Acronicta alni (Linn.) (Apatele alni) Alder Moth
p80. Resident, rather local and not common. Even after due allowance is made for the advent of the
MV lamp to which this species is readily attracted, it has almost certainly increased in numbers and
extended its range as the VCH described it as very rare. A total of 32 to light in a 70 Little Baddow
garden in 1984 (SW) is exceptional.
Acronicta tridens (D. & S.) (Apatele tridens) Dark Dagger
p81. Resident, fairly widespread and locally fairly common.
Acronicta psi (Linn.) (Apatele psi) Grey Dagger
p81. Resident, widespread and common.
Acronicta rumicis (Linn.) (Apatele rumicis) Knot Grass
p81. Resident, widespread and common.
Simyra albovenosa (Goeze) (S. venosa Borkh.) Reed Dagger
p81. Resident, very local; still generally scarce but increasing in numbers and extending its range;
mainly confined to the coast and estuaries and their vicinity. 68 Stanford Warren NR, a number 1983
(DJLA, CP, PAS); 90 Bradwell-on-Sea, continues to occur almost annually (AJD); 00 Bradwell-on-
Sea, 1983 (CP et al); 09 Dengie (AJD, SFJD): 01 Fingringhoe Wick NR, 1976 (PJW); 02 north
Colchester,1979 (JY); 22 Hamford Water, four 1982 (MEA, RL). 88 Thundersley 1984 (DGD).
Craniophora ligustri (D. & S.) The Coronet
p81. ?Vagrant, very rare; only one recent record, on 70 Danbury Ridge, 1969*.
Cryphia domestica (Hufn.) (C. perla D. & S.) Marbled Beauty
p80. Resident, widespread and locally common.
Amphipyrinae
A large subfamily of mainly medium-sized moths. The larvae are hairless. Some species feed on roots,
others burrow in the stems of their foodplant and many others have the more normal habit of feeding
on leaves. Some species overwinter as eggs. Over 100 species have been recorded in Britain of which
72 have been found in Essex, as well as two which were accidentally introduced from abroad in plant
material (see Appendix, p 118).
Amphipyra pyramidea (Linn.) Copper Underwing
p79. Resident, widespread and locally common.
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