FOULA HERITAGE

Foula - The Edge of the World

BUTTERFLIES and MOTHS found in FOULA

Shetland Entomological Group Records at

http://www.nature-shetland.co.uk/entomology/index.htm

R - Resident – a species which breeds in the islands and can successfully overwinter.

RN – Naturalised Resident – a species which has definitely or probably been brought to Shetland by man, but which has since established a viable self-sustaining population.

RS – Synanthropous Resident – a species which has definitely or probably been brought to Shetland by man, but which is dependant on man or buildings for survival.

M - Immigrant – a species which regularly arrives in the islands from elsewhere, but which cannot overwinter, even if it may occasionally breed.

V - Vagrant - a rare immigrant with fewer than 20 records.

U - Uncertain – species for which there is not enough data to decide if it is resident or immigrant.

Numbers are Bradley & Fletcher Logbook numbers.

14 Hepialus humuli (Linn.) Ghost Moth R: common throughout the islands, except Fair Isle. Shetland and Faroese specimens are subspecies thulensis Newman, with dark males, although pale specimens also occur. May-August, but mainly July. The English name 'Ghost' comes from the white males, which can sometimes be seen at dusk, 'hovering' over grassy areas. The females are quite different, being yellow, marked with orange.

18 Hepialus fusconebulosa (Deg.) Map-winged Swift R: common throughout the islands. The Shetland form ab. zetlandicus forms a small proportion of the population. May-August but mainly June-July. Often associated with moorland.

245 Tinea pallescentella (Stt.) Large Pale Clothes Moth RS: very locally common around outhouses on Fair Isle, Foula, central Mainland and Unst. All year, but mainly May-September. The adult moth can be found on the wing at any time of the year, and often comes to light.

247 Tinea trinotella (Thunb.) U: one taken on Unst in 1895 and possibly recorded on Foula but no recent records

294 Aspilapteryx tringipennella (Zell.) R: scarce on Mainland, Unst and Foula. June-August. A close relative of the genus Caloptilia, this species rests in a similar manner, with the forepart of the body raised on the front legs.

385 Anthophila fabriciana (Linn.) Nettle-tap R: abundant throughout the islands, even uninhabited islands such as Oxna. June-August. Can sometimes be found in large numbers around clumps of nettle (Urtica dioica)

397 Glyphipterix thrasonella (Scop.) R: frequent in damp areas throughout the islands. Always as the plain upland form cladiella. June-August but mainly July. Can be found flying among the foodplants, rushes in sunshine.

427 Yponomeuta cagnagella (Hb.) Spindle Ermine V: four records - south and west Mainland and Foula, all in August 1996. Fairly common throughout Britain except in the far north, occupying chalk or limestone districts.

464 Plutella xylostella (Linn.) Diamond-back Moth M: possibly also temporarily R: scarce to abundant depending on weather for immigration; throughout the islands. April-December but mainly June-September. This tiny moth is well-known for its migratory tendencies. Sometimes many thousands can appear during the night at coastal migration watch-points.

466 Rhigognostis senilella (Zett.) R: common throughout the islands. All year but mainly August-September and April-May.

467 Rhigognostis annulatella (Curt.) R: frequent throughout the islands. July-October and, rarely, March-May.

478 Phaulernis fulviguttella (Zell.) R: only recent records from Fair Isle and Foula. July. The adults of this species can be found in the daytime resting on the flowers of the foodplants, hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) and wild angelica (Angelica sylvestris)

584 Coleophora alticolella Zell. R: frequent on Foula and north Mainland but presumably overlooked elsewhere. July. Juncus feeding species, occurring wherever the appropriate rush species grow and seed

598 Elachista kilmunella Stt. U: one record - Foula in July 1996.

599 Elachista alpinella Stt. R: scarce, south and central Mainland, Foula and Unst. July-August.

630 Biselachista albidella (Nyl.) R: scarce on Foula and central Mainland, also Unst 19th century. July.

647 Hofmannophila pseudospretella (Stt.) Brown House-moth RS: common indoors throughout the islands, scarce outdoors. Originally introduced into Britain 19th century. All year but commonest in July. Often found on indoor walls as it begins to go dark.

648 Endrosis sarcitrella (Linn.) White-shouldered House-moth RS: abundant throughout the islands, mainly indoors, but often outdoors in summer. All year but commonest in June-July.

674 Depressaria badiella (Hb.) R: frequent throughout the islands, except Bressay. August-September.

689 Agonopterix ciliella (Stt.) R: 19th century records from Shetland with no other data; present and breeding on Foula. February-July and September-November. Flying at night in suitable weather, and sometimes coming to light.

705 Agonopterix nervosa (Haw.) U: five records - Foula in August 1994; Veensgarth, central Mainland, in August 1996; Bressay in August 1996 and August 2002; and Virkie, south Mainland, in August 2003.

787 Bryotropha terrella ([D. & S.]) R: scarce throughout the islands, except Bressay. June-August. Often encountered wherever long grass grows, and easily flushed in the daytime. The relatively nondescript adults have two indistinct darker dots on the forewing.

811 Scrobipalpa samadensis (Pfaff.) R: locally common on Mainland, Foula and Unst, as the British subspecies plantaginella (Stt.). June-August.

818 Scrobipalpa atriplicella (F.v.R.) V: 13 records - one in central Mainland in August 1994 and about twelve in central Mainland, Foula and Unst in August 1996.

945 Aethes cnicana (Westw.) R: frequent in 19th century but only four recent singles in south and central Mainland, Foula and Bressay. July-August. Adults of this species generally have a slightly glossy appearance to the forewings. Various species of thistle (Cirsium) form the foodplant.

986 Syndemis musculana (Hb.) R: common on hills, throughout the islands except Fair Isle, as the subspecies musculinana Kennel, which is also found in Orkney and the Outer Hebrides. May-July. Occurring in woodland and on moorland throughout Britain and flies in the late afternoon and evening, coming to light after dusk.

988 Aphelia viburnana ([D. & S.]) Bilberry Tortrix R: common on Fair Isle, but only one other record, on Foula in August 1995. June-August.

991 Clepsis senecionana (Hb.) R: frequent on hills, throughout the islands except Fair Isle. May-June.

1029 Eana osseana (Scop.) R: abundant in grassy areas and low heaths throughout the islands. July-September.

1031 Eana penziana (Thunb.) R: frequent around coasts throughout the islands, as the subspecies colquhounana Barr. which is found throughout northern Britain. July-September.

1043 Acleris aspersana (Hb.) R: common throughout the islands. August-September. This species prefers open areas such as grassland, downs and heaths. The adults fly from afternoon onwards.

1076 Celypha lacunana ([D. & S.]) R: common throughout the islands, except Fair Isle. July-August. Can often be disturbed during the day from vegetation along woodland fringes, verges, grassy fields and hedges. Later in the evening is the moth's normal flying time, when it can be attracted to light.

1073 Olethreutes schulziana (Fabr.) R: frequent on moorland on Mainland, Foula and Unst. June-July.

1109 Lobesia littoralis (Humph. & Westw.) R: frequent throughout the islands. June-September. Generally a coastal species, this moth can also be found inland in gardens, due to its foodplant preference for thrift (Armeria maritima). The adults can be seen in late afternoon around the foodplant, and later are attracted to light.

1111 Bactra lancealana (Hb.) R: common in damp grassland and moors throughout the islands. June-August. Quite a variable species, with some individuals being almost unicolorous, others with a pale streak along the fore edge of the darker brown wing, and some with obvious darker patches on a mottled forewing. It is also very variable in size and easily confused with other Bactra species. The adults are readily attracted to light

1117 Ancylis unguicella (Linn.) R: frequent on drier moorland throughout the islands except Fair Isle. May-July

1148 Epinotia mercuriana (Fröl.) R: common or abundant on hills throughout the islands. July-August

1294 Crambus pascuella (Linn.) R: noted as ‘rare’ in 19th century; only recent records on Foula in June 2000 and July 2004.

1301 Crambus lathoniellus (Zinck.) R: locally common in dry, grassy areas throughout the islands. May-July.

1302 Crambus perlella (Scop.) U: noted as ‘rare’ in 19th century; six recent records in central Mainland and on Unst and Foula, possibly immigrants. June-July.

1304 Agriphila straminella ([D. & S.]) R: abundant in grassy areas throughout the islands. June-September but mainly July-August.

1305 Agriphila tristella ([D. & S.]) M: about 17 records - one in 1990, about ten in 1996, two in 2002 and four in 2003; south and central Mainland, Fair Isle and Foula; July-August.

1315 Catoptria furcatellus (Zett.) R: locally common on Ronas Hill in north Mainland and Foula. July-August.

1334 Scoparia ambigualis (Treit.) R: common throughout the islands. June-August. Can be found resting on tree-trunks or rocks.

1337 Eudonia alpina (Curt.) R: locally common in south and central Mainland, Foula and Unst. May-July but mainly June.

1338 Eudonia angustea (Curt.) R: common throughout the islands. July-October but mainly August-September. Preferring coastal habitats.

1368 Loxostege sticticalis (Linn.) V: about 18 records - 15 in August 1996 on Mainland, Bressay, Fair Isle, Foula and Unst, two on Unst in July-August 1997 and one in central Mainland in August 2003.

1388 Udea lutealis (Hb.) R: common throughout the islands. July-September. Flying at night between, it can be found in any suitable habitat.

1395 Udea ferrugalis (Hb.) Rusty-dot Pearl M: first recorded in 1994 and almost annual since, maximum c. 15 in 1996; south and central Mainland, Unst, Fair Isle and Foula. July-September. The adult flies at night and comes to light.

1398 Nomophila noctuella ([D. & S.]) Rush Veneer M: just about annual in variable numbers, occasionally common, as in 1996; throughout the islands. May-October, but most in autumn. When at rest, this moth has a very elongated and narrow shape, which makes it easily recognisable. A well-known migrant, it can often be found in large numbers at coastal watch-points.

1454 Dioryctria abietella ([D. & S.]) M: singles in 1991 and 1994, over 30 in 1996 and two in 1997; throughout the islands. July-August.

1508 Stenoptilia bipunctidactyla (Scop.) R: locally frequent throughout the islands, except Fair Isle. July-September. This moth can be found in any suitable habitat where the foodplant, scabious (Knautia), occurs. The adults fly from dusk into the night and are frequent visitors to the light-trap.

1524 Emmelina monodactyla (Linn.) Common Plume RN?: scarce at Eswick, central Mainland, and on Bressay. One in Foula in August 2003. September-January. Like most of the Pterophoridae, the wings are cleft or divided, but this can be difficult to see, as the moth rests with the wings rolled up tightly.

Pieris brassicae (Linn.) Large White R and M: apparently only common since mid 20th century and population levels vary considerably; recent breeding records from all islands Fetlar and Fair Isle, in 1990s, immigrants throughout the islands, May-September, local population June-August.

Vanessa atalanta (Linn.) Red Admiral M: annual in variable numbers, hundreds in good years when breeding also occurs, but they cannot overwinter; throughout the islands. April-October but mainly June-September.

Cynthia cardui (Linn.) Painted Lady M: virtually annual in variable numbers, usually scarcer than the previous species, but can be much commoner, as in 1980 and 1996, and rarely breeds; throughout the islands. April-October but mainly June-September.

Aglais urticae (Linn.) Small Tortoiseshell M: virtually annual in small numbers, maximum c. 15 in 1996, and has never bred; throughout the islands but commonest on Fair Isle. May-October but has also been recorded hibernating.

Nymphalis antiopa (Linn.) Camberwell Beauty V: 11 records - Foula and Scalloway 19th century; Unst in August 1901; Bressay in July 1976; Lerwick in August 1982; Fetlar in 1982; Foula in August 1995; Bressay in September 1995; south Mainland in August 1996 and July 1999; Unst in August 2002.

Inachis io (Linn.) Peacock M: singles in 1961 and 1969, nine in 1975/76, one in 1983, then virtually annual since 1991, maximum c. 18 in 1995; throughout the islands. May-September but has also been recorded hibernating.

1720 Orthanoma obstipata (Fabr.) The Gem V: six records - Eswick, central Mainland, in October 1994, August 1996 and October 2003; Baltasound, Unst, in September 1998; and Foula in September 1998 and September 2002.

1723 Xanthorhoe decoloraria (Esp.) Red Carpet R: common throughout the islands. The Shetland subspecies hethlandica Prout is restricted to the islands. June-October but mainly July-August.

1727 Xanthorhoe montanata ([D. & S.]) Silver-ground Carpet R: common throughout the islands. The Shetland subspecies shetlandica Weir is restricted to the islands. June-August. Displaying a wide range of differing depths of colour, although all forms have the distinctive whitish ground colour. The adults can often be disturbed during the day from low vegetation in woodlands, clearings and similar habitats. However its main flight time is at night when it is a regular visitor to the light trap.

1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata (Linn.) Garden Carpet R: frequent throughout the islands and the only Shetland macromoth with a regular second brood. The melanic ab. thules forms a small proportion of the population. April-September. Can be found almost anywhere.

1744 Entephria caesiata ([D. & S.]) Grey Mountain Carpet R: locally frequent, throughout the islands except Fair Isle. July-August. A mountain and moorland species. It is well-known for its habit of resting on stone walls and rocks.

1755 Eulithis testata (Linn.) The Chevron R: common throughout the islands, but only one record from Fair Isle. August-September. Quite a variable species, this moth displays colour forms from yellowish through to fairly dark brown. It inhabits moorland habitats as well as sandy and woodland areas

1756 Eulithis populata (Linn.) Northern Spinach R: common or locally abundant throughout the islands, except Fair Isle. July-August. This species shows a range of colour forms, with generally darker specimens further north. It inhabits peat moorland and grassland.

1761 Chloroclysta miata (Linn.) Autumn Green Carpet R: scarce in central Mainland, Fair Isle, Foula and Unst. September-October (none in spring).

1762 Chloroclysta citrata (Linn.) Dark Marbled Carpet R: locally frequent throughout the islands, except Fair Isle. Shetland specimens are subspecies pythonissata Milliere, also found in Orkney. July-September but mainly August. It inhabits woodland and moorland habitats.

1777 Hydriomena furcata (Thunb.) July Highflier R: frequent or locally abundant throughout the islands. July-September but mainly August. A very variable species, both in markings as well as colour, with some showing a distinct green colour, others reddish-brown.

1807 Perizoma albulata ([D. & S.]) Grass Rivulet R: locally common throughout the islands, except Fair Isle. The Shetland population is separated as the subspecies subfasciaria Boheman. June-August. The preferred habitats of this moth are open, dry grassy areas, limestone hills and sandy or shingle beaches. The moths are on the wing in late afternoon and early evening.

1809 Perizoma didymata (Linn.) Twin-spot Carpet R: locally common throughout the islands, but possibly declining. Subspecies hethlandica only seems to form a small proportion of the population. July-September. This species exhibits some variation, with darker forms occurring in the north, and a reddish brown subspecies hethlandica in the Shetland Isles. Can be attracted to light.

1823 Eupithecia venosata (Fabr.) Netted Pug R: locally frequent in the vicinity of beaches throughout the islands. The Shetland subspecies fumosae Gregson is also found in Orkney (with other forms). May-June. Several more sombre-coloured subspecies have been identified in the Northern Isles.

1825 Eupithecia centaureata ([D. & S.]) Lime-speck Pug V: five records - Foula and two at Eswick, central Mainland in August 1996; Burrafirth, Unst, in August 1997; and Eswick in September 2002.

1828 Eupithecia satyrata (Hb.) Satyr Pug R: common throughout the islands as the Shetland subspecies curzoni Gregson. May-July. The third form, curzoni, is the most well-marked, but is restricted to the northern Scottish isles. They can be attracted to light-traps.

1866 Carsia sororiata (Hb.) Manchester Treble-bar R: locally frequent on Mainland, Yell and Foula with an old record from Unst. The Shetland population is the British subspecies anglica Prout. July-August. Its favoured habitats are peat-bogs, mosses and damp moorland, where it can be found during the daytime, though its natural flight time is from dusk onwards.

1884 Abraxas grossulariata (Linn.) The Magpie U: first recorded in 1991, then singles in 1996 and 1998 and annual records since 2000 inc. c. 50 in 2003, so possibly colonising; throughout the islands. July-August. The moths are regularly attracted to light.

1972 Agrius convolvuli (Linn.) Convolvulus Hawkmoth M: regular since 19th century, with c. 20 in 1917, and annual since 1988 at least usually small numbers but c. 55 in 2003; throughout the islands. August-September, but singles in May and July. A large species, with a wingspan of over 10cm.

1984 Macroglossum stellatarum (Linn.) Humming-bird Hawkmoth M: only four records traced before 1992 but virtually annual since, maximum 11 in 2003; throughout the islands. May-November. It flies in the sunshine and hovers in front of flowers, sipping the nectar with its long proboscis, very much like the hummingbird which gives it its name.

1987 Hyles gallii (Rott.) Bedstraw Hawkmoth M: records traced from only four years before 1990 but virtually annual since, maximum c.25 in 1998, and bred in 1992 and 2003; throughout the islands. June-August. An immigrant species, normally found at coastal localities, attracted to light

2056 Parasemia plantaginis (Linn.) Wood Tiger R: locally common on Mainland, Muckle Roe and Foula; old records from Unst. Moths have been assigned to the northern Scottish subspecies insularum Seitz June-August. A species of woodland, downland and acid grassland. The males often fly in sunshine, but the females tend to be mainly nocturnal. In northern and upland districts, the yellow colour of the hindwings is sometimes replaced with whitish; this is known as ab. hospita.

2057 Arctia caja (Linn.) Garden Tiger V: 12 records - south Mainland in July 1995; seven in south and central Mainland, Yell and Unst in August 1996; off Foula in July 2001; south Mainland, Foula and Unst in July 2003. Will regularly visit the light-trap

2091 Agrotis ipsilon (Hufn.) Dark Sword-grass M: in variable numbers, occasionally hundreds; recorded throughout the islands. All months except January but commonest in September.

2102 Ochropleura plecta (Linn.) Flame Shoulder R: first recorded on Foula in 1996 and resident there; only five records elsewhere, in south and central Mainland and Bressay, possibly immigrants. June-September but mainly June-July. Occupying woodland fringes, gardens and meadowland.

2104 Standfussiana lucernea (Linn.) Northern Rustic R: locally common, especially in rockier areas. July-September. The adults are rather indistinctly marked, and fly sometimes during the day if it is sunny, but also at night, when they come to light

2107 Noctua pronuba (Linn.) Large Yellow Underwing R: probably also immigrant in some years; common throughout the islands. May-November, mainly August-September. It exhibits a wide range of colour forms and patterns, although the yellow hindwings bordered with black remain pretty constant. Is freely attracted to light.

2111 Noctua janthe Borkh. Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing U: 13 records - two in central Mainland in August 1993; four in central Mainland and another on Unst in August-September 1996; two in central Mainland in August 1997; three on Unst in August-September 2000; singles on Foula and in central Mainland in August 2003.

2117 Eunorisma glareosa (Esp.) Autumnal Rustic R: common throughout the islands. The dark form edda increases from less than 5% in the south to over 95% of the population on Unst. August-September. Inhabiting woodland fringes, moorland and sandy or chalky soils

2118 Lycophotia porphyrea ([D. & S.]) True Lover’s Knot R: common throughout the islands. July-August. A moorland and heathland species, and is attracted to light.

2119 Peridroma saucia (Hb.) Pearly Underwing M: virtually annual in small numbers, maximum c.25 in 2000; throughout the islands. June-October but mainly September. The upperwing is quite variable, and the hindwings are semi-translucent, giving the appearance of a pearly sheen.

2120 Diarsia mendica (Fabr.) Ingrailed Clay R: abundant throughout the islands. The supposed Shetland subspecies thulei Staud. forms only a tiny part of the population. June-October, mainly July-August. A highly variable species, ranging from rather pale individuals in the south, to much darker ones in Scotland, with some island variants in Orkney and Shetland being afforded subspecies status.

2123 Diarsia rubi (View.) Small Square Spot R: first recorded in south Mainland in 1959, now common throughout the islands, and apparently still increasing with first record on Foula in 1995. June-October but mainly July-August. Occurring in any suitable habitat, but perhaps preferring damp and marshy places.

2126 Xestia c-nigrum (Linn.) Setaceous Hebrew Character M: just about annual in small numbers, maximum c.50 in 2000; throughout the islands. May-October but mainly September.

2134 Xestia xanthographa ([D. & S.]) Square-spot Rustic R: locally common, throughout the islands. July-October but mainly August-September. A frequent visitor to the light-trap.

2137 Eurois occulta (Linn.) Great Brocade M: less than annual, occasionally hundreds, as in 1996; throughout the islands. July-September but mainly August.

2145 Discestra trifolii (Hufn.) The Nutmeg M: singles in 1974 and 1992, c.15 in 1994, five in 1995, hundreds in 1996, and two in 1998; throughout the islands, except Fair Isle. June-September but mainly August.

2147 Hada plebeja (Linn.) The Shears R: common, throughout the islands. April-July but mainly May-June and three singles in September. There is quite a variation in ground colour, with generally paler individuals occurring further south.

2160 Lacanobia oleracea (Linn.) Bright-line Brown-eye M: ‘a few’ in 1884, one in 1893, one in 1994, about six in 1996, three in 1997, three in 2002, and at least 12 in 2003. June-September.

2171 Hadena confusa (Hufn.) Marbled Coronet R: locally common around suitable beaches throughout the islands. May-August but mainly June-July. The species varies from a very black-and-white form to an almost all brown variety, occurring in Shetland.

2173 Hadena bicrurus (Hufn.) The Lychnis R: frequent throughout the islands, except Fair Isle. May-September but mainly July.

2176 Cerapteryx graminis (Linn.) Antler Moth R: abundant, throughout the islands. June-September but mainly July-August. Occurring on downland, moorland and other grassy places. The adults fly during the day as well as at night, when they come to light.

2198 Mythimna impura (Hb.) Smoky Wainscot R: locally frequent around sandy beaches in south and central Mainland and Burra, but also recorded from Fair Isle and Foula, possibly as an immigrant. July-August.

2199 Mythimna pallens (Linn.) Common Wainscot M: one in 1895, one in 1992, two in 1994, c. 30 in 1996, two in 2002 and two in 2003; throughout the islands. May-September.

2203 Mythimna unipuncta (Haw.) White-speck V: about 11 records - about seven in south and central Mainland in June-July 2000; one on Foula in October 2002; three in south Mainland or on Foula in September 2003.

2229 Dasypolia templi (Thunb.) Brindled Ochre R: frequent and locally common, throughout the islands. August-June. Mainly occupying rocky coastal habitats and moorland and are attracted to light.

2232 Aporophyla nigra (Haw.) Black Rustic V: six records - two on Fair Isle in September 1991; Fair Isle and Baltasound, Unst, in September 1996; Foula in September 1997; Eswick, central Mainland, in September 2000.

2241 Xylena vetusta (Hb.) Red Sword-grass M: recorded in 19th century and virtually annual since 1992, possibly hibernating and may be resident; on Mainland, Fair Isle, Foula, Bressay and Unst. August-November and April-May but mainly September.

2242 Xylena exsoleta (Linn.) Sword-grass R: only five records of adults - Fair Isle in April 1992 and October 1999 and Eswick, central Mainland, in May and September-October 1997 - but larva found on Fair Isle in 2004, one in Foula in September 2004.

2250 Mniotype adusta (Esp.) Dark Brocade R: common throughout the islands, except Fair Isle. May to August but mainly June-July. Although quite similar to several related species, this moth can often be identified by the shape of its reniform stigmata, which usually show a triple-toothed appearance on the outer edge. It also has a generally longer-winged appearance than other species. It inhabits heathland, chalky downland and fenland, and further north moorland and upland areas.

2256 Eupsilia transversa (Hufn.) The Satellite M: first recorded in 1991 and virtually annual since, maximum c.30 in 1995; throughout the islands. September-February but mainly September-October

2262 Agrochola circellaris (Hufn.) The Brick M: recorded in 19th century, then annually since 1992, usually scarce but occasionally hundreds as in 2000, while temporary or local residence should not be excluded; throughout the islands. September-October but in August in one year.

2299 Amphipyra tragopoginis (Cl.) Mouse Moth M: first recorded in 1991, virtually annual since, maximum about six in 1996; throughout the islands. August-September .

2306 Phlogophora meticulosa (Linn.) Angle Shades M: but also possibly R and certainly breeds regularly: scarce to abundant depending on weather; throughout the islands. March-December but commonest in autumn and also recorded in January.

2314 Parastichtis suspecta (Hb.) The Suspected M: c. 20 in 1996 and at least 6 in 2000; Unst, central Mainland and Foula. July-August.

2318 Cosmia trapezina (Linn.) The Dun-bar M: c. 15 in 1994, and five in 1996; south and central Mainland, Foula and Unst. July-August.

2321 Apamea monoglypha (Hufn.) Dark Arches R: scarce 19th century, now abundant throughout the islands. June-September but mainly July-August. There are frequent melanic specimens, especially in the north. Occurring in a variety of habitats, especially more grassy areas. It is readily attracted to light and one of the commoner species in the moth trap in late summer.

2326 Apamea crenata (Hufn.) Clouded-bordered Brindle R: not recorded until 1959 but now locally abundant, throughout the islands except Fair Isle. June-August but rarely in September. There is a frequent brownish or melanic variant, ab. combusta, in addition to the well-marked typical form. Is frequent at light.

2329 Apamea furva ([D. & S.]) The Confused R: frequent throughout the islands. July-September. The species favours rocky coastline locations

2330 Apamea remissa (Hb.) Dusky Brocade R: frequent throughout the islands. June-August but rarely in September.

2340 Oligia fasciuncula (Haw.) Middle-barred Minor R: common throughout the islands. June-August. Quite variable in ground colour, but usually generally more rufous or sandy-coloured than the other 'minors', with a white mark on the rear edge of the forewing where the postmedian line ends. It visits sugar and light.

2343 Mesapamea secalis (Linn.) Common Rustic R:
2343a Mesapamea didyma (Esp.) Lesser Common Rustic R:
These two species are scarce in south and central Mainland, Fair Isle, Foula, Bressay and Unst with both species confirmed by dissection and both apparently widespread. July-September. Cannot be reliably separated without reference to their genitalia, but the very dark forms with almost white stigmata tend to be mostly didyma. Regularly comes to light.

2345 Photedes minima (Haw.) Small Dotted Buff U: six records at Eswick, central Mainland in July-August 1994-98, one at Veensgarth, central Mainland, in July 1997 and one on Foula in July 2003.

2350 Chortedes pygmina (Haw.) Small Wainscot R: first recorded in 1955, now locally common throughout the islands. July-October but mainly August-September. This species varies somewhat in ground colour, with specimens ranging from pale buff to deep reddish-brown. It is to be found in marshy areas, wet heathland and other damp localities.

2357 Amphipoea lucens (Freyer) Large Ear M: probably the commonest Amphipoea, recorded in 1991, 1994-1996, 2003; throughout the islands. August.

2361 Hydraecia micacea (Esper) Rosy Rustic R: throughout the islands and common in south Mainland, Fair Isle and Foula. July-October but mainly August-September. This species has a wide variation both in colour and size and frequents waste ground and marshy areas,

2367 Celaena haworthii (Curt.) Haworth’s Minor R: scarce throughout the islands, except Fair Isle. July-October but mainly Auguts-September. Mainly a moorland species. The males will fly on sunny days, but generally nocturnal, and attracted to light.

2368 Celaena leucostigma (Hb.) The Crescent M: virtually annual and usually scarce, but hundreds in 1996, while temporary or local residence should not be discounted; throughout the islands. Both the nominate subspecies and scotica (Cock.) apparently occur. August-September.

2375 Rhizedra lutosa (Hb.) Large Wainscot V: about 18 records - singles in 1880s and 1961, up to 15 in 1994-99, one in 2003; central and north Mainland, Fair Isle, Foula and Unst. August-October.

2389 Paradrina clavipalpis (Scop.) Pale Mottled Willow R: scarce on Mainland and Bressay, with single records from Fetlar, Foula and Fair Isle, but only one record since 1999. June-September.

2434 Diachrysia chrysitis (Linn.) Burnished Brass V: three records - singles on Fair Isle in July 1997 and August 2001, two on Foula in July 2004.

2439 Plusia festucae (Linn.) Gold Spot R: not recorded until 1959, now scarce but widespread on Mainland, Bressay, Muckle Roe and Unst. One on Foula in June 2002 was presumed immigrant; otherwise, July-August.

2441 Autographa gamma (Linn.) Silver Y M: annual, sometimes in enormous numbers as in August 1996 when there were tens of millions or more. Breeds after large influxes but cannot overwinter. May-October.

2442 Autographa pulchrina (Haw.) Beautiful Golden Y R: not recorded until 1968, but now common throughout the islands, although only two records on Fair Isle. May-September, but mainly July-August.

2469 Scoliopteryx libatrix (Linn.) The Herald U: recorded by Curzon in 19th century, then annually since 1994, possibly colonising from the south; throughout the islands. August-October and April-June.

2474 Rivula sericealis (Scop.) Straw Dot V: one record - Foula in August 2004.

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