Noctuidae : Hadeninae
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Photo © Dr John Murray,  Marshalls Heath, Hertfordshire (10/07/13)

Similar Herts & Middlesex Species
Dark Arches
Apamea monoglypha
Reddish Light Arches
Apamea sublustris
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Pale Shining Brown
Polia bombycina

(Hufnagel, 1766) 2148 / 73.259

General comments:
Extinct or perhaps exceptionally localised resident. Not seen since 2013. Potentially now extinct or nearly so in the British Isles.Species of the highest conservation concern.

The future looks bleak for the Pale Shining Brown, which may be on-course for national extinction; at the end of 2020 there may have been only 14 sites remaining in the whole of Britain. It was once widespread, though local, within Hertfordshire and in moderate population strength, but by the 1990s it had vanished from almost all former sites. There was an unexpected record from a field-edge habitat at Marshall`s Heath in 1996, four more at the same site in 2009, three in 2010 and finally two in 2013. In spite of nightly trapping in all years since then, no more have been encountered. Of course, there have been only 9 "seasons" since 2013 (8 if Covid is allowed for) and it is noted that in 2009 it appeared after a thirteen-year absence. It might still be here, but given the high number and widespread distribution of moth trappers, together with their keenness to find `missing` species, it seems unlikely that it has been overlooked. It is considered here to be extinct in the county. Nevertheless, targeted searches undertaken in June/July are most desirable, especially in the arable landscape north-westwards from Marshall's Heath where habitat persists and recording effort has been weak.

Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 18 (44%) of 41 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1887.
Last Recorded in 2013.
Additional Stats

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List Species Records   [Show All Latest]
Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10k Area
14/07/2013320TL11 - Harpenden / Wheathampstead
14/07/2013320TL11 - Harpenden / Wheathampstead
09/07/2013220TL11 - Harpenden / Wheathampstead
07/07/2013120TL11 - Harpenden / Wheathampstead
07/07/2013120TL11 - Harpenden / Wheathampstead
Show Details | 1990 to 2023 | 2000 to 2023 | Graph Key
Express Record Pale Shining Brown
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VC20 VC21 VC21 VC20
Click Map for Details
Forewing: 19-23mm.
Flight: One generation June-July.
Foodplant:   Polyphagous
Red List: Endangered (EN)
GB Status: Nationally Rare
Former Status: Red Data Book (proposed)
Verification Grade:  Adult: 3
 Immature Adult   [Show Flight Weeks]
© hertsmiddxmoths.uk 2025 NOLA®; Database using MapMate® Digital Maps © Bartholomew 2010. Design © Jim Wheeler 2025
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