Lancashire Moth Group

Guidelines for Recorders Submitting Moth Records (VC59&60)

 

Moth records can be sent to the County Recorders detailed below. Many recorders use MapMate (an electronic recording tool available from www.mapmate.co.uk) as a simple and convenient means of recording and submitting records. However, we welcome the submission of records in any format. When submitting your records please include daily counts (whenever possible) together with the recorder (and determiner if different), date, locality and grid ref to six figures (e.g. SD456789).  Records can be sent in monthly or annually, the former being preferred.

 

Macro Moth Recorder

Graham Jones

20 Houghton Road, Penwortham, Preston PR1 9HS

Email: gra_ham_jones[at]yahoo.co.uk *

 

Micro Moth Recorder (and Moth Group Organiser)

Stephen Palmer,

137 Lightfoot Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR4 0AH

Tel: 01772 861570

Email: s.palmer12[at]btopenworld.com *

*(In an effort to prevent spam we would ask you to substitute [at] with @ when sending e-mails to the above addresses.)

 

It is possible that we may query records with recorders. Please do not be offended by this. It is very important that records on the central database are accurate and we are anxious to avoid unverified records of certain difficult species being entered. Many species in the county are common and easy to identify, but some are more tricky, and several can only be identified by genitalia examination. The downloadable checklists (below) show the level of verification required for each species of macro moth in Lancashire and gives an indication which records are likely to be queried. The letter following each moth is explained below:

 

 

A      Common or widespread species in VC59&60, identifiable by most experienced recorders and as a consequence generally require no further evidence as confirmation. However, records may still be queried if for instance, they fall outside the species normal habitat or flight period.

 

D       Moths which can only be positively identified to species via examination of the genitalia, and as a consequence records of these species can only be accepted if a dissection has been undertaken. Recorders are asked to list these moths as aggregates (agg.) when it is not necessary to undertake a dissection e.g. the species has already been confirmed for a site, or a year, via an earlier dissection, or if the recorder is unwilling for a dissection to be undertaken. Both County Recorders are happy to undertake dissections for any recorder who is submitting records to the Lancashire Moth Group.

 

P         Species of a more local distribution within VC59&60, or where identification may be difficult due to confusion species. A photograph is required as confirmation of the record for new sites, or by a new observer at a previously recorded site. Recorders are asked to submit photographs of a reasonable quality that show as many of the identification features as possible, and are also encouraged to forward a series of photos that show dorsal and lateral (from above and from the side) aspects where possible. A specimen can be submitted instead of a photograph if preferred.

 

S         Moths that require a specimen as confirmation of the record for new sites, or by a new observer at a previously recorded site. This includes species that can be difficult to identify from a photograph, or via dissection of the genitalia.

 

If you record a species of macro moth that is not included in the checklist, it is likely that this is a previously unrecorded species for the county. It is suggested that you keep hold of the moth (moths can be kept torpid in a refrigerator) and contact either of the County Recorders . We may ask you to email a photo, or arrange collection of the specimen from you.

 

Up to date national distribution maps for all macro moths can be viewed on the Moths Count website -www.mothscount.org

 

Micro Moths

 

No attempt has been made to produce a list of the micro moths along the lines of that for the macro moths. With so many species of different shapes, colours and sizes and with many looking quite similar to each other, a more generalised set of guidelines covering required proof of identity and record acceptance are listed below for this group.

 

There will be plenty of the larger micros such as Pleuroptya ruralis (Mother of Pearl), Eurrhypara hortulata (Small Magpie), Hypsopygia costalis (Gold Triangle) and Pterophorus pentadactyla (White Plume Moth) for example, where the moths can be easily identified and where no similar looking species occur. This type of species will be accepted as submitted and only those which occur outside their usual flight period, habitat or geographical range are likely to be questioned. A simple check to ensure your moth occurs in the region and flies at that time of year will highlight any potential problems early on in the identification process. Much of this sort of information is readily available on the UK Moths website or contact the County Recorder for advice.

 

Once a bit of experience has been gained with the different families there will be quite a few moths that can be accepted without further proof being required. If you’ve had the species checked before then you are most unlikely to need them checked again. Conversely, it is best to assume that moths that you have not encountered before will be best retained for examination as a specimen or a photo by an experienced micro moth recorder or the county recorder. A specimen is preferable in most circumstances as identification can often hinge on hindwing shape and markings, or other parts of the moths structure that are not readily shown on a photo. If in doubt, submit a photo whilst retaining the live moth. Any moth that is potentially new to the county or vice-county should be retained and (if feasible) a photograph taken and submitted as soon as possible. Please contact your County Recorder for information on the species status in the county if required. A full list of the species occurring in the county is published on the Lancashire Moths website and is updated bi-annually.

 

When taking photographs of micro moths, please ensure that the moth is not too worn, thereby making identification by this means difficult or impossible. It is important that the moth is clearly visible in the shot, that the picture is not blurred and that, preferably, two images from different angles are submitted.

Lancs Checklist PDF 104KB Lancs Checklist Word 379KB