyburn Pauline HarmanVC65:23/08 4 Masham Stephen WorwoodVC62:24/08 7 Broxa Pauline PopelyVC63:26/08 5 Walton Roy Bedford VC65:16/09 4 Catterick David OldhamLAST SIGHTINGSVC62:30/09 1 Guisborough V FairbrotherVC64:30/09 1 Harrogate Michael LaycockVC63:20/10 1 Sheffield Stephen BranchVC65:22/10 1 Leyburn Mike GibsonVC61:26/10 1 Flamborough Ian Marshall

59.026 (1597) PEACOCK Aglais io (Linn 1758)Broods: 1 with small partial 2nd noted in some recent years. Common, mobile, long-lived, hibernating resident and partial migrant.Yorkshire 2015: There were occasional records through January and February, but the season started properly in late March. Following the record numbers in 2013, this year’s total of 14,334 Peacocks represents a fall of ~24,000 and a fall of ~7,000 on 2014. However, the average since 2000 has been ~15,000 so 2015 was a typical year. Seasonal appearance became more polarised with 53.6% of all records in August and 24.4% in April. The distribution became more polarised with 40% of all records in VC63 and 34.7% in VC61. It is a surprise that this year only 3.5% of the total records came from VC62 where the average count has fallen to 2.99. Historically, average counts in VC62 have been above those of VC61. Is this a decline in recording effort or a genuine decline in Peacock numbers in VC62 which historically has shown some of the higher annual average counts? All 10 three figure counts came from VC61 or VC63. David Woodmansey

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Apr 14 (271), May 22 (431), Jun 30 (687), Jul 27 (274), Aug 30 (1217), Sep 29 (281), Oct 12 (25).Total flight days/flight season length: 164/ 205 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 1206 (3186) = mean 2.64 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 250 (501), VC62: 45 (70) VC63: 135 (184) VC64: 730 (2360) VC65: 46 (71).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 297 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.


PEAK COUNTS SPRINGVC62: 05/04/15 10 New Marske Damian MoneyVC64: 07/04/15 52 Pikeshaw Wd Mike BarnhamVC63: 09/04/15 127 Hoyle Mill Chris ParkinVC65: 21/04/15 17 Foxglove Covert LNR FCGroupVC61: 23/04/15 36 Spurn NNR Species logbookVC62: 04/05/15 10 Spaunton Qu Ian ArmitagePEAK COUNTS SUMMERVC61: 06/08/15 180 Thorngumbald M Bruce, P BursellVC63: 07/08/15 636 Top House Farm John HitchcockVC62: 16/08/15 50 Strensall Common Nicola Le FanuVC64: 23/08/15 38 Ripon Lynne RossVC65: 25/08/15 65 Foxglove Covert LNR FCGroupSTATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jan 3 (4), Feb 4 (4), Mar 11 (54), Apr 28 (3496), May 28 (829), Jun 24 (243), Jul 25 (670), Aug 31 (7689), Sep 29 (1242), Oct 16 (89), Nov 5 (11), Dec 3 (3).Total flight days/flight season length: 207/ 350 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 2998 (14334) = mean 4.78 butterflies per observation.b) by VC: VC61: 963 (4977), VC62: 168 (503), VC63: 829 (5738), VC64: 914 (2543), VC65: 124 (573).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 654 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

WINTER SIGHTINGSVC61: 03/01/15 1 Driffield, Kings Mill Joan McCagneyVC63: 25/01/15 1 Low Cudworth R Hibbert & L CorrallVC64: 02/02/15 1 Farnham Grvl Pits H&D Nats GrpVC62: 08/02/15 1 Skelton Damian MoneyVC65: 19/03/15 1 Nosfld LNR Martin BlandFIRST SIGHTINGS SPRINGVC61: 19/03/15 1 Withernsea Howard & Chris FrostVC61: 19/03/15 1 Spurn NNR Species logbookVC62: 20/03/15 1 Skelton Damian MoneyVC63: 20/03/15 1 Cudworth Chris ParkinVC64: 20/03/15 1 Farnham Grvl Pits H&DiNats GrpVC65: 20/03/15 1 Leyburn Jean HelmFIRST MULTIPLE SIGHTINGSVC61: 10/01/15 2 Bridlington John RossVC62: 24/03/15 2 Scarborough L & J WestmorelandVC62: 24/03/15 2 Scarb’ro Castle L & J WestmorelandVC63: 28/03/15 6 Carlton Marsh West Chris ParkinVC63: 28/03/15 7 Carlton Marsh East Chris ParkinVC64: 02/04/15 2 Sharow Mires Jill & Simon WarwickVC65: 05/04/15 2 Hunton Mike GibsonVC65: 05/04/15 2 Nosfld LNR Stephan WorwoodVC65: 05/04/15 2 Wensley Mill Jennie WhiteVC65: 05/04/15 3 Leyburn Jean HelmLAST SIGHTINGSVC65: 20/10/15 1 Low Ellington Simon WarwickVC62: 01/11/15 1 Broxa Pauline PopelyVC64: 11/11/15 1 Sherburn-in-Elmet Dave RamsdenVC63: 07/12/15 1 Top House Farm John HitchcockVC61: 19/12/15 1 Flamborough Fog Station I Marshall

Above: Peacock recorded sightings distribution map 2015

Small Tortoiseshell recorded sightings 2015


59.027 (1593) SMALL TORTOISESHELL Aglais urticae (Linn 1758)Broods: 1 to 3 partial. Mobile, hibernating resident and partial migrant with populations currently in marked decline.Yorkshire 2015: The usual winter sightings in Jan/Feb of recent years again occurred due to the mild winter. The peak recording of overwintered populations showed an increase of 15% on 2014. The warm and damp summer months also led to an increase of 30% more adults sighted compared to the peak summer recording of 2014. Overall, the number of adults sighted in 2015 was similar to last year. The warm winter months led to a very late recorded sighting on the 27th December (though this was likely to be a butterfly briefly awoken from hibernation). It might be expected that 2016 will again show some very early sightings, as the winter months have been extremely mild. Emily SummerFIRST SIGHTINGSVC61: 06/01 1 Bempton Peter MayhewVC62: 07/02 1 Scarborough L&J WestmorelandVC64: 09/02 1 Ripon Jill WarwickVC63: 25/02 1 Cudworth Chris ParkinVC65: 02/04 1 Catterick Patricia IllingworthPEAK COUNTS OVERWINTEREDVC62: 07/04 16 Skelton Castle Damian MoneyVC65: 09/04 6 Ripon Charles FletcherVC63: 21/04 129 Hollins Wd Chris ParkinVC64: 21/04 24 Goldsborough Wds M BarnhamVC61: 22/04 15 Flmbrgh Head Ian MarshallPEAK COUNTS SUMMERVC62: 07/07 14 Skelton Castle Damian MoneyVC63: 15/07 94 Hollins Wd Chris ParkinVC61: 17/07 102 Sproatley Tom GarlandVC65: 17/07 60 Baldersby Tim HelpsVC64: 03/08 81 Wormald Green Mike BarnhamPEAK COUNTS LATE SUMMERVC61: 06/09 25 Filey Brigg R SouthwellVC63: 06/09 33 Hollins Wood Chris ParkinVC64: 07/09 46 Coniston Cold A RhodesVC62: 08/09 56 Breezy Knees Peter IzzardVC65: 15/09 20 Leyburn Jean Helm

LAST SIGHTINGSVC63: 01/11 1 Sheffield Stephen BranchVC61: 02/11 1 Driffield Joan McCagneyVC62: 02/11 2 Broxa Pauline PopelyVC65: 03/11 1 Leyburn Jennie WhiteVC64: 27/12 1 York, Fulford Prof. Sir John Lawton

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jan 2 (2), Feb 7 (11), Mar 20 (142), Apr 27 (2806), May 23 (544), Jun 29 (569), Jul 31 (4366), Aug 30 (3262), Sep 30 (2443), Oct 22 (532), Nov 4 (34), Dec 1 (1).Total flight days/flight season length: 226/ 355 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 4102 (14712) = mean 3.59 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 1034 (2834), VC62: 226 (679), VC63: 1041 (5117), VC64: 1601 (5323), VC65: 200 (759).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 756 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

59.031 (1598) COMMA Polygonia c-album (Linn 1758)Broods: 1 to 2. Long-lived, hibernating resident which has expanded northward across the county over the last 20 years or so.Yorkshire 2015: The low number of Commas thought to be going into hibernation at the end of 2014 was reflected in a rather sluggish spring emergence. No records were received at all in February, with the first Comma of 2015 recorded in Bradford on March 7th by Norman Alvin. Numbers were particularly low throughout March with a mere thirty butterflies seen, however this soon picked up in April. Overall numbers were very slightly down from 2014, possibly due to the poor summer - indeed, the lack of lengthy spells of good weather made brood splits a little difficult to discern. The balmy few days we experienced in September/October resulted in rather later than usual peak counts reaching into mid-October, the most recorded at Hollins Wood by Chris Parkin - if the rest of the peak counts are anything to go by, Hollins Wood is something of a South Yorkshire stronghold. Lizzie Ingram


FIRST SIGHTINGSVC63: 07/03 1 Bradford Norman AlvinVC61: 10/03 1 Spurn NNR Species logbookVC62: 10/03 1 Skelton Castle Damian MoneyVC64: 20/03 1 Harrogate Mike BarnhamVC64: 20/03 1 Ben Rhydding D & R HowsonVC65: 05/04 1 Leyburn Jean HelmPEAK COUNTS OVERWINTEREDVC62: 05/04 4 New Marske Damian MoneyVC64: 07/04 7 Knaresborough Mike BarnhamVC65: 07/04 3 Nosfld LNR B Latty & R TiteVC61: 09/04 3 Thorngumbald M Bruce & P BursellVC64: 10/04 7 Burley-in-Wharfedale Peter RileyVC64: 14/04 18 Hollins Wood Chris ParkinPEAK COUNTS mid-summer broodVC63: 15/07 28 Hollins Wd Chris ParkinVC61: 17/07 14 Sproatley Tom GarlandVC65: 09/08 4 Sinderby Yvonne BerrymanVC64: 26/08 13 Leeds, Halton R ProudfootVC62: 28/08 6 Ruswarp Wendy Holliday PEAK COUNTS late-summer broodVC65: 10/09 4 Catterick D OldhamVC61: 01/10 5 Hedon Brian WilsonVC63: 09/10 31 Hollins Wood Chris ParkinVC62: 14/10 2 Haxby Terry CrawfordVC64: 14/10 6 Knaresborough Mike BarnhamVC64: 14/10 6 Ben Rhydding D&R HowsonLAST SIGHTINGSVC65: 22/10 1 Baldersby Tim HelpsVC62: 01/11 1 Broxa Pauline Popely VC64: 01/11 1 Pateley Bridge Janice ScottVC64: 01/11 1 Ben Rhydding D&R Howson

[59.033 (1610) MARSH FRITILLARY Euphydryas aurinia (Rottemburg 1775)]Broods: 1, May/June. Yorks resident up to 1870s/80s then lost due to draining of marshes and wet meadows. Unofficial introduction onto privately-owned land in VC64 in 2013.Yorkshire 2015: Ovum, larvae and adult butterflies were again seen on the same privately-owned land in VC64 during 2015. The larvae appear to be feeding on Common Field Scabious, as well as Devil’s-bit Scabious. A total of 11 butterflies were seen flying between 04/06 and 30/06 on five separate occasions. David Smith

VC61: 07/11 1 Langtoft D WoodmanseyVC63: 07/12 1 Cudworth Chris Parkin

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Mar 10 (30), Apr 20 (343), May 15 (33), Jun 8 (12), Jul 30 (528), Aug 29 (733), Sep 24 (237), Oct 23 (303), Nov 5 (30), Dec 2 (2).Total flight days/flight season length: 166/ 276 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 1218 (2251) = mean 1.85 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 233 (385), VC62: 72 (117), VC63: 383 (927), VC64: 464 (725), VC65: 66 (97).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 364 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

Marsh Fritillary Jason Sargerson


RIODINIDAEMetalmarks

60.001 (1582) DUKE OF BURGUNDY Hamearis lucina (Linn 1758)Broods: 1 (spring). One of our rarest residents, declining and confined to a few, mainly private sites, on the southern edges of the North York Moors. A five-year conservation project by Butterfly Conservation, involving the improved management of many sites, has identified four, possibly five, breeding sites (as of 2015).Yorkshire 2015: The first weeks of May were extremely cold and windy – as a consequence the flight period this year was much later than usual. The season started with two butterflies being found on the 4th May in the last remaining site in the Pickering area. Then there were no sightings until the 12th May. We were fortunate in eventually obtaining records for all 12 extant sites, including one we believed had gone extinct, so we appear not to have lost any existing colonies this year (although the numbers on many sites were very low). One butterfly was found on the site where a re-introduction was undertaken in 2014 but this is too low to give confidence that the re-introduction has been successful; we will need to check again in 2016. However, we did record an extremely high peak count of 55 on one site which has been subject to extensive management over a period of years. The previous peak count on this site had been 20. There were counts of 26 and 33 on the other main important sites. We are continuing to monitor all known sites using volunteer recorders and to undertake management work on these sites in March each year using volunteer work parties. Robert Parks FIRST SIGHTINGSVC62: 04/15 2 Newtondale J Whitehead, J Holder PEAK COUNTSVC62: 25/05 55 Hawnby area Dave WainwrightLAST SIGHTINGSVC62: 12/06 4 Hawnby area Dave Wainwright

LYCAENIDAEBlues and Hairstreaks

61.001 (1561) SMALL COPPER Lycaena phlaeas (Linn 1761)Broods: 2 to 4. Fairly mobile resident.Yorkshire 2015: Overall, 2015 was a disappointing year for Small Copper with a shorter season and lower numbers seen. Numbers for 2015 (632) were reduced even compared to the low point in 2014 (808) and very low compared to previous years. The season started late on 05/05 in VC63 (2014:14/03) but ended later on 07/11 (2014:18/10) again in VC63. The peak number seen was again low at only 14 in both VC62 and VC63, lower than in 2014 (VC63: 07/07 25) and considerably reduced compared to 2013 (VC63: 09/06 127). There were at least two broods – in June and August - seen fairly clearly in VC61 and VC62, but there was considerable variation between areas, with VC64 showing several peaks - in June, August and mid-September. In contrast, VC65 had only one peak in early September. VC63 started earlier than other areas, but had fewer peaks - in May/June and early September. Edie Jolley

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: May 10 (228), Jun 3 (39).Total flight days/flight season length:12/ 40 .Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 25 (267) = mean 10.7 butterflies per observation.b) by VC:VC62: 25 (267)Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 5 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.


FIRST SIGHTINGSVC63: 05/05 1 Carlton Marsh Chris ParkinVC64: 07/05 2 Stock Beck Moor M BarnhamVC62: 16/05 1 Hawnby J Holder & A Rodda VC61: 20/05 1 Holmedale Sean CloughVC65: 25/05 1 Nosfld LNR Peter CarltonPEAK COUNTSVC63: 15/05 14 Thorne Moor J. E HinchcliffeVC64: 24/06 8 Timble Ings D, H & J AlredVC62: 11/08 14 Langdale J Holder & A Rodda VC61: 15/08 12 Wilberfoss Peter & Alice MayhewVC65: 07/09 10 Herontree Tim HelpsLAST SIGHTINGSVC65: 27/09 1 Downholme David OldhamVC64: 06/10 1 Ben Rhydding D & R HowsonVC61: 09/10 1 Fordon Bnks J Holder A Rodda VC62: 09/10 1 Ruswarp Wendy HollidayVC63: 07/11 1 South Kirby Chris ParkinSTATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: May 15 (79), Jun 21 (131), Jul 17 (41),

Aug 27 (261), Sep 23 (140), Oct 10 (18), Nov 2 (2). Total flight days/flight season length: 115/ 187 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 345 (672) = mean 1.95 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 49 (97), VC62: 41 (78), VC63: 127 (273), VC64: 110 (192), VC65: 18 (32). Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 151 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

61.004 (1557) PURPLE HAIRSTREAK Favonius quercus (Linn 1758)Broods: 1. Localised resident, mainly found in association with oaks.Yorkshire 2015: Fewer records were received than in 2014, but numbers of butterflies were higher. In VC61, all the records came from one site, where Rosemary Roach observed Purple Hairstreak over a period of eight weeks, albeit in generally low numbers. Disappointingly, only two reports came from VC62, with a total of four butterflies seen. Hopefully this reflects a lack of recorder effort rather than a lack of butterflies. The majority of records came from VC63, with the highest counts again coming from Notton Wood. Purple Hairstreak was also recorded at the usual sites in VC64, with the highest count (and the only one into double figures) from Cardale in Harrogate. There was also one egg record from this VC, reported by Mike Barnham. No records were received from VC65. Dave O’Brien FIRST SIGHTINGSVC61: 11/07 1 Everthorpe Grng Rosemary RoachVC63: 10/07 11 Walton NP Roy BedfordVC62: 15/07 2 Skelton Castle Damian MoneyVC64: 15/07 2 Knaresborough, Mike BarnhamPEAK COUNTSVC62: 15/07 2 Skelton Castle Damian MoneyVC63: 15/07 120 Notton Wd R Hibbert, L CorrallVC61: 20/07 12 Everthorpe Grange R RoachVC62: 29/07 2 Strensall Common Peter HinksVC64: 01/08 66 Harrogate,Cardale M BarnhamLAST SIGHTINGSVC62: 29/07 2 Strensall Common Peter HinksVC63: 17/08 1 Walton NP Roy BedfordVC64: 27/08 1 Ilkley D & R HowsonVC61: 06/09 2 Everthorpe Grange R Roach


61.005 (1555) GREEN HAIRSTREAK Callophrys rubi (Linn 1758)Broods: 1. Localised resident, mainly associated with upland areas.Yorkshire 2015: The 2015 season was a remarkably poor one for Green Hairstreaks, with just 367 butterflies being recorded. This is about one third of the average number for the last 10 years and is largely due to the poor numbers seen in VC64. Both the number of flight days and the number of records was the second lowest in the last 10 years. The season started late on 22nd April, and finished very late on the 1st July (with one seen on Strensall Common by Peter Mayhew). Butterflies were seen on 12 new 1km squares, the majority being in VC64, consisting mostly of new sites on Langbar and Barden Moors. One 1km square was in VC 62 at Rievaulx Moor, two were in VC63 at Oxenhope and Withens, and two were in VC65 within Barbondale. There were no new 10km squares. David HowsonFIRST SIGHTINGSVC 64: 22/04 5 Grantley Mike BarnhamVC 64: 22/04 10 Pateley Brdg Mike BarnhamVC 64: 22/04 2 Burley Moor, P & J BurnsVC 64: 22/04 5 Grassington Paul MillardVC 64: 22/04 1 Ilkley John StidworthyVC 62: 23/04 2 Rosedale V Fairbrother VC 63: 08/05 2 Moor nr Strines Rob FosterVC 61: 11/05 7 Spurn NNR Species logbookVC 65: 26/05 1 Richmond, Thorpe Edg T HelpsPEAK COUNTSVC 64: 24/04 16 Burley Woodhead Dave HowsonVC 62: 04/05 5 Reasty Bank A Rodda, J HolderVC 61: 11/05 7 Spurn NNR Species logbookVC 63: 15/05 48 Dunford Brdg R Hibbert,L CorrallVC 65: 04/06 15 Richmond, David OldhamLAST SIGHTINGSVC 61: 30/05 1 Spurn NNR Species logbookVC 65: 11/06 1 Richmond, David Oldham VC 63: 12/06 1 Oxenhope Paula DaleVC 64: 16/06 2 S’th House Moor Terry WhittakerVC 62: 01/07 1 Strensall Cm’n Peter Mayhew

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Apr 5 (89), May 16 (212), Jun 6 (65), Jul 1 (1). Total flight days/flight season length: 28/ 71 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 112 (367) = mean 3.28 butterflies per observation.b) by VC: VC61: 5 (14), VC62: 20 (39), VC63: 9 (81), VC64: 69 (198), VC65: 9 (35).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 54 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jul 14 (284), Aug 21 (160), Sep 1 (2).Total flight days/flight season length: 36/ 59 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 63 (446) = mean 7.08 butterflies per observation.b) by VC: VC61: 30 (102), VC62: 2 (4), VC63: 19 (251), VC64: 12 (89).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 24 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

Right: Purple Hairstreak Tim Melling


61.006 (1558) WHITE-LETTER HAIRSTREAK Satyrium w-album (Knoch 1782)Broods: 1. In Yorkshire, a resident usually associated with Wych Elms.Yorkshire 2015: Fewer records were received, and butterfly numbers were lower, seemingly a pattern for 2015! Only three records came from VC61, with four butterflies recorded. Sightings were similarly thin on the ground in VC62, with fifteen butterflies from a total of five reports. VC63 fared better, with the highest individual count coming from Hugset Wood, where numbers seem to have picked up after a disappointing 2014. The majority of reports again came from VC64, where butterflies were widespread and enjoyed a long flight period, though numbers were in general low, with only a few counts into double figures. Low numbers were recorded in VC65, where records came from only two sites. Dave O’BrienFIRST SIGHTINGSVC64: 30/06 1 Wetherby, Kirk Deighton M BarnhamVC61: 02/07 1 Willerby, Carr Lane Andrew AshworthVC63: 05/07 2 Brockadale Paul & Joyce SimmonsVC65: 05/07 3 Nosfld LNR Stephen WorwoodVC62: 16/07 9 Guisborough, Tocketts Mill D O’BrienPEAK COUNTSVC65: 05/07 3 Nosfld LNR Stephen WorwoodVC61: 10/07 2 Skidby, Eastfield Farm A AshworthVC64: 12/07 11 Ben Rhydding D & R HowsonVC62: 16/07 9 Guisborough, Tocketts Mill D O’BrienVC63: 16/07 90 Hugsett Wd R Hibbert & L CorrallLAST SIGHTINGSVC61: 03/08 1 Withernsea Prom.H & C FrostVC65: 07/08 1 R’mnd, Brough Park Mark ConroyVC63: 11/08 2 Brockadale Paul & Joyce SimmonsVC62: 23/08 1 Guisborough V FairbrotherVC64: 23/08 1 Burley, Sun Lane Anne & Peter Riley

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jun 1 (1), Jul 23 (262), Aug 15 (58).Total flight days/flight season length: 39/ 55 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 119 (321) = mean 2.70 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 3 (4), VC62: 5 (15), VC63: 11 (117), VC64: 94 (177), VC65: 6 (8).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 53 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

[61.010 (1569) SMALL BLUE Cupido minimus (Fuessly 1775)]Broods: 2. (ie in S England - situation in Yorkshire not known, but probably only 1 brood.) Thought to have been extinct in Yorkshire since the 1950s, if not earlier. A colony discovered in 2010, may or may not be the result of an unreported introduction. Details of the location are withheld to protect this species on a sensitive site.Yorkshire 2015: The colony discovered in 2010 continues to survive. This year there were 41 adult butterflies seen (down from last year’s high of 92), seen over 9 visits between 21st May and the 15th of June. The peak was on 12/06 when 18 were seen by Brian, Lorraine and Mark Smith. Then a further two visits on the 5th and 8th August by Mike Barnham resulted in 3 butterflies being seen indicating a 2nd brood. A new colony has been discovered this year – in another part of Yorkshire well away from the other known Yorkshire colony – and is thought to date from at least


2012. Four butterflies were seen (3 females, 1 male) flying on 11th June by David Smith. It is unclear whether it is an unofficial introduction. The site is viable and its location is to be kept secret to protect the fragile species habitat. David Smith

Right: Small Blue, Yorkshire David Smith

61.012 (1580) HOLLY BLUE Celastrina argiolus (Linn 1758)Broods: 1 to 3 partial. Fairly recent coloniser spreading N. Some populations may be cyclical (peaking every 5/7yrs) due to the predations of a parasitic wasp.Yorkshire 2015: Following the low of 2013, the improvement in the fortunes of this species has continued. Whilst the number of butterflies seen remained below the mean for 1st brood, the 2nd fared much better with the numbers observed during August being the highest since 2005. VC64 also had its best year recording the greatest number of observations and butterflies for the VC. This improvement is no doubt part of the cyclical nature of the abundance of the species and it will be interesting to see if this improvement continues in 2016. The overall trend though, still remains one of decline. Dave RamsdenFIRST SIGHTINGSVC64: 05/04 1 York Peter MayhewVC62: 06/04 1 Linthorpe Dave O’BrienVC63: 09/04 1 Sheffield Stephen BranchVC65: 09/04 1 Baldersby Tim HelpsVC61: 14/04 1 Hull Sean CloughPEAK COUNTS 1st BroodVC62: 21/04 2 Scarborough L & J WestmorelandVC63: 23/04 4 Wheatley Diane WardleyVC65: 23/04 2 Baldersby Tim HelpsVC61: 24/04 3 Driffield Joan McCagneyVC64: 04/06 6 Knaresborough Mike BarnhamPEAK COUNTS 2nd BroodVC65: 08/08 2 Asenby Karen HargreaveVC62: 16/08 11 York Cemetery A Rodda J HolderVC63: 16/08 6 Goole Peter HinksVC64: 17/08 6 York Maureen EamesVC61: 10/09 12 Driffield Joan McCagneyLAST SIGHTINGSVC62: 06/09 1 Haxby Terry CrawfordVC65: 13/09 1 Nosfld LNR Steve WorwoodVC64: 01/10 1 Alwoodley GC Peter TannettVC63: 02/10 1 Sharrow Cemetery J BradburyVC61: 08/10 1 Thorngumbald M Bruce & P Bursell

STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Apr 15 (84), May 20 (139), Jun 13 (46), Jul 13 (47), Aug 29 (464), Sep 16 (85), Oct 3 (4). Total flight days/flight season length: 109/ 187 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 613 (869) = mean 1.42 butterflies per observation. b) by VC: VC61: 247 (336), VC62: 30 (53), VC63: 103 (163), VC64: 223 (305), VC65: 10 (12).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 177 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.


[61.014 (1571) SILVER-STUDDED BLUE Plebejus argus (Linn 1758)]Broods: 1 to 2. Brood situation in Yorkshire not known, probably only one. This resident species is thought to have become extinct in Yorkshire in the late 1800s. An unreported introduction has taken place at Lindrick Common, hence the bracketed status of this species.Yorkshire 2015: No report from VC63 this year. Since 2004, when there was an unofficial introduction around Lindrick Common, most years have resulted in a sighting. David Smith

61.015 (1572) BROWN ARGUS (BA) Aricia agestis (Denis & Schiffermüller 1775)61.016 (1573) NORTHERN BROWN ARGUS (NBA) Aricia artaxerxes (Fabricius 1793)Broods: BA 1 to 3. NBA 1 (although a partial 2nd is not impossible in ideal weather conditions.) These 2 species are dealt with together as they are difficult to tell apart. ID is best made by site, with NBA now thought to be found only in rock rose habitats in the Pennine Dales, whilst BA is mainly associated with wild geranium species which are more widespread and may even occur round the edges of large fields farmed intensively, although on the Yorkshire Wolds and N York Moors there are sedentary BA colonies found on rock rose. Geranium based BA has been expanding northward in recent years.Yorkshire 2015: BA. Whilst the species recorded its second longest flight period with butterflies on the wing until 9th October, overall numbers were down by 50% compared to 2014 and were well below the mean. All VCs had a reduction in observations with only one report from Nosterfield in VC65. VC63 was the exception to this with 25% more reports compared to last year. The overall trend though is increasing, but is this down to the butterfly or increased observer awareness and identification? NBA. Following the record high number of both butterflies and observations last year, 2015 was more typical although these remained above the mean. There was a record number of butterflies seen during August of 80. All but 1 report from VC64. Dave RamsdenBrown ArgusFIRST SIGHTINGSVC61: 10/05 1 Fordon Banks A Rodda & J HolderVC63: 12/05 1 South Kirby Stack Chris ParkinVC62: 03/06 1 Pexton Bank Peter MayhewVC64: 10/06 2 Farnham Harrog. & Distr. Nats GrpVC65: 08/08 2 Nosfld LNR Stephen WorwoodPEAK COUNTS 1st BroodVC61: 23/05 6 Fordon Banks Ian MarshallVC63: 07/06 4 Brodsworth Stack Chris ParkinVC64: 10/06 2 Staveley LNR Mike BarnhamVC62: 03/07 7 Gundale A Rodda & J HolderVC65: No reportsPEAK COUNTS 2nd BroodVC65 08/08 2 Nosfld LNR Stephen WorwoodVC62: 11/08 2 York Peter MayhewVC63: 19/08 37 Nr Normanton, Landfill C ButlerVC64: 29/08 13 Barr Lane Qu Mike BarnhamVC61: 09/10 8 Fordon Banks A Rodda, J Holder

LAST SIGHTINGSVC65: 08/08 2 Nosfld LNR Stephen WorwoodVC62: 16/08 1 Skinningrove West Wendy EnglishVC64: 13/09 1 Farnham Gravel Pits Mike BarnhamVC63: 04/10 1 Near Austerfield Samantha BattyVC61: 09/10 8 Fordon Banks A Rodda & J HolderNorthern Brown ArgusFIRST SIGHTINGSVC64: 16/06 1 Lords W’d Pasture Brian ShorrockVC65: 23/06 3 Aysgarth, Ridings F’ld Cathy BergsPEAK COUNTSVC65: 23/06 3 Aysgarth, Ridings F’ld Cathy BergsVC64: 17/07 80 Conistone Mike BarnhamLAST SIGHTINGSVC65: 23/06 3 Aysgarth, Ridings F’ld Cathy BergsVC64: 12/08 1 Ingleborough, High Brae T Whitaker


STATISTICS 2015Brown ArgusMonthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: May 7 (15), Jun 15 (39), Jul 7 (22), Aug 18 (164), Sep 15 (66), Oct 3 (10).Total flight days/flight season length: 64/ 153.Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 111 (316) = mean 2.85 butterflies per observation.b) by VC: VC61: 18 (51), VC62: 13 (22), VC63: 68 (215), VC64: 11 (26), VC65: 1 (2).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 56 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

Northern Brown ArgusMonthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: Jun 6 (95), Jul 10 (256), Aug 8 (7).Total flight days/flight season length: 25/ 58 .Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 108 (358) = mean 3.31 butterflies per observation.b) by VC: VC64: 107 (355), VC65: 1 (3).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 17 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

61.018 (1574) COMMON BLUE Polyommatus icarus (Rottemburg 1775)Broods: 1 to 3. (2nd & 3rd are often partial and usually only on lower land. Spring and summer broods may overlap. Complicated variability according to weather, height and latitude.) Fairly widespread resident on suitable grasslands with Bird's-foot-trefoil.Yorkshire 2015: A marked improvement in numbers compared to the last three years’ (2012-2014) average of ~5300 and approaching numbers for the three years’ (2009-2011) average of ~12000. Numbers butterflies seen doubled in VCs 61 and 63 compared to the last three years, with a consistently strong June-August with a reasonable September. The number of broods varies across Yorkshire from year to year. This year there were clear signs of a double-brood in VCs 61 and 63, with 61 having a stronger first-brood and 63 a stronger second-brood. The remaining VCs were single-brood due to their higher altitude and more northerly latitude. David Smith FIRST SIGHTINGSVC63: 12/05 3 South Kirby Stack Chris ParkinVC61: 13/05 1 Spurn NNR Barry Spence VC62: 16/05 3 South Gare Dave LawrenceVC64: 24/05 1 Ellington Banks (MoD) S WorwoodVC65: 30/05 1 Nosfld LNR Stephen WorwoodPEAK COUNTS 1st BroodVC61: 04/06 150 Spurn NNR Barry SpenceVC63: 04/06 172 South Kirby Stack C ParkinVC62: 09/06 100 Middlesborough S Pudney M Blick VC64: 31/07 477 Greenhow Hill, Mike BarnhamVC65: 22/08 21 Baldersby Tim Helps

PEAK COUNTS 2nd BroodVC61: 17/08 220 Spurn NNR Barry SpenceVC63: 06/09 123 Rabbit Ings Chris Parkin

LAST SIGHTINGSVC62: 01/09 1 Grosmont Peter MayhewVC62: 01/09 2 Ruswarp Wendy HollidayVC63: 12/09 3 Rabbit Ings Chris ParkinVC65: 22/09 1 Baldersby Tim HelpsVC64: 01/10 2 Long Marston P HolmesVC61: 09/10 7 Fordon A Rodda J Holder


STATISTICS 2015Monthly: flight days (total butterflies) countywide: May 13 (170), Jun 28 (2578), Jul 31 (2116), Aug 31 (3241), Sep 24 (710), Oct 7 (44).Total flight days/flight season length: 134/ 154 Total reports (total butterflies) a) countywide: 995 (8859) = mean 8.90 butterflies per observation.b) by VC: VC61: 103 (3331), VC62: 51 (263), VC63: 319 (3182), VC64: 373 (1974), VC65: 41 (109).Tetrads recorded (ie 2x2km OS grid squares): 244 out of 1277 visited and 4120 in Yorkshire.

EXOTIC AND RARE SPECIES 2015 (not listed elsewhere) Large Copper (Lycaena dispar batavus) have for the second year been seen flying in a private site in VC64 as part of an unofficial introduction. A total of 43 adults were seen flying on 17 different days between 30/06 and the 15/08. It is presumed that either ova or larvae were used to restock in the spring of 2015. There is little prospect of the species surviving for long in this location. Though Duke of Burgundy were also unofficially introduced in the same location in 2014, there were no reports of any being seen this year. Marsh Fritillary and Essex Skipper have also been reported in this area (see respective species accounts above).An exotic butterfly was photographed by Gill Yates in her garden in York on the 16th August - Shown right. It was identified as Dryas iulia – popularly known as the Julia butterfly – a species of brush-footed butterfly (resident in Brazil, central America and southern USA). This species is commonly found in Butterfly Houses being both long-lived and very active. Exotic escapee/release presumably from a butterfly house (possibly Leeds) or amateur breeder. David Smith

Above: Brown Argus John Money. Above right: Common Blue Damian Money


SECTION 3. MACRO MOTHS (The larger moths plus the Pyralids).PYRALOIDEAPYRALIDAE

62.019 (1453) Pima boisduvaliella (Guenée)The sixth county record, all have been at coastal localities in vice-counties 61 & 62.62. South Gare, 25.6.2015 (DM).62.039 (1486) Apomyelois bistriatella (Hulst)First seen in Yorkshire in 1996, this is only the sixth county record.63. Thorne Moors, 19.6.2015 (HEB).62.050 (1469) Euzophera cinerosella (Zeller)This is only the second VC61 record. Except for a single VC65 occurrence it has appeared regularly and sometimes fairly commonly in the south of VC63.61. Spurn NNR, 14.7.2015 (BRS).62.058 (1483) Phycitodes binaevella (Hübner)This moth has become much more frequent during the past decade and is now recorded in all five vice-counties.62. Haxby, 10 & 18.7.2015 gen. det. RWo (TJC). NEW VC RECORD.62.074 (1421) Aglossa pinguinalis (Linnaeus) (Large Tabby)Widely recorded in the nineteenth century then became scarce throughout most of the twentieth century. From 1990 has appeared more regularly but there is previously only a single recent VC63 record.61. Cottingham, 7.7.2015 (AA); Holme-on-Spalding Moor, 12.7.2015 (EDC).63. Auckley, 25.6.2015 (SRS); Kirk Smeaton, 15.7.2015 (P&JS); Branton, 17.7.2015 (JWH).

CRAMBIDAE63.014 (1370) Sitochroa palealis ([Denis & Schiffermüller])These follow on from records at the same locality in 2014. It has only been recorded in VC63 since 2013.63. Thorpe Marsh NR, 14.7.2015 (CRe), 27.7.2015 (PK).63.016 (1386) Anania fuscalis ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Records have become more infrequent in recent years.62. Langdale Forest, 25.6.2015 (PMy) ; Wykeham, 10.7.2015 (IM, MP et al.).63.017 (1377) A. lancealis ([Denis & Schiffermüller])The dates below may refer to a single individual; the only previous vice-county record was from the same locality in 2014.63. Owston, 29 & 30.6.2015 (MaP).63.022 (1385) A. crocealis (Hübner)Appears to be less common than formerly, most recent records have come from VC61.61. Spurn NNR, frequent 23.6-4.9.2015 (BRS); Flamborough, 18.7.2015; Filey Dams, 7.8.2015 (IM, MP et al.); Hunmanby Gap, 1-9.8.2015 (KC).63.028 (1375) Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner)This migrant moth has been seen almost annually in recent years. Except for single occurrences in vice-counties 64 & 65 all records have been from VC61.61. Elvington, 4.7.2015 (M&JS); Wheldrake Ings, 11.7.2015 (CSR, JL, RB); Easington, 24.7.2015 (MFS); Kilnsea, 9.8.2015 (BRS).63.046 (1403a) Duponchelia fovealis ZellerThe fifth Yorkshire record; three of which have been of moths found indoors.63. Kirk Smeaton, indoors 19.7.2015 (DWi).63.048 (1408) Palpita vitrealis (Rossi)Formerly a very scarce migrant; it has occurred annually during the past four years.


61. Kilnsea, 23.8.2015 (BRS); Catwick, 11.9.2015 (JM); Muston, 6.10.2015 (PQW).63. West Melton, 6.11.2015 (HEB).63.058 (1357) Evergestis extimalis (Scopoli)Numbers of this immigrant moth vary from year to year. All records are coastal in vice-counties 61 and 62.61. Kilnsea, four 2.7-24.8.2015 (JWC); North Ferriby, 12.8.2015 (IM); Easington, 20.8.2015 (MFS); Spurn NNR, 21.8.2015 (BRS).62. South Gare, 5.7.2015 (DM).63.071 (1341) Eudonia lineola (Curtis)These are the first county records since the nineteenth century.61. Kilnsea, 12.7–2.8.2015 (BRS). NEW VC RECORD.63.079 (1292) Calamotropha paludella (Hübner)First found in the county in 1995 this moth has spread rapidly. It is now present in all five vice-counties and occurs commonly in the south of Yorkshire.65. Nosterfield reed bed, 1.7.2015 (CHF et al.). NEW VC RECORD.63.083 (1297) Crambus uliginosellus ZellerVery local in boggy areas; now recorded in vice-counties 61 to 64.62. Strensall Common, 10.7.2015 (CHF, TMW). NEW VC RECORD.63.120 (1328) Schoenobius gigantella ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Now recorded in each of the past three years; all previous records have been from VC61.61. Holme-on-Spalding Moor, 3.8.2015 (EDC).63. Rodley, 6.7.2015 (JWC). NEW VC RECORD.63.122 (1330) Donacaula mucronella ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Still present here at the only confirmed Yorkshire locality.62. Strensall Common, 10.7.2015 (TJC).

DREPANOIDEADREPANIDAE

65.002 (1646) OAK HOOK-TIP Watsonalla binaria (Hufnagel)Another drop in numbers means that we should include all records of this species.61. Elvington, 8.8.2015 (JSm) and 18.8.2015 (DSt); Kilnwick, 29.8.2015 (MCo); Catwick, 9.8.2015 (JM).62. Hutton Sessay, 22.5.2015 (JA); Haxby, 25.6.2015 (TJC); Deepdale, 27.6.2015 (DLo, AR, JHo); Ryton, 8.8.2015 (DF).63. Potteric Carr NR, 10.7, 2, 9 & 10.8.2015 (RIH); West Melton, 9 & 10.8.2015 (HEB); Owston, 21.5.2015 (MaP); Armthorpe, 3.8.2015 (SRS); Rawcliffe Bridge, 8.8.2015 (RM); Carlton, 9.8.2015 (DSm).64. Tadcaster, 21.5.2015 (DBa); Bellflask, 23.5.2015 (BM); Askham Bryan, 5.8.2015 (DL).65.003 (1647) BARRED HOOK-TIP W. cultraria (Fabricius)Widespread across the county but apparently at a very low density. Again all records are from new sites.61. Elvington, 13.6.2015 (JSm).63. Brockadale NR, 12.8.2015 (HEB, DWi et al).64. High Farnhill, 21.8.2015 (NS).65.016 (1659) YELLOW HORNED Achlya flavicornis (Linnaeus)Another very poor year for this spring species of birch woodland.61. North Cliffe Wood, 20.3.2015 (IM, ADN).62. Great Smeaton, 20.3.2015 (JE); Bilsdale, 5.4.2015 (EG).63. Thackley, 13.3.2015 (NA); Hardcastle Crags, 7 & 21.3, 5.4.2015 (AC, BL); Thrybergh Country Park, 22.3.2015 (MSm); Sandall Beat Wood, 25.3.2015 (SRS); Thorne Moors, 9.4.2015 (RM).


64. Bellflask, several dates, 13.3 to 4.4.2015 (BM); Skyreholme, 4 & 9.4.2015 (PMi).65. Aysgarth Visitor Centre, 20.3.2015 (D&JP); Foxglove Covert, 21 & 31.3, 4.4.2015 (FCMT).

LASIOCAMPOIDEALASIOCAMPIDAE

66.002 (1632) PALE EGGAR Trichiura crataegi (Linnaeus)Numbers are still very low but appear to be better on higher ground in the north west of the county.61. Lund, 10.9.2015 (DA); Kilnwick, 19.9.2015 (MCo).64. Scar Close NNR, 13.9.2015 (TMW, JPe).65. Ravenseat (Swaledale), 7.8.2015 (CHF, TMW).66.003 (1634) LACKEY Malacosoma neustria (Linnaeus)A further recovery in numbers following the marked crash of 2012 but no increase in its range which remains in the south east of the county. 87 records of 119 moths from 24.6 to 8.8.2015.66.005 (1633) SMALL EGGAR Eriogaster lanestris (Linnaeus)All records as usual were of larval webs in its core area.62. Pickering area, 1.7.2015 (MBe); Malton area, 30.5 & 29.6.2015 (DF).66.008 (1638) FOX MOTH Macrothylacia rubi (Linnaeus)Records from the usual areas. All larvae unless otherwise stated.62. Skelton (adult), 26.6.2015 (SF); Skinningrove, 30.7.2015 (DWa).63. Ogden Golf Course, 1 & 9.9.2015 (DSu); Thorne Moors, 10.10.2015 (MWa); Haworth Moor, 16, 23 & 30.8, 20.9.2015 (DD); Howden Moors, 25.9.2015 (DeWh).64. Menston (adult), 1.7.2015 (CGH); Settle (adult), 11.6.2015 (RW); Skyreholme (adult), 12.6.2015 (PMi); Old Cote Moor, 19.9.2015 (TM); Farnhill Moor, 6 & 28.6.2015 (NS); Redlish (Greenhow), 30.7.2015 (NV).65. Gunnerside Gill, 13.9.2015 (TM).

BOMBYCOIDEASATURNIIDAE

68.001 (1643) EMPEROR MOTH Saturnia pavonia (Linnaeus)A big increase in numbers reported in 2015 from the usual upland areas and lowland heaths so too many to list individually. 45 records of 87 moths. The increase is almost entirely due to the use of pheromone lures which are now commercially available.

SPHINGIDAE69.004 (1972) CONVOLVULUS HAWK-MOTH Agrius convolvuli (Linnaeus)A wonderful year for this large migrant with 46 records of 50 moths. Similar numbers to the record migration year of 2006. There were few inland records but numbers at Spurn were spectacular.61. Spurn area, 33 records from 23.8 to 29.9.2015 (BRS, MFS, JCr); Atwick, five between 17.8 and 15.9.2015 (WF&MC); Hunmanby Gap, 8.9.2015 (NC); Tophill Low NR, 4.9.2015 (MHo, DF); York University, 27.8.2015 (EDC).62. Silpho, 14.10.2015 (AR, JHo).64. Appletreewick, 11.9.2015 (HP).69.005 (1973) DEATH'S-HEAD HAWK-MOTH Acherontia atropos (Linnaeus)A single record in 2015 – the first in the Spurn area for ten years. An unpublished record from 2014 is also included.61. Kilnsea, 22.6.2015 (BRS); Filey, 27.6.2014 (MPe).69.006 (1976) PRIVET HAWK-MOTH Sphinx ligustri (Linnaeus)A record year with good numbers at Spurn but few elsewhere.61. Spurn area, 15 records of single moths from 25.6 to 9.8.15 (BRS, JCr, MFS); Hemingbrough, 7 & 11.7.2015 (KM).


69.007 (1978) PINE HAWK-MOTH S. pinastri (Linnaeus)An increase in numbers but the range remains the same in the centre and south east of the county.61. Tophill Low NR, 13.7.2015 (MHo, DF); Elvington, 18.7.2015 (DSt); Wheldrake, 2.8.2015 (NL); Wheldrake Ings, 11.7.2015 (CRS, JL, RB); Spurn, 28.6 & 8.8.2015 (BRS); Hessle, 6.8.2015 (BWa); Lower Derwent Valley, 11 & 14.7.2015 (CRS, JL, RB).62. Strensall Common, 10.7.2015 (CHF, TMW, TJC et al); Haxby, 16 & 18.7.2015 (TJC); Warthill, 17.8.2015 (PWi).63. Melton Wood, 20.8.2015 (HEB, RM); Haw Park, 24.6.2015 (PSm); Owston, 9.8.2015 (MaP).64. Biggin, 31.7.2015 (ACh); Askham Bryan, 7.8.2015 (DL).65. Bellflask - Sloe Wood, 3.8.2015 (BM).69.010 (1984) HUMMING-BIRD HAWK-MOTH Macroglossum stellatarum (Linnaeus)The remarkable number of 700 records of 778 moths was boosted by 449 extra records received from Butterfly Conservation’s “migrant watch”. The influx was widely reported all across the county. Nectaring was noted on a variety of plants but most commonly in gardens on red valerian and buddleia. Following two records in March, the main influx was in June and early July and records continued until 5th November. Larvae were noted on lady’s bedstraw at Muston Wold in August (PQW).69.014 (1987) BEDSTRAW HAWK-MOTH Hyles gallii (Rottemburg)All the records were near the coast this year.61. Atwick, 17.8.2015 (WF&MC); Spurn area, 27 & 31.7.2015 (BRS).62. Skelton, 16.8.2015 (SF).69.018 (1993) SILVER-STRIPED HAWK-MOTH Hippotion celerio (Linnaeus)The first record since 2009 of this scarce migrant was posted on social media with a good photograph. The moth apparently flew into a conservatory.63. Castleford, 5.11.2015 (BBu).

GEOMETROIDEAGEOMETRIDAE

70.002 (1698) PURPLE-BORDERED GOLD Idaea muricata (Hufnagel)Two records by day from its only site in the county.63. Thorne Moors, 18.6 (RM) and 8.7.2015 (MWa).70.006 (1705) DWARF CREAM WAVE I. fuscovenosa (Goeze)Healthy populations at Spurn and increasingly in the south east of VC63.61. Spurn area, 32 records of 54 moths from 30.6 to 2.8.2015 (BRS. JCr).63. Sprotbrough, 29.6 & 9.8.2015 (DBo); Auckley, 29.6.2015 (SRS); Balby, 17.7.2015 (PG); Brockadale NR, 12.7.2015 (MaP); Cantley, 28.7.2015; Branton, 28.7.2015; Lindholme, 17.7.2015 (SRS); Owston, several dates 15.7 to 10.8.2015 (MaP); Potteric Carr, 29 & 30.6.2015 (RIH).70.015 (1712) SMALL SCALLOP I. emarginata (Linnaeus)Records from the usual areas though Thorne Moors is a new site.62. Strensall Common, 10.7.2015 (CHF, TMW, TJC et al).63. Ling or High Common, 10.8.2015 (SRS); Thorne Moors, 17.7.2015 (JOHS); Auckley, 19.7.2015 (SRS).70.018 (1715) PLAIN WAVE I. straminata (Borkhausen)Much less common than the very similar Riband Wave so take care in identification. Particularly common at Strensall Common this year where 19 were caught in one session.62. Strensall Common, 10.7.2015 (CHF, TMW, HEB et al); York, 1.7.2015 (AF).63. Old Moor, 1 & 23.7.2015 (HBe); Woodsetts, 10.7.2015 (CT); Wintersett Country


Park, several dates 27.6 to 16.7.2015 (PSm); West Melton, 14 & 17.7.2015 (HEB); Featherstone, 26.7.2015 (JWC); Halifax, 3 & 7.8.2015 (DS).64. Little Preston, 15, 16, 18 & 21.7.2015 (JMa); Bellflask, 5.8.2015 (BM).70.025 (1692) LESSER CREAM WAVE Scopula immutata (Linnaeus)Rare and local in the county. Often found flying by day.61. Spurn, 14.7.2015 (BRS).63. Thorne Moors, 17.7.2015 (JOHS); Hatfield Moors, 20.7.2015; Holme Wood, 4.8.2015 (SRS).70.026 (1694) SMOKY WAVE S. ternata (Schrank)Widespread in upland areas where it is often seen flying by day. It ought to be more common than these few records suggest.62. Fen Bog, 5, 11 & 19.7.2015 (GF).64. Whitendale, 2.7.2015 (BD).65. Marrick Park, 29.6.2015 (TMW).70.027 (1693) CREAM WAVE S. floslactata (Haworth)We receive a lot of records of this species, usually at light. The vast majority turn out to be other species. Cream Wave is usually seen by day in broadleaved woodland in June. Widespread but rather local in the county.63. Ling or High Common, 4.6.2015 (SRS).70.028 (1691) ROSY WAVE S. emutaria (Hübner)A better year at Spurn – its only site in the county and the most northerly in the country.61. Spurn area, 22 records of 25 moths from 26.6 to 10.8.2015 (BRS).70.032 (1677) BIRCH MOCHA Cyclophora albipunctata (Hufnagel)Reduced numbers. Records from the usual areas in two generations.62. Strensall Common, 10.7.2015 (CHF, TMW, TJC et al); Deepdale, 27.6.2015 (DLo, AR, JHo).63. Lindholme, 17.8.2015 (P&JS); Hatfield Moors, 17.8.2015 (DWi et al); Thorne Moors, 19.6 (HEB) and 27.6.2015 (MWa).70.036 (1680) MAIDEN'S BLUSH C. punctaria (Linnaeus)A reduction following the record numbers of last year. No change in range.61. North Ferriby, 1.7 & 17.8.2015 (IM); Hessle, 26.6 & 15.7.2015 (BWa); North Cliffe Wood, 18.6.2015 (ADN); Easington, 20.8.2015 (MFS); Wheldrake, 25.5.2015 (NL).63. Sandal Beat Wood, 16.6 (HEB) & 1.7.2015 (RM); Hatfield Moors, 17.8.2015 (DWi et al); Lindholme, 17.8.2015 (P&JS); Sprotbrough, 22.8.2015 (DBo); Potteric Carr NR, 23.8.2015 (HEB, RIH).64. Askham Bryan, 26.5.2015 (DL).70.037 (1681) CLAY TRIPLE-LINES C. linearia (Hübner)A healthy spread of records across the county. Those at Spurn were the first there since 1992.61. Spurn, 3 & 18.6.2015 (BRS).62. Skelton Castle, 1.7.2015 (DM); Windmill Hill, 5.8.2015 (SF).63. Brockadale NR, 1 & 15.7.2015 (DWi, PSi); Owston, 10.7.2015 (MaP); Thorpe Marsh, 10.7.2015 (P&JS, MT); Haw Park, 9, 11 & 13.7.2015 (PSm); Sprotbrough, 18.7.2015 (DBo); Thackley, 27.6.2015 (NA); Old Moor, 3.8.2015 (HBe).64. Cookridge, 11, 15 & 16.7.2015 (PL); Tadcaster, 6, 21 & 22.7.2015 (DBa); Little Preston, 29.6.2015 (JMa).70.038 (1716) VESTAL Rhodometra sacraria (Linnaeus)A good year for this migrant. All at Spurn except for one inland record.61. Spurn area, nine records from 29.8 to 13.9.2015 (BRS, MFS, JCr).64. Bellflask, 28.8.2015 (BM).70.043 (1731) CHALK CARPET Scotopteryx bipunctaria (Prout)


All records since 1999 have been at Flamborough. Does it occur anywhere else in the county?61. Flamborough, 10 & 18.7.2015 (IM, LB, MP, ADN).70.046 (1719) OBLIQUE CARPET Orthonama vittata (Borkhausen)A quite remarkable series of records from the lower Derwent valley where the Rothamsted trap caught unprecedented numbers – up to 42 in a single trap on 23rd June. Numbers appeared normal away from here so it seemed to be a local phenomenon.61. Wheldrake Ings, 58 records of 383 moths from 11.6 to 20.9.2015 (JOHS et al); Lower Derwent Ings, 6 records of 33 moths from 23.5 to 2.7.2015 (CSR, PTy); Catwick, 27.6.2015 (JM); North Cliffe Wood, 19.6.2015 (DA); Kilnwick, 25.6.2015 (MCo); Elvington, 27.6.2015 (JSm); Spurn, 17.6.2015 (BRS); Tophill Low NR, 25.6 & 2.7.2015 (MHo, DF).63. Thorne Moors, 19.6.2015 (HEB).70.047 (1720) GEM Nycterosea obstipata (Fabricius)An average year for this sporadic migrant.61. North Ferriby, 1.7.2015 (IM); Spurn, four records 6.8 to 30.10.2015 (BRS).64. Tadcaster, 28.9.2015 (DBa).70.048 (1723) Red Carpet Xanthorhoe decoloraria (Esper)All records from the usual areas in the far north west of the county.64. Scar Close NNR, 13.8.2015 (TMW, DFi); Ingleton, 16.8.2015 (JP); Colt Park, 16.8.2015 (TMW); Selside (Ribblesdale), 28.6.2015 (HS).65. Lartington, 2.8.2015 (PWe); Ravenseat (Swaledale), 7.8.2015 (CHF, TMW).70.058 (1741) MANY-LINED Costaconvexa polygrammata (Borkhausen)A record from 2006 was originally submitted as Oblique Carpet. The photograph was re-examined and proved to be Many-lined. This is now the earliest county record ahead of the record at Spurn on 27.7.2006.61. Spurn, 16.5.2006 (MFS).70.060 (1737) SMALL ARGENT & SABLE Epirrhoe tristata (Linnaeus)A typical year for this day-flying upland species. Claimed records at light are invariably misidentifications. It has never been caught at light in the county.62. Fen Bog, several dates 27.6 to 26.7.2015 (GF, IM, MP, SHu).63. Howden Moors, 3.7.2015 (DeWh).64. Timble, 24.6.2015 (P&KL); Angram Res, 31.7.2015 (MBa).70.063 (1740) GALIUM CARPET E. galiata ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Some encouraging records from the Dales where it has not been seen since 2011 and from VC63.63. Golcar, 2 & 16.7.2015 (CRe).64. Selside (Ribblesdale), 12.8.2015 (HS); Ingleborough NR, ten caught on 9.7.2015 (TMW).70.068 (1748) BEAUTIFUL CARPET Mesoleuca albicillata (Linnaeus)The usual scattered records from across the county. This species does not come strongly to light and is often seen by day.62. Grinkle Park, 3.7.2015 (SF).63. Brockadale NR, 1.7.2015 (DWi, PSi); Wintersett Country Park, 11.7.2015 (PSm); Haw Park, 25 & 30.6.2015 (PSm).65. Foxglove Covert, 19.6.2015 (CHF, JCW et al).70.070 (1745) MALLOW Larentia clavaria (Haworth)A poor year. This species seems to have decreased in numbers recently.61. Wheldrake, 12.9.2015 (NL); Spurn area, six records 25.9 to 18.10.2015 (MFS, JCr).63. Kirk Smeaton, 7.10.2015 (DWi).70.072 (1744) GREY MOUNTAIN CARPET Entephria caesiata ([Denis & Schiffermüller])


A more encouraging year with the first record for VC62 since 2002.62. Glaisdale Moor, 17.9.2015 (GF).63. Langfield Edge, 25.7.2015 (BL, AC).64. Brimham Rocks, 29.8.2015 (TAB).70.077 (1767) PINE CARPET Pennithera firmata (Hübner)Another poor year. Widespread and not uncommon amongst pines but infrequently reported.61. Elvington, 19.9 & 11.10.2015 (DSt).62. Great Smeaton, 17 & 25.9.2015 (JE); Broxa Forest, 2.10.2015 (DLo, AR, JHo); Skelton, 8.8 & 20.9.2015 (SF); Scarborough, 30.6 & 3.7.2015 (L&JW); York, 29.8.2015 (AF).63. Wintersett Country Park, 10.7.2015 (PSm); Hardcastle Crags, 11.9.2015 (AC, BL et al); Pudsey, 9.9.2015 (L&DJ).64. Burley-in-Wharfedale, 19.9.2015 (P&AR); Skyreholme, 20.8.2015 (PMi); Bellflask, 28 & 31.8.2015 (BM).65. Lartington, 2.8.2015 (PWe); Healey, 5.9.2015 (DMS, IW).70.084 (1766) BLUE-BORDERED CARPET Plemyria rubiginata ([Denis & Schiffermüller])A typical year for this moth of alder woodland.62. Malton, 3.8.2015 (RL); Husthwaite, 8.8.2015 (KG); Hob Hole, 8.8.2015 (SF).63. Carlton Marsh NR, Barnsley, 7.8.2015 (HEB, CG).64. Bellflask, several dates 11.7 to 17.8.2015 (BM); Low Bentham, 11.9.2015 (TMW); Tadcaster, 18.7.2015 (DBa).65. Cotherstone, 5.8.2015 (PWe).70.092 (1757) SPINACH Eulithis mellinata (Fabricius)A poor year for this moth which is declining in numbers. Often misidentified so please take a photograph.61. Withernsea, 18.7.2015 (MCF); Bempton Cliffs, 9.8.2015 (DAi).62. York, 30.6 & 1.7.2015 (AF). 63. Owston, 2.7.2015 (MaP); Balby, 6.7.2015 (PG); Sheffield, 25.6 & 1.7.2015 (JT).64. Skyreholme, 20.8.2015 (PMi).70.102 (1753) STRIPED TWIN-SPOT CARPET Coenotephria salicata (Curtis)All records from its core area in the western Dales.64. Colt Park, 4.6 & 10.9.2015 (TMW); Selside (Ribblesdale), 12.8.2015 (HS); Skyreholme, 20.8.2015 (PMi); Langden Brook, 24.7.2015 (CHF, TMW); Settle, 4.6.2015 (TM); Ingleborough NR, 9.7.2015 (TMW).65. Bainbridge, 22.6.2015 (CHF).70.104 (1751) DEVON CARPET Lampropteryx otregiata (Metcalfe)Records from all three of its known sites in the county. It is likely that this species exists in damp woodland elsewhere.61. North Cliffe Wood, 4.6.2015 (IM, ADN).62. Kilburn, 4.6.2015 (TAB).63. Hardcastle Crags, 22.5 & 11.9.2015 (AC, BL et al).70.105 (1800) NORTHERN WINTER MOTH Operophtera fagata (Scharfenberg)Often misidentified for the much commoner, smaller and darker Winter Moth or sometimes late Epirrita species. Northern Winter Moth is much less common in gardens.61. Wheldrake, 14 & 16.12.2015 (JOHS).62. Sneaton, 29.10 & 1.11.2015 (N&MT).63. Ling or High Common (larvae), 13.4.2015; Blaxton (larva), 28.4.2015 (SRS); Thackley, 14.12.2015 (NA); Carlton, 6.11.2015 (DSm).64. Bellflask, 12 & 15.11.2015 (BM).


EPIRRITA SPECIESWe continue to receive many records of ”November Moths” identified to species level with no indication of how this was done. These records can not be entered on the database. Even well-marked individuals are extremely difficult to determine as differences in forewing markings are tendencies rather than absolute differences. They should be logged as ”November Moth agg.” unless dissected. Dissection is easy with males however females cannot be determined in this way. Small Autumnal Moth (E. filigrammaria) ought to be easier to identify but separating this from Autumnal Moth (E. autumnata) is not always simple. There is overlap in size and in flight time and it can be difficult to separate records of large late-flying E. filigrammaria from small early-flying E. autumnata as the genitalia are indistinguishable. It is however usually safe to record small upland moths in September as filigrammaria. November Moth (E. dilutata) is by far the commonest of the four species, especially in gardens but all four species have been recorded in gardens so this can not be assumed. There were 35 records of November Moth this year. The following is a list of records of the other three species where the moths have been determined by examining the underside of the tip of the abdomen as described on page 94 of the second edition of Waring, Townsend and Lewington’s field guide.70.108 (1796) PALE NOVEMBER MOTH Epirrita christyi (Allen)64. Colt Park, 4 & 27.10.2015 (TMW).70.109 (1797) AUTUMNAL MOTH E. autumnata (Borkhausen)62. Bilsdale, 21.10.2015 (EG).64. Colt Park, 4 & 27.10.2015 (TMW).70.110 (1798) SMALL AUTUMNAL MOTH E. filigrammaria (Herrich-Schäffer)64. Ilkley, 8.9.2015 (P&JB).65. Nosterfield reed bed, 10.9.2015 (CHF, JCW et al); Cowgill (Dentdale), 13.9.2015 (DL).70.111 (1875) SMALL WHITE WAVE Asthena albulata (Hufnagel)Thinly distributed in the county. This is the first record from Spurn.61. Spurn, 26.8.2015 (BRS).70.112 (1874) DINGY SHELL Euchoeca nebulata (Scopoli)A very good year for this local moth of alder woodland.61. North Cliffe Wood, 16.6 & 1.7.2015 (IM, ADN); Wheldrake, 2.8.2015 (NL).62. Windmill Hill Plantation, 2 & 10.7, 5.8.2015 (SF); Grinkle Park, 3.7.2015 (SF).63. Potteric Carr NR, 30.6 & 10.7.2015 (RIH); Bessacarr, 15.5.2015 (SRS); Carlton Marsh, 29.6 & 15.7.2015 (CG); West Melton, 2.7.2015 (HEB); Sheffield, 2 & 5.8.2015 (JT).64. Bellflask, 1 & 5.7.2015 (BM); Little Preston, 12 & 13.7, 24.8.2015 (JMa).70.114 (1876) SMALL YELLOW WAVE Hydrelia flammeolaria (Hufnagel)We normally include all records of this attractive woodland moth but high numbers this year mean there are too many to list individually. 36 records of 67 moths in the centre and east of the county from 21.5 to 12.8.2015.70.115 (1873) WELSH WAVE Venusia cambrica CurtisLocal in upland areas with Rowan.62. Wykeham Forest, 10.7.2015 (IM, LB, MP); Windmill Hill Plantation, 30.6 & 10.7.2015 (SF); Dalby, 14.8.2015 (DLo, AR, JHo); Deepdale, 27.6.2015 (DLo, AR, JHo); Bickley Gate, 5.6.2015 (IM, MP); Bilsdale, 7.8.2015 (EG).64. Brimham Rocks, 5.7.2015 (TAB).70.116 (1872) BLOMER'S RIVULET V. blomeri (Curtis)Records from the usual elm-rich areas in the north of the county.62. Skelton Castle, 1.7.2015 (DM); Goathland, 14.7.2015 (WN); Kilburn, 4.6.2015 (TAB).64. Ellington Banks (MOD), 24.6.2015 (CHF, JCW, HEB).


70.118 (1791) BROWN SCALLOP Philereme vetulata ([Denis & Schiffermüller])A single record of this scarce buckthorn-feeder at its usual site.63. Brockadale NR, 1.7.2015 (DWi, MT et al).70.119 (1792) DARK UMBER P. transversata (Hufnagel)Another buckthorn-feeding species. An increase in records but all from the usual areas.63. Sprotbrough, 18.7 & 11.8.2015 (DBo); Kirk Smeaton, 16.7 & 11.8.2015 (DWi); Brockadale NR, 15.7 & 12.8.2015 (HEB, DWi, P&JS et al).64. Bellflask, 3, 8, 9 & 11.8.2015 (BM).70.120 (1787) ARGENT & SABLE Rheumaptera hastata (Linnaeus)Records from the usual two sites for this day-flying National BAP species. There may be other unknown sites in the county. Open birch woodland should be searched on sunny days in the first week of June.62. Boltby Forest, 24.6.2015 (DWa).64. Bishop Wood, 30.5.2015 (NL).70.121 (1789) SCALLOP SHELL Hydria undulata (Linnaeus)A good spread of records from all five vice-counties.61. North Cliffe Wood, 1.7.2015 (IM, ADN); Holme on Spalding Moor, 13.7.2015 (EDC).62. Strensall Common, 10.7.2015 (CHF, TMW, TJC et al).63. Wintersett Country Park, 13.6, 9 & 13.7.2015 (PSm); Potteric Carr NR, 13.7.2015 (HEB, RIH); Thorne Moors, 17.8.2015 (MWa).64. Brayton, 11.7.2015 (PT); Ilkley, 21.7.2015 (P&JB).65. Foxglove Covert, 23.7.2015 (FCMT).70.123 (1790) TISSUE Triphosa dubitata (Linnaeus)Numbers over-wintering in the main cave in the Dales peaked at 154 on 19.9.2015. The record from Malton was unexpected as it was many miles from the nearest records.62. Malton, 7.9.2015 (RL).64. Various caves in the limestone Dales (DHo, N&DF); Rylstone, 8.4.2015 (LW).65. Healey, 9.4.2015 (DMS, IW).70.128 (1784) PRETTY CHALK CARPET Melanthia procellata ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Reported again from its usual area where the larvae feed on Traveller’s Joy.63. Brockadale NR, 1 & 15.7.2015 (DWi, PSi).70.134 (1804) BARRED RIVULET Perizoma bifaciata (Haworth)The lowest number of records since 1997. The larvae feed on red bartsia.61. North Ferriby, 13.8.2015 (IM); Hunmanby Gap, 21.7.2015 (KC).64. Bellflask, 10.8.2015 (BM).70.135 (1805) HEATH RIVULET P. minorata (Stephens)A single record from its only current site in the county, and possibly the only site in England.64. Bastow Wood, 16.8.2015 (JG).70.137 (1807) GRASS RIVULET P. albulata ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Local in areas with yellow rattle. Most commonly seen in the daytime.61. Spurn, 24.6.2015 (JCr).62. Marske Beach, 9, 17 & 26.6, 10.7.2015 (DM); Carling How, 8 & 15.6 & 16.7.2015 (SF); Skinningrove, 16.6 & 5.7.2015 (DWa); South Gare, 20 & 25.6.2015 (DM); Newtondale, 21.6.2015 (AMy) and 26.6.2015 (GF).63. Woodsetts, 13.7.2015 (CT); Wintersett, 4.6.2015 (PSm).64. Garforth, 20.6.2015 (DH).70.139 (1801) BARRED CARPET P. taeniata (Stephens)Records of this scarce moth from one of its usual areas.62. Glaisdale, 31.7 (RWo, GF) & 11.8.2015 (GF).


PUGS (Eupithecia sp.)Most recorders find the true (Eupithecia) Pugs difficult. Some species are easy but many need dissection to be certain. We receive a lot of records which are obviously incorrect for example flying two months earlier than expected. Melanic and worn pugs should never be identified without dissection. Please do not guess and only submit records about which you are confident. Check the flight times and distribution. Is it likely? Has it been seen in the area before? Is it fresh? Is the foodplant nearby? More people are now identifying tricky pugs by dissection but even this can be difficult without practice. Do take a specimen or a good photograph of anything that might be a rarity. A copy of Riley and Prior’s ‘British and Irish Pug Moths’ can pay dividends. It can be difficult for us to know which records are reliable but we are fairly confident about the following:70.146 (1813) HAWORTH'S PUG Eupithecia haworthiata DoubledayLocal to areas with Traveller’s Joy, usually in the southern part of the county.63. Brockadale NR, 1.7.2015 (DWi, PSi); Sprotbrough, 18.7.2015 (DBo); Potteric Carr NR, 30.6.2015 (RIH); Long Sandall (Doncaster), larva on Traveller’s Joy, 4.9.2015 (SRS).70.147 (1811) SLENDER PUG E. tenuiata (Hübner)Sometimes tricky to identify. The peak flight time is 1st August. Records of moths flying in June are usually errors.61. Muston, 12.8.2015 (PQW); Cottingham, 31.7.2015 (AA); Elvington, 8.8.2015 (JSm).62. Mill Wood, Glaisdale, 31.7.2015 (RWo).63. Pudsey, 1 & 5.7.2015 (DN); Moss, 11.8.2015 (DWi et al); West Melton, 16.7.2015 (HEB); Wintersett Country Park, 16.8.2015 (PSm); Potteric Carr NR, 2.8.2015 (RIH); Blaxton, 20.7 & 2.8.2015 (SRS); Carlton, 28.6.2015 (DSm); Owston, 6.7.2015 (MaP).64. Burley-in-Wharfedale, 2 & 7.8.2015 (P&AR); Sun Lane NR, 9.8.2015 (P&AR).70.148 (1812) MAPLE PUG E. inturbata (Hübner)These are the first records from Spurn. Often tricky to separate from Slender Pug and not as easy as it appears in the books.61. Spurn, 6 & 9.7.2015 (BRS).63. Moss, 11.8.2015 (DWi et al); Melton Wood, 20.8.2015 (HEB, RM); Potteric Carr NR, 9.8.2015 (RIH).65. Nosterfield NR, 22.8.2015 (CHF, JCW); Hutton Conyers, 9 & 25.8.2015 (CHF).70.150 (1816) TOADFLAX PUG E. linariata ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Often misidentified for the commoner Foxglove Pug. A poor year.61. Spurn, 25.6, 12, 23 & 26.7.2015 (BRS, MFS, JCr); North Ferriby, 12 & 16.8.2015 (IM).62. Skelton, 25.6.2015 (DM).63. Sprotbrough, 14.7.2015 (DBo); Rotherham, 29.8.2015 (MSm).64. Cookridge, 2.7.2015 (PL).70.154 (1822) MARSH PUG E. pygmaeata (Hübner)Very local in the county. All records were of day-flying moths.61. Spurn, 15.6.2015 (BRS); Muston, 29.6 & 20.7.2015 (PQW); Flamborough, 5.7.2015 (IM).63. South Ring Drain (Hatfield Moors), 27.5.2015 (SRS).70.158 (1854) JUNIPER PUG E. pusillata ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Formerly widespread across the county, numbers have declined markedly in recent years.62. Skelton, 21.7.2015 (SF).70.162 (1857) DWARF PUG E. tantillaria (Boisduval)Locally common in spruce plantations.62. Wykeham Forest, 10.7.2015 (IM, LB, MP); Great Smeaton, 15.6.2015 (JE);


Skelton, 30.6.2015 (SF); Bickley Gate, 5.6.2015 (IM, MP).63. Sheffield, 23.5.2015 (CRo); Carlton, 5.6.2015 (DSm).65. Foxglove Covert, 19.6.2015 (CHF, JCW et al).70.163 (1856) LARCH PUG E. lariciata (Freyer)Scattered records all across the county from sites close to mature larch plantations.62. Wykeham Forest, 10.7.2015 (IM, LB, MP); Guisborough, 27.6 & 28.7.2015 (RWo); Grinkle Park, 3.7.2015 (SF).63. Brockadale NR, 12.8.2015 (HEB, DWi et al); Hardcastle Crags, 22.5.2015 (AC, BL); Balby, 3 & 6.7.2015 (PG).64. Burley-in-Wharfedale, 30.6 & 6.7.2015 (P&AR); Sun Lane NR, 9.8.2015 (P&AR).70.165 (1845) PIMPINEL PUG E. pimpinellata (Hübner)Very local in the county. The Coxwold record is only the second for VC62.62. Coxwold, 21.7.2015 (PWi).65. Nosterfield reed bed, 1.7.2015 (CHF, JCW, SWa); Hutton Conyers, 29.7.2015 (CHF).70.166 (1842) PLAIN PUG E. simpliciata (Haworth)A good number of records, all from the eastern half of the county.61. Spurn area; several dates 23.7 to 21.8.2015 (BRS, MFS), Kilnwick, 12.7.2015 (MCo); Flamborough, 18.7.2015 (IM, LB, MP, ADN); North Ferriby, 26.7 & 2.8.2015 (IM); Wheldrake, 21.8.2015 (JOHS); Tophill Low NR, 5.8.2015 (MHo, DF).62. Skelton, 1.7.2015 (DM); Haxby, 6.7.2015 (TJC).63. Armthorpe, 3.8.2015 (SRS).70.169 (1848) ANGLE-BARRED PUG E. innotata (Hufnagel)The coastal form (Angle-barred Pug) which feeds on sea buckthorn is fairly common in the Spurn area. The ash-feeding form (Ash Pug) is commonest in the western Dales. If you record it away from these two areas, please be careful as this moth is often misidentified and many claimed “Ash Pugs” turned out to be other species.61. Spurn area, 68 records of 88 moths from 30.5 to 24.9.2015 (BRS, MFS, JCr); Lund, 6 & 18.7.2015 (MCo).64. Ingleton, 15 & 28.6.2015 (JP).70.171 (1844) OCHREOUS PUG E. indigata (Hübner)Local in areas with pine.61. North Ferriby, 21.5.2015 (IM).62. Sneaton, 22.5.2015 (N&MT); Bickley Gate, 5.6.2015 (IM, MP).63. Hardcastle Crags, 22.5 & 5.6.2015 (AC, BL).64. Garforth, 23.5.2015 (DH).70.172 (1843) THYME PUG E. distinctaria (Guenée)Local in the limestone Dales. The first records since 2011.64. Colt Park, 11.7.2015 (TMW); Ingleborough NR, 9.7.2015 (TMW).70.175 (1826) TRIPLE-SPOTTED PUG E. trisignaria Herrich-SchäfferA moth of damp areas where the larvae feed on wild angelica and hogweed. Not common in gardens.61. Atwick, 1.7.2015 (WF&MC); Wheldrake, 21.7.2015 (JOHS).63. Brockadale NR, 15.7.2015 (DWi, PSi).64. Little Preston, 12, 14 & 15.7.2015 (JMa).70.177 (1828) SATYR PUG E. satyrata (Hübner)Very local, usually in heathy areas. Often seen flying by day.62. Strensall Common, 10.7.2015 (CHF, TMW, TJC et al) and 12.7.2015 (AMy).64. Ellington Banks (MOD), 24.6.2015 (CHF, JCW, HEB).


70.191 (1866) MANCHESTER TREBLE-BAR Carsia sororiata (Hübner)A record from the usual area at the extreme west of VC64 on the Lancashire border.64. Burn Moor, 17.8.2015 (TMW).70.195 (1864) STREAK Chesias legatella ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Local in areas with broom and flying late in the year.62. Glaisdale, 17 & 27.10.2015 (GF).63. Cudworth, 1.11.2015 (CG).64. Brayton, 1.11.2015 (PT).70.198 (1879) SERAPHIM Lobophora halterata (Hufnagel)Another good year for this moth of aspens and poplars.61. Tophill Low NR, 12 & 25.6.2015 (MHo, DF); North Cliffe Wood, 4 & 16.6.2015 (IM); Stillingfleet Lodge, 27.6.2015 (DBa); Lund, 4.6.2015 (MCo).62. Pilmoor, 24.5.2015 (TAB); Windmill Hill Plantation, 30.6.2015 (SF); York, 12.6.2015 (AF).63. Potteric Carr NR, 25.5, 11 & 16.6.2015 (RIH); Lindholme, 12.5.2015 (SRS); Sprotbrough, 12.6.2015 (DBo); Wintersett Country Park, 4 & 16.6.2015 (PSm); Machins Plantation, 17.5.2015 (SRS); Buttershaw, 24.6.2015 (LJ); Green Busks, 30.5.2015 (SRS); Carlton Marsh, 4.6.2015 (CG).64. Askham Bryan, 12.6.2015 (DL); Bellflask, 16.5.2015 (BM).70.203 (1661) ORANGE UNDERWING Archiearis parthenias (Linnaeus) A much better year with 33 records of 45 moths spread mostly in the south and centre of the county from 10.3 to 14.4.2015.70.206 (1885) CLOUDED MAGPIE Abraxas sylvata (Scopoli)Mostly occurring in elm-rich woodland on higher ground though some records come from the lowlands.61. Hessle, 4.8.2015 (BWa).62. Wykeham Forest, 10.7.2015 (IM, LB, MP); Littlebeck, 12, 13 & 14.7.2015 (MBe); Deepdale, 27.6.2015 (DLo, AR, JHo); Bilsdale, 7.8.2015 (EG).63. Potteric Carr NR, 10.7 & 2.8.2015 (RIH).64. Hackfall Woods, 5.6.2015 (CHF, JCW, DMS).65. Bellflask - Jetty Wood, 11.7.2015 (BM).70.208 (1888) SCORCHED CARPET Ligdia adustata ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Local in areas with spindle. A poor year.63. Woodsetts, 20.7.2015 (CT).64. Settle, 25.6.2015 (RW).70.212 (1890) SHARP-ANGLED PEACOCK Macaria alternata ([Denis & Schiffermüller])A good year but only one record away from its stronghold at Spurn.61. Spurn area, 102 records of 210 moths from 21.5 to 1.9.2015 (BRS, MFS, JCr); Atwick, 11.7.2015 (WF&MC).70.215 (1897) V-MOTH M. wauaria (Linnaeus)Records from the usual parts of the county. In severe decline nationally.64. Rylstone, 14.7.2015 (LW); Bellflask, 3.8.2015 (BM).65. Healey, 19.7.2015 (DMS, IW); Bellerby, 6.8.2015 (RWi).70.223 (1903) BARRED UMBER Plagodis pulveraria (Linnaeus)Local in wooded upland areas in the north of the county.62. Bilsdale, 12.6.2015 (EG); Sneaton, 22.5.2015 (N&MT); Kilburn, 4.6.2015 (TAB); Bickley Gate, 5.6.2015 (IM, MP); Coxwold, 6.6.2015 (PWi).70.227 (1907) BORDERED BEAUTY Epione repandaria (Hufnagel)Another good year for this moth of damp woodland with records across the centre and east of the county. One at Wheldrake on 3rd November was exceptionally late.


61. Tophill Low NR, several dates (MHo, DF); Wheldrake, several dates 12.8 to 3.11.2015 (JOHS, NL); Lower Derwent Valley, 26.6.2015 (CSR, PTy); North Cliffe Wood, 4.8.2015 (IM, ADN).62. Goathland, 1.9.2015 (WN).63. Almholme Ings, 10.8.2015 (SRS); Moss, 11.8.2015; Thorne Moors, 17.7.2015 (DWi et al); Ling or High Common, 17.8.2015 (SRS); Potteric Carr NR, 9.8.2015 (RIH).64. Bellflask, several dates 21.7 to 16.8.2015 (BM); Little Preston, 9 & 21.8.2015 (JMa).70.228 (1908) DARK BORDERED BEAUTY E. vespertaria (Linnaeus)Total and peak counts on the monitoring transect remained very low and much the same as in 2014. Nine small grazing exclosures were installed in April and within them the growth of creeping willow, the larval food-plant, was greatly improved. This has clearly demonstrated the negative impact of sheep grazing and it is planned during 2016 to fence off larger areas and supplement the creeping willow with cultivated plants of local provenance.62. Strensall Common, 6.7 to 1.8.2015 (several observers). All daytime observations apart from seven to light on 10.7.2015.70.229 (1909) SPECKLED YELLOW Pseudopanthera macularia (Linnaeus)Local and day-flying in upland areas with wood sage. Coniston Cold is a new site and a range extension.64. Coniston Cold, 4 & 11.6.2015 (ARh); Grass Wood, 23 & 25.5.2015 (AGr, DP).70.231 (1910) LILAC BEAUTY Apeira syringaria (Linnaeus)A good year but all records from the south and east of the county.61. Spurn, 12 & 21.7.2015 (BRS); Lund, 12, 17 & 21.7.2015 (MCo); Tophill Low NR, 13.7.2015 (MHo, DF); Rudston, 13.7.2015 (ASE).62. Littlebeck, 11 & 14.7.2015 (MBe); Lower Derwent Valley, 11.7.2015 (CSR, JL, RB); Yorks, 4.7.2015 (AF).63. Levels Lane Plantation (larva), 25.2.2015 (SRS); Haw Park, 30.6, 11 & 16.7.2015 (PSm); Owston, 30.6.2015 (MaP).70.233 (1912) AUGUST THORN Ennomos quercinaria (Hufnagel) Some recorders have difficulty separating August and September Thorns. To a certain extent the distribution helps. The bulk of records of August Thorn are in the south east of the county so moths from other areas suspected of being this species should be examined critically. September Thorn is a moth of central Yorkshire and much less common in VC61. August Thorn had a good year and there are too many records to list individually.70.236 (1915) SEPTEMBER THORN E. erosaria ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Records from typical wooded areas in the centre of the county.61. Elvington, 28.7, 8 & 9.8.2015 (DSt, JSm); Wheldrake, 8.8.2015 (NL).62. Great Smeaton, 11 & 18.9.2015 (JE); Beningbrough Hall, 13.8.2015 (JAN); York, 25.8.2015 (AF).63. Owston, 21.8.2015 (MaP).64. Askham Bryan, 17.8.2015 (DL); Sharow, 19.9.2015 (JCW); Bellflask, 21 & 24.8, 21.9.2015 (BM); Spofforth, 31.7, 7, 22 & 30.8.2015 (AD); Dob Park, 8.8.2015 (CGH).65. Healey, 5, 12, 18 & 22.9.2015 (DMS, IW); Nosterfield NR, 22.8.2015 (CHF, JCW); Foxglove Covert, 23.9.2015 (FCMT).70.238 (1918) LUNAR THORN Selenia lunularia (Hübner)All records from the usual upland areas. Records in July or in lowland areas all turned out to be Purple Thorn.64. Skyreholme, 13.6.2015 (PMi); Lumley Moor Reservoir, 13.6.2015 (CHF); Ingleton, 19.6.2015 (JP); Hackfall Woods, 5.6.2015 (CHF, JCW, DMS).


65. Aysgarth Visitor Centre, 26.6.2015 (D&JP).70.248 (1927) BRINDLED BEAUTY Lycia hirtaria (Clerck)A better year for this moth of broadleaved woodland.61. Elvington, 20.3.2015 (JSm); Skidby, 21.4.2015 (ADN).63. Owston, several dates 6.4 to 22.4.2015 (MaP); Potteric Carr NR, 14.4.2015 (RIH); Balby, 23.4.2015 (PG).64. Askham Bryan, 20.4.2015 (DL).70.253 (1932) SPRING USHER Agriopis leucophaearia ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Few records, partly due to the poor weather in the early part of the year. The two December records from Lund are the “earliest” ever on the database.61. North Ferriby, 14.2.2015 (IM); Wheldrake, 25.1.2015 (NL); Lund, 27 & 28.12.2015 (MCo).62. Skelton, 14.2.2015 (SF); Kilburn, 18.2.2015 (CHF); Great Smeaton, 6.2.2015 (JE).63. Thackley, 13.1.2015 (NA); Hardcastle Crags, 20.2.2015 (AC, BL).70.264 (1940) SATIN BEAUTY Deileptenia ribeata (Clerck)The worst year for a long time. It should be regular when trapping near scots pine plantations.61. Muston, 19 & 21.7.2015 (PQW).64. Bellflask, 7.8.2015 (BM).70.267 (1943) GREAT OAK BEAUTY Hypomecis roboraria ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Following its rediscovery at Hatfield Moors in 2010, we now have encouraging records from Thorne Moors.63. Thorne Moors, 27.6.2015 (RM, MWa).70.268 (1944) PALE OAK BEAUTY H. punctinalis (Scopoli)An exciting new moth for the county. The nearest current populations are in Lincolnshire though there are historic records from Northumberland. Usually a moth of broad-leaved woodland. It will be interesting to see whether we get further records.61. Catwick, 13.6.2015 (JM). NEW COUNTY RECORD70.274 (1951) GREY BIRCH Aethalura punctulata ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Scattered records across all five vice-counties.61. North Cliffe Wood, 21.4 & 16.6.2015 (IM, ADN).62. Pilmoor, 11 & 24.5.2015 (TAB); Deepdale, 27.6.2015 (DLo, AR, JHo); Windmill Hill Plantation, 30.6.2015 (SF).63. Potteric Carr NR, 10.4.2015 (RIH); Machins Plantation, 17.5.2015 (SRS); Thorne Moors, 18.6.2015 (RM).64. Spofforth, 11.5.2015 (AD); Bellflask, 4, 6 & 23.5.2015 (BM); Beecroft Moor Plantation, 4.6.2015 (CHF).65. High Batts NR, 16.5.2015 (CHF, JCW, JF); Foxglove Covert, 19.6.2015 (CHF, JCW et al).70.292 (1969) GREY SCALLOPED BAR Dyscia fagaria (Thunberg)Usually a moth of moors and heaths, one at Pudsey was a surprise, following one at Pontefract the previous year.62. Glaisdale, 12.7.2015 (GF).63. Pudsey, 11.7.2015 (DN).64. Whitendale, 2.7.2015 (BD).70.295 (1970) GRASS WAVE Perconia strigillaria (Hübner)Records as usual from moorlands and from lowland commons. Boltby Forest is a new site.61. Allerthorpe Common, 15.6.2015 (NL).62. Strensall Common, 10, 24 & 26.6.2015 (NL, DWa, TJC); Scaling Dam, 16.6.2015 (DWa); Boltby Forest, 24.6.2015 (DWa).70.297 (1665) GRASS EMERALD Pseudoterpna pruinata atropunctaria (Walker)


A good year for this gorse-feeding moth following a blank year in 2014.61. Hunmanby Gap, 11.7.2015 (KC); Flamborough, 18.7.2015 (IM, LB, MP, ADN).62. Strensall Common, 10.7 (CHF, TMW et al) and 12.7.2015 (AMy).64. Baildon, 3.8.2015 (JG).70.300 (1667) BLOTCHED EMERALD Comibaena bajularia ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Records from typical sites in the south and centre of the county.61. North Cliffe Wood, 29.6 & 1.7.2015 (IM, ADN).63. Potteric Carr NR, 29 & 30.6, 10.7.2015 (RIH); Owston, 27, 28 & 29.6.2015 (MaP); Blaxton, 27.6.2015 (SRS).64. Askham Bryan, 4.7.2015 (DL).70.303 (1674) LITTLE EMERALD Jodis lactearia (Linnaeus)A moth of birch woodland so the first records at Spurn were unexpected.61. Spurn, 25.6 & 4.7.2015 (BRS).62. Husthwaite, 25.6.2015 (KG).

NOCTUOIDEANOTODONTIDAE

71.003 (1995) PUSS MOTH Cerura vinula (Linnaeus)After the unprecedented numbers of 2014, a more normal spread of records across all five vice-counties.61. North Cliffe Wood, 1.7.2015 (IM, ADN); Hunmanby Gap, 11, 22 & 23.5.2015 (KC, NC); Bridlington, 17.7.2015 (LB); Hessle, 20.6.2015 (BWa); Muston, 25.5.2015 (PQW); Spurn, 26.6.2015 (JCr); Elvington, 27.6.2015 (JSm).62. Beningbrough Hall, 23.6.2015 (JAN); Haxby, 8.6.2015 (TJC).63. Old Moor, 10.6.2015 (HBe); Potteric Carr NR, 16.6.2015 (RIH); Auckley, 23.5.2015 (SRS); West Melton, 8.6 & 5.7.2015 (HEB).64. Bellflask, 11, 12 & 13.5.2015 (BM); Spofforth, 28.6.2015 (AD); Harrogate, 6.6.2015 (SR); Chapel-le-Dale, 8.5.2015 (RBe); Swillington Park, 27.5.2015 (CRe).71.006 (1996) ALDER KITTEN Furcula bicuspis (Borkhausen)Records from the two usual areas. Ingleton is a new site.63. Oughtibridge, 12 & 21.6.2015 (PBu).64. Settle, 12 & 25.6.2015 (RW); Ingleton, 12.6.2015 (JP).71.007 (1998) POPLAR KITTEN F. bifida (Brahm)Many claimed records of this species turn out to be the similar but much commoner Sallow Kitten.61. Spurn, 22.5, 21, 25 & 30.6.2015 (MFS, BRS); Hessle, 22.6.2015 (BWa); Lund, 3.7.2015 (MCo); Tophill Low NR, 5 & 6.6.2015 (MHo, DF).62. Skelton, 29.6 (DM) & 14.7.2015 (SF).63. Rossington, 20.6.2015 (RIH).65. Foxglove Covert, 1.7.2015 (FCMT); Harmby, 5.6.2015 (RWi).71.010 (2014) MARBLED BROWN Drymonia dodonaea ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Records from the usual central areas of the county though Newtondale is a slight extension in range.61. North Cliffe Wood, 1.7.2015 (IM, ADN); Elvington Air Museum, 11 & 24.6.2015 (DBa); North Cliffe Wood, 4, 16, 24 & 29.6.2015 (IM, ADN); Everingham, 30.6.2015 (B&DD); Wheldrake, 31.5.2015 (JOHS).62. Haxby, 21.5.2015 (TJC); Newtondale, 26.6.2015 (GF).71.011 (2015) LUNAR MARBLED BROWN D. ruficornis (Hufnagel)The population seems to be stable but far fewer records following the crash of 2012.61. Stillingfleet Lodge, 25.4.2015 (DBa).


62. Bilsdale, 15.5.2015 (EG); Haxby, 24.4.2015 (TJC); Skelton, 5.5.2015 (SF).63. Owston, 21.4 & 11.5.2015 (MaP); Potteric Carr NR, 14.4.2015 (RIH).64. Hackfall Woods, 10.4 & 11.5.2015 (CHF, JCW, WB et al); Ellington Banks (MOD), 3.5.2015 (CHF, JCW et al).65. Healey, 24.4.2015 (DMS, IW).71.027 (2019) CHOCOLATE-TIP Clostera curtula (Linnaeus)No records from the usual site at Old Moor RSPB but spread to other sites in VC63 and now in VC61.61. Cottingham, 21.5.2015 (AA). NEW VC RECORD.63. West Melton, 10.8.2015 (HEB); Boston Park (larva on poplar), 20.9.2015 (SRS).

EREBIDAE72.007 (2476) BEAUTIFUL SNOUT Hypena crassalis (Fabricius)No records from the usual sites but a big jump north to a new site.65. Bellflask - Jetty Wood, 11.7.2015 (BM). NEW VC RECORD.72.010 (2033) BLACK ARCHES Lymantria monacha (Linnaeus)Following two records in 2014 we have another record from the south of the county and also the first for VC62.62. Bilsdale, 7.8.2015 (EG). NEW VC RECORD.63. Hatfield Moors, 17.8.2015 (LH, DWi).72.018 (2025) SCARCE VAPOURER Orgyia recens (Hübner)Successful searches for larvae on Thorne Moors resulted in females being reared and used successfully to attract males. A larva taken home by JOHS to Wheldrake produced a female which surprisingly attracted two different males at this site, the first for VC61 since 1960. Stock has been sent to the University of Kent who will use it to develop an artificial pheromone lure for this species. This will enable us to find out a lot more about its distribution in the county.61. Wheldrake – two separate males attracted to a female, 3 & 5.7.2015 (JOHS).63. Thorne Moors, larvae on 18, 21 & 22.5.2015 (MWa, JOHS), males attracted to a female on 19 & 23.6.2015 (JOHS, BS, RSm).72.023 (2059) CLOUDED BUFF Diacrisia sannio (Linnaeus)All records from Strensall Common. Again none from the uplands this year. Daytime observations apart from 10 to light on 10.7.2015.62. Strensall Common, 26.6 (TJC), 1 & 6.7 (AMy) and 10.7.2015 (CHF, TMW et al).72.025 (2056) WOOD TIGER Parasemia plantaginis (Linnaeus)A poor year after record numbers in 2014.61. Wayramdale, 15.6.2015 (DSt); Wharram Quarry, 25.6 (NL) & 15.7.2015 (MCo).62. Langdale Forest, 25.6.2015 (AMy); Danby Beacon, 3.7.2015 (SF).64. Timble, 24.6.2015 (P&KL); Yockenthwaite, 25.6.2015 (PMi); Ribblehead, 23.6.2015 (CRe).72.037 (2035) ROUND-WINGED MUSLIN Thumatha senex (Hübner)A good year at its main site at Spurn and a scatter of records elsewhere.61. Spurn area, 51 records of 200 moths, 28.6 to 12.8.2015 (BRS, JCr).62. Haxby, 18.7.2015 (TJC).63. Thorne Moors, 17.7.2015 (DWi, HEB, HRK).72.038 (2040) FOUR-DOTTED FOOTMAN Cybosia mesomella (Linnaeus)Records from typical sites though one at Hutton Conyers was unexpected and the first for VC65.61. Allerthorpe Common, 2.8.2015 (NL); Wheldrake, 30.6.2015 (JOHS); Lower Derwent Valley, 15.7.2015 (CRS, PTy).


62. Haxby, 1.7.2015 (TJC); Strensall Common, 10.7 (CHF, TMW, TJC et al), & 21.7.2015 (TJC); Haxby, 27.6.2015 (TJC).63. Thorne Moors, 17.7.2015 (DWi, HEB et al).65. Hutton Conyers, 30.6.2015 (CHF). NEW VC RECORD.72.042 (2039) RED-NECKED FOOTMAN Atolmis rubricollis (Linnaeus)With 33 records in 2015 across all five vice-counties, for the first time there are too many to list individually. This moth can now turn up anywhere in the county. Mostly at light but quite often seen by day. Particularly common in VC62 at Wykeham with counts of over 100 both at light and day-flying.72.049 (2043) ORANGE FOOTMAN Eilema sororcula (Hufnagel)A reduction from the record numbers of 2014.61. North Cliffe Wood, 30.5, 4 & 16.6.2015 (IM, ADN); Lund, 22.5.2015 (MCo); Hessle, 25, 26 & 29.6.2015 (BWa); Skidby, 4.6.2015 (ADN).63. Sandal Beat Wood, 10.5.2015 (RM); Potteric Carr NR, 15.5 & 16.6.2015 (RIH).64. Ellington Banks (MOD), 24.6.2015 (CHF, JCW, HEB).72.063 (2466) BLACKNECK Lygephila pastinum (Treitschke)This moth is still appearing in record numbers so too many to list individually. Following a period of rapid expansion, the range has settled down to central, south and east Yorkshire.72.067 (2470) SMALL PURPLE-BARRED Phytometra viridaria (Clerck)All records on the database are of day-flying moths so one on the outside of the trap at Strensall on 10.7.15 was rather unusual.62. Strensall Common, 10.7 (CHF, TMW et al) & 29.7.2015 (PK); Brotton, 26.5.2015 (DM).72.069 (2473) BEAUTIFUL HOOK-TIP Laspeyria flexula ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Still absent from the west and north of the county but numbers have risen to 163 records of 267 moths in 2015.72.073 (2408) SMALL MARBLED Eublemma parva (Hübner)An influx of this migrant moth into the south of England reached VC61 in July. The only previous county record was at Spurn in 2005.61. Spurn, 12 & 13.7.2015 (BRS); Hessle, 15.7.2015 (BWa); Atwick, 20.7.2015 (WF&MC).72.083 (2463) BURNET COMPANION Euclidia glyphica (Linnaeus)Record numbers of this day-flying moth in 2015 across the centre and east of the county.61. Reighton, unknown date 2015 (KC); Elvington Air Museum, 13.6.2015 (DSt); Wayramdale, 15.6 & 7.7.2015 (DSt); Wharram Quarry, 9 & 25.6 & 15.7.2015 (MCo, NL); Worsendale, 7 & 15.7.2015 (DSt).62. Wilton Heights Quarry, 11.7.2015 (AMy); Fen Bog, 18.6.2015 (NL); Ellerburn Bank, 2, 3 & 4.6.2015 (PMy, TJC).63. Brockadale NR, 10.6.2015 (CP); Barrow Stack, Barnsley, 12 & 30.6.2015 (CP); Old Moor, 27.7.2015 (HBe); Hollins Wood, 30.5.2015 (CP).

NOCTUIDAE73.014 (2437) GOLDEN PLUSIA Polychrysia moneta (Fabricius)Typical records across the county from gardens growing delphiniums.61. Hessle, 11.7.2015 (BWa); Lund, 23 & 30.6, 2.7.2015 (DA); Elvington, 3.7.2015 (DSt).62. Cayton (Scarborough), 19.7.2015 (PJD).63. Pudsey, 15.7.2015 (DN).64. Little Preston, 10.8.2015 (JMa); Sharow, 16.7.2015 (JCW); Menston, 16.7.2015 (CGH); Tadcaster, 2.8.2015 (DBa).65. Healey, 19.7.2015 (DMS, IW).73.021 (2447) SCARCE SILVER Y Syngrapha interrogationis (Linnaeus)All records were of resident moths in north western areas. There were no coastal migrants.


64. Scar Close NNR, 13.8.2015 (TMW, DFi); Settle, 13.8.2015 (RW); Rylstone, 19.7.2015 (LW); Skyreholme, 25.7, 6 & 7.8, 9.9.2015 (PMi).65. Cowgill (Dentdale), 14.8.2015 (DL).73.024 (2410) MARBLED WHITE SPOT Deltote pygarga (Hufnagel) A big increase in numbers so too many to list individually. 59 records of 109 moths across the centre and east of the county.73.026 (2412) SILVER HOOK D. uncula (Clerck)Recent records are all from lowland heaths, both day flying and to light.62. Strensall Common, several dates 26.6 to 17.7.2015 (AMy, CHF, TMW, TJC et al).73.032 (2425) NUT-TREE TUSSOCK Colocasia coryli (Linnaeus)The usual scattered records of this moth of birch and hazel woodland.62. Haxby, 20.5.2015 (TJC); Deepdale, 27.6.2015 (DLo, AR, JHo); Bickley Gate, 5.6.2015 (IM, MP).64. Garforth, 10.5.2015 (DH); Tadcaster, 12 & 13.6.2015 (DBa); Settle, 4.6.2015 (TM).73.033 (2020) FIGURE OF EIGHT Diloba caeruleocephala (Linnaeus)This moth is in serious decline and numbers continue to fall.62. Skelton, 6.10.2015 (SF).63. Tideworth Hague Gorse (larva), 14.6.2015 (SRS).64. Bellflask, 1.11.2015 (BM); Otley, 13, 20 & 21.10.2015 (M&JC).65. Hutton Conyers, 21.10.2015 (CHF).73.036 (2281) ALDER MOTH Acronicta alni (Linnaeus)There has been a slow recovery following the population crash in 2012.61. North Cliffe Wood, 4.6.2015 (IM, ADN).62. Glaisdale, 12 & 25.6.2015 (GF); Deepdale, 27.6.2015 (DLo, AR, JHo); Kilburn, 4.6.2015 (TAB).63. Pledwick, 20.6.2015 (MHe); Owston, 21 & 22.5.2015 (MaP).64. New Laithe Farm, 24.6 & 1.7.2015 (MBr); Settle, 12.6 (TM) & 29.6.15 (RW); Bellflask, several dates 5 to 26.6.2015 (BM); Ellington Banks (MOD), 24.6.2015 (CHF, JCW, HEB); Tadcaster, 9.8.2015 (PHo).65. Foxglove Covert, 1.7.2015 (FCMT); Nosterfield reed bed, 1.7.2015 (CHF, JCW, SWa); Marrick Park, 29.6.2015 (TMW).73.039 (2279) SYCAMORE A. aceris (Linnaeus)This moth is now well-established in the south east of the county and with 53 records of 58 moths there are too many to list individually. There was no expansion of range in 2015.73.042 (2286) LIGHT KNOT GRASS A. menyanthidis (Esper)Typical records from upland areas and lowland heaths.62. Strensall Common, 10.7.2015 (CHF, TMW, HEB et al).64. Langden Brook, 24.7.2015 (CHF, TMW); Chapel-le-Dale, 4.6.2015 (TMW); Selside (Ribblesdale), 4.6.2015 (HS).73.047 (2291) CORONET Craniophora ligustri ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Populations in ash woodland in the western Dales are doing well with too many records to list. The expansion from the Lincolnshire population continues to slowly spread and the following records are those of moths away from the uplands.61. Spurn area, 19 records of 30 moths from 22.5 to 12.8.2015 (BRS, MFS, JCr); Eastrington, 10.7.2015 (EDC).63. Potteric Carr NR, 10 & 13.7.2015 (RIH, HEB); Sprotbrough, 18.7.2015 (DBo); Balby, 21.7.2015 (PG); Sandal Beat Wood, 2.8.2015 (RM).73.048 (2397) SMALL YELLOW UNDERWING Panemeria tenebrata (Scopoli)A healthy spread of records of this little day-flying moth of flower-rich grassland.61. North Frodingham, 28.5.2015 (AAl).62. Harome, 5.6.2015 (TJC).


63. Monk Bretton, 11.5.2015 (CP); Rabbit Ings, 13.5.2015 (CP); Barrow Stack, Barnsley, 15.5.2015 (CP); Fen Carr NR, 2.6.2015 (DWi); South Kirby, 20.5 & 4.6.2015 (CP); Austerfield, 23.5.2015 (P&JS); Lightcliffe quarries, 26.5.2015 (AC); South Ring Drain, 27.5.2015 (SRS); Golcar, 16 & 17.5.2015 (CRe).64. Rodley NR, 15, 16, 20 & 22.5.2015 (MGi, RSi); Birstwith, 23.5.2015 (MBa).65. Hutton Conyers, 23.5.2015 (CHF).73.050 (2211) WORMWOOD Cucullia absinthii (Linnaeus)The North Ferriby record is well away from any known populations. All the VC63 records were of larvae on mugwort or wormwood. Is this moth making a comeback after almost disappearing from the county?61. North Ferriby, 6.8.2015 (IM).63. Armthorpe, 1 & 17.9.2015; Blaxton, 12.9.2015; Auckley, 6 & 12.9.2015; Kirk Sandall, 4.9.2015; Insley Plantation, 5.9.2015 (SRS).73.053 (2214) CHAMOMILE SHARK C. chamomillae ([Denis & Schiffermüller])A slightly better year for this moth of open grassy places.61. Spurn area, several records 27.4 to 28.6.2015 (BRS, MFS, JCr); Hessle (larva), 5.7.2015 (BWa).62. Skelton, 24.4.2015 (DM); Cayton, 26.5.2015 (PJD).64. Askham Bryan, 23.4.2015 (DL).73.055 (2217) STAR-WORT C. asteris ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Numbers are still very low at Spurn.61. Spurn area, eight records 27.6 to 11.8.2015 (BRS, MFS, JCr); Hessle – bred ex larvae, 29.6 & 2.7.2015 (BWa).73.058 (2221) MULLEIN C. verbasci (Linnaeus)Low numbers but well distributed across the county.61. Spurn, 21.5.2015 (BRS); Rudston, 23.5.2015 (ASE); North Cave Wetlands (larvae), 9.7.2015 (PA).62. Haxby, 4 & 20.5.2015 (TJC); Husthwaite, 22.4.2015 (KG).63. Torne Bridge (larvae), 29.6.2015 (SRS).64. Coniston Cold (larvae), 12.7.2015 (ARh); Rylstone (larvae), 18.7.2015 (LW); Bellflask, 30.4 & 23.5.2015 (BM); Knaresborough (larvae), 6.7.2015 (MBa).65. Healey, 23.5.2015 (DMS, IW); Baldersby, 4.5.2015 (THe).73.061 (2394) ANOMALOUS Stilbia anomala (Haworth)This is the first time for ten years that there have been no records from the western Dales.61. Hunmanby Gap, 9.9.2015 (KC).62. Skelton, 21 & 26.8, 1.9.2015 (DM, SF);Glaisdale, several records 22.8 to 17.9.2015 (GF).73.074 (2403) BORDERED STRAW Helicoverpa peltigera ([Denis & Schiffermüller])A major influx of this migrant took place in 2015 with numbers not quite reaching the 89 records in 2006. The first wave hit the county in mid-June with a second peak in August. No larvae were recorded. Moths were reported widely across the county with the exception of VC65 which missed out. The final total was 61 records of 64 moths and many recorders encountered this species for the first time. These were the first in the county since 2009.73.076 (2400) SCARCE BORDERED STRAW H. armigera (Hübner)A small influx of this migrant in early autumn, mostly to the south east of the county.61. Muston, 1.11.2015 (PQW); Flamborough, 14.8.2015 (MP); Spurn, 23.8, 17 & 20.9, 6.10.2015 (BRS, JCr); Skidby, 26.8.2015 (ADN).65. Cowgill (Dentdale), 14.8.2015 (DL).73.087 (2385) SMALL MOTTLED WILLOW Spodoptera exigua (Hübner)


Another migrant appearing in the biggest numbers since 2006. The main wave was in July with the last moth appearing on 23rd September. Records came from all over the county apart from VC62. All 28 records were of single moths.61. Spurn area, 13 records from 2.7 to 13.9.2015 (BRS, MFS); Wharram Quarry, 13.7.2015 (MCo, JM); Lund, 14.7.2015 (MCo); Catwick, 16.7 & 7.8.2015 (JM); Hessle, 17.6.2015 (BWa); Flamborough, 18.7.2015 (IM, LB, MP, ADN); Skerne Wetlands, 23.9.2015 (EDC); North Ferriby, 6.7.2015 (IM).63. Kirk Smeaton, 6 & 17.7.2015 (DWi); West Melton, 8.7.2015 (HEB); Wintersett Country Park, 9.7.2015 (PSm).64. Fountains Abbey, 3.8.2015 (CHF, JCW, WB).65. Hutton Conyers, 14.7.2015 (CHF); Cowgill (Dentdale), 11.8.2015 (DL).73.105 (2301) BIRD'S WING Dypterygia scabriuscula (Linnaeus)A further decrease in numbers. This species has become much less common in the county.61. Flamborough, 29.6.2015 (MP); North Cliffe Wood, 4.6.2015 (IM, ADN).62. Strensall Common, 10.7.2015 (CHF, TMW, TJC et al).73.118 (2367) HAWORTH'S MINOR Celaena haworthii (Curtis)Typical records from boggy areas where the larvae feed on cotton grass.62. Glaisdale Moor, 17.10.2015 (GF); Skelton, 29.8.2015 (SF).63. Fly Flatts, up to 44 seen by day on several dates 3 to 20.8.2015 (DSu, AC); Thorne Moors, 17.8.2015 (MWa, RM); Hatfield Moors, 17.8.2015 (DWi et al); Whiteholme Drain., 4 & 5.10.2015 (DSu).64. Scar Close NNR, 13.8 & 13.9.2015 (TMW, DFi, JPe); Langden Beck, 24.7.2015 (CHF, TMW); Askham Bryan, 4.9.2015 (DL); Skyreholme, 6 & 8.9.2015 (PMi).65. Cowgill (Dentdale), 14.8, 13, 14 & 15.9.2015 (DL); Whitsundale, 8.8.2015 (TMW).73.124 (2362) BUTTERBUR Hydraecia petasitis DoubledayA poor year for this local moth that tends not to stray too far from its foodplant.61. Atwick, 10.9.2015 (WF&MC); Rudston, 20.8, 19 & 21.9.2015 (ASE).65. Hutton Conyers, 30.8.2015 (CHF).73.126 - 9 THE “EAR” MOTHS Amphipoea spp.There are areas of the county where all four species occur. Identification is not easy so nothing can be assumed. The underwing pattern can be useful but is not diagnostic and as Large Ear and Saltern Ear can hybridise in some areas this compounds the situation. For a reliable identification the genitalia must be examined and records are not accepted onto the database unless dissection has been done. If dissection has not taken place, please record it as “Ear Moth agg”. The distribution of these species in the county is still not fully understood and your county recorder is happy to dissect specimens, especially from new sites. We have no confirmed records of Saltern Ear this year but it is likely that many of the moths at Spurn were this species. The following records were of dissected moths.73.127 (2357) LARGE EAR Amphipoea lucens (Freyer)63. Hatfield Moors, 17.8 & 11.9.2015 (DWi).64. Bellflask, 12.9.2015 (BM).65. Cowgill (Dentdale), 14.9.2015 (DL).73.128 (2360) EAR MOTH A. oculea (Linnaeus)61. Tophill Low NR, 21.8.2015 (MHo, DF); Spurn, 30.7.2015 (BRS); Hessle, 6 & 9.8.2015 (BWa).63. Ling or High Common, 17.8.2015 (SRS); Carlton Marsh NR, 7.8.2015 (HEB, CG).64. Sharow, 8 & 24.8.2015 (JCW); Little Preston, 7.8.2015 (JM).


73.129 (2359) CRINAN EAR A. crinanensis (Burrows)64. Colt Park, 10.9.2015 (TMW); Scar Close NNR, 13.9.2015 (TMW, JPe); Selside, 16.9.2015 (TMW); Lower Winskill, 19.9.2015 (TMW).65. Cowgill (Dentdale), 15.9.2015 (DL).73.138 (2348) LYME GRASS Longalatedes elymi (Treitschke)The population seems to be stable at Spurn. Just the one record from Teesside.61. Spurn area, 70 records of 103 moths, 4.6 to 4.9.2015 (BRS, JCr).62. Marske Beach, 1.7.2015 (DM).73.139 (2370) TWIN-SPOTTED WAINSCOT Lenisa geminipuncta (Haworth)A marked drop in numbers following a recent expansion. No records from Spurn for two years where this moth was regular.61. North Ferriby, 9, 26, 27 & 30.8.2015 (IM).63. West Melton, 23.8.2015 (HEB); Featherstone, 29.8.2015 (JWC).64. Little Preston, 21.8.2015 (JMa); Rodley NR, 26.8.2015 (PM).73.141 (2371) BROWN-VEINED WAINSCOT Archanara dissoluta (Treitschke)A drop in numbers. All records from known areas. Rarely far from common reed.61. Tophill Low NR, 31.7 & 14.8.2015 (MHo, DF).63. Wintersett Country Park, 16.8.2015 (PSm); Potteric Carr NR, 9 & 23.8.2015 (HEB, RIH).73.142 (2379) SMALL RUFOUS Coenobia rufa (Haworth)A healthy spread of records from areas with rushes.61. Atwick, 13 & 22.7, 1.8.2015 (WF&MC); Tophill Low NR, 10 & 11.7.2015 (MHo, DF); North Cliffe Wood, 4.8.2015 (IM, ADN); Filey Dams, 7.8.2015 (IM, LB, MP); Wheldrake, 7 & 8.8.2015 (JOHS).62. Strensall Common, 10.7.2015 (CHF, TMW, HEB et al).63. Moss, 11.8.2015 (DWi et al); Thorne Moors, 17.7 & 17.8.2015 (RM, DWi et al); Hatfield Moors, 17.8.2015 (DWi et al); Potteric Carr NR, 2, 9 & 23.8.2015 (RIH, HEB); Long Plantation, 2.8.2015 (SRS); West Melton, 7, 21 & 22.8.2015 (HEB); Carlton Marsh NR, 7.8.2015 (HEB, CG).64. Bellflask, 2, 3 & 9.8.2015 (BM); High Farnhill, 25.7.2015 (NS); Sharow, 8.8.2015 (JCW).65. Hutton Conyers, 2.8.2015 (CHF).73.157 (2333) LARGE NUTMEG Apamea anceps ([Denis & Schiffermüller])The first record for Spurn since 1990 and a further record at a new site. These are the first records since 2012 when it appeared that recolonisation of the county was taking place.61. Spurn, 6.7.2015 (BRS).63. Woodsetts, 17.6.2015 (CT).73.161 (2325) CRESCENT STRIPED A. oblonga (Haworth)A reasonable year at Spurn but not in the numbers seen before 2000. No inland records this year.61. Spurn area, 31 records of 40 moths from 10.7 to 15.8.2015 (BRS, MFS).73.165 (2329) CONFUSED A. furva ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Records from typical sites in the western uplands and the area around Flamborough.61. Flamborough, 18.7.2015 (IM, LB, MP, ADN); Hunmanby Gap, 3.7.2015 (KC).64. Ingleton, 2.7.2015 (JPe); Langden Brook, 24.7.2015 (CHF, TMW); Selside (Ribblesdale), 9.7.2015 (HS); Ingleborough NR, 9.7.2015 (TMW).65. Low Fremington, 1.7.2015 (JAN); Marrick Park, 29.6.2015 (TMW); Ravenseat (Swaledale), 7.8.2015 (CHF, TMW).73.179 (2271) ORANGE SALLOW Tiliacea citrago (Linnaeus)A reduction in numbers of this moth of lime woodland.61. Hessle, 14.9 & 11.10.2015 (BWa); Cottingham, 19.9.2015 (AA); Tophill Low NR, 2.10.2015 (MHo, DF); North Ferriby, 26.9.2015 (IM).


63. Halifax, 18 & 25.9.2015 (DS); Northowram, 23 & 27.9.2015 (AC); Sheffield, 18.9.2015 (JT).64. Baildon, 11.9.2015 (DP); Sharow, 19.9.2015 (JCW); Horsforth, 25.9.2015 (PM).65. Hutton Conyers, 12.10.2015 (CHF); Ainderby Steeple, 12.9.2015 (JE).73.183 (2275) DUSKY-LEMON SALLOW Cirrhia gilvago ([Denis & Schiffermüller])This elm-feeding moth is becoming less common in the south of the county.61. Skerne Wetlands, 2.9.2015 (EDC).62. Great Smeaton, 17.9.2015 (JE).64. Bellflask, several dates 11.9 to 7.10.2015 (BM); Sharow, 22.9.2015 (JCW).65. Healey, 18.9 & 10.10.2015 (DMS, IW).73.188 (2265) FLOUNCED CHESTNUT Agrochola helvola (Linnaeus)Probably under-recorded like many upland moths in the autumn.63. Hardcastle Crags, 11.9.2015 (AC, BL et al).64. Bellflask, 24.9.2015 (BM); Brimham Rocks, 29.8.2015 (TAB).73.200 (2235) TAWNY PINION Lithophane semibrunnea (Haworth)Numbers slowly rebuilding after a recent dip.61. Lund, 10.11.2015 (MCo); Rudston, 25.5.2015 (ASE); Kilnwick, 6.6.2015 (MCo).62. Haxby, 10.10.2015 (TJC).63. Gate Wood, 13.10.2015 (SRS).64. Cookridge, 14.5.2015 (PL); Bellflask, 17.4.2015 (BM); Askham Bryan, 4.5.2015 (DL).65. Hutton Conyers, 13.10.2015 (CHF).73.207 (2233) GOLDEN-ROD BRINDLE Xylena solidaginis (Hübner)Another under-recorded autumn-flying upland moth.64. Skyreholme, 12 & 20.9.2015 (PMi).73.209 (2241) RED SWORD-GRASS X. vetusta (Hübner)It appears that numbers of this spectacular moth are slowly declining though it is still widespread.61. Hunmanby Gap, 15.4.2015 (KC); Muston, 17.11.2015 (PQW); Lund, 29.10.2015 (MCo).62. Low Moor, 23.4.2015 (RWo).63. Kirk Smeaton, 14.10.2015 (DWi).64. Selside, 1.11.2015 (TMW); Skyreholme, 12.4.2015 (PMi); Cleatop Park Wood, 13.4 (TM) & 9.6.15 (CK); Settle, 15 & 31.10.2015 (TM); Grass Wood, 25.2.2015 (PMi); Otley, 28.4.2015 (M&JC); Bellflask, 5.4.2015 (BM); Ingleton, 6.10.2015 (JPe).65. Healey, 18.12.2015 (DMS, IW); Hutton Conyers, 7 & 19.4.2015 (CHF); Harmby, 5.4.2015 (RWi).73.211 (2313) ANGLE-STRIPED SALLOW Enargia paleacea (Esper)Another poor year for this moth of birch woodland.61. Elvington, 18 & 21.8.2015 (DSt).63. Potteric Carr NR, 13.7, 2, 9 & 23.8, 10.9.2015 (RIH, HEB); Lindholme Hall, 11.9.2015 (MaP); Wintersett Country Park, 16.8.2015 (PSm); Old Moor, 19.8, 2 & 3.9.2015 (HBe); Thorne Moors, 20.9.2015 (RM); West Melton, 21 & 24.8.2015 (HEB).64. Denso Marston Wildlife Park, 11.9.2015 (StW); Cookridge, 20, 26 & 27.9.2015 (PL); Bellflask, 21.8.2015 (BM); Brimham Rocks, 29.8.2015 (TAB).73.212 (2311) DOUBLE KIDNEY Ipimorpha retusa (Linnaeus)A slight reduction in numbers at its main site.64. Bellflask, 15 records of 24 moths from 19.7 to 22.8.2015 (BM).73.213 (2312) OLIVE I. subtusa ([Denis & Schiffermüller])A big drop in numbers this year with very few outside VC61.61. Tophill Low NR, 2015 (MHo, DF); Spurn, 15.7 & 10.8.2015 (BRS); Hessle, 10.8.2015 (BWa); Lund, 8 records from 14.7 to 28.8.2015 (MCo); North Ferriby, 8 & 17.8.2015 (IM); Catwick, 8.8.2015 (JM).64. Bellflask, 2 & 7.8.2015 (BM); Little Preston, 7.8.2015 (JMa).


73.215 (2316) LESSER-SPOTTED PINION Cosmia affinis (Linnaeus)Very local in areas with elm.63. Potteric Carr NR, 2.8.2015 (RIH).73.217 (2319) LUNAR-SPOTTED PINION C. pyralina ([Denis & Schiffermüller])A very rare moth in the county. These are the first records for Spurn.61. Spurn, 7 & 10.7.2015 (BRS).73.220 (2225) MINOR SHOULDER-KNOT Brachylomia viminalis (Fabricius)Low numbers again but doing a little better in the uplands.62. Bickley Gate, 21.9.2015 (AR, JHo).63. Doncaster, 5.8.2015 (RM).64. Scar Close NNR, 13.8.2015 (TMW, DFi); Ingleborough NR, 9.7.2015 (TMW).73.221 (2268) SUSPECTED Parastichtis suspecta (Hübner)The lowest numbers since 2009 though well spread across the county.61. Wheldrake, 17.8.2015 (JOHS); North Cliffe Wood, 4.8.2015 (IM, ADN).62. Goathland, 25 & 30.8.2015 (WN).63. Potteric Carr NR, 30.6, 10 & 13.7, 2.8.2015 (RIH, HEB).64. Brimham Rocks, 29.8.2015 (TAB); Little Preston, unknown date (JM).73.228 (2254) GREY CHI Antitype chi (Linnaeus)Another drop in numbers though one or two records were on the lower ground this year.61. Atwick, 13.8.2015 (WF&MC).62. York Cemetery, 16.8.2015 (EDC); Skelton, 4.9 & 5.10.2015 (SF).63. Sheffield, 20 & 21.8.2015 (AG), 13.8 & 4.9.2015 (JT); Thackley, 21 to 26.8.2015 (NA); Rotherham, 26.8.2015 (MSm); Northowram, 2, 5, 6 & 7.9.2015 (AC).64. Settle, 13, 20 & 26.8 (RW) and 19.8.2015 (TM); Horsforth, 20.8.2015 (PM); High Farnhill, 21.8.2015 (NS).65. Cowgill (Dentdale), 12, 13 & 16.9.2015 (DL); Thornton Rust, 19.9.2015 (D&JP).73.232 (2231a) NORTHERN DEEP-BROWN DART Aporophyla lueneburgensis (Freyer)The first record for VC62 since 2010 and records from the usual areas in VC63.62. Skelton, 15.9.2015 (SF).63. Balby, 21.9 & 6.10.2015 (PG); West Melton, 23, 24 & 25.9.2015 (HEB); Kirk Smeaton, 5.10.2015 (DWi); Sheffield, 2, 7, 8 & 19.8.2015 (JT).73.234 (2229) BRINDLED OCHRE Dasypolia templi (Thunberg)Records from typical areas of coastal north-east Yorkshire and the western Dales.61. Flamborough, 14.10.2015 (MG); Hunmanby Gap, 26.10.2015 (NC).62. Sneaton, 1.11.2015 (N&MT); Skelton, 25 & 26.10.2015 (SF).64. Selside (Ribblesdale), 22.10 (HS) & 1.11.2015 (TMW); Colt Park, 4.10.2015 (TMW).73.235 (2255) FEATHERED RANUNCULUS Polymixis lichenea (Hübner)The coastal population in VC61 is healthy with 84 records of 121 moths. Records away from the coast are listed below.63. Northowram, 23.9.2015 (AC).64. Knaresborough, 30.8 & 17.9.2015 (LK).73.237 (2252) LARGE RANUNCULUS P. flavicincta ([Denis & Schiffermüller])A local moth of coastal rough ground. Records from two of the usual sites.61. Bridlington, 11 & 17.9.2015 (LB) and 10, 14 & 15.9.2015 (KBa).62. Scarborough, 10.9.2015 (BR).73.246 (2185) LEAD-COLOURED DRAB Orthosia populeti (Fabricius)Do take care separating this species from the much commoner Clouded Drab. Look for the feathery antennae of the males.61. Tophill Low NR, 2015 (MHo, DF); Atwick, 15.4.2015 (WF&MC).


62. Great Smeaton, 10.4.2015 (JE).63. Thurlstone, 4.4.2015 (CB).64. Bellflask, several dates 6 to 19.4.2015 (BM); Tadcaster, 4.4.2015 (DBa); Sharow, 8.4.2015 (JCW).65. Hutton Conyers, 7.4.2015 (CHF).73.248 (2184) NORTHERN DRAB O. opima (Hübner)A rare moth in the county so it is encouraging to get records from two sites.61. Spurn, 26.4, 15 & 16.5.2015 (BRS).62. Haxby, 10 & 13.5.2015 (TJC).73.252 (2177) HEDGE RUSTIC Tholera cespitis ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Very local in the county with reduced numbers in recent years.62. Glaisdale Moor, 17.9.2015 (GF).73.257 (2142) BEAUTIFUL YELLOW UNDERWING Anarta myrtilli (Linnaeus)A big drop in numbers of this day-flying moth of moors and lowland heaths.61. North Cliffe Wood, 5.8.2015 (IM); Skipwith Common, 6.9.2015 (ADN).62. Strensall Common, 10.7 (CHF, TMW et al) & 22.8.2015 (AMy).73.266 (2159) DOG'S TOOTH Lacanobia suasa ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Reasonable numbers at Spurn but rather worryingly no records from other sites.61. Spurn area, 44 records of 56 moths 7.5 to 21.7.2015 (BRS, MFS, JCr).73.272 (2162) GLAUCOUS SHEARS Papestra biren (Goeze)The lowest number of records since 2009. All from the usual upland sites.62. Glaisdale, several dates 15.5 to 12.6.2015 (GF); Sneaton, 22.5.2015 (N&MT).64. Colt Park, 23.5.2015 (TMW); Ingleborough NR, 9.7.2015 (TMW).65. Thornton Rust, 9.5.2015 (D&JP).73.275 (2152) WHITE COLON Sideridis turbida (Esper)A healthier year at Spurn with increased numbers.61. Spurn area, 48 records of 72 moths, 13.5 to 14.7.2015 (BRS, MFS, JCr).73.279 (2164) BROAD-BARRED WHITE Hecatera bicolorata (Hufnagel)Scattered records of this moth of chalky grassland across much of the county.61. Holme on Spalding Moor, 12.7.2015 (EDC); Hessle, 17.6.2015 (BWa); Hunmanby Gap, 19.6.2015 (KC); Wheldrake, 19.7.2015 (NL); Elvington Air Museum, 24.6.2015 (DBa); Spurn, 3 & 7.6.2015 (BRS).62. Haxby, 10.7.2015 (TJC).63. Rotherham, 13.7.2015 (MSm); West Melton, 21.6.2015 (HEB); Mytholmroyd, 29.6.2015 (AC).64. Bellflask, 13.6.2015 (BM); Rodley NR, 15 & 20.6.2015 (PM).73.280 (2165) SMALL RANUNCULUS H. dysodea ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Similar numbers to last year and no expansion in range in 2015.63. West Melton, 15 & 17.7, 8 & 10.8.2015 (HEB); Balby, 25.7 & 9.8.2015 (PG); Doncaster, 30.7.2015 (RM); Edenthorpe (larvae), 11.9.2015; Hatfield Moors (larvae), 11.9.2015; Dunscroft (larvae), 11.9.2015; Armthorpe (larvae), 18.8 & 9.9.2015; Cantley Common (larvae), 30.8.2015; Kirk Sandall (larvae), 4 & 30.9.2015; Holme Wood (larvae), 9.9.2015 (SRS); Sheffield, 26.6 & 9.7.2015 (JT).73.283 (2171) MARBLED CORONET Hadena confusa (Hufnagel)A slump following the record numbers of 2014.62. Skelton, 1.7.2015 (SF).73.286 (2167) TAWNY SHEARS H. perplexa ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Another thinly-distributed but widespread moth of calcareous areas.63. Old Moor, 14.7.2015 (HBe).65. Marrick, 29.6.2015 (TMW).


73.289 (2196) STRIPED WAINSCOT Mythimna pudorina ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Very local in boggy heathland and marshes. At times it can be locally abundant – 233 were trapped in several traps at Strensall Common on 10th July.61. Atwick, 27.6.2015 (WF&MC); Spurn, 3.7.2015 (BRS).62. Haxby, several dates 25.6 to 10.7.2015 (TJC); Strensall Common, 10.7.2015 (CHF, TMW, TJC, HEB, DBa et al).63. Thorne Moors, 27.6 (HEB, MWa, RM), 17.7 (JOHS) & 31.7.2015 (RM).73.297 (2194) WHITE-POINT M. albipuncta ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Just two records, both from the usual site.61. Spurn area, 4.6 (BRS) & 16.9.2015 (MFS).73.299 (2201) SHORE WAINSCOT M. litoralis (Curtis)A severe drop in numbers with a total lack of a second brood apart from a spectacularly late moth on 6th November.61. Spurn area 18 records of 22 moths from 15.6 to 22.7 with one on 6.11.2015 (BRS, JCr).73.302 (2204) OBSCURE WAINSCOT Leucania obsoleta (Hübner)A local moth of reed beds. Sometimes locally common for example an unprecedented 81 caught at Nosterfield reed bed on 1st July.61. Spurn area, 12 records all of single moths, 15.5 to 8.8.2015 (BRS, JCr); Tophill Low NR, several dates (MHo, DF); North Ferriby, 3.7.2015 (IM).63. Thorne Moors, 19.6.2015 (HEB).64. Bellflask, 17 & 21.6, 5.7.2015 (BM).65. Nosterfield reed bed, 17.6 & 1.7.2015 (CHF, JCW, SWa).73.307 (2119) PEARLY UNDERWING Peridroma saucia (Hübner)A good year for this migrant with all records in the south and east of the county in two distinct waves; in June then September to November.61. Catwick, 10.10.2015 (JM); Muston, 11.6 & 2.11.2015 (PQW); Spurn area, several dates 15.9 to 4.11.2015 (BRS, MFS, JCr); Lund, 23.10.2015 (DA); Wheldrake, 4.7.2015 (JOHS).63. Old Moor, 17 & 19.6.2015 (HBe); Sprotbrough, 2.10.2015 (DBo).73.314 (2082) GARDEN DART Euxoa nigricans (Linnaeus)Now a very rare moth in the county. This was the first record since 2010 and was confirmed by dissection.61. Flamborough, 7.8.2015 (MP).73.320 (2088) HEART AND CLUB Agrotis clavis (Hufnagel)We normally list all records of this moth which is local in dry calcareous areas and along the coast. Similar to last year we have had 36 records of 135 moths from all across the county so too many to list individually.73.322 (2085) ARCHER’S DART A. vestigialis (Hufnagel)Reasonable numbers at Spurn and a single record from Teesside.61. Spurn area, 40 records of 52 moths from 22.7 to 9.9.2015 (BRS, JCr)62. Marske beach, 1.7.2015 (DM).73.323 (2093) SAND DART A. ripae (Hübner)Three caught at Marske Beach were the first in the county away from Spurn where there were healthier numbers this year.61. Spurn area, 111 records of 460 moths 21.5 to 10.8.2015 (BRS, MFS, JCr).62. Marske beach, 1.7.2015 (DM). NEW VC RECORD.73.327 (2091) DARK SWORD-GRASS A. ipsilon (Hufnagel)Good numbers of this migrant with 241 records of 355 moths all across the county from 15th April to 12th November in several waves.


73.331 (2121) BARRED CHESTNUT Diarsia dahlii (Hübner)The worst year since 2005 for this moth of deciduous woodland.62. Goathland, 31.8.2015 (WN).64. Cookridge, 17.8.2015 (PL); Brimham Rocks, 29.8.2015 (TAB).73.335 (2124) FEN SQUARE-SPOT D. florida (Schmidt)There has been an increase in records recently of this moth which is the univoltine form of Small Square-spot, usually larger and paler and occurring in acid boggy areas. Perhaps we are getting better at recognising it.61. Muston, 18.7.2015 (PQW).62. Strensall Common, 10.7.2015 (CHF, TMW, TJC et al); Haxby, 23.7.2015 (TJC).64. Bellflask, 18.7.2015 (BM); Langden Beck, 24.7.2015 (CHF, TMW); Chapel-le-Dale, 6.8.2015 (TMW, JPe).73.337 (2140) WHITE-MARKED Cerastis leucographa ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Very local in the county with the biggest numbers in the Ripon area. The VC61 record was a surprise and far from the nearest known population.61. Hunmanby Gap, 9.4.2015 (KC). NEW VC RECORD.62. Glaisdale, 10 & 24.4.2015 (GF).64. Bellflask, 25 records of 137 moths from 22.3 to 25.4.2015 (BM).65. Hutton Conyers, 8 & 16.4.2015 (CHF); Nosterfield LNR, 13.4.2015 (CHF, JCW).73.339 (2105) DOTTED RUSTIC Rhyacia simulans (Hufnagel)All recent records have come from this area. Now a very rare moth in the county.62. Skelton, 24.6.2015 (SF).73.341 (2104) NORTHERN RUSTIC Standfussiana lucernea (Linnaeus)A moth of rocky uplands in the west of the county.64. Ingleton, 23.6.2015 (RN).73.350 (2137) GREAT BROCADE Eurois occulta (Linnaeus)Scattered records of this sporadic migrant across the county.61. Spurn area, 13.8 (MFS) & 9.9.2015 (BRS).62. Goathland, 18.8.2015 (WN); Haxby, 19.8.2015 (TJC).65. Cowgill (Dentdale), 14.9.2015 (DL).73.354 (2131) SQUARE-SPOTTED CLAY Xestia stigmatica (Esper)Records as usual from upland wooded areas in the north of the county.62. Goathland, 5 & 21.8, 2.9.2015 (WN); Glaisdale, 31.7.2015 (GF).64. Cleatop Park Wood, 11.8.2015 (CK); Bellflask, several dates 3 to 31.8.2015 (BM).65. Hayberries, 31.7.2015 (PWe); Foxglove Covert, 8.7.2015 (FCMT).73.355 (2132) NEGLECTED RUSTIC X. castanea (Esper)Even more neglected than usual. Is this moth declining or do we not trap in upland areas in autumn?62. Glaisdale Moor, 17.9.2015 (GF).73.356 (2135) HEATH RUSTIC X. agathina (Duponchel)A moth of heather moorland, sometimes wandering to lower ground. The VC62 record is the first here since 2011.62. Glaisdale Moor, 21.8.2015 (GF).63. Lindholme, 11.9.2015 (P&JS); Hatfield Moors, 11.9.2015 (DWi); Ling or High Common 13.4.2015 (SRS); Thorne Moors, 20.9.2015 (RM); Northowram, 8.9.2015 (AC).64. Ilkley, 9.9.2015 (P&JB).73.360 (2127) TRIPLE-SPOTTED CLAY X. ditrapezium ([Denis & Schiffermüller])The first record for Spurn and only the fourth record for the county. Confirmed by dissection. All other claimed records have turned out to be Double Square-spot.


61. Spurn, 23.8.2015 (BRS). NEW VC RECORD.73.366 (2103) PLAIN CLAY Eugnorisma depuncta (Linnaeus)46 records of 158 moths is a fairly good year though all were in a small area north of Ripon with no records from outlying areas.

NOLIDAE74.002 (2076) KENT BLACK ARCHES Meganola albula ([Denis & Schiffermüller])Totals at Spurn were as expected but there was no spread further north this year.61. Spurn area, 33 records of 49 moths from 4.7 to 12.8.2015 (BRS).74.007 (2421) SCARCE SILVER-LINES Bena bicolorana (Linnaeus)A healthy increase following the low point of nine records in 2014. Well distributed on the lower ground.61. Hessle, several dates 11.7 to 10.8.2015 (BWa); Elvington Air Museum, 11.7.2015 (DBa); Kilnwick, 11.7.2015 (MCo); Lund, 15.7.2015 (DA); Catwick, 18.7.2015 (JM); Wheldrake, 21.7.2015 (NL); Filey Dams, 7.8.2015 (IM, LB, MP).62. Strensall Common, 10.7.2015 (CHF, TMW, TJC et al); Haxby, 10, 18 & 20.7.2015 (TJC); Ryton, 11.7.2015 (DF).63. Kirk Smeaton, 1.7.2015 (DWi); Thorpe Marsh NR, 10.7.2015 (MaP, MT); Potteric Carr NR, 10.7 & 2.8.2015 (RIH); Owston, 14 & 21.7.2015 (MaP); Sprotbrough, 18.7.2015 (DBo); Wintersett Country Park, 9.7 & 5.8.2015 (PSm); Sheffield, 5.8.2015 (JT).64. Sharow, 10.7.2015 (JCW); Askham Bryan, 23.7.2015 (DL); Spofforth, 4.6.2015 (AD); Burley-in-Wharfedale, 9.8.2015 (P&AR).74.009 (2423) OAK NYCTEOLINE Nycteola revayana (Scopoli)Low numbers of this tortrix-like moth, rather local and thinly distributed in oak woodland across the county.61. Wheldrake, 11.5.2015 (NL).63. West Melton, 11.4.2015 (HEB); Branton, 12.7.2015 (SRS); Wintersett Country Park, 16.8.2015 (PSm); Sheffield, 10.4.2015 (JT).64. Hackfall Woods, 10.4.2015 (CHF, JCW et al).

72.025 Wood Tiger Peter Mayhew Langdale Forest June 2015

73.190 Yellow-line Quaker Mike Smethurst Rotherham October 2015


CONTACTSYorkshire Lepidoptera Recording Team Address List 2016

Chair: BC Yorkshire: Jax Westmoreland (Mrs): 1 Glynndale Drive, Newby, Scarbor-ough, YO12 5SQ. Tel: 01723 341 193 Email: [email protected] YNU Lepidoptera Group: Tom Hubball: 4 South View Terrace, Silsden, West Yorkshire, BD20 0AS. Tel: 01535 678334 Email: [email protected]

LepNET Yorkshire: Butterfly Conservation Yorkshire, and the YNU Lepidoptera Group joint recording scheme Joint Project Co-ordinators: County Micro-moth Recorder: Harry E Beaumont (Mr): 37 Melton Green, West Mel-ton, Rotherham, S636AA. Holds the county micro-moth database.County Macro-moth Recorder: Charles H Fletcher (Dr): The Forge, Hutton Conyers, Ripon, N Yorks, HG4 5EB. Tel: 01765 600586 Email: [email protected] Holds the county macro-moth database.County Butterfly Recorder: David RR Smith (Dr): 56 South Street, Cottingham, HU16 4AT. Tel: 07906 160447 Email: [email protected] Holds the definitive county butterfly database.Annual Report General Editor: Penny A Relf: 55/57 Main Street, Riccall, York, YO19 6QE. Email: [email protected] Tel: 07932 605524

Butterfly Recording VC Co-ordinators: VC61: Sean A Clough (Mr): 51 Thoresby St, Hull, HU5 3RA. Tel: 01482 448088 Email: [email protected]: Dave O’Brien (Mr): 42 Pritchett Road,Middlesbrough.TS3 0NG Email: [email protected]: Steve Mattock (Mr): 8 Malvern Ave, York YO26 5SG. Tel: 01904 786022 Email: [email protected]: Dave Hatton (Mr): 29 Merton Drive, Farsley, Pudsey, LS28 5EBTel: 0113 2552807 Email: [email protected] VC65: Paul Millard (Dr): Ghyll House, Skyreholme, Skipton, N Yorks, BD23 6DETel: 01756 720490 Email: [email protected]

Moth Recording VC Co-ordinators:VC61: Ian Marshall: 19 Ferriby High Road, North Ferriby, East Yorkshire, HU14 3LD Tel: 01482 627446 Email: [email protected]: Robert Woods: 19 Thirlby Way, Guisborough, Cleveland, TA14 6GNTel: 01287 631901 Email: [email protected]: Mike Couling: High Up, Binns Lane, Holmfirth, HD9 3BJ. Tel: 01484 685286 Email: [email protected]/65: Charles Fletcher (Dr): The Forge, Hutton Conyers, Ripon, N Yorks, HG4 5EB. Tel: 01765 600 586 Email: [email protected]


BUTTERFLY SPECIES CO-ORDINATORS (who write up the indicated species in the annual report) Paul Fletcher (Mr): Small White 38 Heslington Lane, York, YO10 4LX. Tel: 01904 631585Email: [email protected] Howard M Frost (Mr): Dingy Skipper 10 Chellsway, Withernsea, HU19 2EN. Tel: 01964 613671 Christine Frost (Mrs): Brimstone: address as above. Email: [email protected] Hatton (Mr): Small Skipper address details above. Email: [email protected] Howson (Dr): Green Hairstreak 1 Hydro Close, Ilkley, West Yorks, LS29 8RZ. Tel: 01943 608755 Email: [email protected] Ingram: Comma 12 Coxwold View, Wetherby, West Yorks, LS22 7PU.Tel: 07904 595798 Email: [email protected] Jolley (Mrs): Small Copper 16 Mountfields, Halifax, HX3 8SS. Tel: 01422 206165 Email: [email protected] Steve Mattock (Mr): Wall, 8 Malvern Ave, York YO26 5SG. Tel: 01904 786022 Email: [email protected] Moat (Mr): Large Heath, 39 Zetland Rd, Town Moor, Doncaster, S Yorks, DN2 5EQ. Tel: 01302. 327880 Email: [email protected] O’Brien (Mr): White-letter & Purple Hairstreaks & Grayling address details above.Robert Parks (Mr): Duke of Burgundy Rosehill, Dovenby, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0PN. Tel: 01900 828607 Email: [email protected] Ramsden (Mr): Holly Blue, Brown Argus & Northern Brown Argus, 3 Burnham Court, Wetherby, Leeds. LS22 6XJ Tel: 01937 520919 Email: [email protected] & Joyce Simmons: Clouded Yellow, Gatekeeper, Small Heath 16 Springfield Crescent, Kirk Smeaton, Pontefract, WF8 3LE. Tel: 01977. 620 725. Email: Joyce (or paul)@gentian.plus.com David R R Smith (Dr): Ringlet, Large White (Temporarily), Essex & Grizzled Skippers, Camberwell Beauty, plus rarities, exotics and any unlisted species address details above.Jennifer A Smith (Dr): Marbled White, 56 South Street, Cottingham, East Yorkshire, HU16 4AT Email: [email protected] Suggitt (Dr): Orange-tip and Speckled Wood, 27 Scarborough Terrace, York YO30 7AWEmail: [email protected] Summer: Small Tortoiseshell 30 Wood Lane, Beverley, HU17 8BS. Tel: 01482 860921 Email: [email protected] Wainwright (Dr): Pearl-bordered Fritillary, c/o Butterfly Conservation, Low Barns, Witton-le-Wear, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham, DL14 0AG. Tel: 01388 488428 or mobile: 07709 278407 Email: [email protected] Jax Westmoreland (Mrs): Green-veined White and Painted Lady 1 Glynndale Drive, Newby, Scarborough, YO12 5SQ. Tel: 01723 341193 Email: [email protected] Westmoreland (Mr): Red Admiral as for Jax Westmoreland (above) except: Email: [email protected] Whitaker (Dr): Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Dark Green Fritillary4 Crowtrees, Low Bentham, Lancaster, LA2 7EE. Tel: 01524 262269 Email: [email protected] David Woodmansey: Peacock East Lea, Back St, Langtoft, Driffield, YO25 0TG. Tel: 01377 267694 Email: [email protected] Skipper, Meadow Brown Common Blue VACANTLepidoptera Parasitoid Recorder: Derek Parkinson (Dr): 11Crow Tree Close,Baildon, Shipley West Yorkshire BD17 6JH. Tel:01274 595185 Email: [email protected] Statistics Co-ordinators:Roy Bedford (Mr): 23 Manor Rise, Walton, Wakefield, WF2 6PF. Tel: 01524 257065Dave Ramsden (Mr): address details above.


CONTRIBUTORS 2015This Annual Report is a team effort involving a large number of people. Records are initially sent in before the end of the year to our 9 VC Co-ordinators who enter them into the Levana database for butterflies or a MapMate database for moths. In the case of butterflies, the data is re-arranged into species lists and sent to the Species Co-ordinators during December to be analysed and written up by early January. The various reports are then collated and put together by the Butterfly County Recorder. For the moths, the Co-ordinators edit the data and select the most interesting and relevant records to include out of many tens of thousands submitted. All the material is then passed to the Editor who brings together the several hundred files of texts and photos, and lays out the contents page by page ready for the printer by the summer.The majority of 2015 contributors who provide their sightings direct to the VC recorders are listed below, except for those who have passed their records on via one of the many nature reserves, societies or recording groups which submit records. Then, in most cases, only the group name is included. Some names are repeated in different groupings because they have contributed to those different groupings. Where people have contributed their records through iRecord, Wider Countryside Survey, Migrant Watch etc it has not been possible to include their names because of reasons of space. Where contributor names have been credited with initials in the text, those initials are added immediately after the name to which they refer. We are most grateful to everyone concerned, and apologise if any names have been missed out. The large size of the current input means that a few names will almost inevitably go astray for one reason or another. Last minute editing can also lead to some names slipping out of alphabetical order! Rest assured that even if your name has been missed, your contributions are still much appreciated. Thanks!!VC61 Butterflies (60+ contributors) Debbie Ashley, Andrew Ashworth, Ian Armitage, Robert Atkinson, Steve Bamford, Lenora Bruce, Molly Bruce, Jesika Bone, Pauline Bursell, Jon Capel, Sean Clough, Terry Crawford, Stewart Crouch, Ginni Darbyshire, Don Davies, Trevor & Julie Davies, Bill Dolling, Sam Ellis, Tom Ellis, Mark Fishpool, Flamborough Bird Observatory - FBO, Charles Fletcher, Howard & Christine Frost, Tom Garland, Africa Gomez, David Hastings, John Hesslewood, Peter Hinks, Jackie Holder, Richard Hopkin, Peter Izzard, Josie Latus, Jeff Lyons, Ian Marshall, Peter Mayhew, Robert Mashender, Joan McCagney, Angela Needham, Mike Pearson, Allan Rodda, Rosemary Roach, A E Shaw, David Smith, Barry Spence, Spurn NNR Insect Log, Paul Stark, Peter Swallow, John Walford, Mike Walton, Diane Wardley, Jennifer Watts, Lee & Jax Westmoreland, Derek Whiteley, Charles Wheelwright, Brian Wilson, David Wilson, Philip Winter, Dave Woodmansey, Ken Woolley. Plus 201 more from iRecord, Wider Countryside Survey and Migrant Watch. Above are regular contributors of multiple records. Apologies if your name has been omitted due to issues of space.VC62 Butterflies (39 contributors) Norman Alvin, Steve Bamford, Martin Blick, Gordon Brown, Tony Butler, Joe Butterick, L. Corrall, Terry Crawford, Gordon Douglas, Wendy English, V. Fairbrother, G. Featherstone, Mike Gibson, R. Hibbert, Peter Hinks, Wendy Holliday, Trish Illingworth, Stephen Keeney, Dave Lawrence, Nicola LeFanu, Edgar Maily, Steve Mattock, Alice Mayhew, Peter Mayhew, Damian Money, Dave O’Brien, Pauline Popely, Stuart Pudney, Richard Scruton, Joyce Simmons, Chris Small, Paul & Paul Smithies, Paul Stark, Maureen & Malcolm Thompson, Diane Wardley, Lee & Jax Westmoreland.VC63 Butterflies (76 contributors) Norman Alvin, Paul Andrews, Ian Armitage, Steve Bamford, Samantha Batty, Roy Bedford, James Bradbury, Steve Branch, Grant Brooke, Chris Butler, Tony Butler, Geoff Carr, George M Clay, David Cooke, Les Corrall, Pat Cuttell, Paula Dale, Geoff Dibb, James Dickinson, David Dodsworth, B & S Evison, Bernard & Maureen Featherstone,


Rob Foster, John Gavaghan, Cliff Gorman, David Haigh, Dave Hatton, Rod Heely, Ralph Hibbert, James Hinchliffe, Steve Hiner, Peter Hinks, K Jones, N Jones, John Hitchcock, Les & David Johnson (Pudsey), Les Johnson (Wibsey), L & S King, Mick Littlewood, Keith Lynes, R Millar, Ron Moat, Chris Parkin, Jim Plant, Dave Ramsden, Brian Reed, A Roberts, Frank Roberts, Stephen & Norah Schonhut, Paul & Joyce Simmons, Mike Smethurst, Brian and Mark Smith, David Smith, D M Smith, P Smith, Paul Smithies, Bill Smyllie, SR Sowden, Dave Standish, Susan Stead, Pam Sykes, Mick Townsend, Paul Townsend, Bryan P Wainwright, Diane Wardley, Martin Warne, Derek Whiteley, Dickie Wood, Ken Woolley.VC64 Butterflies (108 contributors) Chris & Joan Alder, David, Helen & Joan Alred, Paul Andrews, June Atkinson, Ray Baker, Steve Bamford, Mike Barnham, Susan Barton, Martin Bland, Peter Bowman, Roger Brock, Philip Brook, Pauline Brown, Karen Bullimore, P & J Burns, Heather Burrow, Tony Butler, Adele Carr, J. M. Clapham, Edwina Clements, Mike & Joyce Clerk, Robin Costello, Ian Court, Terry Crawford, Russ Deighton, James Dickinson, Jenny Dixon, David Dodsworth, Kay & Edward Easton, Malcom Edmunds, David & Nyree Fearnley, David Fisher, Charles Fletcher, Les Garner, John Gavaghan, Mike Gibson, A. Gramshaw, David Haigh, Karen Hargreave, Harrogate & District Naturalists Group: via J. E. A., Steve Hastie, David & Elaine Hatton, John Heap, Nigel Heptinstall, Andrew Hinde, John Hipkin, Paul Holmes, Carman & Fred Horner, David, Rosemary & Tim Howson, Diana Jakeways, Scott & Mary Johnstone, Melvyn Kirby, Mike Kneill, Janet & Kyriacos Kyriakides, M.P. Laycock, Phil Lazenby, David & Midge Leather, Peter Liddle, Gerald Light, Pat & Ken Limb, Lynn Loader, Steve Mattock, Peter Mayhew, Ann Mettam, Paul Millard, Diane Morris, Tony Moverley, Colin Newlands, Joyce Payne, John Perry, Paul Purvis, Dave Ramsden, Andrew Rhodes, Ann & Peter Riley, Kathy Robbins, Ernie Scarfe, Janice Scott, Tom Scott, Richard Scruton, Helen Sergeant, Karen Shackleton, John Shillcock, Brian Shorrock, Mike Sims, Brian, Lorraine & Mark Smith, Kelvin Smith, Penny Smith, Paul Smithies, Bruce Speed, Helen Stanley, Susan Stead, John Stidworthy, Peter Tannett, David Tayler, Marion Taylor, A & B Thompson, JR Turner, JRG & SF Turner, Richard Walton, Diane Wardley, Jill & Simon Warwick, Alan Whitaker, Terry Whitaker, Wharfedale Naturalists Society (W.N.S.) Bird Group, W.N.S Botany Group, W.N.S. Butterfly Walk, Stephen Worwood.VC65 Butterflies (80 contributors) Robert Adams, Brian Allison, Neil Baker, Mike Barnham, Francesca Bell, Paula Bell, Yvonne Berryman, Michelle Binks, Martin Bland, Tony Butler, Peter Carlton, Cathy Bergs, Mark Conroy, Terry Crawford, Barbara Crinson, Michael Dafter, Val Edon, John Edwards, Bill Ely, Heather Etherington, Jonnie Fisk, Charles Fletcher, Foxglove volunteer group – FCGroup, Mike Gibson, Karen Hargreave, Pauline Harman, Amanda Hart, Linzi Haylock, Jean Helm, Tim Helps, Tom Higginbottom, Robert Hulmes, Ian Court, Patricia Illingworth, Paul Irving, Nicola Jefferson, Emma King, Katherine Lart, Brian Latty, Michael Laycock, Carol Leaman, Robert Longridge, John Maiden, Paul Millard, Caroline Morris, Tony Moverley, A Murray, Sharon Neale, Jim Nicholson, David Oldham, Shaun Palmer, Emma Pearce-Bolton, Pauline Percival, Ruth Poultney, David Reid, Simon Robinson, Lynne Ross, Tim Scott, Richard Scruton, Helen Sergeant, Lorraine Sievers, Lorna Sloan, Faith Spence, Michael Spensley, John Strickland, Alan Taylor, Bernadette Thornton, Richard Tite, Cathy Trent, David Turner, Jill Warwick, Simon Warwick, Terry Whitaker, Jennie White, Robert Whiting, Abi Whitmarsh, Faye Wilson, Stephen Worwood, Fiona Yorke, Susan Zissler.


MOTHS (350 contributors)Robert Adams, David Aitken-DAi, Andrew Allport-AAl, Norman Alvin-NA, John Anderton-JA, Ian Andrews-IA, Paul Ardron, Dave Ashton-DA, Paul Ashton-PA, Andrew Ashworth-AA, Richard Baines-RB, David Baker-DBa, Stuart Barfoot, Tim Barker, John Barlow, Mike Barnham-MBa, Suzannah Barningham, Keith Barrow-KBa, C Bath, Anne Baxter, Harry Beaumont-HEB, Roy Bedford, Mel Bellingham-MBe, Heather Bennett-HBe, Rachel Benson-RBe, Whitfield Benson-WB, Chris Blanco-CB, Martin Bland, Ian Bond, Sara and Philip Bone, David Booth-DBo, Terry Box-TAB, Gavin Boyd, Mark Breaks-MBr, Philip Brook, Andrew Brown, Jeremy Brown-JDHB, Ruth Brown, Lenora Bruce-LB, Karen Bullimore-KB, Beverley Burgess-BBu, Peter Burgin-PBu, Peter & Janet Burns-P&JB, Tony Butler, Roger Butterfield, Phil Cadman, John Capel, David Carncross, Nick Carter-NC, Joseph Caswell, Adam Chesmore-ACh, David Chesmore-EDC, Gordon Clark, Keith Clarkson-KC, Steve Cleary-SC, Mike and Joyce Clerk-M&JC, Andrew Cockroft-AC, K Collin, Lynda Condon, John Cooper-JWC, Mike Couling, Terry Coult-TCo, Mike Coverdale-MCo, John Craven, Anthony Crawford, Terry Crawford-TJC, Alan Croucher, Jan Crowther-JCr, Andrew Culshaw, Phil Cunningham, Bill and Margery Curtis-WF&MC, Nathaniel Dargue, Bob and Diana Dark-B&DD, Jim Davis, Annie Devereux, Paul Disken, David Dodsworth-DD, Gordon Douglas, Mark Doveston, Alan Draper-AD, Colin Duke, Peter Dunbar, Peter Dunn-PJD, Marian Dutton, Barry Dyson-BD, John Edwards-JE, Steve Elliott, C Elphick, Bill Ely, Heather Etherington, Louise Everington-Brown, Tony Ezard-ASE, Doug Fairweather-DF, Steve Farish-SF, Nyree and David Fearnley-N&DF, Graham Featherstone-GF, Joanne Feltrup, Carl Fisher, David Fisher-DFi, Marianne Fisher, Jonny Fisk, Alastair Fitter-AF, Charles Fletcher-CHF, Peter and Sharon Flint, Paul Forster, Rob Foster, Foxglove Covert Moth Team-FCMT, Chris Frost-MCF, Martin Garner-MG, Ange Garrod-AG, Ken Gartside, John Gavaghan-JG, Eric Gendle-EG, Madge Gibson-MGi, Julie Gibson, Marie Gilman, Keith Gittens-KG, Cliff Gorman-CG, Audrey Gramshaw-AGr, Martin Gray-MGr, Maud Grey, Andrew Grayson, Peter Greaves-PG, Martin Grey, Pete Griffin, Sandra Hague, Shelley Hamilton, Martin Hammond-MHa, Steve Hargrave, Karen Hargreave, Colin Harrison-CGH, John Hartley-JWH, Mark Hasson, Dave Hatton-DHa, Gordon Haycock, Mark & Zach Haynes, Tim Helps-THe, Mick Hemingway-MHe, Ian Heppenstall-RIH, Ralph Hibbert, Roger Higson, James Hinchliffe-JHi, Steve Hiner, John Hipkin, John Hitchcock, Martin Hodges-MHo, David Hodgson-DHo, Rod Hodgson, Pauline Hogg-PHo, Jackie Holder-JHo, Wendy Holdsworth, Allen Holmes, Martin Holmes, Paul Holmes, Andrew Hood, Lynne Howard, David Howdon, David Howson, Tim Howson-THo, Meghann Hull, Dave Hunter, Mark Hunter, Steve Hunter-SHu, Dave Hunton-DH, Anthony Hurd, Dave Hursthouse-DHh, Jack Ibbotson, Trish Illingworth, Paul Irving, Ian James, Jo Jenney, Jim Jobe, Les Johnson-LJ, Les & David Johnson, Peter Kendall-PK, Cat Kilner-CK, Lawrie King-LK, Martin King, Helen Kirk-HRK, Jerry Knapp-JK, Sue & Les Knight, Peter Lamb, Peter Larner-PL, David Laughlin-DL, Nick Lawman-NL, Jono Leadley-JL, Peter Lee-PeL, Brian Leecy-BL, Rob Leighton, Paul Leyland-PLe, Ralph Lilley-RL, Pat & Ken Limb-P&KL, Anita Lloyd, Dan Lombard-DLo, Lesley Lord, C Love, Martin Lovell, Dan McAndrew, Ken McCann-KM, Callum Macgregor, Ian Marshall-IM, John Martin-JMa,


Pete Marsh, David Mather, Peter Mayhew-PMy, Alice Mayhew-AMy, Lara Mayhew, Ian Miles, Paul Millard-PMi, Alan Millar, Ron Moat-RM, Damian Money-DM, Tracy Money, Jim Morgan-JM, Brian Morland-BM, Caroline Morris, Diane Morris, Paul Morris, Tony Moverley-TM, Irene Mower-IMo, Lucy Murgatroyd-LM, Peter Murphy-PM, Roger Neale-RN, Dave Nesham-DN, John Newbould-JAN, Wilf Norman-WN, William Northcote, Andy Nunn-ADN, Denis O’Connor, Stuart Ogilvie, Mary Owens, Geoff Oxford, Chris Parkin-CP, Derek Parkinson, Helen Paterson-HP, Mark Pearson-MPe, Mike Pearson-MP, Andrew Perry, John Perry-JPe, Pauline Popely, David and Janine Preston-D&JP, Martyn Priestley, Margaret Prior-MaP, Mike Pryal, David Pye, Tim Quantrill, Craig Ralston-CSR, Magdalene Rech, Graham Reed, Penny Relf, Colin Rew-CRe, Andrew Rhodes-ARh, Christine Rhodes, Brett Richards, L M Richardson, Mike Ridealgh, Peter and Ann Riley-P&AR, James Roberts-JR, Morag Roberts, Belinda Robson-BR, Allan Rodda-AR, Julie Rodgers, Diane Rooke, Stephen Root, Chris Routh-CRo, R&P Rumbold, Robert Saunby, Bob Schofield, Annette Searby, Phil Seccombe, Ben Senior-BS, Helen Sergeant-HS, Claire Shackleton, Dave Shenton-DSh, Paul Simmons-PSi, Paul and Joyce Simmons-P&JS, Robert Simpson-RSi, Colin Slator, Julian Small-JOHS, Mike Smethurst-MSm, Diane Smiley-DMS, Dave Smith-DSm, David Smith, Geraldine Smith, Ina Smith, Jan Smith-JSm, Mike and Jan Smith-M&JS, Peter Smith-PSm, Richard Smith-RSm, Tina Smith, Anthony Snowden, Stephen Sowden-SRS, Bruce and Pauline Speed, Barry Spence-BRS, Sonia Starbuck, David Stead-DSt, Susan Stead, Nancy Stedman-NS, Jeanette Stewart, Tony Stones, Mick Stoyle-MFS, Audrey Summersgill, Dave Sutcliffe-DSu, William Swires, Pam Sykes, Peter Tannett-PT, Julie Taylor, Marian Taylor, Phil Taylor-PTy, Neil Thompson, Pat Tinson, Richard Tite, Cliff Toplis-CT, Mick Townsend-MT, Paul Townsend, Norman and Margery Tuck-N&MT, Jan Turner-JT, Nicky Vernon-NV, Dave Wainwright-DWa, Michael Walton, Richard Walton, Diane Wardley-DWr, Martin Warne-MWa, Steve Warrillow-StW, Barry Warrington-BWa, Jill Warwick-JCW, Simon Warwick-SWa, Rob Watson, Peter Webb-PWe, Lee & Jax Westmoreland-L&JW, Terry Whitaker-TMW, Derek Whiteley-DeWh, Ian Whittaker-IW, Patrick Wildgust-PWi, Royanne Wilding-RW, Keith Wilkinson, Raye Wilkinson-RWi, Barbara Willey, Dave Williamson-DWi, Jane Willis, David Wilson, Steve Wilson, Philip Winter-PQW, Lee Wiseman-LW, David Woolley, Rachel Wood, Robert Woods-RWo, Steve Worwood, Mark Young, Sue Zissler,

70.276 Bordered White Peter Mayhew Strensall Common VC 62.

72.010 Black Arches Dave Williamson

66.007 Oak Eggar Jim Morgan Catwick VC 61.

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