NON-AVIAN FAUNA
65: 197-199 243
Grey Seal NON-AVIAN FAUNA STANSFIELD & CLEMENTS
© Steven Stansfield Annotated species list of non-avian fauna in 2021
244 Steven Stansfield and Kevin Clements
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STANSFIELD & CLEMENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
Records of species such as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, dragonflies and other miscellaneous species
have been collected by the Observatory since it was established in 1953, and more recently these
include ongoing Grey Seal monitoring projects, and the extended recording of cetaceans as part of the
Observatory’s ongoing dolphin monitoring work funded by Natural Resources Wales. Records of non-
avian animals that were collected during 2021 are summarised below.
2 METHODS
For many of the groups below, data is collected during a daily census, and recorded each evening in
the Observatory’s digital census log. Myriapod and isopod records in 2021 came from Kevin Clements
(a specialist in these taxa) who made counts during his stays on the island during the year. Grey seals
were counted daily as part of the census work. Cetaceans were recorded during sea-watches, and also
from opportunistic sightings.
3 RESULTS
3.1 VERTEBRATES
Halichoerus grypus (Fabricius, 1791) GREY SEAL
Grey Seals were counted daily throughout the season, mainly on Henllwyn, Solfach and Carreg yr Honwy.
Smaller numbers were also recorded on a regular basis around the South End and the rest of the
coastline.
The maximum numbers seen this year were in August when 209 were recorded around the island, mostly
in Henllwyn which is the favoured site, being reasonably sheltered with a large rocky area suitable for
hauling out.
Fig. 1 Daily numbers of Grey Seals on Bardsey in 2021
Daily count of birds 250
200
150
100
50
0
J FM A M J J A S O N D
Max. count M A M J J A S O
Seal-days 138 140 126 143 153 209 158 227
907 1545 1499 1961 2387 3736 2590 2686
Days recorded 15 30 31 30 31 31 30 27
In total 62 pups were born in 2021 (see map), the first of which was found in Henllwyn on 30 July. This was
in the same location as the first pup last year, but almost one week earlier; the last pup to be born was
on 25 October. As usual, most pups were born on either side of the Narrows, the rest were distributed
246 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS
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further south on both sides of the South End and along the West Coast. Strong winds were less persistent
this season; however, a small number of pups were lost after a few days of strong winds in late September.
Phoca vitulina Linnaeus, 1759 COMMON SEAL
This year there were a number of sightings of Common Seal, involving at least three individuals. There
were singles on five days in July, 16 days in August, including two animals on 18th, and on six dates in
both September and October.
Common Seal and Grey Seal © Steven Stansfield
This species is a vagrant in Welsh waters with approximately 26 records since 1996 (Thompson et al. 2019)
but seems to be increasing in number. Before this year there were only 28 records on Bardsey.
Phocoena phocoena (Linnaeus, 1758) HARBOUR PORPOISE
The first record of the year was of two animals seen in the Sound on 16 March and was followed by four
on 18th, and a further three singles to the month’s end. Three were in the Sound on 12 April, and four off
the North End on 29th. Four off the South End on 2nd constituted the only record in May. June saw six on
1st and one on 24th. In July there were five records: five on 7th, four on 19th, two on 21st, three (including
a calf) on 26th and a single on 29th. August saw two on both 2nd and 22nd, with four on 23rd. There
were two on 3 and 7 September, with singles on 15th and 20th.
MAM J J A S O
Max. count 4 4 4 6 5 4 2 3
Porpoise-days 9 8 4 7 15 8 6 7
Days recorded 5 3 1 2 5 3 4 3
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Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821) BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN
Three were seen off the South End on 11 April, with one off the North End on 5 April. One was seen dead
in the Sound on 23 August, and three were off the North End on 30th.
Grampus griseus (G. Cuvier, 1812) RISSO’S DOLPHIN
The first of the year was a single from the South End on 4 May. There were three there on 4 June and a
further five on 7th. There were three records in July: nine on 14th, one on 27th and seven on 31st. August
saw records on seven dates: most were of one to five animals, with 12 on 23rd the peak count.
September saw records on nine dates, four of which were in double figures: 11 on 5th, ten on 7th, 21 on
10th and 16 on 18th. In October there were three records; six were seen on both 1st and 15th, with 24,
the year’s peak count, on 11th.
Risso’s Dolphins © Myles Jenks
35 30
Bird-day totals30
Max. daily count per month2525
20
15 20
10
15
5
0 10
J 5
0
F MAM J J A S OND
Five day periods
Five-day totals Max count
MAM J J A S O
Max. count 0 2 5 13 3 5 4 5
Dolphin-days 0 5 10 36 4 28 19 8
Days recorded 0 3 3 4 2 11 10 2
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Delphinus delphis (Linnaeus, 1758) SHORT-BEAKED COMMON DOLPHIN
This species is generally increasing in frequency and number off the coast of Bardsey in recent years.
Following the 212 individuals last year, there were 107 in 2021. The first were 16 on 18 July. There were four
records in August; three were in single figures, with 14 seen on 24th. September produced two records:
seven on 3rd and a single pod of 60 or so animals on 16th.
Apodemus sylvaticus (Linnaeus, 1758) WOOD MOUSE
No specific counts were made this year, although Wood Mice were seen throughout the year, both
around the buildings and the low walls that cover Bardsey. But the general feeling was that numbers
were lower in 2021.
Sorex araneus (Linnaeus, 1758) COMMON SHREW
Singles were recorded in small numbers. This species is undoubtably a lot more common than records
would suggest, but is rarely searched for and no small mammal trapping has been undertaken for a
number of years now.
Anguis fragilis (Linnaeus, 1758) SLOW-WORM
Most sightings were from under the corrugated iron sheets and rocks around Cristin. Sightings were
common throughout the summer months and a number of young were found in May and June. The
maximum number found was 13 on 27 June.
25 15
20five-day totals
15 Max. daily count per month10
10
5
5
0 0
J F MAM J J A S OND
Five day periods
Bird-days Max count
MAM J J A S O
Max. count 0 2 5 13 3 5 4 5
Daily-totals 0 5 10 36 4 28 19 8
Days recorded 0 3 3 4 2 11 10 2
Lissotriton helveticus (Razoumowsky, 1789) PALMATE NEWT
There were a number of records this year, with individuals seen in both the small pond behind Cristin and
Nant Pond. No specific monitoring took place.
3.2 INVERTERBRATES
3.2.1 ODONATA - DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES
Ischnura elegans (Vander Linden, 1820) BLUE-TAILED DAMSELFLY
The first records this year were on 17 June when four were recorded around the small water bodies in the
Lowlands. There were then 12 on both 20th and 24th. A single was at the Schoolhouse Pond on 31 July
and on 3 September. On the latter date two were also seen at Tŷ Pellaf pond.
Enallagma cyathigerum (Charpentier, 1840)) COMMON BLUE DAMSELFLY
A male was seen in the Lowlands on 20 July, with a female on 24th. These are the first records since 2017.
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Aeshna mixta (Latreille, 1805) MIGRANT HAWKER
This species was present in August and September again this year. There were eight records in August of
up to four, and four records in September: three singles plus two on 14th.
Anax imperator Leach, 1815 EMPEROR DRAGONFLY
The first record of the year was a male in the Lowlands on 17 June. One was also seen on Pen Cristin on
3 August.
Anax ephippiger (Burmeister, 1839) VAGRANT EMPEROR DRAGONFLY
This rare long-distance migrant from Africa and the Middle East has been found with increasing
frequency in recent decades with records scattered across Britain, most commonly on the coast. A large
brown dragonfly which was most likely to have been this species was seen in the Withies on 9 September
(SDC), and in October a fine male spent the day in the garden at Cristin (JW, SDS et al.) on 15th. This is
only the third confirmed record for the island.
Vagrant Emperor Dragonfly © Steven Stansfield
Sympetrum striolatum (Charpentier, 1840) COMMON DARTER
The only record of this species in 2021 was on 9 August when three were seen: two were at Nant and
another at Cristin.
3.2.2 COLEOPTERA – BEETLES
Nicrophorus sp. Linnaeus, 1758 SEXTON BEETLE SP.
Sexton Beetles were regularly caught in the moth trap at Cristin throughout the year with numbers
peaking in July and August.
Cicindela campestris Linnaeus, 1758 GREEN TIGER BEETLE
Seen commonly along Henllwyn, Cafn and Traeth Ffynnon, with 25 the peak count on 4 April.
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Carabus violaceus Linnaeus, 1758 VIOLET GROUND BEETLE
These large beetles are one of the most common and easily-seen on Bardsey, often found at night all
over the island. In 2021, beetles were seen from April through to September. The highest count was on 6
June with 14 recorded in Cristin courtyard.
Rhagonycha fulva (Scopoli, 1763) COMMON RED SOLDIER BEETLE
Many were seen again this year, but no specific counts were made. Records came predominantly from
the wetland areas in the centre of the island as well as the South End and North End Stream. They were
regularly seen atop umbellifers like Cow Parsley Anthriscus sylvestris.
Ocypus olens (O. F. Müller, 1764) DEVIL’S COACH HORSE
Singles were seen on a number of dates in August and September, usually at the northern end of the
island after dark.
3.2.3 MISCELLANEOUS INVERTEBRATES
MYRIAPODS AND ISOPODS
CHILOPODS – CENTIPEDES
Haplophilus subterraneus (Shaw, 1789)
Three were found under stones at Tŷ Nesaf on 9 September.
Schendyla nemorensis (C.L. Koch, 1837)
Individuals were present under stones at the Lime Kiln and North-west Fields (four separate locations)
on 13 September and along the track near the Boathouse on 14th.
Geophilus flavus (De Geer, 1778)
Single specimens were seen under stones on a wall at the Abbey on 9 September and North-west
Fields on 13th.
Lithobius borealis Meinert, 1868
Individuals were found under stones at the South End on 3 September and along the track near the
Boathouse on 14th.
Lithobius forficatus (Linne, 1758)
Specimens were recorded at the South End on 3 September, Tŷ Nesaf on 9th, Carreg Bach, Nant Valley
and North-west Fields on 13th, and Boathouse, Lime Kiln and Tŷ Pellaf Reedbed on 14th.
DIPLOPODS – MILLIPEDES
Polyxenus lagurus (Linnaeus, 1758) BRISTLY MILLIPEDE
Individuals were found under vegetation on rocks at the South End on 3rd September and under stones
on a wall at Tŷ Nesaf on 9th.
Blaniulus guttulatus (Fabrcius, 1798) RED-SPOTTED MILLIPEDE
One was found under stones in Nant Valley on 12th September.
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Glomeris marginata (Villers, 1789) COMMON PILL MILLIPEDE
Individuals were seen on a wall in Cristin toilets and under stones at Nant and Tŷ Capel Withies on 13
September.
Cylindroiulus latestriatus (Curtis, 1845)
A total of eight was counted under stones on rocks at the South End on 3rd September, with smaller
numbers recorded under stones along the track by Plas and Tŷ Bach on 9th, Carreg Bach and Nant
Valley on 13th, and under wood by the Boathouse on 14th.
Tachypodoiulus niger (Leach, 1814) WHITE-LEGGED MILLIPEDE
Individuals were noted under stones at Tŷ Nesaf on 9 September and Nant Withy on 12th.
ISOPODS – WOODLICE
Ligia oceanica (Linnaeus, 1767) SEA SLATER
Five were typically found under stones at the South End on 3 September, with a number of others seen
during the year in the North Hide.
Haplophthalmus mengii (Zaddach, 1844)
A count of 20 was made from under pieces of wood by the Boathouse on 14 September.
Trichoniscus pusillus (Brandt, 1833) COMMON PYGMY WOODLOUSE
Specimens were found under wood at the Boathouse on 14 September.
Platyarthrus hoffmannseggii (Brandt, 1833) ANT WOODLOUSE
Uniquely associated with ants, this small, blind, XX
white woodlouse was first found on Bardsey
Island at the Lime Kiln in October 1995 (Arnold, XXXX
1996). Loxton (2000) found the species in an ant
nest by the track between the Lime Kiln and 22 XXX
Cristin in April 1999, and Else (2010) found it to be XXX
common in ant nests under stones at the two
aforementioned locations, as well as in Cristin XX
back garden, along the track to Nant and by the
Chapel during 2009. X
Kevin Clements (Walton, Clements and Curson, XXX
2016) made 33 records in 12 100m squares over
the course of five separate weeks from 2012 to X
2015. During an intensive survey in 2016, X
Clements (2017) made a further 33 records
covering nine of the previous 100m squares and X
a further 12, thereby doubling the species’
known range here. This expansion was most X
noticeable across the North-west Fields, but 21
included the first records away from the central
part of the island, at Cafn. 20 11 12
Key
New 100m squares 2021
New 100m squares 2016
100m squares 2012-15
X Records 2021
Another intensive survey from 5 to 14 September this year generated 28 records in 25 100m squares, 22
with previous records and three new squares. However, none could be found in two of the most north-
westerly squares where the species was found in 2016. The new squares represent more of a
252 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS
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consolidation of the species’ known range than any further expansion. The single location at Cafn
remains an isolated outlier.
All this year’s records came from beneath stones. Most counts involved single-figure numbers, but higher
totals involved 17 specimens at Cristin on 5 September, 11 in the North-west Fields on 12th and 31 at
another location on 14th, 12 at Carreg on 12th and 11 along the Green Lane on 13th.
Ant woodlouse © Steven Stansfield
Porcellio scaber (Latreille, 1804) COMMON ROUGH WOODLOUSE
A total of 16 records were made at Cristin, Hendy, Lime Kiln, Nant Valley, North End, North-west Fields,
Pwll Cain, South End, Tŷ Bach, Tŷ Capel Withy and Tŷ Nesaf from 3 to 14t September.
Porcellio spinicornis Say, 1818 PAINTED WOODLOUSE
One was found under stones on a wall at the Abbey on 9 September, a known site for the species.
AArmadillidium vulgare (Lagrielle, 1804) COMMON PILL WOODLOUSE
Individuals were present under stones at Cristin on 5 September, South End on 7th, Tŷ Nesaf on 9th and
12th, and Lime Kiln, Nant Valley and North-west Fields on 12th.
4 REFERENCES
Arnold, R.W. 1996 Ant Woodlouse at Bardsey: New for Western Llŷn. Rep. Bardsey Bird Fld. Obs. 39: 50-51
BMIG 2021 Website of the British Myriapod and Isopod Group; Strigamia acuminata :
https://bmig.org.uk/species/Strigamia-acuminata (accessed 25th May 2021)
Clements, K.M. 2016 Isopods of Bardsey. Rep. Bardsey Bird Fld. Obs. 59: 207-216
Else, R. 2010 Non-avian Animals. Rep. Bardsey Bird Fld. Obs. 2009. 53: 128-133
Gregory, S.J. 2020 Further observations of Philoscia affinis Verhoeff, 1908 (Isopoda, Oniscidea,
Philosciidae) in Britain and Ireland: Distribution, Habitat and Identification. Bulletin of the British
Myriapod & Isopod Group 32: 2-14
Loxton, R.G. 2000 Some Arthropod Records for Bardsey. Rep. Bardsey Bird Fld. Obs.43: 81-86
Segers, S., Boeraeve, P., & De Smedt, P. 2018 Philoscia affinis Verhoeff, 1908 new to the UK (Isopoda:
Philosciidae). Bulletin of the British Myriapod & Isopod Group 30: 21-25
Walton, S., Clements, K.M. and Curson, L. 2017 Non-avian Fauna. Rep. Bardsey Bird Fld. Obs. 60: 216-224
65: 244-253 253
Grey Seal pup GREY SEALS STANSFIELD & CLEMENTS
© Steven Stansfield Photo-monitoring and pupping success in 2020 and 2021
254 Rebecca Robotham, Steven Stansfield and Mark. P. Simmonds
REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS
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65: 244-253 255
ROBOTHAM, STANSFIELD & SIMMONDS
1 INTRODUCTION
Since 2013 the authors Mark. P. Simmonds and Rebecca Robotham have regularly visited Bardsey to
photograph Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus mothers in order to investigate pupping site fidelity and build
on the work started by Mandy McMath in 2006. Mandy sadly passed away in 2012 and is much missed.
We have detailed the background to the study and some of its results in earlier contributions to the BBFO
annual report and also in other published articles (i.e. Simmonds and Robotham, 2015 and Robotham
and Simmonds, 2021). Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we were unable to visit the island for the 2020
and 2021 breeding seasons. We are, therefore, grateful to the Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory team
for collecting the photographs during those seasons.
2 METHODS
Using high-resolution digital cameras and telephoto lenses (300mm and 400mm), images were taken of
the female seals along with their pups within 48 hours of the pups being born. The sites were mapped
and data relating to the mothers, sites and pups catalogued for future reference.
3 RESULTS
3.1 2020 RESIGHTINGS
The photographs taken were compared by eye to the existing database. In total, 24 females were
matched to entries in the database, meaning that these 24 individuals have previously been recorded
pupping on Bardsey. Of these 24, 18 (75%) were recorded in 2020 as having pupped at the same location
on the island as they have done in a previous year or years, providing further strong evidence of site
fidelity. Of the 18 females showing a degree of site fidelity, 14 (77.8%) were also recorded in 2019. Of the
14, ten (71.4%) were recorded at the same site as they were in 2019. This indicates that there is a
preference for the mothers to return to the location where they have pupped previously. The two most
re-sighted individuals have both been recorded ten times from 2006 to 2020 and one of these has been
recorded raising her pup in the main bay of Henllwyn every time she has been recorded.
There are now 146 known individuals in our database and, in total, 50 females have been re-sighted at
least once since 2006. This is a re-sighting rate of 34.2%. As more images are processed, duplicate entries
within the database are being identified. This means that there are, most likely, fewer individuals in the
database than it appears, which would further increase the re-sighting rate.
The analysis of the 2021 data is still ongoing.
3.2 PUP COUNTS
The number of pups born on Bardsey has dramatically increased, from eight in 1998 to 62 in 2021 (Fig. 1).
This shows that Bardsey is an important pupping location for Grey Seals in Wales. Of the 55 pups recorded
on Bardsey in 2020, three were confirmed as having died. Another three were washed away overnight
in a storm, at which point they would have been less than a week old and so are unlikely to have survived.
However, assuming all others made it to weaning, where the mothers leave them to fend for themselves,
this is a survival rate of 89%.
256 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS
GREY SEALS
Pupping was protracted in 2021, with the first pup being born on 30 July, and the last on 25 October (Fig.
2). The heaviest pupping time was between 16 and 25 September, with an average of 2.72 pups per day
and a peak of seven on 25th (Fig. 2).
From the 62 pups in 2021, 31 (50%) were seen in active moult, and it is thought that all except six managed
to survive to weaning, giving a survival rate of 90%, very similar to that in 2020.
Moulted Grey Seal pup © Steven Stansfield 257
65: 254-263
258 Fig. 3 Number of new Grey Seal pups per day in 2019, 2020 and 2021 12 Fig. 2 Number of new Grey Seal pups per day in 2021 8 Year Number of pups ROBOTHAM, STANSFIELD & SIMMONDS
10 7 Annual total
6
8 5 Fig. 1 Pup counts on Bardsey 1998-2021
6 4
4 3
2 2
0 1
0
28/07 28/07/2021 70
30/07 30/07/2021 60
01/08 01/08/2021 50
03/08 03/08/2021 40
05/08 05/08/2021 30
07/08 07/08/2021 20
09/08 09/08/2021 10
11/08 11/08/2021
13/08 13/08/2021 0
15/08 15/08/2021
REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS Opposite page: Un-moulted Grey Seal pup © Steven Stansfield 2021 2020 2019 17/08 17/08/2021 1998
19/08 19/08/2021 1999
21/08 21/08/2021 Mean 27.21 ±s.d.10.54 2000
23/08 23/08/2021 2001
25/08 25/08/2021 2002
27/08 27/08/2021 2003
29/08 29/08/2021 2004
31/08 31/08/2021 2005
02/09 02/09/2021 2006
04/09 04/09/2021 2007
06/09 06/09/2021 2008
08/09 08/09/2021 2009
10/09 10/09/2021 2010
12/09 12/09/2021 2011
14/09 14/09/2021 2012
16/09 16/09/2021 2013
18/09 18/09/2021 2014
20/09 20/09/2021 2015
22/09 22/09/2021 2016
24/09 24/09/2021 2017
26/09 26/09/2021 2018
28/09 28/09/2021 2019
30/09 30/09/2021 2020
02/10 02/10/2021 2021
04/10 04/10/2021
06/10 06/10/2021
08/10 08/10/2021
10/10 10/10/2021
12/10 12/10/2021
14/10 14/10/2021
16/10 16/10/2021
18/10 18/10/2021
20/10 20/10/2021
22/10 22/10/2021
24/10 24/10/2021
26/10 26/10/2021
GREY SEALS
65: 254-263 259
ROBOTHAM, STANSFIELD & SIMMONDS
5
13 32 52 2 7
23 4 50 29
59 11 9 45
62 24 30
33 22
6 51 38
10 55 17
16 56 8
34 58 18
35 37
49 18 46
53
60 15 61
19
25
26
40
54
1
27
47
57
43
31
12
14
39
41
44
42
3
48
28
36
21
Fig. 4 Grey Seal pupping sites on Bardsey in 2021 (see Table 1 opposite)
260 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS
GREY SEALS
Pup Date Pup Date Pup Date Pup Date
1 30/7 17 17/09 33 25/09 49 08/10
2 08/08 18 18/09 34 25/09 50 11/10
3 30/08 19 18/09 35 25/09 51 11/10
4 05/09 20 18/09 36 25/09 52 12/10
5 05/09 21 19/09 37 25/09 53 12/10
6 07/09 22 19/09 38 25/09 54 12/10
7 08/09 23 19/09 39 29/09 55 12/10
8 08/09 24 20/09 40 29/09 56 12/10
9 15/09 25 20/09 41 29/09 57 21/10
10 15/09 26 20/09 42 29/09 58 23/10
11 15/09 27 21/09 43 29/09 59 23/10
12 16/09 28 21/09 44 04/10 61 23/10
13 16/09 29 22/09 45 04/10 61 23/10
14 16/09 30 22/09 46 04/10 62 25/10
15 17/09 31 24/09 47 08/10
16 17/09 32 25/09 48 08/10
Table 1 Grey Seal pupping dates – see Fig. 4 for locations
3.3 FAVOURED LOCATIONS in 2020
With the number of pups born on Bardsey 7
increasing, the space available at popular
pupping locations will be in high demand. New
Due to increased seal numbers, site 1 has site 1
now been split into three sections (site 1, 1.1
& 1.2). In total there were seven females 8
recorded across all three sections so as a
larger area this was the most popular. The 8.1
single most popular site in 2020 was site 8
(Fig. 5), a long deep ravine, which is 13
sheltered but can be dangerous in stormy 13.1
weather, depending on wind direction. Site
1 is the main bay of Henllwyn and is relatively 6
sheltered with easy access from the
shoreline to higher ground, should retreat 6.1 1
further away from the sea be necessary. 1.1
Next in popularity are sites 5, 5.1 and 6; all 5 1.2
have a similar topography to site 1. Site 6.1 is New
a low level small inlet which is, again, fairly site 2 2
sheltered but there is no easy route out for a New
mother and pup should bad weather occur. site 4
The three pups washed away during a storm
were all at this site. There were four new New 9
locations used for pupping in 2020, one, a site 3
deep narrow ravine and the other three very
rocky and exposed. As can be seen in the Fig.5 2020 main pupping locations
detailed map in Fig.4 and the pupping
locations in 2020 (Fig. 5) the breeding sites
have changed very little.
65: 254-263 261
ROBOTHAM, STANSFIELD & SIMMONDS
Grey Seal © Steven Stansfield REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS
262
GREY SEALS
01234567
Site 1
Site 1.1
Site 1.2
Site 2
Site 5
Site 5.1
Site 6
Site 6.1
Site 7
Site 8
Site 8.1
Site 9
Site 13
Site 13.1
New Sites (x4)
Fig. 6 Number of mothers per site 2020
4 CONCLUSIONS
There is strong evidence for site fidelity on Bardsey, with several females returning year on year, not only
to the island but also to specific locations. Bardsey continues to be an important location for Grey Seals.
Pup numbers continue to climb and available space around the island for pup raising appears to be in
decline. This is leading to mothers pupping in less than ideal locations. It is likely that pup numbers will
plateau at a point where all the usable space is taken up. Bardsey is a relatively undisturbed location
making it appear to us to be an appealing option for expectant mother seals.
5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A very big thank you to the BBFO for collecting the images. Thanks also to the Humane Society
International for support.
6 REFERENCES
R.L. Robotham and M.P. Simmonds. 2021. The Grey Seals of Bardsey - a long term study. Mammal News
89: 10-11
M.P. Simmonds and R.L. Robotham. 2015 The Grey Seals of Bardsey. British Wildlife. October 2015: 2-9
Rebecca Robotham - Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary, Skegness, Lincolnshire.
Steven Stansfield - Cristin, Bardsey Island.
Mark Simmonds, University of Bristol, Langford House, Bristol
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ROBOTHAM, STANSFIELD & SIMMONDS
BUTTERFLIES
Annotated species list of butterflies in 2021
Steven Stansfield
Holly Blue REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS
© Steven Stansfield
264
BUTTERFLIES
65: 264-275 265
STANSFIELD
1 INTRODUCTION
Butterflies are the best-studied of the UK’s invertebrates, providing fundamental understanding into the
changing state of wider biodiversity and the ecosystems that depend upon it. Analyses provided in The
State of UK’s Butterflies Report (Fox et al. 2015) provides further evidence of the serious, long-term and
ongoing decline of the UK’s butterflies, with 70% of species declining in occurrence and 57% declining in
abundance since 1976. Overall, 76% of the UK’s resident and regular migrant butterfly species declined
in either abundance or occurrence (or both) over the past four decades. By comparison, 47% of species
increased in one or both measures. This is of great concern not just for butterflies but for other wildlife
species and the overall state of the environment.
There have been 26 species of butterfly recorded on Bardsey since 1953 when Bardsey Bird Observatory
opened. Since then, butterfly recording was carried out sporadically by the Observatory up to 1984,
when the first butterfly transects were undertaken (Jones et al. 1985). Increased effort has since been put
into recording daily counts, maximum counts, emergence times and instances of immigration (Silcocks
1998, Stansfield 1999-2011). Butterflies have been recorded daily by the Observatory since 1998 and now
form part of the daily census. Some species have become more numerous, such as Peacock, however
former breeding species such as Small Heath are now extinct on Bardsey.
2 METHODS
Butterflies were recorded as part of Bardsey Bird Observatory’s daily census, during which most areas of
the island are covered, representing a variety of habitats. These records were collected daily from March
to November. Data from both staff and guests were collected and recorded in the Census Log each
evening. The data for each species of butterfly recorded during 2021 were analysed and summarised in
the following systematic list and the accompanying tables.
3 RESULTS
A total of 14 species was recorded this year, three fewer than last year, but in line with the totals recorded
before 2018.
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Number of species 14 13 16 18 15 15 19 17 14 14
For most species, higher numbers were recorded when compared to 2020. There were several scarce
species for the island in 2021: Orange Tip and Gatekeeper were both recorded, and Small White was
seen again after an absence last year. Both Common Blue and Small Copper saw their numbers almost
double compared to the previous year’s totals and Meadow Brown totals were almost three times
greater than 2020. Red Admirals were down by about 50% and Peacocks were about 60 lower than the
previous year.
Common Blue © Steven Stansfield REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS
266
BUTTERFLIES
Small Tortoiseshell © Steven Stansfield 267
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STANSFIELD
3.1 SYSTEMATIC LIST
Butterfly-days are the cumulative number of butterflies seen each day, over a defined period of time -
in this case a year.
Pieris brassicae (Linnaeus, 1758) LARGE WHITE
Seen between 20 April and 23 September with 16 the peak on 8 August. Numbers were much reduced
compared to last year.
35Bird-day totals 20
30 Max. daily count per month 15
25 10
20 F M AM J J A S O N 5
15 0
10 2012 2018 2019 D
95 299 123
5 16 19 27
0 15/4 16/4
21/4
J
Five day periods
Five-day totals Max count
Butterfly-days 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2020 2021
Max. day count 147 20 31 206 96 241 144
13 3 9 19 7 49 16
First date 19/5 1/5 12/5 1/4 20/4
18/4 18/4
Pieris rapae (Linnaeus, 1758) SMALL WHITE
One was in the Lowlands on 16 May, with one on the East Side on 2 June and another on the South End
on 24 June. Finally one was in the Lowlands on 23 July.
Small White © Steven Stansfield REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS
268
BUTTERFLIES
Pieris napi (Linnaeus, 1758) GREEN-VEINED WHITE
Seen between 11 April and 21 September with 97 the peak on 20 July. The first generation numbers were
very small, though overall numbers were higher compared to last year.
200 120
Bird-day totals
150 Max. daily count per month100
100
80
50
60
0
J 40
20
0
F MAM J J A S OND
Five day periods
Five-day totals Max count
Butterfly-days 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2020
Max. day count 702 1454 4853 3235 4012 4084 2824 600 315 758
87 255 2512 435 506 442 161 53 27 97
First date 11/4 19/4 10/4 7/4 12/4 26/3 18/4 11/4 15/4 11/4
Anthocharis cardamines (Linnaeus, 1758) ORANGE-TIP
A male was seen at Cristin on 22 and 23 April, with another there on 30th. In May a single was at Nant on
6th.
Orange-tip © Steven Stansfield 269
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STANSFIELD
Lycaena phlaeas (Linnaeus, 1761) SMALL COPPER
Seen between 21 April and 11 October, with 16 the peak on 20 September. The first generation lasted
until 15 June, and the second generation emerged from 10 July.
Small Copper © Steven Stansfield
25 20
20Bird-day totals
15 Max. daily count per month15
10
10
5
0 5
J 0
F MAM J J A S OND
Five day periods
Five-day totals Max count
Butterfly-days 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Max. day count 28 47 62 53 82 277 249 229 71 182
5 5 8 10 5 16 26 18 6 16
First date 2/5 2/5 14/5 11/5 3/5 21/4
12/5 16/5 16/5 21/5
Polyommatus icarus (Rottemburg, 1775) COMMON BLUE
Seen between 30 April and 14 September, with a peak count of 55 on 23 August. The first generation
were on the wing until 30 June, and the second generation began to emerge from 16 July.
Butterfly-days 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Max. day count 209 34 27 30 19 35 147 411 272 541
21 4 5 3 3 5 15 44 26 55
First date 15/5 5/6 23/5 10/5 6/5 30/4
26/5 23/5 26/5 19/5
270 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS
BUTTERFLIES
120 60 Max. daily count per month
100
50
80
Bird-day totals 60 40
40
20 30
0 20
J
10
0
F MAM J J A S OND
Five day periods
Five-day totals Max count
Vanessa atalanta (Linnaeus, 1758) RED ADMIRAL
Seen between 2 April and 29 October, with a peak count of 18 on 23 August.
35 20 Max. daily count per month
30
Bird-day totals 25 15
20
15 10
10
5
5
0 0
F MAM J J A S OND
J
Five day periods
Five-day totals Max count
Butterfly-days 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Max. day count 330 620 1693 708 1415 1489 1196 407 483 298
19 131 199 113 296 19 122 18
First date 22/4 6/5 12/3 4/4 28/2 89 59 25/3 9/4 2/4
7/2 22/4
Vanessa cardui (Linnaeus, 1758) PAINTED LADY
Seen between 31 May and 29 October, with a peak count of 24 on 10 August.
35 30 Max. daily count per month
30
25 25
20
Bird-day totals 15 20
10
15
5
0 10
J 5
0
F MAM J J A S OND
Five day periods
Five-day totals Max count
Butterfly-days 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Max. day count 41 20 59 258 375 304 392 3659 27 142
3 3 9 12 34 49 42 926 5 24
First date 1/6 2/6 14/4 10/2 22/5 20/4 1/6 5/6 31/5
11/4
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STANSFIELD
Painted Lady © Steven Stansfield REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS
272
BUTTERFLIES
Aglais urticae (Linnaeus, 1758) SMALL TORTOISESHELL
Seen between 30 March and 29 October, with a peak count of 24 on 10 August.
Small Tortoiseshell © Steven Stansfield
80 35
60Bird-day totals
40 Max. daily count per month30
20
25
0
J 20
15
10
5
0
F MAM J J A S OND
Five day periods
Five-day totals Max count
Butterfly-days 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Max. day count 281 149 271 403 169 168 289 201 219 244
26 18 14 18 35 11 23 11 44 33
First date 2/3 6/4 17/3 22/3 13/3 12/3 8/4 23/3 22/3 22/3
Inachis io (Linnaeus, 1758) PEACOCK
There were two very distinct generations; the first from 30 March to 30 April, and the second from 12 July
to 27 September. The year’s peak count of 33 on came on 25 August.
Butterfly-days 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Max. day count 15 3 87 268 217 224 184 324 211 58
3 1 11 25 18 24 20 54 17 4
First date 10/3 30/3 9/3 8/4 23/3 22/3
25/3 8/4 15/3 22/3
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10 5 Max. daily count per month
8
6 4
4
Bird-day totals 2 3
0
J 2
1
0
F MAM J J A S OND
Five day periods
Five-day totals Max count
Lasiommata megera (Linnaeus, 1767) WALL
The only record of the year was a single at Cristin on 24 May. GRAYLING
Hipparchia semele (Linnaeus, 1758)
Seen from 15 July through to 10 August with a peak of 56 on 26 July.
Butterfly-days 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Max. day count 80 73 63 249 102 346 539 83 57 136
40 24 16 76 30 67 44 22 15 56
First date 8/7 1/7 16/7 12/7 21/6 28/6 15/7
24/7 13/7 11/7
Maniola jurtina (Linnaeus, 1758) MEADOW BROWN
Seen from 30 June through to 30 August with a peak of 223 on 3 August.
25 20 Max. daily count per month
20
Bird-day totals 15 15
10
10
5
0 5
J 0
F MAM J J A S OND
Five day periods
Five-day totals Max count
Butterfly-days 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Max. day count 714 363 615 1134 724 1712 3137 1551 417 1484
100 63 60 36 155 344 216 103 223
First date 5/7 9/7 23/6 82 23/6 17/6 23/6 22/6 1/7 30/6
29/6
Pyronia Tithonus (Linnaeus, 1758) GATEKEEPER
Singles were recorded at three sites on five dates between 5 and 10 August.
274 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS
BUTTERFLIES
4 REFERENCES
Fox, R., Brereton, T.M., Asher, J., August, T.A., Botham, M.S., Bourn, N.A.D., Cruickshanks, K.L., Bulman, C.R.,
Ellis, S., Harrower, C.A., Middlebrook, I., Noble, D.G., Powney, G.D., Randle, Z., Warren, M.S. &
Roy, D.B. 2015. The State of the UK’s Butterflies 2015. Butterfly Conservation and the Centre for
Ecology & Hydrology, Wareham, Dorset.
Jones, P.H., Phillips, Wood, J. & V. 1985. Butterflies at Bardsey in 1984. Rep. Bardsey Bird Fld. Obs.
28: 97-103.
Silcocks, A. F. 1998. Changes in butterfly populations on Bardsey 1994-1997. Rep. Bardsey Bird Fld. Obs.
41: 48-54.
Stansfield, S.D. 1999-2011. Unpublished reports to CCW for Grant Aided Work in 1998-2011.
Thomas, J. and Lewington, R. 1991. The Butterflies of Britain and Ireland. Dorling Kindersley. p.48.
Meadow Brown © Steven Stansfield 275
65: 264-275
Moths MOTHS
Ben Porter Annotated list of moths recorded during 2021
Robert Bithell and Fiona Bithell
230
Hummingbird Hawk-moth REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS
© Steven Stansfield
230
MOTHS
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1 INTRODUCTION
National interest in moths has increased in recent years and the resulting records form an important
contribution to biodiversity monitoring. The recording of moths has been undertaken at Bardsey Bird
Observatory since the 1950s, however, over the last few years there has been an increase in popularity
due to ‘Moth Mornings’ at Cristin which provide a significant educational contribution, promoting
wider knowledge and an understanding of species and their habitats to visitors.
2 METHODS
In previous years a variety of traps have been used from 6W battery operated Actinic Heath traps,
through to 240v 125W Mercury Vapour traps. Since the Observatory stopped using the MV traps in
2017, a 240v twin 30W Actinic Robinson light trap had been located in the rear gardens at Cristin and,
weather permitting, was run on a nightly basis from staff arrival in March to the end of the season in
late October. This year, issues with the 30W trap, and power interruption due to the installation and
set-up of the new solar array, necessitated the use of a 6W battery-operated Actinic trap. Whilst less
powerful than the Robinson trap, the Heath trap has the advantage of being portable, and can be
sited in a variety of locations to take maximum advantage of weather conditions. Visiting moth
enthusiasts also used their own portable traps when staying at different locations on the island,
enabling a greater number of records across multiple sites. From October a new 240V powered 20W
Actinic setup was used with the Robinson trap (see image below) and a 12V 5W Ultraviolet LED bulb
was used.
Records were then transferred to a database and collated for analysis and report writing. The
nomenclature follows that of Bradley (2000).
20W Actinic Robinson Trap © Steven Stansfield
Field sightings were also recorded, including moths attracted to light in the toilets or buildings or
day-flying moths located by staff, volunteers and visitors. Daytime searches were also made for
species such as Thrift Clearwing. Sugaring and other methods such as lures were not used this year.
Due to the increased number of Heath traps available, a total of 176 trapping nights was undertaken
this year, 118 of which were sited at Cristin. Other trap sites included Cristin, Carreg, Nant and Tŷ Capel
Withies, also garden areas at Plas, Tŷ Bach, Hendy and Nant, the Plantation, the Schoolhouse, Traeth
Fynnon, the Green Lane and Pen Cristin. A single trapping night on 31 March was the first of the year.
Only seven trapping nights occurred in April due to issues with the portable battery, followed by 33
in May, 35 in July, 36 in August, 39 in September, and 11 nights in October when poor weather forced
the final trap on 16th.
278 REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS
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Black Arches © Steven Stansfield 279
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3 RESULTS
2021 HIGHLIGHTS
• Nine new species were added to the island list, Elachista albifrontella, Eudonia
mercurella, The Spinach, Clouded Magpie, Brussels Lace, Black Arches, Scarce
Bordered Straw, Shaded Broad-bar and Large Ranunculus
• Five Lunar Hornet Moths were observed in Cristin Withy; last recorded on the island
in 1992
• The second record of Acrobasis advenella Dark Spinach, Small Blood Vein, Least Black
Arches and Svensson’s Copper Underwing
• The second and third records of Blood Vein
• The second to seventh records of Treble Bar – this may have now colonised
• The third record of Frosted Orange
• The third and fourth records of Agonopterix conterminella
• The first record since 1996 of Feathered Gothic
There was a marked increase in the number of species of moth recorded this year, with a total of 242
species recorded, 76 of which were micro-moths and 164 macro-moths. Two new micro and seven
new macro species were recorded for the island: Elachista albifrontella, Eudonia mercurella, The
Spinach, Clouded Magpie, Brussels Lace, Black Arches, Scarce Bordered Straw, Shaded Broad-bar
and Large Ranunculus.
The increase in the number of records and species recorded in 2021 can be attributed to the greater
number of trapping nights and the availability of multiple Heath traps which could be deployed
simultaneously to trap moths from several locations. However, for some species, the number of
individuals recorded was substantially lower than in previous years, possibly the result of due to the
failure of the more powerful Robinson trap to attract moths in greater numbers. The introduction of
the new 20W and UV LED bulbs came too late in the season to impact on numbers as fewer species
in smaller quantities were flying at this time. The full impact of these bulbs will be observed in 2022.
Total species recorded 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Macro-moths 244 245 292 256 230 238 292 169 141 242
Micro-moths 156 158 185 164 164 154 178 139 110 164
88 87 107 92 66 84 114 30 32 76
Brussels Lace © Steven Stansfield REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS
280
MOTHS
3.1 SYSTEMATIC LIST
New species for the island are indicated by an asterisk (*)
Hepialidae ORANGE SWIFT
15 Hepialus sylvina (Linnaeus, 1761)
A total of nine was recorded over nine nights between 10 and 31 August at Cristin, with a peak of five
on 26th in the Withies. A further two were trapped in September with the last on 6th at Nant.
17 Hepialus lupulinus (Linnaeus, 1761) COMMON SWIFT
Five were trapped over four nights with singles on 12 and 16 June at Cristin, with a further single at
Hendy on 27 June and two more at Nant on 2 July.
18 Hepialus fusconebulosa (DeGeer, 1778) MAP-WINGED SWIFT
After a poor year last year, a total of 31 moths was recorded over 18 dates between 1 June and 1 August.
There were 14 trapped at Cristin with five on 29 June and a single recorded in the Plantation on 28
June. There were 14 recorded in July with the peak of four at Nant on 3 July. Two were then trapped
in Cristin Withy on 1 August.
Map-winged Swift © Steven Stansfield
Zygaenidae SIX-SPOT BURNET
169 Zygaena filipendulae (Linnaeus, 1758)
A total of 210 moth-days of this day-flyer was recorded this year between the 20 June and 30 July,
with a peak count of 55 on 19 July.
Tineidae YELLOW BACKED CLOTHES
229 Monopis Obviella (Denis and Schiffermüller, 1775) MOTH
Single record trapped on 21 September in the Green Lane. This species is not normally attracted to
light so may be overlooked and under-recorded.
Gracillariidae
288 Caloptilia stigmatella (Fabricius, 1781)
A single was recorded at Cristin on 15 July.
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293 Gracillaria syringella (Fabricus, 1794)
One was trapped at Nant on 7 September.
Sesiidae LUNAR HORNET MOTH
371 Sesia bembeciformis (Hübner, 1806)
Five were seen during the day on 20 July in Cristin Withy: only the third record for the island, with the
first record being 7 July 1984 and another on 6 July 1992,.
383 Synansphecia muscaeformis (Esper, 1783) THRIFT CLEARWING
Only one individual of this scarce day-flying species was sighted this year, on 24 June on the South
End.
Thrift Clearwing © Steven Stansfield
Choreutidae NETTLE-TAP
385 Anthophila fabriciana (Linnaeus, 1767)
A single was recorded at Cristin on 29 September, reflecting the decline of the species on the island
in recent years.
Argyrestthiidae
417 Argyresthia spinosella (Stainton, 1849)
A single was recorded on 12 June at Cristin.
425 Yponomeuta padella (Linnaeus, 1758) ORCHARD ERMINE
A total of four moths thought to be of this species was caught, however dissection is needed to
confirm identification. Two were trapped on 19 July at Cristin, with a further single on 21 July. A single
was trapped in Cristin Withy on 1 August.
Plutellidae DIAMOND-BACK MOTH
464 Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758)
Six were recorded in total on five nights. Three were recorded in June: singles on 2nd on the
Mountain, and at Pen Cristin on 4th and 6th. A further two were trapped at Tŷ Bach on 3 August and
the last at Plas on 31st.
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Lunar Hornet Moths © Steven Stansfield 283
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544 Coleophora albicosta (Haworth, 1828)
Singles were trapped at Cristin on 4, 7 and 12 June, and were the first records since 2015.
597 Elachista atricomella (Stainton, 1849)
One single recorded on 7 September at Nant was the first since 2018.
601 Elachista albifrontella (Hübner, 1817) *
One trapped at Cristin on 12 July was the first record for the island. Another, also at Cristin, on 15 July
and was the second for Bardsey.
641 Batia lambdella (Donovan, 1793)
Ten were recorded at Cristin over six nights between 29 June and 27 July, with a peak of three trapped
on 21 July.
647 Hofmannophila pseudospretella (Stainton, 1849) BROWN HOUSE-MOTH
Three singles were trapped on 10 and 19 August and 3 September, all at Cristin.
648 Endrosis sarcitrella (Linnaeus, 1758) WHITE-SHOULDERED HOUSE-MOTH
There were six records this year. Singles were trapped at Cristin on 17 June and at the Plantation on
28 June, two were recorded at Plas on 31 August and a further two at Cristin on 1 September.
672 Depressaria radiella (Goeze, 1783) PARSNIP MOTH
There was a total of three recorded, all at Nant during September, with two trapped on 6th and a
single on 7th.
688 Agonopterix heracliana (Linnaeus, 1758)
A total of 30 was recorded over 14 nights between 11 July and 31 August, 15 in each month, with a
maximum count of five on 23 July in Cristin front garden and a further five on 1 August at Cristin.
None had been recorded in the previous two years.
692 Agonopterix subpropinquella (Stainton, 1849)
A total of five singles was recorded between 2 August and 20 September. Moths came from traps at
Cristin on 23 and 25 August and 16 September. A further two singles were caught at Nant on 1
September and at Cristin Withy on 20th.
695 Agonopterix alstromeriana (Clerck,1759)
There were two singles recorded: on 19 August at Cristin and at Nant on 5 September, the first since
2018.
705 Agonopterix umbellana (Fabricius, 1794)
Six were recorded at Cristin over five nights between 15 July and 10 August which were the first
records since 2018.
706 Agonopterix nervosa (Haworth, 1811)
A total of 37 was recorded at Cristin over 13 traps between 17 July and 18 August, with 31 trapped
during July and the peak of 12 trapped on 2nd.
710 Agonopterix conterminella (Zeller, 1839)
Singles recorded on 24 July in Carreg Withy and at Cristin on 27 July were the third and fourth records
for Bardsey.
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MOTHS
714 Agonopterix yeatiana (Fabricius, 1781)
Three singles were recorded between 15 July and 15 September at Cristin, and a single was trapped
at Traeth Fynnon on 31 August.
776 Teleiopsis diffinis (Haworth,1828)
Seven of this frequently overlooked species were recorded in August, with a single on 12th at Cristin
and the peak of six at Plas on 31st.
789 Bryotropha domestica (Haworth, 1828)
Two were recorded on 19th August at Cristin.
792 Mirificama mullinella (Zeller, 1839)
Three were recorded: the first at Plas on 31 August, the second at Cristin on 1 September, and the last
trapped at Nant on 6 September. The last record for this species was in 2016.
Blastobasidae
873 Blastobasis adustella (Walsingham, 1894)
A total of 261 was trapped between 9 July and 7 September. The peak count of 45 was recorded at
Cristin on 26 July followed by August’s maximum of 44 on 7th, also at Cristin. A peak count of four
was recorded at Nant on 7 September. Numbers of this species have been steadily growing since the
first was trapped in 1999.
Tortricidae
937 Agapeta hamana (Linnaeus, 1758)
The only record of this bright yellow micro was on 24 July in Carreg Withy.
945 Aethes cnicana (Westwood, 1854)
A single presumed to be this species was taken at Cristin on 1 July; however, dissection would be
required to confirm identification.
966 Cochylis atricapitana (Stephens, 1852)
One was recorded at Cristin on 27 August; however, gen. det is required to confirm identification.
970 Pandemis cerasana (Hübner, 1786) BARRED FRUIT-TREE TORTRIX
In total, 47 were recorded between 1 July and 7 September. July and August each saw totals of 23,
with the peak of nine trapped on 11 July at Cristin, and August’s peak of six trapped in Cristin Withy
on 1st.
972 Pandemis heparana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) D A R K F R U I T - T R E E T O R T R I X
There was a total of 24 recorded this year trapped over nine nights between 19 July and 5 September.
July saw a total of 16 individuals with a peak of five on 20th at Cristin.
981 Archips rosana (Linnaeus, 1758) ROSE TORTRIX
There was a greater number of records this year than 2020 with a total of 74 trapped during July and
August, 67 of which were recorded in July with a peak of eight on 20th at Cristin.
998 Epiphyas postvittana (Walker 1863) LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH
A total of 14 was recorded between 19 May and 10 October. All were singles, 11 of which were caught
at Cristin, with others trapped at Pen Cristin on 27 June, Tŷ Bach on 1 July and in the Green Lane on
21 September.
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1011 Pseudargyrotoza conwagana (Fabricius, 1775)
A single was recorded at Cristin on 18 July.
1035 Acleris bergmanniana (Linnaeus, 1758)
A single was trapped at Cristin on 14 July, with a further 12 on 21st.
1038 Acleris laterana (Fabricius, 1794)
Two were trapped on both 30 and 31 August.
1042 Acleris rhombana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) RHOMBOID TORTRIX
Two were recorded on 18 August at the Schoolhouse and singles on 6 and 7 September at Nant.
1043 Acleris aspersana (Hübner, [1817])
A single was recorded at Cristin on 25 July.
1048 Acleris variegana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) GARDEN ROSE TORTRIX
One was trapped at Cristin on 31 July.
1076 Celypha lacunana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)
Two were recorded: on 19 June at Cristin and on 1 August in Cristin Withy.
1082 Hedya pruniana (Hübner, [1799]) PLUM TORTRIX
A total of 49 was recorded this year. 11 were logged over six dates between 4 and 29 June, and 38
during July with the peak of nine on 4th at Cristin. The exceptional crop of Damsons this year at
Cristin will have been a significant attraction for this Damson specialist.
1087 Orthotaenia undulana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)
During June and July 24 moths recorded. Following singles trapped on 29 and 30 June at Cristin;
moths were trapped on 13 nights in July, with a peak of four on 3rd.
1089 Apotomis semifasciana (Haworth, 1811)
Two were recorded this year on 1 August in Cristin Withy.
1138 Epinotia nisella (Clerck, 1759)
A single recorded at Nant on 30 August was the eighth record for the island.
1154 Epinotia caprana (Fabricius, 1758)
A single recorded at Nant on 30 August was the only record of the year.
1175 Epiblema uddmanniana (Linnaeus, 1758) BRAMBLE SHOOT MOTH
There were 56 records this year. A total of four was recorded in June, on 29th and 30th. In July 46 were
trapped with a peak of five at Cristin on 17th. There were a further two records: one on 1 August when
five were caught in Cristin Withy, and a single at Cristin on 4th.
1201 Eucosma cana (Haworth, 1811)
There were six records in June, with singles on 27th at Hendy, 29 at Cristin and the Plantation on 30
June. A further single was caught on 8 July and two on 12th, all at Cristin.
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MOTHS
1205 Spilonota ocellana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) BUD MOTH
Although were not confirmed using gen. det., three were recorded: two on 20 July in Cristin Withy
and one on 22nd at Cristin. These were the second to fourth records for Bardsey.
1247 Grapholita funebrana (Treitschke, 1835) PLUM FRUIT MOTH
Two were trapped on 30 June, one at Cristin and one at the Plantation, and were followed by singles
at Cristin on 3 and 4 July.
Crambidae GARDEN GRASS VENEERR
1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella (Linnaeus, 1758)
There were 24 trapped between mid-June and 4 August. Three singles on 16, 29 and 30 June were
caught at Cristin, a further seven of 17 moths in July, with peaks of six at Cristin Withy on 24 July and
a further six at Cristin on 27 July. In August there were singles on 1st at Cristin Withy with the final
two caught at Cristin on 4th.
1302 Crambus perlella (Scopoli, 1763)
A record number of 24 was trapped between 28 June and 4 September. Three were recorded at the
Plantation on 28 June, eight were recorded over seven dates in July, with a peak of nine at Carreg
Withy on 24th. Two were trapped on 29 August in the Green Lane, with singles on 31 August at Plas
and 4 September at Cristin.
1304 Agriphila straminella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)
One on 24 June at Cristin was the only record this year of this previously common moth.
1305 Agriphila tristella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)
In total 15 were trapped this year. The peak count of three was on 24 July at Carreg Withy. There were
11 caught over eight dates in August, eight of which were at Cristin with a single at the Schoolhouse
on 18th and two trapped in the Green Lane on 29th. A final single was recorded at Cristin on 1
September.
1309 Agriphila geniculea (Haworth, 1811)
Ten were caught this year. The peak count of eight was recorded on 31 August at Plas with singles
trapped on 1 September at Cristin and at Nant on 9th.
1338 Eudonia Lacustrata (Panzer, 1804)
A total of 53 was recorded over 19 dates between 3 July and 30 August. There were 48 trapped during
July, with the peak of seven at Cristin on 27th. Singles were recorded at Tŷ Bach on 3 August, at Cristin
on 4th, 16th and 19th and another at Nant on 30th.
1340 Eudonia truncicolella (Stainton, 1849)
One was trapped at Cristin on 26 June; however, dissection would be required to confirm the record.
1341 Eudonia lineola (Curtis, 1827)
Singles were trapped at Cristin on 20 and 22 July.
1342 Eudonia angustea (Curtis, 1827)
In total 20 were recorded over ten dates between 19 August and 13 October. All were singles except
for the peak count of 11 at Cristin on 15 September.
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1344 Eudonia mercurella (Linnaeus, 1758) *
Singles were recorded on 23 August at Cristin and 6 September at Nant. These were first and second
records for the island.
1365 Pyrausta despicata (Scopoli, 1763)
There were low numbers this year of both generations, with 12 recorded in total. Three were caught
on 5 May at Pen Cristin, with a single on the East Side on 21st. A single was recorded on 25 August at
Traeth Ffynnon and the peak count of seven on 31st, was also at Traeth Fynnon.
1376 Anania hortulata (Linnaeus, 1758) SMALL MAGPIE
Singles were caught on 1 July at Tŷ Bach with a further record at Cristin on 14 July.
1378 Anania coronata (Hufnagel, 1767) ELDERBERRY PEARL
One trapped at Cristin on 20 July was the sixth record for the island.
1385 Anania crocealis (Hübner, 1796)
A total of four singles were trapped; on 19 and 23 July, on 3 August at Cristin and at Traeth Fynnon on
31 August.
1390 Udea Prunalis ([Denis and Schiffermüller], 1775)
There were eight records over five dates between 17 July and 2 August, all at Cristin, with the peak of
three on 20 July.
1395 Udea ferrugalis (Hübner, 1796) RUSTY-DOT PEARL
There were five individuals of this migrant species recorded. Singles were trapped on 31 August at
Traeth Ffynnon, and at Cristin on 10 and 16 October. Two more were seen on 9 October at Cristin and
the South End.
1398 Nomophila noctuella ([Denis and Schiffermüller], 1775) RUSH VENEER
There were 14 individuals of this coastal migrant recorded, with the first on 19 August, and then nine
in September, with a peak count of five on 15th. A further four were seen on the South End on 11
October.
1405 Pleuroptya ruralis (Scopoli, 1763) MOTHER OF PEARL
Singles were caught at Cristin on five dates between 8 July and 3 September. A further individual was
trapped at Traeth Fynnon on 31 August.
1424 Endotricha flammealis ([Denis and Schiffermüller], 1775)
Six were recorded this year, all at Cristin: a total of five in July with an individual caught on 21 and two
each on the 23rd and 26th; a further individual was recorded on 13 August.
Pyralidae BEE MOTH
1428 Aphomia sociella (Scopoli, 1763)
There were three in July at Cristin; a single on 19th and two on 20th.
1439 Acrobasis advenella (Zinken, 1818)
One recorded at Cristin on 29 August was the second record for Bardsey.
1442 Pempelia palumbella ([Denis and Schiffermüller], 1775)
A single was trapped at Cristin on 27 July.
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MOTHS
1484 Phycitodes saxicola (Vaughan, 1870)
An single trapped on 4 September at Cristin is the second record for the island, although dissection
would be necessary to confirm identification.
1497 Amblyptilia acanthadactyla (Hübner, [1813]) BEAUTIFUL PLUME
One was recorded at Cristin on 18 September.
1524 Emmelina monodactyla (Linnaeus, 1758) COMMON PLUME
The first was on 1 April at Cristin. Four were trapped in July, singles at Nant on 2nd, and at Cristin on
18th, 20th and 21st, with a final individual, also at Cristin, on 27 August.
Lasiocampidae LACKEY
1634 Malacosoma neustria (Linnaeus, 1758)
A total of 272 was recorded this year between 29 June and 4 August of which 264 were recorded in
June, mostly at Cristin with the peak of 65 trapped at Cristin on 11 July. Elsewhere, a single was caught
at Tŷ Capel Withy on 29 June, two were at Tŷ Bach on 1 July, with seven trapped at Carreg Withy on
24 July.
Lackey Moth and caterpillar © Steven Stansfield
1637 Lasiocampa quercus callunae (Linnaeus, 1758) NORTHERN EGGAR
Four singles were recorded in July: the first at Carreg Withy on 24th, another on the Mountain on
26th, one at Cristin on 27th and another at the North End on 31st.
1640 Euthrix potatoria (Linnaeus, 1758) DRINKER
In total 28 were recorded this year between 15 July and 5 Sept. there were 27 trapped over nine dates
in July, mostly at Cristin, with peak counts of six at Cristin on 23rd, and a further six at Carreg Withy
on 26th. The last record was a single trapped at Nant on 5 September.
Drepanidae CHINESE CHARACTER
1651 Cilix glaucata (Scopoli, 1763)
A single was recorded at Cristin on 28 August.
1652 Thyatira batis (Linnaeus, 1758) PEACH BLOSSOM
In total 11 were recorded. The first was trapped at the Plantation on 30 June. Ten were trapped over
eight dates in July, all at Cristin, the last being on 23rd.
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1653 Habrosyne pyritoides (Hufnagel, 1766) BUFF ARCHES
A total 21 were recorded during July, all at Cristin, with peak counts of three on both 14th and 15th.
Geometridae GRASS EMERALD
1665 Pseudoterpna pruinata (Waler, 1863)
July saw twelve recorded over eight dates between 3rd and 25th, all attracted to the Cristin trap, with
the peak count of four on 3rd.
1682 Timandra comae (Schmidt, 1931) BLOOD-VEIN
The first of two singles were recorded on 13 May at Cristin and the second at Nant on 30 August, these
were the second and third records for this species, following the first record in August 2018.
Blood Vein © Steven Stansfield
1689 Scopula marginepunctata (Goeze, 1781) MULLEIN WAVE
In total, 71 were recorded this year between 5 June and 17 September. During the first period of flying
in June and July, 18 were trapped, mostly singles at Cristin. The second flight period in August and
September yielded greater numbers: 27 were recorded in August, with the peak count of 19 from two
traps at Traeth Fynnon (13) and Plas (six) on 31st. September saw a total of 26 caught over nine dates
at Cristin and Nant, with the peak count of five at Cristin on 1st. The previous highest total for this
species was 24 in both 2016 and 2018.
1690 Scopula imitaria (Hübner, [1799]) SMALL BLOOD VEIN
A single record of one caught at Cristin on 11 July was the second record for Bardsey.
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1702 Idaea biselata (Hufnagel, 1767) SMALL FAN-FOOTED WAVE
Two were trapped, both at Cristin: the first on 26 July and the second on 4 September.
1708 Idaea dimidiata (Hufnagel, 1767) SINGLE-DOTTED WAVE
Three individuals were trapped during July, all at Cristin. Numbers for this species appear to be
declining on the island due to a scarcity of common food plants.
1713 Idaea aversata (Linnaeus, 1758) RIBAND WAVE
In total 22 were caught this year over 11 dates between 29 June and 4 August. Other than a single at
the Plantation on 30 June, all other records were at Cristin. July saw a total of 19 with the peak count
of five on 19th.
1722 Xanthorhoe designata (Hufnagel, 1767) FLAME CARPET
Two were recorded at Nant on 30 August.
1724 Xanthorhoe spadicearia ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) R E D T W I N - S P O T C A R P E T
Three were recorded, all at Cristin: one on 27 July, the second on 23 August with the final one being
on 25th.
1727 Xanthorhoe montanata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) S I L V E R - G R O U N D C A R P E T
Only one was recorded this year, on 28 June at the Plantation.
1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata (Linnaeus, 1758) GARDEN CARPET
A total of 26 was recorded this year between 18 May and 15 September. A total of 11 was recorded in
August with the peak count of four on 30th. Of these four, one was trapped at Cristin and three at
Nant. This was the highest total since 24 were trapped during 2008. There was only one record in
2019 and also in 2020.
1732 Scotopteryx chenopodiata (Linnaeus, 1758) * SHADED BROAD-BAR
One individual was attracted to light at Cristin on 22 July. This was the first record for Bardsey.
1738 Epirrhoe alternata (Müller, 1764) COMMON CARPET
In total 32 were caught this year, which is an increase in numbers from six recorded last year and
none in 2019. A single was trapped on 19 May at Cristin. Two singles were recorded in June, the first
at Hendy on 27th and the second at the Plantation on 28th. A total of 18 was trapped at Cristin during
July with the peak count of four on 21st. August saw a scattering of records: at Cristin Withy on 1st,
Cristin on 25th, the Green Lane on 29th, Nant on 30th and at Plas on 31st. The last record was of two
at Cristin on 4 September.
1740 Epirrhoe galiata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) GALIUM CARPET
In total 19 were recorded this year over 11 dates between 12 June and 25 August. All were at Cristin,
bar a single in Cristin Withy on 1 August. August saw the greatest number (nine), with the peak count
of four on 25th.
1742 Camptogramma bilineata (Linnaeus, 1758) YELLOW SHELL
Three individuals were trapped this year. The first was on 24 June at Cristin, the second on 29 June at
Tŷ Capel Withy and the last was at Cristin on 4 September.
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1749 Perluga comitata (Linnaeus, 1758)
One caught on 21 July at Cristin was the second record for Bardsey.
Dark Spinach © Steven Stansfield
1752 Cosmorhoe ocellata (Linnaeus, 1758) PURPLE BAR
A total of 37 was recorded over 22 dates between 13 June and 15 September. There was a greater
number of second-generation moths recorded. A monthly total of 15 was recorded in September with
the peak count of six trapped at Cristin on 1st.
1757 Eulithis mellinata (Fabricius, 1787) * THE SPINACH
One caught on 21 June at Cristin was a new record for the island.
1758 Gandaritis pyraliata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) BARRED STRAW
Two individuals recorded on 19 and 20 July at Cristin were the fifth and sixth records for Bardsey.
1759 Ecliptopera silaceata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) SMALL PHOENIX
A single recorded on 27 August at Cristin became the fifth record for the island; the last was recorded
in 2014.
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