Bardsey's Wildlife 2022

249 NON - AVIAN FAUN A 6 6 : 2 4 0 - 2 5 3 M A M J J A S O Max. count 1 3 2 1 1 3 5 1 Daily totals 2 10 1 1 1 21 10 2 Days recorded 2 7 1 1 1 14 4 2 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 12 on 16 April. M A M J J A S O Max. count 9 12 8 5 7 5 4 0 Daily totals 14 72 8 7 20 41 9 0 Days recorded 2 12 1 2 5 13 3 0 Lissotriton helveticus (Razoumowsky, 1789) PALMATE NEWT There were a number of sightings this year, but no specific monitoring took place and numbers were never high. 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 J F M A M J J A S O N D Max. daily count per month Bird-day totals Five day periods Five-day totals Max count Palmate Newt © Ollie King

250 KING & STANSFIELD REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS. Spinachia spinachia (Linnaeus, 1758) FIFTEEN - SPINED STICKLEBACK There were two records of this species this year with a single on 12 August and five on 13th, both at Cafn. Labrus bergylta (Ascanius, 1767) BALLAN WRASSE This species is frequently encountered in shallow marine waters around the UK. There were 11 records in total across July and August, with a peak count of eight in Henllwyn on 13 July. Lipophrys pholis (Razoumowsky, 1789) COMMON BLENNY Individuals were recorded on rock-pooling excursions on 31 March and 7 April, and then in August there were six records in the waters at Cafn and Ogof Las. Nerophis lumbriciformis (Jenyns, 1835) WORM PIPEFISH A single count of four was made in Solfach when rock-pooling on 18 April. 3.2 INVERTERBRATES 3.2.1 ODONATA - DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES Ischnura elegans (Vander Linden, 1820) BLUE - TAILED DAMSELFLY The first record of the year was a single in the Wetlands on 27 May. June saw two records: one by Pwll Gareth on 2nd and six in the same location on 22nd, which was the highest count of the year. There was only one further record of an individual, on 16 July. Aeshna mixta (Latreille, 1805) MIGRANT HAWKER This species was recorded every month from June to October. The first was on 7 June, and then a single was recorded in July. August saw nine days with records, with a maximum of two individuals present on 29th. In September there were five records with two at Nant on 13th, and the last of the year was recorded on 20 October. Anax imperator Leach, 1815 EMPEROR DRAGONFLY There were three records this year, with two singles in August, on 27th at the South End and 31st in the Wetlands. A male was seen by Pwll Gareth on 2 September. Sympetrum striolatum (Charpentier, 1840) COMMON DARTER A single male was seen at Nant Pond on 21,22 and 23 October. 3.2.2 COLEOPTERA – BEETLES Nicrophorus sp. Linnaeus, 1758 SEXTON BEETLE SP. Sexton Beetles were caught in the moth trap at Cristin throughout the year with numbers peaking in July and August. Cicindela campestris Linnaeus, 1758 GREEN TIGER BEETLE This striking beetle was recorded in singles on three days in May at Pen Cristin and the East Side. A large emergence was also noted in Cristin front garden on 7 August.

251 NON - AVIAN FAUN A 6 6 : 2 4 0 - 2 5 3 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 2022, specimens were seen from March through to October. The highest count was on 19 July with four recorded at the North End and Cristin. Rhagonycha fulva (Scopoli, 1763) COMMON RED SOLDIER BEETLE Many were seen again this year, but no specific counts were made. Records came predominantly from Nant when netting for moths at night, alongside the wetland areas in the centre of the island. They were often seen feeding on umbellifers such as Cow Parsley Anthriscus sylvestris. Geotrupes stercorarius (Linnaeus, 1758) DOR BEETLE This species was frequently caught in the moth trap at Cristin, with numbers peaking in August. Typhaeus typhoeus (Linnaeus, 1758) MINOTAUR BEETLE A dead specimen was found on Pen Cristin on 20 April, with a live one seen at Traeth Fynnon at night in July. Ocypus olens (O. F. Müller, 1764) DEVIL’S COACH HORSE Singles were recorded on two dates in August and September. 3.2.3 HYMENOPTERA – BEES, WASPS AND ANTS 3.2.3.1 APIDAE – BUMBLEBEES AND HONEYBEES Bombus lucorum agg. (Linnaeus, 1758) WHITE - TAILED BUMBLEBEE Records of White-tailed Bumblebees are referred to here as ‘Bombus lucorum aggregates’ due to possible confusion in the field with the very similar B. cryptarum and B. magnus. This is one of five regularly occurring bumblebees on Bardsey, but of these lucorum agg. appears to be the least numerous. Sightings of this species came predominantly from Cristin. Bombus hortorum (Linnaeus, 1761) GARDEN BUMBLEBEE This species was most frequently seen around the gardens of Cristin and Tŷ Pellaf between June and August. Bombus terrstris (Linnaeus, 1758) BUFF - TAILED BUMBLEBEE This species was recorded between March and July this year, with all records coming from the west side of the Mountain. Bombus pascuorum (Scopoli, 1763) COMMON CARDER - BEE Favouring the Lavender Lavandula sp. and Fuchsia Fuchsia sp. flowers in Cristin garden, this species was frequently sighted between March and August. 3.2.3.2 ANDRENIDAE – MINING BEES Andrena bicolor (Fabricius, 1775) GWYNNE’S MINING BEE Individuals were seen entering the sandy banks either side of the main track between Tŷ Pellaf and Cristin, most frequently in April and May.

252 KING & STANSFIELD REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS. 3.2.3.3 ICHNEUMONIDAE – ICHNEUMON WASPS Pimpla rufipes (Miller, 1759) BLACK SLIP WASP This striking parasitoid ichneumon wasp was often sighted around Cristin in July and August, occasionally being caught in the moth trap. 3.2.4 MISCELLANEOUS INVERTEBRATES MYRIAPODS AND ISOPODS CHILOPODS – CENTIPEDES Lithobius forficatus (Linne, 1758) Specimens were recorded at Cristin in the toilets and under stones in the herb garden on 31 March. DIPLOPODS – MILLIPEDES Glomeris marginata (Villers, 1789) COMMON PILL MILLIPEDE Individuals were seen on a wall in Cristin toilets on 11 April. Cylindroiulus punctatus (Leach, 1815) BLUNT - TAILED SNAKE MILLIPEDE Individuals were noted on the walls of the Cristin toilets in April. Lithobius forficatus (Linne, 1758) An individual was sighted at Cristin on 31 March. Tachypodoiulus niger (Leach, 1814) WHITE - LEGGED MILLIPEDE Individuals were noted under stones in the garden walls at Cristin on 1 April. ISOPODS – WOODLICE Ligia oceanica (Linnaeus, 1767) SEA SLATER Individuals were most frequently seen in the North Hide throughout the year, as well as under stones at the Boathouse. Oniscus asellus (Linnaeaus, 1758) COMMON 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, white woodlouse was first found on Bardsey at the Lime Kiln in October 1995 (Arnold, 1996). Loxton (2000) found the species in an ant nest by the track between the Lime Kiln and Cristin in April 1999, and Else (2010) found it to be common in ant nests under stones at the two aforementioned locations, as well as in Cristin back garden, along the track to Nant and by the Chapel during 2009. All four of this year’s records came from beneath stones at Cristin. Two of the counts involved singlefigure numbers, with six present on both 2 and 20 April, but higher totals involved 29 individuals on 4th and 22 on 8th.

253 NON - AVIAN FAUN A 6 6 : 2 4 0 - 2 5 3 Porcellio scaber (Latreille, 1804) COMMON ROUGH WOODLOUSE Two records were logged at Cristin, with counts of ten and 20 on 31 March and 4 April respectively. Porcellio spinicornis Say, 1818 PAINTED WOODLOUSE Individuals were found at Cristin in late March and early April. Armadillidium vulgare (Lagrielle, 1804) COMMON PILL WOODLOUSE Individuals were present under stones at Cristin on 31 March. TRICHOPTERA – CADDISFLIES Stenophylax permistus (Kollenati, 1848) This caddisfly species was often found within the moth trap throughout the year, with a peak count of eight recorded on 2 April. CNIDARIA Cyanea lamarckii Péron & Leseur, 1810 BLUE JELLYFISH Individuals were encountered in the waters at Cafn and Henllwyn in July and August, as well as a single sighting in Ogof Diban on 17 July. Chrysaora hysoscella (Linnaeus, 1776) COMPASS JELLYFISH This species was the most frequently encountered jellyfish with eight records logged across July and August, and a peak count of five recorded in Henllwyn on 13 July. Aurelia aurita (Linnaeus, 1758) MOON JELLYFISH There were three records between August and September, with a peak count of four seen in Henllwyn on 12 September. Aequorea victoria (Murbach & Shearer, 1902) CRYSTAL JELLYFISH Previously a rare vagrant in British waters, this species has been recorded around the UK with increasing frequency over the last decade. A single individual was sighted in Henllwyn on 6 July. 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 25 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

254 KING & STANSFIELD REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS. TREMELLA ASPICILIAE A new species of lichen parasymbiont found on Bardsey Dr Anthony Fletcher Lichens on the Mountain © Andrew Pollard

255 NON - AVIAN FAUN A 6 6 : 2 4 0 - 2 5 3

256 FLETCHER REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS. 1 INTRODUCTION Lichens frequently include fungi additional to the main symbiont. These are often called 'lichenicolous fungi', 'parasymbionts' or even parasites. A number of them have been recorded on various lichen species on Bardsey and have been included in the lists published in previous Bardsey Bird Observatory reports from 1986 onwards. The great majority of lichens are Ascomycete fungi, related to the cup fungi, Morels, etc. Only a small number of lichens are Basidiomycetes, which include the familiar mushrooms and toadstools and bracket fungi. This new parasymbiont is a Basidiomycete with an Ascomycete lichen as host. Figure 1 shows on the left, the shiny, pale grey, angular areoles of the host lichen, Aspicilia caesiocinerea, while on the right is the part occupied by the Tremella. The lichen thallus has become grossly distorted such that the areoles are swollen, rounded and have a dusty, non-shiny appearance. The centre of the photograph shows (arrowed) swollen warts or pustules occupied by the fertile structures of Tremella. 2 THE GENUS TREMELLA The genus Tremella, often called 'jelly fungi', is usually found free-living on rotting wood and members are often highly coloured. Over 100 species are known, many being parasitic on other fungi. The fruit bodies are gelatinous and usually contain globose basidia, divided into four cells, each of which bears a long epibasidium which bears an oval basidiospore. Usually these terminal basidiospores are round or ovoid, but in T. aspiciliae they are not produced and the deciduous epibasidium is distinctly banana-shaped and acts as a basidiospore. "This species is remarkable by the very regular ellipsoid, cruciately septate, 4-celled basidia producing deciduous epibasidia that obviously act as diaspores, while basidiospore production has not been observed” (Diederich, et al. 2022) 3 TYPE SPECIMEN It was found on breccia on the open summit of Bardsey at 160m, by A. Fletcher, 10 September 2003. Since Aspicilia caesiocinerea and other Aspicilias are frequent on Bardsey's rocks, especially on the mountain, further specimens of this new parasymbiont may well exist. The Bardsey specimen is the holotype on which the new name is based. Bardsey Island is its type locality and is the only known world location. The holotype specimen is kept in the Herbarium of Leicestershire Museums Service (LSR X.B8.2005.123). 4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The photograph was kindly provided by Dr Paul Diederich and was published in the original publication of Diederich, et al. (2022). Authorisation accords with the statement "This work is licenced under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike) International License." 4 REFERENCES Diederich, Coppins & A. Fletcher, Tremella aspiciliae sp. nov. In Diederich, P., Millanes, A.M, Wedin, M, & Lawrey J.D. 2022. Flora of Lichenicolous Fungi, Vol. 1, Basidio-mycota. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg, p. 138-140.

257 A NEW SPECIES OF LICHEN PARASYMBIONT 6 5 : 2 5 4 - 2 5 7 Fig. 1 Tremella aspiciliae marked with red arrows

258 KING & STANSFIELD REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS. BUTTERFLIES Annotated species list of butterflies in 2022 Ollie King and Steven Stansfield Clouded Yellow © Ollie King

259 A NEW SPECIES OF LICHEN PARASYMBIONT 6 5 : 2 5 4 - 2 5 7

260 KING & STANSFIELD REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS. 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 such as Peacock, have become more numerous, 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 2022 were analysed and are summarised in the following systematic list and the accompanying tables. 3 RESULTS A total of 14 species was recorded this year for the third year in a row, as can be seen below. For most species, lower numbers were recorded when compared to 2021. There were several scarce species for the island in 2022: Clouded Yellow, Orange Tip and Gatekeeper were all recorded. An unprecedented influx of Small Whites and Red Admirals in August led to a large increase in records, as migratory individuals moved through the island. Common Blues, Small Coppers and Meadow Browns saw their numbers fall by more than half compared to 2021 totals, whereas Painted Lady and Small Tortoiseshell numbers increased on last year’s totals. 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Number of species 13 16 18 15 15 19 17 14 14 14 Painted Lady © Ed Betteridge

261 BUTTERFLIES 6 6 : 2 5 8 - 2 6 9 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. Colias croceus (Linnaeus, 1758) CLOUDED YELLOW There were three records this year: on 30 August on the Narrows, 7 September at Tŷ Pellaf, and 25 September in the Wetlands. Pieris brassicae (Linnaeus, 1758) LARGE WHITE This species was seen between 21 April and 20 October with a peak count of seven on 31 August. Numbers dropped by over half this year, showing another year of population decrease compared to 2020. 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Butterfly-days 147 20 31 206 96 299 123 241 144 71 Max. day count 13 3 9 19 7 19 27 49 16 7 First date 19/5 1/5 18/4 12/5 18/4 15/4 16/4 1/4 20/4 21/4 Pieris rapae (Linnaeus, 1758) SMALL WHITE This year saw an unprecedented increase in records for this species, most of which were logged on days of substantial Lepitdoptera migration. The first was recorded on 24 March at Cristin, whilst a peak count of 53 was recorded on 9 September. Butterfly-days totalled 274; this is the highest count for both figures since 2006, when a similar migratory influx was recorded. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 Year's daily maxima Annual butterfly-day totals Butterfly-day totals Yearly maxima 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 Year's daily maxima Annual butterfly-day totals Butterfly-day totals Yearly maxima

262 KING & STANSFIELD REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS. Pieris napi (Linnaeus, 1758) GREEN - VEINED WHITE The highest count was 43 on 30 August, with only 382 butterfly-days recorded; almost half the number logged in 2021. The first record of the year came on 16 April and the last on 5 September. 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Butterfly-days 1454 4853 3235 4012 4084 2824 600 315 758 382 Max. day count 255 2512 435 506 442 161 53 27 97 43 First date 19/4 10/4 7/4 12/4 26/3 18/4 11/4 15/4 11/4 16/4 Anthocharis cardamines (Linnaeus, 1758) ORANGE - TIP There were two records this year, compared to the four in 2021, both of which were males sighted in the Wetlands on 8 May and 2 June. 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 Year's daily maxima Annual butterfly-day totals Butterfly-day totals Yearly maxima 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 Year's daily maxima Annual butterfly-day totals Butterfly-day totals Yearly maxima Small White © Ollie King

263 BUTTERFLIES 6 6 : 2 5 8 - 2 6 9 Lycaena phlaeas (Linnaeus, 1761) SMALL COPPER There was a total of 92 butterfly-days this year, nearly half of that recorded in 2021. The first of the year was seen on 19 April, with the last on 8 October. The second generation produced more individuals as the peak count of seven was recorded on 7 September, which was also the month with the highest number of records with 49. 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Butterfly-days 47 62 53 82 277 249 229 71 182 92 Max. day count 5 8 10 5 16 26 18 6 16 7 First date 16/5 16/5 21/5 2/5 2/5 14/5 11/5 3/5 21/4 19/4 Polyommatus icarus (Rottemburg, 1775) COMMON BLUE The first of the year was seen on 12 May, the latest emergence date since 2018, with the last seen on 9 September. The peak count for the first generation was seven in May, and 34 for the second generation in August. Butterfly-days were the lowest since 2018, potentially reflecting a small population crash. 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 Year's daily maxima Annual butterfly-day totals Butterfly-day totals Yearly maxima Common Blue © Steven Stansfield

264 KING & STANSFIELD REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS. 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Butterfly-days 34 27 30 19 35 147 411 272 541 170 Max. day count 4 5 3 3 5 15 44 26 55 34 First date 5/6 26/5 23/5 26/5 19/5 23/5 10/5 6/5 30/4 12/5 Vanessa atalanta (Linnaeus, 1758) RED ADMIRAL This breeding butterfly saw a large increase in records compared to 2021 due to an influx of migratory individuals in the autumn. The first of the year was seen on 17 April whilst the last was on 28 October. The first generation was relatively small with a peak count of five recorded in June, whereas August saw a peak count of 252 on 30 August, the highest since 2016. 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Butterfly-days 620 1693 708 1415 1489 1196 407 483 298 1126 Max. day count 131 199 113 296 89 59 19 122 18 252 First date 6/5 12/3 4/4 28/2 7/2 22/4 25/3 9/4 2/4 17/4 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 Year's daily maxima Annual butterfly-day totals Butterfly-day totals Yearly maxima Red Admiral © Steven Stansfield

265 BUTTERFLIES 6 6 : 2 5 8 - 2 6 9 Vanessa cardui (Linnaeus, 1758) PAINTED LADY Recorded between 8 May and 13 October. A total of 236 butterfly days was recorded for this species, showing an increase in numbers compared to 2020/21. Most were in August, with a peak of 45 on 30th. 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Butterfly-days 20 59 258 375 304 392 3659 27 142 236 Max. day count 3 9 12 34 49 42 926 5 24 45 First date 2/6 11/4 14/4 10/2 22/5 20/4 1/6 5/6 31/5 8/5 Aglais urticae (Linnaeus, 1758) SMALL TORTOISESHELL The best month for this species was August which saw substantial migratory movement across a range of Lepidoptera, resulting in a maximum day count of 39 on 31 August. The first of the year was recorded on 22 March, the same as last year, whilst the last was seen on 28 October, in a storage shed at Nant. 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Butterfly-days 149 271 403 169 168 289 201 219 244 260 Max. day count 18 14 18 35 11 23 11 44 33 39 First date 6/4 17/3 22/3 13/3 12/3 8/4 23/3 22/3 22/3 22/3 Inachis io (Linnaeus, 1758) PEACOCK This year saw a further drop in the number of records, continuing the declining trend since 2020. The maximum day count of the year was three on 31 July. The first record of the year came on 23 March with the last noted on 8 October. 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Butterfly-days 3 87 268 217 224 184 324 211 58 36 Max. day count 1 11 25 18 24 20 54 17 4 3 First date 8/4 15/3 10/3 30/3 9/3 8/4 23/3 22/3 22/3 23/3 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 Year's daily maxima Annual butterfly-day totals Butterfly-day totals Yearly maxima 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 Year's daily maxima Annual butterfly-day totals Butterfly-day totals Yearly maxima

266 KING & STANSFIELD REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS. Hipparchia semele (Linnaeus, 1758) GRAYLING There were only 40 records of this species, most frequently seen on the Mountain this year, with a peak count of eight on 4 August. The first record came on 7 July whilst the last of the year was seen on 4 September. 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Butterfly-days 73 63 249 102 346 539 83 57 136 40 Max. day count 24 16 76 30 67 44 22 15 56 8 First date 24/7 1/7 16/7 12/7 21/6 28/6 13/7 11/7 15/7 7/7 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 Year's daily maxima Annual butterfly-day totals Butterfly-day totals Yearly maxima 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 Year's daily maxima Annual butterfly-day totals Butterfly-day totals Yearly maxima Grayling © Steven Stansfield

267 BUTTERFLIES 6 6 : 2 5 8 - 2 6 9 Maniola jurtina (Linnaeus, 1758) MEADOW BROWN There was a drop in the number of records compared to 2021, with the butterfly-day total of 588 being less than half of last year. The highest total was in July with 401 butterfly-days and a peak count of 40 on 17th. The first and last records came on 22 June and 10 September respectively. 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Butterfly-days 363 615 1134 724 1712 3137 1551 417 1484 588 Max. day count 63 60 82 36 155 344 216 103 223 40 First date 9/7 23/6 29/6 23/6 17/6 23/6 22/6 1/7 30/6 22/6 Pyronia Tithonus (Linnaeus, 1758) GATEKEEPER There were five records of singles across the island, the first of which was on 1 August and the last was seen on 5 September. 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 Year's daily maxima Annual butterfly-day totals Butterfly-day totals Yearly maxima Meadow Brown © Ollie King

268 KING & STANSFIELD REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS. Peacock © Ed Betteridge

269 BUTTERFLIES 6 6 : 2 5 8 - 2 6 9 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. Silcocks, A. F. 1998. Changes in butterfly populations on Bardsey 1994-1997. Rep. Bardsey Bird Fld. Obs. 41: 48-54. Thomas, J. and Lewington, R. 1991. The Butterflies of Britain and Ireland. Dorling Kindersley. p.48. 5 APPENDIX 1 MAXIMUM COUNTS AND TOTALS OF BUTTERFLIES PER MONTH Table 1. Maximum daily count of butterflies for each month Table 2. Butterfly-day totals per month M A M J J A S O Max. Clouded Yellow 1 1 1 Large White 2 2 1 7 6 1 7 Small White 1 1 1 1 14 53 1 53 Green-veined White 8 8 7 8 43 11 43 Orange Tip 1 1 1 Small Copper 1 2 1 2 6 7 1 7 Common Blue 7 4 1 34 2 34 Red Admiral 4 2 5 11 252 122 20 252 Painted Lady 1 2 2 45 21 2 45 Small Tortoiseshell 2 2 5 3 39 19 1 39 Peacock 1 2 1 3 1 1 3 Grayling 6 8 2 8 Meadow Brown 4 40 24 4 40 Gatekeeper 1 1 1 M A M J J A S O Total Clouded Yellow 1 2 3 Large White 6 9 2 15 38 1 71 Small White 3 3 1 1 32 233 1 274 Green-veined White 42 62 24 64 163 27 382 Orange Tip 1 1 2 Small Copper 2 5 1 10 24 49 1 92 Common Blue 22 12 1 128 7 170 Red Admiral 25 7 11 73 560 355 95 1126 Painted Lady 1 15 4 112 99 3 234 Small Tortoiseshell 5 10 14 13 162 55 1 260 Peacock 5 15 4 7 4 1 36 Grayling 13 25 2 40 Meadow Brown 7 401 170 10 588 Gatekeeper 4 1 5

230 Moths Ben Porter REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS MOTHS Annotated list of moths recorded during 2022 Ed Betteridge Striped Hawk-moth © Ed Betteridge

271 MOTHS 6 6 : 2 7 0 - 3 0 3

272 BETTERIDGE REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS 1 INTRODUCTION Moths have been recorded at Bardsey Bird Observatory since the 1950s, and this has become an increasingly important aspect of the Observatory’s monitoring and educational work. Visitors to Cristin and the island have the opportunity to learn about moths, and to be involved with this monitoring where possible, providing a significant educational contribution, promoting wider knowledge and an understanding of species and their habitats to visitors. 2 METHODS This year a 20w Actinic Robinson trap was used at Cristin on most nights, and a 6w portable Heath trap was also used occasionally at Cristin and in other areas of the island. Traps were emptied the following mornings and the moths identified, recorded and released into safe cover. Moths were identified and recorded in a field notebook, and subsequently transferred to a database for analysis and report writing. Any species difficult to identify was either kept for later examination or identified to genus level. The nomenclature follows that of Bradley (2000). 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. Along with this, effort was put into catching moths with hand nets during the evenings, especially in areas away from light traps. Flowers and fruit such as apples were also checked at night to record species feeding on them, which resulted in a marked increase of records for some species. Lures were used for the first time for Thrift Clearwings and Lunar Hornets with mixed success. In total a moth trap was used on 152 nights between 23 March and 23 October. Thrift Clearwing site at the Northern end of the island (left) and Thrift Clearwing (right) © Steven Stansfield

273 MOTHS 6 6 : 2 7 0 - 3 0 3 3 RESULTS There was an increase in the number of species of moths recorded this year, with a total of 267, 81 of which were micro-moths, and 186 were macro-moths; the highest annual macro-moth total for over a decade. Two new micro and three new macro species were recorded for the island: Acleris holmiana and Hedya ochroleucana, and Striped Hawkmoth, Hoary Footman and November Moth agg. The increase in the number of records and species recorded in 2022 can perhaps be attributed to the use of two traps around Cristin during the late summer and autumn, and the use of hand nets to catch moths in the evenings - especially species reluctant to come to light traps. Warm and dry weather in the spring resulted in a marked increase in many spring species and the first records of species like Clouded Drab and Small Quaker since 2005 and 2014 respectively. However, wet and windy weather in the autumn resulted in very low numbers of autumn moths trapped. 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Total species recorded 245 292 256 230 238 292 169 141 242 267 Macro-moths 158 185 164 164 154 178 139 110 164 186 Micro-moths 87 107 92 66 84 114 30 32 76 81 2022 HIGHLIGHTS • Five new species were added to the island list: Striped Hawkmoth, Hoary Footman (seven records), November Moth agg, Acleris holmiana (two records), and Hedya ochroleucana • The second records of Shoulder-Stripe, Rosy Footman, L-album Wainscot, Scarce Bordered Straw Digitivalva pulicariae, and Pandemis corylana • The second and third records of Archer’s Dart and Grey Arches • The second, third and fourth records of Round-winged Muslin • The third records of Chamomile Shark, Large Ranunculus, Copper Underwing, Small Blood Vein, Cream Wave, Dark Spinach, Aspilapteryx tringipennell, Blastodacna, hellerella and Acrobasis advenella • The third to seventh records of Eudonia Mercurella • The third, fourth and fifth records of Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Light Emerald and Monopis crocicapitella • The fourth records of Water Carpet, Orthotelia sparganella and Crambus pascuella • The fourth and fifth records of Myelois circumvolute • The fourth, fifth and sixth records of Rhyacionia buoliana • The fourth to thirty-second records of Brussels Lace • The fifth record of Clouded Silver and Blossom Underwing • The fifth and sixth records of Puss Moth, White Point and Small Fan-foot • The fifth to sixteenth records of Least Black Arches • 165 moth-nights of the nationally scarce Square-spot Dart, beating 109 in 2018 • A good year for migrant species saw the highest annual totals of Rusty Dot Pearl, Pearly Underwing and Rush Veneer since 2003, as well as the seventh to ninth Small Mottled Willows, tenth to twelfth Boarded Straws and fourteenth White Point

274 BETTERIDGE REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS 3.1 SYSTEMATIC LIST New species for the island are indicated by an asterisk (*) Hepialidae 15 Hepialus sylvina (Linnaeus, 1761) ORANGE SWIFT A total of nine was trapped at Cristin on eight dates between 9 August and 7 September. 17 Hepialus lupulinus (Linnaeus, 1761) COMMON SWIFT A total of 19 was recorded this year, the highest annual total for 20 years. The first of the year was found on the Narrows on 30 May. June saw the most records of the year with 11, all to light, at Cristin. Four trapped in July were both pairs caught at Cristin Withy and Nant on 5th and 7th respectively. The final records were at Cristin on 14 and 20 August. 18 Hepialus fusconebulosa (DeGeer, 1778) MAP - WINGED SWIFT In total 15 were recorded this year. June saw six from 14th, July had a further five, with the last six in August until 25th. The majority came from Cristin; however, Nant had a single on 5 July and Cristin Withy had two on 7 July. Zygaenidae 169 Zygaena filipendulae (Linnaeus, 1758) SIX - SPOT BURNET A total of 54 moth-days of this day-flyer was recorded between 25 June and 17 July, with a peak count of 20 on 3 July. Tineidae 229 Monopis Obviella (Denis and Schiffermüller, 1775) YELLOW BACKED CLOTHES MOTH In total six were recorded; July saw a single hand-netted at Nant on 4th followed by four to light at Pen Cristin on 6th. The final record was one to light at Cristin on 31 September. 230 Monopis crocicapitella (Clemens, 1859) Individuals thought to be this species were caught at Pen Cristin on 6 July alongside the similar Monopis Obviella where they could be compared, and at Cristin on 2 and 30 September. However, none of these were dissected to confirm the species. These would represent the third, fourth and fifth Bardsey records. Gracillariidae 288 Caloptilia stigmatella (Fabricius, 1781) Four were recorded at the start of July: one in the Wetlands on 1st, singles at Cristin on 3rd and 4th and another at Nant on 4th. 294 Aspilapteryx tringipennella (Zeller, 1839) One was trapped at Cristin on 22 August, the third record for the island. Sesiidae 383 Synansphecia muscaeformis (Esper, 1783) THRIFT CLEARWING The first record was found in the North West Fields on 29 May, this was followed by another there on 2 June. This year a pheromone lure was used to attract males: this proved highly successful on 22 June when at least ten were found on the South End with a further five on the Narrows. The lure produced six on the South End on 30 June and two on 17 July.

275 MOTHS 6 6 : 2 7 0 - 3 0 3 Choreutidae 385 Anthophila fabriciana (Linnaeus, 1767) NETTLE - TAP Three were recorded during the year, all by day. Singles were at Cristin and in the Wetlands on 22 June and a single was in the Withies on 8 July. Glyphipterigidae 396 Glyphipterix fuscoviridella (Haworth, 1828) Two individuals were hand-netted in the Wetlands and at Nant on 1 and 4 July. These were the first records since 2018. Argyrestthiidae 422 Argyresthia albistria (Haworth, 1828) A single was recorded on 4 July at Nant and was the first record since 2016 and the first away from Cristin. Yponomeutidae 425 Yponomeuta padella (Linnaeus, 1758) ORCHARD ERMINE In total ten Yponomeuta sp. thought to be this species were caught, though dissection would be needed to confirm. July saw six records from 1st, one in the Wetlands and five at Cristin. August saw a further four recorded with a single on 10th and three on 29th. 436 Pseudoswammerdamia combinella (Hübner, 1786) In total five were recorded this year. The first was to light at Cristin on 13 May. This was followed by a single hand-netted at Nant on 4 July and four together to light on 6 July. This is the highest annual total and the first records since 2016. Plutellidae 464 Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758) DIAMOND - BACK MOTH In total three were recorded this year with one during the day on the South End on 16 May, one caught at Carreg on 8 July and one at Cristin on 14 July. This was a poor year for this migrant species especially as other migrant species had a good year. Glyphipterigidae 470 Orthotelia sparganella (Thunberg, 1788) One was trapped at Cristin on 4 August; this was the fourth record for Bardsey. 472 Digitivalva pulicariae (Klimesch, 1956) An individual was hand-netted at Nant on 4 July; this represented the second record for the island after the first in 2018. Coleophorida 544 Coleophora albicosta (Haworth, 1828) A single was recorded on 4 August at Cristin. 560 Coleophora paripennella (Zeller, 1939) Individuals thought to be this species were seen at dusk in the Wetlands and at Nant on 1 and 4 July respectively, however dissection would be needed to confirm identification. 584 Coleophora alticolella Zeller, 1849 FIELD RUSH CASE In total six were recorded between 3 June and 6 July which were thought to be one of these very similar species. None of these records was dissected to confirm which species they were.

276 BETTERIDGE REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS Oecophoridae 641 Batia lambdella (Donovan, 1793) Singles were trapped on six dates between 30 June and 4 August; all to light at Cristin. 647 Hofmannophila pseudospretella (Stainton, 1849) BROWN HOUSE - MOTH A total of 21 was recorded between 24 May and 20 October. August had the most records with nine; peak counts of three were recorded on both 14 June and 23 August. 648 Endrosis sarcitrella (Linnaeus, 1758) WHITE - SHOULDERED HOUSE - MOTH There were nine recorded this year between 14 April and 19 October. Of these, only two were at light traps with five seen inside the buildings at Cristin and two seen feeding on ragwort in Cristin garden. 649 Esperia sulphurella (Fabricius, 1775) In total 17 were recorded, with singles on 22 April and 13 May and an estimate of 15 disturbed around the Cristin solar panels on 23 May whilst laying grass suppressant. 672 Depressaria radiella (Goeze, 1783) PARSNIP MOTH In total 11 were recorded between 20 March and 3 October. Of these, seven were to light at Cristin with the other four seen in buildings, including a peak of two in the LSA Hut on 20 March. 688 Agonopterix heracliana (Linnaeus, 1758) COMMON FAT - BODY This species has been sporadically recorded on Bardsey in recent years, with 30 recorded in 2021, and none in 2020 or 2019. This year saw a total of 22 recorded between 27 March and 23 August. April had the majority of records with 12 and a peak of two on 11th. 691 Agonopterix purpurea (Haworth, 1811) In total 41 were recorded between 1 July and 25 October. There have only been three previous records of this species, all from Nant Withy in 2015. Of the records this year all were at Cristin apart from a single in the Withies. This would suggest this species has now spread further across the island and it is presumed that records will now increase around Cristin. 705 Agonopterix umbellana (Fabricius, 1794) In total 17 were recorded on nine dates between 13 and 31 August with a peak count of eight at Cristin on 14th. 706 Agonopterix nervosa (Haworth, 1811) A total of 65 was recorded between 1 July and 21 August. The peak count was nine around the mountain on the evening of 9 July. Gelechiidae 792 Mirificarma mulinella (Zeller, 1839) The only records were six in two traps at Cristin on 14 August. 819 Scrobipalpa costella (Humphreys & Westwood, 1845) The only record this year was on 10 August at Cristin. 856 Anarsia spartiella (Schrank, 1802) Two were trapped at Pen Cristin on 6 July followed by one at Cristin on 12 July and two on 13 August.

277 MOTHS 6 6 : 2 7 0 - 3 0 3 Blastobasidae 873 Blastobasis adustella (Walsingham, 1894) Since first recorded in 1999, numbers have been growing on the island with a further 191 recorded this year. Records ranged from 1 July until 23 August with a peak count of 61 in two traps at Cristin on 13 August. Elachistidae 905 Blastodacna hellerella (Duponchel, 1838) One was trapped at light at Cristin on 3 July; this is only the third record for Bardsey after two in 2012. Tortricidae 937 Agapeta hamana (Linnaeus, 1758) Two were recorded at light: on the Green Lane on 4 July, and at Cristin on 11 July. 966 Cochylis atricapitana (Stephens, 1852) Seven were trapped at Cristin on four dates between 14 and 26 August. 696 Pandemis corylana (Fabricius, 1784) CHEQUERED FRUIT - TREE TORTRIX A single to light at Cristin on 13 August became only the second record, after the first in 1997. 970 Pandemis cerasana (Hübner, 1786) BARRED FRUIT - TREE TORTRIX In total 38 were recorded between 11 July and 14 August with a peak of five to light at Cristin on 12 July. 972 Pandemis heparana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) DARK FRUIT - TREE TORTRIX A record year saw 195 moth-nights; the first came in June with 12 from 24th. July saw the vast majority, 181 of which were noted in the evening, mainly around brambles. High counts included 72 in the Wetlands on 1st and 60 around Nant on 4th. August saw the last three records up to 3rd. 998 Epiphyas postvittana (Walker 1863) LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH A total of 31 was recorded between 24 April and 2 September with August having the most records with 14. This represented the highest annual total for this successful non-native species since first being recorded in 2017. 1019-1024 Cnesphasia sp These species are notoriously difficult to identify without dissection with only two examples being confirmed on Bardsey to species level (Cnephasia conspersana and Cnephasia stephensiana). This year 21 were recorded between 2 June and 3 October however, none were dissected to species level so have been grouped here. 1037 Acleris holmiana (Linnaeus, 1758) * Two individuals were trapped: on 1 and 4 August at Cristin; these represent the first records for Bardsey. 1043 Acleris aspersana (Hübner, [1817]) Three were recorded this year; singles at Nant on 14 July and at Cristin on 3 July and 14 August. 1048 Acleris variegana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) GARDEN ROSE TORTRIX Two were trapped to light at Cristin: on 19 July and 14 August.

278 BETTERIDGE REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS 1053 Acleris hastiana (Linnaeus, 1758) After first being recorded on Bardsey in 2011 this species has been recorded in small numbers in most years since. This year saw a total of five recorded between 25 March and 11 October. 1067 Celypha cespitana (Hübner, 1817) Singles were trapped at Cristin on 4 August, 3 September and 11 September. 1076 Celypha lacunana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) In total 24 were recorded between 17 June and 1 August. June saw the most records with 18, including ten together at Cristin on 23rd. 1082 Hedya pruniana (Hübner, [1799]) PLUM TORTRIX A total of 49 was recorded this year. Records ranged from 2 June until 10 July with nine on 17 June the peak count. Interestingly, all records were to light at Cristin despite trapping efforts elsewhere on the island during this time. 1084 Hedya ochroleucana (Frölich, 1828) * An individual was caught to light at Cristin on 17 June alongside a high catch of the similar Plum Tortrix (Hedya pruniana). This represented the first record for Bardsey. 1109 Lobesia littoralis (Humphreys and Westwood, 1845) A single was attracted to light at Cristin on 9 July. 1111 Bactra lancealana (Hübner, 1799) Eight were recorded this year, five in the Wetlands and one at Cristin on 1 July and two along the Green Lane on 4 July. 1163 Zeiraphera ratzeburgiana (Ratzeburgh, 1840) Singles were trapped at Cristin on 9 July and 5 August. 1175 Epiblema uddmanniana (Linnaeus, 1758) BRAMBLE SHOOT MOTH There were 44 recorded this year from 21 June until 10 August. July saw the majority of records with 38 including a max count of six on 17th. 1201 Eucosma cana (Haworth, 1811) A total of 54 was recorded between 18 June and 14 August. Of these 41 were in July with Nant being the most abundant location recording 16 in three nights. 1205 Spilonota ocellana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) BUD MOTH There has been a total of four records on Bardsey: one in 2014 and three in 2021. This year saw a further three records, all from Cristin on 31 June, 1 and 14 July. Of these, only the 2014 one has been confirmed using gen. det. 1210 Rhyacionia buoliana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) PINE SHOOT MOTH The only record was three caught together at Cristin on 19 July. These were the fourth, fifth and sixth for the island after three in 2017. 1247 Grapholita funebrana (Treitschke, 1835) PLUM FRUIT MOTH After first being discovered on the island in 2013 records have fluctuated from year to year with the highest count being 19 in 2016. However, this year saw a substantial increase with a total of 46 recorded from 16 June until 14 August. The peak was ten together at Cristin on 23 June.

279 MOTHS 6 6 : 2 7 0 - 3 0 3 1255 Cydia ulicetana (Haworth, 1811) After not being recorded for the past two years, this moth was found to still be abundant on the island with a total of 163 recorded this year. Of these, 26 were at light at Cristin between 19 April and 23 June with the rest recorded by day. This included 60+ and 50+ at Pen Cristin on 2 and 23 May, and 20 on the Mountain above Cristin on 16 May. The record count for Bardsey is 3000 on 16 May 2016. 1260 Cydia splendana (Hübner, 1799) All records came from Cristin during August with eight on 14th and one on 24th. These are the first since 2017. Alucitidae 1288 Alucita hexadactyla Linnaeus, 1758 TWENTY - PLUME MOTHH In total eight were recorded during the year between 24 March and 1 October; April held the majority of records with five. This represented the highest annual total for this species with just ten previous records. All records this year were found around Cristin, mostly in the early evening, with none recorded at the light traps; this implies that this species may have gone unrecorded in previous years. Crambidae 1293 Chrysoteuchia culmella (Linnaeus, 1758) GARDEN GRASS VENEERR A total of 109 was recorded this year; records started with 30 in June from 3rd. July saw a further 78 recorded including 28 in the Wetlands on the evening of 1st. The last was a single on 11 August. 1294 Crambus pascuella (Linnaeus, 1758) One was caught to light at Cristin on 3 July; this is the fourth island record and the first since 2015. 1302 Crambus perlella (Scopoli, 1763) Five were recorded this year, the first was seen by day on the East Side on 14 June. This was followed by three singles in July to light at Carreg, the Green Lane, and one hand-netted around Nant. The final record was to light at Cristin on 1 August. 1303 Agriphila selasella (Hübner, 1813) An individual was found on the Narrows on 13 July and was the first since 2014. 1304 Agriphila straminella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) In total of 14 were recorded, all from Cristin, with 12 throughout August and two on 1 September. 1305 Agriphila tristella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) In total 103 were recorded during the year, with the first record being two to light at Cristin on 6 July. This was followed by 94 in August including 37 on 14th and seven in September until 2nd. 1306 Agriphila inquinatella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) The first record of the year was an individual caught in a hand net at Nant on 30 June. This was followed by a single to light and two caught with a hand net also at Nant on 2nd and 4 July respectively. 1309 Agriphila geniculea (Haworth, 1811) Three were caught this year, two on 14 August and one on 25 August, all at Cristin.

280 BETTERIDGE REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS 1340 Eudonia truncicolella (Stainton, 1849) A presumed single was trapped at Cristin on 11 August; however, dissection would be required to confirm the record. 1342 Eudonia angustea (Curtis, 1827) Moths were recorded at Cristin on 29 March and 22 April and at Tŷ Pellaf on 21 October. 1344 Eudonia mercurella (Linnaeus, 1758) After first was recorded last year with singles on 23 August and 6 September both at Nant; this year saw an astonishing 17 recorded. The first came in July with four on three dates at Cristin between 3rd and 15th and a single hand-netted in the Wetlands on 10th. August saw a further 12 recorded, all from Cristin, including three on 5th, the last record was on 25 August. These records suggest that this species has now colonised the island. 1345 Elophila nymphaeata (Linnaeus, 1758) BROWN CHINA - MARK A single record of an individual found by day in the Wetlands on 22 May. 1365 Pyrausta despicata (Scopoli, 1763) The first record was found by day at Cristin on 13 April; with a single on 5 May on the South End. June saw 63 recorded on five dates including 50 on the South End on 8th with the rest seen by day apart from a single to light at Cristin on 30th. In total 371 were recorded in July, all day-flying, with a good count of 300 estimated along the West Side of the island on 30th. August had 18, with eight of these to light at Cristin and the rest day-flying. The last four were recorded to light at Cristin on 1 and 2 September. 1376 Anania hortulata (Linnaeus, 1758) SMALL MAGPIE Six were recorded this year, June had one to light at Cristin on 7th and one at the North End on 20th. In July there were singles at Nant on 4th, Cristin Withy on 5th and Cristin on 10th and 19th. 1378 Anania coronata (Hufnagel, 1767) ELDREBERRY PEARL Individuals were found in the evening of 20 June at the North End and to light at Cristin on 28 July, these became only the seventh and eighth records for Bardsey since the first in 2009. Elderberry Pearl © Steven Stansfield

281 MOTHS 6 6 : 2 7 0 - 3 0 3 1385 Anania crocealis (Hübner, 1796) Six were recorded during July: five from the Wetlands and one at Carreg with a maximum count of four in the Wetlands on 1st. 1390 Udea Prunalis ([Denis and Schiffermüller], 1775) One was trapped at Cristin on 14 July. 1395 Udea ferrugalis (Hübner, 1796) RUSTY - DOT PEARL In total 27 were recorded this year, the highest annual total. Flight season ranged from 18 June to 25 October, with August seeing the majority with 12 recorded. 1398 Nomophila noctuella ([Denis and Schiffermüller], 1775) RUSH VENEER A good year for this migrant species saw a total of 267 recorded; the highest since 2003. Records ranged from 23 May until 23 October with 167 recorded, most relating to moths seen during the day, and the other 100 were moths recorded at night. The autumn saw the majority with 207 in September and October, including a peak count of a minimum of 87 around the island on 7 September. 1424 Endotricha flammealis ([Denis and Schiffermüller], 1775) In total 30 were recorded on eight dates between 30 June and 20 August, with a particularly high count of 20 together to light at Cristin on 19 July. Pyralidae 1428 Aphomia sociella (Scopoli, 1763) BEE MOTH In total five were recorded during the year, all in July. The first three were found around Nant on the evening of 4th, followed by singles to light at Cristin on 6th and 7th. 1439 Acrobasis advenella (Zinken, 1818) One recorded at Cristin on 9 July was the third record for Bardsey. 1458 Pempelia palumbella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) In total 15 were recorded between 18 June and 14 August, with a peak of three on 6 July. Pempelia palumbella © Steven Stansfield

282 BETTERIDGE REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS 1458 Myelois circumvoluta (Fourceroy, 1785) THISTLE ERMINE A single was found feeding on thistles around Nant on 20 June and to light at Cristin on 6 July; these were only the fourth and fifth island records. 1462 Pempeliella dilutella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) Six were recorded on five dates in August from 23rd, with three more together on 2 September. 1504 Gillmeria pallidactyla (Haworth, 1811) YARROW PLUME There have been two previous records on island, in 2013 and 2018. This year saw an increase with five seen. The first record was hand-netted around Nant on 30 June. Singles were then caught to light at Cristin and the Green Lane on 1 and 4 July, and hand-netted at Tŷ Pellaf and Nant on 3 and 4 July. 1524 Emmelina monodactyla (Linnaeus, 1758) COMMON PLUME A total of 15 were recorded; the first on 24 March and the last on 11 September. There were four recorded in March, six in April, one in May, one in July, two in August (both on Ragwort) and three in September Lasiocampidae 1634 Malacosoma imidiat (Linnaeus, 1758) LACKEY A common moth on the island, this year saw 566 moths recorded; this beat the previous highest annual total of 452 in 2018. Most records came from July (423), along with others in June (141) and August (two). The highest day count was 67, 49 at Cristin and 18 at Pen Cristin on 6 July. 1637 Lasiocampa quercus callunae (Linnaeus, 1758) NORTHERN EGGAR Two were trapped this year, singles on 21 July and on 7 August. 1640 Euthrix potatoria (Linnaeus, 1758) DRINKER In total 23 were recorded this year. The first were a pair netted at Nant on 30 June. This was followed by 20 in July, including four on 5th to light in Cristin Withy and a single on 4 August. Drepanidae 1651 Cilix glaucata (Scopoli, 1763) CHINESE CHARACTER A total of four were trapped to light this year, a new annual record. The first was two together on 25 April, with one on 14 July and the last on 14 August. Northern Eggar © Ed Betteridge

283 MOTHS 6 6 : 2 7 0 - 3 0 3 1652 Thyatira batis (Linnaeus, 1758) PEACH BLOSSOM Eight were recorded in total, three in June and five in July. Of these, four were to light at Cristin, one was to light in Cristin Withy and three were hand-netted at Nant. 1653 Habrosyne pyritoides (Hufnagel, 1766) BUFF ARCHES A total of 35 were recorded this year, a new record for the island. Three were trapped in June with the rest in July including a peak of eight together at Cristin on 13th. Geometridae 1665 Pseudoterpna pruinata (Waler, 1863) GRASS EMERALD In total 21 were recorded during the season. A single on 18 June with the rest in July. A peak of five on 1 July, being notable. 1669 Hemithea aestivaria (Hübner, 1799) COMMON EMERALD After not being recorded for the last three years, seven were logged this year. The first record was four hand-netted around Nant on 4 July. This was followed by individuals to light at Cristin Withy on 5th, and Cristin on 7th and 9th. 1689 Scopula marginepunctata (Goeze, 1781) MULLEIN WAVE The previous highest annual total of 71 was recorded last year; this year saw this rise again to 179! June saw the first records with five, with July having ten. Records significantly increased in August to 136 with a peak of 35 on 14 August. The last came in September with a total of 28 in the month. Interestingly, before 2021 the peak counts were 28 in both 2016 and 2018, which were beaten this year on a single day. 1690 Scopula imitaria (Hübner, [1799]) SMALL BLOOD VEIN There was a single record of one caught with a hand net on 3 July on the track outside Plas; this was only the third record for Bardsey. 1693 Scopula floslactata (Haworth, 1809) CREAM WAVE A individual hand-netted on the evening of 1 July in the Wetlands was only the third island record after singles in 2001 and 2019. 1702 Idaea biselata (Hufnagel, 1767) SMALL FAN - FOOTED WAVE There were seven recorded this year all during August, all to light at Cristin, with a peak of three on 7th. Mullein Wave © Steven Stansfield

284 BETTERIDGE REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS 1708 Idaea imidiate (Hufnagel, 1767) SINGLE - DOTTED WAVE A total of 25 were recorded this year between 20 June and 12 August. Of these, 18 were to light: at Cristin (16) and Carreg (two). The others were netted or found nectaring at Nant (three), Wetlands (two), North End and Cristin. Numbers of this species have been declining in recent years with this being the highest count since 2014. 1713 Idaea aversata (Linnaeus, 1758) RIBAND WAVE In total 18 were caught this year from 16 June until 1 August. July saw the most recorded with 13, including a peak of three at Cristin on 1st. 1716 Rhodometra sacraria (Linnaeus, 1767) THE VESTAL Eight of these distinct migrants were recorded this year. Seven of these were found by day on 12 September with four in the Wetlands, one at Tŷ Pellaf and two at the South End. This was followed by one to light at Cristin on 14 September. These are the first records since 2018. 1722 Xanthorhoe designata (Hufnagel, 1767) FLAME CARPET The only record of the year was a single to light at Cristin on 21 May. 1724 Xanthorhoe spadicearia ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) RED TWIN - SPOT CARPET Singles were trapped at light at Cristin on 21 April and 1 August and a single day-flying at Nant on 8 May. 1725 Xanthorhoe ferrugata (Clerk, 1759) DARK - BARRED TWIN - SPOT CARPET This is a difficult confusion species with Red Twin-spot Carpet; a single was trapped at Cristin on 28 April. 1728 Xanthorhoe fluctuata (Linnaeus, 1758) GARDEN CARPET A total of 14 was recorded on ten dates between 14 May and 30 August, ten were from Cristin and four were from Nant. 1734 Scotopteryx luridata (Hufnagel, 1767) JULY BELLE A single was found at dusk on the lawn at Cristin on 22 June. 1738 Epirrhoe alternata (Müller, 1764) COMMON CARPET In total 18 were trapped between 2 June and 2 September. All of these were singles apart from two together at Cristin on 25th. 1740 Epirrhoe galiata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) GALIUM CARPET In total 51 were recorded, beating the previous annual record of 36 in 2008. The first was seen at night on the South End on 25 May. This was followed by four in June and 18 in July. August saw the largest number with 21 trapped, including six at Cristin on 25th. Seven more were recorded up until 20 September. 1742 Camptogramma bilineata (Linnaeus, 1758) YELLOW SHELL Seven were recorded this year; the first record was four together around Nant on 4 July. This was followed by singles at Cristin on 11th and 22nd, and 8 August. 1746 Earophila badiata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) SHOULDER STRIPE A single was recorded to light at Cristin on 31 March and became only the second island record after the first on 24 April 2015.

285 MOTHS 6 6 : 2 7 0 - 3 0 3 1749 Pelurga comitata (Linnaeus, 1758) DARK SPINACH A single record of a moth to light at Cristin on 13 July became only the third Bardsey record, with an additional two records on Ynys Gwylan Fawr. 1750 Lampropteryx suffumata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) WATER CARPET A single was trapped at Cristin on 13 April; this was the fourth record for Bardsey and the first since 2018. 1752 Cosmorhoe ocellata (Linnaeus, 1758) PURPLE BAR A total of 27 was recorded between 11 May and 29 August. All records were to light at Cristin apart from singles netted in the Wetlands and at Nant on 1 and 4 July respectively. August was the peak month with 22 recorded, including five together at Cristin on 28th. 1758 Gandaritis pyraliata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) BARRED STRAW Two individuals recorded together on 27 August in two traps at Cristin were the seventh and eighth records for Bardsey. 1759 Ecliptopera silaceata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) SMALL PHOENIX A single recorded on 31 August to light at Cristin became the sixth record for the island. 1760 Chloroclysta siterata (Hufnagel, 1767) RED - GREEN CARPET A total of four was recorded this year. Spring saw two records in April at Cristin on 23rd and 27th respectively. The next record was not until 30 September, with the last on 23 October. 1764 Chloroclysta truncata (Hufnagel, 1767) COMMON MARBLED CARPET In total 46 were recorded between 25 March and 19 October. These records were split into two separate generations with no records in July. May had the most moths with 18 seen, followed by 11 in August. 1768 Thera obeliscata (Hübner, 1787) GREY PINE CARPET There was a single record this year of an individual to a portable trap at Nant on 3 July. 1769 Thera britannica (Hufnagel, 1767) SPRUCE CARPET Two moths from both generations were recorded this year. The first was found by day at Nant on 13 April with the second to light at Cristin on 11 September. 1775 Colostygia multistrigaria (Haworth, 1809) MOTTLED GREY A total of seven were caught this year, six of which were in March with a single on 8 April. 1776 Colostygia pectinataria (Knoch, 1781) GREEN CARPET In total 12 were trapped on nine dates between 5 May and 8 June. May had the majority of records with ten, with the other two in June, all from Cristin. 1777 Hydriomena furcata (Thunberg, 1784) JULY HIGHFLYER In total 66 were recorded this year; June saw the first six from 18th including four netted around Nant on 30th. The bulk of the records came in July mainly from hand netting at night, including 11 in the Wetlands on 1st, seven around Nant on 4th and ten in the Wetlands on 10th. There were six more recorded all at Cristin: in August until 14th, and a single on 1 September.

286 BETTERIDGE REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS 1795 Epirrita dilutata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) * NOVEMBER MOTH A moth believed to be this species was caught on 23 October, however gen. det. has not yet been completed to confirm this. This would represent the first record for Bardsey. 1808 Perizoma flavofasciata (Thunberg, 1792) SANDY CARPET The first record was to light at Cristin on 18 June, this was followed by three hand-netted around Nant on 30st. July saw four more recorded all from Nant with a single netted on 2nd, one to light on 3rd, and three netted on 4th. A total of eight moths is the highest annual total, however more trapping at Nant would presumably result in many more. 1817 Eupithecia pulchellata Stephens, 1831 FOXGLOVE PUG A record year for this pug species with a total of 300 recorded. Records ran from 27 April until 14 July, with a peak of 27 on 14 June. The previous highest annual total was 189 in 2016 with June alone having 188 recorded! 1825 Eupithecia centaureata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) LIME - SPECK PUG There were two records this year, the first to light at Cristin on 3 June and the second was seen at night on the Narrows on 10 July. 1831 Eupithecia absinthiata (Clerck, 1759) WORMWOOD PUG 1831 Eupithecia absinthiata.goossensiata Mabille, 1869 LING PUG A total of four of these closely resembling species was recorded this year. Three were considered to be Wormwood; two at Cristin on 1 July and a single around Nant on 2 July. An individual caught on 26 May at Cristin was considered to be Ling Pug. 1834 Eupithecia vulgata (Haworth, 1809) COMMON PUG In total 14 were trapped this year, records ranged from 15 May until 11 August with June having the majority with nine trapped. 1837 Eupithecia subfuscata (Haworth, 1809) GREY PUG A total of 23 were recorded this year from 30 May until 4 July, with a peak of five caught on 3 July: at Nant (3) and Cristin (2). 1838 Eupithecia icterata (Villers, 1789) TAWNY SPECKLED PUG Singles were trapped at Cristin on 25 and 30 August. 1846 Eupithecia nanata Prout, 1938 NARROW - WINGED PUG A single record on 16 July was the first in three years. 1851 Eupithecia virgauriata Doubleday, 1861 GOLDEN - ROD PUG A single record on 3 May at Cristin; this is the first record since 2008. 1852 Eupithecia abbreviata Stephens, 1831 BRINDLED PUG A total of 32 were recorded this year from 25 March until 3 May; of these, 68.75% were in April. The peak count was five on 25 March. 1858 Chloroclystis v-ata (Haworth, 1809) V - PUG This year saw seven records, the first generation saw singles at Cristin on 21 April and 2 May. This was followed by a second generation of two at Nant on 3 July and singles at Cristin on 12 July, 19 July and 1 August.

287 MOTHS 6 6 : 2 7 0 - 3 0 3 1860 Pasiphila rectangulata (Linnaeus, 1758) GREEN PUG A total of 40 were recorded in June and July with 19 and 21 respectively. A peak of nine were trapped to light at Nant on 3 July. 1862 Gymnoscelis rufifasciata (Haworth, 1809) DOUBLE - STRIPED PUG A total of 103 was recorded this year. The first record was six to light at Cristin on 24 March. Records were spread out with a large gap between generations, however August was the peak month with 36 recorded. The last record came at Cristin on 1 September. 1867 Aplocera plagiata (Linnaeus, 1758) TREBLE BAR The first record of this species on the island was trapped on 20 May 2012; this was followed by an exceptional seven in 2021. This year saw a single record at Cristin on 29 August; this became the ninth island record. 1884 Abraxas grossulariata (Linnaeus, 1758) MAGPIE In total 26 were caught during the year between 20 July and 2 September. July saw five recorded with the other 20 in August including three together on 1st. 1902 Petrophora chlorosata (Scopoli, 1763) BROWN SILVER - LINE A total of 66 were recorded this year with four in April, 25 in May, 22 in June and five in July. Records were spread from 22 April until 5 July and peaked at seven on 3 June. This beat the previous highest annual total of 43 in 2016. 1906 Opisthograptis luteolata (Linnaeus, 1758) BRIMSTONE MOTH A total of 166 were recorded this year, from 15 April until 21 September. August saw the majority of recorded with 56, along with 17 in April, 31 in May, 16 in June and 37 in July. The highest count was nine netted in and around Nant on 4 July. 1917 Selenia dentaria (Fabricius, 1775) EARLY THORN A total of 54 were recorded this year, slightly below average. A larger first generation saw 20 recorded in March including a peak of five on 23rd, there were nine in April, and three in May with the last on 7th. The second generation started with a single on 30 June followed by 16 in July and five in August, with the last on 28th. 1920 Odontopera bidentata (Clerk, 1759) SCALLOPED HAZEL A single was caught at Cristin on 27 April, this was the first record in three years. Scalloped Hazel © Ed Betteridge

288 BETTERIDGE REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS 1921 Crocallis elinguaria (Linnaeus, 1758) SCALLOPED OAK A total of 26 were caught this year with the first being caught on 4 July at Nant with a hand net. The peak was three on 21 July with the last on 9 August. 1922 Ourapteryx sambucaria (Linnaeus, 1758) SWALLOW - TAILED MOTH A good year saw 14 recorded, the first two were netted on 1 and 4 July in the Wetlands and at Nant respectively; this was followed by two at Carreg on 8th. One on 14th July, one on 18th, and five on 19th, were all to light at Cristin. The last record was a single at Cristin on 1 August. 1937 Peribatodes rhomboidaria ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) WILLOW BEAUTY A total of 28 was an increase on the last few years, but still not as high as 42 trapped on average between 2010 and 2015. June saw the first nine from 15th, July had two together on 1st. The other 17 came in August between to 29th. The peak count was four on 8 August. 1941 Alcis repandata (Linnaeus, 1758) MOTTLED BEAUTY Since 2016 records have been increasing with a further 64 recorded this year. June had 33 from 13th including seven at Cristin on 21st. July saw a further 30, with a single on 7 August. 1945 Cleorodes lichenaria (Hufnagel, 1767) BRUSSELS LACE After first being recorded last year at Nant, this year saw an increase with 29 recorded. The first were four netted in and around Nant, on 30 June. This was followed by 13 to light at Nant on 3 July, ten netted around Nant on 4 July, and singles at Cristin on 9thand 19th. This proves that this species has now colonised the island. 1955 Cabera pusaria (Linnaeus, 1758) COMMON WHITE WAVE There were two records, both at Nant; the first was hand-netted on 2 July, with a different individual caught to light on 3rd. These two records represented the ninth and tenth for Bardsey since its discovering in 2015. 1956 Cabera exanthemata (Scopoli, 1763) COMMON WAVE Two were recorded during the year: at Cristin on 7 June and in Cristin Withy on 5 July. 1958 Lomographa temerata (([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) CLOUDED SILVER One was found by day on the lawn at Cristin on 25 April and became only the fifth island record. 1961 Campaea margaritaria (Linnaeus, 1758) LIGHT EMERALD Three were taken to light at Cristin, one each on 22, 23 and 24 June. Previously, there had only been two records on Bardsey, from 2014 and 2016. 1962 Hylaea fasciaria (Linnaeus, 1758) BARRED RED Four were trapped: to light at Cristin on 23 June and 20 September, with one at Nant on 1 July and one in Cristin Withy on 5 June. 1964 Charissa obscurata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) THE ANNULET An individual was recorded at Cristin on 14 July. Sphingidae 1972 Agrius convolvuli (Linnaeus, 1758) CONVOLVULUS HAWK - MOTH A decent year for this migrant Sphingidae saw a total of seven records. The first was to light at Cristin on 26 August. September saw a single to light on 7th, followed by singles found at the end of the

289 MOTHS 6 6 : 2 7 0 - 3 0 3 Heligoland trap on 8th and 9th. The peak however, was three recorded, two to light and one in the Heligoland, on 10th. The island total now stands at 44. 1984 Macroglossum stellatarum (Linnaeus, 1758) HUMMINGBIRD HAWK - MOTH An exceptional year for this charismatic species saw a total of 51 recorded. The first came from the East Side on 29 May. June saw three on 20th and two on 22nd, all of which were on the East Side. There were four in July: singles on 5th and 10th, and two on 31st. Records increased in August with nine seen over six days from 23rd. The majority however, were in September with 34 over 20 days including three on 1st and 13th. 1990 Hyles livornica (Esper, [1804]) * STRIPED HAWK - MOTH Probably the moth highlight of the year was a single found by day in the gorse at the North End on 16 May, the moth was trapped and taken back to the Observatory before being released that evening. This became the first record for the island (OHK et al.). 1992 Deilephila porcellus (Linnaeus, 1758) SMALL ELEPHANT HAWK - MOTH A total of seven were trapped this year, a single on 30 May, three singles in June, a single on 1 July and two together on 6 July. Notodontidae 1994 Phalera bucephala (Linnaeus, 1758) BUFF - TIP Five were recorded this year, all from light traps at Cristin. The first was on 21 May, followed by a single on 1 June. July had three singles on 1st, 2nd and 13th. 1995 Cerura vinula (Linnaeus, 1758) PUSS MOTH Singles were caught at Cristin on 3 and 8 May; these became only the fifth and sixth records of adult moths for the island. Hummingbird Hawk-moth © Steven Stansfield

290 BETTERIDGE REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS 2003 Notodonta ziczac (Esper, 1783) PEBBLE PROMINENT After first being recorded as recently as 2011 there have since been six additional records. This year saw a further three to light on 3 May at Cristin, on 8 August in Cristin Withy and the last on 10 August at Cristin. There have now been ten records on the island. Lymantriidae 2030 Euproctis similis (Fuessly, 1775) YELLOW - TAIL A total of 44 were recorded this year, with records ranging from 4 July until 2 September. August had the bulk (28) with a peak of seven on 12th at Cristin. Arctiidae 2035 Thumatha senex (Hübner, [1808]) ROUND - WINGED MUSLIN There has only been one record of this species on Bardsey when an individual was caught in the Withies in 2014. Therefore, three caught together in Cristin Withy on 5 July to light came as some surprise and would suggest that this species has colonised the island undetected during the last few years. 2037 Miltochrista miniata (Zincken, 1817) ROSY FOOTMAN A single was recorded at Cristin on 29 July, this is the second island record after one in 2014. Pebble Prominent © Ed Betteridge Rosy Footman © Steven Stansfield

291 MOTHS 6 6 : 2 7 0 - 3 0 3 2044 Eilema griseola (Linnaeus, 1758) DINGY FOOTMAN There were four records this year, with singles on 1, 8 and 14 August, and 2 September. 2045 Eilema caniola (Hübner, [1808]) *HOARY FOOTMAN In total seven were taken to light at Cristin during August. Singles were trapped on 1st, 6th and 30th, with two on 25th and 28th. These represented the first records for Bardsey and presumably all related to migrants, however the coastal lichen abundance on the island would suggest Bardsey is suitable for this species and may have been overlooked in the past. 2047 Eilema complana (Linnaeus, 1758) SCARCE FOOTMAN In total 190 were recorded: June had a single on 30th, July saw the bulk of records with 142, with a further 47 in August including a peak of 23 on 1st at Cristin. 2057 Arctia caja (Linnaeus, 1758) GARDEN TIGER A total of 231 were caught this year, a notable increase on 2021. The first record came on 23 June followed by two singles until the month end. July held the rest of the records including 38 at Cristin on 11 July with the last record on 28 July. 2060 Spilosoma lubricipeda (Linnaeus, 1758) WHITE ERMINE A total of 126 was recorded, with nine in May, 45 in June, 71 in July including 14 together at Nant on 3rd and a very late record on 3 September. 2061 Spilosoma luteum (Hufnagel, 1766) BUFF ERMINE In total 106 were recorded between 29 May and 10 August. July saw the highest number with 76, including 14 at Cristin on 3rd. 2064 Phragmatobia fuliginosa (Linnaeus, 1758) RUBY TIGER Seven were recorded this year. The first was found by day on Pen Cristin on 2 May. This was followed by a single on 6 June, four in July including two on 19th, and one on 14 August, all at Cristin. Nolidae 2078 Nola confusalis (Herrich-Schäffer, 1847) LEAST BLACK ARCHES After first being recorded 2019, with a further two in 2020 and one in 2021, this year saw an astonishing 12 records. April produced a single on 15th, with May producing the rest including five together on 5th. This suggests that this species has now colonised the island successfully. Noctuidae 2080 Euxoa obelisca grisea (Tutt, 1902) SQUARE - SPOT DART There were a total of 165 recorded, in August and September, beating the previous record of 109 in 2018. This Nationally Scarce B species was first recorded on 5 August with a peak of 32 in two traps at Cristin on 14th. September saw a total of ten in the first three days of the month.. 2081 Euxoa tritici (Linnaeus, 1761) WHITE - LINE DART In total 61 were recorded this year; the first ten came in July, with the first to light at Carreg on 8 July. August saw the other 51 with the last on 31st. Having only been recorded in three years between 2015 and 2021 this was a sign that the species is still present in good numbers on the island.

292 BETTERIDGE REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS 2085 Agrotis vestigialis (Hufnagel, 1766) ARCHER’S DART Two different individuals were caught to light at Cristin on 31 August and 2 September. These became the second and third records for Bardsey after the first in 2009. 2087 Agrotis Segetum ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) TURNIP MOTH A total of 28 was recorded this year, with many thought to be migrants. Records were spread from 21 May to 23 October with ten in the first generation and 18 in the second. August had the most recorded with ten, many of these arriving with other migratory species. 2088 Agrotis clavis (Hufnagel, 1766) HEART AND CLUB An individual was disturbed by day on the lawn at Cristin on 18 May, this was the sixteenth record and the first since 2017. 2089 Agrotis exclamationis (Linnaeus, 1758) HEART AND DART A quieter year for this species saw a total of 56 were recorded between 29 May and 18 July, and single record from the second generation on 2 September. Seven seen in and around Nant on 2 July was the peak count. 2090 Agrotis trux lunigera (Hübner, [1824]) CRESCENT DART In total 529 were recorded during the year. The first record was at Cristin on 19 June. There were a further 430 in July including 65 at Cristin on 19th. August saw 93 recorded with a late record on 14 September. 2091 Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel, 1766) DARK SWORD - GRASS This regular migrant was recorded 24 times between 27 April and 23 October. During this time it was recorded in every month with August having the most moths with nine. 2092 Agrotis puta (Hübner, [1803]) SHUTTLE - SHAPED DART This species has become relatively scarce on the island with only 25 recorded since 2005. After 11 records last year, this year saw only four with two in both May and July, all to light at Cristin. 2098 Axylia putris (Linnaeus, 1761) FLAME The total of 14 trapped was an increase on recent years. June had the first two records with a further 11 in July including five to light at Nant on 3rd, and a late individual on 11 September. Archer’s Dart © Steven Stansfield

293 MOTHS 6 6 : 2 7 0 - 3 0 3 2102 Ochropleura plecta (Linnaeus, 1761) FLAME SHOULDER One of the worst years for this species saw 35 recorded during the year. The first was on 3 May and the last on 3 October. 2107 Noctua pronuba (Linnaeus, 1758) LARGE YELLOW UNDERWING A good year for this species saw a total of 1299 recorded. The first four came in May from 28th; this was followed by 117 in June and 166 in July. August held the most records with 562 moths, predominantly to light at Cristin. September saw 441 including the year’s peak count of 127 to two traps around Cristin garden. The final nine came in October until 23rd. This total more than doubles the last three years’ totals and may have included many migrants. 2109 Noctua comes Hübner, [1813] LESSER YELLOW UNDERWING A total of 39 was recorded between 1 July and 23 September. August had the majority with 24 trapped, including a peak of six on 27th at Cristin. 2110 Noctua fimbriata (Schreber, 1759) BROAD - BORDERED YELLOW UNDERWING There have been two previous records of this species, from Tŷ Pellaf Withy in 2011 and Nant in 2012. This year saw singles trapped at light at Cristin in September on 1st, 12th and 14th; though the last two are thought to relate to the same individual. 2111 Noctua janthe (Borkhausen, 1792) LESSER BROAD - BORDERED YELLOW UNDERWING The first record of the year was at Cristin on 27 July. August saw a further 13 all from Cristin including two on 25th. September had the final record of the year to light at Cristin on 1st. 2112 Noctua interjecta (Hübner, [1803]) LEAST YELLOW UNDERWING There were three records this year, all in August, on 4th, 23rd and 30th. Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing © Steven Stansfield

294 BETTERIDGE REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS 2117 Eugnorisma glareosa (Esper, 1788) AUTUMNAL RUSTIC Last year saw the first record of this species since 2015; this year saw a further two records, both at Cristin, on 21 September and 3 October. 2118 Lycophotia porphyrea ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) TRUE LOVER’S KNOT In total 80 were recorded in July and August. The first record came from Nant on 3 July with numbers peaking at 17 on 28 July. August saw 20 recorded up until the last on 16th. 2119 Peridroma saucia (Hübner, [1808]) PEARLY UNDERWING A record year for this migratory species. The first record was two caught at Cristin on 28 August. September then saw the majority of records with three on 14th, two on 30th and singles on 19th, 20th, 21st and 23rd, all of which were to light at Cristin. This was the first year to reach into double figures. 2120 Diarsia mendica (Fabricius, 1775) INGRAILED CLAY A total of 163 were recorded this year. June saw the first 17 from 13th onwards. The majority of records came in July with 138 including 22 around Nant on 4th. August saw the last eight recorded to 14th. 2123 Diarsia rubi (Vieweg, 1790) SMALL SQUARE - SPOT In total 13 were trapped, all to light at Cristin, between 9 May and 3 July. The peak count was three on 30 May. 2126 Xestia c-nigrum (Linnaeus, 1758) SETACEOUS HEBREW CHARACTER A small first generation saw singles on 21 May and 3 June. The second generation was much larger with a total of 80 were recorded between 10 August and 30 September. The highest count was ten together on 27 August. 2127 Xestia ditrapezium ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) TRIPLE - SPOTTED CLAY A total of 29 was recorded between 18 June and 28 July. Of these, July had the most, with 26 recorded, including six attracted to light at Nant on 3rd. 2134 Xestia xanthographa ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) SQUARE - SPOT RUSTIC In total 290 were recorded this year between 9 August and 23 October. This total was way down on last year presumably due to poor mothing weather in the autumn. High counts of 32 and 31 were recorded on 2 September and 29 August respectively. Pearly Underwing © Ed Betteridge

295 MOTHS 6 6 : 2 7 0 - 3 0 3 2135 Xestia agathina (Duponchel, 1827) HEATH RUSTIC There were five recorded this year at Cristin, on four dates between 2 and 19 September. This species may be under-recorded due to traps not being located in more attractive habitat. 2139 Cerastis rubricosa ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) RED CHESTNUT A total of 17 were recorded this year: nine in March, seven in April and a single on 2 May. 2147 Hada plebeja (Hufnagel, 1766) SHEARS In total 51 were recorded this year. May saw the first 17 from 8th. June saw a further 31 moths including 12 on 3rd. The only record in July was two on 6th at Cristin. Finally, a lone moth at Cristin on 27 August was a rather late record. 2150 Polia nebulosa (Hufnagel, 1766) GREY ARCHES Two were recorded in June at Cristin on 18 and 23 June; these represent the second and third island records after the first in 2017. 2158 Lacanobia thalassina (Hufnagel, 1766) PALE - SHOULDERED BROCADE After no records since 2019, two were recorded this year, both to light at Cristin. The first was on 21 June with the next on 12 July. 2160 Lacanobia oleracea (Linnaeus, 1758) BRIGHT - LINE BROWN - EYE In total 104 were recorded this year. The first seven moths were recorded in May from 3rd. June saw 49 trapped including seven together at Cristin on 2nd. July had a total of 46 recorded including four at Nant on 7th. The last two records were in August, with the last on 6th. 2163 Melanchra pisi (Linnaeus, 1758) BROOM MOTH A total of 16 was recorded this year, all to light at Cristin between 26 May and 9 July. June had the majority of records with 13 trapped including two together on 16th. 2166 Hadena rivularis (Fabricius, 1775) THE CAMPION Three were attracted to a single trap on 30 May, these are the first records since two were caught together in 2010. 2171 Hadena confusa (Hufnagel, 1766) MARBLED CORONET A total of 22 was recorded this year, the first was found at Pen Cristin after dark on 20 April. Records continued until 28 July with a peak of three at Cristin on 5 May and Pen Cristin on 6 July. 2173 Hadena bicruris (Hufnagel, 1766) LYCHNIS There have been a total of 17 records on Bardsey, of which five were last year. This year saw a further five, with singles on 8 May, 12 and 15 June, 12 August and 10 September. 2176 Cerapteryx graminis (Linnaeus, 1758) ANTLER MOTH This year saw 42 recorded in total between 19 July and 2 September. The vast majority came in August (36) including a peak count of 11 in two traps at Cristin on 14th. 2182 Orthosia cruda ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) SMALL QUAKER The only records came in March with two on 24th, one on 25th and one on 27th. These became the first since 2014.

296 BETTERIDGE REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS 2183 Orthosia miniosa ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) BLOSSOM UNDERWING A single moth was recorded to light at Cristin on 28 March; this became the fifth island record. 2187 Orthosia cerasi (Fabricius, 1775) COMMON QUAKER A total of 132 moths were recorded this year. The first record was on 23 March with the last on 3 May. 120 of these were in March with a peak of 30 on 24th. 2188 Orthosia incerta (Hufnagel, 1766) CLOUDED DRAB Four recorded this year became the first records since 2015. One was on 27 March, two on 28 March and one on 28 April. 2190 Orthosia gothica (Linnaeus, 1758) HEBREW CHARACTER A total of 100 moths were recorded from 24 March to 9 May, a peak of eight was recorded on 25 March and 22 April. 2193 Mythimna ferrago (Fabricius, 1787) CLAY In total 63 were recorded this year; the first record was at Cristin on 1 July with a further 56 by the end of the month including seven on 28th and eight on 29th. August saw the other six until 14th. 2194 Mythimna conigera ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) WHITE POINT A good year for migrant moths saw two White Points trapped at Cristin on 23 and 30 July. These become the fifth and sixth records for Bardsey following three in 2016 and one in 2019. 2198 Mythimna impura (Hübner, 1808) SMOKY WAINSCOT There was a total of 33 recorded between 4 July and 19 September. Most came from Cristin, however the highest count was eight to light in Cristin Withy on 8 August. 2199 Mythimna pallens (Linnaeus, 1758) COMMON WAINSCOT There were no spring records, however eight were recorded during the second generation between 21 August and 26 September. 2202 Mythimna l-album (Linnaeus, 1767) L - ALBUM WAINSCOT An individual was trapped at Cristin on 20 September during an influx of migrant species. This represented only the second record for Bardsey after one in 2018. 2203 Mythimna unipuncta (Haworth, 1809) WHITE - SPECK There was a single record of this migrant species this year when one was trapped at Cristin on 2 September; this was the fourteenth record for the island and the first since 2017. White Speck © Ed Betteridge

297 MOTHS 6 6 : 2 7 0 - 3 0 3 2205 Mythimna comma (Linnaeus, 1758) SHOULDER - STRIPED WAINSCOT There were 22 recorded this year between 29 May and 14 July. The highest count was five to light at Nant on 7 July. 2214 Cucullia chamomillae ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) CHAMOMILE SHARK A single record to light at Cristin on 30 March became only the third record for Bardsey after two in 2010. The required foodplants are not known to be present on the island so this record is thought to be a vagrant. 2216 Cucullia umbratica (Linnaeus, 1758) THE SHARK This was the best year on record for this species with a total of seven recorded. The first was to light at Cristin on 18 June with a different individual found at dusk the following night; another was trapped at Cristin on 22 June. July saw a single hand-netted in the Wetlands on 1st before three were caught together at Cristin on 6th. 2229 Dasypolia templi (Thunberg, 1792) BRINDLED OCHRE A single was recorded on 27 April at Cristin. 2232 Aporophyla nigra (Haworth, 1809) BLACK RUSTIC A bad year resulted in 15 records, mainly due to poor weather for much of October. Records came from six dates between 21 September and 23 October with a peak of four on two dates. Chamomile Shark © Ed Betteridge Black rustic © Ollie King

298 BETTERIDGE REP. BARDSEY BIRD FLD OBS 2236 Lithophane hepatica (Clerck, 1759) PALE PINION An individual was found feeding on apples in Cristin garden on 23 October; this is only the 11th record for the island. 2245 Allophyes oxyacanthae (Linnaeus, 1758) GREEN - BRINDLED CRESCENT A total of four was recorded this year. The first record was two to light at Cristin on 14 October, this was followed by singles feeding on apples at Tŷ Pellaf and Cristin on 21st and 23rd respectively. 2252 Polymixis flavicincta ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) LARGE RANUNCULUS A single was recorded to light at Cristin on 3 October and became the third record for the island after two last year. 2255 Polymixis lichenea (Hübner, 1813) FEATHERED RANUNCULUS In total 68 were caught on 14 dates between 2 September and 23 October. A peak count of 12 were recorded to light at Cristin on 30 September. 2259 Conistra ligula (Esper, 1791) DARK CHESTNUT A total of four was recorded in October. The first was found in Cristin dining room on 20th, this was followed by two feeding on apples at Cristin on 23rd, with a single again on the apples on 25th. 2263 Agrochola lota (Clerck, 1759) RED - LINE QUAKER A total of five was recorded at Cristin, on three dates in October. 2270 Omphaloscelis lunosa (Haworth, 1809) LUNAR UNDERWING There were 259 recorded this year; the first being an early record on 26 August. This was followed by a further 158 in September and 100 in October including 76 at Cristin on 3rd. 2284 Acronicta psi (Linnaeus, 1758) GREY DAGGER AGG. One was recorded at Cristin on 12 July. 2289 Acronicta rumicus (Linnaeus, 1758) KNOT GRASS. Three were recorded this year at Cristin with singles in July on 21st and 29th, and a single on 25 August. Pale Pinion © Ed Betteridge