In the REFERENCE section of the Nature of Dorset you can:
- Find species information with photos, maps, etc
- Access Identification tools for birds, flora and trees
- Find information about nature reserves and hotspots
- Access information about Sites of special scientific interest
- Learn about the wildlife habitats of Dorset
REFERENCE SECTION
"My personal guide to the nature reserves and wildlife hot-spots of Dorset and the species that may be seen at each along with help in identifying those animals and plants."
To aid users of mobile devices as well as those with a mouse or laptop finger pad this site uses a simple image-based menu system. Virtually every picture you see (images and photos) are links to more information arranged in a sort of top-down structure. See an image, click or tap on it to open a new page.
| Group | Moths |
|---|---|
| Sub-group | Micro-moths |
| Description |
A range of families of small moths, many day flying. Quite variable in appearance and many difficult to identify. |
| Book Refererence | Moths: Night Flying, Moths: Day Flying |
Yellow-barred Longhorn MothNemophora degeerella  Click species photo for details of this species:
A small moth with long antennae most often seen in swarms 'dancing' in woodland clearings on sunny days.
Photo by: Peter Orchard |
Oak Longhorn MothAdela reaumurella  Click species photo for details of this species:
Not uncommon and on a good day you can encounter swarm after swarm as you walk through deciduous woodland.
Photo by: Peter Orchard |
Bird-cherry ErmineYponomeuta evonymella  Click species photo for details of this species:
A common immigrant species in the soputh of England
Photo by: Portland Bird Observatory |
Spindle ErmineYponomeula cagnatella  Click species photo for details of this species:
Most often you will see their white webbing along hedgerows in chalky areas but occasionally you might encounter the moth which can be active by day.
Photo by: Peter Orchard |
Diamond-back MothPlutella xylostella  Click species photo for details of this species:
A migrant species often occurring in huge numbers and considered a pest on cabbages
Photo by: Mike Hetherington |
Sulphur Tubic MothEsperia sulphurella  Click species photo for details of this species:
Larvae feed on bark and so the adult moth can be found on or near trees from April to June
Photo by: Kevin Barber |
Micro moth (M subbistrigella )Mompha subbistrigella  Photo by: Kevin Barber |
Twenty-plume MothAlucita hexadactyla  Click species photo for details of this species:
A common species in woodlands, hedgerows and gardens
Photo by: John Gifford |
Saltmarsh PlumeAgdistis bennetii  Click species photo for details of this species:
Readily found near saltmarsh where it ffeds on sea-lavender and sea aster
Photo by: Peter Orchard |
Beautiful Plume Moth Amblyptilia acanthadactyla  Click species photo for details of this species:
A common plume species but often overlooked due to its small size and slender appearance
Photo by: Kevin Barber |
White Plume MothPterpherpteryx pentadactyla  Click species photo for details of this species:
Fairly common on dry grassland, hedgerows and gardens especially where bindweeds are present
Photo by: Colin Lamond |
Common Plume MothEmmelina monodactyla  Click species photo for details of this species:
Found in a variety of habitat but often overlooked as look much like a twig
Photo by: Kevin Barber |
Tortrix moth (E immundana)Epinotia immundana  Click species photo for details of this species:
Tortrix moths are often considered to be pests of various trees but their larvae are a valuable food source for some species of birds
Photo by: Kevin Barber |
Spotted Shoot MothRhyacionia pinivorana  Click species photo for details of this species:
Associated with scots pine and so quite common in the Poole basin although not often seen
Photo by: Mark Andrews |
Tortrix moth (P regiana)Pammene regiana  Photo by: Kevin Barber |
Wax MothGalleria mellonella  Click species photo for details of this species:
Larvae feed in beehives and the nests of bumblebees on bees wax
Photo by: Mark Andrews |
Red-striped Knot-hornOncocera Semirubella  Click species photo for details of this species:
Abundant in grassland areas in July and August this small moth will usually be overlooked as it looks rather non-descript
Photo by: Peter Orchard |
Boxworm MothCydamila perspectalis  Click species photo for details of this species:
An Asia species introduced with imported box plants on which it feeds and is considered a 'pest'
Photo by: Nick Hull |
Garden Grass VeneerChrysoteuchia culmella  Click species photo for details of this species:
This species is abundant in grass everywhere; you see countless numbers flying up from under your feet as you walk across any form of grassland
Photo by: Peter Orchard |
Brown China MarkNymphula nymphaeata  Click species photo for details of this species:
Found near still or slow moving water, ponds lakes, ditches or rivers, where the larvae live underwater which is unusual for a moth
Photo by: Peter Orchard |
Ringed China-markParapoynx stratiolata  Click species photo for details of this species:
An abundant species in vegetation alongside a chosen water source but rarely seen.
Photo by: Peter Orchard |
Beautiful China MarkNymphula nitidulata  Click species photo for details of this species:
A local species usually near rivers, streams and lakes
Photo by: Mark Andrews |
Garden PebbleEvergestis forficalis  Click species photo for details of this species:
Frequent in well stocked and shrubby gardens
Photo by: John Gifford |
Grass moth (E limbata)Evergestis limbata  Click species photo for details of this species:
A southern European species found very rarely on the south coast of England as a migrant.
Photo by: Portland Bird Observatory |
Small Purple and GoldPyrausta aurata  Click species photo for details of this species:
A very small moth and yet quite distinctive; loves mint and marjoram and is often found in gardens
Photo by: Peter Orchard |
Common Purple and Gold MothPyrausta purpuralis  Click species photo for details of this species:
A species of chalk grassland where it feeds on wild thyme and related flora
Photo by: Peter Orchard |
Small MagpieEurrhypara hortulata  Click species photo for details of this species:
A common moth of woodlands and areas with lots of shrubs and so also favours gardens as well as hedgerows
Photo by: Peter Orchard |
Grass Moth (E coronata)Anania coronata  Click species photo for details of this species:
This micro-moth is about .25inches along the edge of its forewing and so is easily overlooked
Photo by: Peter Orchard |
European Corn-borerOstrinia nubilalis  Click species photo for details of this species:
Mainy an immigrant species found in gardens, hedgerows and waste ground
Photo by: Mark Andrews |
Rusty Dot PearlUdea ferrugalis  Click species photo for details of this species:
A migrant species that can occur at any time of year, sometimes in large numbers
Photo by: Internet Open Source |
Mother of PearlPleuroptya ruralis  Click species photo for details of this species:
A common species of gardens, hedgerows and waste ground
Photo by: Peter Orchard |
In the REFERENCE section of the Nature of Dorset you can:
- Find species information with photos, maps, etc
- Access Identification tools for birds, flora and trees
- Find information about nature reserves and hotspots
- Access information about Sites of special scientific interest
- Learn about the wildlife habitats of Dorset
In the RECORDS section of the Nature of Dorset you can:
- See the latest sightings in lists, maps, charts and photos
- Find out where and when species have been seen
- Find out what has been seen at a site near you
- Find out the best time of year to see selected species
- Create your own lists, charts and maps and export data
In the RESOURCES section of the Nature of Dorset you can:
- See what is new across the site
- Use extended search facilities
- Ask questions or start discussions
- Keep up to date with the news
- Find an assortment of other resources
