Moths of the Adur Valley

Adur Moths
Miscellaneous selection of mostly (diurnal) day-flyers or very common species or large ones disturbed during the day or caught indoors
Sussex Moth Group Sightings
Adur Burnet Moths

29 March 2011
The first appearance of the tiny pyralid micro-moth Pyrausta despicata at Mill Hill (Shoreham) has always provided a good guide to the timing of subsequent springtime emergences. I saw a couple of these together with a very early Small Purple-barred Moth, Phytometra viridaria.
Report by Neil Hulme on Sussex Butterflies

8 September 2010
Mill Hill was alive with butterfly activity. A Hedge Rustic Moth, Tholera cespitis, was spotted in the undergrowth.

Photograph and Moth Report by Colin Knight (Blogspot)

This moth has not been recorded on these Nature Notes before.

Adur Butterflies 2010

12 August 2010
This small brown moth came into by house just after midnight.

Square-spot Rustic, Xestia xanthographa

ID by Ben Coleman on facebook Butterflies & Moths UK

7 August 2010
This Willow Beauty, Peribatodes rhomboidaria, landed on my computer indoors.

ID by Janet Cawston

1 August 2010
A small brown moth settled near the Privet on the lower slopes of Mill Hill. I have identified this as the Bordered Straw, Heliothis peltigera, a long distance immigrant.

30 July 2010

Behind the small garden sized meadow that is the southern bank of the Buckingham Cutting where the path goes through a hedgerow with lots of Brambles, I noted a Yellow Shell Moth and two Shaded Broad-bar Moths. On the south-eastern bank of the Mill Hill Cutting there was a Small Purple-barred Moth.

28 July 2010
A Carpet Moth (probably the Silver-ground Carpet, Xanthorhoe montanata) was seen on the hedgerow part of Mill Hill Cutting, south side, a Yellow Shell Moth was around the garden hedge at the top of the Pixie Path, Three Six-spotted Burnet Moths were all attracted to one Greater Knapweed flower, and Silver Y Moths were noted on Buckingham Cutting, south side, and the latter in the Mill Hill meadows.

23 July 2010
It looks a bit like a pyralid but the Small Purple-barred Moth Phytometra viridaria is a noctuid small moth was seen on the lower slopes of Mill Hill.
Previous Image of Phytometra

There was also an immigrant called the Rush Veneer, Nomophila noctuella, a small brown moth that was probably overlooked before. This is the moth in the photograph on the right.

20 July 2010
My first Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Macroglossum stellatarum, of the year hovered/flitted around a clump of Greater Knapweed in the north-west corner of Frampton's Field, Old Shoreham, as seen from the Pixie Path. The moth stayed around for a few minutes and it never seemed to keep in one place long enough for a photograph, although my observation was disturbed by a passing couple and their dog at an inopportune moment.
Butterfly & Moth Report

4 July 2010
Like a falling leaf a Swallow-tailed Moth, Ourapteryx sambucaria, dropped out of the tree canopy on to the meadow on the verges of the Coastal-Downs Link Cyclepath midway between Old Shoreham and the Cement Works at Upper Beeding.

Butterfly & Moth Report

27 June 2010
Occasional Silver Y Moths, a few Burnet Companion Moths, at least five unidentified Burnet Moths and one Cinnabar Moth were all seen on Mill Hill.
Butterfly & Moth Report

21 June 2010
From a distance McIntyre's Field (north of Lancing Manor and the eastern part of Lancing Ring Nature Reserve) was covered in the yellow of Bird's Foot Trefoil, and close-up hundreds of of small moths and butterflies could be disturbed in the long grass meadow. The numbers were exceptional and included frequent Common Blue Butterflies of both genders, frequent Burnet Companion Moths, numerous Common Carpet Moths, and at least a dozen moth species that had to remain unidentified because of lack of time and knowledge.
The picture on the right is probably the Grass Rivulet Perizoma albulata

ID by Ben Coleman on facebook Butterflies & Moths UK

Full Butterfly Report

At dusk a large moth was silhouetted against the sky amongst the rooftops in The Twitten in Southwick and this was thought to be one of the immigrant Hawkmoths.

9 June 2010
Small moths (but not the usual pyralids)* were frequently seen in the amongst the herbs on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, and there were at least three Burnet Companions Moths and more than one Treble-bar Moth. The Hawthorn scrub added a Common Carpet Moth. (*possibly the Light Brown Apple Moth)

In the meadow to the north of the upper car park on Mill Hill, I disturbed a handful of Silver Y Moths.

8 June 2010

My first Cinnabar Moth of the year flitted amongst the grasses and herbs on the southern bank of Buckingham Cutting, north Shoreham.

30 May 2010

My first Silver Y Moth of the year was seen by the Reservoir on Mill Hill and another one the lower slopes where I saw at least one Burnet Companion Moth for the first time this year. The small pyralid moth Pyrausta nigrata was seen, but I did not spot any of the other pyralids. In the scrub there was my first Carpet Moth of the year. I have identified this carpet moth as the Purple Bar, Cosmorhoe ocellata. This is my first record of this common species.
Full Butterfly & Moth Report

27 April 2010
About eight Burnet Companion Moths were seen on my Anchor Bottom transect

Report by Jim Steedman on Sussex Butterfly Reports

21 October 2009

No butterflies were seen in Old Shoreham on a cloudy day, but there was a Vapourer Moth, Orgyia antiqua, fluttering at low level over the towpath just north of the Toll Bridge.

4 October 2009

Puddles indicated it had rained over night on an overcast day, but I had the opportunity to note a low level Vapourer Moth, Orgyia antiqua over the slope at the entrance to Shoreham Library from St. Mary's Road. Usually, these small day-flying moths are seen flying over the top of hedgerows and too far away to be sure of their identity.

2 October 2009

The small brown moths seen over the hedgerows and for the last few days were thought to be Vapourer Moths, Orgyia antiqua.

10 September 2009
This brightly coloured caterpillar was spotted crawling across the tarmac approach to Tarmount Public Hard in Shoreham. It is the larva of the Sycamore Moth Acronicta aceris. The moth varies in colour from pale grey to dark sooty-grey. The caterpillar feeds on the leaves of Sycamore or Horse Chestnut.

What's this Caterpillar ?

6 September 2009
This small moth was seen fluttering around in some very short turf north of the Reservoir on Mill Hill.

This looks like a Rush Veneer, Nomophila noctuella,

19 August 2009
Unidentified small moth amongst the long grass on the Pixie Path. This looks like this could be a pyralid.

17 August 2009
A probable Shaded Broad-bar, Scotopteryx chenopodiata, was spotted on the lower slopes of Mill Hill. Other larger moths noted included occasional Silver Y Moths, at least one Carpet Moth, one Brimstone Moth and occasional Treble-bar Moths.

4 August 2009
The most notable observation of the day was a markedly patterned Magpie Moth amongst the Stinging Nettles on the Waterworks Road, Old Shoreham.

3 August 2009
Four species of the larger moths were seen in daylight on Mill Hill and its approaches. These were occasional Silver Y Moths and Six-spotted Burnet Moths, a Yellow Shell and a Treble-bar Moth.

23 July 2009
The highlight of the day, along the Coastal-Downs Link Cyclepath south of Upper Beeding, was the first Hummingbird Hawk-moth since 2006 whirring away amongst the meadow herbs on the edge of the verges, its orange rear and vibrating wings most distinctive.

9 July 2009
By the Reservoir on Mill Hill the first Cinnabar Moth caterpillars of the year were seen on a small clump of Ragwort.

30 June 2009
The first Brimstone Moth of the year was seen in Worthing Town Centre (Chatsworth Road).

29 June 2009
On the Adur Levels, in a field north of Cuckoo's Corner, a few Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet Moths, Zygaena lonicerae, visited Tufted Vetch, for the first record in 2009.
Adur Burnet Moths

26 June 2009
A Privet Hawkmoth was photographed on Shoreham Beach.

Report by John Maskell on Sussex Butterflies

22 June 2009

A cycle ride from Old Shoreham to Annington Sewer along the Coastal-Downs Link Cyclepath I spotted one Cinnabar Moth, and frequent 6-spot Burnet Moths, as well as a few Burnet Companion Moths. It was interesting to note the relatively languid flight of the Cinnabar contrasted to the whirring of the 6-spot Burnet Moths.

12 June 2009


Straw Dot Rivula sericealis amongst the long grass on Anchor Bottom. ID by Su Reed	Tattered Cinnabar Moth	Six-spotted Burnet Moth on Creeping Thistle

My first of the year Six-spotted Burnet Moth was one of two on Creeping Thistle at the back of Dacre Gardens next to Anchor Bottom, Upper Beeding. One tattered Cinnabar Moth was seen on Anchor Bottom very close to the stile at the bottom western end near Dacre Gardens. There was also a Yellow Shell Moth and a Burnet Companion Moth.

Full Butterfly & Moth Report

Adur Burnet Moths

31 May 2009
One each of the following five medium-sized moths were recorded flying in the day on Mill Hill and its approaches:
a Silver Y Moth and my first Burnet Companion Moth of the year, Yellow Shell, Mother Shipton and a Cinnabar Moth.

I saw a number of Six-spot Burnet Moths flying at Beeding Hill.

Burnet Report by Jim Steedman on Sussex Butterflies

24 May 2009
The small verge area at Buckingham Cutting on the southern side produced a few Treble-bar Moths and a Silver Y Moth.


Silver Y Moth			Mother Shipton Moth

The lower slopes of Mill Hill hosted what at first glance appeared to be Grizzled Skippers, but close inspection revealed these to be three of the attractive Mother Shipton Moths. There was at least one Silver Y Moth over the fading Horseshoe Vetch, Hippocrepis comosa, on the lower slopes.

20 May 2009
There was a Treble Bar Moth and my first Silver Y Moth of the year, but the small pyralid moths were not seen on the lower slopes of Mill Hill.

10 May 2009
My first Cinnabar Moth of the year took flight on the lower slopes of Mill Hill showing its distinct red underwing. A Small Purple-barred Moth, Phytometra viridaria, landed on a Horseshoe Vetch, Hippocrepis comosa, flower. The micro-moth Pyrausta nigrata was now just frequently seen.

29 April 2009
Mike Parsons and his two colleagues from Butterfly Conservation in Dorset were bashing the Privet on the lower slopes of Mill Hill in an unsuccessful attempt to find the caterpillars of the Barred Tooth-striped Moth, Trichopteryx polycommata. Mike identified for me a Green Carpet Moth, Colostygia pectinataria. It escaped the net before I had a chance to look at it. I had always realised that some of the Carpet Moths seen on Mill Hill were different in colour from the ones seen in Shoreham town and I have probably misidentified them before as the Common Carpet Moth, Epirrhoe alternata. The micro-moth Pyrausta nigrata was very common on the lower slopes as in the previous week. A Treble-bar Moth fluttered around some rabbit droppings. My first Common Mint Moth, Pyrausta aurata, of the year was seen on an Alexanders on the path that runs along the south of Frampton's Field, Old Shoreham. This one was rather drab in colour.
Adur Pyralids

23 April 2009
The Pyrausta moths were common on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, including a few Pyrausta purpuralis. I spotted my first Small Purple-barred Moth, Phytometra viridaria, of the year.

21 April 2009
A colourful pyralid micro-moth Pyrausta purpuralis amongst the Horseshoe Vetch, Hippocrepis comosa, leaves on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, was a first of the year. There were far more than the counted 17 Pyrausta nigrata and five Pyrausta despicata. All the small moths flitted about rapidly and were tricky to photograph.
Full Butterfly & Moth Report

14 April 2009
Two small day-flying in moths put in their first appearance of the year on the lower slopes of Mill Hill (Old Shoreham): these were the pyralids, three Pyrausta despicata and two Pyrausta nigrata. A Treble-bar Moth landed on me over the lower slopes of Mill Hill.

12 April 2009
We photographed the following moths on Mill Hill: Barred Tooth-striped, Trichopteryx polycommata, V-Pug and Shoulder Stripe.

Report by Pen and Dave Green on Sussex Butterflies

8 April 2009
The first nest of the Brown-tailed Moth of the year was discovered on the Slonk Hill Cutting south in the overgrown clearing alongside the path.

Earlier Study on Mill Hill

4 April 2009 Evening
A search of the Privet bushes on Mill Hill did not produce the desired Barred Tooth-striped Moth, Trichopteryx polycommata,
but we did find three Pale Flat-body, Agonopterix pallorella, micro-moths on the lower slopes.

Report by Pen and Dave Green on Sussex Butterflies

3 January 2009
Our first moth of 2009 was, unexpectedly, a Double-striped Pug, Gymnoscelis rufifasciata, that we found in our kitchen (Mill Hill, Shoreham).

Report by Pen and Dave Green on Sussex Butterflies

11 November 2008
This caterpillar was spotted crawling across the sea front pavement in east Worthing.
One possible is the larva of the Muslin Moth, Diaphora mendica.
Another possible is the larva of the colourful Ruby Tiger Moth, Phragmatobia fuliginosa.

17 October 2008
A few Vapourer Moths took flight from the lower slopes of Mill Hill.

12 October 2008
The same species of caterpillar was seen crawling across a path on Mill Hill. It could be the larva of the White Ermine Moth, Spilosoma luteum.
3 October 2008
This caterpillar crawled across a pavement on Shoreham Beach.
UK Caterpillars on Flickr

16 August 2008
This caterpillar was seen by the railway level crossing gates in Eastern Avenue, Shoreham. It was a larva of the Toadflax Brocade, Calophasia lunula.

ID By Martin Sansford on Flickr

6 & 10 August 2008
The small pyralid moth, Pyrausta purpuralis was spotted amongst the undergrowth of herbs on the the lower slopes of Mill Hill. A Silver Y Moth was noted in the dense meadows north of the upper car park on Mill Hill, and one faded Six-Spot Burnet Moth was noted on Greater Knapweed, but there could have been more. At least three Treble-bar Moths were fluttering around on the lower slopes of Mill Hill.

30 July 2008
The most interesting lepidopteran observation were the frequent occurrence of a small brownish moth on the lower slopes of Mill Hill. At least twenty flitted about in a five metre square patch. It is expected to be a common species. The flash of grey was a Treble-bar Moth. This is Synaphe punctalis, a pyralid moth associated with shingle and sand dunes as well as other dry habitats such as chalk downland. Not a common species, but it seems to have spread its range in Sussex in recent years. The larvae feed on mosses.
ID & Comments by Sarah Patton
on the British Insects Yahoo Group

28 July 2008
Just the one Cinnabar Moth caterpillar was seen on Ragwort on the far north-west of the Mill Hill Nature Reserve by the stile.

27 July 2008
A Silver Y Moth was recorded on the upper part of Mill Hill, with the small pyralid moth, Pyrausta nigrata seen on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, and Six-Spot Burnet Moths frequently seen both on Mill Hill and over the verges of the Coastal Link Cyclepath to Upper Beeding.

15 July 2008
Six-spot Burnet Moths were frequent on Mill Hill, with most in the area to the west of the upper car park. A Silver Y Moth was seen on the short grass open plateau. The small pyralid moth, Pyrausta nigrata was occasionally seen on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, with some of them much more faded than others. There were probably many more that went unnoticed.

14 July 2008
On Greater Knapweed, the first confirmed Six-spotted Burnet Moths were spotted on the south-facing Horseshoe Vetch slope of Anchor Bottom, Upper Beeding.
Adur Burnet Moths

11 & 13 July 2008
The small pyralid moth, Pyrausta nigrata was frequently seen on the lower slopes of Mill Hill in the afternoon and morning. Most of them were so faded that they were originally mistaken for one of the other pyralids.

5 July 2008
The first Small Purple-barred Moth, Phytometra viridaria, of 2008 was seen on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, late in the afternoon.

3 July 2008
My first Silver Y Moth of 2008 whirred around the undergrowth on the Buckingham Cutting.
Full Butterfly Report

1 July 2008
A Burnet or Cinnabar Moth fluttered rapidly over the shingle and vegetation near the Old Fort on Shoreham Beach.

30 June 2008
In the breezy sunshine, a Burnet or Cinnabar Moth fluttered rapidly on the towpath next to the River Adur halfway between Cuckoo's Corner and the Cement Works.

14 June 2008
Two unusual bumblebee-sized insects flew over Coronation Green, Shoreham, in the afternoon. I think these may have been Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moths, Hemaris tityus. The moths did not stay still enough for a positive identification. They flew steadily in a south-north direction and they appeared like immigrant insects.

9 June 2008
A very rare Spurge Hawk-moth, Hyles euphorbiae, was caught at Shoreham.

Report by Pen Green on UK Butterflies Sightings

It is a sporadic migrant to southern England from south Europe, there are only a handful of recent records.

8 June 2008
My first Cinnabar Moth of the year and a Burnet Companion Moth were seen on the Buckingham Cutting, southern bank.

2 & 8 June 2008
My first pyralid moth Pyrausta aurata of the year is seen in my garden in Corbyn Crescent, Shoreham.

30 May 2008
One small Nettle-tap Moth, Anthophila fabriciana was frequently to be seen on Hemlock Water Dropwort on the Spring Dyke, north of Old Shoreham and a few more were seen on an Ox-eye Daisyon the the Coastal Link Cyclepath south of the Cement Works.

ID by Wild Dartmoor

27 May 2008

On a day too cool for butterflies to be flying in any numbers, a Burnet Companion Moth flew down on to the Buckingham Cutting southern side and much to my surprise this restless day-flying moth then flew rapidly across both lanes of the A27 dual carriageway and further north.

22 May 2008

My first definite Burnet Companion Moth of the year fluttered amongst the vegetation on the Lancing Ring meadows.
Lancing Ring Report

21 May 2008
My first confirmed Mother Shipton Moth of the year was seen on a clearing on the southern side of the Slonk Hill Cutting.

16 May 2008
On a day too cool (12.3 °C) for butterflies, a Common Carpet Moth and a Yellow Shell Moth were disturbed on the northern bank of the Slonk Hill Cutting.

15 May 2008
Large Caterpillar on Yellow Flag Iris on Spring Dyke, north of Old Shoreham.
These larvae are difficult to identify. It could be The Drinker, Euthrix potatoria.

10 May 2008

This small Carpet Moth, (Common species is Epirrhoe alternata), flew into the shade. This may actually be the Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet Moth, Xanthorhoe ferrugata.

8 May 2008
On the grassy and herb verges of the Coastal Link Cyclepath south of the Cement Works, I saw my first Burnet Companion Moth of the year in late afternoon. This pretty moth fluttered amongst the herbs and long grasses.

2 May 2008
On a mild sunny day, 13.2 °C, at least two Pyrausta nigrata pyralid moths, the first small Pyrausta purpuralis pyralid moth of 2008, and a fluttering Treble Bar Moth were noted on the lower slopes of Mill Hill.

27 April 2008
On a cool day, just one Pyrausta nigrata pyralid moth was spotted on the lower slopes of Mill Hill. A Treble-bar Moth, Aplocera sp. was spotted resting.

20 April 2008
A passage journey over the lower slopes of Mill Hill revealed four Grizzled Skippers visiting Dog Violets and at least one of the first Pyrausta nigrata pyralid moths of 2008.

5 April 2008
Mill Hill SMG Meeting
Despite the awful forecast and plummeting temperature the first SMG evening field meeting of the year at Mill Hill near Shoreham was well attended. However, we only saw three moths - but nobody was complaining; two were of our target species Barred Tooth-striped, Trichopteryx polycommata, and the other was the micro Pale Flat-body, Agonopterix pallorella.

Report and Photographs by Michael Blencowe on Sussex Butterflies

6 November 2007
A Silver Y Moth was spotted over the northern part of the lower slopes of Mill Hill.

19 October 2007
The caterpillar of the Pale Tussock Moth, Calliteara pudibunda, crawled across the pavement on the approaches to Lancing Clump (eastern car park). I put it on the grass verge for the photograph.

27 August 2007
The Carpet Moth was seen on the lower slopes of Mill Hill. I disturbed this night-flying moth.

24 August 2007
On the lower slopes of Mill Hill, very faded versions of the small pyralid moth Pyrausta nigrata were frequently seen with over twenty recorded before I stopped counting. They were so faded I was not sure of my identification by sight alone. This is a day-flying moth.
Correction: I now think the illustrated moth is Pyrausta purpuralis
Observations of some of the smaller Moths in the Adur district area

August 2007
This rare immigrant Death's Head Hawk-moth, Acherontia atropos, was discovered in my back garden which is adjacent to Shoreham Beach between the harbour arm and The Burrells.
.
Photograph and Report by Joy Daintree

This the largest moth to appear in Britain, sporting a wingspan of up to 12 or 13 cm, this is a striking species, though it is not native. Immigrants arrive from southern Europe, usually several in each year, during late summer and autumn.
It has the unusual habit of entering beehives in search of honey, and if handled, emits a loud squeak. The large caterpillar feeds on most Solanaceae, especially Solanum tuberosum (Potato), Solanum dulcamara, Lycium europaeum, Lycium barbarum, Atropa belladonna (Deadly Nightshade), Nicotiana tabacum (Tobacco) and Datura stramonium (Thorn-apple/Jimson weed).

9 & 12 August 2007
An attractive small Pyrausta purpuralis moth was again seen on both days in the main Tor Grass area on the lower slopes of Mill Hill. The wavy line pattern was most distinctive with this colourful moth that did not settle long enough for a photograph.
Adur Pyralids

12 August 2007
The Light Brown Apple Moth Epiphyas postvittana settled in my Garden Privet hedge in my front garden in Corbyn Crescent, Shoreham.

29 July 2007
A Silver Y Moth flitted through the vegetation on the wildlife meadow north of the car park on Mill Hill. Frequent 6-spot Burnet Moths were seen on the breeze-swept plateau most often visiting Greater Knapweed. A few Yellow Shell Moths and at least one Treble-bar Moth was recorded over the lower slopes of Mill Hill.

8 July 2007
This 6-spot Burnet Moth was seen on Mill Hill.
Adur Burnet Moths

3 July 2007
The southern bank of the Slonk Hill Cutting a Cinnabar Moth fluttered over the vegetation.

1 July 2007

My first 6-spot Burnet Moth of the year visited a flowering Buddleia on the Downs Link path south of the Toll Bridge.

Adur Burnet Moths

20 June 2007
This moth was disturbed in the long grass and Greater Knapweed leaves on Mill Hill near the upper car park. It is thought to be a less patterned variant of the Common Heath Moth, Ematurga atomaria. This is my suggestion and it has not been confirmed. It is more than likely to be wrong!

17 June 2007

Two Pyrausta purpuralis moths from an area of Tor Grass on the lower slopes of Mill Hill were the first positive records of this attractive small pyralid moth. A Cinnabar Moth revealed itself on the Buckingham Cutting. 3 Silver Y Moths were seen on the Mill Hill Nature Reserve side of the gate to the Old Erringham pasture. A Yellow Shell Moth was seen in the bushes next to the Pixie Path.

15 June 2007

My first Silver Y Moth of the year was seen at the southern end of the Downs Link Cyclepath south of the Toll Bridge and south of the Buffer Stop. A few minutes later a Cinnabar Moth was seen in the same area. On the Mill Hill Cutting by Chanctonbury Drive another Silver Y and another Cinnabar Moth fluttered amongst the long grasses.

10 June 2007

There was a Burnet Companion Moth and a Cinnabar Moth on the Buckingham Cutting and occasional Yellow Shell Moths.

9 June 2007

A large hawk-moth battered against my bathroom window but I did not find out which one it was.

5 June 2007

Moths were noticed first with an attractive Burnet Companion Moth (they looked much prettier than the photograph below) on the Slonk Hill Cutting North (and another one seen on the Shoreham Bank), a few Yellow Shell Moths and Treble-bar Moths. On the lower slopes of Mill Hill I spotted a moth that looked larger but with similar patterns as a Grizzled Skipper which has posed a brief identification puzzle. It was a Mother Shipton, the first of the year. Only the larger moths were noted, the smaller moths were too flitty in the breeze to recognise.

3 June 2007
There was a pyralid moth Pyrausta despicata on the northern bank of Slonk Hill, and I also spotted a Cinnabar Moth somewhere on the Adur Levels. My first Burnet Moth cocoon was potted on the Downs Link dead end route at its extreme south.

Adur Pyralids

25 May 2007
I spotted my first Cinnabar Moth of the year in the long thick grass south of the Reservoir on Mill Hill.

1 May 2007
I made a quick trip to Lancing Clump and saw a Brimstone Moth that flew strongly in the sunshine.

29 April 2007

`

Burnet Companion Moth Pyrausta nigrata This very small pyralid moth Scoparia pyralella landed on me from the lower slopes of Mill Hill.

The lower slopes of Mill Hill produced 14 Burnet Companion Moths (easy to mistake at a quick glance when noticing the skippers), about a dozen of the small moths Pyrausta nigrata, as well as small moths I have not identified yet and many others overlooked.
Adur Pyralids

Late April 2007
The Convolvulus Hawk-moth, Agrius convolvuli, hatched out into the adult female imago. The caterpillar was discovered by Paul Graysmark on 29 October 2006 and it had buried into the soft earth on 30 October 2006 to metamorphises into the pupae. It was kept in a controlled environment by Richard Poxon who recorded its emergence.
Caterpillar Report
Adur Hawk-moths

24 April 2007
Treble-bar Moths, Aplocera sp. were seen on the lower slopes of Mill Hill and one Pyrausta nigrata, but there would probably have been a few more. The Pyrausta nigrata settled with its wings outstretched as in the photograph above, not the diamond shape in the photograph below. Paul Lister also recorded a Ruby Tiger Moth, Phragmatobia fuliginosa.

22 April 2007
Small fawn moths flitted unidentified amongst the herbs on the lower slopes of Mill Hill. A pair of Burnet Companion Moths, Euclidia glyphica, were seen courting or sparring and a few Treble-bar Moths, Aplocera sp. were seen.

15 April 2007
Frequent pyralid moths Pyrausta nigrata were seen flitting between the clumps of Dog Violets and the yellow Dandelion-like plants on the lower slopes of Mill Hill. The Privet was searched for larvae but there was no sign of anything amongst the new growths that are invading the lower slopes.
The dark moth is Pyrausta nigrata not Pyrausta cingulata.
Note the side spots. The line on the forewing is straight in P. cingulata and wavy in P. nigrata.
Lack of spots in this image.
Pyralidae
Pyralid Thumbnails

The fawnish coloured moth is Pyrausta despicata.
ID by Mike Wall on UK Micromoths
However, it could well be the Small Purple-barred Moth Phytometra viridaria
Suggested ID by Paul Sokoloff on UK Micromoths

13 April 2007
Pancalia micro-moths were seen for the first time this year on the on the lower slopes of Mill Hill with a handful spotted but there were likely to be many more unseen because of their very small size.

12 April 2007
The caterpillars of the Brown-tailed Moth were crawling out of their nests. About six nests were seen on the Hawthorn just south of the Reservoir on Mill Hill. There were scores of micro-moths on the lower slopes of Mill Hill but I did not ascertain their identity. The young leaves of Privet were briefly searched for any larvae, but none of any kind were seen.

9 April 2007
Two of the small day time pyralid moths Pyrausta nigrata were seen flitting between the clumps of Dog Violets on the lower slopes of Mill Hill.
Adur Pyralids

15 January 2007
One disused moth cocoon was seen on a Privet bush on the lower slopes of Mill Hill. It measured 25 mm long.
This is a Burnet Moth cocoon that has changed colour from its normal pale yellow.

29 October 2006

Paul Graysmark rescued a caterpillar of the immigrant Convolvulus Hawk-moth, Agrius convolvuli, from being squashed as it slowly crawled across Corbyn Crescent, Shoreham (TQ 224 052). This specimen was the green variant (this is not illustrated in the books). The caterpillars feed on Common Bindweed, but they cannot survive a British winter. The horn is at the hind end. The dark red spots differentiate it from the Privet Hawk-moth caterpillar. Separation from the Poplar Moth caterpillar was more difficult. The absence of the Poplar's food plant was the first clue.

First Identification by Richard Poxon who was given the caterpillar to rear in a controlled environment

The caterpillar measured approximately 85 mm. The controlled environment consists of a container of loose dry earth in which the caterpillar will bury into to a depth of about 15 cm to metamorphosise into a pupae. The temperature will be controlled above 4° C so that the moth will hatch in spring when the new Bindweed growths will appear.

So imminent was the transformation that in less than 30 minutes after the caterpillar was placed into the container, it had buried into the soft earth on 30 October 2006.

It hatched into the adult on moth in late April 2007.

Adur Hawk-moths
Eggs, Larvae and Pupae of Butterflies and Moths
U.K. Lepidopterists Study Group Forum
Life Cycle Photographs: Egg to Pupa

27 October 2006
A Silver Y Moth was disturbed, but there were no butterflies were recorded in the afternoon on the lower slopes of Mill Hill.

13 October 2006
At the extreme southern dead end of the Coastal Link Cyclepath (south of the tunnel of shrubs) a Silver Y Moth fluttered amongst the ground vegetation (mostly now devoid of any flowers but including an occasional Red Valerian and one Red Clover).

10 October 2006
This small moth was disturbed from amongst the Tomato plants in a Shoreham town centre garden.
Rusty Dot Pearl Udea ferrugalis

ID by Ben Coleman on facebook Butterflies & Moths UK

3 October 2006
After the gales and the rain, a probable orange-brown Vapourer Moth, Orgyia antiqua, flew strongly over Dolphin Road, Shoreham, although it did not settle I saw it clearly enough to be sure it was not a Painted Lady or Small Copper being between these two in size.

22 September 2006
I discovered an Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillar, Deilephila elpenor, on the footpath on the bank of the River Adur up near the South Downs way footbridge. It was damp with loads of big slugs out, but one of them wasn't a slug but this magnificent large caterpillar.

Report by Helen Dwyer

19 September 2006
A small orange butterfly (or moth) fluttered in the wind and then settled for less a second on the cyclepath south of the Toll Bridge. This was most likely a Vapourer Moth Orgyia antiqua

13 September 2006
A Dot Moth Caterpillar, Melanchra persicariae, is seen in a Cokeham garden.
Image 1
Image 2

Report by Roy Bratton

12 September 2006

The distinctive caterpillar of the Elephant Hawk-moth, Deilephila elpenor, was discovered in the middle of Nicolson Drive in residential Shoreham (an area with large gardens). As it was imminent danger of being squashed it was removed to a garden. The caterpillar was not measured, but estimated to be about 70 mm in length. The larvae feed mainly on Rosebay Willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium), but also other plants as well, including Bedstraw (Galium). The caterpillar was released into my garden as there was plentiful Bedstraw.

11 September 2006
Treble-bar Moths (25+) were frequently seen on the lower slopes of Mill Hill.

4 September 2006
In Ray Hamblett's south Lancing garden (TQ 185 046) a Humming-bird Hawk-moth visited the Buddleia as it had been doing for the last two weeks.
On the Coastal Link Cyclepath just south of the Toll Bridge, Old Shoreham, a Common Carpet Moth was disturbed.

27 August 2006
A small pyralid moth Pyrausta aurata* and a larger Treble-bar Moth were spotted without looking for them on the the lower slopes of Mill Hill. (* This was more likely to be Pyrausta purpuralis as the former has not been recorded from Mill Hill. This moth is even prettier.)

23 August 2006
ABlood-vein, Timandra comae, and several Mint Moths, Pyrausta aurata were seen in my front garden in Shoreham during the day. These are both small moths frequently seen and are probably both common species.

Blood-vein Moth Hummingbird Hawk-moth The Hummingbird Hawk-moth
was just a speck in the Hawthorn tops

21 August 2006
My first Hummingbird Hawk-moth since 2 July 2006 and only my second of the year flew around the Buddleia on the Coastal Link Cyclepath just south of the Toll Bridge, Old Shoreham. Another one was seen around the Buddleia in the Butterfly Copse next to the Waterworks Road. Mother of Pearl Moths, Pleuroptya ruralis, were seen amongst the Stinging Nettles on lower part of the Pixie Path.

Cinnabar Moth caterpillar 4 August 2006
Two Cinnabar Moth caterpillars were spotted in the dense upper meadows (north of the upper car park) of Mill Hill. Silver Y Moths were frequently seen in anything with long grass or shrub shelter. A Treble-bar Moth was noted in an identical place amongst the Tor Grass on the lower slopes of Mill Hill as five days earlier. There were no Burnet Moths seen, but I did not visit their optimum location on the more exposed meadows of the upper plateau of Mill Hill. Yellow Shell Moths were seen when disturbed in the hedges and scrub.
Adur Ragwort

30 July 2006
Silver Y Moths seemed to be in the undergrowth everywhere (Slonk Hill and Mill Hill), but not quite so many as a week before. A pristine Treble-bar Moth, very bright and clear, was noticed on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, and there was a dozen or more smaller moths disturbed. I did not recall any Burnet Moths.
Butterfly Report

28 July 2006
There were a dozen and more Silver Y Moths in the back garden of the Duke of Wellington Public House, Shoreham, in a mainly paved area with a few tubbed garden plants and climbing vegetation, but next to a large Lime Tree.

23 July 2006
At least, in the late morning it was a bit cooler (after the thunderstorms of 22 July 2006) mostly overcast at 24.1 ºC from 11:00 am, and tolerable for watching Lepidoptera. There were the large numbers of Silver Y Moths at a rate of at least five a minute in the long grass and herbs of Slonk Hill, and at least three a minute on the meadows on the upper part of Mill Hill. Six-spot Burnet Moths were frequently seen and frequently overlooked, and a pale white species of moth was on and around Nettles at the top of The Drive, Shoreham. Two of the pyralid micro-moths Pyrausta nigrata were noted on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, but many more have been overlooked.

17 July 2006
6-spot Burnet Moths were seen frequently on Slonk Hill south and Mill Hill, and some Silver Y Moths .

11 July 2006
6-spot Burnet Moths and Silver Y Moths were frequently seen on Slonk Hill south and Mill Hill. At least one of the Silver Y Moths was darker than normal and at first thought of as another species.

Most smaller moths went unnoticed although the first of the second brood Pyrausta nigrata was definitely recorded from the lower slopes of Mill Hill.
Adur Pyralids

3 July 2006
A handful of Cinnabar Moths and Silver Y Moths were recorded on both Slonk Hill and the other A27 road banks as well as the upper meadows of Mill Hill. Scores of small moths in the undergrowth went unrecorded.

2 July 2006
It was the warmest day of the year so far as the air temperature measured 29.8 ºC at 4:16 pm. This was the warmest temperature that I have ever recalled.
It was a surprise to see the first Hummingbird Hawk-moth of the year whirring around my uncut Garden Privet hedge before flying on. This was much earlier in the year than their normal first appearance.

30 June 2006
Another "woolly bear" caterpillar of the Garden Tiger Moth, Arctia caja, crawled across the pavement in Dolphin Road, Shoreham.

Woolly bear caterpillar of the Garden Tiger Moth 28 June 2006
A handful of the first Burnet Moths of the year were seen on Lancing Ring meadows and around the dewpond.
On the Lancing Ring meadows a Burnet Companion Moth hid amongst the long grass and a Yellow Shell Moth was seen on the Coastal Link Cyclepath south of the Toll Bridge, Old Shoreham.
In Shoreham town the first two "woolly bear" caterpillars of the Garden Tiger Moth crawled into the open.
Adur Burnet Moths

23 June 2006
A handful of Yellow Shell Moths were seen mostly on Mill Hill, with at least one of the Slonk Hill Cutting southern path and there were others I did not note. A Silver Y Moth was seen on the Buckingham Cutting and there were probably others around. Another Oak Eggar caterpillar was seen near the steps leading down to the lower slopes of Mill Hill.

20 June 2006
There was a Cinnabar Moth at the top of the Pixie Path. On the lower slopes of Mill Hill over a dozen small moths were not identified, and there was at least one larger Treble Bar Moth.

18 June 2006
The dead flowerhead twitched and moved, and it turned out to be a large moth, the Eyed Hawk-moth, Smerinthus ocellata, discovered in a Southwick garden.
Report by Sharon Penfold
on flickr British Insects & Other Arthropods & British Wildlife Gardens

15 June 2006
A Silver Y Moth, a Burnet Companion, a Treble-Bar and two pretty Mother Shiptons, Callistege mi, were all seen on Mill Hill. A Lackey Moth caterpillar crawled over the Dogwood scrub on Mill Hill.

11 June 2006
A fluttering of red on the upper part of the Pixie Path was my first Cinnabar Moth of 2006. A Treble-bar was seen on the the lower slopes of Mill Hill. There were frequent large and small moths around, but I found it too hot to chase and identify them.

5 June 2006
The Brown-tailed Moth caterpillars are now fully grown and leaving their silk nests. An isolated one was seen on Slonk Hill south where there were probably nests.

3 June 2006
This small moth settled on a Bramble leaf under the shade of the Garden Privet in my front garden in residential Shoreham.
My identification is the the 998 Light Brown Apple Moth Epiphyas postvittana.

28 May 2006
On the lower slopes of Mill Hill, the moths noted were two Pyrausta nigrata and a Yellow Shell Moth that flew into the Privet.

In the central Triangle area (clearing amongst the scrub) of Mill Hill there was a Silver Y Moth and a Common Carpet Moth, the latter more inclined towards the Brambles. There was also a small brown moth that looked like it is Pyrausta aurata from its markings, but not its colour. The alternative species is Pyrausta purpuralis. The thorax may be shorter than Pyrausta aurata.

25 May 2006
A brief walk to the Buckingham Cutting (north bank) produced a single Silver Y Moth fluttered amongst the Horseshoe Vetch in flower.

The hairy caterpillar (image on the right) crawling around in my south Shoreham garden jerked rapidly and fell and got lost in the undergrowth after I briefly touched it.
I think this is the caterpillar of the Muslin Moth, Diaphora mendica.
It has been suggested it is the caterpillar of the Ruby Tiger, Phragmatobia fuliginosa. This is a better match.
ID Suggestion by Illuvius on Back Garden Moths

(I also much later thought it could be a Buff Ermine, Spilosoma lutea.)
A dull fawn version of the small moth Pyrausta aurata was seen flitting around in my front garden. (? ID)

18 May 2006
A Silver Y Moth was seen on the Slonk Hill Cutting (south bank) at the western end.

16 May 2006
A Silver Y Moth was spotted on Shoreham beach near the Old Fort.

15 May 2006
My first two Silver Y Moths of the year flew from Frampton's Field, Old Shoreham. My first Brimstone Moth were seen on a brief visit to Mill Hill. Another Oak Eggar Moth caterpillar crawled over a path on the southern part of Mill Hill. Pancalia micro-moths were above the ridge on Silverweed flowers.
Adur Butterfly & Moth List 2006

14 May 2006

An attractive Eyed Hawk-moth, Smerinthus ocellata, was discovered on a Daffodil in my garden in Mill Hill Gardens, which was at one time part of Mill Hill.

Report by Paul Plumb

British Lepidoptera (flickr)

10 May 2006
There was an orange and white moth that I have not identified and other moths including a Treble-bar on the lower slopes of Mill Hill as well as hundreds both of the micro-moth Pancaliaand Pyrausta nigrata. A brown day-flying moth (or skipper) was seen at the southern end of the Waterworks Road, Old Shoreham.

This caterpillar was discovered on the southern part of Mill Hill. It is the Oak Eggar Moth, Lasiocampa quercus, caterpillar (which does not associate with Oak).

ID by Trevor Boyd and Reg Fry on the UK-Leps (Yahoo Group)
Development of the Oak Eggar (by Reg Fry)

Brown-tailed Moth Study on Mill Hill

7 May 2006

Pyrausta nigrata on Horseshoe Vetch

The sun was out but it was mild (under 20º C) in the afternoon. The number of small moths on the lower slopes of Mill Hill were notable with both Pyrausta nigrata and Pancalia being common (over 100 each). The third moth is a Longhorn species (150) Adela reaumurella. It was discovered on the Pixie Path.

A note was made of the Brown-tailed Moth, Euproctis chrysorrhoea, caterpillars in their silk cocoons. The caterpillars seem to strip the upper leaves completely (in the one example noted) but most of the Hawthorn is still in leaf and not stripped bare. In the nearby Hawthorn without caterpillars, no damage can be seen.

5 May 2006
A glimpse of orange-red amongst the Bluebells was my first small moth Pyrausta aurata of the year in a north Shoreham garden.

4 May 2006
The small moth Pyrausta nigrata was frequently (25+) seen on the the lower slopes of Mill Hill,

2 May 2006
This very small moth landed on an Alexander leaf at the southern end of the Waterworks Road, Old Shoreham. It was only settled for 15 seconds and then it disappeared. It is the Nettle-tap Moth, Anthophila fabriciana.

Adur Butterfly & Moth List 2006

1 May 2006
May came in with a shower. On the lower slopes of Mill Hill, Dog Violets were still abundant and at the northern end diminutive Ground Ivy was noted.

Frequent (10+) small moths Pyrausta nigrata, seen for the first time this year, visiting Hawkweeds. Pancalia micro-moths were seen and were probably frequent to common, but because these are very small and hidden, their numbers could not even be guessed at.

24 April 2006
Dog Violets had now replaced the Sweet Violets, notably on the lower slopes of Mill Hill where the first of the micro-moths Pancalia were seen amongst the exiguous leaves of the violets on the bank.

Half a dozen silken nests of the Brown-tailed Moths were noticed on Hawthorn trees on the southern part of Mill Hill.

19 April 2006
There are many in silk Brown-tailed Moth nests on Brambles at Mill Hill, Shoreham and a caterpillar was noted and shown the photograph. The caterpillar was not connected to the silk nests and has been identified as an Oak Eggar Moth, Lasiocampa quercus, caterpillar (which does not associate with Oak).
Report and Photograph by Ray Hamblett (Lancing Nature Gallery) on the UK-Leps (Yahoo Group)

ID by Trevor Boyd and Reg Fry on the UK-Leps (Yahoo Group)
Development of the Oak Eggar (by Reg Fry)

2 March 2006
The photograph on the right shows another image of the caterpillar of one of two Xestia Rustic Moths. It was discovered in the same place as the other one, under the discarded chestnut fence strut on the Pixie Path to Mill Hill. The Square-spot Rustic Moth Xestia xanthographa, is the commoner of the two species, but even this is not clear because of the caterpillar identification problems.

10 February 2006
Underneath the discarded chestnut fence strut on the Pixie Path to Mill Hill and illustrated on the right, the caterpillar is likely to be either one of the (2133) Six-striped Rustic Moth Xestia sexstrigata or the (2134) Square-spot Rustic Moth Xestia xanthographa, both common species with caterpillars that feed on a variety of grasses (and other plants if available) during mild winters. Porter in "Caterpillars of the British Isles" states that larvae of the two species cannot be separated. The adults fly around in August.
Lincolnshire Moths (including the larva and adult of the Square-spot Rustic Moth)

Identification by Ben Smart & A Dale on the UK Moths (Yahoo Group)
& Trevor Boyd (Butterfly Conservation, Northern Ireland) on the UK-Leps (Yahoo Group)

27 September 2005
I spotted an orangey moth (about Small Heathsize) flying with rapid wing beats low around my south Lancing garden. I went out for a closer look. It took particular interest in a warm area at the base of a Box hedge where it continued to flutter around. I was then I became aware of another movement. A Common Frog was inches away in the low branches and had spotted the moth in close range. With an agile hop to another branch it caught the moth and swallowed it!!

Report by Ray Hamblett (Lancing Nature) on UK-Leps (Yahoo Group)

27 September 2005
The vegetation had been recently cut and the Pixie Path was now passable without getting stung.

The invertebrate in the is picture on the right is likely to be a pupa of a moth?

25 September 2005
Fluttering around the top of the pine trees in the twitten from Ravensbourne Avenue to Buckingham Park in north Shoreham there was a small (the size of a Small Heath) orange or brown butterfly (possibly a moth?) that was not identified. This was probably a male 2026 Vapourer Moth, Orgyia antiqua. (ID not confirmed, just a best guess.)

6 September 2005
This small moth was easily disturbed and seen amongst the Stinging Nettles in the Butterfly Copse next to the Waterworks Road.
1405 Mother of Pearl Moth, Pleuroptya ruralis

ID by Trevor Boyd on UK-Leps (Yahoo Group)

Nettle Feeders (UK Moths)

4 September 2005
At about dusk we watched as a Hummingbird Hawk-moth flew close to the house wall just below the level of the guttering, it then landed and crawled into a crack in the rendering, one of the points where the wall cavities were filled and cemented over. (TQ 186 044).

Report by Ray Hamblett (Lancing Nature Gallery) on Lancing Nature Notes

4 September 2005

There are two species of Treble Bar. I think this is most likely to be the Common Treble-bar Moth, Aplocera plagiata sheltering amongst the Privet on the lower slopes of Mill Hill.

2 September 2005
A Hummingbird Hawk-moth visited the Lavenderin my south Lancing garden (TQ 186 044).

Report by Ray Hamblett (Lancing Nature Gallery) on Lancing Nature Notes

30 August 2005
A dozen Pyrausta aurata moths were lively amongst the herbs and short grass on the the lower slopes of Mill Hill. (NB: to make sure these are not Pyrausta purpuralis?)

23 August 2005
A damaged and worn Pyrausta aurata moth rested on a Scentless Mayweed on the Coastal Link Cyclepath.

22 August 2005
The Water Mint was flowering in my front garden and two of the small pyralid Pyrausta aurata moth were flitting around.

21 August 2005

Thalpophila Both these moths were recorded on the Pixie Path. The second one was a micro-moth.
They are the 2303 Straw Underwing Thalpophila matura and the 998 Light Brown Apple Moth Epiphyas postvittana.

IDs by Peter Hardy on UK Moths Yahoo Group

A Carpet Moth was also seen on the Pixie Path and a Treble Bar and the small pyralid Pyrausta aurata on the lower slopes of Mill Hill.

12 August 2005
The colourful caterpillar in my south Lancing garden was that of the dull (2284) Grey Dagger Moth, Acronicta psi.
ID by Chris Court on UK-Leps (Yahoo Group)
A Hummingbird Hawk-moth was also seen in the garden.

Report by Ray Hamblett (Lancing Nature) on the
UK-Leps (Yahoo Group)
Lancing Moths
More Images

7 August 2005
The first (1984) Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Macroglossum stellatarum, of the year landed in a Shoreham garden: it flew off rapidly when tickled. It appeared to have chosen a rockery as a roosting place.
6-spot Burnet Moths (12+) flew over Mill Hill.

4 August 2005
This moth was discovered on a Hardhead (Lesser Knapweed) next to the dried out dewpond on Lancing Ring.
2352 Dusky Sallow
Eremobia ochroleuca
ID by Peter Hardy on UK Moths Yahoo Group
This is NOT Cochylimorpha straminea
Six-spot Burnet Moths were still in flight over Lancing Ring and the day before on Mill Hill.

25 July 2005
On passage through the Slonk Hill Cutting southern path, there were two Yellow Shell Moths that quickly fluttered into the bushes.

22 July 2005
There were more than twenty 6-spot Burnet Moths on Mill Hill and I was not paying much attention to them and there were probably many more but less than five days earlier. It seem that some of the moths appeared to have only five spots on each wing, but it looks like the last spot could have faded?. A Carpet Moth was disturbed on Slonk Hill. There was also what looked like a common species of moth called the Shaded Broad-bar, Scotopteryx chenopodiata.

17 July 2005
6-spot Burnet Moths were common with a total of over a hundred seen on Slonk Hill and Mill Hill mostly but present on wasteland everywhere. There was a distinctive small white Ermine moth and at least one larger Silver Y on the Slonk Hill Cutting, at least one small Pyrausta nigrata on the lower slopes of Mill Hill. Many small moths went unrecorded.

10 July 2005
A short walk to the top of the Drive and along the Slonk Hill Cutting produced at least 15, probably many more 6-spotted Burnet Moths.
Trefoil Feeders (UK Moths)

8 July 2005
Burnet Moths were flying over Mill Hill and emerging from their cocoons. Most seemed to be Six-spot Burnets, and some seem to have faded their last spot, and one could have been a 5-spotted one.

There was a Magpie Moth amongst the Stinging Nettles on the Waterworks Road and a Yellow Shell Moth on the Pixie Path. On the lower slopes of Mill Hill, at least one second brood micro-moth Pyrausta nigrata nectared on Wild Thyme. There was a similarly sized moth next to it, but it flew away before I could confirm its identity (1365 Pyrausta despicata seems most likely).

3 July 2005
Burnet Moth (probable) 1 Pixie Path, it did not settle and I am identifying it by its unreliable flight.
Cinnabar Moth (probable) 2 southern part of Mill Hill, south of the Reservoir, and with a more laboured flight as though it had been disturbed.
Neither of these identifications could be confirmed and they cannot be regarded as bona fide biological records.

2 July 2005
Overcast but without the rain, two Magpie Moths disturbed amongst the Stinging Nettles in the Butterfly Copse next to the Waterworks Road.

29 June 2005
On the rough ground south of the Elm Corridor in New Monks Farm (west) a dozen of the first Burnet Moths of the year were first recorded. However, this was just the first time I had seen them settled and some of the earlier Cinnabar Moths reported were Burnets (the text entries have now been changed). They were most likely to have been the Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet Moth, Zygaena lonicerae.
Adur Burnet Moths

24 June 2005
Moths: Treble Bar (lower slopes), Silver Y (herbs north of the upper car park), Burnet (Slonk Hill Cutting, south bank).

23 June 2005
There was a Burnet Moth (originally identified by mistake as a Cinnabar Moth) just north of the cemetery near Lancing Ring.

22 June 2005
By mid-afternoon 3:00 pm onwards most of the butterflies seemed already have gone to roost in the heat (27.3 ºC at 4:30 pm).

Burnet Moth 1 (Pixie Path) This is only a probable first sighting of the year.
Common Heath Moth 1 (Lower slopes of Mill Hill)

18 June 2005
Moths: Cinnabar 3* (Mill Hill, middle scrub) (*Settled, 100% ID), Yellow Shell (Copse at the top of Mill Hill)

17 June 2005

1. Micro-moth that settled on Teasel during the day (Garden in Corbyn Crescent)
985 Carnation Tortrix Cacoecimorpha pronubana ID confirmed by Angus Tyner on UK Moths Yahoo Group
2. Micro-moth that fluttered around the pond plants during the day (Garden in Corbyn Crescent)
1076 Celypha lacunana ID confirmed by Angus Tyner on UK Moths Yahoo Group
3. 1682 Blood-vein, Timandra comae (Spring Dyke)
4. Large Skipper (usually classed as a butterfly) (Coastal Link Cyclepath)

Burnet Companion Moths were recorded on Slonk Hill Cutting southern bank and the Coastal Link Cyclepath, total about four. The photograph on the right, nectaring on Bird's Foot Trefoil, shows the abdomen clearly.

13 June 2005
A Burnet Companion and at least one Treblebar Moth were seen on the lower slopes of Mill Hill.
A Magpie Moth appeared at Mash Barn, Lancing.

10 June 2005
A "woolly bear" caterpillar of the Garden Tiger Moth was seen in my Shoreham garden.

8 June 2005
Lackey Moth Caterpillar

Photograph by Ray Hamblett
(Lancing Nature)

7 June 2005
Day-flying or nocturnal moths disturbed during the day:
Slonk Hill Cutting: Burnet Companion Moth (2+), and the longhorn moth Nemophora degeerella.
Lower slopes of Mill Hill: 3+ Treble-bar Moths disturbed.
Dovecote Bank: a Carpet Moth settled.

The small moth species was a male 148 Nemophora degeerella. The long antennae of the male can be seen if you click on the central photograph. It was spotted on the south bank of the Slonk Hill Cutting.

22 May 2005
Moths on the Slonk Hill north bank and Mill Hill included a handful of Treble-bars, one Cinnabar Moth (lower Mill Hill), at least one Burnet Companion (upper Mill Hill), a handful of Silver Y Moths, and at least two unidentified species of larger moth, and lots of small moths as well. The first Pyrausta aurata moth of the year was seen in a Shoreham garden, Brown-tailed Moth caterpillars were noted on the north bank of the Slonk Hill Cutting, especially their nests in a Hawthorn Tree, south-west of Buckingham Barn.

22 May 2005
The first Pyrausta aurata moth of the year was seen in a Shoreham garden.

15 May 2005
After buffeting by the gales and strong breezes during the last week, the sun came out and the butterflies, skippers and moths were now common (over 100, about 60 leps on the lower slopes of Mill Hill). Moths included pale Treble-bars (2+), Burnet Companion, Euclidea glyphica (2+), Pyrausta nigrata (not counted), plus an unidentified medium-sized species near the gate to Old Erringham, and a micro-moth Incurvaria (image right).

6 May 2005
The small moth 2470 Small Purple-barred Moth Phytometra viridaria was recorded for the first time on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, although it has been seen before.

Identification by Ian Thirlwell on UK Moths Yahoo Group and Nick Greatorex-Davies on the UK Leps (Yahoo Group)

Also the Burnet Companion Moth, Euclidia glyphica.

Small Purple-barred Moth, Phytometra viridaria

Additional record by Lawrie Keen on Mill Hill:
Cinnabar Moth 2.

Butterfly & Moth Report

5 May 2005

This attractive Angle Shades Moth, Phlogophora meticulosa, was discovered in Lancing Manor allotments.

Report and Photograph by Ray Hamblett (Lancing Nature)

1 May 2005
Small moths were common on the Shoreham Bank with over 50 Pyrausta nigrata, lots of micro-moths that escaped identification and quite a few Pyrausta despicata. The first Cinnabar Moth of the year was seen on the lower slopes.

29 April 2005
On the lower slopes of Mill Hill

During the fifteen minutes stay, I spotted what appeared to be at least two different Pyrausta Moths, including Pyrausta nigrata. I have now provisionally identified the new species as 1365 Pyrausta despicata. The 2470 Small Purple-barred Moth Phytometra viridaria was present as well.

There was a Common Heath Moth, Ematurga atomaria,* as well, which settled with its wings expanded.

*Identification by Paul Boswell on the British Insects Yahoo Group

In Hampshire, it is the yellower form of this moth that is found on the chalk downland.

ThePancalia micro-moths were very frequently (50+) seen on Daisies and as they were very small, most were overlooked and they were expected to be common (100+) over the Shoreham Bank. These Pancalia micro-moths have a white band on their antennae which indicates the commonest species, the Violet Cosmet, Pancalia leuwenhoekella.
What's Flying Tonight (Moths)

21 April 2005

Brown-tail, Euproctis chrysorrhea,
Moth Caterpillars (not the Lackey)
on the Shoreham Bank Brown-tail, Euproctis chrysorrhea, Moth nest
on 3 April 2005 An 'early' Common Carpet Moth*, Epirrhoe alternata, regularly seen on the Shoreham Bank
(This is a poor photograph with too much contrast.)

Brown-tail Moth Pest Control Information File

1 April 2005
No butterflies were seen in the weak sunshine in the late afternoon on Mill Hill or in Old Shoreham on the cyclepath south of the Toll Bridge.

There was a moth resting on the fence in the Butterfly Copse as photographed above. It assume that is a nocturnal moth resting up during the day as it did not fly away when poked, but dropped to the ground. This moth is the Early Grey, Xylocampa areola. The yellowish-brown larvae feed on Honeysuckle, Lonicera.

Identification by Paul Boswell on the UK Leps (Yahoo Group)

Pre-2005

Not collated yet

16 August 2004
The Flounced Rustic, Luperina testacea, was photographed in Shoreham, probably in the town.

25 July 2004

All from Slonk Hill south road embankment.
The first species could be the Shaded Broad-bar, Scotopteryx chenopodiata. (ID not confirmed)

The second one is a different moth, but it could be the same species. It was taken on 22 July 2005. .

The one on the far right could be the 2352 Dusky Sallow, Eremobia ochroleuca

3 September 2004
Ray Hamblett's south Lancing garden (TQ 186 044) with best view and highlight of the day of a Hummingbird Hawk-moth visiting the purple Buddleia in the same back garden. The furry caterpillar from the same garden looks like that of the Muslin Moth, Diaphora mendica, (not confirmed). It is reported to eat various low lying herbs including dandelions, chickweeds, docks and plantains.
What is that Caterpillar?

Hummingbird Hawk-moth feeding on Buddleia, 2004

Hummingbird Hawk-moth (Photograph taken in a previous year by Ray Hamblett)

Furry caterpillar in a south Lancing garden (collected by Katherine Hamblett)

13 May 2004
The Horseshoe Vetch is now flowering over almost its complete range on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, including the southern end of the steeper slopes that was not showing at all a week ago and could not be seen from a distance three days ago.

Treble-bar Moth

The food plant of the caterpillar is St. John's Wort which occurs as isolated plants on the the lower slopes of Mill Hill, with a larger patch on the middle slopes as well


Burnet Moth larva 18 June 2004	Burnet Moth emerging 20 July 2004	Burnet Moth Late July 2000

29 June 2004
There was a Burnet Moth with a striking blue striped abdomen (below right). This was originally thought to be the Narrow-bordered Five-Spot Burnet Moth, Zygaena lonicerae. However, it was perhaps even more likely to be a late flyer of the Five-Spot Burnet Moth, Zygaena trifolii ssp. palustrella. A Small Skipper was also recorded.
ID Message from Trevor Boyd on UK Leps
Adur Burnet Moths
Adur Skippers

Spring Dyke

Burnet Moths

22 June 2004

The gales may have brought this caterpillar in on piece of flying vegetation. It hid down in the long grass and curled up when disturbed. These are known as 'Woolly Bears', the larvae of the Garden Tiger Moth, Arctia caja. It was recorded in a

small front garden in Corbyn Crescent, Shoreham. (TQ 224 055)

6 August 2003

The pretty little day-flying pyralid moth known as Pyrausta aurata, were attracted to their caterpillar food plant Water Mint in Ray Hamblett's south Lancing garden.

4 October 2004

Pyrausta nigrata
Shoreham Bank

27 April 2004
Emperor Moth

At Spring Dyke

9 April 2004

The splendidly coloured male Emperor Moth, Pavonia pavonia, rested among the grasses at the top of the lower slopes of Mill Hill. It was discovered by Katherine Hamblett and Tacita French. The feeding plants for the caterpillars varies according to location: it has been recorded on Bramble, Hawthorn, Wild Privet and many other plants. (The females of this moth are grey coloured.)

Report by Jan Hamblett (Lancing Nature) on UK-Leps (Yahoo Group)

More Information on the Emperor Moth
Lancing Nature
Adur Butterflies

8 August 2003

Silver Y Moth, Autographa gamma

This common immigrant moth was seen at Southwick Hill, but it is often seen in the meadows by Lancing Ring

18 September 2001
A pure white moth buzzed around the white beach huts by Widewater Lagoon (TQ 204 042). This was likely to be a Brown-tailed Moth adult (but this was not confirmed).

6 July 2000
A Common Emerald Moth, Hemithea aestivaria, entered my house in South Lancing. The wingspan is about 28 mm. This is the commonest of the emerald moths, distinguished from the Large Emerald because of its wavy lines. Report by Ray Hamblett

UK Moths
UK Moths Thumbnail Index
Irish Moths: Foodplants

What's Flying Tonight (Moths)
UK Moths Yahoo Group

Day Flying Moths

Observations of some of the smaller Moths in the Adur district area

Moths and Butterflies of Europe

Regional:

Cornish Moths Selection
Suffolk Moth Group

Some Moths from Lincolnshire

Moths (by Colin Barnes) from Oxfordshire

Lancing Butterflies & Moths (by Ray Hamblett)

British Lepidoptera (flickr)

BUTTERFLY LISTS

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009


Oak Eggar Lasiocampa quercus	Feathered Thorn Colotois pennaria

7 June 2015 On the southern steps leading to the lower slopes of Mill Hill, I spotted a distinctive caterpillar on Great Mullein leaves. Predictably, I identified it as the unmistakable larvae of the Mullein Moth.
		Larvae of the Mullein Moth

29 October 2013 This Ruby Tiger Moth caterpillar, Phragmatobia fuliginosa, was discovered on the Chestnut fencing bordering the Pixie Path, north of Frampton's Field.
	Ruby Tiger Moth caterpillar, Phragmatobia fuliginosa

9 September 2013 Day flying moths were more than expected with a few Shaded Broad-bar (4), about eight Treble-bars, at least one pyralid moth *Pyrausta purpuralis, and a Silver Y Moth* on the lower slopes of Mill Hill.
	*Pyrausta purpuralis*	Shaded Broad-bar, Scotopteryx chenopodiata

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Burnet Companion Moth	*Pyrausta nigrata*	This very small pyralid moth *Scoparia pyralella* landed on me from the lower slopes of Mill Hill.


Blood-vein Moth	Hummingbird Hawk-moth	The Hummingbird Hawk-moth was just a speck in the Hawthorn tops


Brown-tail, Euproctis chrysorrhea, Moth Caterpillars (not the Lackey) on the Shoreham Bank	Brown-tail, Euproctis chrysorrhea, Moth nest on 3 April 2005	An 'early' *Common Carpet Moth,** Epirrhoe alternata, regularly seen on the Shoreham Bank (This is a poor photograph with too much contrast.)