Category A
- resident; common/abundant throughout VC55
- readily identifiable
Species in this category will not require verification by the Lepidoptera Panel.
Summary records from each site are sufficient for these species as a minimum, e.g.: Large Yellow Underwing, regularly recorded from site 'xyz' during 2001, first date, last date, max. n on date. Additional comments to indicate any perceived changes in status would also be beneficial; fully detailed records of these species are, of course, welcome
Category B
- scarce resident or restricted distribution in VC55
- common/occasional migrants
- readily identifiable
Species in this category will not usually require verification by the Lepidoptera Panel.
Detailed records of these species are required so that any population or distribution changes, or occurrence patterns, can be readily determined. Information required includes as a minimum: site(s), date(s), number(s) and method(s) of attracting/locating (eg MV Light, sugar, dusking).
Category C
- very scarce residents or rarely occurring migrants
- may not be readily identifiable; genitalia examination required where indicated
- infrequently recorded species of micromoth
Species in this category will usually require some verification by the Lepidoptera Panel.
Detailed records of these species are required so that any population or distribution changes, or occurrence patterns, can be readily determined. Information required includes as a minimum: identification determiner, site, date, number and method of attracting/locating (eg MV Light, sugar, dusking).
Confirmation of the record via verification by another experienced recorder, or photographic evidence, is desirable to assist the Lepidoptera Panel where necessary.
Category D
- species rarely recorded from VC55
- any species which do not appear on either the macro or micro lists are to be considered within this category
Species in this category will require full verification by the Lepidoptera Panel.
Records for these species should be submitted at the earliest opportunity after the occurrence.
Unless indicated otherwise, a voucher specimen will be required in support of a fully documented record. Information supplied must include: identification determiner, site, date, number, method of attracting/locating (eg MV Light, sugar, dusking). Additional information, such as weather and temperature, is desirable.
Pressed leaf-mines, or photographs, are required to support any category D leaf-mining species in the larval stages.
For nationally rare species, or species with a known conservation concern, a voucher specimen should only be taken where there is absolutely no alternative. Such species are identified by suffix (X) after the category letter. Confirmation of such species may be via verification by another experienced recorder, or photographic evidence.
Non-adult Life Stages
For records of ovum, larvae or pupae, the information required includes: site(s), date(s), number(s), foodplant/host-plant and method(s) of locating (e.g. beating, sweeping, digging).
Records of casts, leaf-mines, frass deposits etc should be submitted as per the above.