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Entomologist’s Record
AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION
EDITED BY P. A. SOKOLOFF, F.R.E.s.
Vol. 100 1988
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CONTENTS
Acleris abietana Hbn. (Lep.: Tortricidae) in northern England. A. M. Riley, 187 Acrolepiopsis betulella Curt. (Lep.: Yponomeutidae) in Argyllshire. K. Bland, 57
Acronicta rumicis L. (Lep.: Noctuidae) — larval foodplant in Ireland. B. K. West, 94
Adistemia watsoni Woll. (Col.: Lathridi- idae): a third occurrence in west Kent. A. A. Allen, 274
Agrilus pannonicus (Col.: Buprestidae), notes on, A. A. Allen, 25
Alsophila aescularia, the March moth, unusual flight times for. A. M. Riley, 42
Anapsis bohemica Schil. (Col.: Scrapti- idae) at Coylumbridge. J. A. Owen, 191
Ants (four) new to the Belgian fauna. R. and M. C. Cammaerts, 37
Aphelia unitana Hbn. (Lep.: Tortricidae) in Devon, and a larval foodplant. R. J. Heckford, 184
Aplota palpella Haw. (Lep.: Oecophori- dae) in Devon. R. J. Heckford, 207
Aplota palpella Haw. (Lep.: Oecophori- dae) — further notes on the biology and habitat requirements. P. dH. Sterling, 203
Aquatic hemiptera from Cumbria, frequency distribution of R. W. J. Read, 181
Athena ebenina Mus. (Col.: Staphylini- dae) in Perthshire and Surrey. J. A. Owen, 190
Atheta sylvicola Kraatz. (Col.: Staphyli- nidae) from two sites in Scotland. J. A. Owen, 130
Barred Umber moth Plagodis pulveraria L. (Lep.: Geometridae), hazel as an im- portant foodplant of. P. Waring, 135
Berytinus montivagus Mey. and Metatro- pis rufescens H-S. (Hemiptera) in Ire- land. J. P. O’Connor, M. A. O’Con- norand M. de Courcy Williams, 81
Biston betularia (Lep.: Geometridae), Sanguisorba officinalis as a foodplant of. L. R. Williams, 42
Biston betularia (Lep.: Geometridae) — melanism in decline. B. K. West, 39
Book talk 10. J. M. Chalmers-Hunt, 258
Breconshire, new Lepidoptera records A. M. Riley, 141
Butterflies on El Hierro. D. F. Owen, D. A. S. Smithand A. G. Smith, 211
Butterflies on La Palma. D. F. Owen, A. S. Smith and A. G. Smith, 77
Butterflies roosting in hot weather. B.O. C. Gardiner, 235
Butterflies, birds and mosquitoes — an entomological foray to the European Arctic. W. J. Tennent, 193
Campaea margaritata L. (Lep.: Geomet- ridae) and its second brood, B. K. West, 234
Catocala nupta, the red underwing (Lep.: Noctuidae) in Cumbria. J. Briggs, 54
Catocala promissa, the light crimson underwing, egg-laying in. J. Platts, 47
Catops fuliginosus (Col.: Leiodidae) in Kent. A. A. Allen, 48.
Catopsilia florella Fab. (Lep.: Pieridae) in Canary. J. E. Green, 186
Ceramica pisi (Lep.: Noctuidae), larval foodplant preferences. B. K. West, 10
Choleva cisteloides Frol. (Col.: Catopti- dae) in Kent, Sussex and Devon. A. A. Allen, 188
Cimberis attelaboides (Col.: Nemonychi- dae) in West Cumbria. R. W. J. Read, 36. Cis dentatus Mell. (Col.: Cisidae), further Scottish records of. J. A. Owen, 188 Coleophora alnifoliae (Lep.: Coleophori- dae), a Scottish specimen of. K. P. Bland, 47
Common blue butterfly (Polyommatus icarus), changing geography of in Nor- thumberland. R. J. Aspinall, 1
Communication in ants. S. F. Henning, 109
Copris lunaris (Col.: Scarabaeidae) on Guernsey. R. A. Austin, 80
Cornish names for moths. A. Spalding and L. Jenkin, 253
Crambinae (Lep.: Pyralidae) in Greece, with new records. D. E. Gaskin, 153
Cynthia cardui L. (Lep.: Nymphalidae) migrating in Italy, April 1988. J. L. Campbell, 233
iV
Cypha laeviuscula Man. (Col.: Staphylin- idae) on Fair Isle. A. A. Allen, 237
Dacne (Col.: Erotylidae), a further note on British species of. A. A. Allen, 42 Dahlica triquetrella (Lep.: Psychidae) in south Essex. C. Plant, 19
Danaus plexippus L. (Lep.: Danaidae) in southwest Europe, Establishment of a population of. J. Martin and P. Guerra 163
Diasemiopsis ramburialis Dup. (Lep.: Pyralidae) in Wiltshire. S. Palmer, 94
Dioryctria schuetzeella Fuchs (Lep.: Phycitinae) in Cambridgeshire. J. M. Chalmers-Hunt, 276
Dioryctria schuetzeella Fuchs (Lep.: Phy- citinae) in Northamptonshire. C. E. Higgs, 276
Diptera (Syrphidae) of the Sandwell Val- ley; M. G. Bloxham, 11
Diptera, some recent records of un- common from south Hertfordshire. A. Godfrey, 271
Distribution of Protodeltote pygarga Hufn. © Lithacodia fasciana L.¥% in Great Britain. B. Skinner, 204
Dolicharthria punctalis (Lep.: Pyralidae) in Pembrokeshire. G. L. and M. A. Finch, 28
Donacia thalassina Germ. (Col.: Chryso- melidae) in Wilts, a 1962 capture of. A. A. Allen, 72
Dorcatoma serra (Col.: Anobiidae) in west Norfolk. A. A. Allen, 46
Dropephylla_ gracilicornis Fairm. and Lab. (Col.: Staphylinidae) in varied habitats. A. A. Allen, 210
Dytiscus lapponicus (Col.: Dytiscidae), sunbathing. J. A. Owen, 45
Early painted ladies in N. W. Scotland. DC; Hulme. 233
Ectropis bistortata Goeze (Lep.: Geomet- ridae) — third brood specimens. P. Waring, 213
Ectropis bistortata Goeze (Lep.: Geomet- ridae) third brood. B. K. West, 198
Editorial, 145
Elphinstonia charlonia (Lep.: Pieridae) and Polyommatus icarus (Lep.: Lycae- nidae) on Lanzarote. D. F. Owen, 259
Epermenia illigerella Hbn. (Lep.: Eper- meniidae), second generation larva. R. J. Heckford, 98
Epitrix pubescens Koch. (Col.: Chryso- melidae) in west Kent. A. A. Allen, 84 Eublemma kettlewelli and E. uhlenhuthi (Lep.: Noctuidae) two new species from Africa near E. reducta. E. P. Wilt- shire, 7
Eudectus whitei Sharp. (Col.: Staphy- linidae), additional Scottish records for and a comment on its status in Britain. J. A. Owen, 184
Eupithecia abietaria Goetz. (Lep.: Geo- metridae) breeding in Wales. C. I. Rutherford, 141
Eupithecia intricata Zett. (Lep.: Geo- metridae) new to Cheshire. C. J. Rutherford, 93
Eupithecia vulgata scotica Cock. (Lep.: Geometridae) in Cumbria. A. M. Riley, 104
Eupithecia, new records from Cardigan- shire. A. M. Riley, 35
Extreme unnamed aberrations of Man- iola jurtina L. (Lep.: Satyridae). R. D. G. Barrington, 105
F. W. Frohawk’s Natural History of Brit- ish Butterflies — notes on the date of publication. D. E. Wilson, 35.
Further notes on Hyalomyodes (Dipt.: Tachinidae). D. K. McE. Kevan. 132 Gardening correspondent, a real menace to butterflies. B. O. C. Gardiner, 250 Geostiba circellaris (Col.: Staphylinidae), a rival to the bombadier beetle? P. D.
Orton, 20
Guernsey Lepidoptera, an introduction to t-D, N--Peet, 24
Hadena compta D. & S. (Lep.: Noctu- idae) in Hampshire. B. Skinner, 204
Hadena compta D. & S. (Lep.: Noctu- idae) in Hampshire. R. R. Cook, 93
Hairstreak roosting habits. J. G. Coutsis, 54
Hemerobius marginatus Steph. (Neur.: Hemerobiidae) in a Wiltshire wood- land. C. W. Plant, 62
Herminia grisealis D. & S. (Lep.: Noc- tuidae), some host-plants in the wild. P. Waring, 185
Horisme tersata, the fern carpet, in Shrop- shire. A. M. Riley, 84
Hyalomyodes (Dip.: Tachinidae) an endo- parasitiod of Tetrigoidea (Orthoptera). D. K. McE. Kevan and R. T. B. Koshnaw, 55
Hypena obsitalis, the Bloxworth snout in Cornwall. F. H. Smith, 44
Immigration of Lepidoptera to the British Isles in 1987. R. F. Bretherton and J. M. Chalmers-Hunt, 175, 226
Insect repellent, a new. P. A. Sokoloff, 134
Intergeneric copulation in lycaenids, a case of. J. G. Coutsis, 93
Ireland, records of macrolepidoptera from Co. Mayo. B. K. West, 72
Ischnomera Steph. (Col.: Oedemeridae), a fourth species in Britain. A. A. Allen 199
Ischnoscia borreonella (Lep.: Tineidae). E. C. Pelham-Clinton, 46
Ladybirds, and artificial diet for main- taining. S. A. Henderson and J. J. M. Albrecht, 261
Isles of Canna, notes from. J. L. Cambell, 142
Lathyrus pratensis — a host plant for Leucoptera lathyrifoliella and Phyllo- norycter nigrescentella. J. R. Langmaid, 185
Light trap on Fair Isle. P. J. Sellar and B. M. O’Brian, 45
Limnaecia phragmitella (Lep.: Momph- idae) in Fife. M. R. Shaw, 45
Long way from home. W. J. Tennent, 249
Lycaenid butterflies, possible adaptive significance of tail structure. A. M. Riley and H. D. Loxdale, 59
Lysandra coridon (Lep.: Lycaenidae) in the North — the Bermuda Triangle? W. E. Rimington, 49
Megaselia dahli complex (Dipt.: Phor- idae), new synonyms and two species new to the British list. R. H. L. Disney, 169
Melanic Lygdia adustata (Lep.: Geometr- idae) in Hampshire. B. K. West, 236
Mesapamea secalella Remm — a junior synonym of Mesapamea didyma Esp. (Lep.: Noctuidae). B. J. Lempke, 147
Mesapamea species (Lep.: Noctuidae) in Shropshire. A. M. Riley and J. E. Southwood, 257
Metoecus paradoxus L. (Col.: Rhipiphor- idae) in N.W. Kent. A. A. Allen, 93
Microlepidoptera — a review of the year 1986. D. J. L. Agassiz, 119
Migrant Lepidoptera in Morocco. E. C. L. Simson, 132
Migration of Cynthia cardui L. (Lep.: Nymphalidae) in Portugal. 7. B. Larsen, 131
Morocco! Yrevisitted “in! "19862 - "27 Tennent, 29, 260
New host records for fungus-feeding Phoridae (Diptera). R. H. L. Disney and R. E. Evans, 208
New Lepidoptera records from Worces- tershire. A. N. B. Simpson, 189
New twist to deflective eye spots in butter- flies. 7. B. Larsen, 205
Nola confusalis H.-S. (Lep.: Noctuidae), the least black arches in Essex. C. W. Plant, 252
Northward migration of Cynthia cardui L. (Lep.: Nymphalidae) in southern Europe in spring 1988. B. Goater, 232
Old counties in recording, a plea for re- tention of. A. A. Allen, 57
Omalium allardi F. and B. (Col.: Staphy- linidae) in Speyside. J. A. Owen, 117
Orgyia antiqua L. The vapourer moth (Lep.: Lymantriidae) in Shetland. C. Barton, 236
Ouapteryx sambucaria, larvae feeding on Solidago canadensis. D. F. Owen, 62
Painted lady butterfly, winter records of. S. C. Madge, 53
Paralipsa gularis Zell. (Lep.: Pyralidae) in Devon. R. J. Heckford, 132
Pechipogo strigilata L. (Lep.: Noctuidae), the not-so-common fanfoot. P. Waring, 146
Perizoma sagittata Fab. and Lomographa bimaculata Fab. — two species of Lepi- doptera new to Yorkshire. N. Gill, 276
Phlyctaenia_ perlucidalis Hbn. (Lep.: Pyralidae) in Wiltshire. S. Palmer, 134
Phyllodecta polaris Schn. (Col.: Chryso- melidae), a note on the life history. J. A. Owen, 91
Precis frobeniusi Stat.Nov. (Lep.: Nym- phalidae). L. McLeod, 265
Quest for Maculinea in western France in 1986. S. L. Meredith, 85
Records of local and uncommon Chryso- melidae (Col.) from Cumbria. R. W. J. Read, 99
Red Admiral, an early or late? A. Archer- Lock, 134
vi
Relict old forest beetle fauna from Lyd- ney Park, Glos. K. N. A. Alexander, 187
Revised key to the varieties of Rhagium bifasciatum F. (Col.: Cerambycidae). R. R. Uhthoff-Kaufmann, 217
Rhagonycha lutea (Muller) and other un- common Cantharidae (Coleoptera) from west Wales. K. N. A. Alexander, 274
Sabra harpagula, the scarce hook-tip (Lep.: Drepanidae), notes on breeding. R. McCormick, 58
Sawfly damage to honeysuckle similar to that of the broad-bordered bee hawk- moth. P. Waring, 76
Schrankia costaestrigalis Stephens: pinion -streaked snout (Lep.: Noctuidae) in Breconshire. J. M. Chalmers-Hunt, 236
Scopula immorata, (Lep.: Geometridae), history and loss of the Lewes wave. C. Pratt, 241
Sericomyia silentis (Dipt.: Syrphidae), the 44,834th hoverfly. J. Owen, 43
Silver-washed fritillary in Surrey. D. S. Burrows, 260
Sitotroga cerealella Ol. (Lep.: Gelechi- idae) in Worcester. A. N. B. Simpson, 162
Spathius curvicaudis Ratzeburg (Hym.: Braconidae) new to Britain and parasit- ising Agrilus pannonicus (Col.: Bupres- tidae) M. R. Shaw, 215
Sphaerophoria virgata G.d.T. (Dipt. Syr- phidae) and other hoverflies in the Wyre Forest, Worcestershire. C. W. Plant, 73
Sphaerophoria virgata G.d.T. (Dipt.: Syr- phidae) in Hertfordshire. R. Crossley, 275
Stigmella tiliae Frey. (Lep.: Nepticuli- dae), a new British foodplant for. A. S. Boot, 181
Storm damage and Catocala species, the effects of. E. H. Wild, 44
Strangalia Serv. (Col.: Cerambycidae), the occurrence of the genus in the
British Isles. R. R. Uhthoff-Kauf mann, 63
Striped hawk-moth, Hyles lineata livorn- ica Esp. (Lep.: Sphingidae). P. M. Miles, 214
Subspecies of Acraea johnstoni Godman (Lep.: Nymphalidae). D. L. Hancock and A. Heath, 137
Tachinus flavolimbatus Pand. (Col.: Staphylinidae) in S.E. London. A. A. Allen, 234
Tethea fluctuosa (Lep.: Thyatyridae) in N.W. Kent. B. K. West, 24
The codling moth, Cydia pomonella, an early Gloucestershire record of. C. Plant, 24
Thera cupressata Gey. (Lep.: Geometri- dae) a moth new to mainland Britain. C. Pratt, 180
Thera juniperata L. (Lep.: Geometridae) in N.W. Kent. B. K. West, 237
Trimium brevicorne Reich. (Col.: Psela- phidae) rediscovered in Yorkshire. K. N. A. Alexander, 255
Triplax aenea Schall. (Col.: Erotylidae) in Bucks. A. A. Allen, 72
Triplax lacordairii Crotch (Col.: Erotyli- dae) — the Surrey record of. D. A. Prance, 237
Turkish Asia Minor, some _ butterflies from. D. W. Baldock and R. F. Breth- erton, 133
Two notable garden beetles. A. A. Allen, aT)
Urocerus augur Klug. (Hym.: Symphyta) new to Guernsey. R. A. Austin, 142
Voltinism of Pseudargyrotoza conwagana Faber (eps) Nonmncidae) Am Vi: Emmet, 97
White admiral butterfly, Lagoda camilla L., a possibly unique bilateral gynan- dromorph. G. W. Beccaloni, 102
William B. Manley collection of Lepidop- tera. E. G. Hancock, 75
Zyras haworthii (Col.: Staphylinidae) in Dorset. P. D. Orton, 47, 117
Current Literature, 48, 94, 95, 96, 142, 143, 144, 192, 238, 239, 278, 279
CONTRIBUTORS
Agassiz, D. J. L., 118 Albrecht, J. S. M., 261 Alexander, K. N. A., 187, 255, 274
Allen, A. A., 25, 42, 46, 48, 57, 72, 93, 117, 134, 199, 210, 234, 237, 274, 277
Archer-Lock, A., 134 Aspinall, R. J., 1 Austin, R. A., 80, 142
Baldock, D. W., 133 Barrington, R. D. G., 105 Barton, C., 236 Beccaloni, G. W., 102 Belshaw, R., 189
Bland, K. P., 47, 57 Bloxham, M. G., 11 Boot, A.S., 181 Bretherton, R. F., 133, 175, 226 Briggs, J., 54
Burrows, D. E., 260
Cambell, J. L., 142
Cammaerts, M. C., 37
Cammaerts, R., 37
Campbell, J. L., 233
Canter, L..S., 212
Chalmers-Hunt, J. M., 175, 226, 236, 258, 276
Cook, R. R., 93
Coutsis, J., 54, 93
Crossley, R., 275
Disney, R. H. L., 169, 208
Emmet, A. M., 97 Evans, R. E., 208
Finch, M. A., 28 Finch, G. L., 28
Gardiner, B. O. C., 235, 250 Gaskin, D. E., 153 Ghavalas, N., 54
Gill, N., 276
Goater, B., 232
Godfrey, A., 271 Green, J. E., 186 Guerra, P., 163
Hancock, D: L.,. 137
Hancock, E. G., 75
Hart, C., 95
Heath, A., 137
Heckford, R. J., 98, 132, 185, 207 Henderson, S. A., 261
Henning, S. F., 109
Higgs, C: E2276
Hulme, D. C., 233
Jenkin 2-255
Karsholt, O., 115
Vii
Kaufmann, R. R. Uhthoff-, 63, 144, 217
Kevan, D. K. McE., 55 Koshnaw, T. B., 55
Langmaid, J. R., 162, 185 [Earsen,, Bz, 131,205 Lempke, B. J., 147 Loxdale, H. D., 59
Madge, S., 53 Martin, J., 163 McCormick, R., 58 McKevan, D. K., 132 McLeod, L., 265 Meredith, S. L., 85 Miles, P. M., 214, 276
O’Brian, B. M., 45 O’Connor, J. P., 81 O’Connor, M.A., 81 OrtonyP.Ds 205475 117 Owen, D. F., 62, 77, 211, 259 Owen, J., 43
Owen, J. A., 45, 92, 130, 184, 188, 190,
EO, 212
Palmer, S., 94, 134
Vill
Pests WW. IDs INlgs 741 Pelham-Clinton, E. C., 46, 47 menney.. ©. C-9142
Piant, ©. We, 19) 2462 973), 252 Platts, J., 47
Pratt, ©, 180) 241
Read, R. W. J., 36, 99, 181
Riley, A. M., 35, 42, 59, 84, 104, 141, 186, 257
Rimington, W. E., 49
Rutherford, C. I., 93, 141
Sellanve-Jen4>
Shaw, M. R., 45, 215 Simpson, A. N. B., 162, 189 Simson, E. C. L., 132 Skinner, B., 96, 204
Smith. Ae Gs, 240 Sipe Aersee a)
Smith, D AUS: 214 Smith, F. H., 44
Sokoloff, P., 134, 143, 238 Southwood, J. E., 257 Spalding, A., 253, 275 Sterling, Pe 203
Tennent, W. J., 29, 193, 249, 260
Waring, P., 76, 135, 146, 185, 213
West, B. K., 10, 24, 39, 72, 94, 95, 198, 23452362237
Wild, E. H., 44
Williams, L. R., 41
Williams, M. de Courcy, 81
Wilson, D. E., 35
Wiltshire, E. P., 7
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THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD
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COMMON BLUE BUTTERFLY IN NORTHUMBERLAND ]
THE CHANGING GEOGRAPHY OF THE COMMON BLUE BUTTERFLY (POL YOMMATUS ICARUS) IN NORTHUMBERLAND
By R. J. ASPINALL*
Introduction
Heath, Pollard and Thomas (1984) have described patterns of change in abundance and distribution for butterflies in Britain and Ireland. Many species show a decline in abundance or contraction of range, although a few species have recently increased in number and distribution. In Scotland the speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) has colonised the north-east since 1960 (Thompson, 1980; Barbour, 1986), and in northern England the orange tip (Anthocharis cardamines) has recolonised since the 1950’s (Harper, 1968; Long, 1979). In Northumberland, the common blue (Polyommatus icarus) has had a highly variable distribution during the last 150 years, the most notable and encouraging feature of which is the extent to which the species has recolonised the county over the last twenty years. This paper describes the changing distribution of the common blue in Northumberland and attempts to account for the changes observed.
The Pattern of Distribution
1. Distribution before 1950 (Figure 1). Records of the common blue are widespread from Northumberland for the period up to 1950. The earliest record dates from 1769, and in 1857 the species was described as: “The most abundant of our small butterflies, appearing in every grassy lane and field at the end of May and continuing until early in July. A second brood in August and flies till late in September.” (Wailes, 1858). This situation seems to have been maintained during the second half of the nineteenth century, the species occurring. ‘Everywhere throughout the district except on higher moor- lands’’. (Robson, 1902). Records from early this century come from throughout the county, but in about 1950 the species suddenly became restricted in distri- bution.
*Department of Geography, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle- upon-Tyne.
2 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 251.1988
Figure 1. Distribution of records of the common blue in Northumberland from pre-1950 to 1980. Records are plotted on 5 x 5 km squares.
COMMON BLUE BUTTERFLY IN NORTHUMBERLAND 3
2. Decline : 1950 - 1966 (Figure 1). Between 1950 and 1959 the species was recorded only along the coast, principally in sand dune systems and particularly in the north between Berwick and Dunstanburgh, but with a single record from Tynemouth Priory in 1956. Between 1960 and 1966 records were still largely confined to the coast, a 1962 record from Riding Mill in the lower Tyne valley being the only exception.
3. Increase : 1967 - 1971 (Figure 1). During 1967 and 1968 the species began to recolonise inland areas of the county, recolonisa- tion being centred on Tyneside and in the north of the county. In Tyneside, records came from Gosforth Park, Woolsington and Wallsend, and there were also observations from Throckley, New- burn, Crag Lough and Barrasford in the Tyne valley. in the north there were fewer records, the species being found at Chillingham and in the Breamish valley. The species also increased along the coast, new records coming from Holy Island, Embleton, Seahouses and Budle Bay.
Between 1969 and 1971 the species built on, and extended, the areas colonised during 1967 and 1968. Records were more widespread, both along the coast and in Tyneside, and the distri- bution extended along the Tyne valley into both the South Tyne and Tyne valleys. The species was also recorded from the valley of the River Wansbeck, and, further north, in the valley of the River Aln. By 1971 the species had been recorded from Allendale, one of the main tributary valleys of the South Tyne system.
4. Consolidation ; 1972 - 1980 (Figure 1). The pattern of recoloni- sation between 1972 and 1980 followed that established during the initial period of recolonisation between 1967 and 1971. The main routes for expansion continued to be the river valleys; by 1973 the species was recorded in Coquetdale and Redesdale, the latter being a tributary of the North Tyne. In the South Tyne system there was a record of from Allenheads in Allendale, this being at an altitude of 400m. By the mid-1970’s therefore, all the main river valleys of the county had been colonised, together with much of the coastline, records from 1975 to 1980 confirming this pattern of distribution and showing the species to have consolidated its expansion.
Discussion
This sequence of change in distribution of the common blue raises several questions about factors influencing numbers and distribution of the species :
4 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25.i1.1988
What was the cause of decline in the 1950’s?
2. What initiated the sudden and extensive recolonisation in 1967/1968?
3. For what reasons are the river valleys the favoured route for dispersal?
1. Decline. Nationally, the common blue has decreased in abun- dance this century; this is largely the result of modern agricultural practices, particularly use of herbicides, which reduce populations of the larval food plant Lotus corniculatus in improved pasture and other grassland, and thereby reduce populations of the butterfly (Heath, et al., 1984). Support for this being the possible cause of the post-1950 decline in Northumberland comes from the timing of the decline and the pattern of distribution in the county during 1950-1966.
The start of the decline coincides with the widespread intro- duction of synthetic herbicides and insecticides for agricultural use (Fryer and Chancellor, 1974; Sly, 1977). Mixtures of herbicides and insecticides have recently been shown to reduce common blue populations (Rands and Sotherton, 1986) through reducing popu- lations of larval food plants (Southerton, Rands and Moreby, 1985). Reductions in size of populations may be expected to be resolved locally into reductions in distribution.
Secondly, the pattern of distribution between 1950 and 1966 shows the species to have been restricted to coastal sand-dune sites which are free from agricultural activity and where Lotus corni- culatus can grow without interference and support viable populations of adult butterflies.
2. Increase. Possible reasons for the initiation of the spread of the common blue are less obvious. Use of herbicides in management of roadside verges had begun to decrease by the late 1960’s (Sheail, 1985) and it is possible that the spread of the common blue was the result of an increase in Lotus corniculatus as a smaller area of road- side was treated. Rabbit populations were also beginning to recover from myxomatosis by the late 1960’s and their grazing may have reduced the competitive advantage of taller plants over Lotus corniculatus in rough pasture. Further, common blue records for
Tyneside are principally associated with gardens, these being expec- ted to contain fewer herbicides than either agricultural land or managed roadsides, and records from rural areas are confined to the main river valleys where the riparian environment may have provi- ded sufficient habitat for the butterfly to have established popu- lations and spread.
COMMON BLUE BUTTERFLY IN NORTHUMBERLAND 5
3. Route of Dispersal. The main route for recolonisation used by the common blue has been the river valleys, there being three rea- sons for this. First, Lotus corniculatus is confined to areas below 500m in Northumberland (Baker and Tate, 1868), and the river valleys fulfull this condition for much of their length. Second, the river valleys connect with the coastal areas, the main reservoir of the common blue between 1950 and 1966, and provide a con- tinuous belt along which the common blue could spread, containing no barriers such as areas of high ground or abrupt changes in envi- ronmental conditions. Third, within the rivers there are many vegetated bars and floodplain sections which may recover quickly from agricultural pollution and provide areas of habitat suitable for the common blue within and through the improved agricultural areas of lowland Northumberland. This combination of a continuous lowland habitat offering little resistance to dispersal and connecting with the coastal reservoir of common blue populations is seen as the main reason for the river valleys being the routes of spread.
Summary
The common blue shows a clear pattern of changing distribution in Northumberland. Prior to 1950 the species was widely distributed in lowland parts of the county but suffered a major reduction in distribution between 1950 and 1966. This was possibly due to in- creasing use of agricultural chemicals which reduced populations of the larval food plant Lotus corniculatus. During this period the species was restricted to coastal sand dune sites. Starting in 1967 and continuing into the 1970’s, the species began to recolonise the county using the river valleys as routes for expansion into, and through, the agricultural lowland; the river valleys offer little resis- tence to spread, and provide a continuous path containing sufficient suitable habitat for the butterfly to establish viable populations. It is suggested that initiation of the spread was due to an increase in the larval food plant Lotus corniculatus as a result of decreased use of herbicides and an increase in rabbit populations.
Acknowledgements A. N. Tynan, P. S. Davis and C. Brewer kindly allowed me access to the Lepidoptera records for Northumberland held in the Hancock Museum, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Mrs. D. Morrison and Mr. E. Quenet provided cartographic assistance.
References
Baker, J. G. and G. R. Tate (1868) A New Flora of Northumberland
6 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 prey Wiley
and Durham. Natural History Trans. of Northumberland and Durham 2, 1-316pp.
Barbour, D. (1986) Expansion of range of the Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria L., in north-east Scotland. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 98, 98-105.
Fryer, J. D. and R. J. Chancellor (1974) Herbicides and our changing weeds.
In : Perring, F. H. (ed.) The Flora of a Changing Britain. BSBI. pp 105-18.
Harper, G. W. (1968) The Macrolepidoptera of Inverness-shire — Newtonmore District. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 80, 36-40.
Heath, J. Pollard, E. and Thomas, J. A. (1984) Atlas of Butterflies in Britain and Ireland. Harmondsworth : Viking.
Long, A. G. (1979) The return of the Orange-Tip. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 91, 16-7, 42-4, 158-61.
Rands, M. R. W. and Southerton, N. W. (1986) Pesticide use on cereal crops and changes in the abundance of butterflies on arable farmland in England. Biol. Cons. 36, 71-82.
Robson, J. E. (1902) A Catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Noythum- berland, Durham and Newcastle. I. Macrolepidoptera. Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle 12, 1-318.
Sheail, J. (1985) Pesticides and Nature Conservation : The British Experience 1950 - 1975, Oxford : Clarendon Press.
Sly, J. M. A. (1977) Changes in use of pesticides since 1945.
In : Perring, F. H. and K. Mellanby (eds.) Ecological Effects of Pesticides. Linnean Soc. Symp. Series No. 5 pp 1-6.
Sotherton, N. W., Rands, M. R. W. and Moreby, S. J. (1985) Com- parison of herbicide treated and untreated headlands on the sur- vival of game and wildlife. Proc. Br. Crop Prot. Conf. 1985, 991-8.
Thompson, G. (1980) The Butterflies of Scotland. London : Croom Helm.
Wailes, G. (1858) A Catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Northumber- land and Durham. Trans. Tyneside Naturalists Field Club 3, 189-234.
TWO NEW EUBLEMMA SPECIES FROM AFRICA 7
EUBLEMMA KETTLEWELLI AND E. UHLENHUTHI (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) TWO NEW SPECIES FROM AFRICA NEAR E. REDUCTA (BUTLER)
By E. P. WILTSHIRE* Summary
Eublemma kettlewelli spn. from Southern Africa and Eub- lemma uhlenhuthi sp.n. from Ethiopia, are described and illustrated. They may be placed after Eublemma reducta (Butler) and are eremic elements of the Eublemma olivacea (Walker) group, with atypical habitus.
Eublemma kettlewelli sp.n. (Figs.1, 2,5, 6).
Diagnosis: span 20-30mm,; forwing with dark median shade running outwards obliquely from costa and widening but not united to the dark terminal field. There is a conspicuous whitish basal streak.
Description : antenna of male, with dense cilia, longer than width of shaft; of female, simple. Proboscis, reduced. Vertex of head light bistre. Palp, well developed, grey-brown laterally, shaggy-scaled except on the finer third segment which is quite long.
Forewing mostly pale bistre, but lightly powdered with rosy brown above the cell to about 1/3 and also in the subapical triangular patch; costa, marked by two oblique faint olive dashes not reaching beyond the median nervure, before the dark olive-green median bar which also runs outwards towards the tornus and is widest at its most distal point, where a pale rounded submarginal line, indicated above by isolated dots, separates it from the olive- green subterminal line; the latter varies in width and may contrast with the pale terminal line. Fringe, darker grey basad. A suffused white basal streak almost bisects the olive-green dorsal area but does not reach the median bar. The isolated subapical triangular dark patch contains a pale bistre streak which is the start of the discontinuous submarginal line. The proximal and distal borders of the patch are both wider. In some examples there is a fine black spot in the cell.
Hindwings of male white with light brown termen and fringe; of female, pale olive-brown, with two whitish postmedian lines, darker terminad.
Male genitalia with parallel costal and ventral valve-borders, and rounded tip without corona; harpe medial, sclerotised, like a crooked finger. Uncus normal, aedeagus vesica without cornutus.
Female genitalia — ostium with straight posterior edge, and antrum a shallow, lightly sclerotised bowl. Bursa copulatrix without signum, tapering and spiculated towards the entry of the ductus bursae.
HOLOTYPE Male (Prep. WBM. 320) Botswana (“Bechuana- land”’) Upington, 12.iii.1950 (H. B. D. Kettlewell) in British Museum (Natural History).
*Wychwood, High Road, Cookham Rise, Berks. SL6 9JS.
ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25 1.1988
5 NG id “ih ee y ea if] in Hey bit y fi
Mintel Al ae
Bot {5 as. oo, dock ‘ BEES area) aes eee
Fig. 1 Eublemma kettlewelli sp. n. Holotype. Male genitalia.
Fig. 2 Eublemma kettlewelli sp.n. Paratype. Female genitalia.
Fig. 3 Eublemma uhlenhuthi sp.n. Holotype. Virgin female genitalia.
AS 4 Pua tai reducta Butler. Impregnated female genitalia (scale bars = .) mm).
TWO NEW EUBLEMMA SPECIES FROM AFRICA 9
Figs. 5-8. Fig. 5 Eublema kettlewelli sp.n. Male Holotype. Fig. 6 E. kettlewelli sp.n. Female. Paratype. Fig. 7 Eublemma uhlenhuthi sp.n, Female. Holotype. Fig. 8 Eublemma reducta Butler (Abyssinia). Male. (all figures x2).
PARATYPE Female (Prep.WBM.14) South Africa: Kuis of Malopo, 14.iv.1928 (J. C. Faure); Cape Province, Geluk, male and female, 13.xi.1961 (L. Vari); Orange Free State, Michville, female 29.1.1930 (H. K. Munro); Bloemfontein male 20.iv,1920 (H. E. Irving); Bots- wana, V-L Kalahari Expedition, Gomodini, 2 males, 1-5.iv.1930 and Kuko Pan 21-30.iii.1930. All in Transvaal Museum, Pretoria, South Africa.
Eublemma uhlenhuthi sp.n. (Figs. 3, 7)
Diagnosis : Span 20 mm. Forewing rosy beige, lacking the horn-shaped mark typical of E. reducta (fig. 8), having instead a smaller, blackish L-shaped mark : hindwing with grey cell-spot absent in reducta and paler than the female reducta. Bursa copu- latrix with signa, lacking in reducta. (fig. 4).
Description : Male unknown. Antenna of female with dense short cilia. (cf. reducta female which has sparse short cilia); proboscis much reduced,
as in reducta; palp, all segments with shaggy adpressed scales, slightly shorter on the third segment. Thorax and upperside, rosy beige, the costa not darker
10 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25.1.1988
suffused as in reducta; two feint, paler, wavy cross-lines can be traced, one medial and the other submarginal; termen, a paler line edged proximally with paler dots at the nervure ends. Fringe, pale grey. Hindwing paler than in reducta female, with grey cell-spot, and with feint traces of a pale submarginal line.
Female genitalia : anal papillae longer and more acute than in those of reducta, the ostium and ductus bursae more sclerotised. Bursa copulatrix, long oval, with two medial distally-located transverse linear signa in the form of a scobinated ridge. There are also some less sclerotised longitudinal wrinkles with incipient spiculation.
HOLOTYPE female (Prep. WBM. 373): Abyssinia, Dire-dawa, iv.1936, (H. Uhlenhuth) in British Museum (Natural History). The unique type was taken together with many £. reducta, with which it remained confused for years.
Acknowledgements
My thanks are due to members of the staff of the British Mu- seum (Natural History), particularly to the photographic department and to Dr. I. W. B. Nye; and also to Dr. Lajos Vari of the Transvaal Museum, Pretoria who so readily co-operated in this and other studies by loaning various African specimens.
CERAMICA PISI L. (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) : LARVAL FOOD- PLANT PREFERENCES —Most of the textbooks cite a number of larval foodplants for this moth, but rarely local preferences. Useful and interesting detail appears in J. Chalmers-Hunt (Butterflies and Moths of Kent 2, 1968) and L. and K. Evans (A Survey of the Macro-lepidoptera of Croydon and N. E. Surrey, 1973), and surely such works are those in which such information should appear. Perusal of some of the local Lepidoptera lists which have appeared in recent years proved disappointing, such knowledge being absent Or even in some cases a matter of guesswork and fiction!
I became acquainted with pisi larvae in the 1930s on Dartford Heath, Kent where I found them commonly upon broom (Cytisus Scoparius) and bracken (Pteris aquilina); later I found them de- foliating small birches (Betula sp.) on waste ground adjacent to Dart- ford Heath where bracken and broom were absent, and feeding on sea aster (Aster iripolium) in some numbers on the Dartford Marshes. On July 31st 1987 near Rinnamona in the Burren of Co. Clare I found the larvae not uncommonly upon bog myrtle (Myrica gale), and despite searching, none upon scabious, bracken or other plants growing in the vicinity. On August 3rd more were found on bog myrtle, but on no other plants, near Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim. Regarding the Burren, bog myrtle is a very local plant, but C. pisi is widespread, so what preference does it have elsewhere in that region I wonder? — B. K. WEST, 36 Briar Road, Darfford, Kent.
HOVERFLIES OF SANDWELL VALLEY 11
THE DIPTERA (SYRPHIDAE) OF THE SANDWELL VALLEY
By M. G. BLOXHAM* Introduction
This paper is the second in a series listing the Diptera of the Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich. The first (Bloxham 1981) lists the calypterates of the area and the reader may refer to it for geolo- gical, ecological and methodological data still applicable to this part.
As many entomologists will know, the study of hoverflies, especially their identificiation and distribution, has been greatly facilitated by the recent publication of British Hoverflies by Stubbs and Falk (1983). This, together with earlier works by Verrall (1901) and Coe (1953), has enabled workers here to compile with some confidence a considerable list of local hoverflies. For the purpose of comparison, a glance at other local Midland hoverfly records is of interest. Rotheray (1979) gives the Staffordshire syrphids and his work draws in part on records from the Sandwell Valley, some 82 from that locality being mentioned. Since that work was pub- lished, the number of species found here has considerably increased and the present offering may be of value in supplementing some of the data given there. His total of 145 Staffordshire hoverflies may now be increased as a consequence of the addition here of 7 extra species these being Metasyrphus latilunulatus, Ferdinandea ruficor- nis,Orthonevra brevicornis, Anasimyia contracta, Eumerus tubercu- latus, Pipizella varipes and Xylota tarda. There is additional data to the effect that Eumerus tuberculatus has been recorded in a gar- den at Newcastle (Staffs.) by C. W. Plant. Mr. D. W. Emley reports the discovery by R. A. Tribbeck of Tropidia scita at Aqualate. It is probable therefore that the Staffordshire hoverfly list now stands at 152 species.
Further reading concerning the hoverflies of the Birmingham area may be found in Payne (1980) on the R. C. Bradley collection of hoverflies, mainly from Sutton Park. Pugh (1977) provides another substantial species list from Clowes Wood. He tells me that since the publication of that paper, fifteen more hoverfly species have been found there, giving an updated total of 93 species from the site. These lists, together with the one given here, may well be considered to give a reasonably accurate picture of the hoverfly fauna of the Greater Birmingham area, for Sutton Park lies just to the North of the city, Clowes Wood being approximately South and the Sandwell Valley is to the West. The three sites provide a total of 149 different hoverflies and if Xanthogramma pedissequum (found *1 St. John’s Close, West Bromwich, W. Midlands.
12 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25.1.1988
in Moseley) is added, the grand total of 150 species obtained pro- bably conforms with expectations, given the geographical location of Birmingham.
The data given for each species includes assessment of abun- dance, given by the following declining sequence; very common, common, frequent and several specimens. For species captured only once, the date of capture is given. For those in the other four categories, the month(s) of occurrence is indicated. The names of specialists who have checked identifications are given at the end of this paper. Their initials appear in parenthesis after certain species in the list indicating confirmation of the same. Additional information on some species is provided in the discussion. The arrangement and Nomenclature follow Stubbs and Falk (op. cit.).
Species List
SYRPHIDAE: SYRPHINAE: BACCHINI
Bacca obscuripennis Mg. common 6-8; Melanostoma mellinum L. frequent 5-8; M.scalare Fab. very common 5-8; Pachysphyria am- biguus Fall. 26.5.84; Platycheirus albimanus Fab. common 5-8; P. angustatus Zett. common 5-7; P. clypeatus Mg. common 5-8; P. fulviventris Macq. 15.8.77; P. manicatus Mg. frequent 5, 6; P. pel- tatus Mg. frequent 6-9; P. perpallidus Verr. several 6; P. scutatus Mg. frequent 5-7; Pyrophaena granditarsa Forst. frequent 5-7; P. rosarum Fab. several 6-8.
SYRPHINI
Chrysotoxum bicinctum L. frequent 6-8; C. festivum L. frequent 6-8; Dasysyrphus albostriatus Fall. frequent 5-8; D. lunulatus Mg. 3.6.73; D. tricinctus Fall. frequent 5-9; D. venustus Mg. frequent 5, 6; Epistrophe elegans Harr. frequent 5, 6; E. grossulariae Mg. frequent 6-8; E. nitidicollis Mg. several 5, 6; Episyrphus balteatus Deg. very common 6-9; Leucozona s. Ischyrosyrphus glaucia L. frequent 7-9; L.s.J.laternaria (Mull.) frequent 6-8; L.s.Leucozona s.s.ducorum L. common 5-8; Melangyna compositarum Verr. several 6-9; M. labiatarum Verr. several 6, 7; M. lasiophthalma Zett. several 3, 4; M. umbellatarum Fab. several 7-9; Meligramma cincta Fall. common 5-8; M. guttata Fall. several 6-8; M. triangulifera Zett. several 7-9; Meliscaeva auricollis Mg. frequent 4-8; M. cinctella Zett. frequent 5, 8, 9; Metasyrphus corollae Fab. common 7, 8; M. latifasciatus Macq. frequent 7, 8; M. latilunulatus Collin. 29.v.83 (A.E.S.); M. luniger Mg. common 4-9; Parasyrphus punctulatus Verr. several 4, 6. Scaeva pyrastri L. frequent 7, 8; Sphaerophoria men- thastri L. several 7; S. rueppellii Wied. several 7;S. scripta L. fre- quent 7-9; Syrphus ribesii L. common 5-9; S. torvus O-S. several 6, 7,9; S. vitripennis Mg. common 5-9.
HOVERFLIES OF SANDWELL VALLEY 13
MILESINAE
Cheilosia albitarsis Mg. frequent 5, 6; C. bergenstammi Beck. 11. viii.85; C. grossa Fall. several 4; C. honesta Rond. 30.v.84; C. illu- strata Harris frequent 7, 8; C. impressa Lw. frequent 5-9; C. intonsa Lw. several 5, 8, 9; C. pagana Mg. common 6-9; C. scutellata Fall. frequent 7, 8; C. variabilis Panz. 5, 6; C. velutina Lw. several 8 (A.E.S.); C. vernalis Fall. frequent 4-8; C. proxima Zett. several 5-8. [the current status of proxima is uncertain. Records may in- clude more than one species]. Ferdinandea cuprea Scop. several 6, 8; F. ruficornis Fab. 29.iv.84. (S.J.F.); Rhingia campestris Mg. frequent 4-8.
CHRYSOGASTRINI
Brachyopa scutellaris R-D. several 6; Chrysogaster chalybeata Mg. frequent, 7; C. hirtella Lw. common 5, 6;C. solstitialis Fall. frequent 7, 8; Lejogaster metallina Fab. frequent 5, 6, 8; Neoascia meticulosa Scop. frequent 4, 5, 6; NV. podagrica Fab. common 5-9; N. tenur Harris frequent 5, 6, 8; Orthonevra brevicornis Lw. 1.vi.80; O. nobilis Fall. 30.v.82; O. splendens Mg. common 7, 8; Sphegina clunipes Fall. several 5, 8, 9;.S. kimakowiczi Strob. several 7, 8.
ERISTALINI
Anasimyia contracta Claus. & Torp. several 7, 8; A. lineata Fab. several 7; A. transfuga L. several 6, 7, 8; Eristalinus sepulchralis L. frequent 5-8; Eristalis S. Eoseristalis abusivus Collin. 14.vii.84 (S. J. F.); E. arbustorum L. frequent 7, 8; FE. horticola Deg. com- mon 7-9; E. intricarius L. frequent 3-7; E. nemorum L. several 8; E. pertinax Scop. frequent 5-9; S. Eristalis ss tenax L. common 4-10; Helophilus: hy bridus Lw. several 7, 8; H. pendulus L. common 4-10; Mallota cimbiciformis Fall. 22.vii.78; Myathropa florea L. frequent 5-8; Parhelophilus frutetorum Fab. several 6, 8; P. versicolor Fab. several 5, 7, 9.
MERODONTINI Eumerus strigatus Fall. frequent 6-8; E. tuberculatus Rond. several 6; Merodon equestris Fab. frequent 6.
PIPIZINI
Heringia heringi Zett. frequent 5-8 (G.E.R.); Neocnemodon vit- ripennis Mg. several 6, 8, 9; Pipiza austriaca Mg. several 6, 7, 8; P. fenestrata Mg. 2.vi.77 (G.E.R.); P. luteitarsis Zett. several 5, 6 (G.E.R.); P. noctiluca L. several 5; Pipizella varipes Mg. frequent 6-8 (A.E.S.); Triglyphus primus Lw. several 7, 8 (G.E.R.).
VOLUCELLINI Volucella bombylans L. frequent 6, 7; V. pellucens L. frequent 6-8.
14 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 251.1988
XYLOTINI
Brachypalpoides lenta Mg. 3.vi.77; | Chalcosyrphus_s. X. ylotina nemorum Fab. frequent 5-7; Criorhina floccosa Mg. several 5, 6; Syritta pipiens L. common 5-8; Xylota segnis L. common 6-8, X. syl- varum L. frequent 6-8; X. tarda Mg. 1.x.81.
Discussion
BACCHINI
Of the species found, Platycheirus fulviventris and P. perpallidus are the least common. It may well be that the former was once regularly seen, as a considerable marshy area used to exist on the only site where it was found. Unfortunately, flooding of this to produce a lake changed the nature of the area and altered the habitat. Certainly no recent records for P. fulviventris exist although P. perpallidus is still present and is regularly seen flying over water in a well established bed of Carex acutiformis.
SYRPHINI
Both Chrysotoxum species mentioned are regularly found in a wide variety of habitats and the genus Dasysyrphus is well re- presented with D. albostriatus exhibiting some variation, spring specimens often having reduced markings (figure 1). D. lunulatus is apparently uncommon and no recent records exist (changes Of land use have been considerable since the 1973 record), but the other Dasysyrphus species are present in good numbers. Epistrophe grossulariae appears to have flourished in warmer sum- mers, 1983 and 1984 both being excellent years, very good years also being reported for Ischyrosyrphus glaucia (1981) and L.laterna- ria (1982). At present it is considered a difficult matter to separate Melangyna compositarum from M. labiatarum and whilst examina- tion of local material suggests that both species are indeed present, re-examination will be necessary when a more comprehensive key to the genus appears. Meligramma guttata and M. Triangulifera, nationally scarce hoverflies, occur occasionally, the former being found on hogweed whilst the latter has been taken on flowering privet on three occasions in woodlands. The common Meliscaeva auricollis exhibits a considerable range of variation in abdominal pattern, var. maculicornis being not infrequent. The solitary Metas- yrphus latilunulatus specimen was found in company with other hoverflies on the flowers of field maple. Sphaerophoria species of the district have yet to be studied in detail; S. rueppellii has, however, always been taken on open meadows.
CHEILOSIINI It is probable that a more systematic survey will reveal more
HOVERF LIES OF SANDWELL VALLEY 5
Cheilosia species. Examination of Senecio squalidus flowers revealed Cheilosia bergenstammi. The larvae of this insect are reported as using Senecio spp as food plants and there may well have been such a relationship in the case given here. C. grossa is occasionally seen on Salix caprea eariy in the year but sightings are very depen- dent on the state of the weather. C. intonsa appears to be uncom- mon locally, those captured all occurring in a marshy area adjoining a fast flowing stream. Marsh Thistle which acts as host plant for several Cheilosia species, is absent from this particular site so it probably does not play a similar role in the life history of this fly. C. velutina, a little known fly, has been taken on hogweed and fen- nel. It seems to have a preference for recently disturbed ground. both Ferdinandea species occur in the valley, an exceptional state of affairs. F. cuprea shares a solitary damaged ash tree with Brachyopa scutellaris and both flies seem to be confined to that limited habitat, while F. ruficornis has been taken once on a damaged birch tree in an area of beech — birch woodland undisturbed in recent memory. There is some evidence that this fly may not be quite as rare as past records would suggest. Mr. Nigel Jones has just recorded it from the Wyre Forest and that, together with other recent records, would suggest at least a scattered distribution throughout England. Any information to throw further light on this matter would be welcome.
CHRYSOGASTRINI
Brachyopa scutellaris (previously mentioned) appears to have one of the most limited yet predictable flight periods of hoverflies recorded here, appearing at the beginning of June and vanishing as if by magic, by the middle of the month. It was only discovered because I happened to pass the right tree at the right time. Goffe (1944) and Edwards (1952) both recorded it from gardens. These presumably would be regularly patrolled so one can assume that the chances of spotting an insect with so limited a flight period would be much enhanced in such a setting. Once again, observations on the appearances of this fly would be of considerable value. The other members of the tribe mentioned in our records are much more likely to be seen during a snap visit to the valley as the abundance of damp areas with lush vegetation provide an ideal habitat for them.
ERISTALINI
Anasimyia contracta is known to be closely associated with Typha latifolia and this is corroborated in the Sandwell Valley as it has only been found in Typha localities, while A. Jineata and A. transfuga have occurred in areas well away from any reedmace. Both the latter named insects have been taken flying together in some numbers over the root mats of a large patch of yellow iris
16 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25 1.1988
at the margin of a lake. The genus &ristalis has representatives ap- pearing in considerable numbers on the site throughout the warmer months, Foseristalis abusivus being the unexpected find. This is not the first Staffordshire record however, for it has been discovered on a similar site at Sugnall (Rotheray 1979). It hasa predominantly coastal distribution and may have been brought into the area via the M.5 Motorway which is not far away (there are several other insect records, including Coleoptera, which suggest local colonization along the motorway system here). The same pattern may occur when other £. abusivus records are examined. Mallota cimbiciformis has been observed on one day only, when several flies were seen moving rapidly over brambles, very short rest periods being taken between flights. Unfortunately, the site from which they were recorded has been heavily disturbed by excavation. The two Parhe- lophilus species present have somewhat similar flight characteristics to M. cimbiciformis. They are fortunately quite well established in the area. P. frutetorum does not seem to quite so attached to damp localities as P. versicolor and has been taken at woodland margins some distance from water.
MERODONTINI
Of the two Eumerus species recorded, EF. tuberculatus has so far been found only in gardens in the Sandwell Valley, the other records from Staffordshire (mentioned in the introduction) also being from gardens. E. strigatus, however, has been found in a wider variety of habitats as has Merodon equestris, the large bulb fly, isolated specimens of which are liable to turn up anywhere in June, var. equestris and var. narcissi being the predominant forms.
PIPIZINI
It is difficult to estimate the abundance of flies in this tribe because identification in the field is problematic (often impossible). In the case of Pipiza, only P. austriaca can be recognized with any degree of confidence. In spite of this, there is some evidence that the locality is a stronghold for the genus as a whole. Especially note- worthy are the records for Triglyphus primus. Jeffries (1976) lists known records for this fly, the information given suggesting that it is very catholic in its choice of habitat. The Sandwell specimens taken as follows bear this out : 24.8.78. hogweed in hawthorn scrub; 4.7.82. golden rod by M5 motorway, 18.8.82. hogweed by a path in ancient woodland, 16.8.84. on hogweed at the fringe of a marshy area, 16.6.85. on broom, 8.7.85. numbers present on bramble, 25.8.85. on bramble.
In spite of these sightings, pinning down characteristic habits or habitats for this fly is difficult. One feature seems to be that in hot weather, it hovers at the interface of sun and shade, moving
HOVERFLIES OF SANDWELL VALLEY 17
very rapidly to the place where it is going to alight and vanishing with equal alacrity into the twilight. In cooler conditions it sits tight and sweeping probably gives the entomologist the best chance of securing it. Coe (op. cit.) gives information about the discovery of T. primus larvae on mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris L) in company with the aphid Cryptosiphum artemisiae (Buckton) on the continent. There is abundant mugwort in the Sandwell Valley although the presence of the aphid named has not yet been confirmed. It is therefore possible that a similar relationship exists here, but the variety of different places where the fly has been found, some at a distance from mugwort, suggests that a more general association with aphids is a distinct possibility. At any rate, the local success of this otherwise rare species is a matter giving cheer to otherwise embattled conservation persons!
VOLUCELLINI
Both Volucella species are present in good numbers, V. pellucens having been bred in numbers from a Vespula vulgaris nest taken locally. V. bombylans is present in both forms normally with var. plumata much the more common. In 1985 no var. bombylans was seen although var. plumata was quite common.
XYLOTINI
The very distinctive Brachypalpoides lenta has been taken once in an area of more ancient woodland for which it must surely be considered a marker species. Of the other flies mentioned Crior- hina floccosa is a conspicuous insect fluctuating considerably in numbers from year to year. The very uncommon Xylota tarda was taken on Himalayan balsam.
Conclusions
The hoverfly fauna of the Sandwell Valley is a rich one reflec- ting the vegetation and geology of the area. There are reasonably well-marked seasonal fluctuations in the numbers of some species but no particular reasons for these can be given although climatic factors must must have some bearing on the situation. Several uncommon or rare species are present, one (Triglyphus primus) being on site in sufficient numbers to raise hopes that further details of its life history may be uncovered in the near future.
Following changes in land use at regular intervals, much of the locality is now settling down, with well-marked succession of vege- tation taking place. In the course of time this will almost certainly bring changes in the hoverfly fauna. Study of these may enable a few firmer conclusions to be reached on the ecology of some of the species concerned.
18 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25.i1.1988 Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Mr. A. E. Stubbs for his assistance in pre- paration of the manuscript and for checking identifications in cer- tain cases. Thanks also go to Mr. S. Falk and Dr. G. E. Rotheray who have also helped in identification work. Finally I am also in- debted to Mr. R. G. Payne and Mr. D. Emley for assistance in the field and in the compilation of the records.
Postscript
Since the preparation of this manuscript six further species of hoverfly have been found in the Sandwell Valley, and are as follows:
Xanthandrus comtus Harris 27.9.87; Didea fasciata Macquart 20.9. 87; Sphaerophoria batava Goeld. 29.8.87; Sericomyia silentis Harris 29.8.87; Criorhina berberina Fab. 1.6.87 and Criorhina berberina f. oxyacanthae Meigen 5.6.87. I am indebted to Stephen Falk for checking the identitu of S. batava. The discovery of X. comtus is another sign that this insect, so uncommon in recent years, is in- creasing its numbers again. Its addition to the Staffordshire list by Brian (1987) gives additional support for this view.
The last two flies in the above list are new to the Staffordshire list. A further six species, Platycheirus s.s. tarsalis Schummel (Keele), Paragus haemorrhous Mg. (Cannock), Chelosia vulpina Mg. (Loyn- ton Moss), Lapposyrphus lapponicus Zett., species A (Stafford), Neoascia geniculata Mg. (Ford Green) and P. obliqua Coe (Stafford) bring the total number of hoverflies recorded from Staffordshire to 161 species.
References
Bloxham, M. G. (1981). The Diptera (Calyptratae) of the Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 93: 183- 184.
Brian, M. C. (1987). Xanthandrus comtus (Harris) (Diptera: Syr- phidae) new to Staffordshire. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 99-131)
Coe. R. L. (1953). Diptera, Family Syrphidae. Hanbk. Iden. Br. Insects 10 (1) : 1-98.
Edwards, J. (1952) Notes of Diptera. Trans. N. Staffs. Field Club 86:76
Goffe, E. R. (1944). Brachyopa scutellaris (Dipt. Syrphidae) in a cottage garden. J. Soc. Br. ent. 2(6): 225.
HOVERFLIES OF SANDWELL VALLEY 19
Jeffries, M. G. (1976). The distribution of Triglyphus primus Loew in Britain. Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 111: 61.
Payne, R. G. (1980). The hoverflies of the West Midlands County — a list of Diptera Syrphidae in the R. C. Bradley collection, Birmingham City Museum. Proc. Birmingham Nat. Hist. Soc. 24 (2) : 93-98.
Pugh, M. N. (1977). The hoverflies of Clowes Wood nature reserve Warwickshire. Proc. Birmingham. Nat. Hist. Soc. 23 (4)
Rotheray, G. E. (1979). Atlas of the Diptera of Staffordshire. Pt. 1. Hoverflies. City Museum, Stoke-on-Trent.
Stubbs, A. F. and Falk, S. J. (1983). British Hoverflies. 253vp. London.
Verall, G. H. (1901). British Flies. 8. Syrphidae etc.691 pp. London.
Fig. 1 Dasysyrphus albostriatus Fall. Spring specimen on right.
DAHLICA (~SOLENOBIA) TRIQUETRELLA HBN. (LEP.: PSYCHIDAE) IN SOUTH ESSEX — It seems worth recording the presence of this species at Grays Chalk Quarry, South Essex during May 1986, when I collected two cases from the underside of a single piece of “breeze-block’* dumped at the side of a hardcore track. The only previous record for either of the two Essex vice-counties appears to be that made by the Rev. C. R. N. Burrows who took cases at Mucking in 1919. However, both Hattenschwiler (in Moths
20 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25.i1.1988
and Butterflies of the British Isles vol. 2 Harley Books, 1985) and Emmet (The Smaller Moths of Essex Essex Field Club, 1981) regard this as a doubtful record. Elsewhere in Britain, where only the parthenogenetic form of the female in encountered, there are confirmed records from the West Kent and Westmoreland vice-coun- ties alone — a rather remarkable, and highly improbable, disjunct distribution — with further unconfirmed reports from Durham, South Lancashire and Cheshire. It seems quite possible that diligent searching will eventually add to the vice-county distribution map for this species.
The two cases from Grays measure 8.5 x 2.8mm and 7.9 x 2.5mm respectively, (maximum measurements). The use of the native chalk, as well as tiny particles of concrete to decorate the cases has ren- dered them highly cryptic against the breeze-blocks upon which they were found. Once detected however, there is no other British Pyschid whose case is markedly triangular in section, tapered at both ends, constructed of ‘“‘sand”’ grains rather than lichen and adorned with the remains of dead insects at the head end. I am grateful to Lt. Col. Emmet for confirming my identification of these two cases. COLIN PLANT, Passmore Edwards Museum, Romford Road, Strat- ford, London E15 4LZ.
GEOSTIBA CIRCELLARIS GRAV. (COL.: STAPHYLINI- DAE), A RIVAL TO THE BOMBADIER BEETLE? — For some years now I have been investigating the Coleoptera of moss and leaf litter, and have frequently encountered Geostiba circellaris — the first occasion being some 20 years ago in Black Wood, Rannoch. It is my custom to examine handfulls of moss or litter one at a time on a tray, using a small brush to ease beetles into a tube. I noticed at times a fleeting but markedly unpleasant, rather lavatorial smell, apparently associated with a small staphylinid that I later identi- fied as circellaris. When ‘‘attacked” by a small brush a beetle would become agitated, sometimes stopping and elevating its abdomen and emitting a vapour which could clearly be smelt. The abdomen is occasionally raised when the beetle is on the move.
I have since observed this behaviour in specimens from many localities, from southern England to the Scottish highlands. Pre- sumably the function of this behaviour is defensive, but I have not observed similar behaviour in other staphylinids. Species of the genus Zyras are reported to behave in a similar manner, but I have only rarely come across this genus, and all specimens have behaved normally — perhaps they only emit vapours in the presence of ants or other predators? Perhaps other coleopterists have noticed similar behaviour in other staphylinids? P. D. ORTON, 22 Lyewater, Crewkerne, Somerset TA18 8BB.
GUERNSEY LEPIDOPTERA 21
AN INTRODUCTION TO GUERNSEY LEPIDOPTERA
By T. N. D. PEET*
Visiting entomologists have contributed greatly in recent years to our knowledge of Guernsey insects, and these notes may whet the appetite of more potential visitors to these islands. There is a long tradition of entomological study here going back to William Luff (of Luffia fame) who pursued both moths and beetles in late Victorian times, and the Rev. F. E. Lowe who first discovered the now ubiquitous Cacoecimorpha pronubana in the 1880's. Light trapping has certainly increased the total on our local lists, par- ticularly of migrants, but the micros remain very under-worked, as demonstrated in 1982 when Rev. David Agassiz added 40 species to the Guernsey list during a two week summer holiday.
Ecologically, Guernsey is part of the Brittany coast. Many insects, birds and plants exist here at the northern edge of their range; such as the Glanville fritillary Melitea cinxia, the Dartford warbler, and the loose-flowered orchid, Orchis laxiflora. The area of the island is tiny, and habitats very limited. In particular, there is no real woodland and very little freshwater or marshland. Guernsey has a small group of moths which might be called five star resi- dent rarities. These are insects unknown as breeding moths on the British mainland, but not uncommon here.
Scotopteryx peribolata, the Spanish carpet, thrives particularly on our cliffs, and also in gardens. It can be put up from broom by day, and is relatively frequent to m.v. light. The optimum time to find the adult moth is early September, eggs are readily laid and larvae may be reared on broom.
Thera cupressata, the Cupressus carpet, is a recent discovery, un- doubtedly resident here. The first adults were taken at m.v. in October 1985, again at the same site in July 1986, wild larvae were found on Cupressus in September 1986, and again in September 1987. in addition, an adult moth was taken on Alderney in October 1986. The species may well be moving northwards in the manner of Eupithecia phoeneciata and Lithophane leautieri hesperica (both of which are common here).
Agrotis crassa, the great dart, is a very occasional migrant to the mainland, but is a well established resident on Guernsey. It was rediscovered by Agassiz in 1982, the original records go back to Luff in 1875. I have seen only one example to my garden trap here on *Le Chéne, Forest, Guernsey, Channel Isles.
22 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25 1.1988
the south coast cliffs, the moth appears to like wet,, marshy areas in low-lying areas of the north of the island. Six or eight examples may be seen on any one night during its short emergence period, which is the first two weeks of August. It is not difficult to persuade females to lay, but larvae on carrot died half grown during winter hibernation.
A common October moth is Jrigonophora flammea, the flame brocade. This is frequent to m.v. all through the month, even coming to lighted windows. I had no success at obtaining eggs despite pro- viding elaborately suitable conditions — or so I thought. Only when a fellow enthusiast, Dr. Peter Costen, demonstrated that I was boxing male moths, and that correctly sexed females will lay: then eggs were obtained. Subsequent larvae were successfully over win- tered on Ranunculus by Mr. Jim Reid.
The resident species about which least is known is Hypena obsitalis, the Bloxworth snout. This is best found in outhouses, sheds and garages, has been noted in a cave here, and in an old German bunker. I have not seen it at m.v. and have not tried to breed it. Specimens turn up through most of the summer months.
Polyphaenis sericata (which has as yet no English name) was taken at sugar by Luff in the 1870’s, and his series is still extant. The moth was rediscovered at Petit Bot in 1986. Perhaps it has been here through the intervening one hundred years: certainly the habitat has not changed much. We look forward to working for it in 1988. Likewise, the search for Eupithecia ultimaria, the Guernsey Pug will continue. A single adult of this moth was taken in 1984, and the tamarisk-feeding larvae noticed in late summer of 1986. But all larvae died, and no-one here has had time to search again during 1987.
Illustrations of the above insects can be found as follows:
S. peribolata, A. crassa, T. flammea, H. obsitalis are all in Skinner’s Moths of the British Isles. T. cupressata is shown in black and white photograph (Ent. Rec. 98: 217). Both 7. cupressata and P. sericata appear in colour on Plate V of Proc. Trans. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 20 (1987). E. ultimaria is illustrated by a drawing on e 259, and a black and white photograph Plate 9 of Ent. Gaz. 36 1985).
Though the microlepidoptera are underworked, I have selected some less usual insects. Luffia lapidella is locally very common, with the cases browsing on lichens on our granite walls. I have not seen the winged form: a collection of mature cases in a jar will suddenly
GUERNSEY LEPIDOPTERA Zs
and disconcertingly produce a host of tiny grey cases. Another psychid found by accident four years ago is Bankesia conspurcatella, the adults flying in bright sunshine in the morning by my garage, in early April. David Agassiz takes the credit for finding Nothris congressariella larvae on balm-leaved figwort (Scrophularia scoro- donica). His initial discovery was on Herm, but the larvae have now been noted on Guernsey. The moth is otherwise only known within the British Isles from the Scillies. Other good things selected at random include Agonopterix rotundella, quite common within the flower heads of wild carrot: Crocidosema plebejana larvae very common within the seeds of tree mallow: and three nice colonies of Epischnia bankesiella on golden samphire.
Guernsey’s principle hedgrow tree is the Elm, and the island’s management of Dutch Elm Disease is unique in Europe. By law, all infected trees are felled and burned each year, at no expense to the landowner. There is also an excellent free tree replacement scheme. As a result, the disease has been contained, and the entomo- logist benefits by frequent sights of Cossus cossus larvae (usually bought in from schools) and specimens of the imago to m.v. each summer.
The south-western coastal aspect of our moths is exemplified by many of the species for which friends in England migrate annual- ly to Portland. L-album, albipuncta, putrescens, oditis, australis and lichenea all flourish here. Caniola, trux and barrettii, which I as- sociate with North Devon, are likewise common, particularly trux with occasionally up to forty specimens in one night to m.v. in my garden.
Inter-insular rivalry is fierce, so I am debarred from calling quadripunctaria by its vernacular name. But it is a common moth, all through August, and particularly fond of resting by day on white- washed walls. Villica likewise comes to light, but can also be found on the cliffs by day. L. trifolii is best found as a larva in early May, and not difficult to breed through in my experience. Adult males come sparingly to m.v. in late August. There are some moths whose status is open to discussion. Ochrata, serpentata and pupillaria have each been taken only once. They could be migrants, or resi- dents at low density. I am not sure about quadra, which has intermittent years of plenty, then none are seen at all, followed by just two specimens, as in 1987.
A list of migrants would be tedious. Heart-stoppers range from nerii in 1983 to tiny delights such as Agrotera nemoralis in July 1982, or the totally unexpected 7. emortualis in 1984. Annual pleasures include unionalis, obstipata, vitellina and exigua.
If moths pall, the island can offer other entomological excite- ments. The Mole Cricket Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa thrives on the lower, northern end of Guernsey, and is particularly fond of pota-
24 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25.1.1988 toes. The traditional way of ridding a greenhouse of crickets is to pour buckets of soapy water over the ground, forcing the crickets to the surface. One grower took three buckets of live crickets to the local aquarium last year, as fish food! This September in the sun- shine I watched a large colony of Blue-Winged grasshoppers on a cliff path, a marvellous tonic before dark winter nights overtook us.
Our local enthusiasts, Dr. Peter Costen, Mr. & Mrs. Rich Austin and myself are always pleased to meet visiting entomologists, and I am grateful for their help in increasing our knowledge of Guernsey's insect fauna.
TETHEA FLUCTUOSA HBN. (LEP.: THYATIRIDAE) IN N. W. KENT. — This insect seems to have been a rarity in this sec- tion of the county; in the latter part of the 19th century and early years of the present one, only occasional specimens have been reported. Since the Second World War four singletons have been seen, at Bromley, Orpington and Farningham Wood (2). On July 9th 1987, a specimen was attracted to my garden m.v. light at Dartford, and was followed by others on July 10th (3), July 4th (1) July 15th (4) and July 19th (2). 1987 was the nineteenth year of running the light in this locality!
J. Chalmers-Hunt (Butterflies and Moths of Kent 3: 240) comments “Has increased markedly of late, especially in the Ham Street area, where it was unknown prior to 1955’. It is now common there, including melanic forms. The Dartford specimens were all typical. -B. K. WEST, 36 Briar Road, Dartford, Kent.
AN EARLY GLOUCESTERSHIRE RECORD OF THE CODLING MOTH CYDIA POMONELLA L. — During the 1840s, at least seven lady members of the Clifford family, who were at that time resident at Frampton Manor (about ten miles south of Gloucester), created some 200 drawings of local wild plants and related objects. During 1985, Century Hutchinson published reproductions of these, together with a Foreword by Richard Mabey, as 7he Frampton Flora. During 1987, whilst at the annual conference of the National Federation for Biological Recording at Bristol, I attended a civic re- ception at the Bristol City Museum, and here I was able to closely examine the original Clifford family paintings, which were hanging as a temporary exhibition. I was interested to note that picture number 75, of six “Old Pearmain’’ apples, reproduced on page 170 of The Frampton Flora was quite clearly afflicted with larvae of the codling moth Cydia pomonella. Though this picture is un- dated, it was certainly painted at some time during the 1840s, and as such provides an interesting early record. COLIN W. PLANT Passmore Edwards Museum, 29 Romford Road, Stratford, London E15 4LY.
NOTES ON AGRILUS PANNONICUS 25
NOTES ON AGRILUS PANNONICUS PILL. & MITT. (COL.: BUPRESTIDAE) IN 1985
By A. A. ALLEN *
Mr. A. P. Foster’s extremely interesting rediscovery of this fine and rare Agrilus (=biguttatus F.) on Hampstead Heath two years ago (Foster, 1987) prompts some further remarks largely arising out of two visits to the site which I made in the following year, 1985. It will be seen that in most respects my experience agrees fully with his, whilst in one or two there appear to be noteworthy differences.
Having arrived on the spot around noon on 3rd July, I made a thorough inspection of the oak stump (prostrate and several feet in length) and the two logs,without seeing a single Agrilus; nor could any be swept, or seen in flight. The reason soon became clear: despite the hot sunshine, some very tall lime trees not far off were shading the stump, and the beetles for some reason seemed unin- terested in the logs even with the sun full on them — none being seen on or near them either that day or the next. Accordingly I left the site, returing in about two hours when the stump would be in direct sunlight. It may here be mentioned that the common hover- fly Xylota segnis L. was so abundant on both days about the stump and logs as to be a nuisance, constantly catching the eye and distrac- ting attention from the matter in hand in a most annoying fashion. However, with the stump now well insolated, it was not long before a flash of vivid blue, vanishing as suddenly as it had appeared, annou- nced the presence of the desired insect.
Though this one immediately flew off again and was lost to sight, a second soon appeared as if from nowhere, and was succes- sfully ‘stalked’ and secured. It took some two hours to obtain three specimens, two being missed through uncertainty as to the best way to set about capture. This I found to be not to try to use the net, but to wait for the beetle to settle (which fortunately seemed always to be upon the horizontal surface of the bark) and then to Stalk it with the utmost stealth by hand, bringing down smartly over it a glass-topped specimen-box from which it could then be tubed. Like Mr. Foster I failed to capture an example either on the wing or by sweeping the surrounding vegetation. One, perhaps alarmed (understandably!) by my attempts to net it, appeared to fly straight upwards; otherwise on rising from the stump they veered off sideways out of sight. It is clear that to catch this wary insect in the field considerable patience is essential, even when it is present in numbers; when that is not so, it may well not be seen at all. I did not experience its habit of dropping to the ground simply because | never saw it settle on a vertical surface.
*49 Montcalm Road, London, SE7 8QG.
26 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25.1.1988
The remarkable ‘flashing’ behaviour observed by Foster was witnessed by me also on this occasion. It seems to occur only on alighting, and, I believe, in both sexes; the elytra were opened and closed several times, but I never saw it lasting for some minutes as noted by Foster in the two partly deformed individuals. Perhaps, therefore, as he suggests, it was in this instance associated with failed attempts to fly, but in the ordinary way I think his second sugges- tion — that its function is sexual signalling — is probably correct. The smooth lustrous peacock-blue abdominal tergites are highly reflective, far more so than the rugose surface of the pronotum and elytra. This is also the case with A. sinuatus O1., though they are there scarcely such a bright blue. I do not remember having noticed similar behaviour in that or the other British Agrilus species.
I was back at the spot next day, which was almost equally sunny and hot. This time A. pannonicus was not seen on the wing, but a further three were found, all sitting quietly on the stump towards the root end, and were captured with little trouble. They gave the impression of having just emerged from the bark, not least because all three had more than a trace of wood-dust at each side of the pronotum — in one, quite a conspicuous patch — and in each case a fresh-looking exit hole was. at hand. Two were found within a minute of my arrival, and not in full sun; after the third no others appeared, even though I kept a sharp look-out for a further two hours. It is a little difficult to account for such a marked difference in the beetles’ activity on the two successive days.
To see whether further specimens would emerge I brought home some pieces of thick bark showing a number of exit holes and secured them in a clear polythene bag. Rather to my surprise, a good series of the Agrilus emerged in a fairly steady ‘trickle’ until 28th July; as with the free-caught examples, the sexes were in similar numbers. The bred individuals were sluggish and were never seen to attempt to fly, thus conforming to the behaviour of those encountered in the field on 4th July. About mid-June, my friend Prof. J. A. Owen had similarly bred out a few from a piece of bark off the trunk of a large healthy oak in Windsor Great Park heavily infested on one side by A. pannonicus, with scores of exit holes. I had visited this tree with him on 27th June, but the weather turned out to be not in our favour, and not a single example could be found but a few subsequently emerged from pieces of bark brought home. Prof. Owen had earlier discovered traces of the beetle’s recent presence on portions of other oaks or oak logs in the same part of the Park — not very far from where the late Mr. G. Shephard had taken the first Windsor specimen in 1972 (Allen, 1973) — and since then more widely and numerously. For the first record from the Forest, as opposed to the Great Park — a single individual in flight — see Godfrey, 1987.
NOTES ON AGRILUS PANNONICUS pak
Beating and sweeping (which we tried at Windsor) normally fail to yield this Buprestid, apart from the occasional chance indi- vidual. There are, however, exceptions, due most likely to unusually favourable weather conditions; for Mr. J. A. Parry tells me that on an evening visit to Windsor last summer he was so fortunate as to obtain it in some plenty by general sweeping in the vicinity of the aforementioned oak. No doubt some abnormally favourable com- bination of factors caused the insects to sit about on the herbage at a time when they would ordinarily have been in concealment.
It is worth pointing out that al] my 1985 specimens — both captured and bred — were free from deformity of any kind, whereas at least three of those found at Hampstead by Mr. Foster were deformed. This may of course be fourtuitous, but alternatively it does seem possible that some obscure cause was operating in 1984 to increase the deformity rate. It is curious, too, that Foster’s latest date for adults in the field was 14th July, whilst in captivity mine were emerging up to a fortnight later.
The average colour-difference in the sexes of pannonicus, though not large, is quite definite in that all the bluest examples are males, and all the decidedly green or coppery-green ones females. (In A. viridis L. it is far more striking — cf. Allen, 1951). There is some overlap in the middle of the colour range. As in the other species, males are smaller and narrower with the body more steadily tapering than females, the larger of which attain a length of 13 mm.
Recent finds in three new localities may be briefly mentioned. Within the last decade, two examples have been met with in dif- ferent years at Kingspark Wood, Plaistow, in the north of West Sussex (information from Mr. P. J. Hodge) — of interest in connec- tion with Stephens’s old record from Cuckfield, though the two places are widely distant in the county. In June 1984, one was obtained by Mr. P. M. Hammond from a large oak tree in Richmond Park by the technique known as fogging. Though the locality is eminently suited to the species it has never before been reported therefrom, and the capture is a new record for Surrey. Finally, at Ashstead Common in the same county, workings were found in large numbers in the trunks of mature and old oaks, many of them injured by fire. This interesting discovery was made in late 1986 or early 1987 by Prof. Ian Menzies, who later confirmed the beetle’s identity by digging out the remains of one from a burrow.
The current upsurge in the fortunes of this fine species, for long so rare here that it seemed almost to be dying out, is very remarkable and gratifying. It prompts the question: how can an insect that is neither small nor obscure persist unseen for a century and a half in a much-frequented locality such as Hampstead Heath, without being encountered? The fact that A. pannonicus is fugacious and shy, only showing itself, normally, in hot weather, may be one
28 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25.i1.1988
part of the answer; while Foster’s interesting suggestion, that during its protracted periods of scarcity or apparent absence it may be able to survive at a low density in the tree canopy, may perhaps be another. Moreover the mode of life of the early stages tends to ensure that they are seldom met with. The lack of an early Windsor Forest record, in fact right up to 1972, is truly surprising since it is barely credible that the insect was not present there in earlier days. It would seem to be by the merest chance that it succeeded in altogether eluding such energetic collectors in the area as the Gries- bachs, Desvignes, and (nearer our time) Donisthorpe. And there is but a single specimen known from the still more intensively worked New Forest (Allen, 1973: 14) — unless, indeed, it has just recently recurred there too, which would be far from strange. Nor would it be astonishing were the beetle found to have revived in its old Kentish stronghold, Darenth Wood; whilst it would be interesting also to know the present state of the Sherwood Forest population.
Acknowledgement
I am most grateful to Mr. A. P. Foster for his kindness in sup- plying full details and directions for locating the Hampstead site; and to the other friends named above for permission to publish their records.
References
Allen, A. A., 1951. Notes on colour-variation in Agrilus viridis L. (Col., Buprestidae). Ent. mon. Mag. 87: 29-30.
Allen, A. A., 1973. Agrilus biguttatus F. (Col., Buprestidae) at Windsor; with some account of its history in Britain. Ent. Rec. 85: 12-14.
Foster, A. P., 1987. Agrilus pannonicus (Piller & Mitterpacher, 1783) (Col.: Buprestidae) and other noteworthy insects recor- ded from Hampstead Heath in 1984. Ent. Rec. 99: 153-5.
Godfrey, A. R., 1987. Agrilus pannonicus (Pill. & Mitt.) (Col., Buprestidae) in Windsor. Ent mon.Mag. 123:40.
DOLICHARTHRIA PUNCTALIS D. & S. (LEP.: PYRALI- DAE) IN PEMBROKESHIRE — on 28.viii.1987, a single specimen of this very local moth visited our m.v. light at Dale Fort Centre (SM 8205). Goater (1986) British Pyralid Moths, gives the distri- bution of this essentially coastal species as extending to Cornwall and Scilly in the west, and thus its occurrence in Pembrokeshire is not entirely unexpected. G. L. & M. A. FINCH, 14 Thorndale, Ibstock, Leicester LE6 1JT.
MOROCCO 1986 29 MOROCCO REVISITED IN 1986
By W. J. TENNENT *
My last visit to Morocco was for a ten day period at the end of June 1979 (Tennent 1980) when I found that a number of the local butterfly specialities were quite worn. When I unexpectedly found that I had four weeks off from early June 1986, I decided to visit the country again and consequently flew to Gibraltar on the 2nd of June.
Thoughts of hiring a car in Gibraltar (or Spain for that matter) for use in Morocco were quickly revised when it was found that none of the local car hire firms would entertain the idea; the reason given was that instances of attacks on and thefts from tourists in Morocco had risen alarmingly in recent years. Eventually, on the 4th of June, I arrived in. Tangier and, after initial disappointment that I was not allowed to take my locally hired car across the border into Algeria, set off for the Atlas Mountains. There followed a month of glorious weather in the most attractive mountain scenery; collec- ting was good and I took a number of species which were new to me. One fact that soon became apparent was that a high proportion of butterfly species, not only of the endemic species and subspecies but also some of the more widespread insects, are remarkably local in their distribution. A species might be quite common on a patch of hillside but entirely absent from an apparently ideal and identical habitat right next door. This was particularly so in the High Atlas where species like Pseudochazara atlantis and Coenonympha vau- cheri would be easy to miss unless one stumbled upon their par- ticular localities.
From Tangier I headed in the general direction of Ifrane in the Middle Atlas mountains. Stopping for an hour or so on a flowery slope on the outskirts of Tangier, I found Maniola jurtina hispulla fresh and common, a few Pyronia cecilia with it’s small males and large females, and several Thymelicus acteon oranus. The next stop was a cool river valley near Chechaouen where Nordmannia esculi mauretanica was common on low shrubs on a hill above the river bank. Singles of Coenonympha arcanioides, Polyommatus icarus and Colotis evagore were added and a few Celastrina argiolus further along the road completed the day’s catch.
The following day I was up and about at 0615 hrs., to find a clear blue sky and M. jurtina flying already. I took a slow drive to Lake Aaoua, about 12 km short of Ifrane, stopping frequently en route but added only Aporia crataegi and Lycaena phlaeas; a second C. arcanioides at 1500 metres in light woodland between Imouzzer and Ifrane was the only butterfly of note. The following morning
*] Middlewood Close, Fylingthorpe, Whitby, N. Yorks
30 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25.i.1988 was cool and overcast but this turned out to be quite useful as Melanargia galathea lucasi which was common at Ifrane could be easily examined on the knapweed heads. This was a very noticeably local species in this area, abundant in some areas and absent from others. The sky cleared later in the morning, Lysandra punctifera was fairly common although many were chipped. The beautiful red Eurodryas aurinia beckeri was to be found in small numbers to- gether with one or two Melitaea didyma occidentalis and a single fresh Eurodryas desfontainii. The skipper Thymelicus lineola semi- colon was common. Colias crocea, Pontia daplidice, A. crataegi, P. icarus, Aricia agestis crameri and Pararge aegeria, two battered Iphiclides podalirius feisthamelii, a fresh male Pandoriana pandora seitzii, a single Anthocaris belia belia in good condition and one Spialia sertorius ali completed the day’s catch.
The following morning I rose at dawn and moved to an open rocky area on the outskirts of a deciduous wood. Breakfast was the local, rather heavy flat bread smothered in honey and J ate it sitting on a rock waiting for the butterflies to start flying. I was startled to find, whilst making my second cup of tea, that I was sharing my rock with a pale scorpion, Buthus occitanus. Thankfully he was fairly lethargic and had no great interest in exerting himself suf- ficiently to investigate the identity of his uninvited and probably unwelcome guest. Here at 1600 metres L. punctifera was in fair numbers and fresh. P. pandora was freshly emerged and quite com- mon on the thistles whilst Artogeia rapae, Cynthia cardui and C. crocea were very common. As well as several female form helice of the last species there were a small number of females with the yellow markings in the black submarginal band much reduced and in some cases almost absent. Vanessa atalanta and Polygonia c-album wete present in small numbers in a flowery area at the edge of the wood whilst Hipparchia algirica was common. Both sexes of Gonepteryx cleopatra were fresh as was Lasiommata megera. M. jurtina was common and unusually active; in contrast M. galathea lucasi was notable by it’s absence. The occasional P. aegeria and two fresh Coenonympha pamphilus f. lyllus completed the butterflies seen in this spot and in addition there were large numbers of the Hum- ming Bird Hawk Moth Macroglossum stellatarum; a large Sphingiid turned out on capture to be Celerio euphorbiae. A little further afield I saw a single battered, obviously hibernated, Nymphalis polychloros erythromelas, a few Aricia artaxerxes montensis and Pieris brassicae. Interestingly, there were several Cyaniris semiargus maroccana which, according to Higgins & Hargreaves (1983: p.84), is found ‘only in the High Atlas ... flies at 2600 metres in open places...’ Higgins & Riley however (1983: p.80) record semiargus as being ‘very local in the High Atlas and Middle Atlas,
MOROCCO 1986 31 flying at 2100 — 2400 metres’. This was certainly well below the recorded altitude.
On the 8th of June I set off early in search of Coenonympha vaucheri annoceuri, but despite looking on a number of ‘barren mountain sides above 1500 metres’ the search was, as in 1979, fruitless. However, it was a beautiful sunny day and a pleasure to be in the mountains which were surprisingly green in sheltered spots. H. algirica and L. phlaeas were about in small numbers and on the top of the first ‘hill’ near Annoceur there were a few Melanargia ines and four or five damaged male Papilio machaon careering around the summit. On the top of one pass at ca. 1800 metres I saw what I realised after a while was part of a Pierid migration, consisting mainly of A. rapae and C. crocea with a few G. cleopatra. There was quite a strong wind blowing in a north easterly direction over the pass and there was a thin but steady stream of butterflies, flying with the wind between 2 and 7 metres above the ground. The occa- sional G. cleopatra struggled in a different direction but even when the wind dropped or shifted for a while, the general north easterly movement continued. Numbers were difficult to estimate as the density fluctuated considerably and covered a large front.
I pressed on to the area around Oukaimeden in the High Atlas south of Marrakech and arrived in a light drizzle on the 10th of June. During brief dry spells around 2200 metres I found a few M. galathea lucasi, one or two Thymelicus flavus syriacus and a single male Thymelicus hamza. | stayed in this general area until the evening of the 16th of June and again from the 20th to the 22nd June inclusive. It was a very productive area although many species were extremely local.
Glaucopsyche melanops algirica was not uncommon around 2200 metres and was still found in much smaller numbers at 2600 metres. More interesting was Cupido lorquinii, mentioned by Higgins & Riley (1983: p 62) and by Higgins & Hargreaves (1983: p 70) as being found up to 1500 metres, presumably therefore from the Middle Atlas. It is hard to believe that this species is not known from the High Atlas as it was not uncommon between ca. 2500 and 2700 metres and is not easily overlooked. The butterfly seems to prefer da- mp ground, most individuals being found near a roadside drainage di- tch, on the bank of a small stream and at the edge of a patch of mar- shy ground high on a mountainside.
Berberia abdelkader was quite common but difficult to ap- proach and impossible to pursue in it’s chosen habitat on steep rock strewn grassy slopes. Males outnumbered females by approxi- mately 10-15 : 1 and the latter sex was very difficult to find in good condition. Both sexes became chipped quickly; they rest frequently for short periods on the bare slopes and on only two occasions did I see individuals feeding. In each case females were
32 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25 .1.1988
feeding on the lilac coloured flowers of a small ground hugging shrub.
I particularly wanted to find and photograph Plebicula atlantica, a species which I found in small numbers around Oukaimeden on my previous visit. It proved to be an elusive creature and although I eventually found a small number of males, I only saw two females. It does not seem to be found in any particular local area but is widespread, turning up singly almost anywhere. I met three Italian collectors who had been scouring the area for a week but had only seen one male. Both sexes are distinctive, even in flight and the but- terfly can probably be accurately described as rare; I was lucky to take a series of photographs of both sexes.
I came across a thriving but local colony of C. semiargus maroc- cana with individuals just emerging at 2600 metres. It was odd that they seemed to be almost contained by a three strand barbed wire fence enclosure, clearly impossible but abundant just inside the perimeter and found only singly outside! The attractive fritillaries Melitaea aetherie algirica and Melitaea cinxia atlantis were quite common, together with a host of butterflies seen elsewhere. The mountains south of Marrakech were very colourful and this time of year was certainly the best from a floral point of view; masses of ‘bog buttercups’ lined the streams and Agrodiaetus amanda abdelaziz soon became common on a large area of purple Vicia vetch. The Striped Hawk Hyles lineata was flying commonly around 2600 metres and there were a number of P. c-album and P. aegeria, the latter many miles from the nearest tree, never mind a wood. The ‘whites’ were in plague proportions, mainly A. rapae with a few P. brassicae and on looking more closely, a few Artogeia napi_ se- gonzaci.
Among the hordes of ‘whites’ I spotted a marbled yellow under- side which I realised must be Zegris eupheme. It was some time before Isaw another and netted it but later saw quite a number and became quite adept at picking them out. They seem to fly rather more purposefully that the other Pierids and visited flowers often, lingering longer. Oddly, the species was confined to two small areas.
A search for Heodes alciphron heracleanus in the same locality where I had found it in 1979 again produced a few specimens. It was extremely local and this was the only place I saw females, although I subsequently found males quite commonly on a peak at 2800 metres. The females favoured feeding on low plants into which they seemed to burrow; probably half the specimens I saw had large pieces torn from the wings and this may be due to a combination of their habits and the presence of a large number of small lizards in the area.
Having seen no sign of C. vaucheri vaucheri | set off one mor- ning at 0530 hrs intending to reach several of the peaks above
MOROCCO 1986 a3 Oukaimeden. The ubiquitous C. cardui, A. rapae and P. daplidice were common on the lower slopes whilst a small form of Euchloe simplonia flew commonly higher up. About 2700 metres my at- ention was drawn to a small brown butterfly fluttering weakly among the rocks and this turned out to be a very fresh C. vaucheri with it’s beautifully marked underside. There were no more until | reached the summit where both sexes were quite common, flying with several male H. alciphron heracleanus and masses of FE. simplo- nia. Walking along a ridge, it was apparent that although there were plenty of butterflies on each summit, there were very few insects flying in between. A few L. megera were found and on one peak I took a single Elphinstonia charlonia. On two occasions fresh looking N. polychloros erythromelas were seen on a peak but glided away down the mountain side when approached.
Another remarkably local species was Pseudochazara atlantis which was found on a steep rocky slope at 2700 metres in an area no more than 150 metres from top to bottom and about 30 metres wide; despite looking on apparently identical adjacent slopes there was no sign of it outside it’s chosen area.
A patch of wet mud near one of the streams attracted males of many species, usually C. semiargus, A. amanda, T. flavus and A. napi although M. aetherie and C. lorquinii were seen occasionally. Once a male P. atlantica appeared and on another occasion, a female A, amanda joined the males. It was notable that although groups of A. napi were always to be found in this spot, I only once saw a group of three A. rapae even though that species was by far the commoner of the two in the surrounding area.
On the 18th of June I sit off for a three day journey through Ouirgane, Ijoukak and over the Tizi-n-Test before turning east towards Ouarzazote. On much of the route Colotis evagore nouna was com- mon on the roadside. A male Tarucus theophrastus turned up at one spot and at another where there was a lot of heather there were several very small P. daplidice and a good number of Philotes abencer- ragus. At one point at 1600 metres on the way up the Tizi-n-Test there were swarms of worn N. esculi mauretanica struggling around some thorn bushes in the high wind. The first night stop at 2000 metres produced quite a large number of male Hyponephele maroccana maroccana, a few C. vaucheri and what I thought initially was a small B. abdelkader but which turned out on capture to be a rather early Satyrus ferula atlanteus. Hyponephele lupina mauretanica was present in small numbers, flying with H. maroccana; males of the latter species are very variable, some with a very slight orange forewing flush and one subapical ocelli, others with a broad flush and two ocelli. The country towards Ouarzazote became semi- desert with little to recommend it. It was oppressively hot, a condi- tion which was not alleviated by a constant hot wind: the only
34 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25.i1.1988
butterflies of interest were 7. theophrastus and a single Pseudophi- lotes bavius fatma atop a small hill.
On the 23rd of June I returned to the area around Ifrane. The thistles had all gone to seed and P. pandora had gone with them. M. jurtina and H. algirica were to be found in large numbers whilst M. galathea was now mainly tattered and L. punctifera was rep- resented by only a handful of battered individuals of both sexes. The primary reason for my return was to see Mesocidalia aglaja lyauteyi which I had taken in 1979 and sure enough it was there in the same place, visiting knapweed flowers. Most were in excellent condition but one or two were already showing signs of wear. G. cleopatra was common and was now joined by the large Gonepteryx rhamni meridionalis. In the hills above Azrou there were numbers of fresh N. polychloros erythromelas, sailing among the bushes, easier to see than to catch as I never saw one rest and the steep stony ground precluded a chase. On an open plateau at 1640 metres there was a large stand of Euphorbia and the puzzle of where P. pandora had gone was solved! There was nothing else flying on the plateau other than dozens of P. pandora, the occasional G. cleopatra and a single G. rhamni. | idly netted a cleopatra and found it was quite an extreme aberration — a sexual mosaic with both forewings completely male, the right hindwing 50/50 male/female and the left hindwing almost completely female with one or two streaks of male colouration.
The 24th of June was my last day at Ifrane and the last species to be added to the list was a fresh pair of Hipparchia alcyone caroli. It was with some difficulty that I dragged myself away from the Atlas Mountains. It is a beautiful area, unspoiled as yet by hordes of tourists, inhabited by polite, friendly and helpful local people. I can’t wait to go back!
Acknowledgement
My thanks to David Garthwaite of Luton, Beds for identifying the scorpion, Buthus occitanus from a colour slide.
References
Higgins, L. G. and Hargreaves, B. 1983. The Butterflies of Britain and Europe. Collins, London.
Higgins, L. G. and Riley, N. D. 1983. A Field Guide to the Butter- flies of Britain and Europe (5th Edition). Collins, London.
Tennent, W. J. 1980. Gibraltar and Morocco, 1979. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 92: 206-210.
Tennent, W. J. (1987) A note on the apparent lowering of moral stan- dards in the Lepidoptera. Entomologist’s Rec. J. var. 99: 81-82.
MOROCCO 1986 35
Tennent, W. J. Some observations on the brown and blue colour forms of female Lysandra punctifera Oberthur and Agrodiaetus amanda abdelaziz Blachier (Lep.: Lycaenidea) in North Africa. Ent. Gaz. :39 (in press).
F.W. FROWHAWK’S NATURAL HISTORY OF BRITISH BUT- TERFLIES : NOTES ON THE DATE OF PUBLICATION — A note in this journal (Ent. Rec. 99: 214), by Mr. Gardiner attempted to correct the date of publication given in the bibliography accom- panying Colin Pratt’s article on the comma butterfly. Though I think both of these correspondents were refering to F. W. Frohawk’s two volume work that appeared in 1924, for the record it seems necessary to point out that his Natural History of British Butter- flies was in fact ‘published’ in 1915 in abridged form.
Quite what laws define publication date, I know not, but it is clear that the material that was published in ‘THE FIELD, the Country Gentleman’s Newspaper’ volume 125, consisting of an introductory article and thirty-four weekly parts, was material intended for a book, publication of which was delayed by nine years, initially due to ‘hostilities’. Frohawk, in the introduction to his The Complete Book of British Butterflies published on December 14th 1934, described publication of his previous work as 1924, and failed to mention the earlier use of the title.
Never the less, there appeared in print in 1915, material under a title that only varies from the 1924 publication, by the lack of the definite article prefix. An article advertising this serialisation, was published in the December 26th 1914 issue of the ‘The Field’ but this does not appear to be from the hand of Frohawk, so Colin Pratt’s reference to 1914 would seem to be incorrect. Brian Gar- diner’s categorical statement of publication in 1924 without men- tion of the 1915 material, might well have led to just the errors that he set out to correct. D.E. WILSON, Joyce House, Green Tye, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire SG10 6JJ.
NEW EUPITHECIA RECORDS (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE) FOR CAR- DIGANSHIRE FROM ROTHAMSTED INSECT SURVEY LIGHT TRAPS — Although some of the following species have been recorded for what is now the larger administrative county of Dyfed they appear to be new records for the smaller pre-1974 county of Cardiganshire. As many entomologists still refer to the older county boundaries and those of the Watsonian Vice-counties (which are the same in the case ‘of Cardiganshire) I thought the captures should be recorded formally:
Eupithecia haworthiata Doubl.: One on 4.viii.1985 at Trega- ron; Eupithecia valerianata Hb.: One on 15.vii.1986 at Tregaron (Genitalia examined); Eupithecia expallidata Doubl.: Two during
36 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25.i1.1988
August 1984 and 5 during July and August 1986 at Aberystwyth; one on 3.viii.1984 at Aberporth (Genitalia examined); Eupithecia assimilata Doubl.: One on 12.vii.1985 and one on 13.vi.1986 at Tregaron; one on 14.vi. and one on 17.vi.1986 at Aberystwyth; Eupithecia virgaureata Doubl.: Two well-defined broods with many individuals caught during May and Aug./Sep. at Tregaron 1984, 1985 and 1986, Aberystwyth 1984 and Aberporth 1984 and 1985. (Genitalia examined); Eupithecia pusillata D. & S.: One on 1. ii. 1986 at Aberporth. (Genitalia examined); Eupithecia tantillaria Boisd.: Several during June 1984 and 1986 at Aberporth; one on 4.vi.1984 and one on 15.vi.1986 at Aberystwyth.
Thanks are extended to Mr. G. Williams and Commdr. E. Verge, Mr. M. Leggett and Mr. I. J. L. Tillotson who operate the traps at Aberporth (Site No. 440, O.S. Grid ref. SN 235 522), Aberystwyth (Site No. 340, O. S. Grid Ref. SN 629 837) and Tregaron (Site No. 331, O. S. Grid ref. SN 687, 618) respectively. Special thanks are due to Mr. Tillotson who identified all but the most difficult specimens from the three traps and for forwarding the pugs. ADRIAN M. RILEY, Entomology Department, Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Herts., ALS 2JQ.
CIMBERIS ATTELABOIDES FAB. (COL.: NEMONYCHIDAE) IN WEST CUMBRIA — On 28th April, 1987 I swept one specimen of this species from long grass near to some Larch trees in the Fores- try Commission plantation at Longbarrow, Dent Fell, (NGR NYO3, 12), Cumbria. In spite of further searching and sweeping in the im- mediate area this was the only individual seen. C. attelaboides has previously been recorded from Cumbria, but I have been unable to find any published records of it from the West Cumbria region. F. H. Day recorded the weevil from several localities around the Carlisle area and specimens in Day’s collection in the Tullie House Museum at Carlisle are from Newton Moss, (NY43), Cumwhitton Moss, (NY43), Durdar, (NY44), Orton, (NY35) and Talkin Tarn, (NYS55).
Cimberis attelaboides is regarded as being scarce in Britain, but it appears to be widely distributed, especially in Scotland. The adults and larvae are associated with Pinus sylvestris, but the species is also known to attack Pinus pinaster on the continent. the larvae feed on the pollen in the male flowers of P. sylvestris and pupation takes place in the soil.
I wish to thank Mr. David Clarke, curator of the Tullie House Museum, Carlisle for kindly allowing me to examine specimens in the F. H. Day collection, and Dr. Paul Hyman (Nature Conser- vancy Council) for information regarding the distribution and status of C. attelaboides in the British Isles. — R. W. J. READ, 43 Holly Terrace, Hensingham, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 8RF.
FOUR NEW BELGIAN ANTS a
FOUR ANTS (HYM.: FORMICIDAE) NEW TO THE BELGIAN FAUNA
By R. CAMMAERTS and M. C. CAMMAERTS*
We report here the discovery of three ant species and a form of a common species, new to the Belgian fauna. These records should be of interest to British research workers since the species to which they belong live within or just outside the British Isles.
1. Myrmica rubra (Linnaeus, 1758) — microgyne form: In May 1983, we found in a garden at Ellezelles (Hainaut) three co- lonies of M. rubra containing microgynes. These were in a heap of rotting hay added to twice a year. Similar colonies were found again in this garden in 1984 and 1985 both in the rotting hay and under stones. During these three years the ratio of microgynes to normal queens increased from 8.8% to 42.9%, then 76.7%.
On a previous occasion, but not in subsequent years, we also obtained a few microgynes and abnormal workers in one nest out of 50 collected from meadows at Merchtem (Brabant) in 1976.
This microgyne form has been reported sporadically from Britain and Europe by several authors from Forel (1874) onwards and has been studied in Dorset, England, where it occurs regularly, by Elmes (1973) and by Pearson (1981). It seems to us to be a mutative form which could be in process of evolving into a distinct parasite species, a hypothesis proposed and discussed by Cammaerts et al. 1987.
2. Myrmica specioides Bondroit, 1918 (= puerilis Staerke, 1942) : Although this species has been recorded from sandy areas in the Netherlands and South-east England, it was not found in Belgium until, after fruitless searches in Kempen and on old acid dunes on the North Sea coast, we discovered two nests on recent calcareous sand dunes on the coast at Koksijde in 1983. (There is an unpublished record of this species taken by J. C. Felton at Westende sand dunes, Belgium 13.viii.1965).
3. Tetramorium impurum (Foerster, 1850) : This species, common in open -field and non-sandy soils in Belgium, was for long confused with and identified as the very similar 7. caespitum (L.). It has been reported from Belgium so far only in recent non-faunistic papers and by Cammaerts et al., 1985. This last paper gives infor- mation on the identification and the distribution of the two pre- viously confused species.
*Laboratoire de Biologie Animale et Cellulaire CP 160 Universite Libre de Bruxelles 50 Av. F. Roosevelt B — 1050 Bruxelles.
38 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25.1.1988
4. Lasius emarginatus (Olivier, 1791) : This was formerly recorded from four localities in Mid-Belgium by Lameere (1892) and cited as ‘‘assez frequent” by Bondroit (1909). Subsequently Bondroit (1918) retracted these records and wrote “Je ne l’ai jamais vue en Belgique” and no specimens have been found in collections.
We found a colony of this easily recognised species at Fontenoil- le in the southern part of Belgium- Lorraine 2.ix.1983 but at only one site out of 37 searched.
This species was recorded by Wasmann (1909), in neighbouring and climatically similar Luxembourg. The northern boundary of L. emarginatus as at present known runs from the Channel Islands, Normandy, Lorraine, Alsace, South Germany and South Poland (Bernard, 1968).
References
Bernard F. 1968. Les fourmis d’Europe occidentale et septentrionale. Masson et Cie, Paris, 411 pp.
Bondroit J. 1909. Les fourmis de Belgique. Ann. Soc. ent. Belge, LIII: 479-500.
Bondroit J. 1918. Les fourmis de France et de Belgique. Ann. Soc. ent. France 87: 1-174.
Cammaerts M-C,Cammaerts R., Bruge H. (1987) Some physiological in- formation on the microgyne form of Myrmica rubra L.Annils. Soc. Zool. Belg. 117: 147-158.
Cammaerts R., Pasteels J-M., Roisin Y. 1985. Identification et distribution de Tetramorium caespitum (L.) et T. impurum (Foerster) en Belgique. Actes Coll. Insectes Sociaux, 22109-118.
Elmes G. W. 1973. Miniature Queens of the Ant Myrmica rubra L. (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). Entomologist 106: 133-136.
Forel A. 1874. Les Fourmis de la Suisse. Neue Denkschr. allg. schweiz. Ges.Naturw. Zurich.
Lameere A. 1892. Note sur les Fourmis de la Belgique. Ann.Soc. ent.Belg, xxxvi : 1-9.
Pearson B. 1981. The electrophoretic determination of Myrmica. rubra microgynes as a social parasite: possible significance in the evolution of ant social parasites. in Biosystematics of Social Insects, Academic Pzess, London and New York.
Wasmann E. 1909. Zur Kenntniss der Ameisen und Ameisengasten von Luxemburg, III Arch.trim.Inst. Gr-Duc.sect.sc.: 1-115.
MELANISM IN BISTON BETULARIA 39
BISTON BETULARIA L. (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE): MELANISM IN DECLINE?
By B. K. WEST, B.Ed.*
B. betularia has taken a considerable share of the research into industrial melanism in Britain, and three chapters are devoted to this species by B. Kettlewell (The Evolution of Melanism, 1973), these relating in part to the genetics and geographical distribution of the three main forms of the insect -- f. typica, carbonaria Jdn. and insularia Th.-Mieg, which he describes as a complex of genetically distinct morphs intermediate in appearance between f. typica and carbonaria, and for his own research categorized as insularia' to insulariaS in order of increasing speckling. Unfortunately, in ap- pearance, f. typica and insularia grade into each other so that often identification is purely subjective, thus rendering statistics concer- ning them suspect, especially when more than one observer is in- volved.
Kettlewell summarizes the melanistic trends in befularia for the
period 1952-1970 as follows, ‘... f. insularia is increasing in a few somewhat specialized areas, and f. carbonaria only in peripheral districts of recent urbanization .. .’ Further, he states that, some-
what surprisingly, smokeless zones are having an effect and that betularia is for the first time in a hundred years reversing its trend to melanism, even though no vegetative lichens have reappeared. He suggests that the reverse trend will occur in the opposite order to its development, i.e. carbonaria > insularia 5» -> insularia! > f. typica. In view of this I am surprised to have noticed only very occasional reference to betularia in relation to melanism during the past ten years or so, particularly considering the continued amelioration of the environment from decreasing atmospheric pollution in many parts of Britain.
For many decades N. W. Kent suffered heavy atmospheric pollution by virtue of its close proximity to London, and its relative position in regard to the prevailing winds, with the industries, par- ticularly cement, of lower Thames-side, providing additional pollu- tion when the wind was easterly. The region is now a Clean Air Zone as defined by the 1964 Clean Air Act, but even at that time the dust deposits, excluding cement, were well below the national average. Subsequently further progress has been made with the decline of heavy industry, change from coal to oil as industrial fuel, the elimination of cement pollution, and the use of electricity as the source of power in the new light industry development.
I have kept records of the frequency of the various forms of
*36 Briar Road, Bexley, Kent.
40 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 251.1988
betularia to visit my m.v. light at Darttord since 1969. Unfortuna- tely there are no figures for the area prior to this, although there are for Bromley and Orpington five miles to the south-east. Kettle- well quotes figures for the incidence of carbonaria in various locali- ties in the Home Counties prior to 1970 as high as 80% to 90%, and I suspect that this was the case here for specimens of betularia encountered at rest or bred from feral larvae were invariably melanic; typical betularia appeared to be rare.
I have noted above the suggested order in which melanism would show decline in this species, but if one refers to plate 7.1 in Kettlewell’s Evolution of Melanism one finds that carbonaria in the late nineteenth century are quite unlike those of to-day, particularly in possessing a white postmedian line on the forewing. On 12.vii.1977 one of this form visited my garden m.v. light, a form I had never seen before, except for those in the National Collection. Subsequently several others have arrived, although I have not come across the form elsewhere.
For the period 1970-1985 the figures for the forms of betularia seen at my m.v. light at Dartford are as follows: —
% typica | % insularia| % carbonaria] Yearly sample 1970-1973 14.5 VS
1974-1977 10.5 3) 1978-1981 Vy pi 1982-1985 We) 16.5
In each of the years a significant number of betularia appeared at the light, the lowest number being 63 in 1971, and the highest 176 in 1981. The highest numbers for carbonaria were reached in 1981 (81%), 1974 and 1976 (80%), while the lowest for this form occur- red in 1980 (60.4%) and 1985 (57.9%), the latter year giving also the highest percentages for both the other forms.
Although the figures on a four year basis indicate a steady decline in the incidence of carbonaria, the individual yearly figures show irregularities, no doubt in part due to the size of the samples. Some increase in both typica and insularia is indicated, but in view of the subjective nature of differentiating these, in a number of in- stances, perhaps one should not draw conclusions.
Melanism may be in decline so far as betularia is concerned, but this connot be said of all species. The melanic forms of Dasy- chira pudibunda L. seem to be commoner now, although the first record for Kent was as late as 1948, compared with 1901 for car- bonaria (Chalmers-Hunt: Butterflies and Moths of Kent 3); this source quotes ab. nigra Prout of Gonodontis bidentata Clerck
MELANISM IN BISTON BETULARIA 41
being taken in Kent for the first time as late as 1959, and I first saw it at Dartford in 1973, since when it has become less rare. Like carbonaria, these melanic forms are also dominant genetically.
The decline in the relative frequency of carbonaria at Dartford indicated by the figures over three year periods does represent a decline of almost 1% per year; it will be interesting to see what the future trend will be, including the rapidity of any changes which may occur. This also applies to species in which melanism has appeared in this area only recently, but appears to be increasing. Finally worth mentioning is one common species which at Dartford appears to produce melanic forms to the extent of 100%, this is Chloroclystis rectangulata L., although in the 1930s of the many specimens I used to see at rest on the apple and pear tree trunks and adjacent structures in my garden included many of the green typical form; melanic forms of this species were encountered in N. W. Kent as early as the late nineteenth century.
References
Chalmers-Hunt, J. M., 1968-81, Butterflies and moths of Kent 3 Arbroath.
Ford, E., 1955, Moths.
Kettlewell, B., 1973, The Evolution of Melanism.
Thames-side Joint Committee for the Abatement of Atmospheric Pollution, Reports 1968-73.
SANGUISORBA OFFICINALIS LINNAEUS.: A FOODPLANT OF BISTON BETULARIA (L.) (LEPIDOPTERA: GEOMETRIDAE) — On 22nd September 1987 I observed one caterpillar of Biston be- tularia, peppered moth, on a plant of Sanguisorba officinalis Linn.., great burnet, in Honey Slough west field, Fryent Country Park, Middlesex (v.c.21). The caterpillar measured 64 mm in length and of particular note was the camouflage which mimicked the black and whitish discolourations that often occur on great burnet stems at this time of the year. The caterpillar was again observed in dif- ferent positions or on different stems of the same plant on the 23rd 25th, 26th and 27th September, but was no longer present when the plant was next checked on 4th October. It was evident that leaves were eaten between each observation and in a systematic fashion, with all the leaves on a stem being eaten before the caterpillar moved onto a new stem.
Scorer, A. G. 1913, in his Entomologist’s Log-book (Routledge) lists Betula, Cytisus scoparius, Fagus, Prunus, Quercus, Rosa, Rubus fruticosus, Salix, Tilia and Ulmus as larval foodplants of this moth. Allan, P. B. M., 1949, Larval Foodplants states that Bison betularia
42 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD VOL. 100 25.1.1988
has been found on almost every species of native deciduous tree and shrub. Sanguisorba officinalis is a perennial herb and does not appear to have been previously recorded as a foodplant of Biston betularia.
I am grateful to C. W. Plant at the Passmore Edwards Museum for checking the identificiation of the caterpillar and for drawing attention to the possible significiance of this record — L. R. WIL- LIAMS, Brent Leisure Services, Brent House, Wembley High Road, Middlesex HAY 6SX.
A FURTHER NOTE ON THE BRITISH SPECIES OF DACNE (COL.: EROTYLIDAE) — Mr. D. A. Prance’s note on the relative incidence of our two species of this genus in Wales (antea: 99 185) gives me occasion to remark that, in my experience, the dif- ference he draws attention to is equally pronounced in south-east England and probably therefore over their entire British range; and further, that over a long period there would seem to have been a definite reversal. To get the complete picture one has to go back to last century, in which Fowler (1889, Col. Brit.Jsi. 3: 183) notes D. rufifrons as locally common, and D. humeralis (i.e. bipustulata) as rare, giving for each a similar distribution. Thus on first finding a Dacne (D. bipustulata freely at Chilham, E. Kent, 1931), having then only Fowler’s work to consult, I concluded I had got a rarity. All later experience, however, pointed to this last as much the com- moner of the two species. I do not remember ever finding more than a few rufifrons at a time, whereas bipustulata is often abundant and seldom occurs singly. I have long looked upon rufifrons as uncommon, or even scarce. Of course, if Fowler inadvertently trans- posed his data for the two species, the apparent reversal of their frequency over time would be illusory. — A. A. ALLEN, 49 Mont- calm Road, London, SE7.
UNUSUAL FLIGHT TIMES FOR ALSOPHILA AESCULARIA D. & S. (THE MARCH MOTH (LEP-.: GEOMETRIDAE)) — A single male of this species was caught in the Rothamsted Insect Survey Light trap at Warehorne, in Kent (Site No. 478. O. S. Grid ref. TQ 988 346) on the night of 13/14.ix.1987. The species usually flies in March and April, varying slightly according to the season.
On searching our extensive database we found only three other occasions when aescularia had been recorded well outside its normal flight period: A single male was caught at Tarleton, © Lancashire (Site No. 371, O.S. Grid ref. SD446 224) on 20/21 vii. 1980 and two males were caught at Fort Augustus, Inverness- shire (Site No. 49, O.S. Grid ref. NH 366 092) on 2.xi.1975. ADRIAN M. RILEY, Entomology Department, Rothamsted Experi: mental Station, Harpenden, Herts, ALS 2J Q.
SERICOMYIA SILENTIS 43
SERICOMYIA SILENTIS (HARRIS) (DIPTERA: SYRPHIDAE): THE 44, 834th. HOVERFLY
By JENNIFER OWEN, Ph.D.”
I have been operating a Malaise trap from 1 April to 31 October since 1972 in my suburban garden in Leicester and identifying and tabulating all hoverflies captured. This year, the sixteenth of the study, looked like being a poor year for hoverflies, the cumulative 1987 total for the week ending 9 August being the second lowest yet for comparable dates. (Records are kept on a weekly basis, the end of a week being taken as Sunday.)
However, hoverfly numbers in the garden increased dramatically on Friday 14 August, and so on 15 and 16 August the Malaise trap catch was scored hourly. Between 1100 and 1200 hours on 15 August, a male Sericomyia silentis entered the trap. My previous encounters with this impressive hoverfly had been amongst samples collected on Shetland and South Uist, and it was a totally unexpec- ted capture in a suburban garden in the Midlands. Although there are three previous Leicestershire records (Owen 1979), Stubbs and Falk (1983), while acknowledging that it is widespread, state that ‘boggy heaths, acid wet meadows or woodland clearings. . . . provide typical habitat’.
Up to 1100 hours on 15 August 1987,an overall total of 44,806 hoverflies of 90 species had been captured by the Malaise trap. In the hour 1100 to 1200, 56 were caught, among them the specimen of S. silentis. It is possible, therefore, to place this capture at be- tween the 44,807th. and the 44,862nd., and I have simply assumed it came mid-way. I can reasonably conclude that S. si/entis is rare at this site, although, of course, I shall have to wait for the second capture to know just how rare.
Malaise trapping confirmed the impression of an increase in hoverfly numbers in the garden during the second week of August, the cumulative total for the week ending 16 August (1152) being nearly three times that for the week ending 9 August (466). Only in 1977 did the cumulative total more than double over the com- parable week. 1977 was a year of massive influx of Episyrphus balteatus to the garden (Owen 1981), and in the current year, too, the increase in numbers was in large part caused by numbers of E. balteatus, 429 having been caught in the week 9-16 August. The unprecedented numbers (1143) of E. balteatus in 1977 were mostly captured in the week ending 14 August and in the three following weeks.
In this year too, numbers of F. balteatus trapped remained high relative to other species, 227 having been caught in the week ending
*66 Scraptoft Lane, Leicester LES 1HU.
44 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 251.1988
23 August and 119 in the week ending 30 August. Thereafter, numbers of all species declined. By the week ending 18 October, the 1987 cumulative total was 2867, including 831 £. balteatus, making it the eighth best year for hoverflies, only average, but by no means the disastrous year that it appeared to be up to the beginning of August.
Reference
Owen, J. 1979. Hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) of Leicestershire: an annotated checklist. Trans. Leicester Lit. and Phil. Soc. 132 13-3)
Owen, J. 1981. Trophic variety and abundance of hoverflies (Dip- tera, Syrphidae) in an English suburban garden. Holarctic Eco- logy 4: 221-228.
Stubbs, A. and S. Falk 1983. British hoverflies: an illustrated identi- fication guide. British Entomological & Natural History Society.
Notes and Observations
HYPENA OBSITALIS HBN. (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE), THE BLOXWORTH SNOUT, IN CORNWALL — On the morning of 8th November 1987 I disturbed a small moth that was resting near my back door. Its flight was slow and “‘plume-like”’, and the patter- ned wings and noticable palps clearly suggested an unusual snout. On capture it proved to be a male obsitalis, probably around the tenth British specimen outside of the Channel Islands, where it is resident. Running an m.v. light subsequently drew a blank.
Readers may speculate on the suspense involved on seeing a rare moth, and knowing that one’s net is in the boot of the car (locked), parked in the garage (also locked) ! F. H. SMITH, Turn- stones, Perrancoombe, Perranporth, Cornwall.
THE EFFECT OF STORM DAMAGE ON CATOCALA SPECIES (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) IN THE NEW FOREST — the effects of the great storm of 15th October on insect populations will take some time to assess. The New Forest area is famous as a locality for the Catocala species sponsa and promissa, insects which probably lay their overwintering eggs on the upper branches of oak trees.
I visited two principal sites on 5th November : Lady Cross has relatively little damage, with only one major oak down, although numerous branches have been torn from the trunks. The central area Of Frame Heath has been devastated with several of the old “sugar” trees down and torn limbs and branches everywhere. How many Catocala larvae will fail to find food on hatching next year remains to be seen. E.H. WILD, 7 Abbots Close, Highcliffe, Dorset.
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 45
DYTISCUS .LAPPONICUS GYLL. (COL.: DYTISCIDAE) SUNBATHING — On a family holiday near Loch Maree in Wester Ross, we chose one warm day (11.viii.1987) to go in search of D. lapponicus Gyllenhal among the hills to the west of Strath Lungard. As luck had it, we found the species at the first lochan we visited, at an altitude of 550m, but not in the usual way, for our first glance at the scene revealed a female (beetle, that is) quite dry, basking in the sun on a stone which protruded out of the water. Then we saw two more females similarly sunbathing a few feet away and a fourth out of the water on a stone in a nearby lochan. There were other females and some males to be seen swimming in the water and the lochan was swarming with very large tadpoles (? lacking iodine) plus a few frogs and newts. On the surface of the lochan were a number of Gyrinus opacus Sahlberg.
I have not been able to find any previous record of D. lappo- nicus sunbathing in this way. I am tempted to speculate that the beetles were preparing to fly though, as far as I am aware, there are no British records of D. lapponicus flying. Nevertheless, the species breeds in still water, often in small lochans with no obvious inflow or outflow from which one would conclude that at least some examples fly. Other members of the genus Dytiscus certainly fly though I have been unable to discover whether they sunbathe prior to taking off.
It would have been nice to have been able to wait and witness flight if this was what the beetles intended but it was late afternoon and there was still a 3hr walk back to the car so we left the site without an explanation. J. A. OWEN, 8 Kingsdown Road, Epsom, Surrey KT17 3PU.
LIGHT TRAP OF FAIR ISLE — early in 1987 the writers conveyed an 80W m.v. to Fair Isle, midway between Orkney and Shetland, and left it in the care of the warden of the bird observa- tory, Mr. Nick Riddiford. Early reports are encouraging, with both the orkneyensis and thulei subspecies of Diarsia mendica being noted.
Visiting entomologists would be welcome (full board available) — contact the Warden, Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Sheltand ZE2 9JU. Telephone 03512-258. P. J. SELLAR and B. M. O’BRIAN, 89 Riddlesdown Road, Purley, Surrey.
LIMNAECIA PHRAGMITELLA STAINTON (LEP.: MOM- PHIDAE) IN FIFE — Since its discovery as a Scottish resident at Possil Marsh, v.c.77, by R. P. Knill-Jones in 1982 (Proc. Trans. Br. ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. (1983) 16: 103) this species has been found to occur at two other sites near Glasgow (in v.c.76) and on Arran (v.c. 100) (Glasg. Nat. (1984) 20: 436: (1986) 21: 150: Ent. Rec.
46 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25.1.1988
(1984) 96: 253 ...with some duplication of records!), suggesting that it may have a growing distribution in the west of Scotland. On 14.v.1987 I collected four of the more ragged of the previous year’s Typha latifolia heads seen at Morton Lochs NNR, Fife (v.c.85), from which about 15 moths duly emerged in vii.1987, showing L. phragmitella to be present in eastern Scotland as well. Much Typha was apparently uninfested, suggesting that the moth may be a very recent arrival at that site or possibly that it is under ex- treme environmental pressure there. No larval parasites were reared, but in my experience L. phragmitella is infrequently parasitised as a larva, and then only in extremely rich wetland sites such as the Norfolk Broads, where I have reared a few of the ichnenmonid Diadegma hygrobia (Thomson) (det. K. Horstmann) from it, though more generalised parasites can be reared from collections of its pupae almost anywhere. I saw no evidence of excessive predation from anthocorid bugs or birds at Morton Lochs. The Scottish Insect Records Index maintained here (see Ent. Rec. (1987) 99: 37-38) has been invaluable for the preparation of this note, and I am grateful to Pete Kinnear, NCC, for arranging access to Morton Lochs NNR. MARK R. SHAW, Royal Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF.
ISCHNOSCIA BORREONELLA (MILLIERE) (LEP.: TINEI- DAE) — In 1985 (Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland 2: 165) I wrote that /schnoscia borreonella had not been seen in Britain since 1926 and I believe this was still the situation when on 15.viii.1987 I collected a female specimen at Portland, Dorset, one of the two former British localities.
Dr. John Langmaid and I were preparing to collect with mercury- vapour light in a sheltered spot on the east side of Portland, and while it was still light enough to see small moths without the aid of a torch I was lucky enough to see this minute tineid fly past at eye level. Unfortunately it was the only one we saw.
The biology of this species is completely unknown. The rocks at the scene of capture are rather bare, and perhaps the larvae feed on some sort of detritus in rock crevices. E. C. PELHAM- CLINTON, Furzeleigh House, Lyme Road, Axminster, Devon, EX13 SSW.
DORCATOMA SERRA PANZ. (COL.: ANOBIIDAE) IN WEST NORFOLK — This uncommon or very local species is already on record from East Norfolk (near Norwich, and Catfield Fen. — cf. Ent. Rec. 95:248) but so far not, I think, from the western vice- county. I have lately, however, determined as D. serra a few speci- mens swept from a fair-sized oak in the boundary hedge of a country garden belonging to my friends Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Gould at Foulden,
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 47
near Swaffham. Three were taken on 10.vii.85, and one or two in earlier years similarly. D. serra develops in certain tree fungi, but none was apparent on the oak concerned, which looked quite sound externally. — A. A. ALLEN, 49 Montcalm Road, London, SE7.
EGG-LAYING CATOCALA PROMISSA D.&S., THE LIGHT CRIMSON UNDERWING (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) — In view of the apparent difficulty in obtaining eggs of this species, it may be of interest to record that a female captured on 25.vii.1987 in Hamp- shire laid eight eggs between 2nd and 6th August.
Eggs were laid on netting covering a small, circular container (kept out of doors); tissue paper in the container and one directly on honey-impregnated tissue used to feed the moth. Materials in the container not utilised included cork bark, oak bark, leaves and damp moss used to keep the humidity high. J. PLATTS, 11 May- downs Road, Chestfield, Whitstable, Kent.
ZYRAS HAWORTHI. STEPH. (COL.: STAPHYLINIDAE) IN DORSET — A single specimen of this rarely recorded beetle was taken from leaf litter in a Dorset Naturalists Trust reserve at Brackett’s Copse, Harwood on 12.v.1987. Recent records of this species have been summarised by Appleton (1971, Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 107: 256), and includes a fairly recent record from Stud- land, Dorset. Fowler (1888, Col. Brit. Isl. 2: 56) gives a 19th century record from Bloxworth by C. P. Cambridge. This capture seems to be the third recorded for Dorset, and the most westerly one. Pre- vious records are mainly from Surrey, with Essex and the New Forest also included.
The leaf litter was collected either lying in the open or amon- gst ramsons (Allium ursinum), from a damp area near the stream which flows through the reserve. On this occasion, no ants were seen, and this brightly coloured beetle was probably on the move. P. D. ORTON, 22 Lyewater, Crewkerne, Somerset.
A SCOTTISH SPECIMEN OF COLEOPHORA ALNIFOLIAE BARASCH (LEP.: COLEOPHORIDAE) — A male specimen of this species has remained unrecognized in my collection for the last 36 years, collected at Camghouran, Rannoch, Perthshire (v.c. 88), probably with the aid of a Tilley lamp, on 23.vi.1951. Both alder and birch are abundant in this area. I made a genitalia slide from the specimen in 1951, but did not have sufficient information to identify it correctly at that time and it came to be placed amongst my C. milvipennis Zeller. Recently I re-examined my slides in the light of the paper by Karsholt & Nielsen (1978, Ent. Meddr 46: 1-16) and Emmet’s (1980, Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var.92: 129-138) translation of their keys to species by genitalia. Karsholt & Nielsen’s photographs have been reproduced too faintly to be able to recog-
48 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 25 .i1.1988
nize the characters of the aedeagus, but having now made slides from males of all the British species of this group I find that the separation is very clear. The Rannoch specimen is a little more robust than my milvipennis but does not exceed the largest of them in wingspan.
Dr. Mark Shaw has kindly informed ime that there is no record of C. alnifoliae in the Scottish Insect Record Index at the Royal Museum of Scotland. Records from England seem remarkably vague. I have not seen one stating that the genitalia had been examined, but Newton’s (1979, Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 91: 234-236) records from alder in Gloucestershire are most likely to be correct. E. C. PELHAM-CLINTON, Furzeleigh House, Lyme Road, Axmins- ter, Devon, EX13 5SW.
CATOPS FULIGINOSUS ER. (COL.: LEIODIDAE) IN KENT — Though it was not always so, this species has become very general of late years, at all events in the south-east where it is the com- monest of its genus at the present time; occurring singly but quite frequently by sweeping, in refuse, etc., whilst others are more con- fined to special habitats such as carrion or small-mammal nests and runs, etc. It is curious, therefore, that I have seen no definite record for Kent. I have met with it hereabouts once or twice in my former garden at Blackheath, and of late at least three or four times at Shooters Hill; farther east in the county I may have overlooked or omitted to note it. C. fuliginosus is at first sight much like several other Catops species but can easily be recognized among those of medium size by the distinct sinuation of the basal pronotal margin near each angle. The aedeagus is tolerably distinctive with the para- meres reaching to the subtruncate apex. — A. A. ALLEN, 49 Mont- calm Road, London, SE7.
Current Literature
Pasture-woodlands in lowland Britain by P. T. Harding and F. Rose. 89pp. 8 colour illustrations. Limp. Institute of Terrestial Eco- logy, 1986. Price £6.10 inclusive. (Available from ITE at Merl- wood Research Station, Grange over Sands, Cumbria).
In this interesting book, the origins, form and composition of pasture-woodlands are summarised and a desceiption is given of the flora and fauna particularly associated with this type of woodland. The evidence for considering the flora and fauna of these areas to be relics of those of the primeval forest, and to be indicators of continuity of habitat, is investigated. Particular attention is given to epiphytic lichens and saproxylic Coleoptera and Diptera. A selection of sites considered to be important for conserving their flora and fauna of pasture-woodland is listed.
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THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION (Founded by J. W. TUTT on 15th April 1890)
CONTENTS The changing geography of the common blue butterfly in Northumberland: Roy, Aspinall (2 as 2 ele oe oa Te a ae ee ee 1 Eublema kettlewelli & E. uhlenhuthi (Lep.) — two new species from ris ING Cas oF Ps WHLSHALE oe al POR ee eae CHO Cee ree Was Ceramica pisi (Lep.) - Larval foodplant preferences. B. K. West ....... 10 The hoverflies of the Sandwell Valley. M. G. Bloxham ............ 1] Dahhica triquetrella (Wep:) in Essex. CG Plant) ee ee ee 19 Geostiba circellaris (Col) PD) Orton Gas a ee eee 20 Introduction to'Guermsey Lepidoptera. 7. DN. Peek = a.ns a eee eee PAA ethea fluctiosa:(ep).in Kent. BR, West) x1 wats epee ei ee 24 Early Gloucestershire record of the codling moth. C. W. Plant ........ 24 Notes on Agrilus pannonicus (Col.). A.A. Allen .. 1... ee ee ee ee 25 Dolicharthria punctalis; in Pembroke. G. & M. Finch ............. 28 Moroccoievisited in: 1986, W. J: fennent). =). 5 ee = ee 29 F. W. Frowhawk’s Natural History of British Butterflies notes on date of: publications:D:.b. Wilsons ea ere ee Si) New Eupithecia (Lep.) records for Cardigan. A. M. Riley ........... 55) Cimbens attelaboides (Col.) in' Cumbria h Resa ese ee 36 Four ants (Hym.) new to Belgium. R. & M. Cammaerts ............ 37 Biston betularia (Lep.) - melanism in decline? B. K. West ........... a9 Sanuisorba officinalis as foodplant for peppered moth. L. R. Willams... . 41 Notes on British species of Dacne (Col.) A. A. Allen. ...........--. 42 Unusual flight time for Alsophila aescularia (Lep.) A. M. Riley. ....... 42 Sericomyia silentis (Dipt.) the 44, 834th hoverfly. J. Owen ......... 43 Hypena obsitahs (Lep.) in Cormwalls foil) Sint: eae ee coe ee Ae Storm: damare and Catocala'species. Eee Wild, a ea a eee one 44 Dytiscus lapponicus (Col.) sunbathing. J. Owen ...........22000- 45 fight traprom Pair Isle. Po Sellame&e MAO Briain cee ae. cll ia) rece enene ee 45 Limnaecia phragmitella (Lep,) im Bite. Shaw, 5. = oie 20a eee 45 Ischnoscia borreonella (Wwep.) Ee Lelham-Chnton ests ose. Sane 46 Dorcatoma serra (Col) in\Nortolk: AvAWA Ven a es eee ee 46 EgeJayineg in Catocgla promissa (lep yo PIOUS 4 xa eas ee ee eee 47 Zyras haworthi (Col:) in Derset-P Ds Onion. oon nae chee aha) en a) 47 A Scottish Coleophora alnifoliae (Lep.) E. Pelham-Clinton.......... 47 Catops fuliginosus (Col.) in Kent. A. A. Allen... ....22e222ee00- 48 Current TWiberature: 7) yes So ea ye ea ee rae ert rerini ee elemental leer etme ta 48
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FOR SALE The Lepidoptera of Warwickshire parts 1 & 2 (butter- flies and macro-moths), by R. Smith and D. Brown. Price £1.90 (payable to WCC) from Warwickshire Museum, Market Place, War- wick CV34 4SA.
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LYSANDRA CORIDON IN THE NORTH 49
LYSANDRA CORIDON (LEP.: LYCAENIDAE) IN THE NORTH : THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE?
By W. E. RIMINGTON*
Recently, while preparing an article on the possible historical presence of the chalkhill blue butterfly (Lysandra coridon. Poda) in Yorkshire (Settle), I came across an article by A. E. Wright disputing the hitherto almost unanimously accepted records for the insect in Lancashire and Westmoreland. For two reasons I had never disputed these old records nor had I noticed their absence from the National Distribution Maps. Firstly because they have been repro- duced in virtually every work from Coleman (1860) to Howarth (1973) and secondly because I possess a specimen with full data from the area in question. Since the validity of these records was central to the theme of my original article, and because their re- jection to me constituted the “Bermuda Triangle’? of entomology I looked again into the matter.
Wright’s argument is convincing and for various reasons must stand but on reading the article, together with examining other evi- dence, one is left with the feeling that all has not been said, that evidence, however circumstantial, has been overlooked and that on occasion individuals have been given a ‘bad press’. Wright’s argu- ments ran briefly thus:
1. Stainton (1857) did not mention any records for the area. It is noteworthy here that neither did Stainton mention records for Lincolnshire.
2. That no records were available prior to 1859, in which year Anthony Mason apparently showed a series to none less than the eminent entomologist C. S. Gregson supposedly taken at Grange — the year being unspecified but most probably 1858 or 1859 — and apparently adding that the butterfly was the commonest blue present. Gregson reporting the incident in the Entomologist’s Weekly Intelligencer (1859) expressed ‘‘sur- prise’’ at the captures. Wright casts further doubt on Masons testimony by quoting an advertisement which he placed in the same journal (1857. 2: 147) requesting coridon in exchange for other species, the implication being that the series shown to Gregson in 1859 were those obtained by exchange in 1857 and that this dubious business was the origin of all subsequent and false reports of coridon as a Grange insect.
3. That despite the numerous records from Grange, Warton Crags, Silverdale, Arnside, Milnthorpe, Beetham from 1859 to 1892 and Witherslack in 1910, in no case does the recorder appear to have seen or taken the insect himself, nor can any of their
*8 Riverside Drive, Sprotborough, Doncaster, S. Yorks.
50 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15 .iv.1988
specimens be traced. The well known entomologist B. H.
Crabtree is quoted in this latter respect and J. Davis Ward,
an experienced Grange entomologist, is quoted (diaries) as
regarding all Grange records as “‘very doubtful’. Similarly H.
Massey (in Tutt 1910).
The recorders quoted by Wright — apart from Mason — included
J. B. Hodgkinson who gave most of the above stations in New-
man (1869); Alfred Owne (in Newman 1869), Grange; Robert
Marris (in Morris 1870), Grange; J. Arkle (1886), Grange;
George Loxham (in Forsythe, 1905), Warton Crags and Arnside
Tower. There is another record briefly referred to by Wright.
Hodgkinson (1888) reports “This butterfly (coridon) used to
occur at Grisedale at the foot of Saddleback in Cumberland.
I have seen specimens taken there by Mr. Hope of Penrith.”
This again is circumstantial and after examining this record in
connection with Yorkshire coridon I am inclined to feel that
the relationship between Grisedale, Saddleback and the larval foodplant horseshoe vetch (Hippocrepis comosa) is suspect.
There is however one of the several Grisedales near to Tebay and
adjacent to a recorded station for horseshoe vetch. Nevertheless
poor Mr. Hope it seems is likely to suffer the same fate as Anthony
Mason 4. That Porritt in his List and Supplement of the Lepidoptera of
Yorkshire (1883 and 1903) did not give coridon as a Yorkshire
insect. In this context it is worth noting that Porritt is known
to have missed or disregarded records which, even if unaccep- table, merited a footnote, including the Settle one for coridon.
Hodgkinson (1885) recalled that some twenty years previously
a man from Settle had told him that the chalkhill blue flew
“in profusion about or near Settle and Bentham.” Apparently
the man, of whom we know nothing, had pictures (most proba-
bly a decorative display) made of the butterfly. Hodgkinson in an interesting but again inconclusive reference to Warton
Crags continues “The species till lately existed under Warton
Crags near Carnforth, ground that I go over at all times of the
year. Where Thecla quercus and L. corydon used to swarm,
not one has been seen for years.’
Interestingly, Settle is but twenty miles from the other localities and is a recorded station for horseshoe vetch, as in fact are all the other stations given for coridon. It is easy to overlook this point at a time when the larval foodplant for coridon was not determined.
Wright cannot have seen the above reference to Yorkshire coridon nor can he have seen the letter in the same journal (Natura- list 1885) in which Herbert Goss writes ‘‘this species certainly occur- red in abundance in the neighbourhood of Silverdale. In the autumn of 1870 I received a number of specimens of it from Mr. James
LYSANDRA CORIDON IN THE NORTH ace
Murton.”’ Goss continues in a reference to none other than Anthony Mason “and I was informed in June 1883 by Mr. Anthony Mason that this species though previously unknown in the district had suddenly appeared in abundance at Silverdale in 1869 or 1870 and had as suddenly disappeared.”
This then leaves us with another series reputedly taken in the area, another recorder in Mr. Murton and Mr. Masons continued insistence that the butterfly was at least formerly present, this time at Silverdale. Four series in all including one said to have been taken in 1910 at Witherslack by Mallinson but dismissed by Wright because none had been seen subsequently. But what do we make of the maligned Anthony Mason; had he like Seaman and his black hairstreak, discovered a gold mine in the North, was he a romancer, Or a serious but now misunderstood entomologist? Gregson evidently did not doubt him, his “‘surprise”’ lay in the fact that the captures of coridon were on limestone and not chalk; in the same note he men- tions Masons first recording of the brown hairstreak (Thecla betulae. L.) at Grange — a record which was substantiated subsequently. Gregson would in any event surely have cleared publication with Mason who as an occasional contributor to the Intelligencer after this seems to have had nothing to hide. Also we do not even know whether Mason obtained any coridon by his advertisement.
Of the other recorders mentioned by Wright, Marris may be dismissed, reference to Morris (1853, first edition) illustrates the point. But why did Hodgkinson an “‘old friend’? of Gregson and a highly competent and respected entomologist who had worked the general area for years, repeatedly lend his name apparently without personal sightings to these records? In considering this question we should recall that he had seen at least one series purporting to have been taken in the district and by his own admission had not visited Arnside until 1877. We should realise that areas now well worked and accessible were not so then and that the history of entomolo- gical recording is littered with surprises. Massey (in Tutt 1910) says of Arnside “twenty five years ago, very little worked entomolo- © gically” and the same was certainly said of Settle about 1880.
Since commencing a compilation of records of the butterflies of the Doncaster district I have become uneasy about the dismissal of old records on the grounds that the insect should have been seen more frequently or that more specimens should exist. There are single but unimpeachable nineteenth century records for species here for which no specimens can be found. Murder without the body is difficult to prove but in the old days labelling was usually absent, incomplete, or numerical.
Then there is the question of my specimen which has printed data: C. F. Johnson.. Witherslack 1913 and handwritten 2 (or 21)
5)? ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL.100 15.iv.1982
8. I had always suspected this data until I learned from Wright of Mallinsons reported capture of five specimens in 1910 at Wither- slack. Johnson was a respected entomologist and a Fellow of the Entomological Society of London; moreover I have ascertained that he did visit Witherslack in 1913. Clearly Mallinson’s specimens cannot now be dismissed so lightly. It is I think unlikely that at least the earlier — if genuine — records were the result of bred releases in view of the uncertainty regarding the foodplant which in contem- porary literature was given as “‘various vetches, Lotus, Anthyllis and wild thyme”. How well the larvae accept other of these plants in captivity I am unsure since my breeding of coridon is restricted to horseshoe vetch.
That so many recorders could have believed, that several series should apparently have been taken and seen and that the precise areas involved should contain the then undetermined larval food- plant, all in the total absence of the butterfly seems almost to ask too much, but it may indeed be so. There is, however, one last thought. It is well known that some species undergo periodic and sometimes violent fluctuation in numbers, climate and range un- doubtedly being factors and that coridon if ever it was present near Grange was at the edge of its range. Masons reported years of abundance for coridon at Grange and Silverdale were 1858 or 1859 and 1869 or 1870 respectively, followed by rapid decline at Silverdale. Examination of climatic records for 1847 to 1875 reveals that the only four hot summers during the period were 1857, 1859, 1868 and 1870; 1858 marginally missing the group and 1869 being average.
It is tempting to think that at least the very early records were not unreasonable and that even though later ones may have been hearsay Anthony Mason might have witnessed and recorded the passing of a relict population at the extremes of its range.
References
Arkle, C. J. (1886). Entomology in north Lancashire. Entomologist 19: 242.
Coleman, W. S. (1860). British Butterflies.
Forsythe, C. H. (1905). A list of the macrolepidoptera of Lancashire and district Entomologist 38:88.
Goss, H. (1885). The lepidopterous fauna of Lancashire and Cheshire. Naturalist 10: 206.
Gregson, C. S. (1859). Thoughts on geographical distribution. Ento- mologist’s Weekly Intelligencer 7: 54.
Hodgkinson, J. B. (1878). Entomological rambles — 1877. Entomolo- gist TAD:
Hodgkinson, J. B. (1885). Lycaena corydon in the north of England. Naturalist 10:2-46.
LYSANDRA CORIDON IN THE NORTH 33
Hodgkinson, J. B. (1888). Lycaena coridon in Cumberland. Entomo- logist 21:54.
Howarth,T. G. (1973). South’s British Butterflies.
Morris, F. O. (1853, 1870). A history of British butterflies: 180.
Newman, E. (1869). The illustrated Natural History of British Butterflies and Moths :132.
Stainton, H. T. (1857). A manual of British butterflies and moths. 1:60.
Tutt, J. W. (1910). British Butterflies IV: 102.
Wright, A. E. (1940). Lysandra coridon: its reputed occurence in Lancashire and Westmoreland Entomologist 73:217-221.
WINTER RECORDS OF THE PAINTED LADY BUTTERFLY, CYNTHIA CARDUI L. — Whether the painted lady is able to some- times overwinter in the south of England is difficult to prove unless “hibernating” individuals are found alive in late winter. To my knowledge this has never been recorded and the pattern of occur- rence of the few mid-winter records suggest that these butterflies may have been primary immigrants. Over the Christmas and New Year period of 1987/88 there have been, so far, eighteen records of the painted lady:
CORNWALL E. Portwrinkle, 25.12 (S. Madge); St Clear, 25.12 (P. J. Reay); Siblyback Reservoir, 31.12.87 (D. & G. Conway); Port- scatho, 6.1.88 (G. Jackson); Salter Mill, Carr Green, 7.1.88 (S. Madge); Portholland 16.1 .88 (R. Lane).
CORNWALL W. Phillack, Hayle, “late December” (L. P. Williams); Marazion, 7.1.88 (C. C. Barnard).
DEVON S. Devonport, 23.12 (A. R. Pease); Ernsettle, Plymouth, 24.12 (R. W. Gould); Plymouth, 25.12, two, and one, 5.2.88 (A. Archer-Lock).
DORSET. Worbarrow Bay, 25.12; Studland, 31.12, two, (K. N. Baskcomb).
SUSSEX E. Lewes, 20.12; Brighton, 22.12 (R. Leverton per C. R. Pratt).
Mr. Penhallurick, of the Truro Museum, has traced a further, early record — January 17th. 1936 St. Marys, Isles of Scilly (R. Trotter), and in 1966 there were three early records of the painted lady in Cornwall: February 2nd. Downderry (S. C. Madge); Feb- ruary 6th. Mevagissey (Unknown) and February 26th. Pendower ~ (R. D. Penhallurick).
R. F. Bretherton tells me that he has been unable to trace any December records for the painted lady in the British Isles, apart from a single record for 6.12.1979 (Archer-Lock, Ent. Rec. 92: 87), at least since 1940, but that in 1952 there was a substantial early immigration of Lepidoptera between February 21st. and
54 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.iv.1988
March 17th., that included no less than 482 painted ladies, with 14 on March Sth. at Redruth, Cornwall (W. J. Tremewan).
Records of the Caradon Field and Natural History Club show a pattern of late individuals of the painted lady into early November in south-east Cornwall, with the latest being on November 29th 1986.
Mr. Bretherton is of the opinion that following the spell of south-westerly winds and mild temperatures over Western Europe from mid December over Christmas 1987, long-distance migrants such as the painted lady are much more likely to be genuine immi- grants from south-west Eurepe or North Africa rather than to have survived the rather cold late November/early December spell that was experienced in southern Britain a few weeks previously. S. C. MADGE 2 Church Row, Sheviock, Torpoint, Cornwall PL11 3EH. (NOTE: if readers have any further records of either cardui or any other lepidopteron over this period, would they please send their records to R. F. Bretherton as soon as possible — Ed.)
HAIRSTREAK ROOSTING HABITS. — While collecting in northern Greece end July 1987 along the Greco-Bulgarian border, we entered a dense stretch of deciduous forest with a very rich undergrowth. The weather was humid and the temperature was about 46° centigrade, making the situation almost unbearable. From about 6pm to 7.30pm we noticed that hordes of both male and female Quercusia quercus L. descended from the tall trees and took roosting positions on the undergrowth at no more than one metre off the ground. It was also rewarding to discover amongst them a few Thecla betulae L., both male and female. The latter barely enters into Greece along its northern borders and any record of it from this country is worth mentioning. - JOHN G. COUTSIS, 4 Glykonos Street, Athens 10675, Greece. NIKOS GHAVALAS, 30 Karaoli-Dhimitriou Street, Athens 12461, Greece.
CATOCALA NUPTA L., THE RED UNDERWING, (LEP-.: NOCTUIDAE) IN CUMBRIA — On the morning of 5 .x.1987 I found a perfect, male red underwing in my m.v. trap, which is situated under the white walls of a house, set in thick, decidious and coni- ferous woodland. This is the first nupta seen here in 20 years of light trapping, during which time 401 species of macrolepidoptera have been recorded.
The only original record for this species is Cumbria (formerly Cumberland and Westmorland) is given by Stephens (1829) //lu- strations of British Entomology 3:133 as “. . . Davidson Bank (Carlisle ‘district|| — 1. ©. Heysham Esq) = 2.27.1 am’ gratefull/to Dr. N. L. Birkett for his comments and help in tracing this record. J. BRIGGS, Frimley House, Deepdale Close, Slackhead, Milnthorpe, Cumbria.
HYALOMYODES TRIANGULIFERA 55
HY ALOMYODES (DIPTERA; TACHINIDAE), AN ENDOPARASITOID OF TETRIGOIDEA (ORTHOPTERA)
By D. KEITH McE. KEVAN and RUSTAM T. B. KOSHNAW*
In the course of morphological studies on members of two families of groundhoppers (Orthoptera, Tetrigodea, Tetrigoidea), one of us (R.T.K.) discovered a single living endoparasitoid dip- teran larva (Fig. 1) within the body of a freshly-killed, adult female Tetrix subulata (Linnaeus) (Tetrigidae, Tetriginae) which was in process of dissection. The maggot (a phasiine tachinid larva, about 3 mm long) was located in the region of the metathorax and first three abdominal segments. The host had been collected locally, in the vicinity of the Morgan Arboretum, Macdonald College Cam- pus of McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada, on 14.x.1984, and was dissected on the following day. A stock of T. subulata (as well as other species of Tetrigoidea), originating from the same general vicinity, was, at the time, being maintained at room temperature, in the laboratory and, about a month later (18.xi.1984), two small tachinid flies were found in the rearing cage. As there was no other feasible source, the adult flies had, without doubt, developed from endoparasitoid larvae similar to the one discovered. Judging by the size of the adult flies, that larva would have been about half grown. We are grateful to Dr. B. E. Cooper of the Biosystematics Research Centre, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, for identifying the adult flies as Hyalomyodes triangulifer (Loew).
Fig. 1 Half-grown larva of Hyalomyodes triangulifer (Loew), ventral, from the body of Tetrix subulata (L.). Scale bar = 1mm.
A further single larva, apparently identical with the first, was subsequently obtained from an adult female of Tetrix ornata ornata (Say) (Tetrigidae, Tetriginae), collected from the same general area
*Department of Entomology, Macdonald College of McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada. H9X 1C0.
56 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.iv.1988
as before on 21.iv.1985, but not dissected until 28.vi.1985. Yet another larva was found in a female Tettigidea lateralis (Say) (Bat- rachideidae, Batrachideinae), collected (again from the same area) on 9.vi.1985, and dissected on the same day.
Although, long ago, Hancock (1902) mentioned various preda- tors and an ectoparasitic mite attacking Tetrigoidea, to the best of our knowledge, these are the first records of an endoparasitoid in the Tetrigoidea, which have generally been considered to be remar- kably free from such natural enemies.
H. triangulifer (sometimes incorrectly written “‘triangulifera”’, and at one time placed in the genus Clistomorpha Townsend) be- longs to the subfamily Phasiinae (tribe Strongygastrini). Brooks (1942) indicated the general North American distribution then known for the adults. Besides various of the United States, he noted the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Québec an Ontario in the east and British Columbia in the west, but not the Prairie Provinces, the North, or Newfoundland-Labrador (the last, at that time, not yet part of Canada). The larval stages were described and partially figured by Thompson (1954), who indicated the host insects known at the time (all Coleoptera) and outlined what little else was known or surmised about the biology of H. triangulifera [sic] . This included the possible method by which the larva gained access to the body of its host.
Larvae of H. triangulifer have been recorded as endoparasitoids of various genera of Coleoptera belonging to the families Alleculidae, Chrysomelidae, Coccinellidae and Curculionidae (usually from adults but sometimes from larvae); the species has also been reported from the larva of a plume moth, Platyptilia carduidactyla (Riley) (Lepi- doptera, Pterphoridae) in California. References to the various host records are given by Arnaud (1978), but there is none for any species of orthopteroid insect.
A wide host range is apparently not unusual among Phasiinae, and the related Leucostoma simplex (Fallén) (Leucostomatini), an endoparasitoid mainly of Heteroptera, is also known from Acri- didae (cf. Arnaud, 1978). On the other hand, it is conceivable that the record of H. triangulifer from a plume moth (Lang, 1950) might refer to another species, and there could perhaps be an ele- ment of doubt concerning the precise species involved in the present case. That Tetrigoidea are immune to attack by insect endoparasi- toids, however, is manifestly not true.
References Arnaud, P. H. 1978. A Host-Parasite Catalog of North American
Tachinidae (Diptera). Misc. Publ. Sci. Educ. Admin. U-S. Dept. Agric. 1319: [i-iv,] 1-860.
HYALOMYODES TRIANGULIFERA 57
Brooks, A. R. 1942. Clistomorpha, Psalidopteryx and allies (Diptera, Tachinidae). Can, Ent. 74: 140-150.
Hancock, J. L. 1902. The Tettigidae of North America. Chicago; The Lakeshore Press: viii + 188 pp, XI pl.
Lang, W. H. 1950. Biology and systematics of plume moths of the genus Platyptilia in California. Hilgardia, 19: 561-668, pl. 1-16.
Thompson, W. R. 1954. Hyalomyodes triangulifera |sic| Loew. (Diptera, Tachinidae). Can. Ent. 86: 137-144.
A PLEA FOR THE RETENTION OF THE OLD COUNTIES IN RECORDING. — The Watson-Praeger county and vice-county system of faunistic recording has proved itself a valuable instrument for most purposes, where smaller divisions may not be required. Among its advantages is that of being readily adaptable to earlier usage based on counties alone, in which the literature abounds; any change, therefore, which upsets this convenient harmony must, from the standpoint of recording, be considered retrograde. I am thinking here, of course, of the Local Government Act of 1972 which altered the names and boundaries of certain English and Welsh counties for administrative reasons. It seems to me that these changes do not in any way forbid the retention of the older system in published records and county lists. (Furthermore, many of us may well object on general grounds to the idea that centuries of history and ingrained tradition may legitimately be swept away overnight by a stroke of the bureaucratic pen.) The inconvenience of having to collate the two systems — even though their differences are not extensive, the chances of errors resulting, and the waste of time involved, are sufficiently obvious. Also, we should spare a thought for future workers whose task will be made onerous enough by all the nomenclatural changes, etc., over a long period, without adding to their confusion from another source. I am glad to see that in practice many recorders do in fact continue to employ the tra- ditional and time-honoured system.
I should like in passing to put in a good word for the county and vice-county symbols, which for some reason seem almost to have dropped out of use in favour of numbers. For many, the latter are meaningless without a key; whereas, in contrast, the symbols are readily understood and memorized, to which end they were in fact devised. — A. A. ALLEN, 49 Montcalm Road, London SW7.
ACROLEPIOPSIS BETULELLA CURTIS (LEP.: YPONOMEU- TIDEA) IN ARGYLLSHIRE — The only published localities for recent records of Acrolepiopsis betulella are Beinn Eighe NNR, Wester Ross (M. R. Young (1985) Ent. Gaz. 36, 298-9) and Roslin Glen LNR, Midlothian (K. P. Bland (1986) Ent. Rec. 98, 241-3). I have
58 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.iv.1988
now reared the species from seedheads of wild garlic (Allium ursi- num) collected on 23.vii.1987 in the gorge of the Allt Cruiniche on Beinn Cruachan, Argyllshire (O. S. Grid Ref. NNO329;v.c.98). The first imago emerged on 20.viii.1987. This species should be looked for wherever its food-plant is well established. K. P. BLAND, 35 Charterhall Road, Edinburgh EH9 3HS.
NOTES ON BREEDING SABRA HARPAGULA ESP., THE SCARCE HOOK-TIP (LEP.: DREPANIDAE) — on 10.vii.1987 Colin Penney and I were fortunate in attracting a female of this local moth to m.v. light in a west country locality. The female was confined to a laying cage improvised from an half-gallon ice-cream container filled with dry earth and containing a pot of wet soil in which fresh sprigs of foodplant (Tilia cordata, the small-leaved lime) and bramble (for nectar) were placed. The whole was enclosed in netting, supported on a wire frame.
The moth remained alive for 12 days, laying a total of 45 ribbed, spherical eggs, five on the edges of lime leaves, the remainder on the netting. The eggs, on small pieces of substrate, were sleeved onto a growing Tilia cordata; growing leaves were loosely wrapped round the eggs, to help newly hatched larvae to start feeding. The first of these hatched on 24.vii.1987 but only five larvae were found on later examination. These were left sleeved on foodplant for four weeks, by which time they had grown to around 8mm long. Four were left in the sleeve, and the fifth was brought indoors, becoming fully grown towards the end of September, pupating on 28.ix.1987. The mature larva was 14mm long, head light-brown, thoracic segements chocolate-brown, saddle and rear dorsal pale ochreous-brown. The larva sits on the leaf with head and rear seg- ments raised. Larvae kept out of doors in a sleeve pupated between 6 and 16.x.1987.
The mature larva eats every part of the leaf on which it is sitting, even if fresh foliage is close by. The larva moves infrequently, spinning a silk pad on completion of every change in position. At the end of the growth period, the larva spins a thin, but tough cocoon within a growing leaf, pupating three to four days later. The pupa is pinky-brown in colour, dusted with powder. Presumably this is the natural pupation site, with the leaf falling to the ground in the autumn.
This species appears to be difficult to rear, and there are few accounts in the literature (for example, Buckler, W. (1888) The larvae of British butterflies and moths Ill, 66-72; Griffiths, G. C. (1899) Ent. Rec. 11: 282-283).
My sincere thanks to Bernard Skinner for the use of his small- leaved lime, and for observations on the larvae. ROY McCORMICK, 125 Brocks Drive, North Cheam, Surrey.
SIGNIFICANCE OF LYCAENID TAIL 59
POSSIBLE ADAPTIVE SIGNIFICANCE OF “TAIL” STRUCTURE IN “FALSE HEAD”’ LYCAENID BUTTERFLIES
By ADRIAN M. RILEY * and HUGH D. LOXDALE*
Robbins (1980, 1981), in his papers on the “False Head” hypothesis of Lycaenid butterflies, argues that the false head on the hindwings of some species (i.e. especially Arawacus aetolus Sulzer, Fig. 1) provides survival advantages against predator attack. It is also said (cf. Cott, 1940; Robbins, 1980) that movement of the hindwings in the vertical plane when such insects are at rest enhances the false head deception by making the “‘tails” appear similar to moving antennae. In this short paper we suggest that movement of the false antennae in A. aetolus occurs more by virtue of their shape than through movement of the hindwings. Hindwing movement may be associated with other biological func- tions e.g. scent scattering (cf. Robbins, 1980).
Whilst setting a specimen of A. aetolus recently caught in eas- tern Venezuela we noticed that heat rising from the hand when the dead insect was held between thumb and forefinger caused life-like
Fig. 1 left-hand underside of female Arawacus aetolus Sulz. showing false head. Guyana Trail, east Venezuela (x 5.6).
*Entomology and Nematology Dept., Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Herts.
60 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.iv.1988
movement of the false antennae. This movement was very similar to that observed in the field. Close examination showed that each “tail” is twisted along its length like an aeroplane propellor (Fig. 2). This twist can clearly be seen in the photograph of a living aetolus shown in Robbins’ 1980 paper (his Fig. 1). In Robbins’ 1981 article where a drawing of aetolus accompanies the text (his Fig. 1) the “tails” are illustrated as being straight. This is probably erroneous as it appears to be the same individual as that photographed for the 1980 paper.
To demonstrate the effectiveness of this configuration we made models of three types of “‘tail” from fine paper (Fig. 3). These were held over a small heat source and the results observed. Model A showed only slight movement from side to side which, when viewed laterally by a potential predator, would not give the impression of moving antennae. In contrast, models B & C showed much vertical movement which would give the impression of twitching antennae when viewed from the side.
The models which presented a flat surface to the rising warm air resulted in the most antenna-like movement. If the butterfly relied only on convected warm air for this (as may be the case; the butterfly frequently rests on sun-warmed tropical foliage) either model B or C would provide the necessary configuration. However, if the configuration were to respond to horizontal breezes as well it would have to incorporate both vertical and horizontal surfaces. Model C satisfies these requirements. Model C also has the advantage of giving the more irregular, circular movements associated with real antennae. In nature, model B would be impos- sible to achieve without twisting from the vertical axis. Twisting of this sort would then result in structures of the model C design.
Based on this evidence, we suggest that the twisting of the tails in A. aetolus is an adaptive mechanism evolved specificially to utilise air currents for the purpose of imitating antennal movement, thus accentuating the false head deception.
References
Cott, H. B. (1940) Adaptive colouration in animals. Methuen & Co. Ltd., London.
Robbins, R. K. (1980) The Lycaenid “false head’? hypothesis: historical review, and quantitative analysis. J. Lepid. Soc., 34, 194-208.
eae (1981) The ‘‘false head.. hypothesis: predation and wing pattern variation of Lycaenid butterflies. Amer. Nat. 118, 770-775.
SIGNIFICANCE OF LYCAENID TAIL 61
Fig. 2 Diagrammatic representation of A aetolus hingwing showing twist in ‘tails’? (enlarged).
Fig. 3 The three types of model used to demonstrate movement caused by convected air. Direction of movement is shown by arrows.
Acknowledgements
We thank Drs.R. I. Vane-Wright and R. H. ffrench-Constant for their helpful comments on the manuscript of this paper, and G. T. Higgins for taking the photograph for Fig. 1.
Hi Wo
62 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.iv.1988
HEMEROBIUS MARGINATUS STEPHENS (NEUROPTERA: HEMEROBIIDAE) IN A WILTSHIRE WOODLAND IN 1987.— A single male example of Hemerobius marginatus was captured in a malaise trap operated in Langley Wood National Nature Reserve during the last week of June and the first week of July, 1987, apparently a new record for Wiltshire. According to F. J. Killington’s A monograph of the British Neuroptera (Ray Society: 1937), most of the British localities are northern, and Killington himself had never seen an example from the south of England. Scottish records predominate, whilst the counties listed for England and Wales are Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Cornwall, Cumberland, Denbigh, Derby- shire, Durham, Herefordshire, Hertfordshire, Lancashire, Northum- berland, Staffordshire, Suffolk, Westmoreland and Yorkshire. The insect is also recorded for Ireland. Later, in 1959, F. C. Fraser’s key to Mecoptera and Neuroptera in the Royal Entomological Society series Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects vol. 1 parts 12 and 13, states simply “Distributed in the north of England, Scotland and Ireland”. Amongst the specimens in the British Neuro- ptera cabinet at the Natural History Museum in South Kensington English counties are represented by Lancashire, Shropshire and Cumbria only. An Essex record published in The Neuroptera of Essex (Passmore Edwards Museum, 1985) is now known to be erroneous.
It would seem possible, therefore. that H. marginatus may indeed occur, albeit in low density, in suitable habitat elsewhere in southern England, having quite simply been overlooked by entomologists. It is principally an insect of deciduous woodland, and specific associations have been noted with birch, alder and hazel. The Lang- ley Wood malaise trap was sited across a stream in a damp hollow amongst alders.
I am grateful to Peter Barnard at the Natural History Museum for allowing me to examine the specimens in the National Collec- tion. COLIN W. PLANT, Passmore Edwards Museum, Romford Road, Stratford, London E15 4LZ.
LARVAE OF OURAPTERYX SAMBUCARIA (L.) (GEOMET- RIDAE) FEEDING ON SOLIDAGO CANADENSIS (L.) (COM- POSITAE) — Larvae of this species feed on the leaves of a wide variety of shrubs and trees and appear to be unusual on herbaceous plants. In September 1987 I found three larvae on the alien golden- rod, Solidago canadensis, growing in my Oxford garden. The plant was growing some distance from the nearest shrubs and trees and they therefore could not have strayed; they were later transferred to birch. DENIS F. OWEN, 2, Shelford Place, Headington, Oxford.
THE BRITISH SPECIES OF STRANGALIA 63
THE OCCURRENCE OF THE GENUS STRANGALIA SERVILLE (COL.: CERAMBYCIDAE) IN THE BRITISH ISLES
By R. R. UHTHOFF-KAUFMANN* Introduction
There are some sixty British Longicorn Coleoptera, fairly representative of the European fauna. The two largest genera, Strangalia and Leptura L., sometimes grouped as one genus (Joy. 1932), contain respectively seven and six species, although a strong case has been made for the re-inclusion of Leptura virens L. (Allen, 1968) as, at least, an extinct species; it is currently omitted from the latest British catalogue (Kloet & Hincks, 1977).
The Cerambycidae, because of their handsome appearance, markings, elegant shape and long antennae, are without doubt among collectors’ favourite captures: members of the genus Stran- galia are no exception. The widespread use of pesticides has for- tunately not affected the Longicornia too greatly as they are largely amphixylophagous. This paper records the distribution, habitat and ecology (where it is known) of Strangalia.
For brevity’s sake county and vice-county alphabetical sym- bols are used (Balfour-Browne, 1931); italicized letters indicate that it is from there that the beetle has been most widely found; brac- keted letters mean doubtful, unconfirmed or untraceable records; a dagger (1) signifies a fortuitous specimen imported from elsewhere; post-1970 captures are marked by an asterisk (*).
Strangalia revestita (L.)
This is undoubtedly one of the very rarest of the British Ceram- bycidae, single examples of which occur unexpectedly at long, infrequent intervals. A few specimens were collected early last century (Stephens, 1831, 1839); by the 1860s its validity as an indigenous beetle was in question (Waterhouse, 1861). The name appears, however, in all the British catalogues, save one (Beare & Donisthorpe, 1904). Joy, 1932, excludes it from his work. Very few public or indeed private collections contain S. revestita; there are, for instance, just seven specimens of British provenance in the British Museum (Natural History) Collections, only one of which has a full data label. The earliest British record appears to be that of an example ‘In mus. D. Beckwith.’ (Marsham, 1802), present whereabouts unknown. There are two damaged specimens in the Hope Department of Entomology, Oxford, again data-less.
*13 Old Road, Old Harlow, Essex, CM17 OBH.
64 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15 .iv.1988
The insect has a distribution largely confined to the Thames basin and a few other scattered localities.
ENGLAND: BD* BK CB* DMt MX NH SE SH SR WK (WW).
The imago has been swept from flowers and by beating apple trees and oaks. When it has been taken, it has usually been in the vicinity of woodlands. One of the latest examples was found craw- ling along a sandy heathland track (Allen, 1972). The larval pabu- lum is the wild cherry (Prunus avium); no larvae have yet been found in this country, although the tree is far from uncommon. June is the only recorded month of capture.
S. nigra (L.)
An insect which is mainly southern in range; there are only a few records of its capture north of the line R. Severn to the Wash. Nowadays, an increasingly uncommon little beetle, whose numbers appear to be in decline.
ENGEAND2= BK SCH DT “Eke (E©)-(EN) (ES) 226 LR NA NO NS OX SD SE SH(SP) SR ST SW (WC) WK (WN) WO (WS) WX*.
WALES: GM.
By sweeping flowers such as dog rose, ox-eye daisy, Ra- nunculus Rubus, various umbellifers, Viburnum and woodspure. There is a solitary record of its having been swept from larch. The larval stages have not been described from this country (Duffy, 1953), but it has been suggested that the foodplants are deciduous (broad-leaved) trees (Freude, 1966). The adult is about from May to July.
S. aurulenta (F.)
One of the most beautiful native Cerambycids, banded ochreous- yellow and black, covered with thick golden pubescence, which, in living specimens, give it a glowing, almost iridescent appearance. It is mainly southern, south-western and western in range, although there are a few westerly records, some possibly adventitious. Not uncommon in a number of counties and apparently spreading slowly in Wales.
ENGLAND: (DM) EC GW HT (L) MX ND NS SD SH SS WC WX*.
WALES: GM RA. |
SCOTLAND: Recorded without any details (Fowler, 1883).
IRELAND: SK WA WC WI.
By sweeping Angelica, brambles, broom, Pyrus, scabious and various umbellifers. The larva is chiefly found in oak, it is also associated with alder, ash, aspen, beech, birch, horse chestnut,
THE BRITISH SPECIES OF STRANGALIA 65
sour cherry, Spanish chestnut, walnut and willow (Duffy, 1953). The mature beetle occurs from June until August.
S. quadrifasciata (L.)
A very widely distributed species which is becoming scarcer. It is easily distinguished from S. maculata because of its heavier build and broader, less variable black elytral fasciae.
ENGLAND: BD BK CB CH CU DM DT DY* EC EK EN ES EX EY GW* HF* HT IW L LN MX ND NE NH NM NN NS NY OX SD SE SH SN SP SR* SS ST SW* SY WK WL WN WO WS WX WY.
WALES: BR GM MM MN PB.
SCOTLAND: AM AS* B CT DF EI* EL HD KI (LA) M PC PM* PN* SS WI*.
IRELAND: WC WI*.
A localized insect, sometimes quite common where it does occur. It is essentially a lover of sunshine and is most frequent on hot, sultry days. It settles on Angelica, bracken, brambles, hawthorn, hogweed, meadowsweet, ragwort, Rubus, Spiraea, thistles, valerian and woody nightshade. The larva feeds in alder, aspen, beech, birch (its favourite pabulum), hazel, oak, poplar and sallow. It has also been found in spruce (Duffy, 1953). The beetle has been taken as early as March, but more usually from June until August.
S. maculata (Poda)
The most widely distributed of all the Strangalia species, ranging from Northumberland southwards throughout almost all of England. Central Wales still requires to be more thoroughly worked as does Ireland, although it has been remarked (Stelfox, 1937) that this beetle is probably quite widespread in the latter country, the lack of records being due to a scarcity of observers rather than to that of the beetle. In Scotland it is still very rare.
ENGLAND: BD BK* BX CB CH CU DM DT (DY) EC EK EN ES* EX* EY GE* GW* HF* HT HU IW LN LR ML MX MY ND NE NH NM NO NS Nw* OX SD SE SH SL SN SR* SS ST SW *SY* WC WK* WL WN* WO WS WW WX* WY.
WALES: CD CR GM MM* MN PB.
SCOTLAND: B KB.
IRELAND: CW DO KK NK SK SL WC WI.
A local, often common species which, like S. quadrifasciata, prefers warm sunny days when it may be seen in short flight and set- tling to feed on a variety of flowers, including Achillea, Angelica, brambles, dogrose, hawthorn, hogweed (a great favourite), honey- suckle, leek, meadowsweet, Oenanthe, Philadelphus, privet, rambler
66 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.iv.1988
roses, Rubus, Spiraea, sweet william, thistles and Viburnum, The principal food of the larva is birch, but by no means confined to that tree: it is also found in ash, aspen, beech, hazel, hornbeam, oak, sallow, Spanish chestnut and willow. It is not averse to conifers and attacks Picea.
S. maculata is particularly subject to extremely variable elytral markings, ranging from albinotic to melanic forms. These aberrant forms are very stable and more often than not outnumber the type species in a given locality (Lee & Warsop, 1981). Illustrations in British books on Coleoptera all, save one (Lyneborg, 1977), depict one or other aberration.
British Coleopterists writing in the early part of last century refer to some of these varietal forms (Marsham, 1802; Turton, 1806; Stephens, 1829); two varieties were still catalogued until the 1860s (Waterhouse, 1858; Crotch, 1863); thereafter the names are dropped until the late 1940s (Kaufmann, 1946, 1948). It suffices to say that British cataloguers seem unwilling to include the many colour variations which exist here.
The following aberrations of S. maculata have been found in the British Isles: —
ab. impunctata Mulsant. (Planet, 1924, fig. 24.)
ENGLAND: SR.
ab. externepunctata Mulsant. (Martyn, 1792, pl. 27, fig. 10). ENGLAND: IW LN NE* SD SR SY* WK.
IRELAND: WI.
ab. stelligera ab. nov. Anterior fasciae absent and replaced on each elytron by a large central, stellate, concave pentagonal maculation bearing a comet-like tail pointing downwards on the side nearest to the suture. The remaining fasciae fused and confluent at the elytral sides and suture, and with the apical yellow spot greatly reduced, exactly as in ab. apicalis Kaufmann.
Fig. 1 Right elytron of Strangalia maculata Poda. ab. stelligera nov. (enlarged)
ENGLAND: SY* (Sheffield, A. Brackenbury, Esq.) ab. mediopunctata Kaufmann.
ENGLAND: EN LN NE* NS SD SR WK.
ab. binotata Mulsant. (Linssen, 1959, pl. 122, fig. 10).
THE BRITISH SPECIES OF STRANGALIA 67
ENGLAND: CU IW NO SH WY.
ab. nigricornis Stierlin.
ENGLAND: IW.
ab. separata Kaufmann. (Fowler, 1890, pl. 122, fig. 10).
ENGLAND: BK CH EC EX HF AT LN ND NE* NO NS SD SH SR SW SY* WW.
ab. subspinosa F. (Waterhouse, 1858; Crotch, 1863).
ENGLAND: EN LN SH SY*.
ab. seminotata Kaufmann.
ENGLAND: BK ND NH SH SyY*.
ab. disconotata Pic. (Fowler, 1890, pl. 122, fig. 9; Stelfox, 1937, fig. 3).
ENGLAND: DT EY HF LN LR MY ND SD SH SR* SS SW SY* WC WW WY.
WALES: MN.
IRELAND: WI.
ab. undulata Mulsant. (Shaw, 1806).
ENGLAND: HT LN SD SH WW WY.
WALES: MN.
ab. conjuncta Kaufmann. (Spry & Shuckard, 1861, pl. 79, fig. 1; Wood, 1883, fig., p. 153; Joy, 1932, pl. 111, fig. 10).
ENGLAND: ENSD SR SY* WW.
IRELAND: WI.
ab. manca Schaufuss. ENGLAND: LN LR.
ab. suturalis Kaufmann. ENGLAND: BK LN SH WO WY.
ab. sylvestris Kaufmann. ENGLAND: LR.
ab. dentato-suturalis Kaufmann. ENGLAND: BK LN NM SD SE.
ab. kriecheldorffi Wagner. ENGLAND: LN.
ab. sinuata F. Reputedly British (Marsham, 1802, Stephens, 1829), but no specimens seem to exist except one, found by Dr. A. H. Newton in 1942 in Yealmpton, which has the fasciae of sinuata and sutural markings resembling suturalis. ENGLAND: SD.
ab. apicalis Kaufmann. (Donovan, 1794, pl. 84, fig. 4). ENGLAND: HT SR WO WW.
ab. dayremi Pic. (Rye, 1866, pl. 14, fig. 1). ENGLAND: EX LN.
ab. kKaufmanni Pic. ENGLAND: LN.
ab. bifenestrata Pic. ENGLAND: NM WO.
S. maculata and all its variations occur from May to September.
S. melanura (L.)
A well-distributed species except for an area stretching from south-western Wales to the Lake district. There is a solitary Scottish
68 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.iv.1988
record, unconfirmed, and an Irish example in the National Collec- tion at Dublin, sine data. The sexes are dimorphous, the female being larger than the male and more brightly coloured red and black than the latter. ENGLAND: BD BK* BX CB CU DM DT DY EC EK EN ES EX EY GE* GW* HF HT HU IW L LN (LR) ND NE NH NM NO NS NW NY OX SD SE SH* SN SR* SS ST SW* WC WK WL WO WS* WW WX WY.
WALES: GM MM* MN.
SCOTLAND: (BW).
IRELAND: Locality unknown.
A fairly common, occasionally abundant insect, but rather local. The adults may be captured from a variety of blossoms, including brambles, Euphorbia, dogrose, hawthorn, hemlock, hogweed, honey- suckle, ox-eye daisy, Phaseolus, privet, Rubus, scabious, thistles, Tilea, Viburnum and yarrow. The larva feeds in the decayed, slender branches of oak and in the roots of Cytisus; it has also been found in sycamore (Duffy, 1953) and in spruce (Prof. Owen in Jitt.). Imagines occur from May onwards until September.
S. attenuata (L.)
First described as British, habitat unknown (Marsham, 1802), this species has been extinct in Britain for the last 15O years. .. . somewhat doubtfully indigenous .. .’ (Fowler, 1890); *... is deci- dedly doubtfully indigenous. I can learn nothing trustworthy about it, and why it is kept in the Catalogue, .. . (Donisthorpe, 1898). Nevertheless, forty years later, the last-named writes without comment, ‘ . .. Windsor Forest (Desvignes); bought at the sale of his collection by the late E.W. Janson (teste the late Oliver Janson).’ (Donisthorpe, 1939). That information is repeated more or less verbatim in a footnote (Allen, 1957) and again *... certainly taken in Windsor Forest .. .’ (Allen, 1968).
Omitted from their catalogue (Kloet & Hincks, 1945), as it had been from that of others (Beare & Donisthorpe, 1904; Beare, 1930), S. attenuata was re-introduced to the current list (Kloet & Hincks, 1977) as a species now extinct.
Originally found near Salisbury; ‘. . . several specimens have Deen captured at dittenemtmpen@dsaes tease phiersaalloo)|))m-uee Salisbury and Southend.’ (Stephens, 1839): these records must be added to that of T. Desvignes, who was a reliable collector unlikely to have mis-identified the species.
ENGLAND: BK SE SW.
What has happened to Stephens’ ‘several’ examples is open to
question. There are two attenuata simply labelled ‘ex coll. Power’
THE BRITISH SPECIES OF STRANGALIA 69
in the British Museum (Natural History) Collections, and another pair in the Dale collection, Hope Department of Entomology, Oxford; one is a male specimen with the label ‘Little’; the other, a female, has the simple datum ‘Burney, 1846’.
The beetle bears a superficial resemblance to S. maculata, but it is a much smaller and more slender insect with a rounded pronotum and lacking the two hind tibial spurs which characterize maculata. It is, however, faintly possible that attenuata exists in some old collections, wrongly determined as micromorphous speci- mens of maculata. S. attenuata was recorded from flowers in June in this country. It has since occurred very rarely in imported timber (Duffy, 1953). Abroad, the larva feeds in horse chestnut and decay- ing oak (Freude, 1966, Harde, 1984).
Acknowledgements
Grateful thanks are extended to the following for their information and assistance in the preparation of this paper:— R. J. W. Aldridge, Esq., Dept. of Entomology, British Museum (Natural History); A. A. Allen, Esq.;J. Cooter, Esq.; the Hope Dept. of Entomology, Oxford; Dr. P. S. Hyman, Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough; Mrs. B. Leonard, Librarian, Royal Entomo- logical Society, London, and Professor J. A. Owen.
References
Allen, A. A., 1957, An old Middlesex capture of Strangalia aurulenta F. (Col., Cerambycidae)., Entomologist’s mon. Mag., 93: 91. ——————— , 1968, Notes on the genus Cerambyx (Col.) in Britain, and on the British status of two other Cerambycids., Entomolo-
gist’s mon. Mag., 104: 216.
——————— , 1972, Strangalia revestita L. (Col., Cerambycidae) in Surrey; with a synopsis of its British history., Entomologist’s mon. Mag., 108: 22.
Aurivillius, C., 1912, Cerambycidae in Junk, W. & Schenkling, S., Coleopterorum Catalogus, 39: 234-236. Berlin.
Beare, T. Hudson, 1930, A Catalogue of the recorded Coleoptera of the British Isles. London.
——————— & Donisthorpe, H. StJ. K., 1904, Catalogue of British Coleoptera. London.
Browne, F. Balfour-, 1931, A plea for uniformity in the method of recording insect captures., Entomologist’s mon. Mag., 67: 183-193.
Crotch, G. R., 1863, A Catalogue of British Coleoptera. Cambridge.
Donisthorpe, H. StJ. K., 1898, Notes on the British Longicornes, Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var., 10:249.
70 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15 .iv.1988
——————— , 1939, A preliminary list of the Coleoptera of Windsor Forest. London.
Donovan, E., 1794, The natural history of British insects, 3. London.
Duffy, E. A. J., 1953, A monograph of the immature stages of British and imported Timber Beetles (Cerambycidae). London.
Everts, E., 1921, Ent. Berichten: 274.
Fowler, W. W., 1883, Natural localities of British Coleoptera, 13, Entomologist, 16: 78.
——————— , 1890, The Coleoptera of the British Islands, 4. London.
Freude, H., Harde, K. W. & Lohse, G. A., 1966, Die Kafer Mitteleu- ropas, 9. Krefeld.
Harde, K. W., 1984, A field guide in colour to Beetles, (English ed., Hammond, P.M.). London.
Heyrovsky, L., 1955, Fauna CSR, 5, Cerambycidae. Prague. (Text in Czech).
Hickin, N., 1987, British Longhorn Beetles. Princes Risborough.
Joy, N. H., 1932, A practical handbook of British Beetles. 2 vols. London.
Kaufmann, R.R. Uhtoff-, 1946, Preliminary notes on Strangalia maculata Poda (Col., Cerambycidae) and its aberrations in Great Britain, Entomologist’s mon. Mag., 82: 115-117, 16 figs.
—- , 1947, The Britannic distribution of Strangalia maculata Poda (Col., Cerambycidae) and its aberrations, Naturalist, July-Sept.: 97-105, 4 figs., 1 map.
——————— , 1948, Notes on the distribution of the British Longi- corn Coleoptrea, Entomologist’s mon. Mag., 84: 66-85.
Kloet, G. S. & Hincks, W. D., 1945, A check list of British insects. Stockport.
——————— , 1977, Check list of Britsh insects, 11(3), Coleoptera and Strepsiptera, 2nd ed. London.
Kuhnt, P., 1913, /llustrierte Bestimmungs-Tabellen der Kafer Deut- schlands. Stuttgart.
Lee, W. J. & Warsop, P., 1981, Variation in the Longhorn Beetle Strangalia maculata Poda at Wharncliffe Wood, The Sorby Record, 19: 43-44, 12 figs. Alfreton.
Linssen, E. F., 1959, Beetles of the British Isles, 2. London.
Lyneborg, L., 1977, Beetles in colour, (English ed., Vevers, G.). Poole.
Marsham, T., 1802, Entomologia Britannica, 1, Coleoptera. London.
Martyn, T., 1792, The English Entomologist. London.
Pic, M., 1891, Materiaux pour servir a l’étude des Longicornes, 1: 13-14. Lyons.
——————— , 1903, ibid., 4(2): 4.
————— , 1908, ibid., 7 (1): 2-6.
——----— S190; tbid:, 7 @): 21-24) St. Amand:
THE BRITISH SPECIES OF STRANGALIA TA
——————— , 1914, ibid., 9(1): 3-9.
a , 1945, Notes entomologiques variees et documentaires, Misc. ent., 42 (3): 25-27.
——— , 1946, Etude variétiste de Strangalia maculata Poda (Col., Cerambycidae), ibid., 42(10): 114-120.
ere , 1947, Complément 4 l’étude de Strangalia maculata Poda, ibid., 44(7): 67-70.
——————— , 1947, Variabilité de Strangalia maculata Poda. Complé- ment., ibid., 44(8): 94-96.
Picard, F., 1929, Faune de France, 20, Coléoptéres: Cerambycidae. Paris.
Planet, L.-M., 1924, Histoire naturelle des Longicornes de France. Paris.
Plavil’shchikov, N. N., 1936, Fauna URSS ..., Cerambycidae, 1, Moscow Inst. Zool. Acad. Sci. URSS, 2. Moscow & Leningrad. (Text in Russian).;
Reitter, E., 1912, Fauna Germanica, Die Kafer des Deutschen Reiches, 4. Stuttgart.
Rye, E. C. 1866, British Beetles. London.
——————— & Fowler, W. W., 1890, British Beetles. London.
Shaw, G., 1806, General Zoology 6(1): Jnsecta. London.
Spry, W. & Shuckard, W. E., 1861, The British Coleoptera delineated. London.
Stelfox, A. W., 1937, Notes on the distribution in Ireland of the long- horn beetles, Strangalia aurulenta, S. quadrifasciata and S. armata, Irish Nat. J., 6(7): 156-158, 3 figs.
Stephens, J. F., 1829, A systematic catalogue of British insects. London.
——————— , 1831, Illustrations of British Entomology, Mandibulata, 4. London.
——————— 1839, A manual of British Coleoptera. London.
Turton, W., 1806, A general system of Entomology, 2. London.
Villiers, A., 1978, Faune des Coléop teres de France, 1, Cerambyci- dae. Paris.
Walker, J. J., 1932, The Dale Collection of Coleoptera, Entomolo- gist’s mon. Mag., 66: 106.
Waterhouse, G. R., 1858, Catalogue of British Coleoptera. London.
——————— , 1861, Pocket catalogue of British Coleoptera. London.
Winkler, A., 1929, Catalogus Coleopterorum regionis palaearcticae, 10: 1168. Vienna.
Wood, J. G., 1883, Common British insects. London.
Zoologist, The, 1844, 2: 414. London.
72 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.iv.1988
TRIPLAX AENEA SCHALL. (COL.: EROTYLIDAE) IN BUCKS. — Among some beetles recently sent me for checking by Mr. B. Verdcourt was an example of the above species, which he had taken on a birch in Kings Wood, near Heath and Reach, Beds. (31 .vii.87). The beetle, however, came from the north-west corner of the wood (comp.4), which is just across the border in Bucks. — a county from which there may well be no previous record of 7. aenea.
This species has comparatively lately been noted from certain districts south and west of London where in earlier time it was unknown (cf. J. A. Owen, 1981, Ent. mon. Mag. 117: 96). Although Prof. Owen there refers to it as being ‘“‘widely distributed in Britain and often locally common”, it seems always to have been, up to the last two decades or so, very rare in the south-eastern sector as far as records go; and likewise in all the southern seabord counties except Hampshire, the New Forest being a long-known locality. Its apparent spread to, or in, some southern areas is paralleled by that of Rhizo- phagus nitidulus F., which would appear to have begun about the same time. — A. A. ALLEN, 49 Montcalm Road, London SE7.
A 1962 CAPTURE OF DONACIA THALASSINA GERM. (COL.: CHRYSOMELIDAE) IN WILTS. — I have in my collection a specimen of this species labelled ‘“Canal bank/Devizes, Wilts./ 14.vi.62”, taken by the late L. H. Woollatt. Thought not a new record for the county, it may be worth publication because the previous one — given in the Handlist of the Coleoptera of the Marl- borough District (Marlborough College Nat Hist. Report no. 87, 1939: 24) — is without data and may go back as far as the pre- vious century or, at the latest, to the beginning of this one; and because D. thalassina, whilst always uncommon, is thought to have become quite rare from about the mid-century. — A. A. ALLEN, 49, Montcalm Road, London SE7.
RECORDS OF MACROLEPIDOPTERA FROM CO. MAYO, IRELAND — I have been unable to find reference to the presence of the following two species in that county: (a) Lithacodia fasciana L. Five specimens were attracted to my m.v. light at Pontoon on June 29th 1987. This is particularly interesting as I believe it has hitherto been seen in counties Cork and Kerry only; also in main- land Britain it is of southern distribution, Co. Mayo being further north than this. (b) Pterapherapteryx sexalata Retz. One worn specimen was taken at m.v. light at Pontoon, June 29th 1987. E. Baynes (A Revised Catalogue of Irish Macrolepidoptera, 1964) states that this moth is scarce and of sporadic distribution in Ireland. B. K. WEST, 36 Briar Road, Dartford, Kent.
SPHAEROPHORIA VIRGATA 73
SPHAEROPHORIA VIRGATA GOELDLIN DE TIEFENAU (DIPTERA: SYRPHIDAE) IN THE WYRE FOREST, WORCESTERSHIRE, WITH NOTES ON OTHER SPECIES OF SPHAEROPHORIA LEPELETIER & SERVILLE AT THIS LOCALITY
By C. W. PLANT*
Amongst several male Sphaerophoria species collected at Hawk- batch Valleys in the Wyre Forest, Worcestershire, on 24 August 1986, were three which keyed to S. virgata using Stubbs and Falk (1983) [British Hoverflies London: BENHS]. My identifications were most kindly confirmed by Steven Falk, to whom I am most grateful for this favour. This is a new and rather interesting locality for this apparently quite rare hoverfly: Previous records are available for Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire in the south, and for Elgin, Argyllshire, Perthshire, Easterness and Northumberland in the north. Thus, this is not only a new county record, but apparently is also the first away from the two foci for this black and yellow fly.
The flies were captured in three separate sweeps of low growing (about 5 - 10 cms tall) fairly sparse vegetation at the edge of a heathy ride through this Forestry Commission owned part of the Wyre Forest, during one of the few hot sunny days of 1986. Here the ride is about 15 metres wide, the surrounding pines attaining an average height of approximately 4 metres and bordered along the edges of the ride with oak and birch of lesser stature. The ride is bounded by a ditch on one side, which has the outer bank steep and clad with heather and overhanging bracken, amongst other plants. A trickle of water was, and usually is, present in the bottom of the ditch. The flies were captured at a point where there is a slight bend in the ride, and this combined with the height of the trees has created a well lit, warm and sheltered spot in the forest. Whilst it is rarely possible to be precise about details of insects captured by sweeping vegetation, it can certainly be said that the three S. virgata were taken from very short vegetation at the edge of the tide, away from the central gravelled area, but certainly not in association with the damp ditch. It would thus appear that, in keeping with existing records from other counties in Britian, S. virgata is to be found in heathland type habitats.
Three other species of Sphaerophoria are recorded from the Wyre Forest as a whole, and it is interesting that I have taken all three at the same bend of the same ride. By far the commonest member of the genus at this spot in the Forest, (always remembering
*Passmore Edwards Museum, Romford Road, Stratford, London E15 4LZ.
74 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15 .iv.1988
that these comments only apply to males), is S. batava, which can be watched feeding on various yellow flower-heads during June, July and August, and is readily swept. There would seem to be rela- tively little difference between this species and S. virgata from the point of view of habitat preference, though in spite of extensive sweeping, coupled with pooting and netting of individual flies, no further examples of S. virgata were taken from here or elsewhere in the Forest. S. batava was far more numerous here in August than in other months during 1984, 1985 and 1986. One specimen of batava, captured on 22 August 1985, had asymmetric genitalia, the lobe on one side being typical, whilst the opposite side had a projection on the inner curve, similar to that found in S. faeniata. This latter species is not yet recorded from the Wyre Forest. S. philanthus occurs in lesser quantity in this bend of the ride, and appears to have a much earlier peak, being most numerous in June, with only a single example being taken in August. Further, S. philanthus is usually found in association with slightly damper areas of the Wyre Forest, and in this particular ride was always taken from the vegetation overhanging the ditch. The normally abundant S. scripta also occurs in the ride, but not in such large numbers as it does at other more open sites in the forest, such as the meadow in the Knowles Coppice Reserve. It may be that the vegetation is too sparse at this particular spot, and it is of interest that this short growth should suit the other three species but not this one. Other species of Syrphidae taken on this bend in the ride include Paragus haemorrhous (on one occasion only), Meligramma cincta (in pro- fusion) and Sericomyia silentis (quite common).
Elsewhere in the Wyre Forest as a whole, much of which is, of course, a National Nature Reserve where a permit is needed to collect, S. batava and S. philanthus are to be found sparingly (?) thoughout Hawkbatch Valleys, where there are rides similar to the one described above. S. batava alone (so far) is in selected, and seemingly far less suitable, rides in Withybed Wood and around the top end of the Woodlands Caravan Park in Chamberline Wood, both on the Shropshire side of the boundary. They are far less numerous here however and may just be wanderers from the Hawk- batch area across the road. The larger S. scripta occurs throughout the entire Forest in suitable habitat, being particularly abundant in the meadows along the Dowles Brook.
As a footnote, may. I be permitted to add that, in co-operation with other workers, I am preparing a list of the Syrphidae of the entire Wyre Forest complex, particularly the National Nature Reserve and SSSI areas. Any additional records, past or present, from others who may have visited the site are welcomed.
MANLEY LEPIDOPTERA COLLECTION 75
WILLIAM B. L. MANLEY COLLECTION OF LEPIDOPTERA
By E. G. HANCOCK *
The Lt. Col. Manley collection of butterflies and moths was bought by Glasgow Museum and Art Gallery from his widow, Margherita, in 1986. Manley died in 1985, aged 85 (Tremewan 1986) having built up a collection of about 60,000 specimens contained in thirty two cabinets and sixty store boxes. It contains, amongst others, all the specimens of his figured in Manley and Allcard (1970). The illustrated examples are clearly marked as such as are the types of the various taxa described by him or by other entomologists from his collection. The most remarkable aspect of this collection is the perfect setting and condition of each insect. This, combined with the extensive coverage from Western Europe, makes it a resource of high quality. Glasgow’s offer for the col- lection was accepted in the face of competition from the Smith- sonian Institution, Washington DC, USA.
The collection divides itself into four identifiable sections. Firstly, there is a forty drawer cabinet and twelve store boxes of mainly tropical Lepidoptera. These have their origin in Manley’s father’s days in the army and the genesis of his interest in col- lecting can be traced to seeing the specimens sent back from Sierra Leone in 1904 (in litt. Margherita Manley to Glasgow Museum, 19 August 1986). The second part forms the bulk of the collection in twenty-one ten drawer Hill’s cabinets and thirty six store boxes being the western palaearctic Rhopalocera plus Zygaenidae. The third section in eight Hill’s cabinets and nine store boxes is of British moths. These are restricted to mainly British specimens of macro moths and pyralid and tortricoid micros. These last named are particularly developed into the last section, the varieties of Acleris cristana and A. hastiana occupying two Hill’s units and three store boxes. It includes the specimens referred to in his paper on the subject (Manley, 1973).
It is a fine collection and with few exceptions contains the entirety of one man’s effort, with the assistance of members of his family. The purchase was a major proportion of the museum's budget for such purposes and was assisted in part by a grant from the Local Museums Purchase Fund. Its acquisition makes the museum a significant resource for the study of european butterflies. Those wishing to study it ideally should make contact with the Keeper of Natural History prior to a visit.
*Glasgow Museum & Art Gallery, Kelvingrove, Glasgow, G3 8AG.
716 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.iv.1988 References
Manley, W. B. L. & Allcard, H. (1970) A Field Guide to the Butter- flies and Burnets of Spain, 192 pp, 41 plates.
Manley, W. B. L. (1973) A Guide to Acleris cristana (D. & S.) (Lep.: Tortricidae) in Britain Ent. Gazette, 24: 89-206.
Tremewan, W. G. (1986) W. B. L. Manley (obituary) Antenna, 10: 68-9.
SAWFLY DAMAGE TO HONEYSUCKLE SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE BROAD-BORDERED BEE HAWKMOTH — On 18.vii. 1987 some colleagues and I were searching for larvae of Hamearis fuciformis L., the broad-bordered bee-hawk, in a South Wiltshire locality. A tip that is often given, for example in South’s Moths of the British Isles, is to look for a leaf of honeysuckle with round holes on each side of the mid-rib. We found a number of leaves matching this description, but no hawkmoth larvae.
Several sawfly larvae were found. One was collected and con- fined with undamaged honeysuckle leaves, and the feeding patterns produced as the larva grew are shown below.
The larva unfortunately died before it could be identified, but Lorenz and Kraus (Die larvalsystematik der Blattwespen — Tenthredinoidea und Megalodontoidea (1957)) list eleven species of sawfly found on honeysuckle and its related cultivars.
I am forced to conclude that the only evidence for the presence of fuciformis must be finding the larva itself. PAUL WARING, Nature Conservancy Council, Northminster House, Peterborough PETIA:
BUTTERFLIES ON LA PALMA Ta
BUTTERFLIES ON LA PALMA By D. E. OWEN*, A. S. SMITH and A. G. SMITH
The island of La Palma, the most westerly of the Canaries, has an area of 730 km2 and rises to 2413 m at the rim of the Caldera de Taburiente, one of the largest calderas in the world. The north- east is dominated by humid laurel forest, and there are extensive forests of Pinus canariersis surrounding the Caldera. The whole landscape is extremely rugged and cut into by deep barrancos. In the south and west it is very arid and there is effectively a desert landscape with a xerophytic flora, many species of which are en- demic to the Canary Islands or even to La Palma itself. In the south in particular there has been much recent volcanic activity. Wherever possible the land is cultivated and there is a large variety of species of introduced crops and ornamental palnts.
We visited La Palma between 15 April and 19 April 1986 and recorded 15 species of butterflies, one of them apparently new to the island. We were undoubtedly too early in the season for Pando- riana pandora (D. & S.) and Thymelicus acteon christi Rebel, which have been recorded in May and June (Chandler 1979), and we did not see Danaus plexippus (L.) or Lampides boeticus (L.), both of which might have been expected. Guichard (1967) records 20 species of butterflies on La Palma. We found the following:
Pieris brassicae cheiranthi Hubner. Large white. This striking subspecies of P. brassicae was seen at several sites, always associated with nasturtium, 7ropaeolum majus, an introduced South American plant which now appears to be the main larval food-plant of this species in the Canary Islands. A family of about 25 fifth instar larvae was found on nasturtium at Espindela. These were brought back to England and some of the resulting offspring were successfully cros- sed with English P. b. brassicae. P. b. cheiranthi females have a more yellowish upperside hindwing than those from Tenerife. This subspecies is regarded by Kudrna (1973) as a distinct species but in captivity it hybridises freely with P. b. brassicae. It would be of considerable interest to know if P. b. cheiranthi utilises the native Cruciferae or related plants or whether it has completely switched to the alien nasturtium.
Artogeia rapae (L.). Small white. Widespread in cultivation; rare in natural habitats. A single larva was found on nasturtium.
Pontia daplidice (L.). Bath white. Frequent in dry places, es- pecially on the west side of the island.
Catopsilia florella Fabricius. African migrant. One flying
* 2 Shelford Place, Headington, Oxford.
78 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15 .iv.1988
around a Cassia didymobotrya bush in a garden at El Paso. This bush is the larval food-plant on Tenerife and La Gomera. C. florella is an extremely abundant and migratory butterfly throughout Africa south of the Sahara and it now seems well-established in the Canaries, being first recorded on Tenerife in 1964 and La Gomera _ in 1974 (Higgins and Riley 1983). Out record is apparently the first for La Palma.
Colias croceus (Geoffroy). Clouded yellow. Seen in most open places, especially at roadside flowers. One form helice noted.
Gonepteryx cleopatra palmae Stamm. Cleopatra. Two males and one female of this endemic subspecies were noted. They were rather worn, suggesting that they had hibernated. This, too, has been regarded as a distinct species confined to La Palma (Kudrna Lys).
Lycaena phlaeas phlaeas (L.). Small copper. Common, even at high elevations. All specimens closely examined were brightly coloured and showed no signs of the dark grey suffusion characteris- tic of certain warm localities.
Cyclyrius webbianus Brullé. Canary blue. Freshly emerged in all open areas at low elevations. On Tenerife and La Gomera this Canary Island endemic is more abundant later in the season.
Zizeeria Knysna knysna Trimen. African grass blue. One seen on the east side of the island. This species is abundant later in the sea- son on Tenerife.
Aricia agestis cramera Eschscholtz. Brown argus. A few by the roadside on the west side of the island. This subspecies has also been regarded as a distinct species on the basis of the structure of the male genitalia (Higgins and Riley 1983).
Vanessa indica calliroe Hbn. Indian red admiral. Also known as V. i. vulcania Godart, this butterfly was seen in small numbers at many locaitions. Others seen were not certainly distinguished from V. atalanta (L.) which, however, was not positively identified on La Palma, although known to occur there.
Cynthia cardui (L.). Painted lady. Two were seen on the east side of the island, and a fourth instar larva was found feeding on an unidentified thistle at Los Sauces.
Maniola jurtina hispulla Esper. Meadow brown. Emerging in large numbers at lower elevations but evidently not yet emerged at higher elevations. The best site was flat, grassy countrysurroun- ding the old and abandoned airport. Meadow browns on La Palma are exceptionally large and brightly coloured, especially in the fe- males. Many showed signs of attacks by lizards and birds, as illu- strated in Fig. 1.
Pararge xiphioides Staudinger. Canary speckled wood. Not com- mon. Well scattered around bushes and a few in pines on the slopes of the Caldera. Also seen in gardens and banana plantations and in
19
BUTTERFLIES ON LA PALMA
‘prezqy] & Aq IPPU U99q SAVY P[NOD SSUTMPUTY OY} UT SO}Iq [BOTIPOWUWAS OY] ‘pig [Jews Joyo Io Iofqiem & Aq ope A[qeuInsold ‘ssuIMpuUTY pur -d10J dy} UO SyIeW yeoq Snondidsuod SUTMOYS BPW YW 7Y/37Y *1S9I Je sem ATJIOI1NG 91 ITY pIq Io prez] e Aq po}OL[JUT SduTM INOJ [[e uO sIeo} Tepe ‘possel SUIMOYS OPW Y ‘adJuaD “UMOP TPM POY SSUTM PoSO]D oY} YIM JSoI 1B seM ATJIO1INQ oY} oTYyM prez] e Aq pojorjur Ajqeuinsoid ‘ssutm INO] ][@ UO Saltq JeOTMOWWAS ‘papuUNOI SuIMOYsS sewoys VW ‘jfa7 ‘Spiq pue spiezi] Aq posstui pue poyoejje vurjin[ Djolunpw Jo SusuMToedS T ‘ST
Se eae Aterani
80 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.iv.1988
the laurel forest at Los Tilos. The best single site was a rubbish dump in the town of Santa Cruz de La Palma where seven were seen to- gether. At Los Tilos, 17 eggs were found on the grass, Brachypodium sylvaticum, growing in shady laurel forest. Four of these eggs were on one blade of grass, an unusual find, two on one blade, and the remainder one to a blade. Ten first to third instar larvae were also found on B. sylvaticum, all singly.
Danaus chrysippus (L.) African queen. A worn male near EI Time. The specimen has some white in the hindwings and so approa- ches the alcippus form of this polymorphic danaid. Form alcippus is the only colour form found in tropical West Africa.
Acknowledgement We thank Derek Whiteley for drawing Fig. 1.
References
Chandler, P. J. 1979. Flies, bees and butterflies on La Palma, Canary Islands in 1976. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 91: 103-107, WENA
Guichard, K. M. 1967. Butterflies of the Canary Islands. Entomo- logist 100: 293-299.
Higgins, L. G. and Riley, N. D. 1983. field guide to the butterflies of Britain and Europe. Collins, London.
Kudrna, O. 1973. On the status of Pieris cheiranthi Hubner. Ento- mologist’s Gaz. 24: 299-304.
Kudrna, O. 1975. A revision of the genus Gonepteryx Leach (Lep., Pieridae). Entomologist’s Gaz. 26: 3-37.
COPRIS LUNARIS L. (COL.: SCARABAEIDAE) ON GUER- NSEY — Mr. M. D. Bryan (Ent. Rec. 99:58) states that he is unable to find any previous references to the occurrence, in Guersey, of this beetle.
The species was first listed in the Transactions of La Societe Guernesiaise by W. A. Luff in 1893. Lunaris was also mentioned by J. R. Tomlin who published a list of the Coleoptera recorded in the Bailiwick of Guernsey in 1921 (Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 57: 13 — 14). In 1966 a full list of the Coleoptera of the Bailiwick was published by H. R. Last (Proc.Trans.S.Lond.ent.nat.Hist.Soc. 1966, 101-115).
Very little work has been done on our local Coleoptera in recent times, but a new list is in preparation, and any records would be welcome. R. A. AUSTIN, La Societe Guernesiaise, Maymyo, Les Amballes, St. Peter Port, Guernsey.
IRISH HEMIPTERA 81
NOTES ON BER YTINUS MONTIVAGUS (MEYER) AND METATROPIS RUFESCENS (HERRICH- SCHAFFER) (HEMIPTERA) IN IRELAND
By J. P. OCONNOR*, M. A. O°;CONNOR* and M. de COURCY WILLIAMS**
Berytinus montivagus (Meyer)
On 23 May 1985, while collecting insects on a “green road”’ near Corker Pass in the Burren, Co. Clare (Irish grid reference M 308107), the O’Connors swept a male of B. montivagus from vegetation growing beside this track which passes over limestone pavement typical of the region. The specimen was determined using Southwood and Leston (1959) and Pericart (1976). We have been unable to trace any previous Irish records of the species. Its dis- covery prompted a re-examination by J. P. O’C. of the Berytinus material preserved in the National Museum and this yielded a speci- men taken in the Cork district during May 1902 by J. N. Halbert. It was misdetermined as a macropterous form of B. signoreti (Fieber) and is thus cited in Halbert (1935). In Great Britain, B. montivagus has been recorded from many parts of England but it is rare in the north and midlands. It has also been obtained in Wales (Southwood and Leston, 1959). Since its foodplant, black medick (Medicago lupulina L.) is common in Ireland (Webb, 1977), it is inexplicable that the bug has been taken so rarely in this country. The species is a central and southern European one (Southwood and Leston, 1959). Temperatures are very equable in the Burren, both the annual and diurnal variation being remarkably small. The mean temperature of the air throughout the year is just under 10°C for most of the region — higher than in all parts of the British Isles except the southernmost fifth of Ireland, west and south Wales, and England south of the latitude of Cambridge. There is only a small difference between the coldest and the warmest month and ™. lupulina is abun- dant on the limestone (Webb and Scannell, 1983). The wide availa- bility of the foodplant combined with the mild climate characteristic of the Burren may therefore account for the presence of B. mon- tivagus there. Unfortunately, the older specimen may have been taken anywhere in Co. Cork which is a large area. However, parts of it have also a mild climate.
*National Museum of Ireland, Kildare St., Dublin 2. **Dept. Zoology, Trinity College, Dublin 2.
82 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15 .iv.1988
Metatropis rufescens (Herrich-Schaffer)
There are few published Irish records of this attractive bug. Halbert (1935) spent many years collecting Hemiptera prior to compiling his list but he never obtained the species. It is certainly not an insect which could have been overlooked by him.The first Irish individual was taken by the Rev. P. O’Kelly on 5 June 1938 near Moycullen in West Galway (Stelfox, 1938). Subsequently in 1981, Kirby, 1983) swept four final instar nymphs from a small patch of enchanter’s nightshade (Circaea lutetiana L.) in woods near Muckross Lake, Killarney, Co. Kerry. In view of this paucity of Irish records, it is surprising that the authors have recently taken M. rufescens at ten new sites, some of which are widely separated. The new records are:— CORK: Glengarriff Forest (V 907575), 6 July 1985, 0oh' ?2abundant on C. lutetiana beside a public road (J.P.0’C., M.A.O’C.); Glengarriff Forest (V 920565), 7 July 1985, oo ?? abundant on C. lutetiana beside a public road (J.P.O’C, M.A.O’C.). Specimens were observed copulating and flying actively from plant to plant; CLARE: Glen of Clab (M 290020), 14 July 1984, ° taken in Fraxinus woods growing on limestone (M.deC.W.); Pollavaun (M 285020), 11 July 1984, ¢ taken in Fraxinus/Salix wood on limestone (M.deC.W.); near Ennis (R 292796), 30 May 1984, 2 do taken on C. lutetiana in a mixed wood with Corylus on limestone (J.P.0’C.); KILDARE: Donadee Forest (N 832328), 11 September 1985, 2 swept from vegetation beside a small lake (J.P.O’C.); LEITRIM: Clooncoe (N 1091), 28 May 1986,c% swept from ground vegetation in old Betula wood by a lake (M.deC.W.); MEATH: Sommerville Wood (N 9965), 13 September 1978, one final instar nymph swept in a clearing in a mixed deciduous wood containing C. lutetiana (M.deC.W.); OFFALY: Charleville Wood (N 315220), 4 July 1984, 0h? Gabundant in an old Quercus forest (M.deC.W.); WEXFORD: Oaklands Forest (S 715255), 10 June 1986, ? swept from roadside vegetation in mixed wood (J.P.O’C.). All the Irish records are summarised (Fig. 1) and it appears that M. rufescens may be a recent arrival in this country, and that it is actively extending its range here. In this context, it is interesting to note that it has also spread in Great Britain and continental Europe (Southwood and Leston, 1959).
Voucher specimens of B. montivagus and M. rufescens have been deposited in the National Museum of Ireland, and of the latter species in the British Museum (Natural History).
IRISH HEMIPTERA 83
Metatropis rufescens (H.-S.)
50
poe Se
km.
Fig.1. The distribution of Metatropis rufescens (Herrich-Schaffer) in Ireland.
Acknowledgement
We are most grateful to W. R. Dolling, British Museum (Natural History), for confirming our determinations and for his helpful comments on the manuscript.
84 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.iv.1988 References
Halbert, J. N. 1935. A list of the Irish Hemiptera (Heteroptera and Cicadina). Proc. R. Ir. Acad. 42B: 211-318.
Kirby, P. 1983. Heteroptera recorded from the Killarney area, 28 August — 7 September 1981. /r. Nat. J. 21: 45-48.
Pericart, J. 1976. Introduction a une révision des Berytinidae ouest- paléarctiques (Hemiptera). Ann.Soc.ent.Fr.(N.S.). 12: 355- 382.
Southwood, T. R. E. and Leston, D. 1959. Land and water bugs of British Isles. Warne, London.
Stelfox, A. W. 1938. Metatropis rufescens H.-S.: a plant-bug new to Ireland. Jr. Nat. J. 7: 88.
Webb, D. A. 1977. An Irish flora. 6th edition. Dundalgan Press, Dundalk.
Webb, D. A. and Scannell, M. J. P. 1983. Flora of Connemara and the Burren, Royal Dublin Society and Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
HORISME TERSATA D. & S. (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE), THE FERN CARPET, IN SHROPSHIRE — I found a single male of this species at rest on a shop window in Bridgnorth, south-east Shropshire, on 30.vii.1987. It has not previously been recorded in the county.
The foodplant, traveller’s-joy (Clematis vitalba), is very com- mon along many parts of the Shropshire portion of the Severn valley and, like Eupithecia haworthiata Doubl. (Haworht’s pug) which feeds on the same plant, tersata is probably well established in these areas.) ADRIAN M. RILEY, Entomology Department, Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Herts., ALS 2JQ.
EPITRIX PUBESCENS KOCH (COL.: CHRYSOMELIDAE) IN WEST KENT — This very local flea-beetle, known from a number of localities in East Kent, Essex, Suffolk etc., is more often recorded than formerly, but, it seems, West Kent still lacks a record. I found it sparingly on a straggling mass of woody nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), where it was greatly outnumbered by the common Psylliodes affinis Payk., in a lane leading to the saltmarshes at Crayford Creek near Dartford, on 13.vii.84 and subsequently.
In recording E. pubescens from W. Norfolk (Ent. Rec. 96: 36-7) I inadvertently wrote as though Solanum nigrum were its sole foodplant; or at least my words could have been so construed. This of course is not the case, the beetle living equally on both species of nightshade. — A. A. ALLEN, 49 Montcalm Road, London, SET.
QUEST FOR MACULINEA IN FRANCE 85
A QUEST FOR MACULINEA IN WESTERN FRANCE, 1986
By S. L. MEREDITH*
For some years I have been inspecting sites in Britain that might support the large blue butterfly (Ma@culinea arion L.). Though my quest was once successful, though due to information rather than my own searches, much of my effort has concentrated in the Cotswolds, where in terms of seeing the insect I have drawn a total blank, although I have found some very promising sites including one that holds one of the best marsh fritillary (Eurodryas aurinia Rott.) colonies that I have seen, numbering probably a few thousand over quite a large area. The Cotswold arion, along with the old Barnwell Wold insects, was always regarded as being of a more ‘iron blue’ than those from the South-West and from pictures, there does seem to be a bit more purple in the wings and the spots on the _ upper hind wing, according to the illustration in E. B. Ford’s Butter- flies, are more pronounced and ringed. A. D. A. Russwurm in his Aberrations of British Butterflies, states that the Cotsworld race resembles that from Brittany.
Although arion is now declared to be extinct in Brittany and has retreated from many northern haunts, I though there might be some merit in at least looking at some of the old sites as this seemed to present the only possiblity, faint as it was, of seeing the ‘Cots- wold’ race. The excellent section on (Lycaena) arion in Tutt’s British Butterflies gives a full account of then known European localities including northern France but not much on the times of appearance. The only reference that I could find was July 14, 1899 in the Petit Val, Val André (Turner). Though I have the Record from 1957, no one seems to have written about Brittany so, as I had some leave to fit in, I decided, almost on the spur of the moment to book my place on the Dover-Calais ferry for July Sth, returning on 13th.
The first day I drove as far as Caen but on the second day, Sunday, 6th, unfortunately, due to a presumed short circuit, the wiring under the car bonnet was mysteriously found to be burnt out, so I had to spend two days in Avranches. I could easily have been marooned in less attractive or interesting surroundings as there was a splendid view of Mont-Saint-Michel and quite by chance came across a stone plaque on the ground, with the short remains of a column alongside, where King Henry II paid penance in front of the Pope for his part in the murder of Thomas A’Becket. That is all that is left of the cathedral that once stood there.
*5 Rutlish Road, London SW19 3AL.
86 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.iv.1988
However, I did take a walk from Ponts, on the edge of the town to St. Brice which was almost totally devoid of entomological interest. The road side had plenty of meadow browns (Maniola jurtina L.) , two speckled woods (Parage aegeria L.) tending towards the southern continental form with rich yellow replacing the cream of British specimens. There were also some large skippers (Ochlodes venata Bremer and Grey). An area of woodland lined with masses of brambles looked promising but all it produced were dozens more jurtina, some more venata, one white admiral (Ladoga camilla L.) and a fresh painted lady (Vanessa cardui L.). Only when I came to a flowery meadow with a stream running through it did anything more exciting appear in the form of a good colony of marbled whites (Melanargia galathea L.) and a single swallowtail (Papilio machaon L.) together with plenty of common blues (Polyommatus icarus Rott.). Almost back where I started near Ponts, a small woodland ride produced small and green-veined whites (Pierus rapae L. and P. napi L.), one red admiral (Vanessa atalanta L.) a dwarf comma (Polygonia c-album L.) and a humming-bird hawk moth (Macroglossum stellatarum L.).
At last on Tuesday afternoon, 8th July, my car was ready and I headed for the area of the old sites. The first call was to be in the Department of Cotes du Nord at Val Andre where Turner had seen arion on July 14th, 1899. Based upon the description ‘in one corner of an orchard of the Petit Val (Cotes du Nord) on a bank Overgrown with broom and bramble, with Melanargia galathea, Epinephile tithonus, E. janira and swarms of other things’, it was inconceivable that such a place would remain nearly a hundred years later. Val André is now a popular and growing seaside resort and even a call at the tourist office failed to reveal any clue as to the location of the Petit Val. The nearest I came to it (and perhaps in reality) was an antiques shopping complex carrying that name. The 1899 record hardly justified more time so I made for the two sites given in Finisterre, ‘south and west of the canton of Pont Abbé, abundant on the heaths of Kermenhir and Loctudy (Pic- quenard)’. Despite searching various maps before setting out, I could not find Kermenhir. However, fortuitously while looking for a hotel in the attractive city of Quimper, I came across a large scale map of the area in a window and Kermenhir was shown as being roughly half-way along the D2 between Pont l’Abbé and Loctudy.
Next day, 9th, I set off for Kermenhir, not really imagining from my observations of the intensification of agriculture and land use in northern France in general, that there would be much chance of seeing the original habitat. My fears were fully realised as the heath has virtually disappeared, mainly due to agriculture. The only fragment that bore any possible relation to the old heath was an old quarry, the sides of which were almost totally covered by
QUEST FOR MACULINEA IN FRANCE 87
gorse. Clearly it was a waste of time to stay but I did see a single L. camilla and surprising for the late date, a male orange tip (Antho- charis cardamines L.). At Loctudy there was no indication of where the ‘heath’ might be so I drove around in a fairly haphazard way. The area has been turned over to holiday bungalows and agriculture and it was soon clear that there was no heath left. Its’ location could be guessed from the odd clump of Scotch Pines but apart from tiny, overgrown fragments, all had disappeared. In a state of some des- pondency I made the mistake of deciding to go further south. Decisions in my experience, made in an emotional state, are always bad ones and this was no exception. Though I had noted that arion had been recorded at Menez Hom, my knowledge of Brittany was insufficient to realise that it was within a national park com- prising a range of low hills and therefore potentially more promising.
However, I was driven by the description in Tutt (by Oberthur) of the site at Monterfil, west of Rennes, ‘a “‘lande”’, a kind of rough heathland, no part of which is level, yet whose acclivities and depres- sions could not be described except in a toy or fairyland sense, as hills and valleys, and where the short vegetation is constantly interrupted by outcrops of stone’. While having a welcome tea at an unexpected patisserie at Plélan-le-Grand I went through in my mind what might have happened to this habitat. In this place it seems to have been present in some years and absent in others. Someone using the initials GW inserted an item in parenthesis with an Optimistic comment at the end, ‘I do not think that there is in any way a question of cultivation either’. I am afraid that I could not be as optimistic and village spread and agriculture seemed likely. My worst fears were fully realised as upon arriving at Monter- fil, Oberthur’s site could not be found despite driving out of the village in all directions. However, I did find some outcrops of rock that had become features in new gardens and it soon became clear that the habitat has been absorbed into greater Monterfil as well as agricultural intensification. Apart from the odd few rocks in gardens and overgrown fragments in fields, Oberthur’s site had disappeared with barely a trace. As I drove in I noticed what looked like a war memorial standing high up on an area of heathland and eventually found the path to it. Sadly, although it was covered with heather, there was no sign of thyme or marjoram. Ironically, I could just make out the name ‘Oberthur’ on the lichen encrusted stone which could have been, though doubtless was not, a fitting memorial to an entomologist who knew it in happier times. I am glad he never Saw it as it is now.
On the way out of Monterfil, perhaps a couple of kilometres away, I passed an area of heath that looked worth examining. A small butterfly with flight that was unfamiliar turned out to be the large chequered skipper (Heteropterous morpheus Pallas) in an
88 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.iv.1988
unusual habitat according to ‘Higgins and Riley’, which states that shady areas or light woodland are normal. Its’ curious hopping flight in which it seems to go on forever without settling is unusual for the Hesperids. Also present was the small heath (Coenonympha. pam- philus L.) pearly heath (C. arcania L.) marbled white (Melanargia galathea L.) and silver-studded blue (Plebejus argus L.) in a typical setting. Sadly this was not part of the lost Monterfil habitat and not suitable for arion. In the Department of Ille-et-Vilaine, apart from Monterfil, there were two areas to look at, Laille and Bourg-des- Comptes along the R. Vilaine, south of Rennes. I had no clue where to look and again, the level of agricultural development seemed to indicate that I would probably be wasting my time in this rather flat area, so apart from driving through, I did not linger. Had I refer- red to the 1:10,000 topographical map, I might have spent a little longer as it shows some land sloping down to the river, apparantly clothed in orchards. Remembering Turner’s experience in the Petit Val, it may just occur there and a further visit seems desirable.
I had decided to look at the nearby Loire Valley and of the four places referred to in Tutt under the Department of Maine-et-Loire, the first, Chaloché, could not be found on the map. After a consi- derable search, the nearest in spelling was Challoché, which appeared to be a chateau, a few km. NE of Angers. This seemed at the time to be a bit too tenuous so, perhaps mistakenly, I did not visit it. The next place that looked vaguely promising was Milly, within an extensive forested area, west of Saumur but on the way there, on 10th July, I called at Pignerolle, (with an ‘s’ in Tutt), a chateau open to visitors, just beyond the town on its’ eastern edge. The immediate environs looked useless but I did look at a piece of unused farmland alongside the main road. Here were dozens of M. galathea, some M. jurtina and one brown argus (Arvicia agestis D. & S.). I decided to go to Milly without delay but where should I concentrate my ef- forts, the area around the village or the Forest of Milly? The latter somehow seemed more promising. While driving around, I came across a small rectangular and artificial clearing that looked worth exploring. This proved to be so as it produced a colony of the large tortoiseshell (Vymphalis polychloros L.) and as this was the first time that I had seen this fine butterfly in the wild, I spent a happy morning watching their antics. An oak tree with sap running from a wound about a foot above ground and on the far side of the tree from the clearing was most attractive to two individuals which al- most disappeared between the trunk and the bark, although they were very alert and I could not obtain a photograph of the event. Even when the sun had moved to the other side of the clearing, one butterfly still maintianed its’ interest there. Also present were the heath fritillary (Melicta athalia Rott.) abundant, two purple emperors (Apatura iris L.) which were sharing an oak tree with
QUEST FOR MACULINEA IN FRANCE 89
three or four polychloros and shared the same habit of spiralling round the upper trunk doubtless looking for exuding sap. The sloe hairstreak (Vordmannia acaciae Fab.) was very common on bram- ble blossoms and H. morpheus was behaving in its’ usual way in the grass. There was one single brief visit from the great banded grayling (Brintesia circe Fab.). I drove around other parts of the forest and also noted the silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia L.). The only evidence of the foodplant was of thyme growing over the gravel at the sides of the roads and this did not seem to be altogether suitable for arion.
The last place named in the Department was le Vaudelnay, where Delahaye, who had provided the information for the other habitats in the area, described it as common. On the Michelin yellow series I could only find Vaudelnay, which I assumed was the same place. As with the places south of Rennes, having no other information, I merely drove around this now unlikely looking area.
This was now time for a decision. It was, it seemed to me, to be getting late in the season to see arion so far south on low- lying ground, even had I unbeknown, stumbled across a habitat following a more intensive search in the largely unexplored areas. After consulting ‘Higgins and Riley’ and ‘Higgins and Hargreaves’, I decided to try a totally different area that again, I did not recall reading about in the Record. The distribution maps from the above books show the area south of Bordeaux, les Landes, as somewhere possibly for the scarce large blue (Maculinea teleius Berg.) and the large copper (Lycaena dispar Haw). As it seems to be an area not often visited by entomologists, I decided to explore it. The area is a vast coniferous forest, lens shaped, some 220km. north to south and about 130 kms at the widest. Before long I was on the A1O motorway heading south. I spent the night at Parentis-en-Born in the heart of les Landes. With the aid of the large scale topographical maps, I could work out a few places that had to be visited on a very tight schedule the next day. Upon leaving Parentis, a small area of heath was examined and produced a single M. athalia.
A sight rarely encountered any more in Britain, was of some- one walking along the road carrying a butterfly net. At last, I thought, here must be someone who can put me in the right direc- tion. He turned out to be M. Moulin from Lille on holiday. He did not know the area and after some pleasantries we went our separate ways.
The first planned port of call was the periphery of Lac Blanc near Tosse, a few km. north of Bayonne. An area of dry bog pro- duced a single woodland brown (Lopinga achine Scop.) and a single long-tailed blue (Lampides boeticus L.). Another nearby and out- wardly promising similar area produced a single short-tailed blue
90 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.iv.1988
(Everes argiades Pallas) and these turned up in small numbers in other places in the vicinity.
The next place I decided to visit was an isolated area of bog some way beyond the town of Mont-de-Marsin and near the village of Vielle-Soubiran. Approaching the village, I stopped at a flowery spot by the side of the road in the forest but H. morpheus was all that was about. Unfortunately, the area seems to have changed since my map was produced and I did not locate the area in question though I did come across a much smaller bog. There were few butterflies, though there were a few dryads, (Minois dryas Scopoli) and C. pamphilus. A large white banded grayling was seen but time was pressing and [| did not have time to pursue it for identi- fication.
The next place to visit was another area of bog as indicated on the map between the villages of Sore and St. Symphoriem. By now I was beginning to regard the whole area as very unpromising. It seemed to be undergoing considerable change by drainage and forestry operations and there seemed to be very little undisturbed wetland apart from the areas near lakes. The above mentioned bog seemed to have disappeared into forestry and was certainly not identifiable. The last area that I was determined to see was the Marais de Talaris, in the north of the region. This was a nature reserve between the Lakes d’Hourtin — Carcans and Etang de Lacanan. The long straight roads through the vast conifer forest seemed endless but I did eventually arrive and parked near the Canal de Jonction which connects the lakes and traverses the Marais. There is a public footpath on both sides and I walked for about half a mile down the Western one but it soon became clear that this area was useless also, resembling an area of the Norfolk Broads reverting to scrub or carr.
Although I had only scratched the surface of this vast area, the extent of drainage and forestry operations seemed to rule out much chance of my main quarries occurring there. I could now make for Bordeaux and get onto the motorway heading north for the obligatory inspection of Menez Hom. The national park consists of a few low, flat topped hills, largely wooded around the base. A road leads up to the top of Menez Hom and is much used by motorists driving up to admire the view. The road passes through heathland and at the top there are more exposed rocks and a wider range of wild flowers. However, there was no sign of thyme or marjoram. The hillside gave the impression of having been burt, the smooth covering of heather looking rather recent but this is pure guesswork. Clearly it was quite unsuitable for arion. | did examine an adjoining lower hill which seemed from the road to have a slightly greater variety of flowers. Again, although I under- took a fairly thorough search, there was no sign of the foodplants.
QUEST FOR MACULINEA IN FRANCE 91
Based upon these observations, it was hard to imagine that the area once supported the large blue and I was forced to speculate that there had perhaps been a mistaken identity.
This concluded the arion search and though unsuccessful, | was glad to have satisfied myself as to the current state of ex- habitats. The search was not thorough enough in the Rennes or Saumur areas and I would like to explore them in greater depth at the right season.
On the return journey I had decided to look at the large area of forest in the Compiégne area but unfortunately the last day, Sunday, July 13th was cloudy and it seemed a waste of time to even stop. I just made the ferry on time, sadder but wiser though resolved to put Brittany more thoroughly to the test next time.
My thanks are due to Mr. Nicholas Derry for supplying the background information.
Notes and Observations
A NOTE ON THE LIFE HISTORY OF PHYLLODECTA POLARIS SCHNEIDER (COL.: CHRYSOMELIDAE). — Sometime ago, my friend Dr. M. Cox told me that the larva of the montane chrysomelid P. polaris had never been formally described and sug- gested that I looked for it on its presumed food plant Salix herbacea L. whenever I had an opportunity. One such arose on 5 .viii.1987 when climbing with members of my family on Beinn Eighe in Wester Ross, the site at which the beetle was first found in Britain (Morris, M.G. 1970 Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 106, 48). Near the summit, at an altitude of about 950m, there was a large patch of the Salix growing among the moss Racomitrium lanuqinosum (Hedw) Brid. We collected some of this mess mixed with Salix, sieved it and put the sievings in a “Winkler” extractor.
During the subsequent 48 hr, three small black chrysomelid larvae, ranging in length from 2 - 3mm appeared in the extractor. They were given fresh leaves of the Salix which were readily eaten. As was described by Larsson & Gigja. (1959 The Zoology of Iceland 3, pt 46a Coleoptera 1 Synopsis p 185), the larvae chewed usually from the underside without penetrating the leaf and avoiding the ribs, leaving a transparent, whole or part leaf “‘skeleton”’. If a leaf was placed in the container with the upper surface downwards, the larvae ate into what was naturally the upper surface, suggesting that gravity determined which surface was chewed rather than the sur- face structure of the leaf.
On 15.vili.1987, one of the larvae, by then about Smm in length, pupated. The cream coloured pupa was discovered lying on the bottom of the container. The remaining two larvae, similarly
92 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15 .iv.1988
4 — Smm long, were promptly preserved in 70% alcohol and sub- sequently given to Dr. Cox who will be describing them in due course. An adult beetle emerged from the pupa after six days.
This is apparently the first time larvae of P. polaris have been found in Britain. The finding identifies positively Salix herbacea as a food plant here, confirming a suspicion from the habits of the beetle in Iceland (Larsson & Gigja, (loc. cit.) )andfrom the noted association of adults with this plant in Britain and Scandinavia.
As far as timing goes, we found on a previous occasion active adults at a similar site at the end of May (Owen, J. A. 1983 Ento- mologist’s mon. Mag. 119, 191) but no attempt was made that time to look for eggs or larvae. Larsson & Gigja (loc. cit.) recorded eggs found (in Iceland) on July 14th, larvae in July and August and a pupa on August 16th. Though adults in Britain are apparently active from early summer onwards, the current finding suggests that, as in Iceland, they do not oviposit until July. The very short pupal stage noted in the one example here may have been a con- sequence of keeping the pupa at room temperature at Epsom, Surrey where, presumably, the mean air temperature was higher than that in the natural habitat of the beetle on a Scottish mountain. How- ever, Larrson & Gigja state that the pupal period is normally short. All the evidence suggests that the beetle overwintered as an adult.
I thank Mr. Ray Collier, Regional Chief Warden, Nature Con- servancy Council, North West Scotland for giving approval for this study and Dr. M. Cox for reading the draft manuscript and making helpful comments. J. A. OWEN, 8 Kingsdown Road, Epsom, Surrey Kod SRU:
EUPITHECIA INTRICATA (ZETT.), (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE) — NEW TO CHESHIRE. — We are operating a recording scheme in the county for the macrolepidoptera and I receive records from at least 30 lepidopterists from widely spaced localities. Naturally there are “doubtful” identities from time to time and many specimens are brought to me for confirmation (in various states of repair!) and it will be no surprise that a good proportion of these are “Pugs”!
In late June 1987 Alan Roberts, who records at his home in Knutsford (SJ77) and also in the National Nature Reserve at Ros- therne (SJ78), brought to me a large pale brown “pug”? which I did not recognise; it was still alive and a female from which eggs were readily obtained but I could not get the larvae to feed on any of the usual pug food. Sadly I did not think of trying Cypress. At this stage Mr. Roberts brought me a second specimen, obviously the same species but this time a dead male. I made a slide of the genitalia and also one of a specimen of Eupithecia intricata mil- lieraria (Wnuk.) collected many years ago near Aviemore. They were clearly the same species and the fact that I have no specimens of
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS a8
E. intricata arceuthata (Freyer) probably explains why I did not recognise them in the first place.
It seems only a few years since we welcomed the arrival of Thera juniperata (L.) in Cheshire and attributed it to the increased planting of ornamental conifers in parks and gardens; it seems that the arrival of £. intricata is likely to have a similar explanation and we are now looking foreward to the arrival of Eupithecia phoent- ceata (Ramb.) and perhaps even Lithophane leautieri (Boisd.) C. I. RUTHERFORD, Longridge, Macclesfield Road, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK9 7BL.
METOECUS PARADOXUS L. (COL.: RHIPIPHORIDAE) IN N. W. KENT. — In a note in 1984, Ent. Rec. 96: 184, I drew attention to the apparent paucity of records of this curious beetle from Kent, compared, for instance, with Surrey; and gave one from Bexleyheath as notable in this respect, as also from its proximity to London. I now report a more recent occurrence in suburban Kent. On a chance meeting Mr. P. W. Barrett, a keen observer of nature, described to me a beetle he had seen that morning (24.viii.86) in his garden between Shooters Hill and Plumstead, resting in the sunshine on a tank, and which he had been much stzuck by. From his description, which stressed feathery antennae, I was fully satis- fied that it must have been a male Metoecus. Almost certainly the species is generally distributed in southern England, yet because of its habits not often seen except when suitable wasp nests are dug up. — A. A. ALLEN, 49 Montcalm Road, London, SE7.
HADENA COMPTA D. & S. (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) IN HAMP- SHIRE — I would like to record the capture of a fresh specimen of the varied coronet moth at Martin Down, Hampshire at m.v. light on 5.vii.1987. Neither Goater The butterflies and moths of Hamp- shire and the Isle of Wight, nor Bretherton in Heath’s MBGBI 9 record this insect from Hampshire. R. R. COOK, 11 Greensome Drive, Fairways, Ferndown, Dorset.
A CASE OF INTERGENERIC COPULATION BETWEEN LYCAENID BUTTERFLIES — During a field trip to Mt. Iti, central Greece, on 11th June, 1987, a copulating pair of Lycaenid butter- flies was captured, which, upon closer inspection and to my great surprise, turned out to be a male Ultraaricia anteros Freyer and a female Cyaniris semiargus Rottemburg.
The anteros were very numerous in that area and consisted exclusively of fresh males, the females apparently not having yet emerged, thus suggesting a case of protandry. Perhaps this total absence of female anteros is what triggered this abnormal union. JOHN G. COUTSIS, 4 Glykonos Street, Athens 10675, Greece.
94 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.iv.1988
ACRONICTA RUMICIS L. (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) — LARVAL FOODPLANT IN IRELAND. — This moth, whose larva: is encoun- tered only occasionally, and usually singly, feeds in mainland Britain on a wide variety of herbaceous plants, and occasionally on shrubs and trees, and I can find only two references indicating distinct local preference, these for hop (Humulus lupulus) and creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), both in Chalmers-Hunt (Butterflies and Moths of Kent, 1968, Il, 265).
In 1987 I found between half-a-dozen and a dozen nearly full fed larvae of rumicis at Newport, Co. Mayo, 28.viii, near Rinna- mona, Co. Clare, 29.viii and near Partry, Co. Mayo, 1.ix., all upon bog myrtle (Myrica gale), a plant not listed in the text books for this species. As the moth is not uncommon and is widespread in the Burren of Clare, and bog myrtle has a distinctly limited distribution there, there must be other larval foodplants over most of the area.
The time of appearance of these larvae in the almost full fed stage, and the fact that no moths emerged, although the pupae were residing indoors, until the end of October, provide additional confirmation of the insect’s univoltinism in Counties Mayo and Clare. However, from some A. menyanthidis larvae obtained exactly a month earlier at Rinnamona, a fine female moth emerged 17.x. Finally, I noticed that the rumicis I obtained in Co. Clare in June are distinctly paler and brighter than Kentish specimens, although the melanics from the two areas appear identical. — B. K. WEST, 36 Briar Road, Dartford, Kent.
DIASEMIOPSIS RAMBURIALIS DUP. (LEP.: PYRALIDAE) IN WILTSHIRE — a rather worn specimen of this scarce immigrant came to my m.v. light at Dinton, South Wiltshire (v.c.8) on 19.19. 1987, the first recorded occurrence in this county. Other immigrants seen the same night included a single Agrius convolvuli, and several Autographa gamma. S. PALMER, The Warren, Hindon Road, Dinton, Wiltshire.
Current Literature
The Lepidoptera of Warwickshire: Parts One & Two by R. Smith and D. Brown. 64pp. A4. Limp. Warwickshire Museum Service W987. 2190:
Despite its title this book is merely an atlas and check-list; it does not deal with times of appearance, voltinism, melanism, local forms or genuine larval foodplants. Part I (Revised) comprises the butterflies, Part II the macro-moths. Separate Introductions are useful and interesting, as is the section on geology and habitats with
CURRENT LITERATURE o5
an accompanying map marked in 10Km. squares giving the main towns and geological regions, ‘while places mentioned in the text are listed with their map references. Small maps, one for each species, show records designated by one of four symbols, for pre 1900, 1900-1959, 1960-1979 and post 1979, the symbol for the most recent record being used. Details of records are noted only when there are less than four, but there is no assurance regarding the accuracy of records for critical species. A very brief statement on the species’ status is given, and up to this point, despite many spelling and other errors, a useful foundation for future work on distribution has been laid, and having accomplished this the authors would have been prudent to have let matters rest.
Unfortunately, for each species larval foodplants are listed, and anomalies abound to defy credence. To give a very few examples from the many available, Rheumaptera hastata is stated to feed only on bog myrtle, (surely a birch-feeder in this County ?). Lithomia solidaginis on bearberry, Larentia clavaria on marsh mallow and Hadena perplexa on sea campion. According to Perring and Walters (Atlas of the British Flora, 1962), none of these foodplants occur within the County boundaries. Euproctis chrysorrhoea is said to feed on “.. . birch, oak, elm,limeand many other deciduous trees. . .” Does Nophopteryx polycommata really utilise both privet and ash, and Hydrelia sylvata sweet chestnut? Chlorissa viridata has but one record, yet three larval foodplants! In summary, much of this list appears imaginative rather than factual, and must seriously detract from the value of a work which should essentially be based upon accurate and verified local information. B. K. WEST.
Legislation to conserve insects in Europe compiled by N. Mark Collins 80pp. limp AES Pamphlet no. 13 Amateur Entomologists Society 1987. £3.40.
This useful publication reviews the current legislation covering insects in Europe including, apart from domestic legislation in in- dividual countries, the CITES, Bonn, Ramsar and Bern Conventions. For each European country, the entry records the full title of the appropriate act, the date of implementation, a commentary on the impact of the legislation and a complete list of the insect species protected.
The reviewer was surprised at both the extent and variety of laws protecting European insects — the entry for the Federal Re- public of Germany runs to eleven pages, whilst that for the U.K. covers just three! With the constantly changing framwork of legis- lation, this book cannot be more than a snapshot of the current position, but is nevertheless a valuable and competent piece of work, both for those with a professional interest in conservation, and as a guide for entomologists collecting in Europe. COLIN HART.
96 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.iv.1988
The Moths and Butterflies of Northumberland and Durham. Part One: Macrolepidoptera by T. C. Dunn & J.D. Parrack, 290pp. Paper- back. The Northern Naturalists Union. 1986. £7.
A brief but adequate introduction and preface precede 160 pages of text accompanied by 108 pages of distribution maps. A page of useful references followed by an index of scientific and English names of the species covered completes the work.
The text is written in a most readable style and is packed with a wealth of information, mostly of course on distribution, but also when deemed of special interest on the habits of both adults and larvae. The authors have commendably avoided the superfluous padding sometimes found in local lists and restricted the information on times of appearance and larval foodplants to that relevent to the two counties in the title with the result that the reader is presented with a steady stream of interesting and often little known obser- vations. We are informed for instance that in 1966 a dozen or so larvae of Xylena exsoleta were found in a north Durham garden feeding on Chrysanthemums and that the larvae of both Archieris parthenias and Scoliopteryx libatrix are to found feeding on Rowan in addition to the normally listed feral foodplants. Equally interest- ing is the appearance of paired male and wingless female of Erannis defoliaria inside light traps showing how this species may increase its range in the adult stage. There is also some advice on separating some of the very similar species such as the Epirrita group and on page 164 are line drawings of the forewings of Diarsia rubi and D. florida illustrating a diagnostic character which the reviewer found worked well with English specimens. The authors were also able to make meaningful comparisons on the past and present status of most species mainly thanks to J. E. Robson’s compre- hensive account of Northumberland and Durham Lepidoptera pub- lished between 1899 and 1913. Page references to this work are given in brackets after the ‘Bradley and Fletcher Log Book number’ which accompanies each species.
The maps which number four to a page are based on the tetrad (2km divisions) system and three different symbols indicate pre 1900, 1900-1950 and post 1950 records. Like most distribution maps they tend to give a more accurate picture of the activities of recorders than the complete distribution of a species, never- theless with a little imagination one can get an instant impression of the past and present range of each species over the two Counties.
All in all a very well produced local list and a credit to the in- dustry and thoroughness of both authors. In the Foreword it is stated “The Northern Naturalists Union takes great pride in its publi- cation’ and in the reviewer’s opinion this sentiment is totally justi- fied. BERNARD SKINNER
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THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION
(Founded by J. W. TUTT on 15th April 1890)
CONTENTS
Lysandra coridon in the north : the Bermuda triangle?
WE CRUNMINGION os soe Sola Po RS aa ea ee 49 Hyalomyodes (Dipt.: Tachinidae), an endoparasite of Tetrigoidea
(Orthoptera). D. K. McE. Kevan and R.T.B.Koshnaw ...... =) Possible adaptive significance of “‘tail” structure in “false head”
lycaenid butterflies. A. M. Riley and H. D. Loxdale ......... 59 The occurrence of the genus Strangalia (Col.: cerambycidae) in the
Butish, Isles. Rie CO NMOf|- Rau pment, 2s i oe 53
Sphaerophoria virgata (Dipt.: Syrphidae) in the Wyre Forest,
with notes on other species of Sphaerophoria at this
locality (G22W Planiiee eters a A eee nae Ae = oa 1 William B. L. Manley collection of Lepidoptera. E.G. Hancock .... 75 Butterflies on La Palma. D. F. Owen, A. S. Smith and A. G. Smith .. 77 Notes on Berytinus montivagus and Metatropis rufescens (Hemiptera)
in Ireland. J. P. O’Connor, M. A. O’Connor and M. deCourcy
UVTI STAD {OMe eee god ecepotir ann U0 an ee WAAL on SIC ue Sioa! ake PI ea peas ee seem Ak Le 81
A quest for Maculinia in Western France, 1986.8. L. Meredith .... 85
Notes and Observations
Winter records of the painted lady butterfly. S.C. Madge........ 53 Hairstreakc roosting Nabitsad)1G. COUTSIS =. net er ee ee 54 Catocala nupta, the red underwing in Cumbria. J. Briggs ........ 54 A plea for the retention of the Old Counties in recording. A. A. Allen .57 Acrolepiopsis betulella (Lep.) in Argyllshire. K. Bland ......... 2) Notes on breeding Sabra harpagula, the scarce hook-tip (Lep.)
IREMCCOTINICK Ge 0 oe. oe heey ee cle ene ne ee 58 Hemerobius marginatus (Neur.) in Wiltshire.C. W. Plant ........ 62 Larva of Ouapteryx sambucaria (Lep.) feeding on Solidagio
Canad ensiss Fx Owen Swe ee ee ee eee paren ee eae 62 iriplax aenea\(Col.) in Bucks AvAvAllen. is we awe bee ah O-- 72 A 1962 capture of Donacia thalassina (Col.) in Wilts.A.A.Allen .... 72 Records of macrolepidoptera from Co. Mayo, Ireland. B. K. West... 72 Sawfly damage to honeysuckle similar to that of the broad-bordered
bee hawkimio tls Ware eee oe Oe Sete on Goh cco enwg ace 76 Copns lunaris (Gol:) on Guemsey. RA: Austin oo) 5 0 oe 2 80 Horisme tersata (Lep.), the fern carpet in Shropshire. A. M. Riley... 84 Epitrix pubescens (Col.) in west Kent. A; AD Allen... <2... 3. - 84 A note on the life history of Phyllodecta polaris (Col.) JAA. Owen .. 91 Eupithecia intricata (Lep.) in Cheshire. C. I. Rutherford ........ 92 Metoecus paradoxus (Col.) inN. W. Kent. A. A. Allen ......... 93 Hadena compta (-ep.) in Hamoshire. RR. Cook)... 7. ) 93 A case of intergeneric copulation, between lycaenid butterflies.
DE AGC OUTSIS os Sai. eR ee ON GRIN cL AS ees recA eta Mee 93 Acronicta rumicis (Lep.), larval foodplants in Ireland. B. K. West ... 94 Diasemiopsis ramburialis (Lep.) in Wiltshire.S. Palmer ......... 94 Curtent literatuness yo. ee Neder ec er, ea aes Re eae once 94-96
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VOLTINISM OF PSEUDARGYROTOZA CONWAGANA 97
THE VOLTINISM OF PSEUDARGYROTOZA CONWAGANA (FABRICUS) (LEP.: TORTRICIDAE)
By A. M. EMMET*
The unexpected sight of a fresh female P. conwagana in my MV trap after the night 27/28 October 1987 sent me to the litera- ture and my previous records. Stainton (1859), Wilkinson (1859), Morris (1872) and Meyrick (1928) all give June as the flight period of the adult, Ford (1949) and Emmet (1979) give May-July and Bradley, Tremewan & Smith (1973) May-early July. None of them mentions a second generation.
My own records, however, suggest that a smaller second genera- tion is normal and that the late October specimen could be from a third. Bradley et al. (op. cit.) state that this mainly day-flying species is seldom seen at light and I would have agreed prior to 1987. This year nearly 150 came to the trap in my garden at Saffron Walden, though no doubt some individuals presented themselves more than once. The date of appearance for 1985-1987 indicate a first generation flying mainly from mid June until mid July but with individuals persisting to the end of the month, and a second from mid August until early September. These are the figures: —
First generation Second generation S29. 50 June) 5 (21-29 August) 1986 5 (2-13 July) 4 (13 August - 1 September)
1987 123(20June-1 August, 22 (18 August - 2 September) 109 of them before 13 July)
The figures are approximate. I use the following code to record numbers:— F (few) = 2-5; S (several) =6-10; M (many) =1i+. For the purposes of this paper I have taken F as 3, S as 6 and M (27 June and 20 August) as 11.
These data have immediate practical importance with a new edition of A field guide to the smaller British Lepidoptera in pre- paration. I would welcome supporting or conflicting evidence to ensure that the new entry for this species is correct.
Many of the Tortricinae are polyphagous. British authors cite only Ligustrum and Fraxinus as foodplants for P. conwagana, though Bradley et. al. (op. cit.) add Berberis and Syringa from Con- tinental sources. Is there any evidence that the two apparent genera- tions feed on different foodplants? Has anyone recorded the adult
*Labrey Cottage, Victoria Gardens, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 3A.
98 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
as early as May? Would the seeds or berries in which the larva feeds be then ready for oviposition?
References
Bradley, J. D., Tremewan, W. G. & Smith, A., 1973. British tortri- coid moths, Cochylidae and Tortricidae: Tortricinae, viii, 251 pp., 47 pls. (26 col.). London.
Emmet, A. M. (Ed.), [1979]. A field guide to the smaller British Lepidoptera, 271 pp. London.
Ford, L. T., 1949. A guide to the smaller British Lepidoptera, 230pp. London.
Meyrick, E., 1928. A revised handbook of British Lepidoptera, 914pp. London.
Morris, F. O., 1872. A natural history of British moths 3. iv, 223pp.., 36 col. pls. London.
Stainton, H. T., 1859. A manual of British butterflies and moths, xi, 480 pp., text figs. London.
Wilkinson, S. J., 1859. The British Tortrices, viii, 328 pp., 4 pls. London.
Note
It is clear from a number of sources that P. conwagana had an exceptionally good year in 1987. My Orpington (Kent) trap usually yields 3 or 4 specimens per year, generally in July. In 1987 the tally was 19 June — 31 July, 85, (82 before 15 July); 28 August — 3 September, 2, and a single specimen on the night of 30th October! Ian Ferguson, who also runs a trap in Orpington, logged 90 speci- mens between 10 June and 27 July. - PAUL SOKOLOFF.
SECOND GENERATION LARVA OF EPERMENIA ILLI- GERELLA (HBN.) (LEP.: EPERMENITIDAE) — Emmet ([1979] A field guide to the smaller British Lepidoptera: 77) states that the second generation larva of Epermenia illigerella occurs in umbels of Angelica sylvestris. | have bred the second generation several times from larvae collected in July and have never found them in the umbels. On every occasion the larva mined the stem of a side umbel, commencing immediately below the umbel and mining towards the main stem. The larva vacated the stem to pupate by a small exit hole made just before the ster. joined the main stem. Affected plants are fairly easy to see as the mined stem droops and the umbel withers. — R. J. HECKFORD, 67, Newnham Road, Plympton, Piymouth.
RECORDS OF CHRYSOMELIDAE og
RECORDS OF LOCAL AND UNCOMMON CHRYSOMELIDAE (COLEOPTERA) FROM CUMBRIA
By R.W.J. READ*
The following Chrysomelids recorded here have been found mainly in West Cumbria and were discovered during the course of recording for the BRC distribution scheme, and also while carry- ing out survey work for the NCC invertebrate site register. Most of the species are of local occurrence and are usually regarded as being rare Or uncommon in Britain. Locality data taken from specimens in the F. H. Day collection of general coleoptera in the Tullie House Museum, Carlisle has also been included and is indicated by the abbreviation (FHD). The nomenclature follows Kloet & Hincks Gah):
Clytra quadripunctata (L.): Low Wood, nr. Ulpha, SD20/94, 8.vi.80. beaten from Silver Birch above wood ants nest. Keswick. (NY22), (FHD).
Cryptocephalus aureolus Suff.: nr. Watch Hil, Sellafield, NYO1/04, 16.vi.79, adults on flowers of Hieracium. Seascale, (NYOO). (FHD).
Cryptocephalus moraei (L.): Clints Quarry Nature Reserve, nr. Egremont, NYOO/12, Church Moss, Beckermet, NYO1/05. specimens swept from Hypericum perforatum. June, July.
Cryptocephalus parvulus Muller, O.F.: Arnaby Moss, nr. Greenroad, SD19/84, 8.vii.78. one specimen only beaten from Silver Birch.
Chrysolina brunsvicensis (Grav.): Clints Quarry, nr. Egremont, NYOO/12. Grubbins Wood Nature Reserve, Arnside, SD44/78., on Hypericum perforatum, June, July, September, Nr. Millom. (SD18), (Angus, 1965), Clibum, (NY58/24), (Davidson, 1961).
Phaedon concinnus Steph.: nr. Ravenglass, SD08/95, River Esk, SD10/95, adults and larvae at the base of Triglochin maritima on salt marsh, May, July-October. Newton Marsh, (NY18/55), (FHD).
Hydrothassa glabra (Herbst): Clints Quarry, nr. Egremont, NYOO/12, nr. Fleswick, St. Bees, NX94/12, taken in association with Ranunculus, April, May. Ambrose Holme, Carlisle, (NY43/57). Newton Moss (NY36), Orton, (NY33/54), Langthaby, (NY56/ 33), FHD).
Prasocuris junci (Brahm): nr. Forth House, Cockermouth, NY13/33., Barfield Tarn, nr. Bootle, SD10/87, larvae on Mysotis, July. Kingmoor, Carlisle, (NY38/58), (FHD), Pettril Valley, (NY44). FHD).
*43 Holly Terrace, Hensingham, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 8RF.
100 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
Chrysomela aenea L.: River Mite, Miterdale, NY14/00, larvae on Alnus. Gelt, (NY52/58), (FHD).
Phytodecta olivacea (Forst.): nr. Marsh House, St. Bees, NX97/10, Church Moss, Beckermet, NYO1/06, nr. Hallsenna, NY06/01, beaten from Broom and found on Genista, May, July, August. Durdar, (NY40/51), Pettril Valley, (NY44), Orton, (NY33/54), (FHD).
Galeruca tanaceti (L.): Clints Quarry, Egremont, NY00/12, Harring- ton, NX98/24, adults on Jussilago and Centaurea, June, October. Newton Reigny Moss, (NY47/30), Kirkston Pass, (NY40/08), (FHD).
Phyllobrotica quadrimaculata (L.): nr. Ravenglass, SD09/95, Kirk- santon Moss, SD13/80, in association with Scutellaria, August. Windermere, (SD41/98), B. Tomlin, (FHD coll.).
Phyllotreta tetrastigma (Comolli): nr. Haile Hal!, Egremont, NY03/ 09, Hallbolton, Gosforth, NY09/03, nr. Gaterigghow Bridge, NY10/04, May, August. Wetheral, (NY46/54), FHD).
Longitarsus gracilis (Kuts.): Silver Tarn, Nethertown, NX99/06, Wellington Lodge, Whitehaven, NX96/16, nr. Middlebank Farm, Beckermet, NYO1/05, Parkgate Tarn, nr. Santon Bridge, NY11/00, Eskmeals SD08/92, Barrel Bank, Ravenglass, SD10/ 95, taken on Senecio jacobaeae, July-November. Silloth, (NY10/53), (FHD).
Longitarsus plantagomaritimus Dollman: Ravenglass, Rivers Esk, Irt and Mite estuaries, SDO9, Askam in Furness, SD20/77, Humphrey Head nr. Kents Bank, SD39/74, taken at base of Plantago maritima on salt marsh, April-July, September, October
Longitarsus reichei (Allard): nr. Harrington, NX98/24, 6.x.79, one specimen at base of Plantago maritima. Bassenthwaite, (NY21/ 29), Caldew Valley, (NY34), Salkeld, (NY54/36), (FHD).
Hippurphila modeeri (L.): nr. Gosforth, NY06/04, River Ehen, NYOO/05, nr. Drigg Village, SDO6/98, Eskmeals, SD08/92, nr. Greenroad Station, SD19/84, in association with Equisetum, April, May, July, November. Caldew Valley, (NY34), Cummers- dale, (NY38/53), Seascale, (NY04/01), (FHD).
Altica britteni Sharp: Harris Side, nr. Kirkland, NY09/18, Wedholme Flow, nr. Wigton, NY22/51, August, October, adults and larvae on Calluna vulgaris. Cumwhitton Moss, (NY50/52), Wanfell, (NY52/36), (FHD).
Mantura obtusata (Gyll.): Church Moss, Beckermet, NYO1/05, nr. Hollins Bridge, NY10/03, Dubbs Moss Nature Reserve, Eagles- field, NY10/28, nr. Monks Moors, Eskmeals, SD08/92, June, July, August. Orton, (NY33/54), Pettril Valley, (NY44), Salkeld, (NY54/36), Kirkbride, (NY23/56), (FHD).
Chaetocnema sahlbergi (Gyll.): Barrow Marsh, Ravenglass, SD08/97,
RECORDS OF CHR YSOMELIDAE 101
nr. Brig House Farm, SD08/95, nr. Greenroad Station, Millom, SD19/83, June-September. Newton Marsh, (NY18/55), (FHD).
Sphaeroderma rubidum (Graells): Wellington Lodge, Whitehaven, NX96/18, nr. Pattering Holes, St. Bees, NX95/11, nr. Moresby Church, Parton, NX98/21, Beckermet, NYO1/06, Clints Quarry, Egremont, NY00/12, Dubbs Moss Nature Reserve, Eaglesfield, NY10/29, Wedholme Flow, NY22/51, Hyton Marsh, Bootle, SD07/88, nr. Drigg Village, SD06/98, Grubbins Wood, Arnside, SD44/78. June-October, adults on Centaurea nigra.
Psylliodes chrysocephala (L.): Distington, nr. Workington, (NYOO/ 22), August. Carlisle, (NY39/55), (FHD).
Psylliodes marcida (Ill.): nr. Beckfoot, Allonby, NY09/50, Raven- glass Nature Reserve, SD06/96, Eskmeals Nature Reserve, SD08/96, Haverigg Point, nr. Millom, SD14/77, taken on Cakile maritima, May-August. Silloth, (NY10/53), Seascale, (NY04/01), (FHD).
Psylliodes weberi Lohse: nr. Maryport, NY03/37, Blengdale, Gos- forth, NY08/05, Calder Woods, nr. Calderbridge, NY05/07, June, August, September, adults on Nasturtium.
Acknowledgements
I wish to thank Dr. Michael Cox, (British Museum, Natural History) for very kindly identifying a number of different species recorded here. I would also like to thank the Cumbria Trust for Nature Conservation for giving me permission to visit and survey some of their reserves in West Cumbria. My thanks also go to Mr. David Clarke, curator of the Tullie House Museum, Carlisle for kindly allowing me access to the F. H. Day collection.
References
Angus, R. B., 1965, Further Coleoptera from Cumberland, Westmor- land and the Northern part of Lancashire, Entomologist mon. Mag., 101:7.
Davidson, W. F., 1961, Notes on Cumberland and Westmorland Coleoptera, Entomologist’s mon. Mag., 97:20.
Kloet, G. S., and Hincks, W. D., 1977, A check list of British insects, 11(3), Coleoptera and Strepsiptera, 2nd. ed., London.
102 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
A POSSIBLY UNIQUE BILATERAL GYNANDROMORPH OF THE WHITE ADMIRAL BUTTERFLY, LADOGA CAMILLA L.
By G. W. BECCALONI*
Ladoga camilla L. is one of the less variable of British butter- flies, with only 15 aberrations described to date (Howarth, 1984). The principle form of this variation consists of a reduction in the amount of white scaling present on both the upper and under sides of the wings. Few other types of variation are known to occur. As far as it has been possible to determine, no gynandromorphic specimens have previously been described and a search made through the camilla specimens in the National Collection at the British Museum (Natural History) has failed to reveal a single example of this condition. The specimen illustrated (Fig. 1) is therefore possibly the first bilateral gynandromorph of L. camilla known.
This specimen was taken by myself, along with several typical examples of camilla, at a location near Dorking, Surrey on the 16th July 1986. It is at present in my collection. Although the wing patterning of both male and female camilla is very similar, both wing size and shape differ quite considerably between the sexes, with the female’s wings being larger and more rounded than the smaller and more angular wings of the male.
These characteristics are clearly displayed in the specimen illustrated; its left half being male and its right half female. It is probable that due to the difficulty experienced in distinguishing male from female camilla, especially in the field, that gynandro- morphic examples of this species have been overlooked in the past, thereby accounting for their apparent absence in collections and in the literature.
The specimen illustrated is not only interesting for its gynan- dromorphism however, but because it has an unusual venational defect in vein 2 of its female (right) forewing. This defect is respon- sible for the union of the two white spots situated between veins 1 and 3 of this forewing. The black-scaled segment of vein 2 which usually divides these spots is absent, thus allowing them to unite. All other veins appear to be normal.
In addition, the white band across the female hindwing is slightly larger than in the type form, as are several of the white markings present on the female forewing. I can only find one pre- viously described aberration of camilla which exhibits an increase in white scaling, this being ab. Jatealba Verity. The condition des- cribed above is similar to this aberration. Verity (1950) states that
*35A Church Road, Hanwell, London W7 3BD.
WHITE ADMIRAL GYNANDROMORPH 103
Figure 1. Lagoda camilla L. Bilateral gynandromorph, with left side male, right side female. Surrey 16.vii.1986. (upperside top, underside bottom).
ab. latealba is common in France but I have been unable to locate any British examples. ears
It is possible that both the venational defect and the enlarge- ment of the white markings, are direct consequences of the speci- men being gynandromorphic because of the unlikelihood of these rare conditions occurring together independently in the same but- terfly.
Acknowledgements
I am very grateful to Mr. D. J. Carter and Mr. A. Watson both of the British Museum (Natural History) for confirming that the speci- men is a bilateral gynandromorph and for allowing me to view the numerous camilla specimens in the National Collection. My thanks also go to Mr. A. D. A. Russwurm and Mr. T. G. Howarth for their help in tracking down ab. Jatealba and for determining the vena- tional defect. Finally, I would like to thank Mr. C. H. B. Smith for
104 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15,vi.1988
taking the excellent photographs of the specimen and Mr. D. S. K. McNamara for typing this manuscript.
References
Howarth, T. G., 1973. South’s British Butterflies. Frederick Warne & Conlid Condon: Verity, R., 1950. La Farfalle diurne dTtalia 4. Firenze.
EUPITHECIA VULGATA HAWORTH (THE COMMON PUG) SUBSPECIES SCOTICA COCKAYNE (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE) IN CUMBRIA — E. vulgata is represented in Britain by three sub- species: £. vulgata vulgata Haworth occurs commonly throughout England, and in Scotland the paler and more strongly marked subspecies scotica Cockayne predominates. The very localised sub- species clarensis Huggins is restricted to County Clare in Ireland.
It is uncertain which subspecies are present in northern England as, SO far as I am aware, no quantitative studies have been made on the English/Scottish borders. The Rothamsted Insect Survey light trap at Embleton (Site No. 464, O. S. Grid Ref. NV 232 227) in Cumbria gives an opportunity to rectify this and the results for 1987 are tabulated below.
Total Percentage E. vulgata 26 indeterminate 6 a3 ssp. vulgata g) 35 ssp. scotica leh 42
There do not appear to be intermediate forms between scotica and vulgata at this site. All individuals in good condition were easily attributable to one subspecies or the other. Further investigations are required to determine which subspecies are present in more of these border regions but the present results suggest that clining does not occur in £. vulgata and that both subspecies scotica and vulgata are found together in the same areas. Without allopatric separation, questions may be raised about the subspecific status of scotica. Further observations from Rothamsted Insect Survey traps will be published as they become available.
Thanks are extended to Mrs. Betty Dodd for operating the trap at Embleton. ADRIAN M. RILEY, Entomology and Nematology Department, Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Herts., Ales 25,0)
ABERRATIONS OF MANIOLA JURTINA 105
EXTREME UNNAMED ABERRATIONS OF MANIOLA JURTINA L. (LEP.: SATYRIDAE)
By R. D. G. BARRINGTON B.Sc*
Variation is very extensive in Maniola jurtina: ground colour forms range from white to black, forwing fulvous varies from white to deep red or brown and spotting from total absence to marked enlargement and increase in number. Gynandromorphs and ho- moeosis are very uncommon. Many forms have been named, al- though in a number of cases these names are unhelpful in advancing our understanding of the genetics of variation. The reason for this is that many aberrations, often individually named, can be fitted into a series of transitional forms, and thus may not be genetically “distinct” from the “‘major” aberrations at either end of the series. Conversely, distinctive ‘‘major” aberrations may have rare extreme forms at either end of the graded series which may appear to be separate forms but are likely to be genetically linked. This paper discusses three such aberrations.
There have been two major reviews covering aberrations of jurtina — by Leeds (1948), and more recently by Goodson. Leeds organised the aberrations into a logical sequence of graded forms, occasionally ignoring the laws of priority by renaming forms to fit in with his ordered series. Despite this invalidity, or perhaps because of it, the end product is straightforward and easy to use. Goodson’s review was part of a larger exercise to catalogue and describe every named variety of British butterfly. The jurtina section is more com- prehensive than that of Leeds, and original names are restored. Since the compilation only one further major aberration has been described: ab. postmultifidus Lipscomb. (Lipscomb, 1980).
ab. postmultifidus Lipscomb
Figure 1 represents a typical female postmultifidus. Figure 2 is a more extreme, and much rarer, example. Figure 3 and 4 appear, at first sight, to be quite distinct aberrations. Closer examination sug- gests that they may be part of a graded series which contains post- multifidus. For example, the fulvous colouration on the upperside of the forewing is markedly reduced; in the hindwing the median band of the underside is narrowed (both characteristics of post- multifidus) and, although very indistinct, there are the bands of darker scaling along the veins across the lower half of the median band. Postmultifidus specimens can be strongly marked (as in figs. 1 and 2), or weakly marked (as in figs. 3 and 4). My own breeding
* The Old College Arms, Stour Row, Shaftsbury, Dorset.
106 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
ABERRATIONS OF MANIOLA JURTINA 107
experiments suggest that this aberration is inherited on a multi- factorial basis, and in consequence is variable in its expression.
ab. excessa Leeds
Figure 5 shows a typical, although unusually well developed, female ab. excessa. Figure 6 shows development of the hindwing character (ab. postexcessa Leeds), this being the only known speci- men with two spots on the upperside of each hindwing. Figure 8 is a remarkable aberration, an extreme form of excessa, probably unique. The spots are slightly streaked outwards, a characteristic that sometimes accompanies spot enlargement both in jurtina and other satyrids such as Aphantopus hyperantus L., Lasiommata megera L., Erebia aethiops L. and Coenonympha tullia L.
Figure 7 represents another probably unique specimen. The outer end of the black hindwing rays are the position for a normal row of submedian spots, such as occur on the underside of some specimens, especially marked in postexcessa. The inward raying is a most unusual character, unknown hitherto from either jurtina or other satyrids. In Pyronia tithonus L., the British satyrid most
Key
Fig. 1 ab. postmultifidus. Stour Row, Dorest. July 1981 (R. Barrington).
Fig. 2 ab. postmultifidus. Guildford, Surrey. August 1946. (J. C. B. Craske in BM(NH)).
Fig. 3. extreme ab. postmultifidus. Newlands Corner, Surrey. July 1960. (R. E. Stockley in BM(NH)).
Fig. 4. extreme ab. postmultifidus. ‘“‘Ridgeway”. June 1934. (J. How in BM (NH)).
Fig. 5. ab. excessa. Stour Row, Dorset. June 1985. (R. Barrington).
Fig. 6. ab. postexcessa. Bere, Hants. July 1968. (R. M. Craske).
Fig. 7. unnamed. Ringmer, East Sussex. July 1985. (R. Dennis).
Fig. 8. extreme ab. excessa. Whiteparish, Wilts. July 1973. (R. C. Revels). (x 1.4).
108 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
closely allied to jurtina, extreme hindwing spotting forms are more frequent, but none show inward raying — the typical pattern being an oval shape accompanied by outward raying.
Within its normal range of expression, ab. excessa is most variable. Lipscombe (1971) reported breeding ab.excessa as a simple recessive; however as this breeding experiment was concerned with the melanic ab. atrescens Leeds which he clearly showed to be a lethal form, the results for the excessa form may have been biased by the lethal gene. My own breeding experiments suggest that excessa is a variable, multifactorial form, and it seems likely that figure 8 is simply at the most extreme end of the range of excessa forms, but figure 7, with its unique inward black raying may be a quite separate and new form, although one is wary of giving it a new name to add to the already long list of named jurtina aberrations.
Acknowledgements
I am most grateful to Rod Dennis and Richard Revels for taking the trouble to photograph their fine insects; to Robert Craske for permission to photograph the two aberrations from his collection now in the British Museum (Natural History), and to David Carter for facilitating my access to the National Collection.
References
Goodson, A. L. & Read, D. K. (unpublished) Aberrational and subspecific forms of British Lepidoptera. British Museum (Natural History) — for internal use only.
Howarth, T. G. 1973. Colour identification guide to butterflies of the British Isles. Warne, London.
Leeds, H. A. 1948-49. British aberrations of the Gatekeeper butter- fly (Maniola tithonus L.), Meadow Brown Butterfly (Maniola jurtina L.) and the Small Heath Butterfly (Coenonympha pamphilus L.) Proc. Trans.S.Lond.ent.nat.Hist.Soc. 80-122.
Lipscomb, C. G. L. 1971.. Maniola jurtina Linn.: a breeding experi- ment. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 83: 333.
Lipscomb, C. G. L. 1980. A new form of Maniola jurtina L. Entomo- logisistRec, IVa 92-205:
Russwurm, A. D. A. 1978. Aberrations of British Butterflies. Classey.
COMMUNICATION IN ANTS 109
COMMUNICATION IN ANTS (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)
By STEPHEN F. HENNING*
While watching a colony of ants busily going about their affairs, whether it be in the hot bushveld of the Transvaal or around the kitchen sink of your own home, have you ever wondered how they communicate? In such a large social organisation there must be some method of informing each other when they have found food and where to find it, or warning each other when danger threatens. Do they talk, use sign language, or what? In fact they use smells or odours to communicate. The volatile chemicals produced by ants are known as pheromones. A pheromone can be defined as a sub- stance secreted from a gland and released by an animal for detection and response by others of the same species.
It has been found only in recent years that in the social biology of ants much of their behaviour is released and controlled by phero- mones. It is now well known that workers of many species possess trail and alarm pheromones. It has also been established that phero- mones are associated with recognition and brood-tending. If foraging ant workers find food that is too large to be carried back to the nest without help, they will first feed, and then immediately return to the nest, depositing a chemical substance along the way on the ground. These chemicals are, appropriately, called trail pheromones.
The glandular origin of ant trail pheromones varies considerably from subfamily to subfamily. In the Formicinae the trail phero- mones are produced by the hind gut. Holldobler and Wilson (1977) found in Oecophylla longinoda that odour trails are laid from the rectal gland, a previously unrecognized musculated organ located in the rear of the rectal sac. Trail-laying is achieved by eversion of the rectal gland. In order to lay a trail the ant lowers her abdomen, rotates the terminal segment downward, and extrudes the rectal gland. The gland is then dragged lightly over the substratum, ap- parently resting on a “‘sled” composed of two pairs of long bristles that lead back from the upper edge of the acidopore.
Most workers encountering a freshly laid trail respond at once by following it outward from the nest. The workers do not follow a liquid odour trace on the ground. Instead, they move through the vapour created by diffusion of the pheromone into the air. Accor- ding to Wilson (1971), there is a space, which theoretical calcula- tions show to be semi-ellipsoidal in shape, within which the phero- mone is detected by the ants. As recruited workers travel through this “vapour tunnel” they sweep their antennae from side to side, evidently testing the air for odorant molecules. In fact, Wilson *] Harry Lawrence Street, Florida Park, Florida 1710, South Africa.
110 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
(1971) points out that they are able not only to detect these mole- cules in the gaseous state, but also move up gradients of molecular concentratration, a process of orientation referred to as osmotro- potaxis.
Close observation of ants on a pheromone trail will reveal that certain individuals trail or dab the tips of their abdomens on the substrate, whether it be the ground, a wall or branch of a tree. All the ants can be seen hurrying along the trail, their antennae bent forward, following the pheromone odour; ants that have filled them- selves at the food site strengthen the trail when they return to the nest. Provided that there is food in plenty, a large number of wor- kers are recruited to the site and a broad trail is established. How- ever, as the food supply is depleted, fewer ants pass along the trail and, as a result, the odour diminishes and fewer and fewer ants visit the site until eventually the food is finished (Skaife, 1979).
The trail pheromones of the Myrmicinae have different glandu- lar sources. In the genus Crematogaster the tarsal glands are the source of the trail substance, while in Pheidole and Solenopsis it is the Dufour’s gland. In the genera Monomorium, Huberia and Tetramorium the glandular source is the poison gland. Wilson (1971) discussed trail-laying in the Fire Ant Solenopsis saevissima. He observed that when a worker ant returned to the nest after discovering a food source, it walked at a slower, more deliberate pace with its entire body held closer to the ground. At frequent intervals the sting is extruded, and its tip drawn lightly over the ground surface. As the sting touches the surface, a pheromone flows down from the Dufour’s gland and forms the odour trail.
The secretions of the majority of the exocrine glands of ants are associated with defensive or aggressive behaviour. If an ant is attacked or harassed while along a trail, foraging for food, or merely within the confines of the nest, it will release the contents of its glands and any ants in the vicinity detecting the odour will im- mediately become alarmed. An alarm reaction can take a number of different forms: often a very high concentration of the phero- mone makes the ant flee from the source, a lower concentration, however, will attract ants, arousing aggression and attracting assis- tance.
An alarm pheromone acts as an attractant in its lowest concen- tration, and the first response shown by other ants is an orientation towards the source. But immediately thereafter they show alarm and typically open their jaws in an aggressive fashion. Oecophylla workers raise their abdomens and continue their approach with a somewhat stiff-legged gait, alert and attentive to every movement. Crematogaster also raise the abdomen, but behave quite differently: instead of a cautious approach they become frenzied, rushing about in search of the disturbance. Odontomachus workers, which hold their jaws wide open when alarmed, readily snap them closed with
COMMUNICATION IN ANTS 111 an audible click, the force capable of severing the limbs of other insects. A different attitude is adopted by the workers of Poly- rhachis, which lower the abdomen between the legs. These, and other formicine species, spray mixtures of formic acid and phero- mone from the tip of abdomen, and these mixtures have a dual purpose, serving both as defensive substances and as alarm phero- mones (Skaife, 1979).
Blum (1974) noted that alarm pheromones possess several functions clearly separate from that of merely causing alarm in workers. The other most important function is that it serves as an attractant. It has been found that high concentrations of the alarm pheromone of the myrmicine Pogonomyrmex badius released strong alarm behaviour, whereas low concentrations acted as excellent attractants. It has also been demonstrated that alarm pheromones were utilized by three species of ants as recruitment stimuli when used in conjunction with trail pheromones. For example, workers of the formicine Camponotus socius Roger fortify their recruitment trails with an alarm pheromone, formic acid, which is highly effec- tive in attracting excited recruits. Blum (1974) believes that because of their capacity to function as low-level attractants, alarm phero- mones have probably been frequently utilized to increase the stimu- lating efficiency of a recruitment signal.
Another aspect of chemical communication is the manner in which the chemical signals themselves alter in space and time. Bradshaw ef. al. (1979) point out that fundamental to this is the concept of the ‘‘active space’, as the zone around the point of emission within which the concentration of the chemical stimulus is at or above that required for behavioural response. They point out that in a social context, the relationship between the active spaces of a number of chemical releasers will largely determine the be- haviour patterns of responding ants.
Bradshaw ef. al. (1979) found that the mandibular gland se- cretions of the major workers of the formicine ant Oecophvlla longinoda released in other major workers a complex pattern of behaviour, including components of alerting, attraction and biting. In a behavioural study they found that all ants within a range of 5-19cm were alerted within 30 seconds of the presentation of the secretion, their rate of locomation increased, they made short, fast runs with frequent changes of direction, with their mandibles held open and their antennae raised. Within approximately a 5cm range most ants were attracted directly towards the source of the chemi- cals which were initially repellent at a range of less than lcm; the ants often circled with mandibles spread and gaster raised from the horizontal. Several ants within 2cm halted, and those near the source of the secretion bit it with their mandibles (Bradshaw et al., 1979). They found that the main constituents of the secretion were hexanal and 1-hexanol, which release alerting and attraction respectively.
112 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988 Of the thirty or so trace components, they found at least two, 2-butyl-2-octenal and 3-undecanone, act as markers for attack. They point out that the behaviour of ants responding to the mandi- bular gland secretion in still air can be expained in terms of the be- havioural components released by the four principal chemicals. ‘“‘Hexanal has the most rapidly expanding active space, within which workers are alerted. The active space of 1-hexanol initially expands at about half the rate of the hexanal, and within this the workers are attracted towards the point of deposition of the secretion. The biting markers, 3-undecanone and 2-butyl-2-octenal, are active only in the immediate vicinity of their source” (Bradshaw et al., IGT).
The alarm pheromones of ants have different glandular origins. In species of the subfamilies Formicinae and Myrmicinae it has been established that the mandibular glands in the head and the poison and Dufour’s glands in the abdominal tip play an important role in attraction and alarm. Cammaerts-Tricot (1974) found that workers of Myrmica rubra deposited an attractive secretion from the Dufour’s gland when walking around an ant of another species. If the intruder was not killed, the M. rubra worker laid a trail of the poison gland secretion from the intruder to the nest, and then re- turned to the intruder, laying a trail of the Dufour’s gland secretion from the nest. The deposit of Dufour’s gland secretion consisted of discrete droplets, applied by intermittent contact of the gaster with the ground, whereas poison gland trails were continuous. The Dufour’s gland droplets attracted many fellow workers to the site of the intruder.
Glancey et al. (1070) demonstrated in the Fire Ant Solenopsis invicta Buren (misidentified as S. saevissima (F. Smith) ) that the action of the worker ants in locating, transporting and caring for the brood is induced by a pheromone (or pheromones). They did this by extracting the brood of the ant in cold hexane. The clear extract was then poured over corn cob grits (inert material) which were mixed till the hexane evaporated. The treated and untreated (con- trols) grits were placed on the foraging platform that served the colony. The ants began immediately to pick up the treated grits and carry them to the nest and, after about an hour, they had removed all the treated grits, but left the untreated. They observed that the ants groomed the treated grits in the nest, rubbed them with their antennae and palpi, and generally appeared to care for them as they did their brood. They also found that the worker ants harvested grits treated with extracts of larvae, but they did not harvest any grits treated with extracts of pupae. Neither the glandular source nor the chemical composition of these pheromones were demon-
strated. Walsh and Tschinkel (1974) demonstrated in Solenopsis invicta
the presence of a non-volatile brood pheromone that was distributed
COMMUNICATION IN ANTS i
evenly over the pre-adult cuticle and whose potency was abruptly reduced with the shedding of the pupal skin at eclosion. They found that the signal was completely lost within 72 hours after death.
The evidence given by Walsh and Tschinkel for the existence of a brood pheromone was.the retrieval of skins and larval contents on blotting paper by the worker ants, the persistence of the signal for long periods after death, despite disfigurement of the larval cuticle, and the ability of organic solvents to destroy the signal without visibly altering the cuticle. The reasons given by Walsh and Tshinkel for believing that the brood pheromone is non-volatile and transmits by contact were that the worker ants showed no signs of orientation prior to contacting live brood. Also in an experiment with an olfactometer they obtained only random responses from worker ants, thus demonstrating the pheromone’s low volatility. They demonstrated that the cuticle must be contacted to be re- cognized, by the failure of worker ants to retrieve skins wrapped in extremely thin, porous laboratory tissue.
Brain (1975) conducted a series of experiments on the brood of ants belonging to the genus Myrmica. He found the workers were unable to distinguish larvae from pharate pupae, and that both aroused more worker response than either pupae or flaccid or shaved larvae. He found that larval skins elicited a normal response, and by masking portions with varnish showed that the surface signal was widely dispersed. He found that this larval recognition signal was species-specific, at least between Myrmica rubra and M. scra- binodes. Brian (1975) compared his results on Myrmica with those given by Glancey ef al. (1970) and Walsh and Tschinkel (1974) on Solenopsis. He found the points of agreement between Myrmica and Solenopsis in respect of brood recognition appeared to be: pupae differed from larvae, chemical cues exist, the material is soluble in :ether, is widely dispersed over the cuticle, and is of low volatility. The points of disagreement were: the substance is soluble in hexane and methanol in Solenopsis but not in Myrmica, accessory tactile cues are not important in Solenopsis, but are undoubtedly important in Myrmica. Also, whereas in Myrmica pharate pupae are picked up in preference to pupae, in Solenopsis it appeared to be the other way round.
Ants have also developed glands for use in other spheres of communication. They are able to distinguish one another from members of other colonies in that they bear a unique and complex odour; this ‘“‘colony odour” is thought to be a mixture of chemicals derived from the nest material, objects in the immediate vicinity of the nest, and especially from the food that members of the colony consume. The indentity of workers is also maintained by trophallaxis — the exchange of liquids both from mouth and anus by processes of regurgitation and defecation. This lively exchange of food from what has been termed the ‘‘social stomach’’, is encou-
114 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
raged by workers, who both beg food and offer theirs to others. However, while in the myrmecioid subfamilies workers frequently engage in the exchange of reguritated food, in the poneroid sub- families exchange is either poor or totally absent. It is apparent, therefore, that other mechanisms ensure a uniform odour within a colony, and that these may involve not only odours of the nest and its surroundings, but also the composition of the pheromones in each colony (Skaife, 1979).
References
Blum, M. S. 1974. Pheromonal sociality in Hymenoptera, in Birch, M.C., Pheromones. North-Holland Publishing Company, Am- sterdam, pp. 222-249.
Bradshaw, J. W. S., Baker, R. and Howse, P. E. 1979. Multicompo- nent alarm pheromones in the mandibular glands of major workers of the African weaver ant, Oecophylla longinoda. Physiol. Ent. 4: 15-25.
Brain, M. V. 1975. Larval recongition by workers of the ant Myri- mica. Anim, Beha. 23: 745-756.
Cammaerts-Tricot, M. C. 1974. Piste et pheromone attractive chez la foutmi Myrmica rubra. J. Comp. Physiol. 88: 373-382.
Glancey, B: M., Stringer, C. E., Craig, C. Hi, Bishop,.P. M. and Martin, B. B. 1970. Pheromones may induce brood tending in the Fire Ant, Solenopsis saevissima. Nature 226: 863-864.
Holidobler, B. and Wilson, E. O. 1977. Weaver Ants: Social Estab- lishment and Maintenance of Territory. Science 195: 900-902.
Skaife, S. H. 1979. African Insect Life, revised by J. Ledger. C. Struik Publishers, Cape Town/Johannesburg.
Walsh, J. P. and Tschinkel, W. R. 1974. brood recognition by con- tact pheromone in the imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. Amin. Behav, 22: 695-704.
Wilson, E.O. 1971. The Insect Societies. The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massechusetts.
BUTTERFLIES FROM MADEIRA 115
ON BUTTERFLIES FROM MADEIRA, WITH A CHECK LIST
By OLE KARSHOLT*
A recent paper by Owen, Shreeve and Smith (1987) states that only 14 species of butterflies are found in the Island of Madeira (even though they list 15 species in their paper!). In another recent paper, Jones ef. al., (1987) list 16 species of butterflies from Madeira, basing their list on Higgins & Riley (1983). The discrepancy between these publications relate to species which will be discussed below.
The rich collection of Lepidoptera from Madeira kept in the Zoological Museum of the University of Copenhagen (ZMUC) contains a single specimen of Hipparchia statilinus (Hufnagel). The specimen is labelled: Madeira, Nogueira, Camara de Cargo, 1000m, 23 viii. 1974, E. Traugott-Olsen leg. This specimen has been examined by L. G. Higgins, who stated it to be of the form allionia (Fabricius), and statilinus was consequently recorded from Madeira by Higgins & Riley (1983). In spite of much collecting of butterflies in Madeira, this species has apparently only been collected on this single occasion, and should thus be considered a vagrant, possibly from the Iberian Peninsula, where the form allionia occurs (Higgins & Riley, 1983).
Among the 15 butterfly species of Madeira dealt with in the paper of Owen et al. (1987), the record of Colias hyale (Linnaeus) seems doubtful. The species was mentioned from Madeira by Cockerell (1923), who writes: “Burr mentions that he saw in the col- lection of the Seminario at Funchal, presumably collected in Ma- deira, Colias hyale L.,...’. I have not been able to trace whether Burr published on this matter himself. The words “‘presumably collected in Madeira’’ suggest that the specimen(s) in question was not labelled. If it actually was collected in Madeira it may well have been a specimen of C. croceus (Fourcroy) f. helice (Hubner). It is strange that hyale is not mentioned at all in the detailed card index of Lepidoptera of Madeira compiled by the late N. L. Wolff and now in ZMUC. Wolff knew of Cockerell’s paper, but apparently he con- sidered the record too doubtful to be included in the list of Lepi- doptera of Madeira.
Wolff’s card index includes another butterfly species not listed by Owen et al. (1987), viz. Cynthia virginiensis (Drury). Its occur- rence in Madeira has been recorded by e.g., Rebel (1917), Higgins & Riley (1973), and Oehmig (1977), but these records apparently are based on that of Godman (1870). Godman briefly mentions virginiensis (under the name of Vanessa hunteri) from Madeira, but
*Zoologisk Museum, Universitetsparken 15, DK 2100 Kobenhavn g, Danmark.
116 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
ZZ
Fig. 1. Hipparchia statilinus (Hfn.) Madeira, Nogueira, Camara de Cargo, 1000m, 23.viii.1974, E. Traugott-Olsen leg., coll. ZMUC. (x1).
Fig. 2. Underside.
not from the Canary Islands where it occurs regularly, and apparen- tly he mixed up the islands from where this species is recorded. No further records of virginiensis are known to me, and in a new edition of their book Higgins & Riley (1983) have omitted the record from Madeira. The butterfly fauna of Madeira thus includes the following 16 species (including 4 endemic subspecies):
Pieris brassicae (Linnaeus, 1758) ssp. wollastoni Butler, 1886; Pieris rapae (Linnaeus, 1758); Colias croceus (Fourcroy, 1785); Gonepteryx cleopatra (Linnaeus, 1767) ssp. maderensis Felder, 1862; Danaus plexippus (Linnaeus, 1758); Vanessa atalanta (Lin- naeus, 1758); Vanessa indica (Herbst, 1794); Cynthia cardui (Lin- naeus, 1758); Issoria lathonia (Linnaeus, 1758); Hypolimnas misip- pus (Linnaeus, 1764); Hipparchia aristaeus (Bonelli, 1826) ssp. maderensis (Baker, 1891); Hipparchia statilinus (Hufnagel, 1766); Pararge aegeria (Linnaeus, 1758); Pararge xiphia (Fabricius, 1775); Lycaena phlaeas (Linnaeus, 1761) ssp. phlaeoides (Staudinger, 1901); Lampides boeticus (Linnaeus, 1767).
Acknowledgements
I wish to take the opportunity to thank Mr. Ernst Traugott-Olsen, Marbella, Spain for donating the specimen of H. statilinus, together with other Lepidoptera from Madeira collected by him to the col- lection of ZMUC. Mr. Gert Brovad, ZMUC, has kindly taken the photographs.
BUTTERFLIES FROM MADEIRA he? References
Cockerell, T. D. A. 1923. The Lepidoptera of the Madeira Islands. Entomologist 56: 243-247.
Godman, F. D. 1870. Natural history of Azores, or Western Islands. v.t 358pp, 2 maps. London.
Higgins, L. G. & Riley, N. D. 1973. A Field Guide to the Butterflies of Britain and Europe. 2.ed. 381pp, 60pls. London.
Higgins, L. G. & Riley, N. D. 1983. A Field Guide to the Butter- flies of Britain and Europe. 5. ed. 384pp (incl. 63 pls.). London.
Jones, M. J., Lace, L. A., Hounsome, M. V. and Hamer, K. 1987: The butterflies and birds of Madeira and La Gomera: taxon cycles and human influence. Biol. J. Linn. Soc. 31: 95-111.
Oehmig, S. 1977. Die Tagfalter Madeiras. Ent. Z., Frankf. a. M. 87: 169-176, 189-199.
Owen, D. F., Shreeve, T. G. and Smith, A. G. 1987. Butterflies on Madeira in April 1985. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 99: 29-32.
Rebel, H. 1917. Siebenter Beitrag zur Lepidopterenfauna der Kana- ren. Annin naturh. Mus. Wien. 31: 1-62.
OMALIUM ALLARDI FAIRM. & BRIS. (COL.: STAPHYLI- NIDAE) IN SPEYSIDE. — Lately when examining my few expo- nents of Omalium septentrionis Thoms. (ex P. Harwood) it became evident that one of them was quite different from the rest, and was in fact O. allardi; it bears the data ‘Kincraig 5.v.52’. The only Scot- tish records I have for this rare and little-recorded species are ‘Sol- way, Tweed and Clyde districts’ (Fowler, 1888, Col. Brit. Isl. 2: 414) and ‘N. Uist, Outer Hebrides, in rock-dove’s nest (Joy) (Fowler & Donisthorpe, 1913, ibid. 6: 243). The sculpture of the head and elytra and form of the temples are quite characteristic in allardi, whilst the pale humeral region is usually a reliable pointer to it. The beetle is clearly associated with bird dung, and also with old bones; the former habit recalls that of Phyllodrepa puberula Bernh. and Aleochara villosa Mann. The record of O. allardi from Cheshunt, Herts. (1979, Ent.mon.Mag. 115: 154), where the date of capture was wrongly given by me as Ist June — it should have been Ist April ——, remains my sole find of the species. — A. ALLEN, 49 Montcalm Road, London SE7.
ZYRAS HAWORTHI STEPH. (COL.: STAPHYLINIDAE), A CORRECTION — In my note on this species (Ent. Rec. 100:47), the locality of the capture was incorrectly given as Brackett’s Copse, Harwood. The locality should read Brackett’s Coppice, Halstock, Dorset. P. D. ORTON.
118 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
MICROLEPIDOPTERA — A REVIEW OF THE YEAR 1986
Compiled by DAVID J. L. AGASSIZ*
1986 was a poor year rather like 1985. The spring was cool and wet, the summer was mediocre but there was a pleasant autumn allowing a few species to catch up, but it was too late to do much good for the season. The number of new species added during the year is less than in some recent years and many recorders have found it hard to think of records of interest to submit— but there are always some exceptions. ;
The species discovered new to Britain were Pammene ignorata Kuznetsov which E. C. Pelham-Clinton took in his Devonshire gar- den; it is a species not unlike some other Pammene species and when worn is not at all obvious, it may be resident but overlooked hitherto. The discovery of Scrobipalpa stangei Hering was revealed at the Annual Exhibition of the British Entomological & Natural History Society, although specimens had been identified in the British Museum (Natual History) the previous year. It was taken in the Isle of Wight in the last century and two attempts to rediscover the moth there had yielded no sign of it. Lastly a specimen of a Homosetia species was taken by the compiler of this review, it had to be flown to Washington D.C. for identification but even then the specific name was not revealed. It agrees with female specimens of a species known at low density in North America, but whether or not it is a named species remains to be seen. The species was pro- bably imported but could have become locally established.
As interesting as newly discovered species are long lost ones which were given up for extinct. Such an example is Acrolepiopsis marcidella (Curt.) which had not been seen since the last century when no more than six specimens were recorded, a specimen found in Hampshire by Dr. John Langmaid raises questions about this insect which many had assumed to be a migrant and about which very little is known. We now know more about its congeners so surely a fascinating dicovery awaits us.
Almost as remarkable is the rediscovery of Aplota palpella (Haw.) whose retiring habits on the trunks of old trees have been revealed by P. H. Sterling, as a result it may be found to be more widespread.
Another very rare species in Britain is Oxyptilus laetus (Zell.); a specimen thought to be of this species was recorded in Cornwall, it is best known from Spain and must be considered most likely a migrant. Parornix carpinella (Frey) was added to our list a year ago and with his usual thoroughness A. M. Emmet has found more
*The Rectory, 10 High View Avenue, Grays, Essex RM17 6RU.
MICROLEPIDOPTERA REVIEW FOR 1986 re
specimens and worked out the details of the life history. Cydia corollana (Hibn.) is another insect worthy of mention for there have been only very few records prior to that of P. Jewess in the ensuing list.
Several other species recorded are worthy of mention, but comments on these are interspersed with the systematic list which has been edited slightly more rigorously than in former years.
In the review for 1985 I drew attention to the researches of the French entomologist Christian Gibeaux into the genus Srenoptilia. These have continued and according to his latest paper we have five resident species of the S. bipunctidactyla group. These may be briefly summarised as follows:
S. bipunctidactyla (Scop.) whose larva feeds on Knautia; S. picardi Gibeaux whose larva feeds on Succisa; S. scabiodactyla (Gregson) whose larva feeds on Scabiosa; S. islandica (Staudinger),-the Scottish mountain species and S. arida (Zeller) = gallobritannidactyla Gibeaux.
I neglected to refer to published lists a year ago and so this summary of significant publications covers two years. British Pyralid Moths by Barry Goater is an important contribution since Beirne’s book is both out-of-date and out of print. Its Danish counterpart Nordeuropas Pyralider by Eivind Palm appeared at almost the same time, but because of the language will appeal less to British students. The same problem does not affect the Catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Denmark by Karsten Schnack since it is produced in both Danish and English and is an important contribution to the classification of the micros. Many of the changes are included in An indexed list of British Butterflies and Moths by Bradley and Fletcher which needs to be read in conjunction with the list of amendments pub- lished by Emmet in Ent. Gaz. 38: 31-52.
Lists of microlepidoptera from Somerset appeared in Ent. Rec. 97: 171ff (A. M. Emmet) and Ent. Rec. 98: 193 (R. J. Heckford). Further Aberdeenshire & Kincardineshire records appeared in Ent. Rec. 99: 111 (Palmer & Young); a list from Tiree in Ent. Gaz. 37: 204f (Harper & Young). Pyralid and Plume moths from north Wales appeared in Ent. Rec. 98: 237 (H. N. Michaelis). Immigrant records were included in Ent. Rec. 97: 183 & 227 and 99: 192ff.
Acknowledgements
My thanks as always are due to contributors who are identified by their initials: B. R. Baker, H. E. Beaumont, K. P. Bland, K. G. M. Bond, J. M. Chalmers-Hunt, M. F. V. Corley, A. M. Emmet, R. J. Heckford, J. R. Langmaid, S. M. Palmer, M. Parsons, E. C. Pelham-Clinton, C. W. Plant, J. Robbins, A. N. B. Simpson, F. H. N. Smith, D. H. Sterling, M. J. Sterling, P. H. Sterling. M. R. Young.
120 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
A fuller systematic list containing most records submitted is available from the compiler.
Systematic list
ERIOCRANIIDAE
Eriocrania chrysolepidella (Zell.) — Near Brinklow (38) mines on Corylus, v.85 — IR
FE. unimaculella (Zett.) — Fern Hill, Dublin (H21) 26.vi.86 — KGMB
FE. haworthi Brad|. — Curraghbinny, (H4) 20.iv.86 — KGMB
E. sangii (Wood) — Ballyduff (H6) larva 23.v.86 — KGMB
NEPTICULIDAE
Bohemannia auriciliella (Joann.) (= bradfordi Emmet) — Southamp- ton (11) 11.vii.37, a second British specimen — Ent. Gaz. 37: 207; possibly feeding on birch — Ent. Gaz. 38: 116
Etainia sphendamni (Her.) — Highgate Wood (21) ’86 — M. J. Hammerson per CWP
E. argyropeza (Zell.) — Dinis (H2) bred from leaf litter of Populus tremula 15-17.v.86 — KGMB
Ectoedemia angulifasciella (Stt.) — Ross Island (H2) mines on Rosa spp. 16.x.86 — KGMB
E. pulverosella (Stt.) — Gortmore (H10) mines on Malus sylvestris 19.ix.86 — KGMB
Trifurcula griseella Wolff — Llandudno (49) 18.vi.86 — JRL
T. cryptella (Stt.) — Nether Whitacre (38) mines on Lotus uliginosus 2.viii.86 —JR
Stigmella speciosa (Frey) — Warwicks (38) ’82 — ’86 —JR
S. assimilella (Zell.) — Havant Thicket (11) vacated. mines 26.x.86 — JRL
S. paradoxa (Frey) — Wychwood Forest (23) vacated mine on Crataegus vii.86 — PHS
S. atricapitella (Haw.) — Wickham (11) mines on Castanea sativa 26 .vii.86, moth bred — JRL
S. catharticella (Stt.) — Gortmore, N. Tipperary (H10) vacated mines on Rhamnus 19.ix.86, Clorhane (H18) vacated mines on Rham- nus 19.ix.86 — KGMB
S. confusella (Wood) — Whixall Moss (40) mines 31.vii.86 — JRL
OPOSTEGIDAE Opostega crepusculella Zell. — Packington (38) 2.vii.85 —JR
INCURVARIIDAE
Lampronia luzella (Hb.) — Moor Copse N.R. (22) 21.vi.86 — BRB
Nematopogon metaxella (Hb.) — Fota (H5) eight 12-28.vi.86 — KGMB
MICROLEPIDOPTERA REVIEW FOR 1986 121
Adela croesella (Scop.) — Colchester (19) vi.86 — B. Goodey per AME, Bartlow Hills (19) K. Barton per AME; Westmoor (5) 24.vi.86 — MP; Stockton Down (8) & Baverstock (8) 14.vi.86 — SMP
~ HELIOZELIDAE
Heliozela hammoniella Sorh. — Whixall Moss (40) mines 31.vii.86 — JRL
Antispila petryi (Martini) — Stockton (38) mines on Swida ’85 — JR
PSYCHIDAE
Dahlica triquetrella (Hb.) — Grays Chalk Quarry (18) two cases 10.v.86 — CWP
D. inconspicuella (Stt.) — Tilgate (14) bred iv.86 — JMC-H
Luffia ferchaultella (Steph.) — Whixall Moss (4) one case 31.vii.86 — JRL
TINEIDAE
Psychoides verhuella Brauand — Dinton (8) reared from case of Phylitis scolopendrium, em.vi.86 — SMP.
Homosetia sp. — Grays (18) in church 30.ix.86 — DJLA New to Britain
Haplotinea insectella (Fabr.) — near Tregwes, Ceredigion, Dyfed (46) 13 vii.86 — ANBS
Nemapogon ruricolella (Staint.) — Monk Wood (37) ’85 — ANBS
Triaxomasia caprimulgella (Stt.) — Charlton (17) ’°77 — °83 — A.A. Allen, Ent. Rec. 98: 253
Tinea pallescentella (Stt.) — Woody Bay (4) 10.vi.86 — JRL; Wor- cester city (37) — ANBS
T. trinotella Thunb. — near Pantershridge (2) 15.vi.86 — FHNS
Oinophila v-flava (Haw.) — St. Mary’s, Isles of Scilly (1) larvae under bark of Pittosporum crassifolium 24 & 25.86, em, 16.vi.- 3.vii.86 — RJH
LYONETIIDAE Lyontetia clerkella (Linn:) — Life history details, Ent. Gaz. 38: 2g
BUCCULATRICIDAE
Bucculatrix cidarella Zell. — Browndown (11) larvae on Myrica 24 .vili.86 — JRL
B. thoracella (Thunb.) — Southsea (11) 13.viii.86; Churchill (6) larval feeding 27.ix.86 — JRL etc.; East Ham (18) several bred from Blue tits’ next-box ’86 — CWP, Dulwich Upper Wood (17) vii.86 — CWP
122 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
GRACILLARIIDAE
Caloptilia cuculipennella (Hb.) — Lansallos (2) cones 16.viii.86; Polruan (2) cones 21.ix.86; Prussia Cove cones 31.viii.86 — FHNS
C. robustella Jackh — Glen Moriston, Inverness-shire (96) bred from leaf litter, em. 29.v.86 —MRY
Parornix carpinella (Frey) — Hamstreet (15) 1. + mines 2.x.86 — JRL & ECP-C; Chalkney Wood, Donyland Wood (19) larvae x.86 — AME; Early stages described — AME, Ent. Rec. 99: 1S ii
Phyllonorycter dubitella (H.-S.) — Faringdon (22) 1. on Salix, em. 6.v.86 — MFVC
P. anderidae (Flet.) — High Beach, Epping Forest (18) 14.vi.86 — CWP per AME
P. schreberella (Fabr.) — Worsbrough Country Park (63) mines x.85, em. iv.86 — HEB
CHOREUTIDAE
Choreutis myllerana (Fabr.) — Lizard (1) 25.vi.86 — FHNS; Leck- ford (12) 16.viii.86 — DHS
C. pariana (C1.) — Newtown Common (12) larvae 24.viii.86 — PHS
YPONOMEUTIDAE
Argyresthia dilectella Zell. — Partry (H26) 3.viii.86 New to Ireland — ECP-C & JRL
A. ivella (Haw.) — Semley Hill (8) 5.viii.86 — SMP; Coventry (38) 17.v.86 —JR
A. glaucinella Zell. — Killiecrankie RSPB reserve (88) larvae 28.vi.86 — MRY; Semley Hill (8) 5 .viii.86 — SMP
Yponomeuta evonymellus (Linn.) — Ent. Gaz. 37: 209
Y. sedella (Treits.) (= vigintipunctata (Retz.) ) — Lewes (14) 10.viii.86 one at light — AME; = Axminster (3) 10.viii.86 — ECP-C
Kessleria saxifragae (Stt.) — Schiehallion (88) larvae on Saxifraga aizoides on limestone pavement on lower slopes 28.vi.86 — MRY :
Zelleria hepariella Stt. — Tile Hill (38) reared from larva 6.vii.86 — JR; Kent (15/16) J. Badmin & JMC-H. Ent. Rec, 99: 130
Swammerdamia compunctella H.-S. — Notes about records and larva on Crataegus — DJLA, Ent. Rec. 99: 203f
Paraswammerdamia albicapitella (Scharf.) (= spiniella (Hb.) ) — Clorhane (H18) 12.viii.86 —KGMB
C. subfasciella (Steph.) — Churchill (6) 25.viii.86 indicating a pos- sible second generation — DJLA
Ypsolopha lucella (Fabr.) — Axminster (3) 11.viii.86 — ECP-C
Plutella porrectella (Linn.) — Ballavolley I.o.M. (71) 28.vi.86 — KGMB
MICROLEPIDOPTERA REVIEW FOR 1986 123
Rhigognostis annulatella (Curt.) Tintagel (2) 19.vii.86 — FHNS; Porthtowan (1) 16.vii.70 — RJH via FHNS
R. incarnatella (Staud.) — Braehead (H20) 1.iv.39 B. P. Beirne coll. per KGMB
Eidophasia messingiella (F.v.R.) — Coombe (38) 25.vii.86, Ryton (38) 86 —JR
Acrolepiopsis assectella (Zell.) — Southsea (11) 25.vii, 27 viii, 8.ix.86 — JRL; Saffron Walden (19) 21.viii.86 one at MV light — AME
A. marcidella (Curt.) — Wickham (11) 28.vi.86 — JRL & MSP, Ent. Gaz. 38:123
EPERMENIIDAE
Phaulernis dentella (Zell.) — Sutton Down (8) 25.vi.86 — SMP
Epermenia aequidentella (Hofm) — Kynance Cove (1) larvae mining Pimpinella saxifraga 17.ix., em. 7 & 9.x.86 — RJH_ S. Devon (3) — RJH, Ent. Rec. 99: 134
COLEOPHORIDAE
Metriotes lutarea (Haw.) — Belhus Wood (18) common 19.v.86 — DJLA
Coleophora lutipennella (Zell.) — Fota (H5) 24, 25.vii.86 — KGMB Maybe the first confirmed Irish records of this species
C. prunifoliae Doets — Hayling Is. (11) cases on Prunus 7.vi.86 — ECP-C; Faringdon (22) 22.vii.86 —MFVC
C. spinella (Schr.) (= cerasivorella Pack.) — Leckford (12) larvae 16.x.86 — DHS
C. orbitella Zell. — Havant Thicket (11) two larvae 19.x.81 em. v.82 — DHS & PHS
C. frischella (Linn.) — Lewes (14) reared from pupa in seedhead of Centaurea nigra, 23.vi.86, not necessarily the foodplant but one recorded by continental authors — AME
C. deauratella L. & Z. — Luska (H10) 7.vii.86, Snugborough (H6) 18.vii.86 — KGMB
C. hemerobiella Scop. — Little Wittenham (22) 1. on Crataegus 21.vi.86, Windson Great Park (22) 1.vi.86 — PHS
C. serpylletorum Her. — Mullion (1) cases 14.vi.86 — JRL, ECP-C & RJH
C. lassella Stdgr — Kynance Cove (1) 13.vi.86 —JRL
C. trochilella (Dup.) — Old Rossington (63) 11.viii.86 — HEB Bosigran (1) 23.vii.86 — RJH
C. therinella Tengst. — Southsea (11) 2.vii & 14.vii.86 — JRL Win- chester (11) MV 26.vii.86 — DHS; Buckland Waren (22) 15 vii. 86 — MFVC
C. benanderi Kan. — Coventry (38) 30.vi.86 — JR, det K. Sattler
C. adspersella Ben. — Horsea Island (1) 1 case 10.x.86; Southsea (11) 15.vii.86 — JRL
124 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
C. sylvaticella Wood — Wood Bay (4) 11.vi.86 — JRL & ECP-C Parracombe (4) 11-12.vi.86 — ECP-C & JRL Dinton (8) case 6.vi.86 on Luzula sylvatica — SMP
C. taentipennella H.-S. — Galtee Mts. (H7) 14.vii.86 — KGMB
ELACHISTIDAE
Perittia obscurepunctella (Stt.) — Perranporth (1) 20.v.86 — FHNS Fota (H5) 29.iv — 1._v.86 — KGMB; Belhus Wood (18) 19.v.86 — DJLA
Stephensia brunnichiella (Linn.) Portsdown (11) tenanted mines 9.xi.86 —JRL& RJH
Elachista regificella Sirc. — Havant Thicket (11) mines on Luzula pilosa 13.iv.85; Sparsholt (11) mines 19.iv.86; Nettlebed (23) mines 13.iv.86 — JRL etc.
E. biatomella (Stt.) — Swyncombe Down (22) 3.vii.86 — PHS
E. triatomea (Haw.) — Wombwell Wood (63) 1.vii.86, Swinton (63) 1 3.vii-86— HEB
E. collitella (Dup.) — Further records — RJBarnett, Ent. Gaz. 37: 240
E. subocellea (Steph.) — Kynance Cove (1) 24.vii.86 — RJH
E. dispunctella (Dup.) — Kynance Cove (1) 13.vi.86 — JRL etc. Traeth-y-Mwnt, Ceredigion, Dyfed (46) — ANBS
E. bedellella (Sirc.) — Portsdown (11) mines 1.v.86 Sutton Down (8) 25.vi.86 — SMP
E. cingillella (H.-S.) — Linton (35) 28.v.82 — JRL, Ent. Gaz. 38: 115
E. bisulcella (Dup.) — Leckford (12) mines 10.vii.86 — JRL & DHS; Moor Copse N.R. (22) 6.ix.86 — BRB; Leckford (12) larvae 9 vii.86 — DHS
Biselachista cinereopunctella (Haw.) — Straloch Braes, Kindrogan (89) 28.vi.86 — MRY possibly new to Scotland; Inchydoney (H3) 7.vi.86 —KGMB
B. scirpi (Stt.) — Hayling Island (11) 1. 7.vi.86 —JRL & ECP-C
B. eleochariella (Stt.) — Goss Moor (2) 28.vi.86 — FHNS
B. utonella Frey — Penhale, near Perranporth (1) 15.vii.86 — FHNS
B. albidella (Ny1.) — Cahir (H7) at MV 14.vii.86 — KGMB
Cosmiotes freyerella (Hb.) — Wychwood Forest (23) 27.vii.86 — JRL
C. consortella (Stt.) — Inchydoney (H3) 7.vi.86 — KGMB
OECOPHORIDAE
Schiffermuelleria subaquilea (Stt.) — Kynance Cove (1) 13.vi.86 — JRL, RJH & ECP-C Ent. Gaz. 38: 142
S. tinctella (Hb.) — Savernake Forest (8) at MV 27.vi.86 — PHS
Denisia albimaculea (Haw.) — Southsea (11) 22.vi.86 — JRL
Batia unitella (Hb.) — Shrewsbury (40) 30.vii.86 — JRL; Roche Abbey (63) 25 .vii.86 — HEB
MICROLEPIDOPTERA REVIEW FOR 1986 125
Oecophora bractella (Linn.) — Hembury Woods (3) larvae 8.iii.- 19.iv. under bark of dead oak, em. 17.iv.-22.v.86 — RJH; Devon, Ent. Rec. 99: 159
Aplota palpella (Haw.) — Savernake Forest (8) 23.viii.86 — PHS, believed to be first record since 1890
Pseudatemelia josephinae (Toll) — Absence of records from Cum- bria — N. Birkett, Ent. Rec. 99: 231f
P. flavifrontella ({D. & S.] ) — Leigh (37) — ANBS
P. subochreella (Doubl.) — Nebo (50) 20.vi.86, most northerly record — JRL
Depressaria ultimella Stt. — Fota (H5) 2.vi.86 — KGMB
Agonopterix kaekeritziana (Linn.) — Clorhane (H1 8) at MV 12.viii.86 — KGMB
Ethmia funerella (Fabr.) — East Ham (18) 16.vii.86 — CWP; Baston Fen (53) 18.vii.86 — MP
GELECHIIDAE
Metzneria aprilella (H.-S.) — Dinton (8) 11.vii.86 — SMP
Eulamprotes atrella ({D. & S.]) — Clorhane (H18) 12.viii.86 — KGMB
Monochroa lucidella (Steph.) — Cahir (H7) at MV 14.vii.86 — KGMB
Ptocheuusa paupella (Zell.) — Gwithina (1) 22.vii.86 — RJH; Coventry (38) 86 —JR
Rhyncopacha tetrapunctella (Thunb.) — Straloch Braes, Kindrogan (89) 28.vi.86 — MRY
Athrips mouffetella (Linn.) — Fota (H5) 8.viii.86 — KGMB
Teleiodes scriptella (Hb.) — Leigh (37) — ANBS
Bryotropha umbrosella (Zell.) — Penhale (1) mid vii.86 PNS per FHNS
B. similis (Stt.) — Barregarroo I.o.M. (71) 27.vi.86 — KGMB
B. senectella (Zell.) — Clorhane (H18) 12.viii.86 — KGMB
B. desertella (Dougl.) — Ballaghennie, I.o.M. (71) 27.vi.86 — KGMB
Chionodes fumatella (Dougl.) Druridge Bay, Northumberland (67) 14 .viii.86 —MRY
Lita solutella (Zell.) — Kynance Cove (1) 13.vi.86 amongst Genista pilosa — JRL, RJH & ECP-C
Scrobipalpa ocellatella (Boyd) — Fota (HS) 15.vii. & 11.x.86 — KGMB
S. atriplicella (F.v.R.) — Hooton Roberts (63) 5.ix.86 — HEB
S. costella (H. & W.) — Fota (H5) several from 1.vi.86 — KGMB; ? Double-brooded — KPB, Ent. Rec. 99: 43
S. stangei (Her.) — Yarmouth, I.o.W. (11) vii.1882 — BMNH coll. per K. Sattler, Proc.Trans.Br.ent.nat.hist.soc.20: 53 New to Britain
Caryocolum alsinella (Zell.) — Larvae feeding on Cerastium fonta- num as well as C. semidecandrum at Hayling Island (11) — DHS, JRL & ECP.-C.
126 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
C. viscariella (Stt.) — St. Mary’s, Isles of Scilly (1) larvae 25 & 26.v.86, St. Martin’s (1) 1. 29.v., Kynance Cove (1) 1. 13.vi.86 — RJH; Churchill (6) 7.viii.86 —DJLA
C. fraternella (Dougl.) — Icklingham (26) larvae on Cerastium arvense — DJLA
C. tricolorella (Haw.) — Idless Valley, near Truro (1) 6.ix.86 — PNS via FHNS
Syncopacma taeniolella (Zell.) — Clonascra (H18) 12.wiii.86 — KGMB |
S. cinctella (Cl.) — Golden Grove (H18) 6.vii.86 — KGMB
Oegoconia caradjai P.-G. & Cap. — Boscastle coast path (2) 5.ix.86 — FHNS; Camber (14) 24.vii.85 — MP
BLASTOBASIDAE Blastobasis decolorella Wals. — Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford (23) 29.vi.86 — MP
MOMPHIDAE
Mompha terminella (H. & W.) — Kingsbury (38) ’84-°86 — JR
M. locupletella ({D. & S.]) — Emer Bog (11) 1. on Epilobium obscurum 5.7.86 — JRL & DHS; Finlough (H18) 21.ix.86 — KGMB
M. miscella ({D. & S.| )- Sandford Hill, Avon (6) 23.vi.86 — MP
COSMOPTERIGIDAE Limnaecia phragmitella Stt. — Finlough (H18) pupae in Typha, em. 20.ix. 26.ix & 1.x.86 — KGMB
SCYTHRIDIDAE Scythris crassiuscula (Hb.) (= fletcherella Meyr.) — Collins Green (37) — ANBS
TORTRICIDAE
Trachysmia sodaliana (Haw.) — Dinton (8) 28.vi.86 — SMP
Hysterophora maculosana (Haw.) — Groveley Wood (8) 7 & 14.vi.86 — SMP
Phtheochroa rugosana (Hb.) —. New England, Peterborough (32) 9.vi.86 — MP
Cochylimorpha straminea (Haw.) — Golden Grove (H18) 19.vi.86 — KGMB
Aethes piercei Obr. — Redwood Bog (H10) 20.vi.86 KGMB; Otmoor (23) a few at dusk 12.vi.86 — PHS
Commophila aeneana (Hb.) — Whitstable (15) 30.vi.86 — M. Crow, Ent. Rec. 99: 134
Cochylis roseana (Haw.) — Owston Wood (63) 9.viii.86 — HEB
C. flaviciliana (Westw.) — Shrewton Folly (8) 16.v.86 — SMP; Bedfordshire (30) — A. M. Riley. Ent. Rec. 98: 230
MICROLEPIDOPTERA REVIEW FOR 1986 IPA)
C. hybridella (Hb.) — Harley (40) 9.viii.86 — IRL & ECP-C
Argyrotaenia ljungiana (Thunb.) — East Ham (18) 18.vii.86 — CWP: (= pulchellana (Haw.) ) Larva on Vitis vinifera — PAS, Ent. Rec. 98: 254-5
Archips podana (Scop.) — Monifieth, Angus (90) 27.vii.86b — MRY
Choristoneura hebenstreitella (Miill.) — East Ham (18) 8.vii.84 — CWP
Cacoecimorpha pronubana (Hb.) — Damage to Vaccinium corym- bosum, Ent. Rec. 98: 218
Ptycholomoides aeriferanus (H.-S.) — Leigh (37) — ANBS; Churchill (6) 7.viii.86 —DJLA
Aphelia unitana (Hb.) — Heddon’s Mouth (4) 13.vi.83 — RJH: Mauherslieve (H10) at 1150 ft. 6.vii.86 — KGMB; Axminster 28.vi & 1 vii.86 — ECP-C
Adoxophyes privatana (Walk.) sp. gp. — Bred from imported orchids New to Britain — RJH, Ent. Gaz. 37: 196
Periclepsis cinctana ({D. & S.]) — Tiree (103), MRY & MWH Ent. Gaz. 37: 199-202
Philedone gernignana ([D. & S.]) — Roydon Common (28) 28.vii.86 — MP
Olindia schumacherana Fabr. — St. Breward (2) 13.vii.86; Newbridge nr. Callington (2) 16.vii.86 — FHNS
Cnephasia conspersana Dougl. — Voltinism in the Inner Hebrides (103) — KPB, Ent. Rec. 99: 45
Spatalistis bifasciana Hb. — near Perranporth (1) 14.vii.86; New- bridge (2) 16.vii.86 — FHNS
Acleris sparsana ({D. & S.]) — Bred from spinnings on Acer campe- stre collected from Teg Down (11) 1 .viii.86 — DHS
A. lorquiniana (Dup.) — S. Devon (3) — P. J. Baker, Ent. Rec. 99: 134
Olethreutes bifasciana (Haw.) — Fota (H5) 25.vi.86 — KGMB
O. arcuella (Cl.) — Five Lords, Quantocks (5) not uncommon 24.vi.86 — MP
Pseudosciaphila branderiana (Linn.) — The Slade (22) 12.vii.86 — PHS per BRB
Apotomis semifasciana (Haw.) — Owston Wood (63) Swiii.86 — HEB
A. lineana ({D. & S.]) — Waltham Abbey (19) 17.vii.86 — CWP
Endothenia pullana (Haw.) — Leckford (12) 9.vii.86 — DHS
E. nigricostana (Haw.) — Denaby Ings (63) 27.vi.86 — HEB
Eudemis porphyrana (Hb.) — Wychwood Forest (23) larvae on Malus sylvestris — DHS, Oxford (23) 8 .vi.86, — Appleton Lower Common (22) — DHS; Lower Common (22) 6.vii.86 — MP
Epinotia fraternana (Haw.) — East Ham (18) 2.vii.86 — CWP
E. rubiginosana (H.-S.) — Greno Wood, Sheffield (63) 22.vii.86 — HEB
Pelochrista caecimaculana (Hb.) — Portsdown (11) 13.vii.86 — JRL
128 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
Eucosma pauperana (Dup.) — near Moulsford (22) bred 2.vi.84 — JMC-H, an apparent extension of its known range
FE. obumbratana (L. & Z.) — Leigh (37) — ANBS
Clavigesta purdeyi (Durr.) — Buckland Warren (22) 12.viii.86 — MFVC
Rhyacionia pinivorana (L. & Z.) — Cahir (H7) two at MV 14.vii.86 — KGMB
Petrova resinella (Linn.) — Larvae feeding on Pinus contortus and P. sylvestris trees of height 30 ft. or more. Usually thought to be restricted to P. sylvestris of 15 ft. or less -MRY
Eucosmomorpha albersana (Hb.) — Axminster (3) 27.vi.86 — ECP-C
Pammene obscurana (Steph.) — Axminster (3) 15.vi.86 — ECP-C; Emer Bog (11) 29.v.86 — DHS
P. ignorata Kuzn. — Axminster (3) 23.vi.86 New to Britain — ECP-C Ent. Gaz. 39: 40
P. suspectana (L. & Z.) — Dry Sandford (22) 24.vi.86
P. aurantiana (Staint.) — Leigh (37) — ANBS; Churchill (6) 3 1.vii.86 — DJLA
P. ochsenheimeriana (L. & Z.) — near Callington (2) 16.vi.86 — A. Spalding per FHNS
Cydia splendana (Hb.) — Derrycunihy Wood (H2) 5.ix.86 — KGMB
C. conicolana (Heyl.) — Saffron Walden (19) 16.vi.86 one at MV light — AME
C. gallicana (Guenee) — Clorhane (H18) 12.viii.86 — KGMB
Dichrorampha flavidorsana Knaggs — near Tintagel (2) many 20.viii. 86 — FHNS
D. plumbana (Scop.) — Six-mile Point (H20) 14.vi.86 — KGMB
D. sedatana Busck — Six-mile Point (H20) 14.vi.86 — KGMB
D. aeratana P. & M. — Ellenglaze near Holywell Bay (1) 3.vii.86 — FHNS
PYRALIDAE
Calamatropha paludella (Hb.) — Bassenhally Pits (29) 17.vii.86 — MP
Crambus uliginosellus (Zell.) — Hartlebury Common (37) — ANBS
Thisanotia chrysonuchella (Scop.) — Frys Hill (6) 25.vi.86 — MP
Platytes alpinella (Hb.) — Saffron Waldon (19) 12.viii.86 — AME
Schoenobius gigantella ({D. & S.]) — Foxhole Heath (26) 2.vii.86 — MP
Donacaula mucronellus ({D. & S.]) — Ballavolley, I.o.M. (71) 28.vi.86 — KGMB
Scoparia ambigualis (Treits.) — larva on rootstocks of Valerian — KPB, Ent. Rec. 99: 40f.
Eudonia delunella (Stt.) (= resinella (Linn.) ) — Newbridge, near Callington (2) 16.vii.86 several — FHNS
Evergestis extimalis (Scop.) — Southsea (11) 19 .vii.86 —JRL
MICROLEPIDOPTERA REVIEW FOR 1986 129
Pyrausta cingulata (Linn.) — Near Trinafour (88) 28.vi.86 — MRY
Sitochroa palealis ({D. & S.]) — Kent (15/16) 21.viii.85 etc. Ent. Rec. 98: 256f & 99: 130
Eurrhypara perlucidalis (Hb.) — Baston Fen (53) 18.vii.86 — MP
Anania verbascalis ({D. & S.]) — Weather Heath (26) 9.vii.86 — MP
A. stachydalis (Germ.) — Axminster (3) 3.vii.86 — ECP-C
Antigastra catalaunalis (Dup.) — Walberton (13) 12.x.85 — J. Radford per JMC-H, Ent. Rec. 98: 251
Diasemiopsis ramburialis (Dup.) — S. Devon (3) — RJH, Ent. Rec. 99: 134
Leucinodes vagans (Tutt) — N. W. Lear, Ent. Gaz. 37: 197
Hypsopygia costalis (Fabr.) — Late records — I. D. Ferguson, Ent. Rec. 99: 85
Orthopygia glaucinalis (Linn.) — Late records — I. D. Ferguson, Ent. Rec. 99: 85
Galleria mellonella (Linn.) — Southsea (11) 9.viii.86 — JRL
Paralipsa gularis (Zell.) — Plympton (3) ex 1. 5-10.ix.85 from mixture of sunflower seeds, peanuts and sweetcorn — RJH
Cryptoblabes bistriga (Haw.) — The Slade (22) 12.vii.86, Long- moor (22) 28.vi.86 — BRB; Killahaley Wood (H6) at MV 18.vii.86 — KGMB
Pempelia formosa (Haw.) — Leigh (37) — ANBS
Metriostola betulae (Goeze) — Axminster 29.vi.86 — ECP-C
Dioryctria ssp. — Windsor, Ent. Rec. 99: 160; Notes on biology, — DHS, Ent. Rec. 99: 228f
D. schuetzeella Fuchs — Good Easter (19) 14.viii.84, Saffron Waldon (19) 30.vii.85 & 3.vii.86 all at MV light — AME; Monks Eleigh (26) 7.viii.86 — A. Watcher, Ent. Rec. 99: 41. This species seems to be quickly extending its range from Kent where it was discovered only two years ago.
Assara terebrella Zinck. — Unhill Wood (22) 26.vi.86 — BRB
Nephopterix angustella (Hb.) — Dinton (8) 30.ix.86 — SMP
Ephestia parasitella Stdgr — Longmoor (22) 28.vi.86 — BRB
Plodia interpunctella Hb. — Perranporth (2) — FHNS
Phycitodes saxicola (Vaugh.) — Bedfordshire (30) — A. M. Riley, Ent. Rec. 98: 230
PTEROPHORIDAE
Oxyptilus parvidactylus (Haw.) — Coolbaun (H10) 7.vii.86 — KGMB
Oxyptilus laetus Zell. — Perranporth (1) 2.vii.86 — PNS per FHNS
Pterophorus fuscolimbatus Dup. — near Coverack, Lizard (1) 8.vii.86 many — FHNS; Coverack (1) larvae on Thymus 14.vi.86 em.
130 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
30.vi. — 2.vii.86, life history not previously known in Britain. Kynance Cove (1) 24.vii.86 — RJH
P. galactodactyla ({D. & S.]) — Lincs. (54) C. C. Penney, Ent. Rec. 99: 182
Leioptilus carphodactyla (Hb.) — Chinnor Hill (23) pupa on Jnula conyza, em. 29.ix.86 — MF VC
ATHETA SYLVICOLA KRAATZ (COL.: STAPHYLINIDAE) FROM TWO SITES IN SCOTLAND. — I swept a female of this species from grass in a marshy spot near Grudie, E. Ross on 3.vi.82 and captured a male from under a small stone on a shingle bank of the river Druie near the village of Inverdruie, Easterness on 30.ix.85.
This species appears to be rare in Britain. It was introduced to the British list, under the name Oxypoda planipennis Thoms, by Ashe (1955, Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 91 248), who found a single example in a heap of garden refuse at Nethy Bridge, Easterness but I have found no other published record for it. My friend Mr. A. A. Allen tells me, however, that the late Philip Harwood took speci- mens in Speyside.
After Ashe had published his note, the beetle was transferred from the genus Oxypoda to the genus A theta (subgenus Acrotona). In addition, the specific name planipennis was shown to be invalid and the name sylvicola Kraatz adopted. The specific name silvicola Kraatz has also been used but Pope (1977 in Kloet and Hincks: A Check List of British Insects. 2nd Edition Part 3 Coleoptera and Strepsiptera) states that this is a misspelling. It should be noted that Atheta sylvicola Kraatz is to be distinguished from Atheta silvicola Fuss, which has long been regarded as a synonym of A. hypnorum Kiesenwetter.
The few available observations would seem inadequate to define the habitat of the beetle in Scotland but they are at least in agree- ment with what is recorded for the species in Sweden by Palm who states (1970 in Svensk Insektfauna 9 Coleoptera Fam. Staphylinidae pt. 6 p286) that the beetle occurs in rotten vegetation and fungi and also under stones on sand or gravel banks.
I thank Mr. P. M. Hammond for help in identifying these two specimens. J. A. OWEN, 8 Kingsdown Road, Epsom, Surrey KT17 3PU
MIGRATION OF CYNTHIA CARDUI 131 A MIGRATION OF CYNTHIA CARDUI L. (LEP.: NYMPHALIDAE) IN PORTUGAL
By TORBEN B. LARSEN*
During a visit to Portugal from 10-20 April of 1988 Cynthia cardui was regularly observed (Alentejo, Lisbon, Estremadura, Beira Baxia and Ribatejo) during the all too few periods when the sun broke through. There was an apparent northward bias in travelling specimens, but in- ficient specimens were seen to be certain of this.
On the morning of the 20th April at the foot of the Monchique moun- tains in the Algarve the weather was fine. Large numbers of Cynthia cardui were seen basking and feeding at 10.00hrs. Gradually a very definite northwards movement developed (350°) and by 11.00 hrs. half a dozen specimens were crossing a fifty metre front every minute. Some specimens remained feeding and basking without joining the flight.
Later that day and during the two following days it was possible to establish that similar conditions ruled throughout the Algarve from Portimao to the Spanish border. The northwards migration was always most obvious when the weather was hot and sunny. Wind conditions varied considerably during the three days in question, without causing noticeable changes in direction. The direction of the migrants was verified by compass on several occasions. Their ground speed was about 30 km per hour.
The specimens were mostly somewhat worn, indicating that they had flown about for several days. Very few appeared to be freshly hatched. No case of copula or overt sexual behaviour was observed, nor was ovi- positing. Despite regular sampling of patches of Carduus and Malva no evidence was found of mass breeding though occasional half grown larvae or abandoned larval tents were found. Because of their tent building habits, mass breeding of the species is usually easy to detect.
It therefore seemed likely that the origin of the specimens was North Africa. However, regular observations on the coast yielded no observations of migrants coming in from the sea. Subsequent study of a map solved this problem. If they were from North Africa, the heading indicated that they came from the level of Casablanca, a distance of about 400 km over water. This would take about 13 hours to cover, ensuring that all arrivals would be during the night. This would also explain how a continued northward migration did not appear to deplete a population of mainly worn speci- mens. Thus, although not conclusively proven, a Moroccan origin of the specimens is indicated.
The course of 350° leads towards Ireland. If the migrants were to have continued beyond the Iberian Peninsula, some members should have arrived in Ireland and the United Kingdom during the last week of April. Early records of Cynthia cardui in 1988 would almost certainly be linked to the event observed, since breeding further north in Europe could not have taken place sufficiently early in the year to provide a source.
*Snoghoj alle 29C, 2770 Kastrup, Denmark,
132 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
MIGRANT LEPIDOPTERA IN MOROCCO — On §8.iii.1988, at Marrakech, Morocco, between 1630 and 1800 hrs. I observed a steady stream of Cynthia cardui L. (the painted lady) flying north- wards through the gardens of a hotel — even a seven-storey hotel did not delay them — the butterflies flew over it! The next day, whilst in the Atlas Mountains, there were many more cardui flying north, this time between noon and 1400 hours.
At Agadir, on 14.3.88 I was pleased to see around 12 striped- hawkmoths (Hyles livornica Esp.) feeding in warm sunshine on the yellow flowers of an unknown shrub and at the flowers of Bougain- villaea along the main avenues of the town. Brig. E.C. L.SIMSON, 4 Plowden Parks, Aston Rowant, Oxford.
PARALIPSA GULARIS (ZELL) (LEP.: PYRALIDAE) IN DEVON — In September 1986 I bred several Paralipsa gularis froma mixture of sunflower seeds, peanuts and sweetcorn which had been bought in August 1986 at a pet food shop in Plympton, Plymouth for my daughters’ gerbils. Enquiries revealed that the food came to the shop already bagged from a warehouse in Bristol and that for the last few years larvae had been noticed in the shop amongst this food during the summer.
Goater ({1986] British Pyralid Moths A Guide to their Identi- fication: 102) states that the species is known only from dried- fruit warehouses in London but probably occurs elsewhere if sought. The only record of which I am aware outside London is that of a dead specimen sent to Mr. H. N. Michaelis by a grocer in Flint in 1981 (Michaelis, H. N., 1986. Species of Pyralidae and Pterophori- dae (Lep.) in North Wales. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 98:236). R. J. HECKFORD, 67, Newnham Road, Plympton, Plymouth.
FURTHER NOTES ON HYALOMYODES (DIPT.: TACHINI- DAE) — Since writing my recent paper (Ent. Rec. 100: 55-57) on this endoparasitoid of Tetrigoidea (Orthoptera), the following publication dealing with the Diptera parasitising Orthoptera has come to my notice: Leonide, J. & Leonide, J. C. (1986) Les Diptéres sarcophagidés endoparasites des Orthopteres francais — essai bio- faxonomique. Aix-en-Provence; Universite de Provence: ii+303pp.
The authors indicate that they had dissected nearly 750 Tettri- gidae, including 69 Tetrix subulata, without recording a sarcophagid (or presumably any other) endoparasite in these insects, thus con- firming that the latter are indeed uncommon in Tetrogoidea. D. K. McE.KEVAN 20 Woodridge Crescent, Beaconsfield, P. Q., Canada HOW 4G7.
BUTTERFLIES FROM TURKISH ASIA MINOR 133
SOME BUTTERFLIES FROM TURKISH ASIA MINOR
By D. W. BALDOCK* and R. F. BRETHERTON**
From August 6th to 11th 1986, DWB spent a holiday at Bodrum, in the province of Mugla, south west Turkey. This was the site of the ancient city of Halicarnassos, placed on a narrow penin- sula which juts far out into the Aegean Sea. 23 species of butterfly were recorded in or within a ten mile radius of Bodrum. The species marked with an asterisk in the following list were brought home for checking and discussion with RFB:
*Papilio machaon L., common in villages. [phiclides podalirius L., Pieris brassicae L., *P. rapae L. also fairly common. Pontia da- plidice L., a few at Turkbuku. Colias croceus Fourc., a few only. A probable, but as yet unconfirmed *Cigaritis cilissa Led. f. minima Staud., one male, Turkbuku, wingspan 10mm, closely resembling C. siphax Lucas from Tunisia. *Thersamonia thersamon Esp., common, especially males. *Lampides boeticus L., very common. *Celastrina argiolus L. f. paraleuca Rober., very common in both sexes. *Polyommatus icarus Rott. f. zelleri Ver., very common. Charaxes jasius L., two at Bodrum castle, one at Turkbuku. Limenitis reducta Staud., one at Turkbuku. Cynthia cardui L., a few only. Hipparchia syriaca Fruh., one seen in pine woods near Milos. *Hip- pachia mersina Staud., one male near Bodrum, very worn, two seen amongst pines near Milos. *Maniola telmassia Zell., common; of four females brought home, one is small (wingspan 21 mm.), and three large (25-26mm.), which were originally thought to be M. jurtina, in which both sexes are usually large. All agree closely in appearance with the females in a long series of M. telmessia taken on the nearby island of Rhodes, in which males are all small, but females show a similar variation in size. Although the male genitalia of the two species differ considerably, those of the female appear inseparable. M. telmessia alone has been previously reported from Mudra province, and the two species are not known to be sympatric in Turkey, although Thomson (1969) says that M. jurtina telmessiae- formis Ver., whose genitalia (?male) differ from those of M. tel- messia, certainly occurs in the part of Asia Minor that is opposite Cyprus. *Hyponephele lupina Costa rhamnusia Freyer., Turkbuku, one fine male. *Lasiommata megera L., common. *Kirinia roxelana Cramer, Turkbuku, very common. Syrrichrus proto Ochs., common. *Carcharodus alcaea Esp., common.
*10 Oxted Green, Milford, Godalming, Surrey. **Polly Hill, Birtley Green, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey.
134 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
The Lepidoptera of this part of the Turkish Aegean cost appear to be little known. Higgins (1966) mentions only ten species from the province of Mugla, although others which are present there may be included among the species he describes as widely distributed or generally common and for which he does not give numbered pro- vinces. Leestmanns (1986) in an exhaustive account of spring time collecting in Turkey by himself and others, with a fine bibliography, refers only to nine species seen during visits to Yaniker, which is further south in Mudra province than Bodrum. Our own list, com- piled in August, include nine species previously unrecorded, and not covered by Higgin’s “well distributed and common”’ category. These are P. machaon, C. cilissa (subject to final confirmation), C. jasius, L. reducta, H. syriaca, H. mersina, H. lupina rhamnusia, K. roxelana and S. proto. The province is clearly worth further exploration.
References
Thomson, G., (1969) Maniola jurtina and its forms. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 81:90.
Higgins, L. G. (1966) Check-list of Turkish butterflies Entomologist 99:209-228.
Leestmans, R. Mottet, Ph., Verhulst, J., Carbonell, F. (1986). Con- tribution a la connaissance de la fauna printiniére der Lepi- dopteres de Sud de l’Asie Mineure. Linneana Belgica 8(X): 338-381.
AN EARLY (OR LATE ?) RED ADMIRAL — On 15th January 1988, in a wood north of Plymouth, Devon, I watched a female red admiral (Vanessa atalanta L.) flying and basking in the sun. A. ARCHER-LOCK 4 Glenwood Road, Plymouth, Devon.
PHLYCTAENIA PERLUCIDALIS HBN. (LEP.: PYRALIDAE) IN WILTSHIRE — This species was recorded at m.v. light at Dinton, Wiltshire (v.c.8) on 4.vii.1987. This appears to be a new county record and perhaps indicates a further expansion in the range of this species. S. PALMER. The Warren, Hindon Road, Dinton, Wiltshire.
A NEW INSECT REPELLENT — we have received a press release announcing a new product called Mosquito Milk. Originally designed as a repellent against malaria-carrying mosquitos and the sandfly vector of Leishmaniasis, it will shortly be available in the UK, supplied in a roll-on applicator.
The product is claimed to be non-toxic, being derived from extracts of plant oils. It is said to work by affecting the infra-red sensors of insects, preventing them from constructing a heat-image of their prey. PAUL SOKOLOFF
FOODPLANTS OF BARRED UMBER MOTH 135
HAZEL AS AN IMPORTANT LARVAL FOODPLANT OF THE BARRED UMBER PLAGODIS PULVERARIA L. (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE)
By P. WARING*
During the course of three years work on the lepidopterous larvae on understorey and scrub species in Bernwood Forest on the Bucks/Oxon border I have come to the conclusion that hazel is the most important larval host plant in the Forest for the barred umber, Plagodis pulveraria L. This is of interest as Skinner (1984) gives only sallow and birch as the host plants. Going back through the literature South (1961) gives “‘birch, sallow, ash etc”, Newman & Leeds (1913) give sallow only and at the other extreme Barrett (1901) and Allan (1949) both give birch, sallow, oak, hazel, ash and wild cherry, with Barrett’s order (as given) possibly indicating the order of preference. |
The barred umber was regularly trapped in both the Oxfordshire (Waterperry Wood) and Bucks (Oakley Wood) parts of the Forest, where it was mainly associated with the unplanted areas that retain hazel. It was less frequent in the conifer plantations although birch was the most common native woody perennial amongst the conifers and was abundant in some places. The moth was never numerous at traps but was easy to beat as a larva in late July and August. The accompanying table shows the frequency of barred umber larvae and of all macrolepidopterous larvae on the three commonest shrubby species at six sites within Bernwood Forest. Each sample was obtained by beating the chosen shrubby species in 60 separate spots. At each spot a Bignall beating tray (area 1.02m) was placed such that it was covered by foliage and all foliage within the range of a 1 metre-long beating-stick was jarred sharply five times. The samples thus represent the number of larvae in a standard volume of space occupied by the shrub, this being the best way of comparing which shrubs give best value in terms of the number of larvae they support. White (1975) has shown that beating approaches 100% collection of larvae if done in calm, dry conditions.
Table 1 shows that the larvae of the barred umber occur at a low density of approximately 2 per 60 m3 of hazel bush but are notably more common on hazel than on birch or hawthorn. Al- though no larvae occurred in the birch samples in 1986 one was found and reared on birch in August 1985. Sallow was not common enough in the wood to provide the sample sizes required for Table 1.
Note that the densities of total macro-lepidopterous larvae on birch in August are notably higher than for hawthorn or hazel.
*Nature Conservancy Coucil, Northminster House, Peterborough.
136 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15 .vi.1988
This is largely due to the presence of the common white wave, Cabera pusaria, which is very common on birch at this time of year.
Sites in Bernwood Forest
A B € D E F
HAZEL Total Number of
Macrolepidopterous 21 45 21 17 18 25
Larvae in sample
13
Number of larvae
of Barred Umber 1 0 3 3 ] 2
in sample
B HAWTHORN 15 28 18 20 18 20 21
B 1 l 0 0 0 0 BIRCH i 83 105 91 74 -46 53
B 0 0 0 0 0 )
Table 1. A comparison of the numbers of Barred Umber larvae, B, and total number of Macrolepidopterous larvae, T, in samples of hazel, haw- thorn and birch at six sites in Bernwood Forest. All samples were taken between 10-20 August at which point the Barred Umber larvae were nearing full growth.
References
Allan, P. B. M. 1949. Larval foodplants. Watkins and Doncaster. Kent.
Barrett, C. G. 1901. The Lepidoptera of the British Isles. Vol. 7. Reeve. London.
Newman, L. W. and Leeds, H. A. 1913. Text book of British but- terflies and moths. Gibbs and Bamforth. St. Albans.
Skinner, B., 1984. Colour identification guide to the moths of the British Isles, Viking. Middx.
South, R. 1961. The moths of the British Isles. Series Il. Warne. London.
White, T. C. R. 1975. A quantitative method of beating for sampling larvae of Selidosema suavis (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in plantations in New Zealand. Can. Ent. 107: 403-12.
SUBSPECIES OF ACRAEA JOHNSTONI 137
THE SUBSPECIES OF ACRAEA JOHNSTONI GODMAN (LEP.: NYMPHALIDAE)
By D. L. HANCOCK* and A. HEATH** Abstract
Three subspecies of Acraea johnstoni Godman are recognized; the typical one, A. 7. toruna Grose-Smith (= butleri Eltringham, nec Aurivillius) and A. 7. praelongata stat. nov. The latter subspecies was described originally as a female form of johnstoni by Joicey & Talbot; the male and a second female form are described and illu- strated here.
Introduction
The various forms attributable to Acraea johnstoni have been discussed by Eltringham (1911, 1912) and Carpenter (1932) but to this day only two subspecies have been accepted. These are generally known by the names johnstoni Godman and butleri Aurivillius.
Recent material from the Mwinilunga district of NW Zambia, and illustrations by Berger (1981) of specimens from SE Zaire, however, show that these populations represent a third subspecies. The name praelongata, originally used by Joicey & Talbot (1927) for a female form from SE Zaire, and further discussed by Carpenter (1932), may be applied to this subspecies and thus is raised here to the level of a species-group name.
The name butleri was also proposed originally as an infrasub- specific one (Aurivillius, 1899) and was not used at the level of a species-group name until Eltringham (1912) accorded it subspecific status. Accordingly, under the rules of Article 10c of the Inter- national Code of Zoological Nomenclature (1985 edition), it falls as a junior synonym to the name toruna Grose-Smith, as originally placed by Eltringham (1911).
The taxonomy of these subspecies is outlined below.
Systematics
Acraea johnstoni johnstoni Godman
Acraea johnstoni Godman, 1885, Proc. zool. Soc. Lond. 1885: 537. Type-locality Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
* 5 Northampton Crescent, Hillcrest, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. **909 Ringwood Drive, Pinelands, 7405, South Africa.
138 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
The synonymy and forms of this subspecies have been dealt with adequately by Eltringham (1911, 1912) and Carpenter (1932). The subspecies ranges from S. Sudan and N. Uganda to Mozambique and E. Zimbabwe. The orange forms are lacking from these extremes of distribtution and form johnstoni has not been recorded from Malawi, NE Zambia or extreme S. Tanzania, whilst yellow and white forms occur throughout.
Acraea johnstoni toruna Grose-Smith
Acraea lycoa Female ab. butleri Aurivillius, 1899, K. svenska Vetensk- Akad. Handl, 31(5): 115. Type-locality Ruwenzori. (Infra- subspecific name).
Acraea toruna Grose-Smith, 1900, Novit. zool. 7: 546. Type-locality Toro, Uganda.
Acraea johnstoni toruna Grose-Smith; Eltringham, 1911: 15.
Acraea johnstoni butleri Eltringham (nec Aurivillius), 1912, Trans ent. Soc. Lond. 1912: 341. (Raised from ab.).
Acraea butleri Eltringham; Aurivillius, 1913: 250.
This subspecies occurs in SW Uganda, Rwanda and the Ituri and Kivu districts of NE Zaire. The various forms were illustrated by Berger (1981). This subspecies has the subapical band on the fore- wing broad and the palpi black. The specimens placed “near f. praelongata’ by Carpenter (1932) belong here.
Acraea johnstoni praelongata stat. nov. (Fig. 1)
Acraea johnstoni female f. praelongata Joicey & Talbot, 1927, Encycl. Ent. (B) 2(1): 13: Type-locality S. Lufonso R., Lake Mweru district, SE Zaire. (Infrasubspecific name).
This subspecies, known from NW Zambia and SE Zaire, is distinguishable from the others by the combination of a relatively narrow subapical band and large elongate spot in space 2 of the fore- wing, the indistinct and diffuse margin to the hindwing basal patch, and the ventrally yellow palpi.
Both sexes are known from very few specimens but all known males have the wings brown with primrose-yellow pale areas on both fore and hind wings. (See Berger (1981) for a coloured illu- stration). The female is larger than the male and so far two colour forms are known. Typical female f. praelongata is known from SE Zaire and has the hindwing patch yellow, the forewing spots white. This also was illustrated by Berger (1981). A second female form has the pale areas of both fore and hind wings white and is known from the Mwinilunga district of NW Zambia. It is described below.
SUBSPECIES OF ACRAEA JOHNSTONI Listy)
Fig. 1. Acraea johnstoni praelongata stat. nov.: male (left) and holotype of female form albimaculosa nov. (right), from N.W. Zambia. (Scale bar = lcm.)
female form albimaculosa nov.
Similar to female form praelongata as described by Joicey & Talbot (1927) but wings uniformly brown with all pale markings white. The type is figured here.
Holotype female, Mwinilunga, N. Rhodesia (Zambia), Feb. 1960. Paratypes: 1 female, Mwinilunga, June 1967; 1 female, Kanyita Stream, Mwinilunga, March 1963; 1 female, Hillwood Farm, Ikelenge, 25 March 1977, A. Heath. Holotype and para- type in Natural History Museum, Bulawayo; paratypes in British Museum (Natural History) and A. Heath collection, Cape Town.
In addition to the above, the following males have been exa- mined: 1 male, Sakeji R., Ikelenge, Zambia, March 1957; 1 male, Hillwood Farm, Ikelenge, March 1977, A. Heath.
Acknowledgement We thank Janet Duff for the photography. References
Aurivillius, C. 1899. Rhopalocera Aethiopica. K. svenska Vetensk- Akad. Handi. 31(5): 1-561.
Aurivillius, C. 1913. Family Acraeidae. In Seitz, A. (ed.), The Macrolepidoptera of the World. 13. The African Rhopalocera. Kernen, Stuttgart, pp. 239-292.
Berger, L. A. 1981. Les Papillons du Zaire. Weissenbruch, Bruxelles, 543pp.
140 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
Carpenter, G. D. H. 1932. The forms of Acraea johnstoni Godm. (Lep.: Nymphalidae), and their distribution. Trans.ent.Soc. Lond, 80: 251-268.
Eltringham, H. 1911. On the forms and geographical distributions of Acraea lycoa Godt. and Acraea johnstoni Godm. Trans. ent. SOc Lond. NOI Nel >:
Eltringham, H. 1912. A monograph of the African species of the genus Acraea Fab., with a supplement on those of the Oriental Region, 7vans.ent.Soc.Lond. 1912: 1-374.
Joicey, J. J. & Talbot, G. 1927. New forms of Lepidoptera Rhopa- locera. Encycl. ent. (B) Memoires et notes II Lépidopteres 2(1): 1-14.
Notes and Observations
EUPITHECIA ABIETARIA (GOEZE), (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE) — BREEDING IN WALES — In view of the paucity of records of this elusive moth in Britain generally and in Wales in particular it is worth recording that at a meeting of the Lancashire and Che- shire Entomological Society at Worlds End, Clwyd on 6th Sep- tember 1986 when ten members and friends worked the district conscienciously in inclement weather very little of interest was seen but the penultimate paragraph about the meeting in the Society’s Proceedings reads: —
‘“‘A walk in the forestry ride on the other side of the road was little more productive but what we at first sign took to be a stand of Sitka spruce was found to have dropped some very large cones in the recent winds and these identified the trees as noble fir (Abies procera Rehder), some of the cones showed signs of larval feeding and one that was opened up was found to contain a microlepidop- terous larva, to be identified in the fullness of time.”
As the larvae appeared to be microlepidoptera, Dr. Mike Hull took a good sample hoping to identify the incumbent but got only a large number of parasites. I took only six cones, mainly for the purpose of checking the identity of the tree. On the 2nd June 1987 a fine male Eupithecia abietaria (Goeze) emerged from these.
The status of this species in Britain has not been well under- stood in recent times and Skinner (Skinner B. Moths of the British Isles, 1984) even suggested that it might be extinct as a breeding species and that the odd specimens taken could be the result of accidental importation or immigration. Subsequently, Skinner himself discovered a strong breeding colony in Northumberland. Single specimens have also been taken rather randomly over much of Northern Britain.
I have myself often collected a large number of spruce cones from various localities, including Scotland, the Forest and Wales,
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 141
without ever finding the moth and | know that many other collec- tors have had similar disappointments.
As far as Wales is concerned, Gordon Smith (Proc. Chester Society of Natural Science, Literature and Art, 1948) could only find two records of single moths taken in the Northern Counties of Wales covered by his paper, the most recent was at Ial in 1948 by R. E. Vaughan Roberts; this is only about five miles from Worlds End.
There can be no doubt that Norway spruce (Picea abies Karsten) is an acceptable food-plant in the wild but one wonders if the larger (and potentially more nourishing?) cones of the noble fir and its close relatives are equally acceptable; I recall a paper by J. H. Styles (Entomologist 94: 88) which reported damage to the cones of silver fir in Hepburn Wood, Northumberland. This locality is about ten miles from Skinner’s new locality in the same county. I visited Hepburn Wood some years ago and could find only the odd old silver fir among the plantations of douglas fir and spruce and these had not dropped any cones when I was there. The specific name of the moth now in use does not help us to resolve the question!
The specimen referred to would have been my first encounter with the species but for a fortuitous catch in 1985 when a specimen was found sitting on the outside of my trap in Alderley Edge on the morning of 30th June 1985; the strange thing is that 1984 was one of the few years in which I had not collected cones in my search for this species, it must therefore be regarded as most probably the first in Cheshire as the only other report of its occurrance, in the Wirral some years earlier was never substantiated and no specimen was kept. My specimen was therefore another of those which turn up unexpectedly around the country and I am left wondering if they are breeding thinly on the various ornamental firs growing in parks and gardens. C. I. RUTHERFORD, Longridge, Macclesfield Road, Alderley Edge, Cheshire. SK9 7BL
NEW LEPIDOPTERA RECORDS FOR BRECONSHIRE IN 1986 — Three species of Lepidoptera were caught in the Rothamsted Insect Survey light trap at Lysdinam (Site No. 111, O.S. Grid Ref. SO 009 586) in Breconshire which, so far as I am aware, have not previously been recorded from the county.
Single males of Eupithecia subumbrata D. & S. and E. trisignaria H.-S. (Geometridae) were caught on 6th and 21st August respec- tively and their identifications were confirmed by examination of the genitalia. Schrankia costaestrigalis Steph. (Nocutidae) was found to be fairly common with five individuals trapped between 27th July and 18th August.
From a survey of the distribution of British Eupitheciini (Riley and Prior, in prep.) and the comments of Heath (1983, Moths and
142 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland, Vol. 10 : 393) I understand that none of these species have previously been recorded from any of the three pre-1974 counties (Breconshire, Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire) which constitute the present administrative county of Powys.
Thanks are extended to Dr. F. Slater for operating the trap at Llysdinam. ADRIAN M. RILEY, Entomology and Nematology Department, Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2JQ.
NOTES FROM THE ISLE OF CANNA — The first fortnight of December 1987 produced a remarkable period of sustained calm, sunny weather in the Hebrides, with high barometric readings. On December 9th, Mrs. W. MacKinnon, of the National Trust, found a red admiral (Vanessa atalanta L) fluttering inside one of her windows. Atalanta was more numerous on Canna in the autumn of 1987 than for many years; another butterfly unusually common was the speckled wood, Pararge aegeria L. In contrast, the small tortoishell, Aglais urticae L. was severely reduced in numbers by heavy May showers when the butterfly eggs were hatching, and very few specimens were seen during the year. Of the moths, the winter moth, Operopthera brumata L. is now unusually common, with the males being seen regularly at lighted windows. J. L. CAMBELL Isle of Canna, Hebrides.
UROCERUS AUGUR KLUG. (HYM.: SYMPHYTA) NEW TO GUERNSEY — On 23.viii.1987 I was given a large female “‘horn- tail” very similar to Urocerus gigas, but with a second narrow band on the abdomen, and the distal threequarters of the hind femora black. The insect was found alongside a delivered box of groceries on the back doorstep of a cottage in St. Saviours. U. augur is a con- tinental species, rarely found on mainland Britain.
My thanks are due to Mr. N. Springate of the British Museum (Natural History) for identifying this insect. R. A. AUSTIN, Maymyo, Les Amballes, St. Peter Port, Guernsey.
Current Literature
Butterflies of the London Area by Colin W. Plant. 199pp. many colour illustrations. 42 maps. 190 x 230 mm. Boards. London Natural History Society 1987. £15.95
A brief forward and preface is followed by a detailed chapter describing the history of butterfly recording in the London area. There follows sections on geology, butterfly habitats in London, conservation, collecting, introductions, notes on attracting butter- flies to the garden and further reading. The bulk of the book com-
CURRENT LITERATURE 143 prises a species by species account covering the history, distribution, times of appearance and brief summary of breeding habits. The work concludes with tetrad maps of each species — the unusual size of the book being to accommodate the standard London Natural History Society maps.
The reviewer found the treatment of individual species a little confusing as there is no separation of the text into sub-headings. There are a number of minor errors in the book, and a couple of transpositions of photographs — but the latter are corrected in an adhesive erratum slip. The photographic illustrations are good, although probably unnecessary given the number of illustrated butterfly books currently on the market. This well-produced “local list”? is a long overdue up-date of DeWorm’s publications in the London Naturalist over 30 years ago. We look forward to a similar treatment of the moths of London. C. C. PENNEY
A bibliography of the Zygaenidae by W. G. Tremewan. 192pp. cloth. Harley Books, 1988. £22.50
This work comprises some 2750 bibliographic entries covering all aspects of Zygaenid literature. The entries are alphabetic, by author, each described by one or more key words. The 31 key words used are defined in the introduction, and cover areas such as biology; ecology; genetics; histology; karyology; nomenclature physiology; taxonomy and many more. Entries are indexed by key words.
Although the Zygaenidae comprise only some 120 known species, their unusual biology and attractive appearance has attracted many devotees and a consequently expanding literature. This com- prehensive account, current to December 1986, provides an essential resource for all serious students of the Zygaenidae. Published biblio- graphies often contain errors and transpositions which, although minor in themselves, often make tracing the primary source material very difficult. However, given the meticulous care this author takes with his publications, users of the bibliography can be confident that the information they seek is accurate. PAUL SOKOLOFF.
British Red Data Book 2: Insects. Edited by D. B. Shirt. xlivt+ 402pp. 18 half-tone illustrations. Boards. Nature Conservancy Council, 1987. £10.00.
This latest of the Red Data Book series begins by describing the production of a Red Data Book, gives a code for insect collecting. notes on legislation to protect insects, recording schemes and other useful information. There follows an illustrated synopsis of habitat types, definitions of criteria for listing, and summary of species by category. The bulk of the work comprises an individual treatment of each species under the headings : identification; distribution;
144 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vi.1988
habitat and ecology; status; threats; conservation and the name of the author of the treatment. The work concludes with an exten- sive bibliography and index to species.
As with previous Red Data Books, this volume is packed with information and takes a pragmatic view of conservation. It rightly recognises that collecting poses a threat to only a small group of insect species, the main threats coming from intensive agriculture, modern conifer forestry, aquatic pollution, building development, destruction of heathland, bog, saltmarsh and so many other habitats. It also draws attention to the problem of ‘tidy’? management strategies, where, for example, fallen wood is put to the torch, and untidy vegetation trimmed.
Highly recommended reading, for a most reasonable price. PAUL SOKOLOFF.
Longhorn Beetles of the British Isles by N. Hickin. 24pp. 15 photographs in colour, 1 colour plate, 20 line drawings. Shire Natural History series, Aylesbury, Bucks., £1.25.
Dr. Hickin has spent a lifetime studying wood-boring insects on which he has written a number of authoritative books. This booklet provides a good introduction to the structure, metamor- phosis and ecology of Longhorn beetles, the biology of wood, together with some excellent hints on the rearing of Cerambycid larvae and the creation of conservation habitats. There are excellent photographs by Dr. S. Cymorek, a well-produced colour plate (unfortunately depicting some species foreign to this country) and many clear black and white figures. Perhaps too much space has been given to adventive species at the expense of a number of our indigenous Longhorns — the genera Obrium, Grammoptera, Alosterna, Leptura and some Lamiidae — an oversight which is to be regretted. The list of British species (p.22) is out-of-date: for example, Phymatodes lividus only occurred in imported French wine casks many years ago; Plagionotus arcuatus, a very doubtful ‘native’, is solely present here in infested foreign timber; our two Cerambyx species are extinct, although C. cerdo was re-discovered as a semi-fossil in bog oak at Isleham, Ely, some two decades ago. Nor should the list retain the five species of Monochamus, all of which are introductions. Nomenclature contains some errors: Criocephalus is now Arhopalus — incidentally, A. (Criocephalus) rusticus is far from being exclusive to eastern Scotland; Stenostola ferrea is our S. dubia. These are, however, inaccuracies which in no way spoil what is an excellent little work at a very modest price. It is recommended as a complement to the late E. A. J. Duffy’s Handbook on Cerambycidae, published by the Royal Entomolo- gical Society and at present out-of-print. RAYMOND R. UHTHOFF- KAUFMANN
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THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION (Founded by J. W. TUTT on 15th April 1890)
CONTENTS
The voltinism of Pseudargyrotoza conwagana Fab. (Lep.: Tortricidae).
A VISE TIVITIC Ec atcaas hoo cee Mest DCN Me eat red al tc Ore Cat a ee oF Records of local and common Chrysomelidae (Col.) from Cumbria,
RW TARA Q Her eT eae Maat SERED SOG a ety ergs Ea UV aaa OIE: oe A possibly unique bilateral gynandromorph of the white admiral butterfly,
Lavoda camilla Vi 3G-aW ~ BCCEOIONI sin Figs erty hare he be ee ete ears 102 Extreme unnamed aberrations of Maniola jurtina L. (Lep.: Satyridae).
RDG BOLING LON 020 cee ore BOR 1 Nae tea an a eee Pea ea 105 Communication in ants (Hym.: Formicinae). S. F. Henning ........ 109 On butterflies from Madeira with a check list. O. Karsholt...,...... iS Microlepidoptera, review for 1986. DJs Aassizas ei oe eee 118 A migration of Cynthia cardui L. (Lep. Nymphalidae) in Portugal.
| BBG) 2 2) OTA AY 2 (HR ea ar ee a RSLEN Pe SRS gods Ane ORMOND A grt Sh ore Tors 131 Some butterflies from Turkish Asia Minor. D. W. Baldock &
IRS RB CEIVCL LON: Raye oe rah ate ec Neo aah Le a gS Fe ce) ea ee 133 Hazel as an important larval foodplant of the barred umber, Plagodis
pulveraria (Lep.: Geometridae). P. Waring .........5505005 135 The subspecies of Acraea johnstoni Godman, (Lep.: Nymphalidae).
DiEleSHONCOCK# SA HCOL i ire ies Necro Woe ae ia neta ae 137
Notes and Observations
Second generation larva of Eyermenia illigerella (Lep.) R. Heckford ... 98
Eupithecia vulgata spp. scotica (Lep.) in Cumbria, A. M. Riley. ...... 104 Omalium allardi (Colin Speyside: A.A eAllen, se eee eee 7 Lyrashaworthi (Col.) — a correction. PDVOrion. ) >. S26 ee ae 117 Atheta sylvicola (Col.) from two sites in Scotland. J. A. Owen ..,....: 130 Migrant Lepidopterain Morocco. EC) LE: Simson > 2. cme a oe 132 Paralipsa gulags (ep) an Devon. sh Heckjord 2) S04 ees as ee 132 Further notes on Hyalomyodes (Dipt.) D. K. McE.Kevan.......... 132 Anearly (or late?) ted admital-A. Arener-Lockiw (4) ee eee 134 Phlyctaenia perlucidalis (Lep.) in Wiltshire. S. Palmer ............ 134 Anew insect-repellent:, PsA Sokoloff: cae Seniesa a 134 Eupithecia abietaria (Lep.) breeding in Wales. C. I. Rutherford ...... 140 New Lepidoptera records from Breconshire. A. M. Riley .......... 14] Notes fromthe Isle of Cannas. 6 Gar pelimenecs seit rae ahem 142 Urocerus augur (Hym.) new to Guernsey. R.A. Austin. .......... 143 Current Iterabure sy a Sa: 0 Stee ait le ae Cee er aN 142-144
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145 EDITORIAL
With this issue, we are pleased to welcome our new printers, Cravitz Printing Company Ltd. For the sake of continuity we have tried to keep the typeface and layout uniform with the first three issues of the current volume. We shall be adopting a metric format from the beginning of volume 101.
A number of readers have expressed surprise that the issue of volume 100 has proceeded thus far without editorial comment or other celebration. By way of explanation, although 100 volumes have been issued, the Journal is but a youthful 98 years of age — volume one was issued on April 15th 1890. In the early days our founder, J.W. Tutt, issued more volumes than there were calendar years. Whether this productivity flowed from enthusiasm or perversity remains unclear. If the seasons are propitious we propose to celebrate our centenary in 1990.
Remaining on the theme of celebration, we would take this opportunity to welcome the return of The Entomologist. This longest- running of British entomological periodicals was first issued in 1840; although 22 years elapsed between the publication of volume one and volume two, a total of 106 volumes were published until the demise of the journal in December 1973. The Royal Entomological Society of London have resurrected the title — or more correctly, taken over from the British Trust for Entomology — and plan to issue volume 107, under the editorship of Dr Hugh Loxdale, in July this year.
Fellows of the Royal Entomological Society will receive The Entomologist free for the first year of issue, but a complimentary copy will be sent to anyone on application to the Registrar, Royal Entomological Society, 41 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 SHU. Please enclose an A5 stamped, addressed envelope. A complimentary copy of the second issue will also be sent to those who have entered a subscription for the 1989 volume, at a-cost-of £17.50. The aims of the new quarterly journal are, to quote from the prospectus: ‘‘. . . . to publish short papers and popular articles of high quality and wide interest on insect natural history, behaviour, ecology, physiology, genetics and taxonomy (mainly Palaearctic)... .”’
Concluding with some comments on this journal, we would remind readers that the quality of the Record is determined by both the number of subscribers and the quality of the contributions. As with all publications, new subscribers are our life-blood. If readers find the contents of the Record interesting why not recommend a subscription to a friend, colleague, museum or library? (If not, why not tell the Editor?)
We welcome notes, observations and papers on all aspects of entomology, but particularly those covering British and European Lepidoptera or Coleoptera. We will be publishing detailed notes for contributors in due course, but in the meantime contributors using word
146 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15. vii. 1988
processors can help by following a few simple rules: DO use double spacing, ‘‘house style’’ and send us two copies of your text, DON’T use block capitals, underlining (except for scientific names), italic or condensed typefaces.
PECHIPOGO STRIGILATA L. (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE), THE NOT-SO-COMMON FAN- FOOT — Mr Elliott (Ent. Rec. 95: 238-241) drew attention to the fact that the so-called common fan-foot, Pechipogo Strigilata L., can no longer be regarded as a common moth, and commented specifically on a lack of recent records from Wiltshire where de Worms (1962, The macrolepidoptera of Wiltshire) had described it as ‘‘fairly common’’. Skinner (1984, Moths of the British Isles) states that in recent years the species has rarely been seen outside north Hampshire, east Sussex and south-east Kent. In view of these observations, the following recent records may be of interest.
In June 1983 I captured several specimens of P. strigilata in light traps in Bentley Wood, south Wiltshire. The specimens were confirmed by the late Roy Pitman. Subsequently I encountered the species in Bernwood Forest on the Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire border. I worked the Forest for three years from 1984 to 1986 and the species turned up each year. I exhibited a specimen from the Bernwood collection at the annual exhibition of the British Entomological and Natural History Society in October 1986. Small unplanted areas consisting of native trees and shrubs survive amongst the conifer plantations in the Oakley Wood (Bucks) and Waterperry Wood (Oxon) parts of the Forest. The common fan-foot was strongly associated with these unplanted areas and within them it was a regular visitor both to Heath and Robinson light traps. The moth was never numerous; the most I had in one night was nine ina Robinson trap operated on 23 June 1985 amongst oak, birch and aspen trees with a hazel understorey. On the same night only one specimen came to a similar trap placed in an adjacent ride. A similar pattern was obtained in 1984 with Heath traps when no individuals were ever taken in the ride but three separate individuals were taken at a Heath trap placed amongst the trees (on 6, 13 and 20 June). The same was true in Waterperry Wood when rides and woodland blocks were trapped simul- taneously. This observation is reminiscent of Elliot and Skinner’s exper- iences with the closely related Herminia tarsicrinalis (Ent. Rec. 96: 144-146) in which they described how the moth was captured most successfully by placing light traps within thickets.
Recently, I returned to Wiltshire and in Langley Wood, on 8.vi.1987, with David Sheppard, disturbed a fresh male strigilata amongst tall alders surrounded by oak, deep within the wood.
P. WARING, Nature Conservancy Council, Northminster House, Peterborough PE] 1UA.
NOTE: This species is well established in the Wyre Forest, Worcs, Shropshire. B.S.
MESAPAMEA SECALELLA — A SYNONYM OF M. DIDYMA 147
MESAPAMEA SECALELLA REMM — A JUNIOR SYNONYM OF MESAPAMEA DIDYMA ESPER (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE)
By B. J. LEMPKE*
Abstract
In this paper, the names of the common rustic moth (Mesapamea secalis L.) and the lesser rustic (Mesapamea secalella Remm) are discussed. Evidence is presented that the common rustic is indeed Mesapamea secalis L., but that the lesser rustic, Mesapamea secalella Remm is a junior synonym of Mesapamea didyma Esper. The lectotype of Noctua didyma Esper, 1788, and the neotype of Phalaena secalis Linnaeus, 1758 are designated.
The common rustic moth
During the 19th Century the common rustic moth was known as Hadena (Apamea) didyma Esper. Aurivillius (1891), in his work on the northern European Macrolepidoptera referred to this species as Hadena secalis (L.) Bjerk. This name, with the two authors, was repeated in Staudinger and Rebel’s important catalogue of Palaearctic Lepidoptera, issued in 1901, and thus secalis L. became the accepted name for the common rustic.
In 1983 Robinson and Schmidt Nielsen published an extensive paper reviewing the microlepidoptera described by Linnaeus and Clerck. One of these species was Phalaena (Pyralis) secalis Linnaeus, 1767. In the author’s collection, kept by the Linnean Society of London, a pyralid was found with a label in Linnaeus’ handwriting, reading ‘‘secales’’ (sic). This specimen was designated as the lectotype of Ph. (P.) secalis.
Thus doubt was cast on the true name of the common rustic moth. Kaaber & Skule (1985), in the Danish check-list, remarked ‘‘our well- known Mesapamea is therefore currently unnamed’’, and the 1987 Swedish catalogue expressed doubts by recording the species as ?secalis. This pessimism is, however, unjustified and the name Phalaena (Noctua) secalis Linnaeus, 1758, is perfectly valid as a little detective work will show.
Swedish rye-fields in the 17th and 18th centuries were affected by a condition known as ‘‘hvitax’’ (white ears), in which the tops of the ears died and turned white. This condition was originally ascribed to abiotic causes such as cold or wet, but in 1748 Rolander found that a lepidopteron larva was responsible. He succeeded in breeding the moth and in 1752 published an extensive article in which he described how the larva entered the stalk, eventually causing the death of the ear. He described the larva, pupa and moth, summarising the latter as follows: ‘“‘PHALAENA seticornis, spirilinguis, fasciculata; alis depressis fuscis,
* Instituut voor Taxonomische Zo6logie, Plantage Middenlaan 64, 1018 DH Amsterdam.
148 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vii. 1988
striatis; A Latino inscriptis’’. (The A is the reniform stigma with its dark centre cf. Dahlbohm, 1837.) In 1758 Linnaeus described Phalaena (Noctua) secalis, mentioned Rolander’s article, used with minor changes his Latin description of the moth and summarised Rolander’s description of the biology. Thus there is no doubt that Phalaena (Noctua) secalis is the insect that caused “‘white ear’’.
Linnaeus had never seen the species himself, and his doubt about the identity was such that he omitted it from the Fauna Svecica! Later, he obtained a pyralid new to him and, supposing that this was the wrong- doer, described it in 1767 as Phalaena (Pyralis) secalis with practically the same description as in 1758. Small wonder that nobody could recognise such a pyralid!
Returning to the Swedish literature, Bjerkander (1778) published new data on the relationship of white ear and larval damage. However, neither in the title nor the contents is a scientific name mentioned, so why Aurivillius (or Staudinger and Rebel who copied him) should consider Bjerkander the real author of the name secalis is a puzzle.
In 1837, Dahlbohm’s book on economically important Scandinavian insects was published, and this provided the solution to the identity of the‘‘white ear moth’’. One of the two coloured plates in this work figures the moth and its larva. Schéyen (1879) discussing the identity of Pyralis secalis L. concluded that Dahlbohm’s figure clearly represented Hadena didyma Esper. This conclusion was correct, the moth being the species we now know as Mesapamea secalis (Linnaeus). Phalaena (Noctua) secalis Linnaeus, 1758 and Phalaena (Pyralis) secalis Linnaeus, 1767 are two different species. The second name, as a junior homonym, is of course invalid. Morover, it is also a Junior synonym of Phalaena (Pyralis) frumentalis Linnaeus, described by him in 1761! (Robinson and Nielsen.)
In order to fix the identity of Phalaena (Noctua) secalis Linnaeus, 1758, it is necessary to designate a neotype, especially as Rezbanyai (1985) has described a third European species, Mesapamea remmi, from the secalis complex. These three species can only be separated with certainty by examination of the genitalia. Dr B. Gustafsson (Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet, Stockholm) kindly sent me five Swedish specimens from which I selected the one that most resembles Rolander’s description and Dahlbohm’s figure. The label reads: ‘‘Ol(and) Rapplinge 2; Emilsro; 31.7.1986; B. Gustafsson’’. Both the neotype and its genitalia are figured (Figures 1 and 3). The specimen belongs to Tutt’s reticulata group: rather pale brownish grey forewings, with distinct transverse lines and a yellow reniform stigma, “‘probably the commonest form in Britain’’ says Tutt (1891). Heinicke (1960) also discussed the species at great length, but this work is of limited use as it preceded both the splitting of the European secalis group and the diffi- culties caused by Linnaeus’ two secalis species.
MESAPAMEA SECALELLA — A SYNONYM OF M. DIDYMA_ 149
fonm.
Figure 1. Mesapamea secalis L. Genitalia of neotype. Slide no. 238. R.deVos, Coll. Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet, Stockholm.
The lesser rustic
The discovery of the generally smaller Mesapamea secalella by Remm (1983) is now well known. This species occurs throughout most of Europe, and may be locally as common as the true secalis. In the 18th and 19th centuries several secalis forms were described as good species, simply because transitional forms were missing from the small collections from which they were described.
The first author to figure and name secalis forms as good species was E. J. C. Esper. In 1788, plate 126 of Vol. 4 of his great work on the European Lepidoptera was issued. The noctuid depicted in fig. 7 was
150 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vii. 1988
named by him Noctua didyma. According to Horn (1926) part of Esper’s collection was transferred from the museum in Erlangen (Esper’s home, about 20 km NNW from Nurnberg, Bavaria) to the zoological museum in Miinchen. At my request, Dr W. Dierl, keeper of Lepidoptera, looked for secalis specimens in the Esper collection, and found two. When he visited Amsterdam in 1986 for the Third European Congress of Entomology, he brought the two specimens, together with genitalia slides he had already prepared. The specimens are a male and a female. The female, still in excellent condition, is the specimen illustrated in fig. 7, in 1788. The genitalia show it to be a true secalis. The male, which is a little worn, is an undoubted secale/la! For Esper, both specimens belonged to the same species. He wrote (p.378, 1796) that Noctua didyma varies considerably in colour and markings, but is especially characterised by the black line above the inner margin of the forewings.
I am therefore entitled to designate this male as the lectotype of Noctua didyma Esper, 1788. In this way we are sure that no older species name for the moth exists. The name secal/ella Remm, 1983 thus becomes a junior synonym. Both of Esper’s specimens are figured (figs. 4 and 5) but for convenience only the aedeagus of the lectotype (fig. 2), which is sufficient to confirm its identity.
ae &
Figure 2. Noctua didyma Esp. Aedeagus of lectotype (enlarged). Slide no. 2646. W.Dierl, Zoologische Staatssammlung, Munchen.
We owe it to the careful way in which Esper preserved his specimens that so many still exist. Each one was kept in a small, glass-topped cardboard box, where they have remained undisturbed all these years. For interest, the female Noctua didyma is shown in Esper’s original box (fig. 6).
MESAPAMEA SECALELLA — A SYNONYM OF M. DIDYMA 151
Figure 3. Mesapamea secalis L. Female, neotype. x 1%. Coll. Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet, Stockholm.
Figure 4. Noctua didyma Esp. Male, lectotype. Esper collection no. 1026. x1. Zoologische Staatssammlung, Miinchen.
Figure 5. Noctua didyma Esp. Female. Esper collection no. 1027. x 1%. Zoologische Staatssammlung, Miinchen.
Figure 6. Noctua didyma Esp. Esper’s female in its original box. Natural Size.
Acknowledgements
I should like to thank Dr W. Dierl for the loan of two specimens from the Esper collection and their genitalia slides; Dr B. Gustafsson for photocopies of old Swedish literature and the loan of M. secalis specimens; Mr J. Huisenga for taking the photos; Drs R. de Vos for checking of the Swedish specimens and Prof. Dr C. Wilkinson for correcting the English text.
152 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vii. 1988
References
Aurivillius, C. (1888-1892). Nordens Fjdrilar, handbok i Sveriges, Norges, Denmarks och Finlands Macrolepidoptera. Aktiebolaget, Hiertas Bokforlag, Stockholm (p.143, 1891).
Bjerkander,C. (1778). Om Hvitax-Masken. K.svenska VetensAkad. Handl. 39: 289-293.
Dahlbohm,G. (1837). Kort underrattelse om skandinaviska Insekters allmdnnare skada och nytta i hushallingen. Fr.Berlings Forlag, Lund.
Esper, E.J.C. (1786-1805). Die Schmetterlinge in Abbildungen nach der Natur mit Beschreibungenen, 4. Die Eulenphalenen. Wolfgang Walthers, Erlangen. Gustafsson, B. (ed.) (1987). Catalogus Lepidopterorum Suecica. Entomologiska
Foreningen, Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet, Stockholm.
Heinicke, W. (1960). Revison der Gattung Apamea Ochs, 1816 (Lep.:Noctuidae) 2. Teil Il Die Formen von Mesapamea secalis L. D.ent.Z. N.F. 7:166-176.
Horn, W. (1926). Uber den Verbleib der entomologischen Sammlungen der Welt. Supplta.ent. 12:1-120.
Kaaber, S. & Skule, B. (1985). Noctuidae. In Katalog over de danske Sommer- fugle: 103-114. Ent.Meddr. 52 (2-3): 1-163.
Linnaeus, C. (1758). Systema Naturae. ed. 10. Laurentius Sylvius, Stockholm.
— (1761). Fauna Svecica, editio altera. Laurentius Sylvius, Stockholm.
— (1767). Systema Naturae. ed. 12. Laurentius Sylvius, Stockholm.
Remm, H. (1983). New species of Noctuidae (Lepidoptera) from the USSR. Ent.Obazr. 62: 591-600.
Rezbanyai-Reser, L. (1985). Mesapamea-Studien II. Mesapamea remmi sp.n. aus der Schweitz, sowie Beitrage zur Kenntis der westpalaearktischen Arten der Gattung Mesapamea Heinicke 1959. (Lep.: Noctuidae). Ent.Ber. Luzern. 14: 127-148.
Robinson, G.S. & Nielsen, E.S. (1983). The microlepidoptera described by Linnaeus and Clerck. Syst. Ent. 8: 191-242.
Rolander, D. (1752). Hvit-ax-Masken. K.svenska VetensAkad. Hand. 13: 62-66.
Schoyen, M.W. (1879). Pyralis secalis L. Stettin. ent.Ztg. 40: 389-396.
Staudinger, O. & Rebel, H. (1901). Catalog der Lepidopteren des palaeark- tischen Faunengebietes. R. Friedlander, Berlin.
Tutt, J.W. (1891). The British noctuae and their varieties. 1. Warne, London.
A NOTE ON TINAGMA BALTEOLELLA F.v.R. (LEP.: DOUGLASIIDAE) — In the autumn of 1987 I collected a number of dead stems of viper’s bugloss (Echium vulgare) from the shingles at Dungeness, Kent, in order to breed and photograph the common, stem-feeding species Tinagma ocnerostomella Staint.
The stems were hung outside, exposed to the elements, all winter and brought inside late April 1988. On 9th May the first of a considerable number of 7. balteolella emerged. This species was first added to the British list in 1976 (Agassiz, Ent. Gaz. 26: 291-293) and, as far as | am aware, has only been noted from the coastal sand-dunes of east Kent, from where it was first recorded. Dungeness is geographically reasonably close to the original locality, but ecologically very different.
Perhaps it is worth looking further afield for this easily overlooked species? PAUL SOKOLOFF, 4 Steep Close, Orpington, Kent.
CRAMBINAE IN GREECE 153
CRAMBINAE (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE) IN GREECE WITH NEW RECORDS
By DAVID E. GASKIN*
Introduction
Despite their potential importance as pests of forage and other gramina- ceous crops, the Crambinae of Europe remained a relatively neglected group until the extensive studies undertaken by S. Bleszynski between 1955 and his unfortunate death in an accident in 1969. The crambine fauna of Greece is probably one of the least studied.
Unfortunately, in his major revision of the Crambinae of the Palaearctic in 1965, Bleszynski summarized distributions, referring to many species as being known from ‘‘Balkanhalbinsel’”’ or ‘‘Balkan- lander’’. Most of his source material was from relatively few collections; taken or examined by Staudinger (1871), Rebel (1916, 1918, 1933, 1934, 1936, 1939), Rebel and Zerny (1931), Schawerda (1937), Osthelder (1941, 1951), Drenowski (1930), Thurner (1940), Touleschkov (1951) and Amsel (1939, 1958). Closer examination of Bleszynski’s major sources of information frequently reveals that the two regional conglomerate terms given above in fact refer to material collected in Albania, Bulgarian Thrace and Bulgarian and Yugoslavian Macedonia. It is a matter of some difficulty therefore, to produce a coherent picture of the crambine fauna of present-day Greece. Further problems with using the source literature are caused by a number of misidentifications, and the use of names which have since been synonymised. It was advisable therefore, to be wary of identifications in the articles listed above unless the material in question could be re-examined or had been dealt with by Bleszynski in the course of his studies in the 1950s and 1960s.
In order to provide an overview of the crambine fauna of Greece, which proves to be unexpectedly rich in terms of number of species despite the barren nature of much of the terrain, the author has segregated those species confirmed as occurring in the peninsula and the islands of the Adriatic, Aegean and Mediterranean, including Crete. To these are added records obtained during recent collecting expeditions in the three years 1983-85, during which I took two species of the genus Agriphila and one of Ancylolomia not previously reported from Greece, and records given by Bleszynski (1969), Ganev and Hacker (1985). Information on the crambine fauna of adjacent countries, including Cyprus, is included where comparison is appropriate. Further records by Ganev (1982, 1983, 1985 and 1987) are discussed at the end of this paper.
* Department of Zoology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada NIG 2W1.
154
ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vii. 1988 New records for Greece
Agriphila cyrenaicella (Ragonot): 7 males, Kardamyla, Chios, 22-24.1x.85.
Note: A possible record from Kos was given by Turati and Fiori (1930); ‘‘Crambus cyrenaicellus Rag. 0 specie affine? L’esemplare di Coo del’ottobre 1929 non é abbastanza in buone condizioni per poter essere fissato con sicurezza.’’ Bleszynski (1957, 1965) did not mention this specimen, but since he cites papers by Turati extensively it may be concluded that either the specimen is lost or was not of this species, and less likely that Bleszenski overlooked the record. Previously the nearest confirmed records to Greece were from Sicily and Syria (Bleszynski 1965).
Agriphila dalmatinella (Hampson): 2 males, Kardamyla, Chios, 22-24.ix.85.
Taken in daytime with the previous species in short withered grasses and ericaceous scrub at about 200 m elevation. Bleszynski (1965) confirmed this species for Dalmatia and Herzegovina (Yugoslavia). Thurner (1940), found it in the SW of Kosovo province of that country in mid-September.
Ancylolomia pectinatella (Zeller): 6 males, Kardamyla, Chios, 17-22.ix.85, in short grasses (Phleum sp.). Previously recorded from Limassol, Cyprus, in October by Rebel (1939, 1940), and Jugoslavia (Bleszynski 1965).
Summary of previously verified records and new data 1983-85.
DIPTYCHOPHORINI
Glaucocharis euchromiella (Ragonot): ‘‘Crete’’ (Bleszynski 1965); the specimen in BMNH examined by Gaskin is from Vrissos. This species was first described from Crete as Pareromene rebeli (Osthelder 1940). The range includes Syria, Armenia (USSR) and Iran (Bleszenski 1965; material in BMNH re-examined by the author).
Euchromius rayatellus (Amsel): 6, Platamon, Katerini, 9-14.v.68, U. Roesler, at light (Bleszynski 1969); 1 female, 16 km SW of Komotini, 5.viii.84 (Ganev and Hacker, 1985). Also known from Italy. Widespread from Turkey to Syria and Jordan (Bleszynski 1965).
E. bellus (Hiibn.): ‘‘Greece’’ (Staudinger, 1871; Bleszynski 1965); 2 males, 16 km SW of Komotini, 5.viii.85 (Ganev and Hacker, 1985); 13 males, 6 females, Lassi, Kefalonia, 1-14.v.83, at light and 1 male, Kardamyla, Chios, 17.ix.85, at light (author’s data). Staudinger’s specimens were from Corfu. Thurner (1940) took it at localities in Bulgaria in July; it is widespread in most other countries of central Europe and the Mediterranean belt.
7
CRAMBINAE IN GREECE 155
E. ocellus (Haw.): Rodos (Rebel 1918), ‘‘Greece’’ and Crete (Staudinger 1871; Bleszynski 1965); 1 male, 1 female, Platamon, Katerini, 9-14.v.68, U. Roesler, at light (Bleszynski 1969); 5 males, 3 females, Lassi, Kefalonia, 1-14.v.83, at light (author); 2 males, 3 females, Planos, Zakynthos, 7.vi.84, at light (author); 2 males, Marmaron, Chios, 23-25.vi.85, at light (author). Rebel (1939) recorded this species from several localities in Cyprus, Larnaka in March, and Limassol and Platres in August-September.
E. superbellus (Zell.): Rebel (1933-34) recorded a specimen in June, from Vathi, on the island of Samos.
Bleszynski (1965) did not verify this report. Ganev (1987) reported 1 female from Rhodopi, Fanari and 1 female from Rhodes, Eleoussa, in 1985 and 1982 respectively; Hayward (1938) and Amsel (1958) confirmed its presence in Cyprus (as Ommatopteryx cypriusella), and in Bulgaria (Amsel 1939). Pseudoeuchromius latus (Staud.): Described as new from Karpenision by Staudinger (1871; Bleszynski 1965); this interesting species has yet to be recorded elsewhere.
CRAMBINI
10.
Le
12:
13:
16.
Crambus nemorellus (Hubn.): ‘‘Greece’’ (Bleszynski 1965). I have no further information on this record.
C. pratellus (Linn.): Bleszynski (1965) believed that this species occurred in Greece, but could not confirm it. Rebel (1918) and Rebel and Zerny (1934) recorded it in central Albania (as Crambus dumetellus Htibn.) in June, Amsel (1939) in Bulgarian Macedonia in late May, and Daniel et al. (1951) in Yugoslavian Macedonia in June.
Angustalius malacellus (Dup.): Noted in Attica by Staudinger (1871; Bleszynski 1965). Also recorded from Limassol, Cyprus in August-September by Rebel (1939).
Agriphila tristella (D. & Schiff.): ‘‘Greece’’ (Staudinger 1871; Bleszynski 1965); also recorded from Albania in August-September by Rebel and Zerny (1934) in Yugoslavian Macedonia by Thurner (1940).
. A. latistria (Haw.): ‘‘Greece’’, and Crete (Bleszynski 1965). . A. brionella (Zerny): Some material from Crete may be referable to
this species (Bleszynski 1965). It has yet to be confirmed from the mainland, although Bleszynski (1965) verified other Balkan records; from Albania in August-September (Rebel 1918), and Croatia (Rebel and Zerny 1934), also Yugoslavian and Bulgarian Macedonia in August-September (Thurner 1940).
A. tolli (Blesz.): So far taken from Crete (Bleszynski 1965) and Evro, Kivisos, 22-3.vili.85 (Ganev 1987); also known from Italy
156 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vii.1988
(author’s record), Austria, Romania, Hungary and Dubrovnik on the Dalmatian coast.
17. A. reisseri (Blesz.): Described as new, from Crete (Bleszynski 1965).
18. A. inquinatella (D. & Schiff.): Not specifically reported from Greece by Bleszynski (1965), who did not confirm the record from Corfu given by Staudinger (1871), but taken by the author as follows; 11 males, Mt. Falakro, Macedonia, 20.ix.1985, in long rough grasses at 2,200 ft. Previously Thurner (1940) had taken it in Bulgarian and Yugoslavian Macedonia in July, Rebel and Zerny (1934) in Albania in August-September. Rebel (1939) gave records from Limassol, Cyprus, for July and September.
19. A. selasella (Hiibn.): 1 male, Florini, 1,000 m, 30 km SW of Florina, 8.vili.85 (Ganev, 1987).
20. A. paleatella (Zell.): Kimassos, Peloponnesos, 27.viii. 1983 (Ganev, 1985). This record is included in the main list, but the author gave no illustration or genitalia figure. There are several closely related species.
21. Chrysocrambus linetellus (Fabr.): 21 males, Kardamyla, Chios, 28.v.1984, in new growth of tall grasses (? Apera sp.) on arable terraces. This species was recorded from Greece first by Staudinger (1871) on Parnassos, then by Rebel (1936) at Embona, Rodos, and by Rebel (1939) in three localities in Crete, Kalithes (May), Neapolis (May) and Tilisso (May and June) and by Bretherton (1969) on the plateau above Anogia, Mt. Ida. In the earlier literature this species is to be found under the name Crambus cassentiniellus Zeller (cassentiellus sic in Bretherton). Roesler captured specimens on the mainland of Greece at Platamon, Katerini (3 males, 9-14.vi.1968) and at Gorgopotamos, 15 km S. of Albania (10 males 28-29.v.1968) (Bleszynski 1969). Under the old name, the species has also been recorded in Albania in May and June (Rebel 1918) and the Kosovo province of southern Yugoslavia in June (Daniel et al. 1951), and in Bulgarian Macedonia by Thurner (1940) in the same month.
22. C. craterellus (Scop.): 1 male, Falakron, 5 km SW of Volos, 17.vii.84 (Ganev and Hacker, 1987). This species is widespread in the Palaearctic.
23. Pediasia contaminella (Hubn.): Recorded from ‘‘Greece’’ by Staudinger (1871), and taken at Platamon, Katerini by U. Roesler during 9-14.vi.1968 (Bleszynski 1969). It has also been taken in Albania in June and September (Rebel 1918; Rebel and Zerny 1934), and recorded from Montenegro by Rebel (1913) and Drenowski (1930). Daniel et al. (1951) and Thurner (1940) also gave several records for Macedonia (Yugoslavia and Bulgaria).
24.
Js
26.
Dit
28.
D9:
30.
aL.
a2.
33.
34.
3D:
CRAMBINAE IN GREECE LS7
P. jucundella (Herr.-Schf.): ‘‘Greece’’ (Bleszynski 1965). He made an uncited reference to a literature source, but so far I have not been able to trace this.
P. fascelinella (Hubn.): ‘‘Greece’’ (Bleszynski 1965), based on the specimens from Sarepta, identified by Staudinger (1871).
P. luteela (D. & Schiff.) 3 males, Falakron, 5 km SW of Volos, 17.vii.84 (Ganov and Hacker, 1987); this species is widespread in Europe and western Asia.
Catoptria acutangulella (Herr.-Schf.): Recorded from the Olimbos Massif in eastern mainland of Greece by Touleschkov (1951), but while Bleszynski (1965) cited this article, he did not confirm the record. It is not clear if Ganev (1982) referred only some, or all of Touleschkov’s material to C. olympica Ganev. The species, however, is widely distributed in adjacent regions; Albania in July- August (Rebel and Zerny 1934). Yugoslavian Macedonia (Thurner 1940; Daniel et al. 1951) and Montenegro (Rebel and Zerny 1934). C. mytilella (Htibn.): ‘‘Greece’’ (Bleszynski 1965). Also recorded from Albania, and Yugoslavian Macedonia by the authors given in the previous section.
C. olympica Ganev: 53, Olimbos-Kataphygion, 1,750-2,100 m, 1937 & 1962 (Ganev, 1982).
C. dimorphella (Staud.): Recorded from Crete and Cyprus (Bleszynski 1965).
C. falsella (D. and Schiff.): Recorded from the Olimbos Massif in July by Touleschkov (1951), confirmed by Bleszynski (1965). It flies in July in Yugoslavian Macedonia (Drenowski 1930; Thurner 1940) and was also recorded in Albania by Rebel and Zerny (1934). C. pinella (Linn.): ‘‘Greece’’ (Bleszynski 1965), no locality given, but the ‘“‘pinetellus (sic) (L.)’’ of Staudinger (1871) from Parnassos in July is probably the source specimen. Recorded from Yugoslavian Macedonia by Drenowski (1930), Rebel and Zerny (1934) and Thurner (1940).
C. gozmanyi Blesz.: 4 males, 4 females, Falakron, 6 km SW of Volas, 16.vii.84 (Ganev and Hacker, 1987). Previously recorded from Rumania and Bulgaria (Bleszynski, 1965).
Metacrambus caractellus (Zell.): ‘‘Greece’’ (Bleszynski 1965), without locality; 3 males, 1 female, Rodos, Eleoussa, August 1982 (Ganev 1987). Recorded also from Albania by Rebel and Zerny (1934), and from Platres and Limassol in Cyprus during August by Hayward (1938) and Rebel (1940).
Xanthocrambus saxonellus (Zinck.): First noted for Greece on Parnassos by Staudinger (1871), and later from Karpenisi in June and July by Amsel (1939); Also recorded from Albania (in July), Bulgarian Macedonia by Amsel (1939), and Yugoslavian Macedonia by Thurner (1940).
158 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vii. 1988
36. Mesocrambus candiellus (Herr.-Schf.): Athens, Greece (Bleszynski 1957); 2 males, 1 female, 35 km N of Alexandroupolis, 20-21 .viii.85 (Ganev, 1987). Canea, Crete by Rebel (1916), Osthelder (1941) and Bleszynski (1965).
37. Platytes cerusella (D. & Schiff.): On Parnassos by Staudinger (1871), Bleszynski (1965); 1 male, Falakron, 1700 m, 6 km SE of Volos, 16.vii.84 (Ganev and Hacker, 1985); also from Yugoslavian Macedonia (Thurner 1940) in July, Albania (May), and Bulgarian Macedonia (Rebel and Zerny 1934).
CHILONINI
38. Chilo luteelus (Motsch.): 2 males, 16 km SW Komotini, 5.vili.84 (Ganev and Hacker 1987). A common species throughout the Palaearctic (Bleszynski 1965).
CALAMOTROPHINI
39. Calamotropha hierichuntica (Zell.): 1 male, 35 km N of Alexan- droupolis, 20-21 .viii.85 (Ganev 1987).
ANCYLOLOMINI
40. Ancylolomia palpella (D. & Schiff.): 1 male, lower slopes of Mt. Falakron, Macedonia, 900 m, 29.1x.1985, swept from short pasture grass (author’s record). Bleszynski (1965) did not record this species from Greece, but during the literature research the author found an unconfirmed report by Graves (1926) for Armutei, Kilkis near Thessaloniki. It is known from Albania (Rebel and Zerny 1934), Bulgarian and Yugoslavian Macedonia (Rebel and Zerny 1934; Thurner 1940).
41. A. tentaculella (Htibn.): 5 males, Kardamyla, Chios, 20-22.1x.1985, in low scrubby heath with short dry grasses (author’s record). First recorded from Attica by Staudinger (1871), confirmed by Bleszynski (1965). Also recorded from 19 km SE of Florina (Rebel and Zerny 1934). The species has also been taken in southern Yugoslavia (Daniel et al. 1951), Albania (Rebel and Zerny 1934) and Limassol, Cyprus (Rebel 1939).
42. A. disparella (Hiibn). ‘‘Greece’’ (Staudinger 1871), under the old name of A. contritella (Zell.); Kimissos, Peloponnesoss, 27.viii.83 (as ‘‘first record for Greece’’) (Ganev, 1985); Also taken in Limassol, Cyprus by Rebel (1939), otherwise distributed around the western margin of the Mediterranean from Spain and Morocco to Sicily, and north to Hungary (Bleszynski 1965).
CRAMBINAE IN GREECE 159
Discussion It is unlikely that the list assembled in this paper fully represents the crambine fauna of Greece; so many other species have been taken in adjacent areas of Albania, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria in the past that they are almost certain to occur in Greece as well. The necessary extensive collecting effort has never been mounted.
Nevertheless, as those who have collected Lepidoptera in that country can attest, Crambinae are not nearly as common, as a proportion of the moths taken by day or at light, as one is accustomed to expect in central or northern Europe. The overlap between temperate and Mediter ranean zones lies relatively far north in Greece and this is paralleled in the crambine fauna. The ‘‘European”’ species such as A. inquinatella are more typically found in cultivated grasslands of the northeastern plains, and the northern border ranges. The thorny scrub lands which characterize much of the central and southern parts of Greece support essentially Mediterranean semi-arid zone genera such as Ancylolomia and Euchromius. In these regions and in equivalent parts of Turkey, except in the high mountains, I have observed a tendency for Crambinae to emerge in two waves, first in May, as soon as the temperatures are warm enough for activity, taking advantage of grasses still left fresh from spring rains. There is then a second emergence of adults in the autumn, so that eggs can be laid on the new growth of grasses coincident with the September-October rains.This pattern is in sharp contrast to the July-September peak of adult emergence so typical of northern and central Europe, and also of the northern mountain ranges of Greece.
In addition to the records summarized in this paper, Ganev (1982, 1983, 1985, 1987) has described a number of new taxa from material collected in Greece. After studying these diagnoses, I have considerable reservations about the validity of their status, for the reasons outlined below. _
Calamotropha hackeri Ganev, 1985: Differs from C. hierchuntica Zell. in the shading of the forewings, which could be the result merely of selection to a local habitat, and in the dimensions of the eighth tergite and the corpus bursae and ductus bursae of the female genitalia. The apparent shape of the tergite can vary with the degree of individual sclerotization, the corpus bursae in many groups of Lepidoptera is notoriously variable, and in fact the ductus and corpus bursae can be drastically different in shape depending on whether the female is virgin or has been fertilized. I am not convinced that the unique holotype is other than a variety of the Zeller species.
Catoptria olympica Ganev 1982 (1983): Once again, the forewing colour could simply be an adaptation of a local population to a particular habitat. The material described is very similar to C. luctiferella H.-S.; this species being notoriously variable in habitus (see Bleszynski, 1965, plate 15, Figs. 180, 180a, for example). I can see no
160 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vii. 1988
significant differences in the female genitalia of the two species, based on Ganev’s drawing, while in the male there is some minor difference in the basal costal and saccular sclerotization of the valva, both regions subject to considerable variation in many species of Palaearctic Crambini.
Catoptria fibigeri Ganev 1987: The female genitalia as figured appear to be well within the range of variation encountered in C. acutangulella (H.S.) The single male from Ionnina is identical in general form to the males toteethar speciesm also, “exceptotins theaibasal, scosial/ saccular sclerotization of the valva. Given the variability of that zone in acutangulella across its range, it seems most unwise to describe a new species largely on the basis of a variation in costal zone sclerotization which may prove to be only individual in nature.
While they were not originally described from Greece, I have similar reservations about the description of new subspecies in Catoptria biformella Rbl., and C. gozmanyi Blesz. without a thorough investi- gation of variation across the range of each species. Ganev (1982 [1983]) also described a new species in the genus Pediasia from Bulgaria, P. kasyi. After looking at his drawings, I conclude it would fit quite readily within the expected range of individual variation for P. radicivitta (Fil.) or perhaps P. walkeri Blesz., both of which may in fact be local clinal variants of the same trans-Palaearctic species in any case.
Despite the work of Bleszynski (1965), all the genera of Palaearctic merit thorough revision, preferably after much more collecting effort in eastern Europe and west and central Asia. While there may in fact be merit in some of the new taxa recently published, it is unwise to add any new names to the literature without first comparing the material with the considerable holdings in the major museums of Europe to get a good idea of the types of variation encountered throughout the known range of each species, and the grounds on which a subspecies might be proposed and its distinction defended.
References
Amsel, H.G. von. 1939. Beitrage zur Kleinschmetterlings,-Fauna der Balkanlander und Kleinasiens. D. Ent. Z. 52: 152-159.
Amsel, H.G. von. 1958. Cyprische Kleinschmetterlinge. Z. Wiener Ent. Ges. 43: 51-75.
Bleszynski, S. 1957. Studies on the Crambidae (Lepidoptera). Part XIV. Revision of the European species of the generic group Crambus F. s.]. Acta Zool. Cracov. 1: 161-622.
—, 1965. Microlepidoptera Palaearctica. Vol 1. Crambinae. (H.G. von Amsel, F. Gregor and H. Reisser, editors) 553 pp., 133 pl., in two parts, Verlag Georg Fromme & Co., Wien.
—, 1969. Crambidae aus der Tiirkei und aus Griechenland (Lep., Pyralidae) (Crambinae-Studien, Teil 46). Ent. Z. 79: 25-27.
Bretherton, R.F. 1969. Notes on butterflies (Rhopalocera) in Crete in June, 1969. Entomologist’s Rec. J. var. 81: 296-301.
CRAMBINAE IN GREECE 161
Fig. 1. ALB. — Albania; YUG. — Yugoslavia; BULG. — Bulgaria; Localities in text: 1. Alexandroupolis, 2. Armutei, 3. Athens, 4. Attica, 5. Chios, 6. Corfu, 7. Crete, 8. Eleoussa, 9. Embona, 10. Evro, 11. Falakron (Mt.), 12. Fanari, 13. Florina, 14. Gorgopotamos, 15. Idhi (Mt.) 16. Kardamyla, 17. Karpenision (Mt.), 18. Katerini, 19. Kefalonia, 20. Khania, 21. Kilkis, 22. Kimissos, 23. Komotini, 24. Kos, 25. Kalithes, 26. Lassi, 27. Marmaron, 28. Neopolis, 29. Olimbos, 30. Parnassos, 31. Planos, 32. Platamon, 33. Rodhopi, 34. Rodos, 35. Tilissos, 36. Vathi, 37. Zakynthos.
Daniels V-F_ aw. TBorster ‘and’ L2* \Osthelder. “195k.” Beitrage™ zur Lepidopterenfauna Mazedoniens. Zool. Staats. Miinchen, Veroff. (ser. 2) Ge Vere
Drenowski, A.K. 1930. Beitrag zur Lepidopterenfauna S.W. Mazedoniens. Spis. Blg. Akad. Nauk., 42: 129-177.
Ganev, J. 1982(1983). Zur systematik der Crambinae (Lepidoptera) der Balkan- Halbinsel (1). Zeitschr. Arb. Osterr. Ent. 34: 123-125.
—, 1983. Zur Systematik der Crambinae der Balkan-Halbinsel-II (Lepidop- tera). Sonder. Nach. Bayerischen. Ent. 32: 23-27.
—, 1985. Zur Systematik der Crambinae der Balkan-Halbinsel-I1V (Lepidop- tera). Sonder. Nach. Bayerischen. Ent. 34: 117-118.
162 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vii.1988
Graves, P.P. 1926. Heterocera from Macedonia, Gallipoli and Central Greece. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 38: 152-158. 165-170.
Haywood, K.J. 1938. Pyralidae and microlepidoptera collected in Cyprus during 1920 and 1921. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 50: 6-7, 28-30; 80-82; 90.
Osthelder, L. 1941. Beitrag zur Kleinschmetterlingsfauna Kretas. Miinchen Ent. Ges. Mitt. 31: 365-370.
Rebel, H. 1916a. Die Lepidopterenfauna Kretas. Ann. Hofmus. Wien. 30: 66-172.
—, 1916b. Zur Lepidopterenfauna der Insel Rhodus. Wiener Ent. Ver. Jahr. 26: 111-115.
—, 1918. Lepidopteren aus Mittelalbanien. Zeitschr. Oesterrich. Ent. Ver. 3: 75-77; 85-88.
—, 1933. Griechische Lepidopteren II. Z. Osterr. Ent. Ver. 18:91.
—, 1934. Griechische Lepidopteren III. A. Osterr. Ent. Ver. 19: 55-56; 63-66.
—, 1936. Zoologische Ergennisse einer Dodekanesreise von O. Wettstein 1935. Akad. Wiss. Wien Math.-naturw. KI., Sitzber. Ost. 145: 19-33.
—, 1939. Zur Lepidopterenfauna Cyprens. Miinchen Ent. Ges. Mitt. 29: 487-564.
—, and H. Zerny. 1934. Die Lepidopterenfauna Albaniens. Dekschr. Ak. Wiss. Wien. Math.-naturw. KI., 103: 37-161.
Schawerda, K. 1937. Zwei neue Microheteroceren aus Mazedonien. Z. Ost. ent. Ver. 18: 55-56.
Staudinger, O. 1871. Beitrag zur Lepidopterenfauna Griechenlands. Horae Soc. ent. ross. (1870) 7: 3-304.
Thurner, J. 1940. Die Schmetterlinge der Ochrid-Gegend in Mazedonien. Mitt. naturw. Inst. Sofia 14: 9-35.
Touleschkov, K. 1951. Etudes faunistiques d’Olympe de la Gréce Insecta-Lepi- doptera (in Bulgarian with long French summary). Bull. Inst. zool. Acad. bulg. Sci. 1: 305-328.
Turati, E. and A. Fiori. 1930. Lepidotteri di Rodi. Soc. Ent. Ital. Mem. 9: 196-214.
SITOTROGA CEREALELLA OL. (LEP.: GELECHIIDAE) IN WORCESTER — Mr Johnathan Cooter recorded this insect as a pest of ‘‘corn dollies’’ in the Hereford Museum in 1984. Subsequent to this, I was informed that a similar infestation had occurred in the Worcester Museum collection of locally made corn dollies. The insects proved to be cerealella, but it is not clear whether the wheat from whose seed-heads the moths emerged in 1987 was of local or imported origin. A.N.B. SIMPSON, The Sycamores, The Old Rectory, Leigh, Worcs.
CYDIA ILLUTANA H.-S. (LEP.: TORTRICIDAE) IN HAMPSHIRE — On June 10th 1975 I took a small tortricoid moth at m.v. light in my garden at Southsea. It was identified by me as C. conicolana Hey. and remained misidentified thus until I made a genitalia preparation a couple of years ago. I am indebted to E.C. Pelham-Clinton for identifying it as C. illutana.
I believe this is the earliest yet known example of this species in Britain. Dr J.R. LANGMAID, 1 Dorrita Close, Southsea, Hants PO4 ONY.
DANAUS PLEXIPPUS BREEDING IN SPAIN 163
ESTABLISHMENT OF A POPULATION OF DANAUS PLEXIPPUS (LINNAEUS, 1758) (LEP.: DANAIDAE) IN SOUTHWEST EUROPE
By J. MARTIN & P. GURREA*
Summary
The migratory behaviour of D. plexippus has allowed it to expand over a very wide area. Although specimens have been arriving in Europe continually, there is no firm evidence that populations have become established, probably due to the absence or scarcity of suitable larval foodplants. Over the last few years, and coinciding with an invasion of D. chrysippus, a colony of D. plexippus has become established in Europe for the first time.
The biology and distribution of this population has been studied. The distribution seems to be determined by the presence of Asclepias curassavica. This plant, which also originates from the American continent, is naturalised in some coastal zones of the southern Iberian Peninsula.
The biological cycle of D. plexippus in the Iberian Peninsula is similar to that of the southern zone of its original distribution area. This, and the possible evolution of the colony, is discussed.
Introduction The winter migrations of populations of Danaus plexippus from North America is a biological phenomenon of great interest, in that it constitutes an extreme case within the insects, and as such it has been proposed for protection in the JUCN Invertebrate Red Data Book (Wells et al, 1983).
The migratory capacity has led to an expansion of this species from the Pacific coast of North America to Hawaii (1841-1852), New Zealand (1940), Australia (1870) and India (1901). From the Atlantic coast the expansion has been less spectacular, with populations established on the Islands of Madeira (1860), Azores (1864), and the Canaries (1887) (Leestmans, 1975).
Specimens have been noted in Europe on many occasions. In Great Britain these are summarised by Leestmans, 1975 and Bretherton and Chalmers-Hunt, 1982. Records from the Iberian Peninsula include Leestmans, 1975; Fernandez, 1982 and Eiroa and Novoa, 1983. The species does not appear to have become established, probably due to the scarcity of its larval foodplant. In recent years, colonies of D. plexippus have been found in the area surrounding Malaga, in Spain. (Arrebola, 1982b, 1983; Tapia, 1982, 1983a and b; Martin, 1983; Verdugo, 1984 and Machado, 1985.)
*Departamento de Biologia; Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autonoma, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
164 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vii.1988
This colonisation followed an invasion by D. chrysippus which became temporarily established on the south and east coasts of the Iberian Peninsula, from Cadiz to Tarragona. (Gonzalez 1980; Martinez, 1980; Torres, 1980, 1981; Arrebola, 1982 a and b, 1983; Tapia, 1982, 1983 a and b; Lencina, 1983; Monserat and Montes, 1983, Ochotorena, 1983; Hanus, 1984, Martinez del Pino and Moreno, 1984; Maso and Perez, 1984 and Verdugo, 1984). Although the majority of chrysippus colonies have died out, plexippus is still present in its original coloni- sation sites.
Regular visits to the colonisation sites have been made throughout the year since 1983. Over this time, many specimens have been collected, mainly as larvae. All stages have been reared at room temperature, in the laboratory, using Asclepias curassavica as the larval foodplant. Examples of reared material have been deposited in the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (Madrid) and the Universidad Autonoma of Madrid.
Larval host-plants and distribution of major foodplant. In the study zone, eggs and larvae of plexippus have always been found on Asclepias curassavica L., although others have found larvae on Gomphocarpus fruticosus L. (Machado, 1985.)
A. curassavica is likewise a native of the American continent (Tuttin, 1972: Guinea and Ceballos, 1984), being found mainly in tropical areas. Together with other species of this genus, and other members of the Asclepidiacea it makes up the spectrum of host plants of D. plexippus. Other host plants have been listed, by Ackery and Vane-Wright, (1984).
This plant is now naturalised at many sites on the coastal zones of the southern Iberian Peninsula. Although the history of its introduction and spread is not known with any certainty it is a common cultivated plant, usually in greenhouses, over much of Europe. It was introduced into Great Britain in 1692. (Chittenden, 1977). In principle, its naturalisation should not be difficult, as the species produces abundant, wind-transported seeds. In practice, it has a requirement for adequate water, a warm climate and a frost-free environment. The genus Asclepias includes species which form vegetative clones, requiring a complex cross-pollination mechanism. In practise, pollination requires a medium to large insect in order to transfer the large ‘‘pollinarium’’ between vegetative clones (Kephart, 1983; Morse and Fritz, 1983 and Morse, 1983).
At the present time, A. curassavica is naturalised in three main areas of the Iberian Peninsula: extensively around the villages of Torrox, Frigiliana, Nerja and Maro; a small colony around Churriana and finally in the province of Cadiz, mainly in the ‘‘de la Miel’’ river area of Algeciras. These sites cover a considerable area, and at Torrox we have found plants from the coast to more than 10 km inland. All sites
DANAUS PLEXIPPUS BREEDING IN SPAIN 165
maintain the optimum ecological conditions — plants occurring in marginal zones along the courses of rivers that flow all the year and along the edges of irrigation channels. These observations agree with the published data on A. curassavica (Tuttin et al, 1972; Guinea and Ceballos, 1974).
We have found D. plexippus larvae and adults at all the major sites except within the Province of Cadiz. (See also Arrebola, 1982b, 1983; Tapia, 1982, 1983 a and b, 1984; Verdugo, 1984; Machado, 1985). Adult butterflies have been seen visiting the flowers of A. curassavica and Nerium oleander, as well as drinking from puddles or dew-covered plants.
Climatology of the area, and biology of D. plexippus The whole coastal zone of Cadiz and Malaga is characterised by a mild climate, absence of winter frosts, and low annual rainfall (Table 1 and Figure 1). The area of Nerja is noted for its production of ‘‘tropical’’ crops such as custard apple, avocados, sugar cane, etc. A. curassavica is in leaf throughout the year, flowering from February until November.
Under these conditions, D. plexippus breeds continuously and eggs, larvae, pupae and adults can be found in every month. The density of larvae can reach considerable proportions, and it is not unusual to find plants defoliated, especially towards the end of November, with larvae wandering over the ground in search of fresh food. During the ‘‘winter”’ months of December and January, there is a noticable abundance of eggs.
Perhaps the most interesting fact is that this population and those present on islands such as Madeira, Canary Islands ana the Azores, behave like non-migratory races, when, in all probability, they arose from migratory stock (Ackery and Vane-Wright, 1984).
Origin of the pepulation
In principle, the origin of this population can be considered as American, since substantial objections exist to the theory of Macronesic origin (ie from Madeira, the Canaries and the Azores) for those specimens arriving in Europe (Leestmanns, 1975).
The date of arrival was probably 1981, a year when there was a huge immigration into Europe — for Great Britain, the records were summarised by Bretherton and Chalmers-Hunt (1982), and for the Iberian Peninsula by Fernandez (1982) and Eiroa and Novoa (1983). Although D. plexippus is recorded in northern Europe, especially Great Britain, every year, there is no evidence that the species has ever bred, outside the artificially maintained colonies in ‘‘Butterfly houses’’.
Verdugo (1984) has suggested that the species must have been present for many years, with the recent population increase corresponding to a period of drought in the Iberian Peninsula. We challenge this view,
166 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vii.1988
MALAGA (altitude 34 m) TARIFA (altitude 20 m)
Temperature °C (1931-1960) Temperature. °C (1945-1960) Jains Means Absolute Month Means Absolute Day Max. Min. Max. Min. Day Max. Min. Max. Min. = — J Nese WG. 8.5 29.0 0.0 J 135%) W652. VOR 22.3 1.8 F eee ole | 9.3 27.0 0.0 F 13.7 16.86 10.6 24.7 -2.1 w 15.0 18.8 11.1 27.8 3.0 M 15.0 18.1 12.0 23.4 3.1 A 16.7 20.5 12.8 31.8 5.2 A 16.2 19.5 13.0 25.6 6.2 M 19.3 23.3 15.2 34.0 7.6 M 18.3 21.7 14.9 28.3 6.0 J 22.8 26.6 19.0 39.0 12.0 J 20.9 24.4 17.5 30.8 15.2 J 25.2 29.2 21.3 40.6 12.0 J 23.0 26.5 19.6 35.3 14.4 A 25.6 29.8 21.6 40.4 12.0 A 23.5 27.0 20.0 37.0 15.0 S 23.5 27.5 19.6 39.6 11.0 s 22.3 25.6 19.0 30.8 13.8 (0) 19.7 23.4 15.9 34.6 4.2 (0) 19.8 23.0 16.7 29.1 9.0 N 15.8 19.7 11.9 29.4 4.0 N 16.9 19.8 14.0 27.8 6.8 D 13.3 17.1 9.4 29.2 2.0 D 14.3 17.2 11.4 23.6 3.2 Year 18.5 22.4 14.6 40.6 0.0 Year 18.1 21.3 14.9 37.0 -2.1
Table 1. Temperature variations in Malaga and Tarifa (after Font, 1983a).
TORROX MALAGA
ALGECIRAS
TARIFA
Figure 1. Number of days each year on the Iberian Peninsula when the minimum temperature is below 0°C (after Font, 1983b).
particularly in relation to the known biology of the butterfly and its foodplant. It is also inconceivable that such a conspicuous species would have been overlooked for such a time — the previous immigration being in 1973. Verdugo also cites information from local farmers to support his theory. Our evidence suggests that farmers are somewhat unreliable, many being unable to distinguish the various species of butterfly, and often confusing the larva of plexippus with that of Papilio machaon, which feeds locally on fennel.
Possibly evolution of the D. plexippus population
The status of the foodplant A. curassavica must be regarded as precarious. It occupies marginal zones in areas of high human
DANAUS PLEXIPPUS BREEDING IN SPAIN 167
population and intensive agriculture, with the consequent problems of pollution from pesticides and urban waste. The plant also needs a permanently damp base, and the intermittent needs of agricultural irrigation do not always provide this condition. The autumn defoliation by larvae of D. plexippus may also stress the plants, although this is normal on the American continent (Morse, 1985).
The absence of plexippus in the area surrounding Algeciras is also interesting, as the foodplant is present and, geographically, colonising individuals should pass through this area. The impact of tourism on this area has been modest, and the agriculture remains traditional. Perhaps the significant tree cover makes the area unattractive for what is essentially an insect of open ground. In contrast, the impact of tourism on most of the plexippus areas has been high; agriculture is more intensive, and there is considerable irrigation and use of fertilizers. It is perhaps this last factor, combined with progressive deforestation, which gives the clue: according to Ackery and Vane-Wright (1984), plexippus is typical of open and nitrophilous zones, an accurate description of these areas.
There appears to be no effective competition for foodplant as, apart from the aphid Aphis nerii (which also feeds on Nerium oleander) no other invertebrates have been found regularly feeding on A. curassavica. The only other asclepiad supporting larvae is Gomphocarpus fruticosus (Machado, 1985), but this South African introduction is quite rare. No other host plants have been confirmed in Spain.
The presence of p/exippus (as a pollinating insect) may well favour the spread of A. curassavica, within reasonable physical and climatic limita- tions, as although the effectiveness of plexippus as a pollinator has been questioned (Kwephart, 1983; Morse and Fritz, 1983, Morse, 1985), it is probably adequate for the needs of the plant. This in turn will tend to stabilise the colony of ‘‘European’’ plexippus, by a_ feedback mechanism.
We are faced with an interesting ecological ‘‘experiment’’, with the introduction of two alien species, one plant and one insect, both strongly interrelated, and relatively isolated from the rest of the flora and fauna.
References
Ackery, P.R. and Vane-Wright, R.I. 1984., Milkweed Butterflies. British Museum (Natural History).
Arrebola, F. 1982a.Capturas de Danaus plexippus L. en la provincia de Malaga (Torrox). Shilap. Revta. lepid. 10: 321-322.
—, 1982b. Danaus plexippus L. en una colonia de Danaus chrysippus L., en Torrox (Malaga). Shilap Revta. lepid. 11: 77-78.
—, 1983. Capturas de Danaus plexippus L. en una colonia de Danaus chrysippus L. en Torrox (Malaga). Shilap Revta. lepid. 11: 131.
Bretherton, R.F. and Chalmers-Hunt, J.M. 1982. The monarch or milkweed butterfly (Danaus plexippus L.) in 1981. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 94: 81-87.
—, 1986. The immigration of Lepidoptera into the British Isles in 1985. Ento- mologist’s Rec. J. Var. 98: 223-230.
168 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15. vii. 1988
Chittenden, F.J. (ed.) 1977. Dictionary of Gardening. Vol.1. Clarenden Press, Oxford.
Eiroa, M.E. and Novoa, F. 1983. Nueva cita de Danaus plexippus L. en la Peninsula Ibérica. Boletin Asoc. esp. Entom. 7: 322.
Fernandez, E.H. 1982. Notas lepidopterologicas del Noroeste peninsular (II). Shilap Revta. lepid. 10: 315-320.
Font, I. 1983a. Climatologia de Espana y Portugal. Inst. Nac. Meteorologia, Madrid.
—, 1983b. Atlas Climatico de Espana. Inst. Nac. Metereologia, Madrid.
Gonzalez, F.; Albert, F. and Lencina, F. 1980. Un nuevo lepidoptero para la fauna ibérica: Danaus chrysippus L. Shilap Revta. lepid. 8: 1-3.
Guinea, E. and Ceballos, A. 1974. Elenco de la Flora Vascular Espanola. \cona, Madrid.
Hanus, E. 1984. Danaus chrysippus L. a Malaga. Alexanor 13: 174.
Kephart, S.R. 1983. The partitioning of pollinators among three species of Asclepias. Ecology 61: 120-133.
Leestmans, R. 1975. Etude biogeographique et ecologique des Lépidopteres des iles Canaries (Insecta Lepidoptera). Vieraea 4: 9-116.
Lencina, F., Albert, F. and Gonzales, F. 1983. Nuevas citras y observaciones sobre Danaus chrysippus L. Shilap Revta. lepid. 11: 245-248.
Machado, J. 1985. Cria en cautividad de Danaus plexippus L. procedentes de Torrox (Malaga). Shilap Revta. lepid. 13: 312.
Martin, J. 1983. Confirmacion de la cria de D. plexippus en la Peninsula Ibérica (Lep.: Danaidae) Graellsia XX XIX: 193-194.
Martinez, J. 1980. Nota de Redaccion. Shilap Revta. lepid. 8: 1-3.
Martinez del Pino, M. and Moreno, D. 1984. Localizacién de una colonia de Danaus plexippus L. en la Provincia de Tarragona. Shilap Revta. lepid. 12: 227-228.
Maso, A. and Perez, J.J. 1984. Migracio de Danaus chrysippus a la costa cata- lana: espécie nova per a Catalunya. Treb. Soc. Cat. Lep. 6: 55-63.
Monserrat, V.J. and Montes, C. 1983. Una nueva colonia de Danaus chrysippus en la Peninsula Ibérica (Lep., Danaidae). Boletin Asoc. Esp. Entom. 7: 324. Morse, D.H. 1985. Las Asclepias y sus visittantes. /nvestigacién y Ciencia
(Spanish edition of Scientific American), 108: 80-88.
—, and Fritz, R.S. 1983. Contributions of Diurnal and Nocturnal Insects to the Pollination of Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) in a Pollen-limited system. Oecologia. 60: 190-197.
Ochotorena, F. 1983. El Danaus chrysippus L. en la provincia de Murcia. Shilap Revta. lepid. 11: 124.
Sheldon, W.G. 1935. The foodplant of Danaus plexippus L. in Tenerife and the period of emergence of the imago. Entomologist 68: 287.
Tapia, P. 1982. Danaus chrysippus L. y D. plexippus en la provincia de Malaga. Shilap Revta. lepid. 11: 145-146.
—, 1983a. Los Danaidos de Espana: resumen de observaciones. Shilap Revta. lepid. 11: 145-146.
—, 1983b. Observaciones complementarias sobre los Danaidos de Torrox. Shilap Revta. lepid. 11: 256.
—, 1984. Nuevas observaciones en la colonia de Danaidos de Torrox. Shilap Reyvta lepid. 12: 58-62.
Torres, J. 1980. Noticias de Cadiz y Malaga. Shilap Revta. lepid. 7: 286.
—, 1981. De nuevo Danaus chrysippus en Espana. Shilap Revta. lepid. 9: 36.
Tuttin, T.G. et al. 1972. Flora Europaea 3. University Press, Cambridge.
Verdugo, A. 1984. Cria en cautividad de Danaus chrysippus L. y Danaus plexip- pus L. procedentes de Torrox (Malaga). Shilap Revta. lepid. 12: 153-158.
Wells, S.M., Pyle, R.M. and Collins, N.M. 1983. The IUCN Invertebrate Red Data Book. 1\UCN, Cambridge.
MEGASELIA DAHLI COMPLEX 169
NEW SYNONYMS IN THE MEGASELIA DAHLI COMPLEX (DIPTERA: PHORIDAE) AND TWO SPECIES NEW TO THE BRITISH LIST
By R. H. L. DISNEY*
Megaselia dahli (Becker) and its relatives have given rise to much difficulty in the recognition of the species. Colyer (1954) attempted to clarify the identity of M. dahli but, as I report below, only added further to the confusion. Schmitz and Beyer (1965) dealt with this complex in their key to the species of their ‘‘Gruppe der Crassitarsalen’’. Couplets 40 - 56 cover the M. dahli complex. However this key has proved largely unworkable in practice, apart from the species with highly distinctive features. For example the distinctive flange on the fore metatarsus of M. cothurnata Schmitz allows immediate recognition of this species.
In order to make sense of the confusions I have assembled series of slide-mounts of the species of this complex, including re-mounts of a number of types. These have allowed considerable clarification, leading to recognition of misidentifications, new synonyms and two species new to Britain.
Megaselia dahli (Becker, 1901) Megaselia humilis (Wood, 1909). Syn. nov. Megaselia hibernica (Schmitz, 1938). Syn. nov. Megaselia hyalipennis auctt. nec. (Wood, 1912) misident.
Colyer (1954) reviewed the three ‘species’ M. dahli, M. humilis and M. hibernica. However the differences reported were trivial and have proved unworkable in practice. Accordingly the lectotype of M. humilis has been remounted, along with a specimen of M. hibernica collected by Schmitz and labelled ‘‘Tullabeg 20.6.39 Ireland’’. Colyer’s remounts of the hind leg, wing and hypopygium of the male ‘“‘topohyle’”’ (=topotype) of M. dahli have been examined. In addition a lectotype for M. hyalipennis has been designated and remounted (see under M. conformis below).
With these re-mounts and series of slide-mounts of freshly collected specimens it has proved possible to sort the specimens into species on the basis of fine details of the penis complex. One is then able to establish which characters consistently correlate with these different types of penis. Furthermore the small differences in the wings and fore- legs reported by Colyer (1954) are found to be totally inconsistent and clearly represent nothing more than intraspecific variation.
Two species can reliably be distinguished from the rest of the complex, in the male sex, by examination of the hind femora. M. dahli and M. pilifemur (Lundbeck) whose lectotype I have remounted, have almost bristle-like hairs beneath the second quarter to middle third, in
*Field Studies Council Research Fellow, University Museum of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ.
170 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15. vii. 1988
part arranged in two to three rows (the supplementary rows being on the anterior face) — figs. 1 and 2. In the other species the hairs beneath the hind femur are in a single row and not so crowded (e.g. figs.3 - 5). M. dahli and M. pilifemur are distinguished by a number of features including the hairs beneath the hind femur being twice as numerous in M. dahii (cf. figs 1 and 2) and there being four or more bristles on the axillary ridge of the wing, in contrast to three or fewer in M. pilifemur.
No character has been found that allows separation of M. humilis and M. hibernica from M. dahli and so it must be concluded that these are both synonyms of the latter species.
With clarification of the characters allowing ready recognition of M. dahii it is apparent that numerous specimens in museum collections are misidentified. In particular specimens attributed to M. dahli by Disney and Davies (1979) and Disney et al (1981) are now found to be M. hyalipennis.
Megaselia conformis (Wood, 1909) Megaselia carpalis (Schmitz, 1919) Megaselia hyalipennis auctt. nec (Wood, 1912) misident.
In the keys of Lundbeck (1922) and Schmitz and Beyer (1965) M. conformis and M. hyalipennis are separated on the colour of their palps. Those of M. conformis are supposed to be black and those of M. hyali- pennis yellow to pale brown. Having remounted co-types of both species, and having designated lectotypes, consistent differences in the penis complex have been discovered. This allows recognition that the palps may be brown to dark brown in M. conformis. Furthermore the illustration of the male hypopygium of M. conformis given by Schmitz and Beyer (1965, fig. 329) would appear to be of a specimen of M. hyalipennis. The dark process of the penis complex is tapered and bare, and has a contrasting pale border in M. hyalipennis. In M. conformis it is short, rounded and has small denticles. Correlated with these differences is the presence of a short, hairy, posteriorly-directed lobe on the left side of the hypandrium in M. conformis, whereas in M. hyalipennis this lobe is minute and hairless.
With these clarifications many misidentifications have been revealed. For example the ‘M. hyalipennis’ reported visiting flowers (Disney, 1980) have proved to be M. conformis.
Megaselia speiseri Schmitz, 1929
This species is keyed out by Schmitz and Delage (1974) at couplet 32 of ‘“‘Abteilung V’’. However the text (Schmitz and Delage, 1981) gives the costal cilia as 0.11mm, which would mean the species ought to have run to couplet 14. Furthermore the key erroneously states that the metatarsus of the front leg is ‘‘ebenso breit wie f’’ when it should have read ‘‘wie t’’. Specimens with the costal index up to 0.44 or more would key out in Schmitz’s (1958) key to ‘‘Abteilung IV, Erste Reihe’’ at couplet 15, along with M. intercostata (Lundbeck), M. crassipes
MEGASELIA DAHLI COMPLEX 171
Figs. 1 - 5. Anterior faces of hind femora (in part, or entire in outline only) of males of the Megaselia dahli-complex. 1. M. pilifemur. 2. M. dahli. 3. M. subcarpalis (avh = antero-ventral hairs). 4. M. intercostata. 5. M. protar- salis. (Scale lines = 0.1mm).
Ny ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15. vii. 1988
(Wood) and M. subcarpalis (Lundbeck), (see below). Lundbeck’s two species are immediately distinguished by the long hairs beneath the basal half of the hind femur; and M. speiseri is distinguished from M. crassipes by having more than nine hairs on the left cercus and a strong bristle near the lower margin of the left side of the epandrium in the male.
With these clarifications I am able to report the first two specimens of M. speiseri from Britain. The first was collected by Mr D. Lewis at the Charnwood Lodge Reserve, Leicestershire (Grid ref. 43/4615) 2 August 1977. The second was collected by the author at the Craigellachie National Nature Reserve, Inverness (Grid ref. 28/891116) 13/16 July 1982.
This species has previously been recorded from Austria, Poland, Sweden and the Central European part of the USSR.
Megaselia subcarpalis (Lundbeck, 1920, p.7). Megaselia manicatella (Lundbeck, 1920, p.132) syn. nov. Megaselia sunmanicata (Lundbeck, 1920, p.20) nec Malloch, 1914 Megaselia crassipes auctt., nec (Wood, 1909).
I have remounted the lectotypes of both M. manicatella and M. subcarpalis. There is no doubt that these are the same species. The confusion has arisen because the arbitrary division of Megaselia species into those with a ‘‘long costa’’ (costal index 0.44 or more) and those with a ‘‘short costa’’ (costal index less than 0.44) does not allow for species whose range of variation crosses this boundary. Schmitz and Delage (1974) gave the range for M. manicatella as 0.40 - 0.43. However the lectotype has an index between 0.44 and 0.45. The lectotype of M. subcarpalis has an index between 0.45 and 0.46.
In the keys of Schmitz (1958) both lectotypes run to M. crassipes (Wood) in ‘‘Abteilung IV. Erste Reihe’’. However the latter species not only has a distinct posteriorly-directed, hairy lobe from the left side of the hypandrium but also the hairs beneath the basal half of the hind femur are only about as long as the antero-ventral hairs of the apex. In M. subcarpalis these hairs are clearly longer (fig. 3), as in ™. intercostata (Lundbeck) (fig. 4). The latter species keys out with M. crassipes. M. intercostata differs from M. subcarpalis in having hairs, not bristles, on the epandrium, and having four or more bristles on the axillary ridge of the wing. In M. subcarpalis there are three or fewer bristles on this ridge.
Schmitz and Beyer (1965) include M. subcarpalis in their keys to “‘Abteilung IV. Zweite Reihe’’. However these two groups are distinguished on the basis of the length of the costal cilia, with the ““Zweite Reihe’’ having these 0.125mm long or more. In the text, however, these cilia are given as 0.09 - 0.1mm for M. subcarpalis (and as 0.08mm for M. manicatella — see Schmitz and Delage, 1974 — ‘‘Abteilung V’’). The reason for not placing M. subcarpalis in the
MEGASELIA DAHLI COMPLEX 173
‘‘Erste Reihe’’ would seem that the cilia look ‘‘long’’, but (because of the small size of the species) are found to be ‘‘short’’ when actually measured. The same error creates problems at couplet 2 of Schmitz and Delage’s key to ‘‘Abteilung V’’. Only by going the wrong route (i.e. by pretending it has ‘‘long’’ costal cilia) can one run to M. manicatella. The correct route leads to obvious error.
Having clarified the recognition of M. subcarpalis, and having established M. manicatella as a synonym, it is necessary to justify the presence of this species on the British List. The original basis for its inclusion was a specimen in the Wood collection collected 11 August 1912 at Tarrington, Herefordshire and subsequently identified as **Megaselia manicatella’’. | have re-mounted this specimen and found it to be M. crassipes. However, two males collected by Dr A. G. Irwin at Kirkby Malham, North Yorkshire (Grid ref. 34/890613) in June 1983 have proved to be this species.
Megaselia valvata Schmitz, 1935 nigripalpis Schmitz, ante 1935 nec (Lundbeck, 1920)
This species is close to M. nigripalpis (Lundbeck) but lacks the hairy lobe projecting rearwards from the left side of the hypandrium of the latter species. M. valvata also resembles M. protarsalis Schmitz, which also has short hairs beneath the basal half of the hind femur (fig. 5). However in M. valvata the fore tarsus is entirely dark, whereas in M. protarsalis the first four segments are somewhat yellowish in contrast to the darkened fifth segment. A distinctive feature of M. valvata is that the spine-like hairs at the base of the posterior face of the hind metatarsus are somewhat disordered and some are inclined ventrally (fig. 6). In M. protarsalis they are more ordered and are inclined distally as normal (fig. 7).
I have remounted a specimen of M. valvata from the Schmitz collection and also the holotype of M. nigripalpis in order to check the identity of two males of M. valvata collected by P. J. Chandler at Blickling Hall, Norfolk (Grid ref. 63/1828) on 14 October 1983. These represent the first records of this species from Britain. The species has previously been recorded from Austria, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Finland.
Acknowledgements
I am grateful to the following for allowing me to remount specimens in their care:— Dr L. Lyneborg (Lundbeck Collection, Zoologisk Museum, Kobenhavn, Denmark), A. C. Pont (Wood Collection, British Museum - Natural History), Dr H. Schumann (Dahl Collection, Museum fiir Naturkunde der Humboldt - Universitat zu Berlin), and Dr H. Ulrich (Schmitz Collection, Zoologische Forschungsinstitut und Museum Alexander Koenig, Bonn).
174 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vii. 1988
Fig. 6 - 7. Posterior face of base of hind metatarsus in males. 6. Megaselia valvata. 7.M. protarsalis. (Scale lines = 0.1mm).
References
Colyer, C.N., 1954. The problem of Megaselia (Aphichaeta) dahli (Becker, 1901) and M. (A.) humilis (Wood, 1909) (Dipt., Phoridae). Entomologists’ mon. Mag. 90: 121-128.
Disney, R.H.L., 1980. Records of flower visiting by scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) in the British Isles. Naturalist, Hull 105: 45-50.
Disney, R.H.L., Coulson, J.C. and Butterfield, J., 1981. A survey of the scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) of upland habitats in Northern England. Naturalist, Hull, 106: 53-66.
Disney, R.H.L. and Davies, L., 1979. Scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) from St. Kilda. Glasg. Nat. 19: 485-488.
Lundbeck, W., 1922. Hypocera, Phoridae. Diptera Danica 6: 69-455.
Schmitz, H., 1958. In Lindner, E. (Ed.). Die Fliegen der palaearktischen Region, 33, Phoridae. Lief. 202: 465-512.
Schmitz, H. and Beyer, E., 1965. Ibid. Lief. 258, 260: 513-608.
Schmitz, H. and Delage, A., 1974. Ibid. Lief. 301: 638-664.
Schmitz, H. and Delage, A., 1981. Ibid. Lief. 325: 665-712.
IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA IN 1987 175
THE IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH ISLES IN 1987
By R.F.BRETHERTON* and J.M. CHALMERS-HUNT**
1987, with a very late spring, a cold and sunless summer, and an early autumn with great gales and heavy rains, has the reputation of being one of the poorest seasons for Lepidoptera in recent times, except perhaps in the south western counties. Immigrant species shared in this poverty until the middle of August and, though there was some improvement later, recorded numbers of most remained below normal. There were exceptions. A major event was the abundance of Rhodometra sacraria L., of which more than 800 have been reported; the September invasion of Agrius convolvuli L. was perhaps above normal; and of the common butterflies, Vanessa atalanta L. had a good year.
Of the rarities, a single Jphiclides podalirius Scop., which may have been immigrant, was found on a pavement at Walthamstow, South Essex on July 5; two Apamea lateritia Hufn. were caught at Dovercourt, South Essex on July 7 and 24; there was a small invasion of Hyles gallii Rott. at the end of July, curiously spread from South Devon to Shetland; one Chrysodeixis chalcites Esp. at Portland, Dorset, September 13; three Diachrysia orichalcea Fab. in South Hampshire, Surrey and Isle of Wight, August 15 and 25, September 20; and a single Hypena obsitalis Hb. at Perranporth, South Cornwall, November 8. But there were this year no additions to the British list.
There were many reports of possible immigrant examples of resident species, including a fresh Nymphalis polychloros L. at Radipole, Dorset, on May 5S, and two at Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex on April 24; a single [Idaea ochrata Scop. at Axbridge, South Devon, July 21; singles of Enargia paleacea Esp. at Walberton, West Sussex and Dartford, West Kent on July 14 and 15; and of the Crambid Platytes alpinella Hb. at Axminster, South Devon and Horsmonden, West Kent, on these same dates.
The small numbers of species, and of individuals of most of them reported, seem to reflect small size of the immigrations rather than a lack of them. Five Cynthia cardui L. were seen between March 3 and 21. A small immigration in the first week of April and in early May included many Vanessa atalanta L. and Plutella xylostella L., but only few Colias croceus Geoffroy, Cynthia cardui L., Macroglossa stella- tarum L., Peridroma saucia Hb., Autographa gamma L., Agrotis ipsilon Hufn. and Udea ferrugalis Hb. In contrast to the great immigration of April 1985, this included none of the scarcer species and may have come from France in mainly south and south east winds. A
*Folly Hill, Birtley Green, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey GUS OLE **] Hardcourts Close, West Wickham, Kent BR49LG
176 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vil. 1988
further small influx in mid May added singles of Mythimna vitellina Hb. and Agrius convolvuli L., both in West Sussex.
Larger ones at the end of that month and again in the second half of June, repeated most of the common species and included most of the single examples of Acherontia atropos L. which were reported this year, and also the largest concentrations of M. stellatarum and the first Spodoptera exigua Hb., which was curiously far north at Spurn Point, South East Yorkshire. But only the end of July saw the first considerable influx of a scarcer species, Hy/es gallii Rott., of which all the nine imagines reported were between July 24 and 31, and may have produced the large larvae found on September 9 and October 10. These were apparently accompanied by further large batches of V. atalanta and P. xylostella and by a few C. croceus, P. saucia and a single record of H. livornica.
The great immigrations of R. sacraria L. began on August 16 and the records reached their first peak on the nights of August 21 to 24. There was a second wave in the first days of September and a third, much the largest, from September 17 to 21. After that the records fell away sharply for the rest of the month, with a further small rise from October 5 to 7; a few singles reported at the end of it, when O. obstipata showed its only considerable numbers and P. saucia was still very numerous. The season appeared to have been closed by prolonged cold nights and northerly winds, throughout November and the first half of December. There was, however, a surprising aftermath with the return of mild and south westerly winds in the last ten days of the year, when about a dozen C. cardui were seen, spread along the south coast from Cornwall to Sussex. No immigrant moths were reported, but this may have been due only to a lack of nocturnal observation at that time.
Of the common butterflies Vanessa atalanta had a good year. The first noted was on March 31, the last on December 31, in Mayfair, London. Its range northwards reached to Keiss in Caithness as early as April 24, the Isle of Canna on May 14, with fully grown larvae in mid July and one inside a window on December 9, and Ross-shire, Sutherland and Orkney in June and July with further records later. There were clearly defined immigrations in late April, including some seen flying into Dorset on April 24; at the end of May and in early June; another in the last days of July and the first of August. On August 20, in East Cornwall some 200 were seen on Eame Head, and in early September over 300 were counted along a cliff path between Seaton and Looe and a further 500 on Penlee Head on September 26; in South Devon, on September 18 an estimated 500 were seen coming over the cliffs between Sour Mill Cove and Salcombe, and on September 27 100 at Start Point. By then it was almost ubiquitious along the south west coast; but from Dorset eastwards and in inland counties the numbers reported were never large. Up the east coast it was noted only thinly in East and West Norfolk and at Spurn Point, South East Yorkshire. Very
IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA IN 1987 a7
few larvae were reported, and though the scatter and dating of records indicates that local breeding must have made some contribution to the total abundance, it was much less than that from _ primary immigration.
Cynthia cardui was first noted, singly on March 3 at Porton, Wilts and shared in later immigrations of V. atalanta, but was always very much scarcer and was usually seen only singly even along the south coast. Inland it was seen in Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Middlesex, Surrey, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, and the most northerly coastal record was of six at Spurn Head, Yorkshire. It did, however, end the year with a surprise influx from December 18 to early January 1988 along the south coast from Cornwall to Sussex. As numbers of C. cardui so late in the year are virtually unknown, we have summarised over twenty records at the end of Annexe II. Most of them seem to have been rewards for post prandial strolls on Christmas Day.
C. croceus was seen singly at Axminster, South Devon, April 29, Christchurch, Hants, May 13, near Swanage, Dorset, May 26, and again at Axminster, June 26; but the first sizeable influx came only from July 31 to August 8, when a dozen were reported. There were some more in mid August, with the largest record of the year, about 20, at Wey- mouth, Dorset on August 19. After that it was fairly numerous in the south western counties, the last being at Axminster on October 26. Elsewhere it was very scarce, East Sussex, eight, July 30/August 8; Middlesex, three; South Wilts, three, August 15/October 10; singles only in south Hants; West Kent, 31.8; Carmarthen 26.9; Pembroke, 27.9; Berks, 31.8; Worcestershire, 26.9; Guernsey 1.10. The year’s total of under 100 was much lower than normal, and local breeding anywhere was unlikely.
Of the common moths, Autographa gamma L. alone had a fairly good season. Nine were noted from April 19 to 30, at Rogate, West Sussex, Wareham Forest, Dorset, Ringwood, Hants, Fernham, Berks, Axminster, South Devon, and Leigh, Surrey. Late May and early June arrivals were perhaps up to the average. It was common as far north as Orkney from June 6 to early Cctober, and five full-grown larvae were found on September 19. Large influxes were noted from July onwards along the south coast, where it became generally abundant, as for example near Salcombe, Devon, where on September 18, a swarm of 150 - 200 were feeding from a small patch of thistles on the cliff top. The last was noted on December 4 on a fence at Surbiton, Surrey.
Agrotis ipsilon was first seen at Ringwood, Hants and Worth Matravers, Dorset on March 24 and 26; then in April in several places, including one in Orkney on April 15, after which it was widespread but nowhere really common. The last were seen at Sandwich Bay, Kent and Woldingham, Surrey on October 27. Peridroma saucia was also seen in April, at South Croydon, Surrey, but it was very scarce until mid
178 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vii. 1988
August, but continued until late October, with the last in South Essex on November 17.
The diurnal Macroglossa stellatarum was only once noted in April, this at Worth Matravers over narcissi on April 28, but the influxes which are usual in late May and through June gave about 40 records and several females were seen ovipositing, including one on 14.6 at Swanage, Dorset on Madder. It was numerous also in July, but thereafter numbers fell and their dates were much spread, indicating that some at least of those seen may have been offspring of earlier arrivals. The last were seen on St Mary’s, Scilly on October 22 and 23. Moths were reported in all the south coastal counties and in Essex in the east.
Surprisingly, one was also found on a ship at Stackpole, Orkney on July 28. Inland the only reports of it were in North Hants, at Leckford, July 2, September 12, in Warwickshire at Charlecote, June 22 and 27, July 30 and 31, and at Worcester, a larva. The total of under 100 reported in the year was rather below average.
The Tineoid Plutella xylostella was common during the April immigration and was reported in many places later, reaching a peak in the last half of July but declining rapidly later until the last was noted at Burghclere, North Hampshire, on October 10. Though clearly some of them came in as immigrants, especially in April and July, the general pattern of the records suggests that many others resulted from local breeding either by permanent residents or earlier arrivals. Its range extended on the eastern side to Yorkshire, Ross-shire and Orkney.
The usually abundant Pyralid Nomophila noctuella attracted attention by its unwonted scarcity. Several observers reported its complete absence from their traps. Though it was first reported at Winchester on April 28, and the numbers improved somewhat in mid September, it was nowhere really common and the last were seen as singles at Ninfield, East Sussex on October 30 and 31. Udea ferrugalis, after the first at Trebrownbridge, West Cornwall on April 30 was scarce until early August, after which numbers built up well through September and October and the last were seen at Bramley, Surrey on November 8 and Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, on November 11. The Noctuid Peridroma saucia showed a rather similar pattern. From the first at Coulsdon, Surrey, April 30 it was hardly noted until the end of July and early August, but built up to approach its usual frequency through the autumn to the last at Bradwell-on-Sea on November 12. This was mainly along the south coast, but it also reached Beetham, Westmorland and inland in Berks, Wilts, Herts, Bucks, Warks, and on the east coast Spurn Point, Yorkshire, where the only sighting was one on November 2.
The scarcer species are fully detailed in Annexe II, but the great influx of Rhodometra sacraria requires special mention. Its total of over 800 accounts for three quarters of all those listed. This is below that for the
IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA IN 1987 179
last year of abundance in 1983 (c.1090) and for the highest known in 1947 (c.1250). But in both those years considerable immigrations began in July and earlier, whereas in 1987 the first were seen only in mid August and, except possibly for half a dozen at the end of August all must have been primary immigrants. Though they were reported by some seventy observers, most were at regularly operated light traps. The presence or absence of these no doubt distorts somewhat the numbers for each county. But it is clear that the main points of arrival were along the south coast, especially from South Devon eastwards, and in South Essex; only singles were seen as far north as Westmorland and South East Yorkshire. Inland there were very few except in North Hants, Berks and Surrey, and mainly only singles in Herts, Middlesex, Northants, Oxon, Wilts and Works. The main home of R. sacraria abroad is believed to be in North Africa, but in 1987 records of other immigrants likely to have come from there seem to have been associated with it.
Agrius convolvuli, with c.140 reported, and Mythimna vitellina, with 52, were perhaps in normal numbers, both mainly in the autumn. Helicoverpa armigera with 22 reported was certainly above normal, and Hyles gallii, though only nine moths and some larvae were seen, is interesting for its concentration of arrivals in the last days of July combined with their very wide scatter between South Devon, Sussex, Kent, Berks, Norfolk, Notts, Westmorland and Shetland.
There are broad similarities between 1986 and 1987 both in weather conditions and in the numbers of wholly immigrant scarce species recorded, 28 and 27 respectively, but also large differences. 1987 had its great number of R. sacraria and good showings of A. convolvuli and M. vitellina, both of which were scarce in 1986 when H. peltigera was the only species with large numbers: in 1987 only one was reported. But 14 of the other scarce species which were present in 1986 were not seen in 1987, in which 11 species seen were not present in 1986. The usually common immigrants were present in both years, but V. atalanta, A. gamma and P. saucia were markedly more numerous in 1987, while C. croceus was hardly seen before August and was much scarcer later even in the south west, with a total of only about 150 reported against over 200 in 1986. These differences in composition in numbers are hard to explain. The great 1987 abundance of R. sacraria, coming with ‘‘Sahara dust’? from mid August onwards must surely have been due to abnormal circumstances in its African homeland, and the abundance of some other species from mid September onwards may have been due to several very strong south west gales, though the “‘hurricane’’ of October 15 over south and south east England seems to have had little discernible effect on numbers.
180 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15. vii. 1988
ANNEXE I
Names of Recorders
Arnold, N., Badmin, J., Baker, B.R., Baker, P.J., Baldock, D.W., Bascomb, K.N., Bell, R.A., Bond, K.G.M., Bowdrey, J.P., Bowley, R., Bretherton, R.F., Bretherton, M.F., Briggs, J., Brooks, Miss M.M., Brown, D.C.G., Brydon, I., Cade, Martin, Campbell, J.L., Chalmers-Hunt, J.M., Chatelain, R.G., Clarke, Drees Collins, 1C2B..,. ‘Collins; <GzA.5 iCorley, MH =Costen,,Dr P_D-M:s Culpin, John, Dey, D., Dewick, A.J. & S., Dobson, A.H., Dyke, R., Eastwick- Field, G.G., Else, G., Emmet, A.M., Fairclough, R., Ferguson, I.D., Finch, G.L. & M.D., Gardner, A.F.J., Greatorex-Davies, J.N., Granville, U.M.C., Green, J.E., Greenwood, J.A.C., Grey, P.R., Halsey, J. & M., Halstead, A.J., Hardy, P.B., Harmer, A.S., Harrop, Mrs M., Haynes, R.F., Heckford, R., Henwood, B., Higgs, G.E., Hornby, Dr R.J., Hunter, I, Hulme, D.C., Jenkins, ee Voness INoReanull=lones, )SsAe,. Wane, JRogern, Wane, (RoE ioc (CBE. Langmaid, Dr J.R., Levertron, R., Lorimer, R.I., Lowe, R.T., MacFadyan, I., MacKinnon, Mrs W., Macnulty, Dr B.J. Madge, Steve, Moore, B.W., Myers, DreAgAe iNashe Se Oates, Ma sOdell-iss O7nMefieman, Hk O:Keckies Ds Owen, Prof. J.A., Palmer, Mrs C., Palmer, S., Parsons, Mark, Paul, John, Payne; Jche, Pellam-Clinton.) EC.) Penhallunck. RED Phillips, 2 Wee Philpott, Vow. Plant, © W.. Pollard” E> Pooles, Ss: WP... borer, Is, r OUS, Pees Pirate (6. Re Ryman, (GeAs Radiond) JT.) Reed} Me, Rollins 3 @7¢:, Rutherford, C.I., Simpson, Dr A.N.B., Skinner, B., Smith, E.G. & M.H., Smith, Dr F.H.N., Softly, R.A., Sokoloff, P.A., Spalding, A., Spence, B.R., Sterling, Col. D.H., Sterling, M.J., Sterling, P.H., Stirling, P.M., Swanson, S., Swift, S., Terry, M.G.W., Townsend, Martin, Tucker, N.A., Tucker, V., Walters, John, Walters, J.M., Waring, Paul, West, B.K., Williams, L.P., Wilson, D.E., Wild, E.H., Winter, P.Q., Wright, Sheila.
(To be concluded)
A NEW ASSOCIATION FOR COLEOPTERISTS — we have received details of the formation of the ‘‘Associacion Europea de Coleopterologia’’, whose objectives are to provide a forum for coleopterists on a world- wide scale to exchange views through Bulletins and Monographic reviews, annual meetings, lectures, symposia etc. Further details are available from the Secretary, Dr T. YeLamos, Facultidad de Biologia, Universidad de Barcelona, Diagonal 645, Spain.—Editor.
THERA CUPRESSATA GEY. (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE) — A MOTH NEW TO MAINLAND BRITAIN — Further to the interesting and informative notes of 7. cupressata recently published by Costen and Peet (Ent. Rec. 98: 217-218), a specimen of this insect was discovered in the collection of J. Radford by Bernard Skinner. The moth had been taken at m.v. light on 1.xi.1984 at Walberton, West Sussex, and was accompanied by Mythimna albipuncta, M. unipuncta and Orthonama obstipata. It also coincided with the warmest day-time November temperature since the Second World War. COLIN PRATT, 5 View Road, Peacehaven, Newhaven, East Sussex.
AQUATIC HEMIPTERA FROM CUMBRIA 181
A NEW BRITISH FOODPLANT FOR STIGMELLA TILIAE (FREY) (LEP.:: NEPTICULIDAE) — On 5.xi.1987, whilst on a leaf-mine collecting foray in Colwick Country Park, Nottinghamshire (SK 615397), I collected two tenanted, nepticulid mines from leaves on suckers growing from a stump of Tilia platyphyllos (large-leaved lime). Emmet (in Heath: Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland vol. 1) describes the only lime-feeding nepticulid, Stigmella tiliae, as feeding on Tilia cordata, the small-leaved lime.
The mines agreed with the description given by Emmet (/oc. cit.) for S. tiliae, although the larva normally vacates the mine in October. Stigmella tillae has been recorded on the continent from Tilia platyphyllos, but I can find no record of this foodplant being utilised in Britain. My thanks are due to Harry Beaumont and Mark Sterling for confirming my identification. A.S. BOOT, 38 Balmoral Road, Colwick, Nottingham NG4 2GD.
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF AQUATIC HEMIPTERA HETEROPTERA FROM CUMBRIA
By R. W. J. READ*
During the past four years (1982-1986) I have made a small survey of the aquatic heteroptera of Cumbria; in particular the West Cumbrian region has been more intensively studied. The area worked contains some interesting habitats and water bodies. A number of lakes, upland tarns and peat pools were investigated, and collecting was also carried out in the standing water in old disused quarries. Large ponds created in abandoned mine workings in the area were sampled as well as brackish and estuarine pools on the coast.
Collecting was done by hand net and by the use of a drag line net. A total of fifteen 10km squares were visited, and this represents for this survey 88 individual 1km squares of the National Grid.
Figure 1 shows the distribution of the 39 species collected in each of the fifteen 10km squares.
Figure 2 is the relative frequency for each of the species arranged by families recorded in 88 1km squares of the National Grid.
Acknowledgements
I wish to thank the late Dr T.T. Macan for identifying a number of corixids for me. I also wish to thank Dr Peter Kirby of the Nature Conservancy Council for his help with determinations, and express my thanks to the Cumbria Trust for Nature Conservation in allowing me access to a number of their nature reserves in West Cumbria.
*43 Holly Terrace, Hensingham, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 8RF.
15.vii.1988
ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100
182
WASNUBA WT Tcouso ys PINMTIZR THOS 1323098 PueHts #IwWOUTTOIAStu StTeP11329"7T wnInego J TUBTTRJ e4ansts eT[ve1I0p wWIIUTIFIpP wuut 2su05 TWORSUTTOM RXTIOIT TTD wisnewsd extTrootT{te) TtJvmwI9B #Etsr0901 51 WIVUTIAI HETrSo001II1y YBZLaAqGCTYVS YNXTIOIOIAdG RI] Tauut{T Pxtsoso43d sayy 2ounisrs CX TIO IO10d HOH] wie39unNd wxTto7y ttoazued e#xttioy sedtiuep exTs07y enbuatdoud es tsoIoUuseT TJJaopsuoq errwuUrsy t4amod #3 d9UOIITIY wnbr{Tqo @#},398Uu010y ewonerTs ¢299u010y vwTSsTINUTW FIT
Fig. 1. Distribution of 39 species of aquatic hemiptera-heteroptera in each of fif-
teen 10 km squares.
AQUATIC HEMIPTERA FROM CUMBRIAD
CORIXIDAE
ey eS Sigara nigrolineata (Fieb.)
[Heaperocorixe sahitersi (Ficb,) [Sisere dorsalis (Leach) [| Sigere venuste (0.4 3.) [Callicorixe pracusta (Ficd.) |Sisere scott (riew.) | ,Suasrap@tatinata Fish), sive) Hesperocorixa castanea (Thoms. ) |Corixe punctate (111.)
Cymatia bonsdorffi (C.Sahlb.) Arctocorisa carinata (C.Sahib.)
Arctocorisa germari (Fieb.)
HEBRIDAE
Hebrus ruficeps (Thoa.) ie ey ee
HYDROMETRIDAE
llydrometre stagnorue (L.) | Paes
VELIDAE
Velia caprai Tamaniai
Microvelia reticulata (ODure.)
Velia ssulii Tamaniai
GERNIDAE
Gerris iocustris (L,) Gerris gibbifer Sehusm
Gerris thoracicus Schum
Gerris odontogaster (Zett.)
Gerris lateralis Schum
Gerris costai (H.-S.)
NEPIDAE
PLEIOAE
Plea minutiseina (L.) BIGNESS ASNT rey
NOTONECTIDAE
SS Notonecta glauca L. = Notonecta oblique Gallen = ce) 10 20 30 &o
183
Fig. 2. Relative frequency of aquatic hemiptera-heteroptera in 88 1 km squares in
Cumbria.
184 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vii.1988
ADDITIONAL SCOTTISH RECORDS FOR EUDECTUS WHITEI SHARP (COL.: STAPHYLINIDAE), WITH A COMMENT ON ITS STATUS IN BRITAIN. — Further to my recent note on this species (1987 Ent. Rec. 99: 96), I can now record its presence at two more Scottish sites — Aonach air Chrith, Wester Ross, where I sieved a specimen from moss and gravel at about 1020m on 11.vi.87 and Creag Meadaidh, Westerness, where I obtained a specimen from eight pitfall traps set (7.vi.87 to 6.viii.87) at 1120m. I also obtained, last summer, 19 specimens from 16 pitfall traps set (13.vi.87 to 15.vili.87) on the summit of Ben Macdui, Easterness, a site from which the beetle has already been recorded.
I have now taken this species on the summits of six widely distributed Scottish hills. I have set pitfall traps on the summits of five hills (Ben Macdui and Cairgorm, Easterness; Creag Meagaidh, Westerness; Sgurr Mohr, Wester Ross, Medall Buidhe, Perth West) and have taken, by this means, Eudectus at all but the last. In the literature, the species has been reported from the summits of various other Scottish hills, including Cross Graig, Rannoch, Perthshire which has an altitude of only 747m (2470ft) (Harwood, P. 1921 Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 57: 233). There are listed (in Munro’s tables ed. R.M.G. Inglis, The Scottish Mountaineering Club, Edinburgh, 1953) 540 separate summits in Scotland over 3000ft (910m) in altitude and another 200 above 2500ft (758m) i.e. at least 740 hill summits higher that Cross Craig. Not all of these may provide homes for Eudectus but my findings, together with those of others, suggest that many probably do. The species was graded category R.D.B. 1 (Gin British Red Data Books 2 Insects, D.B. Shirt, Nature Conservancy Council 1987) but, in the light of present knowledge, it is difficult to see how it can really be endangered. Indeed, its traditional rarity, at least in Scotland, would seem to stem much more from the remoteness of the summits of Scottish hills and the difficulty in finding the beetle there than from genuine scarcity.
I thank Messrs D.J.M. and T.A. Owen for help in setting and retrieving the pitfall traps and Mr E.M. Mathew, Regional Officer, North East (Scotland) Region, N.C.C. for permission to carry out pitfall trapping studies on the Cairngorm and Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserves. — J.A. OWEN, 8 Kingsdown Road, Epsom, Surrey.
APHELIA UNITANA (HBN.) (LEP.: TORTRICIDAE) IN DEVON AND A LARVAL DESCRIPTION — On 13th June 1983 I took a male Aphelia sp. at Heddon’s Mouth, north Devon (v.c.4). I assumed that it was paleana (Hbn.) because the locality was considerably outside the known range in England of wnitana; Bradley, Tremewan and Smith ((1973) British tortricoid moths. Cochylidae and Tortricidae: Tortricinae) give Staffordshire as the southernmost English county. I am very grateful to Mr E.C. Pelham-Clinton who, without seeing the specimen, suggested that because of the date it might be unitana, which it proved to be on dissection.
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 185
A. unitana has also been found in south Devon (v.c.3). Mr E.C. Pelham-Clinton took one at light at Axminster on 28th June 1986 and has kindly allowed me to publish his record. On 27th April 1987 at Bucks Mills, Devon (v.c.4) I found several Aphelia sp. larvae in spun leaves of Rubus fructicosus agg., Heracleum sphondylium, Rumex acetosa and Mercurialis perennis. These produced one male and several female A. unitana between 27th and 30th May 1987. Bradley, Tremewan and Smith (/oc. cit.) describe the forewing of the male as having a silver-grey appearance, occasionally with a slight yellowish tinge. Both my male specimens have the forewing distinctly ochreous yellow.
Bradley, Tremewan and Smith do not describe the larva. The larvae I found were about half grown and the description I made was: head light brown, marked with black posteriorly; plate black finely bisected white; body greenish black with a feint light grey subspiracular line on the first two segments, pinacula black feintly ringed light grey; anal plate black. When full grown the description was the same except that the body was black, the subspiracular line was more distinct and the pinacula were more distinctly ringed light grey. The pupa was black. — R.J. HECKFORD, 67 Newnham Road, Plympton, Plymouth.
LATHYRUS PRATENSIS L. — A HOST PLANT OF LEUCOPTERA LATHYRIFOLIELLA (STT.) AND PHYLLONORYCTER NIGRESCENTELLA (LOGAN) — The unwisdom of not looking at certain plant species be- cause nothing is believed to feed on them was exemplified in early August 1987 when E.C. Pelham-Clinton and I found mines of both the above species on Lathyrus pratensis at Branscombe, Devon. L. lathyri- foliella is well known in the area feeding on Lathyrus sylvaticus L., and P. nigrescentella has been found on Vicia sepium within half a mile, although no mines were found on this plant in the immediate vicinity. Dr J.R. LANGMAID, 1 Dorrita Close, Southsea, Hants PO4 ONY.
SOME HOST PLANTS OF THE SMALL FAN-FOOT MOTH, HERMINIA GRISEALIS D.&S. (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) IN THE WILD — My experience suggests that this is most commonly met with in the vicinity of oaks. At Park Farm, Kidlington, Oxon where oak is poorly represented it was seldom seen during ten years of light trapping (1976-1986), although it occurred regularly at light traps in surrounding woods. Hofman’s records (quoted in Barrett, 1900, The Lepidoptera of the British Isles. 6) of rasberry and blackberry as alternative foodplants are widely quoted (eg in South’s Moths of the British Isles series 1). Skinner, in Colour identi- fication guide to moths of the British Isles gives oak and alder. Allen, 1949, Larval foodplants, gives only wild rasberry, although indicating that in captivity it will take a wide range of forest trees. Heath and Emmet in MBGBI, vol. 10 give oak ‘‘and other trees’’. The following records of feral larvae may therefore be of interest:
186 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vii.1988
Hazel (Corylus avellana) — two larvae, both 1.5 cm length, beaten from large hazel bushes, over-shadowed by oak. 4.xi.1985, Oakley Wood, Bucks. Reared on hazel, pupating the same month, over- wintering as a pupa and emerging mid-June the following year. Barrett questions Buckler’s observation that this moth overwinters as a pupa, but this is confirmed in South, Heath and Emmet. Skinner gives an account of finding pupae in the wild. A further larva was found on hazel on this site on 19. viii. 1986.
Birch (Betula pendula) — two larvae, both 1.5 cm length, beaten from young birch saplings growing by a path in Oakley Wood, Bucks, 14.viii. 1986. The site is heavily shaded by Scots pine, and oak grows within 100 m.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) — one larva, 0.8 cm length, beaten from hawthorn in a mature hedgerow bordering the outer of the two Bernwood Meadows, Oxon, on 18.viii.1986. There are occasional oaks in the hedgerow. P. WARING, Nature Conservancy Council, North- minster House, Peterborough.
CATOPSILIA FLORELLA FAB. (LEP.: PIERIDAE) IN LANZAROTE, CANARY — In late November 1987 on Lanzarote I noticed a few white butterflies frequenting shrubs of Cassia de flor amarilla (yellow-blooming cassia). Later examination showed the butterflies to be the African migrant, Catopsilia florella.
The locality was the recently landscaped slopes at the new Costa Mar apartments near Puerto del Carmen on the SE facing coast of the island. A variety of shrubs had been planted in the volcanic ash within the last year, surviving only with regular watering! The only other place this butterfly was seen was around a single cassia bush in Puerto del Carmen.
The butterflies flew mainly in the morning, thereafter tending to roost, especially in shrubs of Euphorbia pulcherrim (poinsettia). The elongate, white ova were easily visible on the cassia bushes, and in considerable numbers. The laying rate after the first morning flight seemed quite amazing — I counted at least 20 eggs laid in a minute by a single female.
Higgins and Riley, in A field guide to the butterflies of Britain and Europe give C. florella as first recorded from the Canary Islands in 1964, but only mention the islands of Tenerife and Grand Canary. J.E. GREEN, 25 Knoll Lane, Poolbrook, Malvern WR14 3JU.
ACLERIS ABIETANA HBN. (LEP.: TORTRICIDAE) INNORTHERN ENGLAND — Several individuals of this species have recently been caught in Rothamsted Insect Survey light traps in northern England and are listed below: Kielder Forest, Northumberland (O.S. Grid ref. NY 632 936, Site No. 296) — two in November 1985 and two in February 1986; Hamsterley Forest, Durham (O.S. Grid ref. NZ 082 311, Site
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 187
No. 425) — singletons on 30th April, 30th May and Ist June 1987 and Chopwell Wood, Tyne and Wear (O.S. Grid ref. NZ 136 582, Site No. 481) — one on 20th December 1987.
A. abietana has not previously been recorded in England (Emmet, A.M. pers. comm.) though single specimens have been caught in Perthshire in 1965 (Pelham-Clinton, E.C. (1967), Ent. Rec. 79: 151-152) and 1987 (The R.I.S. trap at Kindrogan, Site No. 48, O.S. Grid ref. NO 341 299. (Ident. J. Parrack, pers. comm.)) and Aberdeenshire in 1975 (Smith, P. and Young, M.R. (1977), Ent. Rec. 89: 53).
There is uncertainty as to whether or not A. abietana overwinters in the adult stage. Emmett (1979, Field guide to the Smaller British Lepi- doptera. B.E.N.H.S., London: pp.159-160) states that it probably does so, and the dates of capture of these adults also suggest that this is likely.
Norway spruce (Picea abies), on which the larva feeds, is very common in the vicinity of the traps and it is interesting to note that Eupithecia abietaria Goeze (Lep.: Geometridae), which is another very localised spruce-feeding species, is also known to occur at some of these sites.
Thanks are extended to J. Parrack and T.C. Dunn for identifying the specimens along with the other microlepidoptera from several of our traps; D. Kerr and B. Walker who operate the traps at Kielder, (D.K.) and Hamsterley and Chopwell (B.W.); T. Hancock for confirming the identifications of A. abietana and to A.M. Emmet for his comments on this species. ADRIAN M. RILEY, Entomology and Nematology Department, Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Herts ALS 2JQ.
A RELICT OLD FOREST BEETLE FAUNA FROM LYDNEY DEER PARK, GLOS. — A large well-rotted fallen ash trunk in Lydney Deer Park, W. Glos. (SO 615025), on 14th June, 1987, produced three beetles listed in British Red Data Books: 2, Insects (Shirt, D.B., ed., 1987, N.C.C.): a single Aeletes atomarius (Aube), new to Gloucestershire; two adult Prionocyphon serricornis (Muller, P.W.J.) with pupae, the second county record; and larval Ampedus ? cinnabarinus (Eschs.) (prov. det. H. Mendel). The same trunk was riddled with the burrows of Dorcus parallelipipedus (L.), and also contained larvae of Prionychus sp. and Stenagostus villosus (Fourcroy), and adult Biphyllus lunatus (F.). Beetles found elsewhere in the Park included Cerylon ferrugineum Steph., Mycetophagus atomarius (F.), Bitoma crenata (F.), Pyrochroa serraticornis (Scop.), Melandrya caraboides (L.), and Rhagium mordax (Degeer). Eight of these species are listed in Harding and Rose (1986, Pasture Woodlands in Lowland Britain. 1.T.E., Huntingdon) as associated with sites where there has been ecological continuity of dead wood habitats. The Park was presumably originally enclosed from the ancient Forest of Dean. K.N.A. ALEXANDER, 22 Cecily Hill, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 2EF.
188 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vii. 1988
FURTHER SCOTTISH RECORDS FOR CIS DENTATUS MELLIE (COL.: CISIDAE). — Cis dentatus was added to the British list by the late E.W. Aubrook (1970 Entomologist 103: 250) on the basis of a dozen specimens taken by him in Rothiemurchus Forest on 22.ix.66. We know of no other published British record. We took a few examples elsewhere on Speyside some years ago and, finding none since, felt that we should record our captures. Our dates are:—
Loch Garten, v.c. Easterness vi.80 — two examples (1M 1F), caught in plastic funnels set out on the ground in a pine wood to monitor the fall of pine seed.
Loch Vaa, v.c. Nairn 20.viii.80 — two examples (1M 1F), on dead birch with fruiting bodies of Piptoporus (Polypoyrus) betulinus. On breaking off two fruiting bodies, the beetles were seen on the wood where the fruiting body had been attached. The site was essentially a pine wood with a few birch trees.
Loch an Eilein, v.c. Easterness 21.viii.80 — (1M), found in a slightly rotten P. betulinus on peeling off the pore layer. This too, was in a pine wood with a few birch trees.
Aubrook did not mention the precise habitat in which his specimens occurred, probably because they were not recognised at the time of collection. Lohse (in Die Kafer Mitteleuropas vol. 7 ed. Freude, H., Harde, K.W. and Lohse, G.A., Goecke & Evers, Krefeld 1967) states that the species occurs in fungi on conifers but our findings indicate that the beetle also occurs on fungi on other trees.
We thank Mr Stewart Taylor, Warden, R.S.P.B. Loch Garten Reserve, for detecting and passing on to us the examples caught in pine seed traps. I.S. CARTER, 165 Leckhampton Road, Cheltenham, Glos. GL53 OAD and J.A. OWEN, 8 Kingsdown Road, Epsom, Surrey KT17 3PU.
CHOLEVA CISTELOIDES FROL. (COL.: CATOPIDAE) IN KENT, SUSSEX AND DEVON — This seems to be our rarest (or at all events our least known) species of the above elegant genus after the recently discovered C. elongata Payk., despite its being, apparently, the commonest Choleva on the Continent — as pointed out by Kevan, 1946, Ent. mon. Mag. 82: 128, citing Jeannel; the cisteloides of older British works being, according to him, angustata F. Of Fr6lich’s species there appear to be very few records so far. Kevan (ibid.: 122) gave one for Scotland (Berwickshire) and on p.28 two for England based on specimens taken by the late Philip Harwood and determined by Jeannel: Sharpenhoe (Beds.) and Woodhay (N. Hants). I am aware of only one more recent record, by G.E. Woodroffe who took a male at Aston Rowant (Oxon), in 1965 (1966, ibid. 102: 118).
I can now report C. cisteloides from three further counties. The Harwood collection included also specimens from Brasted, W. Kent, and an overhaul of material in my own has brought to light a male from Ditchling, E. Sussex, vi.1903 (H. Dinnage) and a female from a mole’s
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 189
nest at Colyton, S. Devon, 4.ii.40 (G.H. Ashe). The species must certainly occur in many more localities, and may well be found in collections mixed with others of the genus. The sexual and other characters given by Kevan (/oc. cit. supra) are fully adequate for diag- nosis. A.A. ALLEN, 49 Montcalm Road, Charlton, London SE7 8QG.
NEW RECORDS OF LEPIDOPTERA FROM SOUTH WORCESTERSHIRE — I would like belatedly to record the capture of a single rosy marbled moth (Elaphria venustula Hb.) at m.v. on 26.vi.1986 in South Worcestershire. This was followed on 3.vii.1986 by a single example of the pyralid Pempelia formosa Haw. Both appear to be new County records, well outside their normal range in the U.K. Their capture coincided with the only, and brief, spell of warm weather here in 1986, and I suspect that the former, at least, may be a short distance migrant.
I would also like to record the arrival in the County of Hadena compta D. & S. — taken at m.v. on 13.vii.1987. Lithophane leautieri Boisd. was first recorded by me in the Worcester area in 1985, and subsequent records show that it has been resident in the Evesham area for some years. Where I now live, some four miles west of Worcester City, /eautieri is now quite common in the autumn. A.N.B. SIMPSON, The Sycamores, Old Rectory Gardens, Leigh, Worcs.
A PROPOSED NEW R.E.S. HANDBOOK FOR THE TACHNIDAE (DIPTERA) — Work has just started on this new handbook. The collections in the British Museum (Natural History), upon which the work will primarily be based, has an inadequate series of the species given below, and I am seeking the loan of specimens:
Actia exoleta Meig.; Gymnosoma nitens Meig.; Belida angelicae Meig.; Carcelia intermedia Hert.; Ceranthia lichtwardtiana Villn.; Eurythaea scutellaris R.-D.; Germaria-ruficeps Fall.; Gonia foersteri Meig.; Hemimacquartia paradoxa Brauer and Berg.; Litophasia hyalipennis Fall.; Phebellia nigripalpis R.-D.; P. stulta Zett. and Siphona mesnili Ander.
Any catalogue of tachinid collections held by individuals or institutions would be useful. The assistance of collectors is also requested to help expand the host records of this group. Specimens reared from known hosts would be greatly appreciated. All parts of the puparium and remains of the host should be included along with the locality, date, host plant/habitat and authority for host identification. The adult fly should be kept alive for a day or two to allow its cuticle to harden. Specimens reared from hosts whose identity is uncertain would also be of value, especially if accompanied by the puparium. Identifi- cations will be provided if requested and the specimens returned by any date required. Any fly which has developed as an internal parasite of
190 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.vii.1988
another insect, excepting the leaf-hoppers and the aculeate Hymenoptera, will almost certainly be a tachinid.
The R.E.S. Handbooks are intended to provide a service for amateur and professional entomologists, and so any comments or suggestions from possible future users of this particular volume are welcomed. — ROBERT BELSHAW, Diptera Section, Department of Entomology, British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD.
ATHENA EBENINA (MULSANT & REY) (COL.: STAPHYLINIDAE) IN PERTHSHIRE AND SURREY. — I found a female of this species near Loch Tummel, Perthshire on 1.v.81 among a large number of small beetles collected from moss around the stump of a birch tree which had recently been cut down and which was oozing sap. Attempts to capture examples at the same site in the following year by laying down fermenting fruit as a trap were unsuccessful. I found a male among a number of beetles extracted from flood debris collected from the banks of the river Mole at Burford Bridge, Surrey on 13.x.88.
A. ebenina was added to the British list on the basis of a single female specimen taken in Kincardineshire in September 1964 (Last, H. 1968 Entomologist’s mon. Mag., 104: 285). I have been unable to find any other published records of its occurrence in Britain. The species occurs in Denmark, Scandinavia and central Europe but appears generally to be rare throughout its range. Last did not mention the habitat of his specimen but be reported that Dr Strand had found it in the Oslo district in flood refuse, in rotten fungi, at sap and in dove-droppings. Hansen (1954 in Danmarks Fauna 59, p.264) refers to specimens being found in Denmark ‘‘in vegetable refuse on a cliff-face with numerous mouse- runs, in company with Catops and Choleva’’. Lohse (1974 in Die Kafer Mitteleuropas ed. Freude, H., Harde, K.W. and Lohse, G.A. Goeke & Evers, Krefeld) gives its habitat as rotting debris and mouse runs.
A. ebenina is approximately the size and shape of the commoner A. xanthopus (Thomson, C.G.), almost black in colour except for the elytra, antennae and labial palps which are very dark brown and the legs and mandibles which are light brown. The last joints of the antennae are relatively short and pointed. In both sexes, the hind edge of the sixth visible tergite is arcuate and crenulate, strongly in the male and rather weakly and only centrally in the female. These tergites are figured by Last. The spermatheca and the aedeagus, which are characteristic, are figured by Palm (1970 in Svensk Insektfauna 9 Coleoptera Fam. Staphylinidae pt 6 p.239).
It is perhaps of interest that the collection of specimens in which the female occurred also contained the first example of Atheta hansseni Strand to be recorded from Britain (Owen, J.A. 1983 Entomologist’s mon. Mag., 119: 192).
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 191
I thank Dr M. Shaw for checking for me the Scottish Insect Records Index held in the Department of Natural History, National Museums of Scotland. — J.A. OWEN, 8 Kingsdown Road, Epsom, Surrey KT17 SPU:
ANASPIS BOHEMICA SCHILSKY (COL.: SCRAPTIIDAE) AT COYLUMBRIDGE. — Anaspis bohemica was added to the British list by my good friend Mr A.A. Allen (1975 Ent. Rec. 87: 269) who discovered that this was the true identity of two Anaspis specimens given to him by the late G.H. Ashe. They had been beaten by Ashe from broom at Forest Lodge in Abernethy Forest on 22.vi.51 (Ashe, 1952, Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 88: 165) and had been labelled A. hudsoni Donisthorpe.
Apart from one possibility discussed later, no further captures of A. bohemica had been published by 1978 when I started to pay annual visits to Speyside. I kept an eye open for the species on every visit and, at times, sought it specifically, collecting large numbers of Anaspis specimens from rowan and other blossoms including bunches of umbels, thistles and other flowers set out in jars in the pine woods near Forest Lodge and around Loch Garten. I was never able to find broom growing around Forest Lodge and a resident who had lived near the Lodge for many years told me that be could not remember seeing it growing there. I set up jars with broom flowers (picked elsewhere) near the Lodge nevertheless and took a number of Anaspis from these. In all, I collected, over eight years, about 250 Anaspis specimens from Speyside, mainly in the Abernethy area, but all turned out on careful examination to be frontalis (Linnaeus) or rufilabris (Gyllenhal).
On 21.vi.86, however, my luck changed for, on a visit with my friend Mr R. Lyszkowski to the site of a clear-felled pine wood near Coylumbridge, about 12 km from Forest Lodge, I beat from dead pine branches an Anaspis which proved to be a female bohemica. It matches a male specimen, one of Ashe’s captures-kindly given to me by Mr Allen, and Mr Allen has examined my specimen and confirmed my identification. Female Anaspis specimens lack the abdominal features which characterise males but the general appearance of the specimen, together with the dark head, the dark first joint of the antennae, the cylindrical shape of antennal joints 6 - 10, the dark labial palps and the equal length of the spines at the apex of the middle tibiae leave no doubt as to its identity.
The possibility of an unpublished capture of the species arises from Mr Allen’s observation (1975 /oc. cit.) that Buck in his key to Anaspis (1954 Hndbk. Identif. Brit. Insects 5, Pt. 9) figures for hudsoni abdominal appendages matching those of rufilabris but the aedeagus of bohemica. Now, at the time Buck produced his key (1954), there were apparently two species of Anaspis doing duty for hudsoni — rufilabris and bohemica. It seems that Buck, in making his drawings of hudsoni
192 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15. vii. 1988
used unwittingly examples of both species — one, which was actually rufilabris, for the abdominal appendages and another, which was actually bohemica, for the aedeagus. The origin of the latter has never been determined. It could have been one of Ashe’s examples, similar to those given to Mr Allen, but if it was a British specimen and not one of Ashe’s examples, this would constitute a third British record for the species.
For over a hundred years, the pine woods of Speyside have been visited by entomologists. The reason why A. bohemica has not been captured more often remains to be determined but at least now it has been found for certain at two sites. A. septentrionalis Champion, which is known only from two specimens taken in July 1876 near Aviemore (Champion, 1891 Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 27: 104), has proved more elusive for nothing has been seen of the species in Britain, or elsewhere for that matter, since it was found. Perhaps further discoveries about the habits of bohemica will lead also to the rediscovery of septen- trionalis. Curiously, neither species has been assigned Red Data Book status (British Red Data Books 2 Insects ed. D.B. Shirt, Nature Conser- vancy Council, 1987).
I thank Mr Allen for confirming the identity of this specimen and for helpful discussion of the status of the A. bohemica in Britain. Dr M. Shaw kindly checked for me the Scottish Insect Records Index held in the Department of Natural History, National Museums of Scotland. J.A. OWEN, 8 Kingsdown Road, Epsom, Surrey KT17 3PU.
Insect Outbreaks. Edited by Pedro Barbosa and Jack C. Schultz. 578 pp., 65 text figs., 54 tables. Boards. Academic Press, 1987. $75.00. ISBN 0 12 078148 4.
This ambitious volume manages to collate a wealth of data and ideas about this important and complex subject. Insect outbreaks are defined succinctly in the excellent introduction by Alan A. Berryman as ‘‘. . . an explosive increase in the abundance of a particular species that occurs over a relatively short period of time... .”’
Multi-author books of this type rarely succeed in achieving such a coherent as well as definitive overview of such a large topic. The division of the material into four sections: Theory and Classification; Community Structure; Biotic and Abiotic Factors and Evolutionary Consequences provides a logical structure to the work, enabling the worker rapidly to find the text of particular interest.
Unfortunately, there is no concluding or summative chapter, although each separate chapter has a brief summary. The tables are well laid out, and easy to understand. This is a unique volume which is indispensible for workers in the field. ELIZABETH ABDULLA.
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THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION
(Founded by J.W. TUTT on 15th April 1890)
CONTENTS
Mesapamea secalella Remm — A junior synonym of Mesapamea didyma Esper (Lep.: Noctuidae). B.J. Lempke . :
Crambinae (Lep.: Pyralidae) in Greece, with new secnsts. D. E. Gan
Establishment of a population of Danaus plexippus (Linn.) (Lep.: Dana- idae) in southwest Europe. J. Martin and P. Gurrea
New synonyms in the Megaselia dahli complex (Diptera: nord) aud two species new to the British list. R.H.L. Disney
The immigration of Lepidoptera to the British Isles in 1987. R. F. Beier. tonand J.M. Chalmers-Hunt. .
Frequency distribution of aquatic Hemiptera- Heteroptera from ‘Cumbria. R.W.J. Read .
Notes and Observations
Editorial . : :
Pechipogo Strigilata (ee ii en not-so-common ne foot. P. Ware :
A note on Tinagma balteolella (Lep.). P.A. Sokoloff .
Sitotroga cerealella (Lep.) in Worcester. A.N.B. Simpson.
Cydia illutana (Lep.) in Hampshire. J.R. Langmaid
A new association for coleopterists .
Thera cupressata (Lep.) a moth new to eee Bata C. Pratt
A new British foodplant for Stigmella tiliae (Lep.). A.S. Boot :
Additional Scottish records for Eudectus whitei (Col.), with a penance onitsstatusin Britain. J.A. Owen . .
Aphelia unitana (Lep.) in Devon and a larval dase eta. R. J. Heckford .
Lathyrus pratensis — a host plant for Leucoptera lathyrifoliella and Phyllonorycter nigrescentella (Lep.). J.R. Langmaid :
Some host plants of the small fan-foot moth, Herminia eryerhs (ose. a in the wild. P. Waring . ?
Catopsilia florella (Lep.) in Larsen. “Cana. ui E. Green 4
Acleris abietana (Lep.) in northern England. A.M. Riley . Sa
A relict old forest beetle fauna from Lydney Deer Park, @leness K.N.A. Alexander : ;
Further Scottish records for Cis Pave (Col. ). a A. Open fae
Choleva cisteloides (Col.) in Kent, Sussex and Devon. A.A. Allen .
New records of Lepidoptera from south Worcestershire. A.N.B. Simpson
A proposed new RES handbook for the Tachinidae (Dipt.). R. Belshaw .
Athena ebenina (Col.) in Perthshire and Surrey. J.A. Owen .
Anapsis bohemica (Col.) at ala J.A. Owen
Current literature shine s
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BUTTERFLIES, BIRDS AND MOSQUITOES 193
OF BUTTERFLIES, BIRDS... . AND MOSQUITOES (An entomological foray to the European Arctic — June/July 1987)
By W. J. TENNENT*
In reading the accounts written by previous entomological visitors to the European Arctic, there seem to be two main difficulties with this part of the world. Firstly, the weather which is totally unreliable — and secondly the mosquitoes which are found everywhere in enormous numbers and from which there is no escape. Certainly the weather makes a nonsense of any attempt to plan a visit with any high chance of success in seeing selected species, as the season may vary by as much as several weeks either way and in some seasons certain species fail to appear at all. This, together with the distance and the expense involved, is probably why the area is not visited too often by British collectors.
I had been planning a visit for several years and eventually, after telephoning the weather centres in both Oslo and Stockholm to be told that 1987 was a ‘normal’ year in the far north and that there had been a fair amount of sunny weather to date, I left the UK on the 20th June, returning on the 20th July. The intention was hopefully to see the end of the early butterflies and the majority of later ones. However, like many before me, I experienced some pretty awful weather and saw relatively few butterflies; a circumstance made bearable by tremendous scenery and the prolific bird life.
In 29 days there were only six when the sun shone all day. These were the 27th June and the 13th to the 17th of July, when I had to begin my journey home. There were a further five days when the sun shone occasionally during part of the day but for the most part, even on some of the sunny days, a cold and sometimes strong wind effectively prevented butterflies from flying. On four more days butterflies were seen in single figures but on 14 days-there were none seen at all.
The mosquitoes were a real nuisance, particularly on the low marshy ground, but also on the high ground where they flew even in cold conditions, easily disturbed in large numbers as one walked across the tundra. The poor weather presumably kept the numbers down as they were a lot more numerous on hot days. A strong repellant, for use on clothing as well as on exposed skin, was a necessity.
I had planned to spend most of my time in the area around Abisko, 120 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland and this was where most of the butterflies were seen. However, I also went to the North Cape and to Kilpisjarvi in Finland close to the border with both Norway and Sweden where apparently (de Worms 1959: p244) many of the Arctic species are to be found. I spent three days walking the slopes of Mount Sanna and Mount Malla but the only butterflies seen were two
* | Middlewood Close, Flyingthorpe, Whitby, North Yorkshire.
194 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.ix.1988
Erebia pandrose and a single Pierid which was whisked away by the wind before it could be identified. I suspect it may have been Colias nastes. It was probably as well that there were not more butterflies as the area is now a National Park and a large notice (which I did not actually see until the last day) proclaimed that anyone found collecting would be relieved of both specimens and equipment!
In the far north there were snow storms and for the first time in 20 years of collecting, it was occasionally necessary to venture forth with net and gloves! Luckily, as far as clothing was concerned, I was prepared for the worst and so was still able to get out and about; the views of mountains and fjords, together with the peace and quiet of such unspoiled surroundings, made it all worthwhile. The ‘midnight sun’ took some getting used to. I had expected a kind of heavy dusk throughout the night but in fact there was full daylight 24 hours each day.
Abisko is said to be one of the driest places in Sweden, with an average annual rainfall of about 300mm (11.8 inches); it is particularly rich in flora and fauna although much of the area is also a National Park where collecting is not permitted. It lies at the western end of the Tornetrask, a lake some 60 km long and is overshadowed by Mount Njulla, 1169 metres above sea level. The area, like most of northern Scandinavia, is very marshy and stout walking wellingtons are a ‘must’. Birch forest is widespread and is quite thick in part, giving way to tundra at about 500 metres. Many of the butterflies were to be found in clearings in the forest when conditions were favourable.
Although intended to be an entomological account, this would not be complete without a mention of other wildlife, in particular the birds. They are of great interest to the UK visitor as many winter visitors or scarce migrants to our own shores were breeding quite commonly. I stumbled on a nest of the red-spotted bluethroat (poor bird to be saddled with such a name — rather like calling the red admiral a red striped white spotted black. The Swedes call the bird the mountain nightingale — a much more appropriate name) on my first day at Abisko and subsequently found two more nests with up to six olive green mottled eggs. Small ground nesting birds were common and I came across a large number of nests, some of which had as many as eight eggs; presumably the enormous numbers of mosquitoes helped to support such large families. Birds seen commonly included brambling, wheatear, arctic redpoll, willow tit, yellow wagtail, fieldfare, redwing and of the larger birds raven, ptarmigan, arctic tern, long-tailed skua, divers, mergansers, merlin and rough-legged buzzards were regularly seen. On the tundra golden plover were always present, escorting the walker through their territory with a distinctive, piercing whistle and watching carefully from a safe distance until one reached the edge of their property where one would be handed over to the pair who owned the adjacent territory. On one memorable occasion I almost stepped on
BUTTERFLIES, BIRDS AND MOSQUITOES 195
a small plover, revealing a nest with three incredibly well camouflaged eggs. I built a small cairn nearby to guide me back to the nest in weather more suitable for photography but still had some difficulty in finding it again when the time came. On another occasion I disturbed a dotterel with young and also found a young rough-legged buzzard in a large eyrie with what must surely have been one of the best views from home of any bird.
With regard to the larger mammals, reindeer are common (and a menace on the roads further south in Sweden), as are elk although I saw none of the latter. There are small numbers of brown bear at the eastern end of the Tornetrask and the Abisko area also supports wolverine, lynx and, until recently, wolves. The only one of these last four I saw was a lynx drinking from a mountain stream near the tree line. The animal is said to be rare in Sweden and when I mentioned it at the Tourist Station, half expecting not to be believed, I was told that there had been a female and two cubs seen regularly during the last few weeks.
Tourism has overtaken, but not spoiled, Abisko since Sheldon visited more than 65 years ago (Sheldon 1911). There is a busy Tourist Station which caters for the numbers of tourists and serious hikers who arrive daily by train from Narvik in the west and Kiruna in the east. There are well planned walks in the birch forest and along the side of the Abisko- jakka, a mountain torrent which has worn a deep canyon on it’s way to the estuary in the Tornetrask. A scenic chairlift now goes to a cafe near the top of Mount Njulla and there are walks to Biorkliden and Stordtdalen, several kilometres away to the west and east respectively. Altogether, it is a most pleasant spot to visit, provided one can come to terms with the weather, the mosquitoes and the inescapable fact that, by UK standards, it is very expensive.
An annotated list of the butterflies seen at Abisko:
Artogeia napi adalwinda Fruhst. Common from the lakeside to 920 metres. The female has a weak, fluttering flight and has been compared to the Alpine ssp bryoniae Hiibn.; females of the northern form seem on the whole to be rather smaller.
Colias nastes werdandi Zetterstedt. One of the few successes of the visit. It was first found in small numbers in poor condition (indicating an earlier emergence in good weather) by the edge of the Tornetrask and in the marshy clearings between the Abiskojakka and the Lapp Porten on the 26th June. The following day (the first real sunny day), it was found in good condition on the eastern slopes of Mount Njulla; it was later seen higher than any other butterfly, flying in small numbers at 1100 metres near the mountain summit. By the time I left, on the 17th July, some females were still in good condition at altitude and both sexes were very tattered at low levels. It is a very variable species. From his series of 28 males and 27 females Sheldon (1911) described five new forms which have subsequently, and quite rightly, been ignored. Nevertheless, males
196 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.1x.1988
vary in colour from lemon yellow to almost white and there is considerable variation in the extent of black markings. A form very like a small C. palaeno with a regular and unmarked marginal border, was not uncommon. The best time to take this species was early in the morning when, although its flight was very fast, individuals rest and feed frequently. Later in the day it did not seem so keen to stop — and there is a limit to the number of 50 metre dashes that someone who is not a natural athlete can make! I was disappointed not to see Colias hecla sulitelma Aurivillius which is said to be found on the same biotope, but the poor weather presumably caused it to be much later than usual.
Colias palaeno lapponica Stdgr. I first saw a single male of this species half way up the eastern slope of Mount Njulla on the 7th July. It was next seen on the eastern side of the Abiskojakka on the 15th July and the numbers increased steadily in this location during the next two days. Aglais urticae polaris Stgr. A single damaged but fresh looking example was seen at the edge of a car park on the way to Saltdalen on the 28th June. It looked no different to the nominate urticae.
Boloria napaea Hoffmannsegg. At 920 metres on Mount Njulla I took a single Boloria which is clearly not aquilonaris and is presumably therefore napaea. It has caused me some confusion as it is larger than aquilonaris and is quite well marked. Henrikson and Kreutzer (1982) remark that ssp /Japponica Stdgr. flies in northern Scandinavia although Warren (1951) has said that /Japponica does not exist as a subspecies of either napaea or aquilonaris.
Boloria aquilonaris scandinavica Bjorn Peterson. Several specimens of this butterfly were found on marshy ground between 400 and 500 metres. The first was on the Sth July and the remainder from the 15th onwards, flying with the next species.
Proclossiana eunomia ossiana Herbst. Found fresh in bogs at low levels on the 26th and 27th June; quite common from the 16th July but worn by then.
Clossiana selene D. & S. A single male, not particularly dark as in f. hela Stdgr., was found by the Abiskojakka on the 17th July.
Clossiana euphrosyne L. Only five specimens found on marshy ground at 440 metres on the 15th, 16th and 17th July. They vary in the extent of dark suffusion, only two may be referable to f. fingal Herbst. Clossiana thore borealis Stdgr. One specimen was seen in one of the forest clearings on the eastern side of the Abiskojakka on the 15th July. There were none in the same spot the following day but on the morning of the 17th there was a mass emergence in the birch forest and it was suddenly common. Not only was this the only species to be found actually in the forest where it was feeding from flowers and settling often on the bare leaves, but it was not found in the clearings. This seems to be about the ‘usual’ date of emergence.
BUTTERFLIES, BIRDS AND MOSQUITOES 197
Clossiana freija Thunberg. This was the first ‘Arctic’ butterfly to be found, seen in small numbers in the lower bogs on the 26th June when it was in fresh condition but reluctant to fly in the dull weather unless disturbed. It was found from then on whenever the sun came out but was soon worn, being almost over when I left on the 17th July. Very few were seen higher on the mountain and it seemed almost confined to the low marshes, including at Bjorkliden, Saltdalen and near Kiruna. The colour and contrast of the underside markings vary considerably. Clossiana frigga Thunberg. Only one individual of this much larger fritillary was seen near the Abiskojakka on the 26th June. Unfortu- nately, although fresh, it was badly damaged.
Hypodryas iduna Dalman. This is a most attractive species. I found it very locally in marshy areas on the eastern side of the Abisko jakka and very occasionally up to 940 metres on Njulla although it was by no means widespread. It is interesting to see that Henriksen and Kreutzer (1982; p 98) note that the insect has a very short lifespan with only a few days between the emergence of the first male and the disappearance of the last female. I came across it first on the 26th June in fresh condition and again in the same locality after a period of bad weather three weeks later when it was also in fresh condition. It obviously has the ability to delay emergence during unfavourable conditions. The males have a very fast whirring flight and like to bask on low bushes with wings outspread in sunny weather; in cloudy weather however they would often dive into the grass and crawl down to the roots from where it was almost impossible to extract them. No doubt this has a bearing on the fact that individuals become worn very quickly. I saw only five females and they seemed reluctant to fly at all. The males exhibit much variation and I found several with greatly reduced white markings on the hind wings. Oenis norna Thunberg. A single specimen, well past its best, was found on my last morning (17th July) about three kilometres along the bank of the Abiskojakka. Other have found it quite commonly here so I suspect I was not looking in the right place.
Erebia pandrose Borkhausen. This was the most ubiquitous species seen and also the most hardy, often seen flying over the snow and willing to be flushed up in overcast weather. It became increasingly common during my stay. I was very disappointed not to see any of the other Arctic Erebia.
Lycaeides idas lapponicus Gerhard. Two males of this species were seen near the Tourist Station on the 15th July and a third male alongside the Abiskojakka two days later.
Vacciniina optilete Knoch. A single male was disturbed in poor weather in a marshy clearing in the birch forest on the 26th June. During the sunny weather towards the end of my stay both sexes became common in the clearings.
Pyrgus andromedae Wallengren. One specimen was found on moist ground on 27th June and a further two on the 14th July.
198 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.ix.1988
Pyrgus centaureae Rambur. A single specimen was found on Mount Njulla on the 14th of July.
References.
de Worms, C.G.M. 1951. A collecting trip to Abisko, Swedish Lapland in June 1950. Entomologist 84:121-127.
de Worms, C.G.M. 1959. Lepidoptera in Finland, June 1958. Entomologist 92:
242-246.
Haig Thomas, P. 1938. Arctic butterflies, and especially those of Maalselven, Lapland, Lat 69° N. Entomologist 71: 1-5.
Haig Thomas, P. 1939. The butterflies of Lapland 1938. Entomologist 72: 129-132.
Henriksen, H.J. and Kreutzer, I.B. 1982. The Butterflies of Scandinavia in Nature.
Higgins, L.G. and Hargreaves, B. 1983. The Butterflies of Britain and Europe.
Higgins, L.G. and Riley, N.D. 1984. A Field Guide to the Butterflies of Britain and Europe.
Johnson, Major General Sir George 1960. Collecting in Lapland, July 1960. Entomologist’s Rec.J. Var. 72: 203-206.
Johnson, Major General Sir George 1964. Abisko revisited. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 76: 259-260.
Sheldon, W.G. 1911. Lepidoptera of the Swedish provinces of Jemtland and Lapland. Entomologist 44: 357-362. 1912. Ibid. 45: 23-27.
Warren, B.C.S. 1951. On a Boloria recorded from Abisko (Lep.: Nymphalidae). Entomologist 84: 169-171.
ECTROPIS BISTORTATA GOEZE (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE) THIRD BROOD— Two males were attracted to my garden m.v. light 2.x.1987; the second generation here lasted about five weeks, specimens being seen from 14.vii. until 22.viii. The few supposed third brood individuals I have observed here, and I have not encountered them elsewhere, resemble those of the smaller and less well marked second generation, although their markings are even more obscure.
That these late individuals are representatives of a partial third brood is evidenced, apart from possible climatic factors, by the distinct gap between their emergence and that of the second brood, their size and appearance and the readiness with which a third generation is obtained in captivity, yet the viability of an extra brood is surely doubtful as the insect hibernates in the pupal state, and the lower temperatures of autumn would seem to preclude the larvae developing sufficiently rapidly to attain maturity before leaf-fall or the inception of winter.
Records of these late emergences certainly need to be published in order to ascertain their frequency and distribution; at present they appear sporadic, and have been so for over fifty yeares, but a subtle change of climate might alter considerably this tendency to produce a few specimens of a third generation in part of the insect’s range. B.K. WEST, 36 Briars Road, Dartford, Kent.
A FOURTH BRITISH ISCHNOMERA 199
A FOURTH SPECIES OF ISCHNOMERA STEPH. (COL.: OEDEMERIDAE) IN BRITAIN
By A. A. ALLEN*
In 1980 P. Skidmore and F. A. Hunter brought forward a third British species of this genus, J. cinerascens Pand., a very interesting addition to our fauna. I am herewith able to add yet another, so that we now possess all of the four species known in central Europe — the latest having been recognized only in the last eight years.
My attention was first drawn to the matter on seeing the note by Dr. G. A. Lohse (1982) pointing out that the familiar Ischnomera (Asclera) caerulea) L. of European authors, also known on the Continent as J. (A.) cyanea F., was actually a mixture of two species, and figuring the clearly dissimilar male genitalia; females being, apparently, indistinguishable. The original discovery had been made by G. Dahlgren three years earlier. Thinking that our British /. ‘caerulea’ might possibly include both species, I checked the material in my collection, which revealed (as expected) only the commoner of the two in most parts of Europe. Since then, however, four males among some unmounted beetles from Windsor Great Park (19.v.36, 8.v.54) proved on dissection to belong to the other species — Lohse’s figures of the aedeagi sufficing for instant recognition. Later, two further males from the same productive locality were detected in my friend Professor J. A. Owen’s collection, taken within the last decade or so. All the above were beaten from hawthorn blossom in various parts of the Park. Other males collected in the area (Park and Forest) by both of us at different times belong to the commoner species, as do those from elsewhere.
The nomenclature of this pair of species has been involved in some little confusion. Linnaeus described his Cantharis caerulea in 1758, Fabricius his Necydalis cyanea in 1792, the two being up to lately treated as synonymous; both names, however, are employed in Continental literature, the latter of them especially in the past half-century (for no very clear reason). In 1976 Dahlgren described Asclera graeca as a new species from Greece, contrasting it mainly on aedeagal characters with ‘cyanea’ (caerulea) and with cinerascens. Order finally emerged when in 1979 the same author published his important discovery that the ‘species’ known as either caerulea L. or cyanea F. in fact comprised two, differing very obviously in their aedeagi, the more generally common of them being identical with graeca Dlgr. Whilst it is impossible to be sure which species the early authors had before them, Dahlgren has very properly, on the basis of probabilities, synonymized
* 49 Montcalm Road, Charlton, London SE7 8QG. (1). Continental authors favour the spelling coeru/ea, but Linnaeus appears to have written caerulea (cf. Pope, 1977: 69).
200 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.ix.1988
his graeca with cyanea; and assigned the name caerulea to the other, which, being the common Swedish species, Linnaeus may be assumed to have had before him.
The distribution of the two forms across south-east and middle Europe, as indicated by the ample material studied by Dahlgren (1979: 65-6), is broadly similar but shows certain striking differences in the north-western part of their range. Thus, the true /. caerulea (the rarer species in Germany) does not appear to occur at all in Denmark, where I. cyanea is widespread; yet in Sweden, caerulea is dominant, cyanea being known (at least up to 1979) from one locality only. In Britain, the indications hitherto are that much the same obtains as in Germany. Mr. Peter Skidmore has been unable to find the true caerulea among numerous examples from midland and northern localities that he has dissected; and indeed this species may well prove to be an old-forest relict with us, confined to Windsor Forest (like certain other such species) and perhaps to one or two comparable areas. At present, however, this is mere conjecture. Lohse (p.124) notes the significant point that whereas J. cyanea develops in almost any species of rotting wood, he has so far bred caerulea exclusively from oak.
Unfortunately, no definite character can yet be given for separating the two species externally. Nevertheless, the six British males of J. caerulea that I have been able to examine do seem to show a small difference, worth noting in the hope that further experience may confirm its usefulness. Should this be the case, it may prove peculiar to the British race of caerulea, for otherwise it would surely have been noticed by Dahlgren and Lohse. It can be expressed as follows:—
The two fine, shining, raised longitudinal lines on each elytron between suture
and shoulder (1) equally distinct throughout, not noticeably weaker in the apical half
(cColouromelyerausuallyeauhiitleibrichten)es-ceees-peeeneeeee eee ereseeeeeeeeee cyanea. (2) becoming indistinct or effaced behind, hardly traceable in the apical half or mone (colour ofelyinausuallyzalittie dulllen) i sscsseeeee-eceeeee ae eee eee caerulea.
The difference is best appreciated at low magnifications, e.g. a X 8 or x 10 hand lens.
With so slight a character, attested as yet in so few specimens, one must be prepared to find individuals where the condition is intermediate or indeterminate. Using it with due caution, however, I have tentatively separated females of the two species among Prof. Owen’s material from Windsor. Such are a female caerulea taken 28.v.87, probably with a male of the same date; and a female cyanea from crab-apple, vi.76. More questionable is a female, apparently caerulea to judge by the elytral character, found by Prof. Owen at Nonsuch Park, Ewell (near Epsom, Surrey) in elm, iii.76. This record can only be regarded as provisional, pending the occurrence of a male at the same place. The locality has a few oaks, and at the time of capture plenty of elm, now much reduced.
A FOURTH BRITISH ISCHNOMERA 201
aie
ioe serps dee b
3 a b c
Figs. 1-3. Aedeagi of Ischnomera spp. (apices only), largely after Dahlgren and Lohse; slightly schematic. a, paramere, lateral; b, median lobe, dorsal; c, ditto, lateral. 1, 7. caerulea; 2, I. cinerascens; 3, I. cyanea. (The paired sub-apical teeth of the median lobe — of which only one appears in the strictly lateral views — may in cyanea (3b) sometimes be visible on each side in dorsal view, as pointed out by Dahlgren. For other figures of cinerascens, etc., see Skidmore and Hunter.)
Though these two species are manifestly very closely related, it is a remarkable fact that in aedeagal structure they diverge so as to present strong affinities each towards one of the two remaining mid-European species of the genus. Thus, the aedeagus of caerulea resembles that of cinerascens except in being much shorter, both having swollen and spinose parameres; though beyond that there are marked differences. The cyanea aedeagus on the other hand, in its simple parameres(2) and the form of its apex, is like that of J. sanguinicollis F., but again is much shorter (cf. Skidmore and Hunter, figs. 2, 3). (It must not be overlooked
(2) The parameres in these species being united by a common stem, it would be more strictly correct to speak of a single forked paramere (such as is found in various Philonthus sp., for example).
202 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.ix.1988
shorter (cf. Skidmore and Hunter, figs. 2, 3). (It must not be overlooked that the cyanea of Dahlgren’s 1976 paper is really caerulea, whilst the caerulea of Skidmore and Hunter’s paper is cyanea as now understood.)
In one detail I cannot quite agree with the latter writers, when they state as a key-character for cyanea (p.129) that the aedeagus is “*... . strongly curved’’. The figure they give suggests that, at the very least, the word ‘strongly’ should be omitted. Indeed, in the several specimens that I have examined (all southern) the aedeagus is straight, or practically so. Perhaps therefore this particular feature may vary in different populations, and should be ignored for diagnostic purposes.
Collectors should keep a close watch for J. caerulea and extract the aedeagus of all the wholly green or blue /schnomera males they find, especially in areas of old forest or parkland. It may be said that, very generally, males are smaller and more parallel-sided than females.
By way of summary, it may be useful to recapitulate the synonymy of the two species:—
I. caerulea (Linnaeus 1758), auct. Europ. partim = cyanea sensu Dahlgren 1976, nec 1979 I. cyanea (Fabricius 1792), auct. Europ. partim = caerulea auct. Brit. graeca Dahlgren 1976.
II
Acknowledgements
My thanks are due to the following gentlemen for information, literature, or help in other ways:— Herr Gunnar Dahlgren, Dr G.A. Lohse, Prof. J.A. Owen; Messrs P.M. Hammond, C. Johnson, and P. Skidmore.
References
Dahlgren, G., 1976. Eine neue Asclera-Art aus Griechenland (Col., Oedemeridae). Ent. Tidskr. 97: 21-2.
Dahlgren, G., 1979. Ischnomera (Asclera) coerulea (cyanea) auct., eine Doppel- art (Col., Oedemeridae). Mitt. Ent. Ges. Basel 29(2): 64-6.
Lohse, G.A., 1982. 13. Nachtrag zum Verzeichnis der mitteleuropaischen Kafer. Ent. Blatt. 78(2-3): 123-4.
Pope, R.D., in Kloet & Hincks, 1977. A check list of British Insects, 2 ed., 3. R. Ent. Soc. London.
Skidmore, P., and Hunter, F.A., 1980. Ischnomera cinerascens Pand. (Col., Oedemeridae) new to Britain. Ent. mon. Mag. 116: 129-132.
[ Since writing the above, I have received from Mr J. Cooter a male /. caerulea, one of a few taken by him in May at Moccas Park NNR, Herefords., from hawthorn flowers, with J. cyanea. All four of our species are now known from this prolific old forest site.—A.A.A.]
BIOLOGY OF APLOTA PALPELLA 203
APLOTA PALPELLA (HAWORTH) (LEP.:OECOPHORIDAE): FURTHER NOTES ON THE BIOLOGY AND HABITAT REQUIREMENTS
By P. H. STERLING*
Following the discovery of a single dead specimen of this species in Savernake Forest in Wiltshire in August 1986 (Sterling, 1987) a search was made for the larvae at the end of May 1987 on moss on the same and nearby oak trees. The moss growing on the trees was predominantly Hypnum cupressiforme (Hedw.). Outward signs of larval activity were hard to find, but small areas of fine sandy grey frass spun with silk were discovered on the surface of the moss and bark. The frass grains were much finer than those produced by larvae of the Scopariinae, and were not green. Scraping the fine frass away revealed that it was part of silk tubing, and that tubes formed a branching network on the surface of the bark, under the moss and deep into crevises in the bark. When tubes were removed, much of the dense white silk attached to the bark remained in place, revealing the extent of the network. This white silk was not more than 3mm in diameter. Larvae, fitting Wood’s description (in brief — black head, prothoracic and anal plates; body colour dull green, but with purplish sub-dorsal lines), were discovered in the tubes.
Following a casual inspection of similarly moss-clad oak trees in Blenheim Park, Oxfordshire, in mid-June, identical outward signs and larvae were found. By the end of June larvae had been discovered on virtually all of the great oak trunks at one end of the park. In addition, yellow-brown pupae were discovered in the tubes, particularly those in deep fissures in the bark.
Adults of A. palpella emerged during July from both localities. They rested on the surface of the moss with their wings held out, not appressed to the moss as might be expected, and flitted quickly when disturbed. A. palpella has not previously been recorded from Oxford- shire (V.C. 23).
Some further comments can be noted about the habitat this insect was occupying. All trees on which larvae were found were large (many of the oaks in Blenheim Park were several centuries old) and had remained undisturbed for long enough to allow a good growth of moss, mainly H. cupressiforme, but also some Homalothecium sericeum (Hedw.) up the trunk of the trees to a height of at least two metres, and on the large boughs further up the tree. The moss sometimes formed a complete mat from the base of the tree to the lowest bough. However, larvae were generally found amongst the dry thin moss layer which sparsely covered the trunks, rather than the thicker layer which grew in moister conditions. Thus, in many cases, larvae were found on exposed trunks rather than those deep in shade. There was no evidence for aggregative behaviour of the larvae, as had been reported by Wood (1891). At
* Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS.
204 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.1x.1988
Savernake, where larvae were found on two trees only, the restricted distribution could have resulted from lack of suitable habitat on other trees or poor dispersal ability of adults, rather than a particular colonial habit. At Blenheim, larvae were widely distributed between trees.
These detailed notes allowed Mr R.J. Heckford, having already ear- marked some likely trees, to discover the larvae in Devon (see this issue of Ent. Rec.), and it is likely that the species will be found in other places. Clearly, large trees which have good growth of moss in the right condition are targets for search, but following reports of the discovery of the species on moss on rocks in Scandinavia, and Wood’s original record of the species breeding on a wall, perhaps all that is required is any substrate which allows the moss to grow in a thin mat undisturbed for many years, possibly for centuries.
I am grateful to Mr M.F.V. Corley, Dr J.R. Langmaid and Col D.H. Sterling for their comments, and to the estate management at Blenheim Park for allowing access to search for the larvae.
References
Sterling, P.H. (1987): Aplota palpella (Haworth) (Lep: Oecophoridae) redis- covered in Britain. Entomologist’s Rec.J.Var., 99: 275-276. Wood, J.H. (1981): Entomologist’s mon. Mag., 27: 271-273.
DISTRIBUTION OF PROTODELTOTE PYGARGA HUFN. [LITHACODIA FASCIANA L.] (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) IN GREAT BRITAIN— In the note relating to the discovery of this species in Co. Mayo (Ent. Rec. 100: 72) it is stated that ‘in mainland Britain it is of southern distribution’. This is not quite accurate as the range extends in the western half of Britain northwards to North Wales and in the eastern half northwards through Lincolnshire, where it is locally well established, to Yorkshire where a colony exists on Skipwith Common. All these localities are depicted on the distribution map in Heath, J. and Emmet, A.M., 1983. Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland 10: 307. It is interesting to note that both the Yorkshire and Co. Mayo sites lie between latitudes 53° and 54°. BERNARD SKINNER,5 Rawlins Close, South Croydon, Surrey.
HADENA COMPTA D. & S. (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) IN HAMPSHIRE— The note recording a specimen of this species at Martin Down (Ent. Rec. 100: 93) indirectly infers it as possibly new to the County, whereas the first published record occurred at Oakley, North Hampshire (V.C. 12) on 23.vi.1983 (Proc. Trans. Br. ent. nat. Hist. Soc. 18:8). Since then several other adults and one pupa have been noted in the same locality (A.H. Dobson pers. comm.). The first published record for South Hampshire (VC 11) was taken at Winchester on 23.vii.1984 (Ibid. 18: 11). BERNARD SKINNER, 5 Rawlins Close, South Croydon, Surrey.
DEFLECTIVE EYE SPOTS IN BUTTERFLIES 205
A NEW TWIST TO DEFLECTIVE EYE SPOTS IN BUTTERFLIES By TORBEN B. LARSEN*
I have for long been interested in the underside markings of butterflies as deflective markings, intended to make predators attack a non- vulnerable part of the resting butterfly. The most obvious example of this is that shown by members of the Lycaenidae which have developed quite remarkably life-like false heads through the patterns and tails of their hindwings (Larsen, 1982a). We are indebted to the elegant experiments of Robbins (1980) for proof that false heads really do work in deflecting predator attack. My book on Arabian butterflies shows how the false head of one species of Spindasis works viewed both from above and from the side (Larsen, 1984).
The really well-developed false heads in certain members of the family Lycaenidae are the apex of deflective markings. The marginal eye-spots so common in the Nymphalid groups of subfamilies fulfil the same function. An attack by a predator is directed towards the margin of the wing, not towards the vulnerable head or body (Brakefield and Larsen, 1984). I once found a large population of Hipparchia parisatis Kollar in the Musandam Peninsula of Oman where some 15 percent of all specimens showed the symmetrical damage to the edge of the wings caused by large vertebrate predators such as birds or lizards (Larsen, 1982b). Such marginal eye-spots are particularly common in the Nymphalinae, Satyrinae, Morphinae, Amathusiinae and Brassolinae.
Deflective markings of this nature are obviously very different from camouflage markings, though some species are seasonally polyphenic, having a camouflaged dry season form with only traces of the eye-spots while the wet season form retains the eye-spots. This is probably related to different defensive needs during two seasons with very different climatic conditions, presumably influencing both the predator spectrum and the behaviour of the butterflies themselves (Brakefield and Larsen, 1984).
Eye-spots on the inner surfaces of wings more generally seem to have a startling function, the experiments by Blest (1957) clearly showing their effectiveness in this respect. Members of the Satyrinae often display their eye-spots with a characteristic jerking movement; the Sphingid moth Smerinthus ocellata reveals its large hindwing spots by jerking upwards the forewings.
It is, therefore, always somewhat disconcerting to see eye-spots which do not appear to have either a startling or a deflective function. This is the case with a number of Latin American members of the Riodinidae, especially in the genera Mesopthalma, Semomesia, Mesosemia, Diopthalma, and their relatives. These species have a well-developed spot at the end-cell of the forewing, apparently constructed from the
*29C Snoghoj alle DK 2770 Kastrup, Denmark.
206 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.ix.1988
Fig. 1. A specimen of Diopthalma lagora resting on the underside of a leaf (Tinalandia, Ecuador). The end cell spots are very prominent.
same type of concentric circles as in the Nvmphaline and Satyrine eye- spots (Nijhout, 1980). In set specimens it is difficult to imagine how they could usefully act as deflective markings.
During a recent visit to Ecuador I was able to observe one such species in nature (Diopthalma lagora Herrich-Schaffer). The eye-spots in fact do seem to be deflective markings. They work only because of the special resting posture of the butterfly. It invariably settles on the underside of leaves, usually an inch or so from the edge. I observed more than 100 such landings. The wings are held flat, not folded over the back as in most butterflies, and the front legs are stretched out so that the butterfly juts out from under the leaf at a 30° angle, with the hindwings in contact with the leaf surface (see figure 1). Thus the eye- spots are clearly visible when the butterfly is at rest, which would not be the case if the butterfly adopted a normal resting posture. The deflective markings would be most effective for any predator that looked from above over the edge of the leaf.
The fact that the eye-spots in the Riodinidae are placed differently and related to resting postures implies that it is a case of parallel evolution of similar passive defence mechanisms, indicating that deflective markings have a considerable survival value.
DEFLECTIVE EYE SPOTS IN BUTTERFLIES 207
Acknowledgements
This paper was produced under a general entomological research grant kindly provided by the Carlsberg Foundation of Denmark.
References
Blest, A.D. (1957). The functions of eye-spot patterns in the Lepidoptera. Behaviour, 11: 209-256.
Brakefield, P.M. and Larsen T.B. (1984). The evolutionary significance of dry and wet season forms in some tropical butterflies. Biol. J. Linn. Soc., 22: 1-12.
Larsen, T.B. (1982a). False head butterflies; the case of Oxylides faunas Drury (Lycaenidae). J. Lepid. Soc., 36: 238-239.
Larsen, T.B. (1982b). Heavy predation by birds or lizards of Hipparchia parisatis Kollar (Lepidoptera: Satyrinae) in Oman. Entomologists’ Gaz., 33: 5-7.
Larsen, T.B. (1984). The butterflies of Saudi Arabia and its neighbours. Stacey Intl., London.
Robbins, R.K. (1980). The Lycaenid false head hypothesis; Historical review and quantitative analysis. J. Lepid. Soc., 34: 194-208.
APLOTA PALPELLA (HAWORTH) (LEP.: OECOPHORIDAE) IN DEVON— On Ist July 1987 I found four larvae of Aplota palpella amongst Hypnum cupressiforme var. resupinatum on two beech trees at Ashclyst Forest, Devon (V.C. 3). Nothing emerged from one, one produced a parasite which so far can only be determined as belonging to the genus Chelonus and the other two produced moths on 25th and 29th July. This is the first time that the species has been recorded from Devon.
The larvae fed in strong silken tubes hidden amongst the moss. Their presence was revealed by fine sawdust like frass on the surface of the moss. Although this grew over much of the trunk, often luxuriantly, the larvae occurred only where the moss was sparse and about five to six feet from the ground. Three of the larvae fed in an area of scar tissue.
The moss grew on almost all of the neighbouring trees, most of which were oak, but I could not find larvae on these. As it was more difficult searching for tubes on their rough furrowed bark I may have overlooked them. However the two trees with larvae were at the edge of the forest and so received more light (they were not in direct sunlight) and this might be significant.
I am very grateful to Mr P.H. Sterling for telling me how he had discovered larvae at Savernake Forest earlier in 1987, as without that information my search may not have been successful. My thanks are also due to Mrs J. Paton for confirming my tentative identification of the moss, to Dr M.R. Shaw for determining the genus of the parasite and to The National Trust and Forestry Commission (respectively the owners and lessees) for permission to record at Ashclyst Forest. R.J. HECKFORD, 67 Newnham Road, Plympton, Plymouth.
208 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.ix.1988
NEW HOST RECORDS FOR FUNGUS-BREEDING PHORIDAE (DIPTERA)
By R.H.L. DISNEY* AND R.E. EVANS**
The following records of scuttle flies from fungi were (except where indicated) obtained in rearing experiments by R.E.E. and the flies identified by R.H.L.D. The fungus names follow Phillips (1981).
Conicera similis (Haliday)
Four reared from Tuber aestivum Vitt. found by K. Redshaw in Leeds (see Preece and Redshaw, 1978). It has previously been reared from Pluteus cervinus (Schaeff. ex. Fr.) Kummer (Schmitz, 1948, Eisfelder, 1956) and obtained in emergence traps set over soil (Disney and Gunn, 1980).
Megaselia berndseni (Schmitz)
Twelve from Boletus versicolor Rostk. collected at Sparham Pools, Norfolk (Grid ref. 63/0718) on 14 August 1982. Under the synonym of M. pygmaeoides (Lundbeck) (see Disney, 1985), this species has been reported from 18 other species of fungi (Eisfelder, 1956, Buxton, 1961, Disney and Evans, 1979).
Megaselia flava (Fallén)
Twelve from Gymnopilus hybridus (Fr. ex Fr.) Sing. collected on 23 November 1984 at Poet’s Breck, Norfolk (Grid ref. 63/1313). This species has previously been reared from seven other species of fungi (Schmitz, 1948, Eisfelder, 1956, Buxton, 1961, Disney and Evans, 1982).
Megaselia flavicans Schmitz
Two from Lyophyllum fumatofoetens (Secr.) Schaeff. collected at Hockering Wood, Norfolk (Grid ref. 63/0715) on 10 June 1984. It has been reared from 17 other species of fungi (Schmitz, 1948, Eisfelder, 1956, Disney and Evans, 1978, 1982).
Megaselia frameata Schmitz
Three from Coniophora puteana (Schum.) Karst. collected at Honing- ham Fen, Norfolk (Grid ref. 63/0911) on 3 September 1986. It has been reared from six other species of fungi (Buxton, 1961, Colyer, 1954 and unpublished, Disney and Evans, 1982).
Megaselia hirtiventris (Wood)
Three from Agaricus augustus Fr. collected at Narford Hall, Norfolk (Grid ref. 63/7613) on 18 September 1983. 74 from Sclereoderma citrina Pers. collected at the same locality on the same date. One from Agaricus silvaticus Schiff. and Secr. collected from Warren Wood, Norfolk
* University Museum of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ. **Chanterelle, Church Road, Welborne, East Dereham, Norfolk NR20 3LH.
NEW HOST RECORDS FOR PHORIDAE 209
(Grid ref. 63/0911) on 16 May 1981. It has previously been recorded from Agaricus campestris L. ex Fr. (Eisfelder, 1956) and Pholiota sp. (Chandler, 1978).
Megaselia lutescens (Wood) Twelve from a rotting, galled Panaeolus subbalteatus (Berk. and Br.) Sacc. collected at How Hill, Norfolk (Grid ref. 63/3719) on 31 August 1986. Buhr (1965) recorded ‘‘?Megaselia lutescens’’ from a galled Panaeolus sp. Whether this species causes the galls or, more likely, it parasitises the gall-former (as this species has the sort of ovipositor normally associated with parasitoid habits) is not known.
In addition it has been reared from Russula foetens (Pers. ex Fr.) Fr. (Eisfelder, 1956).
Megaselia scutellaris (Wood)
One from Amanita citrina (Schaeff.) S.F. Gray collected from Ringland Hills (Grid ref. 63/1313) 25 September 1980. 20 from Tricholomopsis platyphylla (Pers. ex Fr.) Sing. collected from Holbrook Gardens, Suffolk (Grid ref. 62/1737) on 16 October 1983. Nine from Mycena galericulata (Scop. ex Fr.) S.F. Gray collected at same locality on same day. It has been reared from seven other species of fungi (Eisfelder, 1956, Buxton, 1961).
Megaselia sylvatica (Wood)
M. latior Schmitz has been misidentified as this species in the past (Disney, 1984). Eight from Pluteus cervinus (Schaeff. ex. Fr.) Kummer collected from Poet’s Breck, Honingham, Norfolk on 24 September 1983. It has been reared from two other species of Pluteus (Colyer, 1954, Disney and Evans, 1982) and from a Pleurotus (Disney and Evans, 1979).
Discussion The rearings from Agaricus augustus, A. silvaticus, Coniophora putaena, Gymnopilus hybridus, Lyophylium fumatofoeteens, Mycena galericulata, Panaeolus subbalteatus, Tricholomopsis platyphylla and Tuber aestivum represent the first published records of named phorids from these fungi.
References
Burh, H. (1965). Bestimmungstabellen der Gallen (Zoo- und Phytocecidien) an Pflanzen Mittel- und Nordeuropas. Band IT. Gustav. Fischer Verlag, Jena.
Buxton, P.A., 1961. British Diptera associated with fungi. III. Flies of all families reared from about 150 species of fungi. Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 96: 61-94.
Chandler, P.J., 1978. In Stubbs, A, and Chandler, P. (Eds). A Dipterist’s Hand- book. The Amateur Entomologists’ Society.
Colyer, C.N., 1954. A new species of Megaselia (Dipt: Phoridae) from Britain, notes on fungicolous Phoridae. Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 89: 108-112.
Colyer, C.N., unpublished. Notebooks in British Museum (Natural History).
210 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.1x.1988
Disney, R.H.L., 1984. Six species of Megaselia (Diptera: Phoridae) from Northern England, new to Britain, and including two new to science. Natur- alist, Hull 109: 11-18.
Disney, R.H.L., 1985. Records of scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) from Flat- ford Mill, including two species new to Britain. Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 21: 13-17.
Disney, R.H.L. and Evans, R.E., 1978. Two species of Phoridae (Dipt.) reared from fungi. Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 113: 165.
Disney, R.H.L. and Evans, R.E., 1979. Further records of Phoridae (Dipt.) reared from fungi. Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 114: 166.
Disney, R.H.L. and Evans, R.E., 1982. Records of Phoridae (Diptera) reared from fungi. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 94: 104-105.
Disney, R.H.L. and Gunn, L.C., 1980. Some scuttle flies (Dipt:Phoridae) from emergence traps over raspberry stools in Scotland. Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 115: 23-25.
Eisfelder, I., 1956. Die haufigsten Pilzbewohner (Fliegen als Pilsverzehrer). Z. Pilzk. 22: 108-117.
Phillips, R., 1981. Mushrooms and other fungi of Great Britain and Europe. Pan Books, London.
Preece, T.F. and Redshaw, K., 1978. Tuber aestivum Vitt. — truffles growing at Headingley, Leeds. Naturalist, Hull 103: 109-112.
Schmitz, H., 1948. Zur Kenntnis der fungicolen Buckelfliegen. Natuurh. Maanabl. 37: 37-44.
DROPEPHYLLA GRACILICORNIS FAIRM. AND LAB. (COL.:STAPHYLINIDAE) IN VARIED HABITATS.— Following my friend Prof. Owen’s interesting notes on Phyllodrepa salicis Gyll. (1988, Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 124: 35) I offer some remarks on one of its smaller relatives which is not much better known in Britain. There seem few published records of the above scarce Omaliine beyond those in Fowler and Donisthorpe (1913, Col. Brit. Isl. 6: 243), where localities in Berkshire, Cumberland, Isle of Wight and County Durham are listed. Tottenham (Handb. Ident. Brit. Ins. 4(8a): 22) says only ‘‘Under bark; rare, a few scattered localities’’. Fowler had earlier (1888, Col. Brit. Isl. 2: 420) reported one from the London district (Rye) and numbers at Balmuto, Fifeshire (Power). Fowler and Donisthorpe (/oc. cit.) add an interesting observation respecting biotope: ‘‘Mr Piffard has recorded that Homalium gracilicorne and brevicorne | the latter being in fact D. grandiloqua Luze — cf. Champion, 1912, Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 48: 44] are to be found in the lichen on branches of oak recently blown down’’. This points to a wider habitat than the strictly subcortical, as also do the following data from examples (carefully checked) in my collection, taken by the late G.H. Ashe: Wicken, Cambs/reed refuse/20.vii.55 (1); Shute Park, Colyton, S. Devon/nest of Lasius fuliginosus/26.v.57 (3). Since D. gracilicornis is not otherwise known to be myrmecophilous, this last must probably be regarded as accidental. I have also a Dorset specimen (Crichel, 8.vi.36, P. Harwood); and have seen one from Moccas Park, Herefordshire taken by R.W. Lloyd. A.A. ALLEN, 49 Moltcalm Road, Charlton, London SE7 8QG.
BUTTERFLIES ON EL HIERRO ZAn
BUTTERFLIES ON EL HIERRO
By DENIS F. OWEN,* DAVID A.S. SMITH and ALLISTER G. SMITH
El Hierro, the smallest of the Canary Islands, has an area of only 278 km? and a maximum elevation of 1500 m. Like the other outer Canaries it is volcanic and, despite its small size, is enormously varied in vegetation, a feature associated with dramatic local differences in rainfall and (especially) cloud formation. There is laurel forest on the northern slopes above El Golfo and extensive Pinus canariensis forest on the south side of the central mountainous plateau. Much of the south and west of the island is volcanic desert with a sparse vegetation unsuitable for most butterflies, except in the towns and villages where garden flowers and crops attract a few species. Grassy meadows, chiefly in the north-east, support a huge population of Maniola jurtina and smaller numbers of other species.
We visited El Hierro in June 1987 essentially to examine variation in Maniola jurtina and to check for the possible presence of Pararge xiphioides. We found only nine species of butterflies and record them because few entomologists seem to have visited the island mainly, we suspect, because compared to other islands in the Canaries, it is relatively impoverished.
Artogeia rapae (L.). Small white. Frequent near cultivation, less common elsewhere. One larva was found on an alien Reseda sp along with three larvae of Pontia daplidice. Many pupae were found in a Valverde town garden attached to the leaves of a native shrub, Rumex lunaria, having recently fed on a nearby alien, 7ropaeolum majus. Larvae were also found on cultivated Brassica oleracea.
Pontia daplidice (L.). Bath white. Widespread and often the only butterfly in arid habitats; less frequent among cultivation and at well- vegetated sites. Larvae in all instars common on alien Reseda spp.
Lycaena phlaeas. Small copper. Chiefly in ones and twos and common only in open Pinus canariensis forest.
Aricia agestis cramera Eschscholtz. Brown argus. Four seen, all in grassy places chiefly inhabited by Maniola jurtina. This is possibly the first record for the island as it is not listed by Higgins and Riley (1983).
Vanessa atalanta (L.). Red admiral. One in a garden at Valverde.
Throughout the Canaries this species is far less common than Vanessa indica and is nearly always seen in towns and gardens.
Vanessa indica calliroe Hiibn. Indian red admiral. Widespread except in very arid areas and particularly common in laurel forest above El Golfo where females were observed laying on Urtica morifolia, the
*2 Shelford Place, Headington, Oxford OX3 7NW.
2D ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.1x.1988
dominant understorey plant in the forest. Eggs are laid on the upperside of terminal leaves, usually singly but one female three times laid two eggs side by side. Larvae in all stages were abundant on Urtica moriflora growing in deep shade.
Cynthia cardui (L.). Painted lady. In ones and twos in most habitats except laurel forest and extremely arid areas. A larva and two pupae were found on an unidentified alien thistle.
Maniola jurtina hispulla Esper. Meadow brown. Both males and females were abundant in grassy areas, often sheltering from the wind in gulleys and hollows. The grass was mostly dead and the butterflies had evidently been out for some weeks. No mated pairs were seen and a high proportion of males was worn and old. Females were seen entering Pinus canariensis forest, possibly to aestivate, but also feeding from flowers, particularly the labiate, Micromeria varia.
Danaus plexippus (L.). Monarch. Eggs, larvae and pupae were common on Gomphocarpus fruticosus, a shrubby African milkweed grown in Valverde an an ornamental, and apparently not previously recorded on El Hierro (David Bramwell in /itt.). Adult butterflies were seen in the towns of Pinar and Frontera, confirming the view that in the Canary Islands this is essentially a town species.
A ‘‘blue’’ was seen, probably a long-tailed blue, Lampides boeticus (L.), as the Canary blue, Cycliurus webbianus Brullé, is not recorded from El Hierro (Higgins and Riley 1983). We were probably too early in the year for Pseudotergumia wyssi bacchus Higgins, a subspecies of the Canary grayling confined to the islands of El] Hierro and La Gomera. A special search was made for the speckled wood, Pararge xiphioides, reported as absent from El Hierro, and we reached the conclusion that although the laurel forest looks suitable, there is not enough grass, the ground layer being dominated by Urtica morifolia. After we left the island we spent three days on Tenerife and easily found nineteen species of butterflies, a striking reminder of the faunistic impoverishment of El Hierro.
Reference
Higgins, L.G. and Riley, N.D. 1983. A field guide to the butterflies of Britain and Europe. Collins, London.
Correction
In our note on Cis dentatus which was published in the recent issue of the Ent. Rec. (100: 188) we have very regrettably referred to Mr E.W. Aubrook as deceased. In this we have been totally mistaken and we would like to offer our sincere apologies to Mr Aubrook and to his family and friends for any distress we may have caused by our error. I.S. CARTER, 165 Leckhampton Road, Cheltenham, Glos. GL53 0AD and J.A. OwEN, 8 Kingsdown Road, Epsom, Surrey KT17 3PU.
ECTROPIS BISTORTATA 213
THIRD BROOD SPECIMENS OF ECTROPIS BISTORTATA GOEZE (LEP: GEOMETRIDAE)
By P. WARING
With reference to Mr West’s note on the frequency or infrequency of third brood specimens of the moth, Ectropis bistortata, 1 took a specimen of this species on 22 October 1984 in Oakley Wood which is part of the woods collectively known as Bernwood Forest on the Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire border. I can offer some data on the relative frequency at moth traps of these probably third brood specimens in relation to the other two broods of Ectropis bistortata and to the occurrence of the small engrailed, Ectropis crepusculeria with which second brood engrailed in particular are sometimes confused. From January 1984 to December 1985 I operated six Actinic traps (Heath 1965) simultaneously on one night per week every week at fixed sites within Oakley Wood. The accompanying chart shows the total weekly catches of FE. bistortata and E. crepuscularia for the six traps. The weeks of the year are numbered consecutively from 1 January. Adults of the second brood of engraileds, FE. bistortata, were trapped over a period of five weeks from early July into August in both years. This is similar to the situation that Mr West observed in Kent. In
The numbers of Engrailed and Small Engrailed moths trapped on weekly visits to Oakley Wood, Bucks. during 1984 and 1985.
Engrailed Ectropis bistortata Sma!) Engrailed Ectropis crepuscularia
1984
number of individuals trapped each week 1985
weeks
months
* Nature Conservancy Council, Northminster House, Peterborough PEI 1UA.
214 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.1x.1988
1984 a single third brood specimen was recorded but no such specimens were seen in 1985. In a total of forty seven complete nights of moth trapping in Oakley Wood and elsewhere in Bernwood Forest between September and early November (1984-1986) this is the only third brood engrailed I have captured.
The third brood specimen is notable in having a wing span of 33mm, which is much larger than any second brood individual trapped in Bernwood. Eight of the latter, including both sexes, are present in the Bernwood collection and all are between 27 and 29mm in span. The third brood specimen is closer in appearance to typical first brood individuals. Nine of these spring individuals are in the Bernwood collection and all but one are greater than 30mm in wing span (mean 31.7, extremes 28-34mm). It is common experience that lepidopterous larvae develop faster at higher temperatures and produce smaller adults and this presumably accounts for the size variation between the broods of the engrailed. The fact that Bernwood Forest is a noted frost hollow may explain why third brood engrailed are apparently a rare event there.
Acknowledgement
I would like to acknowledge the support of Oxford Polytechnic during the course of the fieldwork.
References
Heath, J. 1965. A genuinely portable MV light trap. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 77: 236-238.
West, B.K. 1987. Third brood specimens of Ectropis bistortata Goeze (Lep: Geometridae). Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 99: 84-85.
STRIPED HAWK-MOTH, HYLES LINEATA LIVORNICA (ESP.) (LEP.: SPHINGI- DAE.)— On the evening of 6th May, 1988 while at Puerto Pollenca, Mallorca the sun faded out as a dense orange-red cloud spread over the horizon to the south. During the following hours dust of the same orange-red colour as the cloud began to fall. It was quite calm and very quiet. My wife and friends moved to the shelter of a covered area near a pool, which was brightly illuminated, when my attention was drawn by the number of striped hawk-moths that suddenly appeared. The first one flew into the pool which I caught to confirm its identity and to show it to my friends before releasing it. Another striped hawk-moth flew into the ‘Insect-o-cutor’ and was incinerated, much to everyone’s horror while at least three others flew past the dancers in the bar to alight and remain passively on the innermost wall. Neither this nor any other species of hawk-moth was seen during the following week and one can only conclude that the striped hawk-moths came over in the dust storm that evening. PHILIP M. MILES, Werndeg, Cnwch, Coch, Aberystwyth, Dyfed, Wales.
SPATHIUS CURVICAUDIS — NEW TO BRITAIN 215
SPATHIUS CURVICAUDIS RATZEBURG (HYM.: BRACONIDAE) NEW TO BRITAIN AND PARASITISING AGRILUS PANNONICUS (PILLER AND MITTERPACHER)
(COL.: BUPRESTIDAE).
By M.R. SHAW*
Recent papers in this Journal (Foster, 1987; Allen, 1988) and elsewhere (Godfrey, 1987) indicate an apparent upturn in the fortunes of the rare buprestid beetle Agrilus pannonicus (Piller and Mitterpacher) since its British status and history were reviewed by Allen in 1973. I am prompted to add to this chronicle by recording the presence in Britain of the doryctine braconid, Spathius curvicaudis Ratzeburg, which is probably specialised to bark-inhabiting buprestids and has recently been reared twice, almost certainly from A. pannonicus, at Windsor Great Park, Berkshire.
The first occasion was when J.A. Owen reared a brood of ten females and one male in June 1985 from a single mass of 14 cocoons collected in March 1985 in the bark of a living oak heavily infested by A. pannonicus, and the second was a brood of nine females and four males reared in July 1986 by H. Mendel from bark collected from the same tree in March 1986. In addition is one female specimen fogged from mature oak canopy at Richmond Park, Surrey, by N.E. Stork on 18.viii. 1983; the first to be identified in Britain, but perhaps particularly noteworthy in view of Allen’s (1988) comment that a specimen of A. pannonicus was fogged at the same site in June 1984, and the suggestion that the beetle may regularly breed high in the tree.
S. curvicaudis differs from all other species of Spathius known to occur in Britain by its markedly up-curved ovipositor (see Nixon, 1943: 201, fig. 16), which projects beyond the apex of the gaster by about the latter’s length. The available British specimens clearly belong to the exarator-group, but then do not run easily to curvicaudis in Nixon’s (1943) key because they mostly have only very indistinct coriaceous sculpture towards the base of tergite (2+3), and in some specimens as much as the basal third of the hind tibia is pale. In Hedqvist’s (1976) key to the European species of Spathius these British specimens have another rough ride: this time it is their rather strongly trans-striate frons and heavily fasciated wings that prevents them from running smoothly to curvicaudis. However, they fit Ratzeburg’s (1844: 49) original description tolerably well, especially in regard to their heavily fasciated wings (‘‘Flugel schon grau und weiss gefleckt’’), and no other European species has a similar ovipositor. Ratzeburg’s type (now evidently lost: Konigsmann, 1964) was reared from part of a living tree in which an unidentified buprestid was developing and (despite the shortcomings of their keys, which seem to depend on unstable characters) both Nixon *Royal Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF.
216 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.1x.1988
(1943) and Hedqvist (1973) record species of Agrilus, including pannonicus (as biguttatus (Fabricius)), as hosts. The present records appear to be the first to state that it is gregarious, but are otherwise consistent with what is known of the biology of curvicaudis in Europe.
It is always pleasing to note that a parasitoid that is possibly dependent, at least locally, on an exceedingly restricted and scarce insect host has nevertheless managed to persist through lean times, for it is hard to imagine that S. curvicaudis could be a recent arrival in Britain. I urge particular tolerance for this interesting species, bearing in mind that it is probably a good deal less secure than its host. Also, it is not impossible that the combination of beetle-plus-parasitoid may be in some respect more viable than the beetle alone.
Except that I have deposited two females and one male from the series reared by H. Mendel in the British Museum (Natural History), all of the above material is now in the collections of the National Museums of Scotland.
Acknowledgements
I am grateful to John Owen and Howard Mendel for saving reared parasitoids for me, and to Nigel Stork for giving me ichneumonoids that he fogged from oak canopy at Richmond Park on 18.vili.1983. Tom Huddleston kindly made the collections of British Spathius in the British Museum (Natural History) available to me.
References
Allen, A.A. 1973. Agrilus biguttatus F. (Col., Buprestidae) at Windsor; with some account of its history in Britain. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 85: 12-14. Allen, A.A. 1988. Notes on Agrilus pannonicus Pill. and Mitt. (Col.: Bupresti-
dae) in 1985. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 100: 25-28.
Foster, A.P., 1987. Agrilus pannonicus (Piller & Mitterpacher, 1783) (Col.: Buprestidae) and other noteworthy insects recorded from Hampstead Heath in 1984. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 99: 153-155.
Godfrey, A.R., 1987. Agrilus pannonicus (Pill. & Mitt.) (Col., Buprestidae) in Windsor. Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 123: 40.
Hedqvist, K-J., 1976. New species of Spathius Nees, 1818 and a key to the species of Europe and Canary Islands (Hym. Ichneumonoidea, Braconidae). EOS Madr. 51 (1975): 51-63.
Konigsmann, E., 1964. Braconidae aus den Resten der Ratzeburg-Sammlung (Hymenoptera). Beitr. Ent., Berlin 14: 631-661.
Nixon, G.E.J., 1943. A revision of the Spathiinae of the Old World (Hymenop- tera, Braconidae). Trans. R. ent. Soc. Lond. 93: 173-456.
Ratzeburg, J.T.C., 1844. Die Ichneumonen der Forstinsecten 1. Berlin.
KEY TO VARIETIES OF RHAGIUM BIFASCIATUM 2N7
A REVISED KEY TO THE VARIETIES OF RHAGIUM BIFASCIATUM F., (COL.: CERAMBYCIDAE)
By RAYMOND R. UHTHOFF-K AUFMANN*
More than forty years have elapsed since the publication of the keys to the identification of the varietal forms of Rhagium bifasciatum F., most of which have been taken in this country. Some more varieties have been found, described and figured since then, such that a new, revised and improved key is needed to accommodate them; and at the same time to correct a few inaccuracies, to which attention is drawn after the key.
The larva of R. bifasciatum is of economic importance in that it rarely attacks living trees, unlike some Longicorns, or if it does it is usually confined to the deteriorating parts — dying limbs etc. The larva is beneficial to forestry: its predilection for rotten moist wood — it frequently takes over from the ravages caused by other Cerambycids, such as Asemum striatum L. and Arhopalus rusticus L. —helps to break down felled logs, boles, stumps and roots.
Polyphagous in habit, the larva has been found with the following: alder, ash, beech, birch, buckthorn, chestnut, elder, fir, hawthorn, hornbeam, larch, laurel, oak, pear, pine (Scots pine is a favourite pabulum), poplar, rowan, sour cherry, spruce and willow. Donovan amusingly states, ‘‘It is generally found in putrid flesh.’’(!) Under normal circumstances larval development takes two years, depending upon when ovipositing occurs and on local conditions.
Pupation, in either sapwood or deeper down in the heartwood if sufficiently wet and rotten, takes place in the late summer months and eclosion thence until the winter, but the imago stays in its pupal cell throughout the winter, emerging in the spring. All three stages of development are often present in the same habitat, larva, pupa and semi-dormant inactive perfect insect; consequently the imagines may be found throughout the year, just resting under the loose bark.
A number of parasitic Hymenoptera prey on the larva, among which are enumerated: Coeloides (Coelobracon) initiator F., Bracon leucogaster Zgrl., Echthrus reluctator L., Xorides rufipes Gr., X. irrigator F., Ischnoceros filicornis Kreichb., J. caligatus Grav., Colecentrus excitator Poda and Iphiaulax impostor Scop. It is also parasitized by the threadworm Bradynema strasseni Wiilker. Other predators include the Coleoptera, Nudobius lentus Er., Opillo mollis L. and Thanasimus formicarius L.
The adult beetle’s habits differ from those of many of our Longicorns in that it is not found feeding on flowers; more usually it occurs crawling along the ground, taking off on short flights to settle again either there or on adjacent timber lying in sunlit woodland rides and open spaces, somewhat reminiscent of the Tiger beetle (Cicindela), but * 13 Old Road, Old Harlow, Essex CM17 OHB.
218 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.i1x.1988
OS a a a | too MLS.
Fig. 1. Distribution of Rhagium bifasciatum F. in the British Isles.
it has been swept from dogrose, apple and hawthorn blossom, rhododendrons, Viburnum, various Umbelliferae and freshly cut fir and pine branches.
The imagines have been found in almost every English county, and apart from a few central areas, in most of Wales. Scotland too has been well worked, with records from the Lowlands to the Highlands, the Inner Hebrides and the Clyde islands. Irish records are scantier, confined largely to the south-western, northern and south-eastern coastal counties, due more to a lack of observers than to that of the beetle (see distribution map).
KEY TO VARIETIES OF RHAGIUM BIFASCIATUM 219
R. bifasciatum, despite its general occurrence throughout the British Isles, is a local insect; when it is found it may often be by the hundred. There is no hard evidence to suggest that its varieties are confined to any particular region or subject to special climatic or other conditions; for example, the nigrescent forms have been captured in one end of the same log as the commoner bleached variety at the other. Nevertheless, hardly any variations have been recorded from Scotland or the Principality. Several Continental authorities opine that the northern and sub-alpine regions of Europe produce the most varieties.
There is some disagreement about this: in northern England high numbers have been captured in Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cheshire; in the south, Surrey, that popular hunting ground, has contributed as many colour forms as any other district. Further, those authors emphasize that the albinotic forms are more likely to be encountered in montane areas. That is not, however, the general experience; if the locality is right — ancient neglected fellings, especially old pine woods, for instance, and at any height — varieties have abounded, reaching proportions of 25- 30% of the total bifasciatum population; elsewhere, in apparently similar areas and conditions, only the type form occurs. It may be stated unequivocally that while the yellow varieties are the commonest with us, the melanic, and particularly the rufous forms, are decidedly rare, of which there are very few recorded British examples.
Great care has been taken to compare Professor Villiers’ and the late Dr Blair’s excellent drawings of the varieties of R. bifasciatum with the British keys of 1945-46; with hardly an exception, figures and descriptions tally. This cannot be said of the sketches by M. Podany who is at pains to comment that he found it difficult to match the elytral patterns with the details given by their authors, who, he states, should have illustrated their written work. It is the unfortunate case that many of his own figures do not bear any relation at all to the varieties that have been described. It suffices to say that of the 22 figures of R. bifasciatum in his monograph on the genus only eight may be equated with the variations elsewhere published. It is not the intention to traverse M. Podany’s work other than to add that his own text does not correspond with the illustrations he provides.
On the Continent variation in Rhagium bifasciatum is well known (and as well documented) as it is here, holding a recognized place in the European and palaearctic catalogues. This is not so, where it concerns the Cerambycidae, in the latest British Check List, remarkable as much for its omissions as for its additions.
220 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.ix.1988
KEY TO THE VARIETIES OF RHAGIUM BIFASCIATUM F.
b)
“‘Les variétiés sont des modifications visibles . . .’ Maurice Pic (Bracketed numbers and letters link contrasting forms.) I. Yellow fasciae reduced (II). a. Ground colour largely bronze-black; marginal red along elytral edges and apex normal (b). Anterior fasciae divided, reduced or absent.
lea Postenonmtasciae also abseiigns see eee 4. v. infasciatum Pic (3) 2. Posterior fasciae divided and greatly reduced ...v.b/airi Kaufm.(1) 32” “Posterior fasciae whole but reduced --e. - - - v. bistrinotatum Pic (2)
b. Ground colour conspicuously red (a). 4. Encroaches upon apical third of elytra. Anterior fasciae
whole; posterior fasciae obliterated...... v. unifasciatum Muls. (6) 5. Spreads from apex to anterior fasciae; posterior fasciae
slhichtlyreducedtondivided:. | marine | tee eee v. deyrollei Pic (8) 6. Anterior fasciae whole; posterior fasciae reduced to a single
MVACUIAON! 2 2 wate ss oe Vv. apicepunctatum Podany (4)
7. Covers whole elytra except basal and apical thirds; fasciae completely absent or anterior ones faintly OUUIMCO: oh PE se so cate oot a eee v. bicolor Oliv. (25) 8. Elytra almost entirely red; extreme base and a thick sutural line between fasciae, black; fasciae almost MOVIN res arc os Res 5. oso car, «20a os, Rae v. dvoraki Niedl (5) 9. Elytra largely red except for a sub-sutural black patch; anterior fasciae normal; posterior fasciae absent v. rufum Prell (26)
II. Yellow fasciae enlarged but not confluent (III). Ground colour largely bronze-black; marginal red normal. Fasciae dentate along lower edges, smoother above. Elytral apex broadly red.
10. Posterior fasciae broad, almost meeting laterally along suture, leaving dark ground colour between the two sets
PLOMiInent.. 1 ae v. latefasciatum Pic = fasciatum Pic (11) 11. Both fasciae broadened and strongly
Gentatesee nasi Sere ern ce eae v. dentatofasciatum Kaufm. (10) 12. Posterior fasciae very broad, spreading towards elytral
EID CXOTIYE TES Ponda yee Male, oh Apes rca v. lituratum Fign. (13)
13. Anterior fasciae spread almost to elytral shoulders. Apical third of elytra entirely yellow. Suture edged black. Dark elytral background roughly cruciform....... v. mediofasciatum Pic (23)* III. Yellow fasciae enlarged and confluent (1). Marginal red normal. c. Elytral striae outlined with black streaks, either interrupted or of varying lengths (d).
* yide notes on nomenclature infra.
14.
iS
16.
Ne
18.
Dale DOR D235
24.
ey
26.
Di
28.
KEY TO VARIETIES OF RHAGIUM BIFASCIATUM 221
Elytral base broadly, and suture narrowly bronze-black. Fasciae meet
along suture and extend almost to elytral shoulders and apex. With three very short central to marginal black streaks and a
single sub-sutural one at elytral apex ........ v. quentini nov. (15)
Fasciae do not quite reach shoulders and apex. With a small sub- sutural streaky black maculation at elytral
APO eS I eee ee) ee ee eee one Vv. bimaculatum Marsh. (14) With two black median lines, the longer nearer the suture; occasionally with traces of a third streak at the elytral
MVAUOMMIS OF ADEM CHa. 6 sl be. cee es ee eee v. virgatum Kaufm. (17) With two or three longish, sometimes broken black
INUCIES ye aneechen ose -iciy Gene Glee o: ee Re v. nigrolineatum Donovan (16) Fasciae cover two-thirds of elytra, leaving base black and apex
red. With three long uninterrupted black
HNESH WOE cs ces Cee. See v. multilineatum Pic (19)
. Elytra entirely yellow with three long but feinter
DROKEMULMES: Actes ote ees ts no, BAe, v. andreae Vill. (18)
. Elytra without black streaks or lines (c). 20!
Background diagonally divided: bronze-black from base to beyond posterior fasciae along suture; red from humeral boss along
elytral margins to a broad apical third. Fasciae narrowly
joined medianly forming overall an elongated broken O
PACU TN eas go oy care ree Aon, al v. klinzigi Podany (24) Anterior and posterior fasciae produced to meet along suture. Elytral base and most of apex bronze-black.
Connection: NaEnOwnm>-42 tee eae 2. ee v. gravei Hubenth. (22) Connechiombroadees ey. ee eee v. connexum Everts (21) Similar to mediofasciatum, but fasciae joined at the
MASI) 2. te ees Cee ee v. apicepallidum Pic (13)
Broad fascial connection meets at both suture and margins;
with a large central sutural black
TNA CUA PI OM gis PR heshethe. A Pa Mare 5 ie eat v. medionotatum Pic (20) Fascial connection almost complete; elytral base and apex bronze-black; margins narrowly
0. Soe ee v. ornatum F. = dorsalis Marsh. = ecoffeti Muls. (7) Elytra almost wholly yellow save a black triangular scutellar TOUCHE As PARES. LONG, 3 Rares Apes Lena POSee. & v. lebisi Dayr. (9)
Similar, fused fasciae occupying two-thirds of elytral surface; elytral margins and tip of apex narrowly red;
base: broddly: black), L905 g074 eee we Se v. simoni Pic (28) Extreme elytral base only dark, otherwise entirely
WE] LOWiceeg Seeeaanate heee Wepre stash ci eet v. ictericum Schleicher (27)
2?
De
11.
15:
14.
15%
Ie
21
Ups.
24. ZS.
ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.1x.1988
NOTES ON NOMENCLATURE
v. blairi Kaufm.: when this figure was first published in 1944, the editor of the Entomologist’s mon. Mag. commented that it was on the small side. That, and the poor quality of war-time paper, resulted in the reduced posterior elytral maculations being nearly obliterated upon publication. Villiers’ f. 167 does not represent the true blairi, but is almost identical with his version of infasciatum Pic, f. 168. Podany’s two diagrams do not fit at all: the posterior maculations are wrongly slanted.
v. deyrollei Pic: described by Pic from Trebizond, Turkey. The only British specimen seen is that arranged by J.R. Hardy in coll. Manchester Museum.
v. dentatofasciatum Kaufm. nec Pic; wrongly attributed by Villiers (and obviously a /apsus calami). The variety was first described by Kaufmann in 1945.
v. mediofasciatum Pic nec 1912: = ? latefasciatum (Villiers, f. 189). This name is quoted with bibliographical references by Winkler, Blair, Podany etc, but these are totally incorrect; Villiers omits the name but its description meets that of J/atefasciatum, with which in future taxonomists may tentatively wish to sink it as synonymous.
v. quentini mihi: named in honour of M. R.M. Quentin of the Department of Applied Entomology, Natural History Museum, Paris.
v. bimaculatum Marsh.: this is a unique example and the type feste Blair, now in the J.F. Stephens collection (BM (NH)), and presumably acquired from the D. Francis cabinet, mentioned by Marsham. The specimen is data-less; it has been suggested that it was collected in northern England: there is no sound evidence for this.
v. nigrolineatum Donovan: also represented in the Stephens collection by a single specimen, sine data, assumed to come from the Francis collection. It is illustrated by Donovan from an example taken by Jean Francillon, with acknowledgements to the Marsham MS. Plavil’shchikov gives it in his Soviet lists; it is excluded by Dr Heyrovsky.
& 22. v. gravei Hubenth. and v. connexum Everts: these are sufficiently distinct in appearance, based on the difference in the width of the fascial confluence to retain the latter as a separate variety.
v. apicepallidum Pic: Villiers’ f. 186 does not correpond with Simon’s f. 4/C; hence, it has been assigned to group IIId.
v. medionotatum Pic: this was originally described from Hungary. v. ornatum F.: beautifully illustrated by Martyn and the earliest depiction in British entomological works, predating the Marshamian diagnosis (v. dorsalis) by a decade. Figured by
KEY TO VARIETIES OF RHAGIUM BIFASCIATUM 223
Donovan two years later. The Stephensian example (labelled dorsalis Marsh.) was also possibly acquired from the D. Phillips collection; first captured near Manchester.
27. v. lebisi Dayr.: placed by Villiers in the group with a red elytral background. After careful consideration of Dayrem’s article, the emphasis of the description is on balance yellow with a reddish tinge (jaune rougeatre) — Dayrem makes a point of referring to the elytral margins as pale red rather than reddish-yellow. Dr Blair was in agreement with this. Lebisi may have lost some of its butter yellow coloration and have darkened to a deeper tint when examined by Professor Villiers.
Podany depicts the overall colour as yellow; Pic, too refers to the elytra as characteristically ‘clair’.
28. v. simoni Pic nec Blair: surprisingly overlooked by Viiliers who illustrates apicepallidum from Pic’s same paper. By a strange coincidence Pic had named this variety simoni late in 1939, a fact evidently unknown to Blair who also named it simoni a year later, an oversight perhaps due to a failure in exchanging publications because of war-time restrictions. Blair had named this form based on Simon’s sketch and on two specimens found separately by some schoolboys near Harrogate, Yorkshire. These beetles are now in the Uhthoff-Kaufmann collection of British Cerambycidae, Manchester Museum.
Acknowledgements Grateful thanks for information provided and for particulars of captures are expressed to A.A. Allen Esq., Mlle N. Berti, Natural History Museum, Paris, Dr Z. Boucek, J. Chalmers-Hunt Esq., M. Collier Esq., Mrs B. Leonard, Librarian, Royal Entomological Society, Professor J.A. Owen, M. R.M. Quentin, Musée National, Paris, Mrs S.L. Shute, Dept. of Entomology, British Museum (Natural History).
References
Aurivillius, C. 1912. Cerambycidae in Junk, W. & Schenkling, S., Coleop- terorum Catalogus, 39: 161-162. Berlin.
Bayford, E.G. 1940. British aberrations of Rhagium bifasciatum F., Naturalist, Sept.: 233-234.
Blair, K.G. 1940. On Rhagium bifasciatum F. and its varieties (Col: Ceram- bycidae), Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 76: 206-208.
—. 1940-41. Rhagium bifasciatum Fab., and its varieties in Britain, Proc. S. London ent. nat. Hist. Soc., 1940-41: 39-42. 1 plate (10 figs.)
Cox, H.E. 1874. Handbook of British Coleoptera, 2. London.
Curtis, J. 1837. A guide to the arrangement of British insects, 2nd ed. London.
—. 1839. British Entomology, Coleoptera, 16. London.
Dayrem, J. 1935. Rhagium bifasciatum F. v. lebisi, Misc. ent., 36 (4): 25.
Demelt, C. von. 1966. Die Tierwelt Deutschlands, 52: 2, Bockkafer oder Ceram- bycidae, 1. Jena.
Deutsche Ent. Zeitschr. 1891, 201.
224 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.1x.1988
Donisthorpe, H.StJ.K. 1898. Notes on the British Longicornes, Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 10: 246-249.
Donovan, E. 1794. The Natural history of British insects, 3: 59, pl. 94, f. 1. London.
= NOs Oos@i-. 1B 35 Ole SS oqstgdls
= SO0GN OP Elie lA 93e pla S95 eete le
Duffy, E.A.J. 1953. A monograph of the immature stages of British and imported Timber Beetles (Cerambycidae). London.
Everts, E. 1922. Coleoptera Neerlandica, 3.’S Gravenhage.
Fairmaire, L. and Planet, L-M. 1924. Histoire naturelle de France, Coléopteres. Parise
Fowler, W.W. 1890. The Coleoptera of the British Islands, 4. London.
Freude, H., Harde, K.W. and Lohse, G.A. 1966. Die Kdfer Mitteleuropas, 9. Krefeld.
Gemminger, Dr and Harold, B. de 1872. Catalogus Coleopterorum, 9: 2854. Monachii.
Hansen, V. eft al. 1960. Catalogus Coleopterorum Fennoscandiae et Daniae (ed. Lindroth, C.H.): 358-359. Lund.
Harde, K.W. 1984. A field guide in colour to Beetles, English edition, Hammond, P.M. London.
Heyden, L. von, Reitter, E. and Weise, J. 1883. Catalogus Coleopterorum Europae et Caucasi: 183. 3rd ed. Berlin.
—. 1906. Catalogus Coleopterorum Europae, Caucasi et Armeniae Rossicae: 502. 2nd ed. Paskau.
Heyrovsky, L. 1955. Fauna CSR, 5, Cerambycidae. Prague. (Text in Czech).
Hickin, N. 1987. Longhorn Beetles of the British Isles. Princes Risborough.
Hubenthal, W. 1902. Erganzungen zur Thiiringer Kaferfauna, Deutsch. ent. Zeitschr.: 46.
Joy, N.H. 1932. A practical handbook of British Beetles. Two vols. London.
Kaufmann, R.R. Uhthoff- 1944. Notes on Rhagium bifasciatum F. (Col: Cerambycidae) and its varieties, Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 80: 262-263. Four figs.
—, 1945. Further notes on the colour forms of Rhagium bifasciatum F. (Col: Cerambycidae), Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 81: 186-187. Five figs.
—, 1946. The distribution of Rhagium bifasciatum F. and its aberra- tions in the British Isles, Naturalist, Oct.-Dec.: 139-146. One map.
—, 1948. Notes on the distribution of the British Longicorn Coleoptera, Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 84: 66-85.
—, 1950. Notes on the aberrational forms of Rhagium bifasciatum Fabr. (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) recently found on the Lancashire Moors, Raven ent. nat. Hist. Soc., Report 1949: 32-34.
Kloet, G.S. and Hincks, W.D. 1977. A Check List of British Insects, 11: (3), Coleoptera and Strepsiptera: 70. 2nd ed. London.
Kithnt, P. 1913. J/lustrierte Bestimmungs Tabellen der Kafer Deutsch- lands. Stuttgart.
Linssen, E.F. 1959. Beetles of the British Isles, 2: London.
Marsham, T. 1802. Entomologia Britannica, 1, Coleoptera. London.
Martyn, T. 1792. The English Entomologist, tab. 25, pl. 2, f. 18; tab. Doe ple 3, te 29> London:
Mulsant, M.E. 1839. Histoire naturelle des Coléoptéres de France, 1. Ist ed. Paris.
KEY TO VARIETIES OF RHAGIUM BIFASCIATUM 225
—, 1862-63. Ibid. 13. 2nd ed. Paris.
Pic, M. 1891. Matériaux pour servir a l’étude des Longicornes, 1: 2. Lyons.
—, 1891, Catalogue des Coléoptéres — lLongicornes de France, Corse et Algérie, op. cit. 1: 52. Lyons.
—, 1898. Supplément pour la faune Franco-Algérienne, Lepturi, Rhagium F., ibid. 2: 3. Lyons.
—, 1898. Catalogue Franco-Algérien (Supplement), op. cit., 2: 51. Lyons.
—, 1900. Catalogue bibliographique et synonymique des Longicornes d’Europe et des régions avoisinantes: 12-13. Lyons.
—, 1910. Matériaux pour servir a l’étude des Longicornes, 7(2): 17-20. St. Amand.
—, 1914. Notes diverses et diagnoses, ibid., 9 (1): 3. St. Amand.
—, 1939. Notes diverses, nouveautés, L’Echange, 447: 25.
Picard, F. 1929. Faune de France, 20, Coléoptéres: Cerambycidae. Paris.
Planet, L-M. 1924. Les Longicornes de France, Encycl. Ent., 2. Paris.
Plavil’shchikov, N.N. 1936. Fauna URSS .. ., Cerambycidae, 1, Moscow Inst. zool. Acad. Sci. URSS., 21. Moscow and Leningrad. (Text in Russian.)
Podany, C. 1954. Cerambycidae, Prionini et Cerambycinae. Principales espéces de Cérambycides et leurs aberrations, Bull. Soc. ent. Mul- house, 1-5. (Supplément).
—, 1961. Ibid., op. cit., 126-127.
—, 1962. Ibid., op. cit., 144-145.
—, 1964. Monographie des genus Rhagium Fabricius (Col. Ceram- bycidae, Stenocorini), Acta Zool. Mex., 7 (1): 10-11; 40-47, 22 figs., 1 pl. Mexico.
Prell, H. 1908. Rhagium bifasciatum Fab. ab. rufa (nov. ab.), Ent. Blatt. Schwab., 4: 136-137.
Reitter, E. 1912 [1913] Fauna Germanica, die Kafer des Deutschen Reiches, 4. Stuttgart.
Samouelle, G. 1819. The Entomologist’s Useful Compendium. London.
Schleicher, H. 1924. Uber drei Histeriden und einen Cerambyciden, Ent. Anz., 4(4): 38.
Simon, A. 1939. Sur Rhagium bifasciatum F., Misc. ent. 40: 16-17. 10 figs. without names.
Stephens, J.F. 1829. A systematic catalogue of British insects: 203. London.
—, 1831. Illustrations of British Entomology, Mandibulata, 4. London.
—, 1839. A manual of British Coleoptera. London.
Turton, W. 1806. A general system of Entomology, 2. London.
Villiers, A. 1978. Faune des Coléoptéres de France, 1, Cerambycidae. Paris.
Winkler, A. 1929. Catalogus Coleopterorum regionis palaearcticae, 10: 1146. Vienna.
226 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.ix.1988
THE IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA TO THE BRITISH ISLES IN 1987
By R.F. BRETHERTON* AND J.M. CHALMERS-HUNT**
(concluded from p. 180) ANNEXE II
Records of scarcer immigrant species in 1987
Suspected immigrants of resident species are marked *. Unless otherwise indicated, single examples are referred to under each date. Dates for nocturnal species are as far as possible for that at the beginning of the night and are of insects found in traps or otherwise at light. Initials are those of direct recorders or those who have sent in long lists but others are given in full.
Tebenna micalis Mann. DEVON S. The Warren, Nossmayo, a cocoon with dead pupa (gen. det., RJH and K. Sattler), 30.8. Species newly recognised as British. All so-called 7. bjerkandrella Thunb. bred by RJH in 1982 are in fact micalis. Publication awaited.
Euchromius ocellea Haw. (3) DORSET. Portland, 20.9, two. (EG and MHS). SUSSEX W. Walberton, 21.9. (JRT per CRP).
*Platytes alpinella Hb. (3) DEVON S. Axminster, 14.7, two (ECP- C). KENT W. Horsmonden, 15.7 (ECP-C). Suspected immigrants.
*Evergestis extimalis Scop. BERKS. Bagley Wood. 10.8 (SN).
*Sitochroa palealis D. & S. (2) DEVON S. Axminster, 26.7 (ECP-C). SUSSEX E. Peacehaven, 15.8 (CRP).
*Phlyctaenia perlucidalis Hufn. WILTS S. Dinton, 4.7 (SP).
*Ostrinia nubilalis Hb. (29) DEVON S. Axminster, 13.7, 4.10, very worn (ECP-C). SUSSEX E. Peacehaven, 13.7, 23.7, 30.7, 17.9 (CRP). SUSSEX W. Walberton, 20/30.6, four; 1/17.7. fourteen; 16/19.9, four; 1.10 (JRT per CRP). Most or all of these perhaps resulted from local establishment after immigration in previous years.
Diasemiopsis ramburialis Dup. (3) ESSEX S. Bradwell-on-Sea, 21.10 (SD). HANTS S. Ringwood, 3.11, male (JHC). WILTS S. Dinton, 19.10 (C. Palmer).
Palpita unionalis Hb. (29) BERKS. Frenham, 20.10 (SN). Aldermaston, 20.10, two (A. Bristow and P. Silver per BRB). DEVON S. Axminster, 3.10 (ECP-C). DORSET Studland, 3.20 (AFJG). ESSEX S. Bradwell-on-Sea, 4.10, 15.10, 20.10 (AJD, SD). HANTS, ISLE OF WIGHT Freshwater, 21.10, 27.10, 31.10, two (SAK-J). HANTS S. Ringwood, 20.10, 21.10, five, 22.10, two (JHC). KENT W. Orpington, 26.10 (RJC); Petts Wood, 26.10 (DO’K). SURREY South Croydon, 20.10 (GAC); Leigh, 21.10, three (RF); Bramley, 30.10 (RFB). SUSSEX W.
* Folly Hill, Birtley Green, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey GUS OLE. **] Hardcourts Close, West Wickham, Kent BR4 94G.
IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA IN 1987 22)
Walberton, 3.10 (RTR per CRP). WILTS S. Ashton Common, 21.10 (EG and MHS).
*Homoeosoma nebulella D. &S. DEVON S. Axminster, 1.9 (ECP-C).
Papilio machaon L. MIDDLESEX Scrubbs Wood, 5.7 (L. Holloway). SUSSEX E. Beachy Head, 31.5, flying east on cliff top, with first Sussex record of the black wheatear bird (M.E. Charlwood per CRP). [ One found at Hastings, 3.7 (Bull. amat. ent. Soc. 46: 213) is said to have been a release (CRP Jn /itt.), and we have been informed that nine bred specimens were released in Essex, 22.7 (CWP in Jitt).]
Iphiclides podilarius L. ESSEX S. Walthamstow, 5.7, found on a pavement by Mrs Sheen (G. Green per CWP). Possibly immigrant, as other immigrants occurred at this time.
*Nymphalis polychloros L. (3) DORSET Radipole Nature Reserve, 5.5 (P.B. Hardy in litt. with photograph). ESSEX S. Bradwell-on-Sea, 24.4, 28.4(AJD).
Nymphalis antiopa L. SOMERSET S. Fivehead, nr Taunton, 17.10, one watched feeding on bramble blossom. (Duke, Bull. amat. ent. Soc. 47: 42).
*Idaea ochrata Scop. DEVON S. Axminster, 21.7 (ECP-C). Probably immigrant: the nearest known colonies are in East Kent.
Rhodometra sacraria L. (c.860 imagines, one larva). BERKS v.c.22 Femiiamiy22/29°8>. sevens1/1'2-9, eight,” 20:9) 22.9, 2:10; 4.10, two (SN). CORNWALL, SCILLY Tresco, 11.9, by day (PMP). CORNWALL W. Kennack Sands, 16.8 (RHJ); Perranporth, 19.9, two; Dean Point, 19.9, seven (FHNS); Trebrownbridge, 1.9 (AS); Cusgarne, Truro, 2.9, two, red striped (AS); Lizard, 26.8, two, 3.10 (DCGB). CORNWALL E. Persilva, 16.8, 24.8, 1.9, all red striped (D.M. Gibbon per AS); Saltash, October (D. Turner per SM). DEVON S. Axminster 16.8, two with fall of ‘‘Sahara dust’’, 22/31.8, seven, 2.9, three, 6.9, three, 11.9, 17.9, 21.9, seven, 30.10, dark specimen, ? locally bred (ECP-C); Plymstock, 20.9 (JHC); Dawlish Warren, 23.8 (DCGB); Abbotskerswell, 3.9 (BH). DORSET Worth Matravers, 18.8, 22.8, 27.8, young larva, 1.9, three, 16.9 (KNB); Portland BO 18/25.8, five (A. Hughes per CWP); Portland, 18.9, by day (NA), 19.9 (20) (J and MH), 20.9 (23) (EG and MHS); Studland, 19.9, seven (DCGB); Preston, 19/27.8, five, 1/2.9, two, 19/20.9, six, 1.10, two (MC); Radipole Lake 22/29.8, four, 1.9, two, 18.9, three, 20.9; Radipole School, Weymouth, 18/31.8, six, 20.9 (NA); Weymouth, 22.9, on street lamp (MC). ESSEX S. Tillingham, 21.8 (BS); Bradwell-on-Sea, in two traps 20/31.8 (110), P5297 (12); 1472959) (48). 10;° 2107 -4.10,-318-10-byeday, 29:8,7129; 21/28.9, six (AJD, SD). ESSEX N. Matching, 1.9, two, with SO A. gamma (RF); Saffron Walden, 4.9, 2.10 (AME). HERTS Bishop’s Stortford, 21.9, two (CWP). HANTS ISLE OF WIGHT Freshwater, 22.8, 8.9, three, 19/20.9, six (SAK-J). Newtown Creek, 18.9, several (GEH). HANTS S. Havant, 16.8, 22.8, two, 31.8, 17.9, two, 18.9, three (CBC), 22.8, 10.9, 11.9 (JWP); S. Hayling Island 18/29.8 (15), 1.9, 2.9 (JMW); Parkhill, New Forest, 20.8, two; Ringwood, 21/29.8 (25) (JHC); Highcliffe, Christchurch, 22.8, 1.9, 7.9, 16/20.9, four (EHW);
228 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.1x.1988
Southampton, 23.8, 1.9 (J. Codlin per PMP); Aldsworth, 22.8, 19.9 (JWP); New Forest, 24.8 (AHD); Portsmouth, 24.8, 3.9 (I. Laken per PMP); Portsdown, 25.8, 30.8, two, 1.9, 20.9, two (PMP); Titchfield Haven, 20.8, four, 27.8 (MP); Winchester, 23.8, 30.8 (DHS); Browndown, Gosport, 29/30.8, four, 1/8.9 (17) (S. Swift per JWP); Catsfield, Fareham, 3.9, 4.9, 19.9 (D. Powell per PMP), 19.9, four (D.M. Purnell per PMP); Swathling, 30.10 (MGWT). HANTS N. Spansholt, 17:8,91:93 nine (AMD); 2273095 sevens: 11 .95.12-95,20/24:9> five, 3.10, 31.10 (RAB per BS). Burghclere, 21.8, two, 1.9, 19.9, 1.10 (GGE-F); Highclere, 22.8, 19.9 (RJH); Leckford, 1.9, 20.9 (DHS). HERTS. Bishop’s Stortford, 21.9, two (CRP). KENT E. Orlestone, 17.8 (RGC and JMC-H) Dungeness, 29.8, (J and MH); Newington, 29.8, 17.9, 20.9 (RE and CEL). KENT W. Orpington, 17.8, 20.8, 3.10 (RGC); 16.8 (IDF); 20.8, 22.8, three, 26.8 (PAS); Dartford, 21/23.8, six, 17.9, two, 20.9 (BKW); Beckenham, 22.8, two, 4.9 (J and MH); Petts Wood, 21.8, two, 22.8, three, 29.8 (D O’K); Bough Beech, 22.8, six (IDF); Hothfield, 29.8 (D O’K); West Wickham, 29.8 (JMC-H); Bexley, 30.8 (I. Brydon per PAS); Wrotham, 27.9 (AJD). MIDDLESEX Hampstead, 22.8 (RTL); Enfield, 25.8 (A. Hughes per CWP). Northwood, 25.8 (CWP); Fulham, 21.9 (J. Burge per CWP); Osterley Park, 30.8, 4.9 (J. Bradley per CWP). NORTHANTS v.c. 32. Fletton, 11.9 (M. Parsons). NOTTS. Nottingham, 21.9, under a street lamp (M.J. Sterling). OXON. v.c. 23. Caversham, 21.8 (BRB). PEMBS. Dale cliff path, 28.8 (M. Harrop). SURREY Leigh, 21.8, 30.8, 15/23.9, ten, 2.10 (RF); Addington, 2.9, two, 3.9, 8.9, 9.9, 11.9, two 20.9 (BS); Wisley R.H.S. gardens, 30.8, 29.9 (AJH): Coulsdon, 1.9, two (P.M. Stirling); Bramley 1.9, two, 3.9, two, 6.9, 10.9, two, 19.9, 20.9, 22.9 (RFB). SUSSEX W. Walberton, 17/31.8 (23), 1/25.9 (78), 2.10, 3:10) 14:10; 27:10 (RETR per CRP); Rogate;, 177318) (42);) 172929 (30), 2.10, two (JACG); Petworth, 17.8, two (CRP and S. Botwright); Lyminster 21.8, 22.8, two (CRP); Vann Common, 21.8, two (S. Church per CRP); Worthing, 22.8, three, 29.8, two, 18.9 (SO); Woods Mill, 17,8, 21.8)..23.8, two, 125-8, three! (DD). SUSSEX EE.) Peacehaven: 17/29.8, nine, 2.9, 9.9, 17/22.9, three (CRP); Ringmer, 18.8 (A. Batten pew CRP) sBnieihtone Ses, 2168.) leo 229" 25-9-s ewes ~.529, 2059 (ke Leverton per CRP); Hassocks, 19.9; Ashdown Forest, 18.9 (DD); Friston Forest, 18.9, two (CRP) ; Haywards Heath, 24.9 (S. Pooles). WARWICKS. Charlecote, 31.8, 2.9, 22.9 (AFJG), 9.9, two, 16.9 (DCGB). WESTMORLAND Beetham, 19.9, two (J. Briggs). WILTS S. Savernake, 20.9 (SN); Dinton, 2.9 (SP). WORCS. Leigh nr Worcester, 9.9, 19.9, three, 9.10 (ANBS). YORKS v.c. 61. Muston, 20.8 (PQW). MONTGOMERY Newtown, 5.9, worn female, 20.9, female, 30.9 (M. Townsend). Co CORK MID. Fountainstown, 14.9, 19.9, two (AAM). GUERNSEY St Peter Port, 18.8, 20.8, 16/27.9, eight (PDMC); 20/229 iree( GEE):
Orthonama obstipata Hb. (19) DEVON S. Abbotskerwell, 13.10 (BH). DORSET Portland, 19.9 (J and MH). ESSEX S. Bradwell-on- Sea, 6.10, 13.10, 31.10, 1.11, two, 2.11 (AJD and SD). HANTS S.
IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA IN 1987 229
Southsea, 21.10 (PHS); Bournemouth 31.10, (I. Reid per DCGB); Ringwood, 31.10 (JHC). KENT E. Newington, 23.10 (RE and CGL); Sandwich Bay, 27.10 (C. Hunter per CWP). SUSSEX E. Ninfield, 30.10 (MP). SUSSEX W. Pagham, 21.10, 27.10 (BS); Walberton, 26.10 (JTR per CRP). WARWICKS Charlcote, 17.9, 31.10 (AFJG).
*Peribatodes secundaria D. & S. ESSEX S. Bradwell-on-Sea, 7.7, one in large trap. First county record: possibly immigrant, said to differ slightly from East Kent examples of 1985 (AJD).
Agrius convolvuli L. (c. 140 imagines, one larva) BERKS. Fernham, 3.9, 2.10 (SN). CAMBS. Chippenham Fen, 17.9 (PW). CORNWALL SCILLY Tresco, 10.10 (MGWT). CORNWALL W. Lizard, 24.8 (DCGB); Perranporth, 18.9 (K. Selby per FHNS), 22.9 (M. Fairhead); Falmouth Docks, 12.10; Carylon bay, 20.10; Kea, near Truro, c. 20.10 (FHNS). CORNWALL E. Calstock, 31.8, 22.9, two 26.9 (A.G. Maconochie per AS); St. Austell, 4.9 (G. Senior per FHNS); Breney Common, 12.9 (C. Brind and J.L. Gregory per FHNS); Downderry, one larva being reared (R.J. Daniel per SM). DEVON S. Chillington, 16.9, 18.9, 19.9, two, 25.9, three, 29.9, two (HLO’H); Plymstock, 19.9, fertile female (JHC); Chardstock, 23.8 (AJ) Axminster, 23.9, 20.10 (ECP-C). DORSET Portland, 23.8, two, 20.9, two (AJ), 13.9, four, 20.9 (EG and MHS), 16.9, two (BJMcN), 16.9, two, 19.9, five (J and MH), 22.9, ten (RAB per BS); Worth Matravers, 16.9, two (KNB); Studland, 19.9, three (DCGB), 3.10(AFJG); Preston, 21.9 (MC); Radipole School, Weymouth, 9.10 (NA). ESSEX S. Bradwell-on-Sea, 28.7, 7.8, 23.8, two, 26.8, 9.9, two, 16.9, 18.9, two, 20.9, two, 23.9, 24.9, 27.9, 5.10 (AJD and SD). HANTS ISLE OF WIGHT Freshwater, 20.9 (SAK-J). HANTS N. Sparsholt, 20.9 (RAB per BS); Alton, 22.9 (MO). HANTS S. Tichfield Haven, 14.9, 20.9 (PMP); Brockenhurst, 15.9, ab. grisea Tutt (A.D.A. Russwurm and H.G. Middleton); Warsash, 23.9 (PMP). NOTTS. Bilborough, 24.9, female found dead on path (M. Raven teste SW). OXON. Charlbury, 27.9, one moribund on footpath (J. Paul per PAS). PEMBS. Dale Fort Field Centre, 27.8, 1.9(M. Harrop). SURREY Wisley R.H.S. Gardens, 5.10, at rest (AJH). SUSSEX E. Seaford, 5.9 (Porter per CRP); Peacehaven, 5.9, at rest (K. Atkinson per CRP), 17.9, 23.9 at Nicotiana (CRP): Hastings, 8.9 (D. Joy per CRP); Brighton, 17.9, at rest (Booth Museum per CRP), 6.10 at Nicotiana (per CRP), 6.10 (C. Wollaston per CRP); Hove, 19.9, at rest (V. Hilton per CRP); Southease, 25.9 (per CRP); East Dean, September, several (Living World per CRP); Bexhill, 3.10 (J. Trowell per CRP); Lyminster, 3.10 (R. Pratt per CRP); Fairlight, 10.10, at rest (J. Goodman per CRP); Exceat Country Park, Eastbourne, no date (D. Dey). SUSSEX W. Aldsworth, 19.9 (JWP); Walberton 16.7, 1.9, Bea). e210. Ot SEVeN 2d 9 wel, 4-1 dO ER Pee CRE: WESTMORLAND Beetham, 14.9 (J. Briggs). WILTS S. Dinton, 19.10 (SP). WORCS. Nunnery Wood, 18.9 (per JEG); Leigh, 19.9; Worcester, 19.9 (ANBS). YORKS v.c. 61 Spurn Point, 14.9 (BRS); Rudston, 7.9 (A. Ezard per PQW). YORKS v.c. 64 Harrogate, 24.9, at
230 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.1x.1988
rest (A. Murray per IMcF). GLAMORGAN Horton, 18.9, 20.9, 27.9 (BJMcN). ORKNEY Scorradale, 18.8 (RIL); Birsay, 20.8 (S.V. Gauld per RIL). Co. CORK MID Fountainstown, 2.9, 3.9, 13.9 (AAM). GUERNSEY St Peter Port, 1.10 (GEH).
Acherontia atropos L. (7 imagines, 2 larvae, 1 pupa) CORNWALL E. Millbrook, 5.6, one perfect (K. Witts per VT); Pelynt, 30.10 (I. Farlow per SM). KENT E. Newington, 17.8, one pupa, one larva (RE and CEL). LINCS N. Anderby Creek, 4.10, male rescued from the tide (S. Wareing per J. Culpin). NORFOLK E. Sea Palling, mid August, three larvae on tea tree (per RD). SURREY Canfold Woods, 18.6, 24.6, in trap (M. Reed). SUSSEX E. Haywards Heath, 23.9, male (Newnham, Bull. amat. ent. Soc. 47: 35). YORKS v.c. 61 Filey 2.7, found on road (PQW).
Hyles galii Rott. (9 imagines, 6 larvae) BERKS. Pucketty Farm, Faringdon, 26.7 (MHVC). DEVON S. Axminster, 27.7 (ECP-C); Woodbury, 1.8, female, ova infertile (VWP). KENT E. Tankerton, 7.9, three final instar larvae photographed on Epilobium angustifolium (A. Cunningham teste M. Townsend). NORFOLK W. Downham Market, 27.7 (JH). NOTTS. Cropwell Bishop, 7.10, larva found on path by S. Chambers (S. Swift). SUSSEX E. Peacehaven, 27.7 (CRP); Chiddingly, 31.7 (R. Symington per CRP). SUSSEX W. Walberton, 29.7 (JTR per CRP); Portslade, 9.9, five fully fed larvae on Godetia in garden, pupated next day, one emerged indoors early 12 (E.C.P. Bone per CRP). WESTMORLAND South Walney, 24.7 (T. Dean per BS). SHETLAND Mainland, 24.7, one just alive (D. Carstairs per RIL).
Hyles livornica Esp. SUSSEX E. Peasmarsh, 31.7 (T.B. Scott per BS).
*Euproctis chrysorrhoea L. YORKS. v.c. 61 Spurn Head, 17.7, two (BRS). Possibly immigrant.
*Leucoma salicis L. (7) WORCS. West Malvern, 3.7; between Bramsford and Leigh, no date, six (ANBS per JEG). Probably locally resident or result of internal spread.
*Lithosia quadra L. SUSSEX E. Lewes, 11.7 (AME). SUSSEX W. Walberton, 19.9 (JTR per CRP). Possibly immigrant.
Nola aerugula Hb. YORKS. v.c. 61 Spurn Head, 17.7, two (BRS). Probably immigrant.
Eurois occulta L. YORKS. v.c. 61 Muston, 27.7, male, slightly worn (PQW).
Mythimna albipuncta D. & S. HANTS S. South Hayling Island, 6.6, 22.8 (JMW).
Mythimna vitellina Hb. (53) CORNWALL W. Lizard, 24.8, five, 26.8, four, 3.10, four (DCGB); St. Austell, 5.9 (G. Senior per BS); Kynance, 17.8 (RJH); Dean Point, 19.9, two (FHNS). DEVON S. Plymstock, 19.9, (JHC), DORSET Studland 19.9, five (DCGB); Portland, 23.8, 22.9 (AJ), 13.9, four, (EG and MHS), 19.9, five (J and MH); Radipole Lake, 17.9 (MC). ESSEX S. Bradwell-on-Sea, 16.10, 27.10 (AJD & SD). ESSEX N. Saffron Walden, 16.9 (AME). HANTS S. Bishop’s Dyke, New Forest, 30.8, infertile female (RAB per BS); Christ
IMMIGRATION OF LEPIDOPTERA IN 1987 231
church, 11.9, 15.9 (EHW); Chandler’s Ford, 23.9, two (NRJ per PMP); Ringwood, 24.9 (JHC). SUSSEX W. Walberton,17.5, 17.9, 20.9, two, 21.9, 3.10 (JTR per CRP). CO. CORK MID Fountainstown, 12.9 (AAM). GUERNSEY St. Peter Port, 18.9 (PDMC); 1.10 (GEH).
Mythimna unipuncta Haw. (7) CORNWALL W. Lizard, 3.10 (DCGB). DORSET Radipole Lake, 17.9 (M. Cade); Portland, 19.9, two (J and MH); Preston, 21.9 (MC). CO. CORK MID Fountainstown, 19.9 (AAM). GUERNSEY, 2.10 (GEH).
Mythimna loreyi Dup. DORSET Radipole School, Weymouth, 23.8 (NA).
Trachea atriplicis L. JERSEY Trinity, 2.8, in Rothamsted trap (per A.M. Riley).
*Enargia paleacea Esp. (2) KENT W. Dartford, 15/16.7, male (BK W Ent. Rec. 99: 267). SUSSEX W. Walberton, 14.7 (JTR per CRP).
Apamea lateritia Hufn. (2) ESSEX N. Dovercourt, 10.7, 24.7 (Dr M.E. Anthony per GAP), exhibited to the Essex Lepidoptera panel). (The first date for /ateritia was incorrectly cited as July 7 in Part I, p. 175.) Probably only the fifth and sixth British records, the first being in Glamorgan c. 1887, the second and third in Surrey and Kent on July 17 and 18 1972 and the fourth was also at Dovercourt on 24.vii.1985. It could, however, be easily overlooked among Polia bombycina Hufn.
Spodoptera exigua Hb. (10) DORSET Studland Heath, 28.8, five males, one female (P.J. Baker, BENHS exhibition); Radipole School, Weymouth, 20.9 (NA). ESSEX S. Bradwell-on-Sea, 6.9 (AJD). HANTS ISLE OF WIGHT Freshwater, 14.9 (SAK-J) YORKS v.c. 61 Spurn Head, 29.6 (BRS).
Helicoverpa armigera Hb. (22) CHESHIRE Alderney Edge, 17.9 (CIR). CORNWALL W. Breney Common, 12.9 (C. Brind and J.L Gregory per FHNS). CORNWALL E. Persilva, 1.9 (D.M. Gibson per AS). DEVON S. Axminster, 2.9, (ECP-C). ESSEX S. Bradwell-on-Sea, 20.8, female on buddleia (AJD). HANTS ISLE OF WIGHT Freshwater, 5.10 (SAK-J). HANTS S. Southsea, 19.9 (JRL); Lymington, 27.9 (ASH); St Ives. Ringwood, 4.10, 21.10 (JHC); Christ- church, 19.10, 22.10, both dark females (EHW). HANTS N. Sparsholt, 15.7, male, 22.9, female, 27.10, female, both infertile (RAB per BS). KENT E. Sandwich Bay B.O., 27.10 (I. Hunter teste CWP). SUSSEX W. Walberton, 3.10, two, 5.10, two, 15.10, in hurricane (JTR per CRP). CAERNS. Beddgelert, 14.7 (BS).
Heliothis peltigera D. and S. HANTS S. Hayling Island, 11.8 (JMW).
Heliothis viriplaca Hufn. WILTS S. Salisbury Plain, on knapweed flower, 9.8 (SP).
*Deltote bankiana Fab. SUSSEX E. Ashdown Forest, 7.7 (A.G.J. Butcher per CRP). Possibly immigrant.
Chrysodeixis chalcites Esp. DORSET Portland, 13.9 (EG and MHS).
Diachrysia orichaleea HB. (3) HANTS ISLE OF WIGHT Freshwater, 20.9 (SAK-J). HANTS S. Brockenhurst, 15.8 (A.D.A.
239) ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.ix.1988
Russwurm and H.G. Middleton). SURREY Addington, 25.8 (BS). All these were shown at the BENHS Exhibition, 1987.
Syngrapha interrogationis L. ORKNEY Hoy, 11.8, one of continental form (F. Fairclough teste RIL).
*Catocala nupta L. WESTMORLAND v.c. 69. Beetham, 3.10 (J. Briggs Ent. Rec. 100: 54). Possibly immigrant: previously known from the north west only in Lancs S., in several years, singly.
Hypena obsitalis Hb. CORNWALL S. Perranporth, 8.11, male found resting outside back door (FHNS Ent. Rec. 100: 44). Only the eighth record for British and Irish mainlands, though now resident in the Channel Isles, where it frequents buildings and shelters.
Cynthia cardui L. in late December and early January, 1987/88. Records so far received from various sources (see also Madge, S. Ent. Rec. 100: 53):- CORNWALL W. Phillack, near Hayle, 18.12; CORNWALL E. St Clear, 25.12; Salter Mill, Cargreen, 25.12; Bodmin Moorn23ile12s)-Portscathos! 64388: SDEVON “S.* Devonport, 920.12; Branscombe 31.12, three; Beer, 31.12. DORSET Worbarrow Bay, 25al2eeStudlands 25512: Southill 25412 erny budeenBili2, Wivike Regis, 31.12, Weybridge, 31.12. HANTS ISLE OF WIGHT Ventnor, 25.12. HANTS S. Farlingham Marshes, Portsmouth, 22.12, 25.12; Cowherds Marsh, Christchurch, 31.12, two; north of Christchurch, 31.12, with little bustard bird; Pinnock Wood, New Forest, 7.1.88; StanpitarMarsh,e= Christchunchs 12521245 snectarinsinon gorse: SOMERSET W. Chew Valley Lakes, 7.1.88. SUSSEX E. Lewes, 20.12; Brighton, 22.12.
NORTHWARD MIGRATION OF CYNTHIA CARDUI L. (LEP.: NYMPHALIDAE) IN SOUTHERN EUROPE IN SPRING, 1988.— I was interested to read (Ent. Rec. 100: 131 and 132) accounts by Mr T.B. Larsen and Brig. E.C.L. Simson of strong northward movements of the painted lady butterfly (Cynthia cardui Linn.) in Portugal during April of this year, and in Morocco in early March. My wife and I were in the Départment of Hérault in southern France on 13 April; we arrived at our destination in mid- afternoon, and found C. cardui flying, fast and straight, in a northwards direction, until well on into the evening. Individuals were passing us at a rate of about one every two minutes. Next morning, as we drove through the Ardéche, we saw many resting and feeding, but by mid-morning it was evident that the northerly movement was under way once more, and the majority behaving as on the previous day.
At the end of May, I was in northern Spain with my friend Mr Norman Hall, in the dry semi-desert region known as Los Monegros in southern Huesca. Here, full-fed larvae of C. cardui were around in utmost abundance, and feeding on many other species of plant than Carduus and Cirsium spp. When I was preparing to fold up my lamping sheet, which had remained spread on the ground for 48 hours, I found
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 233
that several larvae were hanging from the underside, preparatory to pupation. Several adult C. cardui were flying in the vicinity at the same time, but did not appear to be freshly emerged.
Lastly, it might be of interest to record that my son, who is Warden of the Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve at Montrose Basin, Angus, found a specimen of C. cardui on the reserve on 16 May, 1988 and saw it every day subsequently until 8 June. B. GOATER, 22 Reddings Avenue, Bushey, Herts WD2 3PB.
CYNTHIA CARDUI L. (LEP.: NYMPHALIDAE) MIGRATING IN ITALY, APRIL 1988— From April 11th to May 4th 1988 I was staying at the Villa San Girolamo at Fiesole, near Florence in Italy. This is a guest house situated at about 1200 ft amongst 15 acres of olive groves. The terraced groves are fully exposed to the sun, with a profusion of wild flowers (as well as escapes from earlier gardens).
Although April 12th was wet, on the 13th a relay of cardui appeared to have just arrived, clearly tired and hungry. They were again present on the morning of the 14th, but had moved on by the afternoon. Small numbers were seen daily from 16th to 20th inclusive; none from 21st to 24th (on which day there was heavy rain); with the butterfly returning on 25th April, and remaining in some numbers until 27th. Specimens were also noted on April 29th and on May Ist and 2nd.
Other migratory species noted here in 1988 were Colias croceus Fourc., which did not fluctuate so markedly in numbers; Vanessa atalanta L. was seen in small numbers on fine days throughout the month; Macroglossum stellatarum was seen singly on April 15th, 17th, 18th, 22nd, 23rd, 27th and May 2nd. Udea ferrugalis Hbn. was present in some numbers during April.
It is interesting that all these migrant species have been recorded on the Isle of Canna, though croceus and stellatarum only exceptionally. This year, cardui was first seen on Canna on June 10th, an earlier date than inrecent years. J.L. CAMPBELL, Isle of Canna, Scotland.
EARLY PAINTED LADIES IN N.W. SCOTLAND— Three Cynthia cardui L. were seen flying together in the dunes of Balnakeil beach, on the north coast of Sutherland, on 13th May 1988 and a single specimen spotted in the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve, Wester Ross, eight days later (21st May). These may be long-distance survivors of the northwards migration reported by Torben B. Larsen and Brig. E.C.L. Simson. DEREK C. HULME, Ord Drive, Muir of Ord, Ross-shire.
FURTHER RECORDS OF THE PAINTED LADY IN 1988— A.R.M. Palmer, of Saxthorpe, Norwich, records cardui on the 15th May, and J. Fradgley of Wimborne, Dorset, records the butterfly, a battered specimen, on April 23rd flying in a northerly direction. Of particular interest are two sightings reported by D. Dey: near Littlehampton, Sussex on 2lst March, and Hastings, Sussex on 25th March.—Ed.
234 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.1x.1988
TACHINUS FLAVOLIMBATUS PAND. (COL.: STAPHYLINIDAE) IN S.E. LONDON — Fairly recently I detected a male of this rarity taken in 1958 (15 November) among plant litter in my former garden at Blackheath. I doubtless passed it at the time as the common T. marginellus F., though long aware of the possibility of its occurrence in my area. However, a few years ago my friend Alex Williams, who had just taken 7. flavolimbatus in the Channel Islands, most kindly gave me a British female with the data ‘Egypt Bay, High Halstow, North Kent/K.C. Side’ — which prompted a closer inspection of my material and consequent discovery of the Blackheath specimen.
The distinctions are fully described and illustrated by the late W.O. Steel in adding the species to our list (1961, Entom.: 77-8). The very clear and sharply defined yellow borders to the thorax and elytra, more conspicuous than in marginellus, facilitate recognition; but the important structural characters, in both male and female, lie in the sexual modifications of the apical segments of the hind body.
The British headquarters of this Mediterranean species are in north- west Kent, where a number of examples were collected in two localities in the Gravesend district, 1939-41 — but again, mistaken originally for T. marginellus (Steel, loc. cit.). Outside this general area, in which it seems not to have been found since except by the late K.C. Side as above, I know of it only from Essex (Hammond) and Cambridge (Steel, 1 ex.). T. flavolimbatus may still be overlooked by some, but it is clearly having difficulty in extending its range here. It may be worth noting that the majority, if not all, of our specimens occurred between October and March, so it could perhaps prove to be a winter species like 7. subterraneus L. A.A. ALLEN, 49 Montcalm Road, Charlton, London SE7 8QG.
CAMPAEA MARGARITATA L. (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE) AND ITS SECOND BROOD.— The possible existence of a second generation of this species in Kent has a long history reaching back into the last century.
J.M. Chalmers-Hunt (Butterflies and Moths of Kent, 3: 1981) suggests the occurrence of a partial second generation in some years, and B. Skinner (Moths of the British Isles, 1984) widens the range to ‘southern England’ and most years. My note (Ent. Rec. 96: 126) suggests it probably occurs every year at Dartford, although on somewhat tenuous evidence, for despite operating my garden m.v. trap from 1969, no margaritata were noticed during the six years from 1969 to 1974, nor in 1977. In 1975 and 1976 margaritata made a token appearance in late August, and several specimens were noted in each of the years 1978 to 1981, but that marked the end of an era in N.W. Kent, the years of the odd sighting of an apparently second generation margaritata.
In 1982 a dozen specimens were seen from 11 August until 15 September, and in 1983 the figure had risen to twenty from 14 August to
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 235
1 September, ten of which appeared on 31 August; probably more would have been noted if the light had been in operation from the 2nd until the 16th September. The number was about the same in 1984, the specimens being seen from 26 August until 29 September, but the following year from 29 August to 29 September the number rose dramatically to eighty-one, including twelve on 8 September. The second brood was delayed in 1986, not appearing until 2 September, but continuing as late as 14 October, and the light was not operated from 3rd September until 12th September. Nevertheless a total of 43 specimens was noted, with a maximum of seven on September 23rd. One hundred specimens were seen at the light in 1987, including fourteen on September 4th and twelve on the 13th, in the period 20 August to 21 September.
The number of second brood margaritata has in several years exceeded the number of first brood specimens, and the number seen on one night is also greater in general, first brood moths usually appearing in ones or twos only. Very few of these second generation insects were found in the trap, like Opisthograptis luteolata L. they prefer to settle on the surrounding herbage. As the moths trapped, and those resting nearby, are transported for release to a site over a quarter of a mile away, with woodland in between, very few specimens make a return visit.
A final point of interest is that two of the plants upon which I have found the larvae here are not mentioned in the text books — sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) and horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), the former being a favourite pabulum in Kent. B. K. WEST, 36 Briar Road, Dartford, Kent.
BUTTERFLIES ROOSTING IN HOT WEATHER— The report by John Coutsis (Ent. Rec. 100: 54) of hairstreaks roosting low down in very hot weather supports my own observations made on captive stocks being bred in an insectary. The species in question, which I was recently rearing in very large numbers, are Pieris brassicae L., Vanessa atalanta L. and Cynthia cardui L. It was quite striking how when the temperature exceeded 33-35°C all the butterflies ceased their normal activities of mating, ovipositing, feeding, or just sunning themselves in the case of the nymphalids, and descending to the floor of their cage. In a cage of height 3ft all would be on or within six inches of the floor whereas in normal circumstances some three-quarters of the total number of butterflies would be in the upper half of the cage. This effect has been noticed time and time again in the case of the brassicae which I have been rearing for very many years under all sorts of weather conditions. Another observation on the brassicae is that on a few occasions when the hot spell has been prolonged and the temperature has exceeded 33°C for several hours each day, then any subsequent ova laid have been infertile. This temperature also happens to be the lethal point above
236 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.ix.1988
which larvae of this species do not survive. While other species will clearly have different temperature points which are lethal, it seems to me that this observation could well explain the decline of some species that has occurred in spite of (or because of) a spell of what may have seemed to us a particularly fine summer. BRIAN O.C. GARDINER, 18 Chesterton Hall Crescent, Cambridge CB4 1AP
ORGYIA ANTIQUA L., THE VAPOURER MOTH (LEP.: LYMANTRIIDAE) IN SHETLAND— at 20.00 hours on September 6th 1987, I was enjoying an evening stroll along the cliffs at Dale of Walls on the west coast of mainland Shetland. The weather was clear and sunny following several days of southerly winds. As I walked, a moth became entangled in my hair, which, on further examination, proved to be a male antiqua.
As far as I am aware, this moth has not been previously recorded from Shetland, but is widespread in the British Isles, being recorded to the North from Iceland, and to the south on mainland Orkney and Hoy, where it feeds on willow, rowan or even montbretia. My thanks are due to Mr D. Carstairs for confirming the identity of the moth, and to Mr R.I. Lorimer for his comments on its distribution. C. BARTON, 20 Kenilworth Road, Thornham, Rochdale OL16 4SF.
SCHRANKIA COSTAESTRIGALIS STEPHENS: PINION-STREAKED SNOUT (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) IN BRECONSHIRE.— Contrary to Mr A.D. Riley’s note in Ent. Rec. 100: 141-142, this species appears to have been first noted in Breconshire by R.G. Warren in the Valley of the Afon Pyrddin on July 25, 1952 (cf. Sankey-Barker, Chalmers-Hunt and Parker, Butterflies and Moths of Breconshire (1978), p.60).
Furthermore, there is an earlier record for Montgomeryshire of Eupithecia trisignaria H.-S. Thus, P.B.M. Allan records it from Aberhafesp in 1944 (cf. Smith, The Butterflies and Moths found in the County of Montgomery etc. Proc. Chester Soc. nat. Sci. Lit. Art 3: 58 (1950)). J. M.CHALMERS-HUNT, | Hardcourts Close, West Wickham, Kent.
A MELANIC LYGDIA ADUSTATA L. (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE) IN HAMPSHIRE— L.W. Newman obtained a feral melanic specimen at Bexley, Kent on 25.i11.1903 which was described and illustrated by E. Cockayne (Entomologist 83: 53) as ab. plumbosa, and is now in the National Collection. There seems to have been no further record of this melanic which is deep bluish grey with the normal black markings visible as darker bands, until 29.iv.1987 when a specimen was attracted to my m.v. light at Brockenhurst, Hants. L. adustata is a species often noticed settled upon the upper side of leaves, appearing to resemble a bird dropping; melanic forms in such species are usually absent or very rare and would seem to confer no advantage to the species. B.K. WEST, 36 Briar Road, Dartford, Kent.
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS JZ
THE SURREY RECORD OF TRIPLAX LACORDAIRII CROTCH (COL.: EROTYLIDAE).— This beetle is listed in the Victoria History list for Surrey (by Champion ef. a/., 1902) but no further details are given as to captor etc. Furthermore, no authors since then appear to repeat the record, thus rendering it suspect. My own assumption is that the find of two examples by T. Wood in Dulwich (Entomologist’s mon. Mag., (1883-4) 20: 191) gave rise to this listing, repeated (albeit as ‘one example’) in the third volume of Fowler, and supported by a specimen dated 1883 bearing the relevant data in the British Museum of Natural History. To my knowledge Dulwich is just within the vice-county of Surrey, and so I recommend that this area be added to those given in my previous article (antea: 273-274). The Berkshire record mentioned for instance in Joy’s Practical Handbook of 1932 has long been agreed to be erroneous (cf. Donisthorpe, H. StJ., 1939, Prel. List Col. Winds. For.: 60). D.A. PRANCE, 23 Brunswick Road, Kingston Hill, Surrey KT2 6SB.
CYPHA LAEVIUSCULA MAN. (COL.: STAPHYLINIDAE) ON FAIR ISLE.— Among a number of beetles sent to me by Mr Edward Milner from pitfall traps on Fair Isle, Shetland (collected 1987), perhaps the most notable was a single male of the above. C. /aeviuscula is uncommon or very local, the records suggesting that it is more common in the north, but one for Fair Isle may be of interest. The specimen was checked by the aedeagus. In this species the legs and antennae are practically black, a character it shares with C. ovulum Heer (of which, incidentally, authentic British records are a desideratum, as also of seminulum Er. whose male appears unknown). My remaining material of /aeviuscula is from Penyghent, Mid-Yorkshire, at 2200 ft (W.O. Steel); Crianlarich, W. Perthshire, in sphagnum (G.H. Ashe); and Nethy Bridge, E. Inverness (P. Harwood). A.A. ALLEN, 49 Montcalm Road, London SE7.
THERA JUNIPERATA L. (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE) IN N.W. KENT— A fine male of the southern form of this moth appeared at my garden m.v. light 26.x.1987; it was last reported from the area, at Wilmington, in 1904, and prior to that it was recorded by Stephens from the renowned Birchwood where in parts juniper abounded in the first part of the 19th century (J. Chalmers-Hunt, The Butterflies and Moths of Kent, 3: 1981). Wild juniper (Juniper communis) is now a rare and declining plant with no regeneration in Kent (E. Philp, Atlas of the Kent Flora, 1982), and has long since disappeared from the dip slope of North Downs in N.W. Kent. This recent specimen of juniperata is perhaps a further indication that the insect is utilising cultivars commonly planted in gardens which sometimes involves a considerable change in habitat. B.K. WEST, 36 Briar Road, Dartford, Kent.
238 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.ix.1988
CURRENT LITERATURE
The Dragonflies of Europe by R.R. Askew. 294 pp including 31 colour plates; 502 text figures; 116 maps. 290 x 212 mm. Boards. Harley Books, 1988. £49.95.
This latest publication from the Harley Books stable follows the “‘house style’? adopted for The moths and butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland. A foreword by Philip S. Corbet and a preface by the author lead to the main body of the work which comprises an introduction (3pp); chapters of life history (8pp); the adult dragonfly (11pp); the distribution of European dragonflies (Spp); morphology of the adult dragonfly (9pp); and a checklist of the European species of Odonata. The bulk of the work is the systematic section providing keys to families and species, supplemented by many line drawings depicting diagnostic features; families and genera are described, and the narrative supporting individual species includes synonymy, type locality, the English, French and German trivial names (where these exist), a description of the adult, its biology, flight period and distribution — the latter feature supported by a map. Keys are also provided for final-instar larvae of many European species — a much developed version of A.E. Gardner’s well- known key to the British species. An extensive bibliography precedes the colour plates: 29 plates figure 210 specimens, each prepared by the author; A further two plates depicting live adults and specimen habitats appear elsewhere. An index concludes the work.
In his preface, the author states his aim is ‘‘. . . to simplify the identification of European dragonflies and thereby to promote interest in an intriguing order of insects... .’’. The study of British dragonflies was considerably enhanced by the publication in 1977 of Cyril Hammond’s excellent work, The Dragonflies of Great Britain and Ireland, and its second edition published in 1983 by Harley Books. Little else was readily available for the identification of European species until Collins made available, in 1986, an English translation of d’Aguilar’s A field guide to the dragonflies of Britain and North Africa (reviewed in this journal 98: 261). The work under review greatly extends and improves the coverage by d’ Aguilar.
The colour plates sensibly use a constant magnification (x 2.7 for the damselflies and x 1.35 for the dragonflies), and are of high quality, both in execution and reproduction. The magnified inserts used by Hammond (Joc. cit.) are not a feature of these plates, as diagnostic detail is incorporated in the line drawings. Colour illustrations are reasonably helpful for the identification of fresh specimens and suitable photographs, but dried or critical material present a different problem, and adequate keys and descriptions assume a crucial importance. The reviewer ‘‘field-tested’’ the keys on some dried material collected in arctic Norway some years ago: identification using the keys was hard work, but greatly assisted by the clear line drawings. The detailed
CURRENT LITERATURE 239
descriptions then enabled most specimens to be identified with a reasonable degree of certainly, although the reliance on certain colour patterns did present problems with the shrivelled material under test.
It would be wrong to give the impression that this is solely an identifi- cation manual — there is a wealth of information on biology and distri- bution of species. Some readers may question the value of coarse.distri- bution maps covering the whole of Europe and North Africa, particularly when some of the species show such an apparently disjunct distribution. The author recognises the limitations of such maps, but rightly retains them within the text. Purists may also quibble at the position of some species and sub-species, but the author seems to have taken a pragmatic view on the status of difficult taxa, and thus no more than a few feathers should fly.
Cynthia Longfield rightly described Hammond’s work as “‘. . . the dragonfly book of the century.’’ The laws of priority (and plagiarism) do not permit further use of that description but, in the reviewer’s opinion, this book stands head and shoulders above other works on the Odonata published to date, and is a tribute to the skill, industry and enthusiasm of the author. As we have come to expect, Harley Books have not compromised on the quality of design or production and the resultant work is a fine addition to any entomological library.
PAUL SOKOLOFF
Books received
Copies of the following books have been received, and will be reviewed in a future issue of the Record:
Beavis, I.C. 1988 Insects and other invertebrates in classical antiquity. University of Exeter. £40.00.
Forsythe, T.G., 1987. Common ground beetles. Naturalists’ handbooks B. Richmond Pubishing Co. £5.95 (limp) £12.00 (boards).
Sawford, B., 1987. The butterflies of Hertfordshire. Castlemead. £15.00.
Warren, E.J.M. , 1988. The country diary book of creating a butterfly garden. Webb and Bower. £12.95.
Zakladnoi, G.A., 1987. Stored-grain pests and their control. A.A. Balkema. £22.50.
Correction
In a review published recently (Ent. Rec. 100: 143), the title of the book under review was incorrectly cited as A bibliography of the Zygaenidae by W.G. Tremewan. The correct title is:
A bibliography of the Zygaeninae (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae).
The editor apologises to the author and the publisher for this error.
Just published
The Dragonflies of Europe written and illustrated by R. R. Askew
In this, the first book written originally in English to be devoted to the entire European fauna, the author's aim is to simplify the identification of dragonflies and to promote interest in them. In his Foreword, Professor P. S. Corbet, President of the British Dragonfly Society, writes that he is ‘confident this aim will be achieved’, adding that naturalists ‘will be indebted to Dr. Askew for the dedication, knowledge and artistic skill he has displayed when preparing this book’.
The text contains chapters on life history, the adult dragonfly, distribution of European dragonflies (with colour photographs of habitats), and morphology, followed by a check list, keys and descrip- tions, with maps showing national boundaries for the 114 species found in Europe. An additional 24 species found in bordering regions are also briefly described. There follow keys to the final-instar larvae, an extensive bibliographical reference section with over 500 entries, 29 superb colour plates of adults and a comprehensive index. The text is illustrated with over 500 line-drawings.
This will undoubtedly become the standard work of reference on European Odonata.
292pp. incl. 31 col. pls 29 x 21cm clothbound ISBN 0 946589 10 0 £49.95 net (detailed colour prospectus available)
In production
Grasshoppers and allied Insects of Great Britain and Ireland by Judith Marshall and Christopher Haes; illustrated by Denys Ovenden
This is the first work for very many years to cover all the orthopteroid orders comprising the bush-crickets, crickets, grasshoppers, earwigs and stick-insects. It gives full descriptions of the 52 species found in the British Isles, including the Channel Islands, and details of their life-history and behaviour, habitat and distribution, with vice-county and dot-distribution maps of records received to the end of 1987. Each species is illustrated in colour showing sexual dimorphism, colour forms and nymphs; text figures highlight diagnostic differences. This work also stresses the vital importance of habitat conservation for many of these insects which are already on the edge of their range.
The comprehensive introductory section, with contributions by specialist authors, includes chapters on nomenclature and classification; a history of the study of Orthoptera; distribution and history of British species (D. R. Ragge); life history; song and courtship; predators, parasites and diseases; locating and collecting; rearing and culturing; sound recording (J. F. Burton); and photography (R. & C. Foord).
The systematic section contains a check list of species mentioned in the text, a comprehensive key to and detailed descriptions of the British species and an account of the casual and migrant species.
In the section on habitats (including twelve colour photographs of habitat types) is detailed information of particular value to the ecologist and conservationist. Appendices include charts of offshore island and vice-county records; outstanding sites; and a list of about 800 localities mentioned in the text, with grid reference and vice-county location. Extensive references, ten superb colour plates and an index of scientific and English names complete the book.
In his Foreword, Dr. Ragge writes that ‘this new work will fill a long-standing need’ and ‘is sure to. . . be the standard reference work for many years to come’.
approx. 240pp. incl. 12 col. pls 25 x 20cm clothbound ISBN 0 946589 13 5 £25.00 net
Already available:
A Sound Guide to the Grasshoppers and allied Insects of Great Britain and Ireland ISBN 0 946589 224 = £5.75 incl. VAT
Cassette of songs (30 mins — 26 species) specially made for Harley Books by John Burton of the BBC Natural History Unit with commentary by David R. Ragge.
Order from your bookseller or direct from Harley Books, adding £2.00 per title and 50p for the cassette to cover p. &p. Complete catalogue on request.
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THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION
(Founded by J.W. TUTT on 15th April 1890)
CONTENTS Of Butterflies, Birds...and Mosquitoes (an entomological foray to the
European Arctic). W.J. Tennent . SET reo ae ie Sma A fourth species of Ischnomera Steph. (Col.: Oedemeridae) in Britain.
A.A. Allenna. 6: 199 Aplota palpella Haw. (ue: igeeaoherdae) fore: nore on the biology
and habitat requirements. P.H. Sterling 203 A new twist to deflective eye spots in butterflies T. B. Laer. : 205 New host records for fungus-breeding Phoridae (Diptera) R.H.L. Disney
& R.E. Evans : i peemeneS Butterflies on El Eiisre. iD BE iver D. A. S. ‘Smith & A. G. Smith 211 Third brood specimens of Ectropis bistortata Goetz. (Lep.:
Geometridae). P. Waring . 213 Spathius curvicaudis Ratz. (Hsin: Biconidae)) new to Bnd and
parasitising Agrillus pannonicus Pill. & Mitt. (Col.: Buprestidae). M.R.
Shaw ree AS) A revised key to ‘the “ate fs oF Rae paineiarne EB (Col. Cai bycidae). R.R. Uhthoff-Kaufmann . : 27 The immigration of Lepidoptera to the Batch Isles in 1987 R. FE
Bretherton & J.M. Chalmers-Hunt . Ran eee eral aS. AO
Notes and aicervations Ectropis bistortata (Lep.) third brood. B.K. West , 198 Distribution of Protodeltote pygarga (Lep.) in Great Baa B. Sinem 204 Hadena compta (Lep.)in Hampshire. B. Skinner . 204 Aplota palpella (Lep.)in Devon. R.J. Heckford . . 207 Dropephylla gracilicornis (Col.) in various habitats. A.A. ‘Allen. 210 Striped hawk-moth, Hyles lineata livornica. P.M. Miles . : 214 Northward migration of Cynthia cardui (Lep.) in 1988. B. Goater . 232 Cynthia cardui (Lep.) migrating in Italy, April 1988. J.L. ee = 233 Early painted ladies in N.W. Scotland. D.C. Hulme . . 233
Tachinus flavolimbatus (Col.) in S.E. London A.A. Allen 234 Campaea margaritata (Lep.) and its second brood B.K. West 234 Butterflies roosting in hot weather. B.O.C. Gardiner . 235 Orgyia antiqua (Lep.) in Shetland. C. Barton 236 Schrankia costaestrigalis (Lep.) in Breconshire J.M. Chess: Hunt ; PB YG Thera juniperata (Lep. sees W. Kent. B.K. West . Saf iota: 237 Current literature’. 2 © AS OMe a aie any rs ihe pai 238- 239
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vF 100 Nos. 11-12 November/December 1988 ISSN 0013-3916
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THE ENTOMOLOGIST S RECORD
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HISTORY AND LOSS OF THE LEWES WAVE 241
THE HISTORY AND LOSS OF THE LEWES WAVE, SCOPULA IMMORATA L. (LEP.: GEOMETRIDAE)
By COLIN PRATT*
Scopula immorata has a fairly wide distribution in Europe but has only been unquestionably recorded from one area in Britain — the north- western section of the Vert Wood complex, near Laughton, East Sussex. The moth has a tragic history in this country and is now presumed extinct.
Several brief historical accounts of the Lewes Wave have been published (Barrett, 1902; Haggett, 1981; Pratt, 1981). The moth was first publicly taken on June 27th 1887 by C.H. Morris who captured two specimens, a male and a female, flying over “‘heathy ground’’. Morris took the specimens to the local authority on Lepidoptera, J.H.A. Jenner of Lewis, who initially thought they were examples of Ematurga atomaria L. Later, with the help of Messrs. Waterhouse and Kirby, the moths were correctly identified as immorata (Jenner, 1887). Within a few months it transpired that a Mr Hopley had almost certainly taken the species at Laughton previously, and that a specimen had lain unidentified within the collection of a Mr Desvignes for at least 30 years, possibly longer. Curiously, this specimen had been exhibited by S. Stephens at a meeting of the Entomological Society of London in 1868 as a variety of Semiothisa clathrata L. (South, 1939).
For many years the locality was kept a closely guarded secret, and, although Morris and others collected the moth every year, the species became uncreasingly numerous. Its heyday, at least after its public discovery, was between the two world wars when immorata was often a very common insect — in 1925 considerable numbers were reported — but this abundance was never subsequently equalled. The moth was last seen plentifully in 1940 but so irregular did sightings become after the Second World War had ended that the insect was sometimes thought extinct; nevertheless, at least five individuals were noted in 1953 and several were seen in 1954 and 1956 but only singletons were reported after that latter season. The last specimen of the Lewes Wave was seen, but not taken, by A.J. Wightman on June 22nd 1961.
Apparently never taken at light, specimens were seen during daylight, usually in afternoon sunshine, when they could be disturbed from heather and bracken. The moth was usually found from the second week of June until mid July, although it was occasionally taken in late May. Double-brooded on the continent, in this country immorata was only occasionally so with a partial second brood after advantageous weather during August and September; during the hot summer of 1906 F.C. Woodbridge bred 40 larvae outside, two of which fed up quickly to
5 View Road, Peacehaven, East Sussex.
242 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.xi.1988
yield adults in mid September (Woodbridge, 1906) and H. Worsley- Wood took or bred a specimen on October 10th 1913 (Richards collection, Haslemere Museum).
Some mystery surrounds the identity of the larval foodplant in this country as the early stages of immorata were never found in the wild. Some time ago in Europe larvae were discovered on thyme and marjoram, and reared on Clary spp., but none of these plants have ever been reported from Laughton’s woods — an area botanically well- worked (Wolley-Dod, 1937; Hall, 1980).
Heather has often been quoted as the insects’ foodplant here, following a categorical statement made at the time of its discovery by Jenner (Jenner, 1887); certainly the plant was always dominant wherever the moth flew — indeed, it was waist high in some parts — but larvae should have been discovered subsequently if this were the case. Larvae have been successfully reared in captivity on the ubiquitous knotgrass and plantain in this country and it is likely that in the wild ‘‘low plants’’ were eaten, as was suggested almost a century ago (Kirby, 1889), and recently confirmed from European experience (Skou, 1986).
It is not known why immorata only occurred at Vert Wood but it is thought to be ‘‘the ecological site complex rather than food’’ (Haggett, 1981). The area is situated on Weald Clay and Tunbridge Wells Sand and the insect flourished where these met; here the “‘sands provide a loose, dry soil given over largely to heath-land and conifers and, where there is an admixture of clay, a fertile loam soil is formed’’ (Wolley- Dod, 1937). There are a number of apparently similar heathy sites in Sussex but none suitable on an interface between these two soils.
Localities Since its discovery, the moth was probably established in at least three places within the Vert Wood complex. The strongest colony, and the most well-known, was situated east of the Devil’s Race where the Sussex Trust for Nature Conservation eventually established a reserve for the species — at TQ 510149. The Devil’s Race was a section of ancient cattle track which laid between Halland House and Laughton Place and was so named after the nocturnal pursuit of a terrified medieval traveller by ared and flaming spectre (Pearson, 1931).
During the 1950s the insect was also seen flying over heather south of the reserve, both sides of the tarmac road leading south-westwards towards the Decca navigational radio beacon mast. An early but little known spot was an acre of heath probably situated in the southernmost part of the then remaining open area to the west of Sandpit Wood, at TQ 510142; this colony was lost when the land was first farmed at the end of the Second World War.
There is no satisfactory evidence that immorata ever occurred away from the Vert Wood complex within entomological historical times, although claims have been made. On about July Ist, 1908, R.E. James
HISTORY AND LOSS OF THE LEWES WAVE 243
was collecting moths in the Hailsham district and “‘was scouring the country on a bicycle in search of Acidalia immorata, which species | eventually discovered in rather small numbers. I think it quite possible that my locality may be a fresh one and not the recognised one (which | do not know), as I took them whilst trespassing on some private ground of sufficiently alluring aspect to tempt me inside. Argynnis adippe and belated Brenthis selene occurred on the same spot’’ (James, 1908). Apparently on the same day he visited Lewes. Of the two viable routes from Hailsham to Lewes the northernmost would bring a cyclist past the southern edge of Vert Wood; furthermore, the wood was the best in the county, at that time, for adippe.
In the mid 1920s A.J. Wightman categorically stated that “‘immorata is not confined in Britain to one spot, although it seems to be confined to a single district’? (Wightman, 1924). In more recent times the species has been erroneously reported from Abbot’s Wood (Haes, 1977) and there is also earlier coincidence with the area. In the A.E. Tonge collection housed in the Booth Museum of Natural History at Brighton there are 43 variable specimens of immorata. All are in perfect condition with one exception — a specimen labelled ‘‘Eastbourne 30/6/20”’ is badly chipped. Investigation has shown that the specimen was given to Tonge by E.P. Sharpe who lived at Eastbourne and rarely sortied far for his moths. Yet if this imperfect example came from the same locality as the 42 perfect accompanying specimens, why was it kept?
The Environment
The reason for the extinction of the Lewes Wave moth was the loss of suitable habitat — the causes being twofold; changes in centuries old woodland practises stopped the cycle which had kept heathy areas open and, even more important, almost all of its habitat was physically lost to forestry and agriculture. Laughton was first mentioned in the Domesday Book under Leston, a name derived from the words “‘lese’’ and ‘‘tun’’; this lese near Ringmer was ‘‘a natural forest glade, which had for centuries been kept open by the constant grazing of wild cattle and other animals of the forest’’ (Pearson, 1931) and the tun a palisaded settlement, probably built by the Vikings, to keep out bears and wolves. It is known that some clearance of wood and heathland took place in the Laughton area between circa 650 and 800 AD, ‘‘by fire and axe’’ (Moore, 1965), but the land where immorata flew in historical times was to lay virtually unchanged for a thousand years. From 1086 until the end of the 18th century the Laughton area has been described as ‘‘a vast expanse of common waste, thickly wooded, no doubt, in the centre, but probably thinning out into heath or scrubby underwood”’ (/oc. cit.). In the 13th century monks had the right to take wood for domestic fuel and hedges, timber for monastery repairs, and pasturage for 100 pigs; cattle also wandered the site keeping it in ‘‘an open unwooded condition by intensive grazing’’ (Joc. cit.). Later, ‘‘the extensive park, abounding
244 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.xi.1988
with timber of the finest growth, was divested of its sylvan pride’’ (Ellis, 1885) and ‘‘provided everlasting supplies of charcoal’’ (Pearson, 1931). In addition, iron clay was quarried, deer roamed the park, and for centuries bracken had been cut for livestock bedding. But when, by the first third of this century, most of these practises had fallen into disuse, scrub encroached on the remaining heath. ‘‘Where, as on many southern commons, both burning and grazing have ceased, the ingress of scrub woodland is rapid’’ (Edlin, 1956) and bracken, the foremost protagonist, ceased being gathered for bedding in most of Sussex in about the 1930s.
Although pictured flying in open meadows in Europe (Skou, 1986), before the Second World War in this country immorata was already confined to sunny glades containing grassy heath; the glades contained numerous low plants, low scrub, and were bounded by deciduous woodland. At the middle of this century the reserved area was bounded by dense thickets of blackthorn, hawthorn, brambles and gorse, on its southern and western edges, and oak and birch trees grew on the remaining aspects. Bracken increasingly became a problem, especially in the 1960s. During much of the following decade the reserve was, apart from a very few square feet, completely dominated by bracken — indeed, it was difficult to walk round the site.
Despite the potency of this change in environment, even more serious events had been reducing the total numbers of immorata since about 1800. On a map of Sussex published in 1795 by William Gardner and Thomas Gream the heathland north of Laughton village stretched from near Halland cross-roads in the north to Laughton Common in the south (map 1), some 850 acres. Whilst this establishes the potential size of the colony at that time the total numbers of the moth in flight can only be imagined. But by the time the Ordnance Survey of the area was published in 1813 almost 90% of the heath had been brought under cultivation (map 2). In another survey published in 1875, just before the public discovery of the moth, little had changed as regards the area of suitable habitat available — although there had been a change in the location of the main heath site (map 3). A few more acres were lost to farming before the turn of the century and just after but the position remained stable until the Second World War (map 4). Officially, permission was needed to collect at Vert from early times, although few people bothered, and even as early as 1927 some effort was being made to exclude collectors from the main colony. In a letter from the estate foreman of the day, Alan Stewart, to A. E. Tonge. granting permission to collect moths in the wood, ‘‘the wired enclosure’’ was excluded. Traces of the barbed wire can still be seen today, buried in the trunks of a line of beech trees bounding the footpath separating Rowland Wood from the more southerly woods.
In 1945/6 almost the entire area was ploughed and much of the heather destroyed; shortly afterwards conifers were planted and a
HISTORY AND LOSS OF THE LEWES WAVE 245
Laugnton
Golden Cross
After Gardner and Gream, 1795.
East Hoathly
Laughton
After Ordnance Survey, 1813.
Scale ee
Heathland and Serub src
246 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.x1.1988
Map 3.
Laughton
Golden Cross
After Ordnance Survey, 1875.
East Hoathly
Laughton
Golden Cross
After Ordnance Survey, 1961.
Scale 1 mile
eovsce eocee:
Heathland and Scrub ‘7...
HISTORY AND LOSS OF THE LEWES WAVE 247
Laughton
Golden Cross
After Ordnance Survey, 1979.
Scale = ea |, dpile
Heathland and Scrub Sertetete
directional radio-beacon mast erected. This devastation provoked: both public and private responses; during the middle years of this century, to his great credit, B. Embry of Uckfield tried privately to clear encroaching scrub and bracken at the Devil’s Race. In 1951 the moth became protected by the Committee for the Preservation of British Insects, under the auspices of the Royal Entomological Society; a year earlier the Race had been mooted as an area of special scientific interest and it became scheduled in 1953 by the forerunners of the Nature Conservancy Council. In early 1957, on behalf of the aforementioned committee, N.D. Riley thought that a two acre reserve would be sufficiently large to ensure the species’ survival and five years later the two foremost lepidopterists living in the county, A.J. Wightman and G.M. Haggett, became involved in practical and political attempts to conserve the insect. It was suggested that the Sussex Trust for Nature Conservation take over the Devil’s Race and designate the two acres a nature reserve; this was soon achieved through the patronage of the land owner.
For many years, probably centuries, immorata had been restricted to the- warmth of sheltered glades but in 1959 most of the overgrown reserve was opened to all four winds, and worse, when surrounding cover was felled and the land levelled by bull-dozer. The reserve suffered
248 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.xi.1988
much incidental damage. Visiting at the time, R. Fairclough searched for the moth and wrote that he was ‘‘horrified’’ by the scene and was ‘“sure this is the end of it’’ (Fairclough, 1961) — and he was right, it was the coup de grace.
Excluding the reserved two acres, conifers were then planted throughout. In 1964, paying £250 for the privilege, the Trust was granted permission for a further three acres of adjoining conifer-planted land to be added to the reserve and the resultant total of around five acres has been held since (map 5). In the mid 1960s the Trust removed all the conifers and commenced scrub and bracken clearance operations. Reports of a fire on the site in about 1967 lie unconfirmed by residents.
For many years Vert Wood was owned by the Chichester Estate company, their agents being Strutt, Parker, Loft & Warner of Lewes. At the end of the Second World War the land was sold off in small plots for around £20 an acre — the Devil’s Race area being bought by the Thorley family — and was after managed by the high profile firm of Fountain Forestry of Somerset until its recent resale. Most, but not all, concerned were sympathetic to the insects’ conservation, although at a price, at a time when conservation was less fashionable. The Sussex Trust for Nature Conservation has spent much hard earned money on the site and its volunteers worked hard, unsuccessfully, to re-establish ancient heath to provide any surviving moths with a suitable environment. No doubt, to survive, immorata had always colonised freshly available heathy spots at Vert Wood, as older areas became shaded, but in the end there was just no suitable heath left. A few very small areas of a suitable character do still become apparent in the district from time to time but the herbicide ‘‘Roundup’’ has been extensively used since the early 1980s.
In summary, despite efforts by private individuals, leading lepidopterists, the county naturalists trust, the Committee for the Preservation of British Insects, and the Nature Conservancy Council, immorata became extinct through the loss of suitable habitat. It is clear that although heath had been lost to agriculture for many years, the critical act was the Second World War ploughing from which the insect never recovered. It may be that a more assertive stance by the Sussex Trust for Nature Conservation to gain better co-operation from the ‘‘foresters’’, using adverse publicity if necessary, could have saved immorata: we will never know. Arguably, the Lewes Wave could have been rescued from extinction until the 1950’s but conservation efforts were too little, too late.
Acknowledgements My thanks are due to Dr J.V. Banner, R. Fairclough, G.M. Haggett, the Lewes division of the Nature Conservancy Council, Mr J. Pratt of Decca Navigation, and Mr B. Skinner, for their information on S. immorata and its habitat.
HISTORY AND LOSS OF THE LEWES WAVE 249
References
Barratt, C.G., 1902. Lepidoptera of the British Islands, 8. London.
Edlin, H.L., 1956. Trees, Woods & Man. Collins, London.
Ellis, W.S., 1885. The Parks and Forests of Sussex. Wolff, Lewes.
Fairclough, R., 1961. Collecting Lepidoptera in 1960. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var., 73:11-17.
Gardner, W. & Gream, T., 1795. Map of Sussex. Jn: Margary, H., (ed.), 1970.
Two Hundred and Fifty Years of Map-making in the County of Sussex, Margary & Phillimore, Chichester.
Haes, E.C.M., 1977. Natural History of Sussex. Flare Books, Hassocks.
Haggett, G.M., 1981. Larvae of the British Lepidoptera not figured by Buckler. British Entomological & Natural History Society, London.
Hall, P.C., 1980. Sussex Plant Atlas. Borough of Brighton. Booth Museum of Natural History.
James, R.E., 1908. Entomological Notes from the Hailsham district — The Aurora Borealis and Treacle. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var., 20: 227-228.
Jenner, J.H.A., 1887. Acidalia immorata, L. A species New to Britain. Entomologist, 20: 289-290.
Kirby, W.F., 1889. European Butterflies and Moths. Cassell, London.
Moore, J.S., 1965. Laughton. Occasional Paper No. 19, Leicester University Press.
Pearson, W.A., 1931. The Village of the Buckle. (Laughton). Courier Printing, Tunbridge Wells.
Pratt, C.R., 1981. A History of the Butterflies and Moths of Sussex. Borough of Brighton, Booth Museum of Natural History.
Skou, P., 1986. The Geometroid Moths of North Europe. Brill, Copenhagen.
South, R., 1939. The Moths of the British Isles, 2. Warne, London.
Wightman, A.J., 1924. Letter to the Editor. Entomologist, 57: 279-281.
Wolley-Dod, A.H., 1937. Flora of Sussex. Saville, Hastings.
Woodbridge, F.C., 1906. Acidalia immorata. Entomologist, 39: 231-232.
A LONG WAY FROM HOME.— It may be of interest to record that at 1350 hours on Thursday the 30th of June 1988, whilst en route from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Bermuda on board a 55 foot yacht, a fresh specimen of the American painted lady butterfly, Cynthia virginiensis Drury, was seen flying strongly around the boat. It rested for 2-3 minutes on a spinnaker pole on the deck before continuing to fly, settling briefly on other parts of the boat. Unfortunately none of the crew saw from which direction it arrived, nor whence it eventually departed. The precise location was 28 degrees 44.97 minutes North, 75 degrees 41.46 minutes West which is about 250 miles east of Cape Canaveral and 145 miles north east of the Abaco Islands. I do not know whether the species is resident on the Abaco Islands, the nearest land. It was a very hot day with hardly a breath of wind; what little breeze there was was coming from the Atlantic. W.J. TENNENT, 1 Middlewood Close, Fylingthorpe, Whitby, North Yorkshire.
250 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.xi.1988
A REAL MENACE TO BUTTERFLIES: THE GARDENING CORRESPONDENT
By BRIAN O.C. GARDINER*
“Butterflies and Moths, however pretty, are the worst enemies one can have in a garden; a single insect of this kind may deposit eggs enough to overrun a tree with caterpillars, therefore they should be destroyed at any cost of trouble. The only moth that you must spare is the common black and red one; the grubs of this feed exclusively on groundsel, and are therefore a valuable ally of the gardener.”’
‘‘All those attractive butterflies you admired earlier in the month will have smothered all your vegetables with their eggs. Now is the time to spray them liberally with insecticide. . .”’
I feel it is high time that the gardening correspondents who write in the columns of our daily, weekly and monthly press are taken to task and educated in conservation. The two paragraphs above were written in 1849 and 1985 respectively, in a gardening column, and show that the same dreadful attitude of such writers has not changed over 136 years! We are told to kill this caterpillar, destroy that bug, eradicate those earwigs; hoe regularly, cut down that thistle, root out those weeds. That is to say constantly destroy the foodplants of the larvae of those butterflies we so much admire. If a weed is by definition, a plant in the ‘‘wrong’’ place then all the wheat now growing on the bed of the former Whittlesea Mere is a weed and should be destroyed, not heavily subsidised by the CAP, for it is in the “‘wrong’’ place, the true inhabitants of this area being naturally reeds, rushes, flags, water lilies and their accompanying fauna of dragonflies, large copper butterflies CLC:
So when our gardening correspondent mentions weeds what he really means is the natural vegetation, the food of the larvae of our butterflies and moths and other delightful insects. In other words some plant we have not obtained from a seed merchant or garden centre and planted ourselves. While I have noticed that the planting of flowers to attract adult butterflies is sometimes recommended, with a few exceptions, they then go on to recommend the destruction of the same butterflies’ /arval foods. Some indeed also seem very ignorant as to what these foodplants may be.
A particularly appalling piece of mis-directed destructiveness and mis- information appeared in The Guardian on June 29th some two years ago, under the title of ‘‘Arrest that Pest.’’ I quote:—
*2 Highfield Avenue, Cambridge CB4 2AL
THE GARDENING CORRESPONDENT 251
“‘Natural predators help to control pests but rarely at levels to satisfy gardeners. When it comes to le crunch, we don’t enjoy munching through maggot-ridden apples.
Chemicals represent a convenient and effective tool for trouble- shooters prepared to use them safely and correctly. . .
Potions for creepy-crawlies are numerous . . . Countless materials are sold for controlling lowly invertebrate crunchers, suckers and crawlers. ”’
The article goes on to list numerous highly poisonous and dangerous killing agents.
In these days of ‘‘Butterfly Years,’’ ‘‘Project Papillon,’’ ‘‘Friends of the Earth,’’ ‘‘Naturalists Trusts’’ and the Conservation movement generally, I find the attitude presented by the above quotations quite appalling as well as being against the general body of opinion today. How many gardeners in any case are dissatisfied with natural control? In this day and age it is only in occasional years that we really seem to have any pest outbreaks anyway and sometimes these are of quite rare species such as the brown-tail moth! True, our roses may sometimes have their blooms suppressed due to greenfly, but it is my experience that this suddenly clears up and we are subjected to the enjoyment of a delightful display of colourful ladybirds.
Now there is a small plot of land in Cambridge which, deliberately, has been left untouched with any insecticide, but which has been cultivated for at least half a century. For much of this time I have known it. Full of insects of all sorts, a source of much pleasure and very useful for teaching purposes. In all the time I have known it and, I have been informed, before then, there has never been a serious outbreak of any one species such as to be considered a pest and cause annoyance or inconvenience. In other words the natural balance so derogated by our gardening correspondent above has been functioning perfectly, as it should, and does, unless disrupted by the application of insecticides. Do we really all want a sterile wilderness devoid of all but so-called ““proper’’ plant-life as recommended by such correspondents? This is totally un-natural.
I should like to query also his point about ‘‘we don’t enjoy munching through maggot-ridden apples.’’ Has he ever, I wonder, tried one? Compared the flavour with the pap from the supermarket? Now the same Cambridge plot contains about an acre of orchard and its apples are the most delicious my family and friends have come across in many a long day. Uneven in size, some scabbed, some with maggots (Codling moth larvae) (which in any case are always to be found in the uneaten core!) and in most years giving a very good crop. When it comes to taste and flavour they beat supermarket products and all but specialist greengrocers hands down. Nor of course are they covered in a sublethal “‘safe’’ dose of residual poison (which official statistics admit is present on over 60% of our fruit and vegetables) and neither do they retain
252 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.xi.1988
residues of preservative wax or methyl bromide fumes which are so often present on shop stored apples. In spite of this lack of such ‘*protective cover’’ they mostly also keep very well indeed!
I do feel that the slant of many gardening articles is on the whole inimical to the well-being of our butterflies, not to mention other insects, and it is perhaps time (all praise to Clive Farrell’s Butterfly News in this respect) that some counter-propaganda is mounted and it would be helpful if, when entomologists see such adverse comments against butterflies in their local press, they were to write a confutation to the editor. In the end, if enough of us did this, the message might get through.
NOLA CONFUSALIS (HERRICH-SCHAFFER) (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE), THE LEAST BLACK ARCHES, IN ESSEX— It would seem possibly worth placing on record my recent discovery of a colony of Nola confusalis (H.-S.) in Wall Wood, North Essex, one of the satellite woodlands forming a part of the Hatfield Forest complex and owned by the National Trust. On the evening of 11th May 1988, around half a dozen fairly fresh specimens were attracted to one of the three lights I was running there in the company of members of the Bishop’s Stortford Natural History Society. Regrettably, all were of the typical form, and so Epping Forest — a mere nineteen kilometres to the south-west — remains the only known locality for the grey ab. columbina Image. The only previous record for Hatfield Forest would seem to be that made by Mr Geoffrey Dent in 1945 and reported in Trans. Bishop’s Stortford and district nat. Hist. soc. 1(1) published in 1950. This is repeated in the Essex Naturalists’ Trust’s 1975 publication A guide to the Butterflies and Larger Moths of Essex as being made in 1949. Elsewhere in Essex, Epping Forest remains the stronghold of this species where, at least in my experience, ab. co/umbina outnumbers the typical form by about two to one. The only other known colony of this small insect in the county is at an Essex Naturalists’ Trust woodland reserve near Bradwell- on-Sea, though there have been sightings of individuals at Saffron Walden, Layer-de-la-Haye and St Osyth and there are pre-1960 records from Colchester, Benfleet and Hadleigh. I have no records at all for the adjacent areas of northern Hertfordshire, and the species is absent from Foster’s 1937 A list of the Lepidoptera of Hertfordshire (Trans. Herts. nat. Hist. soc. Fld. Club 20(4): 157-279.)
As a concluding comment it may be more than coincidence that I captured the Wall Wood moths at around 2300 hours British summertime, which is almost exactly the same time that I have always captured the same species on my various trips to Epping Forest. I am grateful to Mr L. Sisitka, the National Trust’s Head Ranger for Hatfield Forest for permission to record insects in that area. COLIN W. PLANT, Passmore Edwards Museum, Romford Road, Stratford, London E15 ALY.
CORNISH NAMES FOR MOTHS Pe
CORNISH NAMES FOR MOTHS
By ADRIAN SPALDING AND LOVEDAY JENKIN,*
On the weekend of 21/22 August, the organisation for Cornish language for children called Dalleth (which means ‘‘beginning’’ in Cornish) arranged a camp for children at An Gresen Gernewek, Cusgarne, Truro, which is run by Loveday Jenkin. One of the activities arranged for their education was a moth trapping evening led by Adrian Spalding. The m.yv. light was set up on a sheet in the corner of a field, near a hedge of sycamore, but gardens nearby provided a more diverse habitat with elder, dead elms, thistles, nettles, brambles, heather etc. As the moths came in, we attempted to give Cornish names to them, in most cases a literal translation from the English, thus elephant hawk-moth would be Hok-olyfans. In Cornish, the adjective comes after the noun, thus we get Tyger Ruby. We only caught one moth without an English name (Agriphila tristella D. & S.), but in fact H.N. Humphreys and J.O. Westood in their British Moths and their Transformations (1843-1845) called it the dusky yellow veneer, the name we use here. No rare moths were found.
The name small phoenix posed a problem. Most English moth names are descriptive, but the meaning of the English name here is rather fanciful. R.D. Macleod in his Key to the names of British Butterflies and Moths suggests that ‘‘Phoenix’’ is used because of the resemblance of the band on the forewings to smoking fire. The Latin name Ecliptopera silaceata comes from the words eclipes meaning deficient and peras meaning tip (from the blunt tip of the forewings), and from silaceus meaning ochre-like (from the colour of the forewings). However, we decided that the most distinctive feature was the shape of the broken median bar on the forewing, and so we gave the name Kelgh Callen to the small phoenix (meaning the vein of iron ochre in the shape of a circle). It is of interest to note that in the British Butterfly Conservation Society News No 38, there is a list of Welsh names for butterflies, sent in by Mrs Lynne Harrison. In it, most of the Welsh names are literal translations from the English, although some are not, such as painted lady (lar Fach Dramor meaning butterfly from across the sea).
As far as we are aware, there are no records of Cornish names for moths or butterflies, (although there are for birds, plants, animals and fish). The dialect word ‘‘piskey’’ was used to signify small white night- flying moths (perhaps embodying the spirits of the dead). The last known native Cornish speaker, for whom Cornish was the first language, was Dolly Pentreath, who died in 1777, but Cornish survived in texts and literature and probably the spoken word. It is now spoken by many people in Cornwall and throughout the world, with many children brought up to speak it in their home.
*Tregarne, Cusgarne, Truro.
254 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100
Tykky-dew nos (butterfly of the night) — an illustrative list
Pyralidae
1305 dusky yellow veneer 1405 mother of pearl 1413 gold triangle
Lasiocampidae 1640 drinker
Geometridae
1689 mullein wave
1728 garden carpet
1777 July highflyer
1759 small phoenix
1846 narrow-winged pug 1858 the v-pug
1906 brimestone moth 1937 willow beauty
Lymantriidae 2033 black arches
Arctiidae 2050 common footman 2064 ruby tiger
Noctuidae
2102 flame shoulder
2107 large yellow underwing
2109 lesser yellow underwing
2111 lesser broad-bordered yellow underwing
2123 small square-spot
2321 dark arches
2342 rosy minor
2343 common rustic
2353 flounced rustic
2441 silver y
2450 the spectacle
2474 straw dot
2477 the snout
Launyans Melen Godewl Crogen Perl Tryhorn Owr
Sughaner
Ton Molen
Lurlen an Lowarth Ughel-nyja Gortheren Kelgh Callen
Coryk Askel Yn Coryk-V-
An Loskven
Tekter Helygen
Gwaregow Du
Paja Kemyn Tyger Ruby
Scoth Flam
Ys-askel Melen Mur an vrassa
Ys-askel Melen Byghanna
Ys-askel Melen Myn Ledan Byghanna
Bythen Carrek Byghan
Gwaregow Tewl
Myjyn Lyw Ros
Tythyak Kemyn
Tythyak Cryghyllys
Y Arghans
Spectaclys
Nam Cala
Tronek
15.xi.1988
The order and numbers are taken from A Recorder’s Log Book and Label List of British Butterflies and Moths by J.D. Bradley and D.S. Fletcher.
References
Harrison, L., 1987. Welsh Names for British Butterflies, British Butterfly Conservation Society News No. 38:26-28.
Humphreys, H.N. & Westwood, J.O., 1843. British Moths and Their Transformations, William Smith, London.
Macleod, R.D., 1959. Key to the names of British Butterflies and Moths, Issac
Pitman & Sons, London.
TRIMIUM BREVICORNE REDISCOVERED 255
TRIMIUM BREVICORNE REICH. (COL.: PSELAPHIDAE) REDISCOVERED IN YORKSHIRE
By K.N.A. ALEXANDER *
A single specimen of this very rare beetle was found beneath a loose rock in the coastal undercliffs of The Coomb, Ravenscar, N.E. Yorks (NZ 984019) on 27.vii.1987. This species was last recorded in Yorkshire in 1901 by E.G. Bayford — ‘‘one, probably under bark, near Doncaster, in a locality now built over’’ (Pearce, 1957). There are earlier records from the County: ‘‘Scarborough, in some numbers on North Cliff in moss”’ (T. Wilkinson and R. Lawson, in Walsh and Rimington, 1956), and also ‘‘Bishop’s Wood’’ by E.A. Waterhouse (Pearce, 1957), presumably the Bishop Wood near Selby.
Outside of Yorkshire Fowler (1889) lists Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire, and Fowler and Donisthorpe (1913) add Chiddingfold, Surrey, and Cobham Park, Kent. The only other record since then, to my knowledge is that of R.A. Crowson (in Welch & Harding, 1974). Dr Crowson has told me that his was a single specimen, collected on April 12th 1960, extracted by Tullgren funnel from a sample of rather deep oak litter. He further commented that the Continental records indicate a considerable variety of habitats including associations with ants. The rock under which my specimen was found lay within sparse, acidic grass heath vegetation on a stable scree slope beneath high sandstone cliffs. The locality has a good variety of ants present, including Leptothorax acervorum F., Myrmica ruginodis Nyl. and Formica lemani Bondri., although none of these were beneath the rock in question.
A whole specimen is illustrated by Pearce, but the detail of the strikingly unusual antennae is not shown. Mr D.K. Clements has very kindly provided drawings of the head and antenna (figure 1) together with the same for Euplectus kirbyi Denny (figure 2) for comparison.
Acknowledgements
I am grateful to Mr C. Johnson for confirming the identity of this beetle, and Mr D.K. Clements for drawing the figures, and Mr A.A. Allen for his helpful comments.
References
Fowler, W.W. 1889. The Coleoptera of the British Isles. 3:99. London.
Fowler, W.W. and Donisthorpe, H. St.J. 1913 ibid. 6:251.
Pearce, E.J. 1957. Handbk. Ident. Br. Insects. Coleoptera: Pselaphidae. 4(9):12.
Welch, R.C. & Harding, P.T. 1974. Suffolk Natural History. 16:287-304.
*National Trust, Spitalgate Lane, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 2OE.
256 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.xi.1988
Walsh, G.B. and Rimington, F.C. 1956. in The Natural History of Scarborough District. Scarborough Field Naturalist’s Society.
1mm
Fig.1. Trimium brevicorne: head with antenna, dorsal view. Fig.2. Euplectus kirbyi: head with antenna, dorsal view.
[Unless the record ‘Bishop’s Wood’ is known to relate to Yorkshire, I am of the opinion that it must be referred to the locality of that name near Highgate and Hampstead, Middlesex: this would have been a likely place for E.A. Waterhouse, as a London-based entomologist, to visit. J.F. Stephens had already recorded the species from the metropolitan district, besides Norfolk, Suffolk, and Lincs. Dr Crowson’s 1960 capture was at Staverton Park, near Woodbridge. Wilkinson and Lawson, it might be added, were noted for their discovery of a whole series of rare beetles in the Scarborough district during the previous century, of which 7. brevicorne is one; this is the source of most specimens in our collections. Leaving out of account the ancient London records(s), the species seems confined to the eastern strip of the country from Kent to Yorks, in which the only county so far without a record is Essex. — A.A.A.]
MESAPAMEA SPECIES IN SHROPSHIRE 257
MESAPAMEA SPECIES (LEP.: NOCTUIDAE) IN SHROPSHIRE IN 1986
By A.M. RILEY & J.E. SOUTHWOOD*
Mesapamea didyma Esp. (= secalella Remm) and M. secalis L. are two closely allied species of noctuid moth which are at present considered indistinguishable by superficial characters. They have only recently been separated (Remm, 1983) and their nomenclature revised (Lempke, 1988); up to 1985 only secalis was thought to occur in Britain. Since then genitalia examination has shown both secalis and didyma to be present in approximately equal numbers in many localities throughout the British Isles (Skinner, 1984 and pers. comm.).
As part of a current review of the Lepidoptera of Shropshire the presence and relative proportions of M. didyma and M. secalis were studied by examining the genitalia from a complete year’s sample of Mesapamea spp. from the Rothamsted Insect Survey light trap at Preston Montford Field Centre (Site no. 382, OS grid SJ 433 143). The criteria for separation established by Jordan (1986) were used.
A total of 97 individuals were examined, seven of which were didyma. This represents approximately 7% of the catch and is the first record of this species for Shropshire.The results are tabulated below:
July August Sep. 25129 310265 18) LOMAS lS) 16s 18 19921922923) 25827) 28 12 total
didyma males ETO SOF FOMbIe SI SOEFOR20 OF OSS IO R IO Os OR OPO Om 0 b) females 0) 0-0) <0) 107 0.20.40) 10,0800) ONO 1S Oe One S050) 50 2 secalis males ey Dell ties eee 2 Olea?) e240 s312) Aga See 2en0! sO mk Ona? females LO) Ok OL 2 Soe Dee Serre) ae ne Ome ees ea
The small proportion of didyma in the sample prevents detailed comment on the phenology of this species. However, it is apparent that the adults are present throughout the flight period of secalis.
There were no superficial characters which could be used to separate the two species. This supports the views of Skinner (1984) and Agassiz (1986).
Having established the presence of didyma in Shropshire further studies are required of future catches at Preston Montford and at other localities to determine its abundance and distribution within the County.
Acknowledgements
Our thanks are extended to Mr A. Bayley and his staff for operating the trap at Preston Montford Field centre and to Mr B. Skinner for his com- ments on the known distribution of M. didyma.
*Entomology and Nematology Dept. Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Herts.
258 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.xi.1988
References
Agassiz, D.J.L., 1986. Some practical hints for treating Mesapamea species. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 98:45-46
Jordan, M.J.R., 1986. The genitalia of the species pair Mesapamea secalis L. and Mesapamea secalella Remm (Lep.: Noctuidae). Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 98:41-44
Lempke, B.J., 1988. Mesapamea secalella Remm — a junior synonym of Mesapamea didyma Esper (Lep.: Noctuidae). Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 100: 147-152
Remm, H., 1983. New species of Noctuidae (Lepidoptera) from the U.S.S.R. Ent. Obozr. 62:596-600
Skinner, B., 1984. Colour identification guide to the moths of the British Isles. Viking.
BOOK TALK 10.— Problems facing those who rear lepidoptera can sometimes be solved by reference to a good practical guide. Thus, one of the most useful handbooks ever written for the macrolepidopterist, and still serviceable after 75 years, is L.W. Newman and H.A. Leeds, Text Book of British Butterflies and Moths (St Albans, 1913). Besides furnishing one with an abundance of valuable tips, this book is perhaps unique in that with virtually every species is given the manner of pupation. Take for instance Acronycta alni (Alder) on page 32, under the ‘‘Food-plants and Rearing Hints’’ column, is this worthy wrinkle: “*.. . . food-plant [species] first used must not be changed throughout, larva devours cast skin at each moult or will die; requires dead wood or virgin cork for pupation, earth is useless.’’
A curious little item is the first edition of Edmund Sandars, A Butterfly Book for the Pocket, published in 1939 by Oxford University Press.This has unusual silver metallic printing for the appropriate markings of the wings of the fritillaries, as well as for those of the wings of some other butterflies. It is also the first book to use distribution maps for each butterfly species.
Annotated copies are often interesting, especially if the writer is one with considerable experience of the subject. My copy of J.F. Stephens’ List of the Specimens of British Animals in the Collection of the British Museum Pt. V — Lepidoptera (1850), formerly belonged to Octavius Pickard-Cambridge (1828-1917), the celebrated arachnologist, lepidop- terist and all round naturalist. It is interleaved and contains numerous annotations by him.
Previous Book Talks appeared in the Record as hereunder: (1) 90: 186, 1978. (2) 91: 280, 1979. (3) 92: 289, 1980. (4) 93: 231, 1981. (5) 94: 121, 1982. (6) 95: 247, 1983. (7) 96: 272, 1984. (8) 98: 210-211, 1986. (9) 99: 232, 1987. J.M. CHALMERS-HUNT. 1 Hardcourts Close, West Wickham, Kent.
BUTTERFLIES ON LANZAROTE 259
ELPHINSTONIA CHARLONIA (LEP.: PIERIDAE) AND POL YOMMATUS ICARUS (LEP.: LYCAENIDAE) ON LANZAROTE
By DENIS F. OWEN*
The greenish black-tip, Elphinstonia charlonia charlonia Donzel, is found in semi-desert and rocky areas in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia and also on the Canary Islands of Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote where it is described as ‘‘very local’’ and the larval food-plant ‘‘not known’’ (Higgins and Riley 1983). A separate, isolated and well- differentiated subspecies, E. charlonia penia Freyer, occurs in south- east Jugoslavia, Bulgaria and northern Greece where the larval food- plant is given as Mathiola tessala (Cruciferae) (Higgins and Riley 1983)
There appear to be very few recent records of E. charlonia from the Canary Islands. In February 1988 I found the butterfly at well-scattered localities throughout the island of Lanzarote. All were freshly emerged and were actively flying in rocky, semi-desert areas where earlier exceptionally good winter rains had brought on a profusion of flowers. At one site, just south of the town of Tinajo, the males were flying round and round the top of a small rocky hill and a female was seen laying eggs on a mignonette, Reseda crystallina (Resedaceae). R. crystallina is confined to Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote (Bramwell and Bramwell 1974). On Lanzarote it is widespread and common and in February 1988 it was in full flower. My observation constitutes a new food-plant record for E. charlonia.
Another Canary Island endemic, Reseda scoparia, is confined to La Gomera, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and if E. charlonia is still found on Tenerife (I know of no recent records) this mignonette is the likely larval food-plant, although the situation is perhaps complicated by the presence on many of the Canary Islands of Reseda lutea and Reseda luteola, both introduced from Europe, and Oligomeris subulata from North Africa (Bramwell and Bramwell 1974).
The status of the common blue, Polyommatus icarus Rottemburg, on the Canary Islands has for long been uncertain. Higgins and Riley (1983) simply give ‘‘Canary Islands’’, Guichard (1967) gives Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, while Jones et al. (1987) list all islands, but provide no evidence, and I suspect they simply take the statement by Higgins and Riley (1983) to mean all islands. So far as I know, there are no recent records from the western Canaries and I doubt if the species has ever occurred on them.
In February 1988 I found P. icarus locally abundant on Lanzarote, especially where great carpets of Lotus spp. (Leguminosae) were in full flower. The best site was on top of the cliffs at Mirador del Rio where in an area of some 250 m2 there were dozens of individuals, including
*2 Shelford Place, Headington, Oxford.
260 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.x1.1988
mated pairs. Females were frequently seen laying on Lotus spp., once or twice positively identified as Lotus lancerottensis, a species confined to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura (Bramwell and Bramwell 1974), and also on what might be another Lotus, possibly an introduced species, but possibly an exceptionally vigorous growth of L. /ancerottensis.
P. icarus thus seems well-established on Lanzarote. In May 1987 I failed to find it on Fuerteventura, but the island was dry and desiccated and no butterflies of any species were seen. Indeed it is likely that on the two desert islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote all butterflies are active chiefly in February and March, especially if there has been biologically effective rainfall.
References
Bramwell, D. and Bramwell, Z. 1974. Wild flowers of the Canary Isles. Thornes, Cheltenham.
Higgins, L.G. and Riley, N.D. 1983. A field guide to the butterflies of Britain and Europe. Collins, London.
Guichard, K.M. 1967. Butterflies of the Canary Islands. Entomologist 100: 293-299.
Jones, M.J., Lace, L.A., Housome, M.V. and Hamer, K. 1987. The butterflies and birds of Madeira and La Gomera: taxon cycles and human influence. Biol. J. Linn. Soc. 31: 95-111.
MOROCCO REVISITED — A CORRECTION.— In my article ‘Morocco revisited in 1986’ (Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 100:34) I recorded taking a specimen of Pseudophilotes bavius fatma Oberthur atop a small hill in the High Atlas mountains south of the Tizi-n-Test in Morocco. On re- examination I find this specimen is actually a small and unusually marked female Lysandra punctifera Oberthur. My thanks to Herr H.J. Falkenhahn of Kulmbach, West Germany for pointing out this mis- identification and causing me to re-examine the butterfly — a little more carefully! W.J. TENNENT, 1 Middlewood Close, Fylingthorpe, Whitby, North Yorkshire.
SILVER-WASHED FRITILLARY IN SURREY.— my son, Nicholas, reported to me that he had sighted a single example of Argynnis paphia L., the silver-washed fritillary, an insect he has often seen before, in Richmond Park, Surrey on 24th July 1988.
According to Plant, (1987) The butterflies of the London area, the butterfly has not been recorded from Richmond Park since 1953, although there may be later records of which I am unaware. D.S. BURROWS, Witham Cottage, School Lane, Boothby, Pagnell, Lincs.
ARTIFICIAL DIET FOR LADYBIRDS 261
AN ARTIFICIAL DIET FOR MAINTAINING LADYBIRDS
By S.A. HENDERSON and J.S.M. ALBRECHT*
Introduction
Considerable interest has been shown in ladybirds over the past twenty- five years or so, due to their potential economic use for the biological control of agricultural pests such as Aphids and Coccids. However, one of the main problems associated with the study of ladybirds in the laboratory throughout the year, and the rearing of large numbers of in- dividuals for biological control, is the provision of sufficient food. This, at its most basic, would involve the mass rearing of the prey species on a suitable host plant. This technique, however, suffers from the disadvan- tages that (i) the rearing of the prey species in large numbers is wasteful of space, labour and, in consequence, money, (ii) failure of the prey population due to disease or accident could lead to partial or complete loss of the ladybird population.
To cope with these problems, several workers have attempted to develop alternative foods, either to replace live food, or to supplement it when required (Smirnoff, 1958; Smith, 1965 a, b, c; Bain et al, 1984). There have been basically two main approached to the preparation of artificial foods: (a) to preserve, by freezing or drying, the natural prey, or a substitute species, which may then be fed, either alone, or mixed with other ingredients, (b) to prepare a totally artificial diet without the use of live food. Experience has usually shown that, while ladybirds can be kept alive for long periods of time on artificial foods, they usually re- quire some substance(s) only found in live food to breed successfully.
In Cambridge, we have been carrying out chromosome studies of population samples of several ladybird species. This work has been car- ried out in association with Drs M. Majerus and P. Kearns, who have been involved in a nationwide ladybird survey. This has often necessitated keeping ladybirds alive in the laboratory for long periods of time and attempting to breed them. Our main concern was to be able to keep adult ladybirds, of as many different species as possible, alive in the complete absence of their normal diets.
The diet published by Smirnoff (1958) appears to be an excellent recipe for maintaining ladybirds alive for long periods, but suffers from two drawbacks: (i) it uses large amounts of dried and powdered insects, which are the normal prey food of the species to be reared. These may not be readily available, or even known in some cases, (ii) it also uses large amounts of Royal Jelly. This is normally available from beekeepers only once a year, when hives are dismantled. Its current popularity as a health food makes commercial purchase of large amounts decidedly uneconomic. In 1965 Smith experimented with a
*Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge
262 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.xi.1988
series of artificial diets for maintaining the adults and larvae of ladybirds. Some of these involved dried, powdered aphids, others involved pollen, or other foodstuffs, quite unrelated to their normal diets, such as brewers yeast, or dessicated liver, without the use of any aphid additives.
We attempted to feed our ladybirds with Smith’s dried, powdered mixture of liver, yeast and sucrose, but they did not find the powdered food acceptable. An agar-based food of the type developed by Smirnoff seemed a much more suitable food substitute and an attempt was made to develop a new artificial food combining the merits of the recipes of Smith and Smirnoff. Using a new ratio of quantities arrived at largely by intuition, the combination of dried liver, yeast, sucrose and vitamins recommended by Smith was combined with an agar jelly of the type used by Smirnoff. The honey used in Smirnoff’s recipe was replaced by Maple syrup simply because we were interested in rearing species which were arboreal and had been collected from aphid-infested field maple and sycamore trees as well as their normal coniferous trees. The resulting foodstuff proved to be a complete success from the start and, apart from the addition of a small amount of the fungicide Nipagin to retard mould growth, has been used unchanged for the past three years.
Materials and Methods
(A) Ingredients
9g LIVER (Dried, powdered, dessicated OXOID or DIFCO) 6g YEAST (Dried, powdered)
15g SUCROSE (Domestic sugar satisfactory)
2g AGAR (powdered)
2 MULTIPLE VITAMIN PILLS (Crushed: e.g. BOOTS) 10ml. MAPLE SYRUP (pure)
150 ml. Water (Distilled)
Optional Extra: 1-2 ml. NIPAGIN solution (stock solution: 10% w/v in absolute ethanol)
Suppliers (U.K.):
1.Oxoid dessicated liver, Code: L26 (500g); Oxoid Ltd., Wade Road, Basingstoke, England RE24 0PW.
2. Boots Plurivite Multivitamin Tablets: from Boots Chemist Shops, or The Boots Company, Nottingham, England.
3. Nipagin (500g.): Nipa Laboratories Ltd., Llantwit Fardre, Nr Pontipridd, South Wales CF38 2SN.
(B) Preparation
1. Mix LIVER, YEAST, SUCROSE and AGAR in a large beaker and add the water. Heat to boiling, with stirring, and continue to simmer
ARTIFICIAL DIET FOR LADYBIRDS 263
gently until all agar is dissolved and most lumps and particles are dispersed to produce a creamy liquid. Avoid excessive evaporation. (A Bunsen burner or microwave oven can be used.)
2. When almost ready, add 1 -2 ml. of the 10% NIPAGIN solution (if required), and continue to heat for a further 1 - 2 minutes to drive off alcohol.
3. Remove from the heat, add the MAPLE SYRUP and allow to cool to circa 50°C. Add the two VITAMIN PILLS which have previously been crushed and powdered in a pestle and mortar.
4. Stir thoroughly to dissolve and disperse. Then pour into suitable containers, cover and allow to cool and set. (The quantities recommended will fill five plastic petri dishes (90mm.) to a depth of circa 5mm.)
5. Store ina refrigerator until required.
(C) Use
Only small pieces of food need be used. Pieces circa lcm. square can be cut from the blocks using a small knife or scalpel. These will dry out over the course of a few days and will need to be replaced regularly. Sometimes half-dry food appears to be more attractive than completely fresh food. Ladybirds can be kept in small plastic containers such as petri dishes, but these need to be washed out and changed frequently (at least once a week), not only to avoid the build up of mould spores, but also to remove their own toxic waste products.
The unprotected food does not grow bacterial colonies because of the high sugar content recommended. But fungal growth can be rapid and cause a problem. The addition of a fungal inhibitor such as NIPAGIN reduces mould growth considerably and does not appear to be too poisonous to ladybirds at the low concentrations recommended. If in doubt, two batches should be prepared, one with fungicide and one without, and their performance compared.
Discussion
The agar/liver based artificial food described in this paper has been successfully used in maintaining the adults of many different species of ladybird and their larvae for the past three years. We ourselves have been mainly concerned with the Chilocorids, while Dr Majerus and his co-workers in this Department have successfully fed many of the other British species of ladybird on this food, and several species sent from overseas also.
Because it has proved so successful from the start we have had very little incentive, or time, to experiment with the recipe to try to improve it. It is quite possible that improvements could be made by changing
264 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.xi.1988
some of the ingredients, or their concentrations. Modifications would almost certainly improve its performance with different species and the addition of powdered host (Aphid or Coccid) material, as recommended by Smirnoff (1958) might also help with some species. One should feel free to experiment, as we have done, using the present recipe as a Starting point.
We have noted differences in its usefulness with adults and larvae of the same species. Thus, adults of Exochomus quadripustulatus and fully grown larvae accept the food with no difficulty and adults can be kept alive for almost 12 months on this artificial food alone, with no live food. The younger instars of Exochomus, however, find this food toxic and die soon after eating it. Similarly, adults of Anatis ocellata have been kept alive for 12 months on this food alone. Anatis larvae can be reared through to adults fed from early instars on this food (in the individual containers to avoid cannibalism), but larval secretions, or waste products, turn the food blocks black, and they should be changed every | - 2 days.
Although many species of ladybird can be kept alive for long periods of time on this food alone, they usually do not show mating behaviour unless their diet is supplemented by some live food. Of the species we have tried with this food, the one least interested in eating it in its present form is Cryptolaemus montrouzieri. This is unfortunate, in view of the widespread use of this ladybird in biological control programmes. No doubt changes could be made to the recipe to make it more acceptable to this species.
Other carniverous beetles and even Hemipterans have been fed with this artificial food and have found it acceptable. It is quite likely that variations of this recipe could be of wide applicability for the mass culture of carniverous insects in general, should the need arise.
References
Bain, J., P. Singh, M.D. Ashby and R.J. VanBoven 1984. Laboratory rearing of the predatory Coccinellid Cleobora mellyi (Col.: Coccinellidae) for biological control of Paropsis charybdis (Col.: Chyrosomelidae) in New Zealand. Entomophaga 29: 237-244.
Smith, B.C. 1965 a. Effects of food on the longevity, fecundity and develop- ment of adult Coccinellids (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Canad. Ent. 97: 910-919.
Smith, B.C. 1965 b. Growth and development of Coccinellid larvae on dry foods (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Canad. Ent. 97: 760-768.
Smith, B.C. 1965 c. Differences in Anattis mali Auct. and Coleomegilla macu- lata lengi Timberlake to change in the quality and quantity of the larval food (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Canad. Ent. 97: 1159-1166.
Smirnoff, W.A. 1958. An artificial diet for rearing Coccinellid beetles. Canad. Ent. 90: 563-565.
PRECIS FROBENIUSI 265
PRECIS FROBENIUSI (STRAND 1909) STAT. NOV. (LEPIDOPTERA — NYMPHALIDAE)
By L. McCLEOpD*
Introduction
The extreme seasonal polyphenism exhibited by some Precis species has in the past caused some confusion amongst taxonomists. Earlier this century, breeding one form from another finally proved some of these butterflies to be conspecific. It was this extensive variation within a species and the resulting confusion, together with its rarity in collections, which undoubtedly led to the incorrect classification of P. Srobeniusi.
For some years I have been investigating the seasonal polyphenism of certain African members of this genus (McLeod 1984) especially P. octavia Cramer and P. archesia Cramer. As one would expect, the range of seasonal variation within a species is limited and any deviation can immediately be recognised. During the studies of P. archesia I became well-acquainted with the range of variation between the two extreme phenotypes f. obsoleta Joicey and Talbot and f. pelasgis Godart (McLeod 1980). One of the forms of P. archesia previously described from West Africa was f. frobeniusi Strand, and I found the detailed description (after translation) to be rather puzzling. The insect did not readily fit into the normal range of variation exhibited by P. archesia.
I reproduct here my own translation of Strand’s original description:
‘‘archesia Cr. form Frobeniusi Strand n.v.
One specimen from Boola, two labelled : Liberian trip, north of Karawaui.
The two proximal of the four transverse bars of the cell, which are normally blue are here a thick bright red. The two distal are slightly lighter than the ground colour of the wings but are surrounded with a deep black border.
The discal bars and the submarginal bands are almost as in (P.) coelestina Dew., the discal bars are however slightly narrower, the sections in the species 1b, 2 and 3 are demarcated laterally by inward cuts and have bright white, broad-ringed pupils, of which that in space 2 is the largest.
The forewing discal bars divide as in coelestina but the distal branch is clearly resolved into spots, whereas the proximal is narrower posteriorly. The white pupils between them both are as on coelestina.
The sections of the red discal bars of the hindwings are smaller and have larger pupils than those of coelestina.
The submarginal bands are as on f. archesia but are more pronounced and the white marginal lunules are even more sharply marked.
* P.O. Box 1373, Somerset West, 7130, Republic of South Africa.
266 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.xi.1988
Blue or blue/white dusting of the hindwings as is normally found on the typical form is found here only on the tail appendage.
The ground colour is slightly darker.
The upperside is actually more similar to P. coelestina than P. archesia but the fact that it is a form of the later species is shown by the similarity of the undersides of the wings. Here, however, they appear cloudy and - more uni-coloured because the grey-whitish dusting, which in the case of f. archesia forms about 5 - 6 transverse lines of flashes, is completely or almost completely missing here. A darker submedian line on the hindwings ts difficult or impossible to recognise.
The reddish discal bar (of f. archesia) is here roughly red-brown with black pupils on the hindwings but with white pupils on the forewings approximately as in the typical form. However, those pupils in space 2 are considerably larger than the neighbouring ones, of which those in space 3 are just as clear as those in space Ib.
Wing span (male) approximately 50mm. Wing length 26-28mm.’”’
The illustration of this butterfly in Boorman & Roche (1959) did suggest to me that the insect was not in fact P. archesia but the photograph was in black and white. The above description plus a monochrome photograph were obviously inadequate information upon which to base conclusions. I therefore set out to locate further specimens. It soon became apparent that this butterfly was very rare in collections. In 1973 the British Museum had only one. This was the specimen figured in Boorman & Roche 1959. On seeing the single specimen in London it was immediately apparent to me that this butterfly was not a form of P. archesia but was a completely separate species. I decided that further specimens must be examined before raising it to species level. It was also noted that the specimen was a female and not a male as stated by Boorman & Roche.
Several other museums visited did not possess any examples of this butterfly. These included the Hope Department of Entomology, Oxford: the Museum Nationale, Paris: the Booth Museum of Natural History, Brighton (Hall Collection of Nymphalidae): the National Museum, Nairobi, Kenya: the National Museum, Pretoria, South Africa. The original three specimens upon which Strand based his description fortunately survived the bombing of Berlin during the second world war. While visiting the British Museum in 1973 I met R.G.T. St. Leger and on learning that he was soon to visit northern Nigeria I requested that he look out for this butterfly at Jos. Apparently he was lucky, and he later presented a further three specimens to the British Museum collection. These three individuals were all males.
In 1977 following further requests, I received ten specimens (5 males and 5 females) collected by W. Taylor at Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.
PRECIS FROBENIUSI 267
It is upon these fourteen specimens that I base the following description which I hope will stress some of the unique characters of this butterfly.
Description The wing patterns of both upperside and underside are typical of the genus and there appears to be little or no difference between the sexes. Females tend to be larger than the males. In the limited series examined the mean wingspans were: female 54mm and male 47mm.
Upperside
Both fore and hindwings closely resemble those of P. coelestina Dewitz. The main character which separates these two species is the post-discal bar, which is orange in both species, but tends to be slightly yellower in coelestina. The post discal bar of coelestina resembles a series of connected circles divided by the veins whereas that of frobeniusi is a definite bar with indentations at those points on each side where the veins traverse the bar. This gives the sections of post- discal bar within each space a characteristic wedge shape on both proximal and distal sides. The forewing post-discal bar divides as is typical for the genus, but the distal branch continues inwards along the apical margin of the forewing in spaces 8 and 9, and almost meets the end of the proximal branch. The ocelli situated in the posi-discal bar are usually white-pupilled but sometimes pupils are absent from the ocellus in space 3 of the forewing. The ocellus of space 2 is invariably the largest. The white-pupilled ocelli of spaces 4, 5 and 6 are situated between the two branches of the post-discal bar. The broken sub-marginal bands are orange (as in P. coelestina and P. limnora Klug.). Those of P. archesia, when they exist, are never orange. The inner submarginal band is indistinct and cream coloured whereas the outer submarginal band is a very pronounced orange. The ground colour is dark brown throughout.
On the hindwings there is a pronounced projection of the wing edge at vein 5, and a less prominent projection of vein 2. (These characters do not occur in P. archesia, P. coelestina and P. limnoria, but are found in certain other species eg. P. ceryne Boisdvl. f. tukuoa Wallengren and P. natalica Felder.)
Underside The undersides of both fore and hindwings are a poor reflection of their uppersides.
The post-discal bar is less pronounced and is pale brown in colour, contrasting greatly with the dark brown of the basal half-of the wings. The contrast is enhanced by a very narrow cream line which divides the post-discal bar from the basal half of the wing.
White pupils can be present in the small ocelli of the forewings but are often lacking on the hindwings.
A very dark circular area surrounds the ocellus of space 2 of the forewing. This dark area also shows a tendency to spread around the ocellus of space 3 and is an important distinguishing character.
The transverse bars of the cell of the forewing are here pale brown. Towards the wing bases of the hindwings are to be seen pale brown and greyish markings, the patterns of which are typical of this group of Precis spp.
The submarginal bands are here merged into one which can range in colour from cream, through pink to violet.
Distribution 1. Northern Nigeria. Confirmed locality: Jos, Bauchi (Plateau State). 2. Liberia? Unconfirmed (north of Karawaui cited by Strand 1909). 3. Upper Guinea? Unconfirmed (Boola cited by Strand 1909).
268 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.xi.1988
No mention of this butterfly appears in Butterflies of Liberia (Fox et al. 1965). Most Precis species have wide ranges of distribution. The apparent limitation of this butterfly to the Plateau State of northern Nigeria tends to stress the relatively unusual conditions existing there. This fact is also reflected in other sections of the fauna.
Genitalia
Three preparations were made of male genitalia of P. frobeniusi. Unfortunately these were lost (together with those of P. archesia) during a move from France to South Africa in 1984. Consequently a detailed description cannot be given. Pencil sketches made at the time show that although the general appearance of the male genitalia of P. frobeniusi and P. archesia were similar, there were some obvious differences. The arrangement of the row of chitinous teeth of the valve was different in each species. Although the variation in arrangement of the teeth was fairly considerable within a species, differences between the two species enabled identification in the small sample available.
Habits
This butterfly is common at the beginning of the dry season, which lasts from October until May. It is particularly found along streams and
TABLE SHOWING IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FOUR PRECIS SPECIES
12 [P. P. 12 Srobeniusi limnoria coelestina archesia 1. The edge of the hind wing extends into a small appendage at the extremity of vein 5 + = — — 2. A smaller hind wing appendage is present at the extremity of vein 2 + = — — 3. The submarginal bands are orange. + ati +5 = 4. The post discal bar resembles a number of connected rings. _~ - + + (f.chapunga) 5. The distal branch of the forewing post-discal bar extends inwards along the apical margin to almost join the proximal branch + — = = 6. That portion of the post-discal bar in cell 2 of the forewing has the largest pupil. + — + = 7. Seasonal polyphenism — + = + 8. Distribution Nigeria East & East & West East, Central Central Africa South &
Africa SW Africa
PRECIS FROBENIUSI 269
Fig. 1 (Top). Precis frobeniusi (Strand, 1909). Female upperside (x 1.34). Fig. 2 (Below). As above. Female underside. (x 1.34).
270 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.xi.1988
stream beds in the dry savannah country between Jos and Bauchi. It is also fond of roosting in quarries. November is the month when the species is most numerous and it is blown far and wide by the wind, the Harmattan, a cool wind blowing southward from the Sahara. It is rarely seen between the end of December and May, when the rains begin, because it is aestivating, but occasional tattered specimens do appear.
The butterfly is noticeable for two reasons. Firstly, like most Precis species, it is attracted by garden flowers. Jos, being the centre of Nigerian tin mining and a hill station, has many nice gardens. Secondly, after emerging, the butterflies search for suitable places to roost and aestivate and thus find their way into buildings.
A wet season form is not described and it is quite likely that differences in pigmentation and wing shape are not pronounced between the two seasons. A single specimen taken in May 1975 by Mr Roberts, a biologist at the University of Jos, is at present the only fresh specimen known by the writer to have been taken during the wet season. The butterfly was apparently newly emerged and had straighter wing edges than the dry season form. It is unusual that P. frobeniusi is less common during the wet season. Other Precis species eg. P. octavia Cramer and P. antilope Feisth. are commoner during the wet season than during the dry season.
The importance of P. frobeniusi lies in its relatively limited distribution when compared with other species of the genus. A greater knowledge of its distribution, the physical or climatic factors which led to its segregation, and its present biological requirements, will greatly improve our understanding of speciation within the genus Precis.
Conclusion
Whilst the original description made by Strand of Precis archesia f. frobeniusi remains valid, the evidence presented in this paper suggests that frobeniusi is a distinct species.
References
Boorman, J. and Roche, P. 1959. The Nigerian Butterflies Part V: Nymphalidae Ibadan University Press.
Fox, R.M., Lindsey, A.W., Clench, H.K. & Miller L.D. 1965. The Butterflies of Liberia. Mem. Amer. Ent. Soc. 19: 1-438.
McLeod, L. 1980. Precis archesia ugandensis (Lep.: Nymphalidae) A New Subspecies. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 92: 109-113.
McLeod, L. 1984. Seasonal Polyphenism in African Precis Butterflies in the Biology of Butterflies. Symposium of the Royal Entomological Society of London 11: 313-315. Academic Press, London.
Strand, E. 1909. Lepidoptera von Ober-Guinea und Sudan: gesammelt von Herrn Leo Frobenius. Archiv fur Naturgeschichte 75(1): 303-311.
Owen, D.F. 1971. Adaptation to man-made Environments and Phenology in Precis butterflies. Rev. Zool. Bot. Afr. LX XXIII (3-4): 361-373.
RECENT DIPTERA RECORDS 271
SOME RECENT RECORDS OF UNCOMMON DIPTERA IN SOUTH HERTFORDSHIRE
By A. GODFREY*
From 1985 to 1987 a casual survey of certain Diptera families was undertaken in the Watford area of South Hertfordshire. Details of part of this survey, along with lists of craneflies, larger Brachycera and hoverflies are given elsewhere (Godfrey in prep.). Mention of some of the more uncommon and interesting species observed amongst the other families studied is given below.
DITOMYIDAE
Ditomyia fasciata (Meigen). Easily recognised because of its banded wings this is a nationally uncommon species associated with beech (Fagus sylvatica) woods. This species was found to be frequent in Whippendell Wood, one mile west of Watford, on or about beech logs, in the southern part of the wood TQ 076974. Dates taken include 12.x.1985, 13.x.1985 and 28.iv.1986.
LONCHOPTERIDAE
Lonchoptera scutellata Stein P. One female was taken in a water trap containing a weak formalin and detergent solution placed amongst Typha latifolia in the marsh at Cassiobury Park Nature Reserve, 2 mile west of Watford TQ 089975 on 25.111. 1987.
PIPUNCULIDAE
Nephrocerus flavicornis Zett. One male in water trap on 14.vii.1986, in Harrocks, 1'% miles west of Watford TQ 068978. The trap was placed in a clearing by the footpath in secondary woodland dominated by hazel (Corylus avellana) coppice. Scrub vegetation in the clearing includes Euphorbia amygdaloides, Prunella vulgaris, Epilobium sp. and Rubus sp. (All references to Harrocks Wood below refer to this site.)
OTITIDAE
Physiphora alceae Preyssler. Until recently known as P. demandata. Whilst not rare, this species is unfamiliar to many and not often recorded. It is a species that likes sun and is mostly seen in hot weather. One female was taken basking on a beech log, Whippendell Wood, Watford, TQ 076974 on 27.vii.1985.
MEGAMERINIDAE Megamerina dolium (Fabricius). One female on 17.ix.1985, one male on 13.viii.1986, in water trap in clearing in woodland, Harrocks Wood,
*Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough PE] 1UA.
D2, ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.xi.1988
ford TQ 068978. Chandler (1975) gives an account of the distribution and biology of this local species and mentions the previous Hertfordshire record from Northaw Great Wood in 1966 collected by A.E. Stubbs and C.O. Hammond. It is thought that this species develops in rotting wood but this still has to be proved.
PSILIDAE
Chyliza scutellata Fabricius. A female was taken on 17.vii.1986 in a water trap in Harrocks Wood, TQ 068978. A male and second female were subsequently taken in the same manner on 19.vili.1986.
CLUSIIDAE
Paraclusio tigrina (Fallen). One male of this rare species was taken on the sawn end of a beech log in Whippendell Wood TQ 076974 on 12.x.1985. A second male was taken a few yards away on another beech log on 1.viii. 1987. Chandler (1973) gives a useful account of this species. Like other clusiids, this species probably develops in rotting wood.
DROSOPHILIDAE
Leucophenga maculata (Dufour). Usually on or about bracket fungi on beech logs. Records include one male and one female on beech logs in Whippendell Wood TQ 076974 on 28.iv.1986, one female on fungi on silver birch (Betula pendula) log in Bricket Wood, Watford TQ 127007 on 3.v.1986, three females on beech logs, Whippendell Wood TQ 076974 on 13.vii.1986 and one female hovering around beech stump, Whippendell Wood TQ 073976 on 1.viii.1987. This species is known to be a fungus feeder and also visits Ganoderma brackets with Drosophila confusa (Chandler pers. Comm.).
Stegana nigrithorax Strobl. Frequent on beech logs in Whippendell Wood. Dates include one female on 28.1x.1985, three females on 13.vii.1986, and one female on 29.vii.1986, all TQ 076974.This species has been bred from the fungus Hypoxylon fragiforme growing on beech bark and it may be worth noting that a Hypoxylon species is abundant on the beech logs from where the flies were taken. Determination of this species follows the recent revision by Chandler (1987).
TACHINIDAE Alophora hemiptera (Fabricius). A distinctive species of ‘parasite fly’ because of its resemblance to a bug. Taken in a water trap in Harrocks Wood, Watford TQ 068978 on the following dates, one male, 9.vi.1986, one male 22.vi.1986, and one female 15.ix.1986.
Hemyda vittata (Meigen). A rare species confined in Britain to
Hertfordshire and Sussex but no doubt overlooked. Originally recorded as new to Britain from nearby Whippendell Wood in 1956 by Barfoot
RECENT DIPTERA RECORDS 273
(1957). Details of other captures may be found in Chandler (1976) and Jones (1978). One male taken in water trap, Harrocks Wood, Watford TQ 068978 on 15.ix.1986.
Subclytia rotundiventris (Fallen). Another rare species originally added as new to the British list by Wainwright (1940) from a specimen taken by J.E. Collin from Farley Down, Hampshire and recorded from only a few localities since (see for example Chandler 1976). One male taken on 15.viii. 1985; one male and one female on 27.vi.1986, and one male on 22.vii.1986, all in water trap, Harrocks Wood, Watford TQ 068978.
Servillia ursina (Meigen). One of the early spring species and consequently probably overlooked. Several specimens were taken in an open grassy area in Bishop’s Wood, Rickmansworth, TQ 068919 on 2.v.1986.
Acknowledgements
My warmest thanks to Peter Chandler for his help in checking identifications and for useful comments on the species mentioned above. Alan Stubbs kindly checked the specimen of L. scutellata. For permission to collect in Whippendell Wood, I would like to thank Watford Borough Council and the Nature Conservancy Council. For permission to collect in Cassiobury Park Nature Reserve my thanks are tendered to the Hertfordshire & Middlesex Wildlife Trust.
References
Barfoot, S.D. 1987. Phania vittata Meig., A Tachinid fly new to Britain. Entomologist’s Mon. Mag., 93: 85.
Chandler, P.J. 1973. Some Diptera and other Insects associated with decaying elms (U/mus procera Salisbury) at Bromley, Kent, with some additional obser- vations on these and related species. Entomologist’s Gaz., 24: 329-346.
Chandler, P.J. 1975. Notes on the British-Status.of Three Unusual Acalyptrate Flies (Diptera). Proc. Brit. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc., 1975, 66-72.
Chandler, P.J. 1976. Notes on some Uncommon Calyptrate Flies (Diptera) Observed during recent years. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var., 88: 14-19.
Chandler, P.J. 1987. The British species of Stegana Meigen (Diptera:-Droso- philidae) — Deletion of S. furta (Linn) and addition of four species of the coleoptrata (Scop.) Group. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var., 99: 115-124.
Godfrey, A. Diptera in South Hertfordshire; 1985-1987, Part 1 Craneflies (Tipulidae) and related families (Trichiceridae, Ptychopteridae and Aniso- podidae); Part 2 Larger Brachycera; Part 3 Hoverflies (Syrphidae). Trans. Herts. Nat. Hist. Soc., (in prep.).
Jones, R. 1978. Some Interesting Diptera Taken in 1976 in Sussex. Entomolo- gist’s mon. Mag., 113: 124.
Wainwright, C.J. 1940. The British Tachinidae (Diptera): Second Supplement. Trans. R. Ent. Soc. London, 1940, 90: 411-448.
274 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.xi.1988
RHAGONYCHA LUTEA (MULLER, O.F.) AND OTHER UNCOMMON CANTHAR- IDAE (COLEOPTERA) IN WEST WALES.— A short visit to Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire in June 1988 produced an excellent range of Cantharidae of which the most interesting was Rhagonycha lutea. All records of this species known to me are English, from Yorkshire southwards, and across to Gloucestershire. A single example was taken on 22nd June by beating oak foliage along the western edge of Tycanol Wood (SN 090370) in North Pembs. A single R. translucida (Krynicki) was also taken from the oaks and appears to be new to South Wales. Other members of the family taken were Malthinus flaveolus (Herbst) and Malthodes marginatus (Latreille). Tycanol Wood is a grazed sessile oak wood which was formerly managed as coppice.
Another sessile oak wood — mature standards this time — along Garron Pill, Lawrenny (SN 014076), in South Pembs, produced Malthodes guttifer Kiesenwetter. Two males swept from bracken and woodrush beneath the oaks on 2nd July were the only cantharids taken during the visit. This is a new species to the county.
On 21st June, D.K. Clements swept a single Malthinus balteatus Suffrian from ash in a wooded stream valley at Llwynwermod, Cardiganshire (SN 373579) — new to that county.
I would like to record my thanks to Dr S.B. Evans for permission to sample in Tycanol National Nature Reserve. Llwynwermod is a property of the National Trust. K.N.A. ALEXANDER, National Trust, Spitalgate Lane, Cirencester, Glos GL7 2DE.
ADISTEMIA WATSONI WOLL. (COL.: LATHRIDIIDAE): A THIRD OCCUR- RENCE IN WEST KENT.— I was much pleased to find, for the first time, a specimen of this tiny but very gracefully-formed beetle crawling on a page of an open book on my kitchen table on the night of 20th March, 1988. Whence it got there is, in the common phrase, ‘‘any body’s guess’’ and I have not, to date, found another individual, let alone an infes- tation; but fruit of various kinds from local shops is always on the table, so the beetle ( a mould feeder like the rest of its family) may perhaps have been brought in on some such provender. The species is, however, spreading slowly to outdoor habitats in certain areas and could possibly by now be established locally. The records are widely scattered — see R.C. Welch (1984, Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 120: 206), who gives a useful summary of its British history. The present find of A. watsoni is not the first for West Kent, as it has occurred at Hayes and Bromley (in buildings). — A.A ALLEN, 49 Montcalm Road, Charlton, London SE7 8QG.
CLEORODES LICHENARIA HUEN., THE BRUSSELS LACE (LEP.: GEOMETRI- DAE) IN BRITTANY— At the beginning of June, 1988, whilst surveying moths on the Cap Sizun nature reserve in Brittany, I had pointed out to me a number of green geometrid larvae feeding on the exposed north- western faces of lichen covered rocks on the cliffs. From their colour,
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 275
they were quite obviously Cleorodes lichenaria; this was confirmed when I was shown black and white photographs of the imagos. The reserve is treeless, being very similar to the grass and heather covered cliffs of Cornwall. The most common moths here were Ceramica pisi L., Hada nana Hufn, Hadena confusa Hufn, Hadena perplexa perplexa D. & S. and Spilosoma lubricipeda L.
The larvae were very well camouflaged, feeding on Ramalina siliquosa. There were a number of pupae, in silken cases covered with tiny fragments of lichen and fastened to the lichen fronds. On 3rd and 4th June I collected two cases, and two adults emerged, one on 14th June, the other between 18th and 22nd June. They were much lighter than any British specimen I have seen; one had a light dusting of green scales, the other was a plain light brown colour. It may be that lighter coloured moths are better camouflaged when resting on the granite rocks.
My reference books suggest that Cleorodes lichenaria feeds on lichens on trees and fence posts. They have been recorded from Mull, where I at first thought that the larvae must feed on lichen-covered rocks, but I was told that there are some stunted trees here that could provide the substratum for the lichens (Bernard Skinner, pers. comm.). The moth is common in Cornwall, even in some coastal districts e.g. Porth- gworra, but there are always trees nearby. I have yet to find the larvae on coastal rocks in Cornwall. A. SPALDING, Tregarne, Cusgarne, Truro, Cornwall.
SPHAEROPHORIA VIRGATA GOELDLIN DE TIEFENAU (DIPT.: SYRPHIDAE) IN HEREFORDSHIRE.— The paper by C.W. Plant (1988, Entomologist’s Rec.J. Var.,100:73), on the occurrence of this and other species of Sphaerophoria/in the Wyre Forest, Worcestershire, prompts me to record my capture of a single male specimen of S. virgata at Hough Wood, Hereford, on 22nd July 1980. I cannot recall the nature of the locality but it would most probably have been a woodland “‘ride’’ environment.
I am obliged to Dr M.C.D. Speight for confirming my original identification. — ROY CROSSLEY, 46 St. David’s Road, Otley, West Yorkshire LS21 2AW.
PERIZOMA SAGITTATA FAB. AND LOMOGRAPHA BIMACULATA FAB. — TWO SPECIES OF LEPIDOPTERA NEW TO YORKSHIRE.— A single specimen of the marsh carpet, Perizoma sagittata, was taken in Askham Bog, near York, on the night of 10th July 1987 by myself and Peter Forder. This locality is some 40 miles north of the known sites for the species in north Nottinghamshire. Mr S.M. Jackson found a larva in the bog during August, confirming that the species breeds here.
On the night of 11th June 1988, I was working m.v. lights with Peter Forder in Bishop Wood near Selby. It was a poor night for moths, with only 40 species noted at the traps; however, two specimens of
276 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.xi.1988
Lomographa bimaculata, the white-pinion spotted, were a pleasant surprise. Although well known from parts of Cumbria, these are apparently the first genuine records from Yorkshire and may indicate a spread in distribution, though from a southerly direction, as the moth was first recorded from the neighbouring county of Derbyshire for the first time in 1986. N. GILL, 3 Wentworth Drive, Emley, Huddersfield, Yorks.
[NOTE: bimaculata was also reported for the first time in Leicestershire (1985), Shropshire (1986) and Nottinghamshire (1987). BS.]
DIORYCTRIA SCHUETZEELLA FUCHS (LEP.: PHYCITINAE) IN NORTHAMP- TONSHIRE.— On the night of July 15th 1988 I was operating an m.v. lamp on the Bucks/Northants border close to the small town of Olney. About midnight a small and interesting looking moth appeared on the sheet which I collected for closer examination. On consulting Goater (1986) British Pyralid Moths, it proved to be Dioryctia schuetzeella, a recent arrival to these shores hitherto confined to the extreme south- eastern counties.
The lamp was being run close to quite a large plantation of Norway spruce, Picea abies, the larval foodplant of this moth. On the same night, my wife boxed a specimen of the cloaked pug, EFupithecia abietaria Goeze from the vegetation near to the sheet. This is an interesting, but not unique, capture for the area. C.E. HIGGs, The Cottage, Willen, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK15 9AD.
DIORYCTRIA SCHUETZEELLA FUCHS (LEP.: PHYCITINAE) IN CAMBRIDGE- SHIRE.— While light trapping with Bernard Skinner at Chippenham Fen, Cambridgeshire on the night of 18th July 1988, two Dioryctria schuetzeella were noted at m.v. This appears to be a new county record and the most northerly occurrence in England of this predominantly Kentish moth. Permission to visit Chippenham Fen granted by the Nature Conservancy Council, is acknowledged with thanks.— J.M. CHALMERS-HUNT, | Hardcourts Close, West Wickham, Kent.
TWO NEW LEPIDOPTERA RECORDS, AND A CORRECTION, FROM CARDIGAN- SHIRE.— In 1988 the Nature Conservancy Council published The Moths of Ceredigan by A.P. Fowles (Nature Conservation Series No. 8). sie this I would like to add two further records — firstly Furcula bicuspis Borkh., a single specimen taken at Trawscoed, near Aberystwyth, on the first week of June 1956, and secondly Odezia atrata L. — a long established colony occurs in an ancient pasture at an altitude of some
400 ft near Aberystwyth. Fowles (loc. cit., p.65) quotes ‘*. . . P.M. Miles reported nineteen [Enargia ypsillon D. & S.] from Yns-las dunes NNR .. .’’. This is an
accurate reproduction from my paper on the moths Dyfi National
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS PaiL|
Nature Reserve (Entomologist’s mon. Mag. 116: 246-252). Unfortu- nately, this record was in error, and referred to Agrotis ipsilon Hufn. (mis-spelt as ypsilon). Enargia ypsillon D. &. S. has not been recorded here since the 1930s, when Dr Salter took four specimens at Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth. P.M. MILES, Werndeg, Cnwch Coch, Aberystwyth, Dyfed SY23 4LQ.
TWO NOTABLE GARDEN BEETLES .— Athous campyloides Newm. (dif- formis Lac.) is, I think, quite uncharacteristic of gardens at all events in the London suburbs, and its recent occurrence in my very modest one in that area was a surprise indeed. A female of this click-beetle was found (2.vii.88) half-exposed in a slight horizontal burrow in the soil surface under a brick, one of a group laid down as beetle traps in a rough wild corner of the garden. By an odd chance, an example of the common A. haemorrhoidalis had occurred under that same brick in May, first as a larva and a fortnight later as an adult. A. campyloides, a highly localised but gregarious crepuscular species, is always very much rarer in the female sex, this being only my second specimen; in 1977 I had encountered the males freely on a restricted part of Woolwich Common near here, as usual by sweeping long grass towards dusk (Ent. Rec. 90: 279). The females may well be strictly nocturnal and perhaps spend much of their time in the larval burrows. I kept the Charlton one alive the rest of that day and night, but it showed no increase in activity, remaining very sluggish; it was perfectly mature. The season for the species is mid-July to mid-August, and I shall hope to find further signs of its breeding at the spot.
(Up to now (mid-August) none have been found. Yet another Athous — bicolor Gz. — inhabits the garden, though not seen in recent years, and never elsewhere in the district; this last is true also of the weevil Trachyphloeus aristatus Gyll. Both species, therefore, may have been introduced there with plants.)
On 12th June, tapping over a net an isolated plant of Mercurialis annua which had sprung up in the front garden produced eight specimens of Apion semivittatum Gyll. — the weevil’s presence being suggested by small holes in the leaves, not previously noticed. Ever since taking a very few in another part of the district in 1979 (Ent. Rec. 91:773), I had kept a frequent look-out for the insect on its food-plant where this had strayed a little from front garden-edges in the vicinity, but without finding it again until now. Since I wrote, the annual mercury has increased largely hereabouts, and is no longer the short- lived autumnal plant that it then appeared to be; it is now in evidence from spring or early summer onwards in many suitable spots. Consequently, A. semivittatum is probably by this time quite common in the district. I have heard of the beetle from a Wiltshire garden recently, so it seems to be still spreading.— A.A. ALLEN, 49 Montcalm Road, Charlton, London SE7 8QG.
278 ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD, VOL. 100 15.xi.1988
The Butterflies of Hertfordshire by Brian Sawford. 195pp. 23 pages of colour plates. Numerous maps and half-tone illustrations. Boards. Castlemead Publications, 1987. £15.00 ISBN 0-948555-03-3.
In recent years a number of books on the theme ‘‘the butterflies of such and such a County’’ have been published, and readers may be forgiven for wondering if there is anything else of value to say about British butterflies. Happily, the result of assiduous recording and observation in the hands of a capable author can still produce a worthwhile and readable text.
In the current book, the first eight chapters cover a general perspective on the County of Hertford, its geology, soils, landscape, climate, major butterfly habitats — many of these illustrated by half- tone photographs — and historical notes on Hertfordshire butterflies and their study including a useful list of major collections and their current locations.
Treatment of individual species occupies the bulk of the text, and takes the form of an interesting narrative, rather than the mechanistic listings that have appeared in so many butterfly books. The distribution of each resident and, peculiarly, some immigrants is illustrated by a large, clear tetrad map and each of the 46 species is illustrated by a half- page colour photograph of a living insect. The narrative concludes with a chapter on conservation and the future of Hertfordshire’s butterflies. Appendices give a list of some organisations concerned with recording and conservation, a note on tetrad mapping and a gazeteer of locations mentioned in the text together with their tetrad reference allowing, perhaps too easily, individual sites to be identified. A bibliography and index complete the book.
A brief review cannot do justice to this informative and well-written text. This aside, the substance to the text contains frequent references to local extinctions, declines, habitat loss and deterioration, and the concluding chapter on the future of butterflies in the county does not paint a particularly rosy picture, and the author forcibly underscores the action and vigilance needed to check further decline. Sadly, his words could equally apply to many Counties in the British Isles.
The colour illustrations, by the author, are aesthetically and technically of high quality, but there is no common magnification or any indication of scale so that, for example, a striking underside of a brown hairstreak appears larger than a Camberwell beauty! A number of the photographs have been published previously in The butterflies of Sussex by Mendel and Piotrowski (reviewed in this journal 98:262) — an identical photograph of the brown argus is printed upside-down in one of the books!
CURRENT LITERATURE 279
Insects and Other Invertebrates in Classical Antiquity by Ian C. Beavis. 269pp. Boards. University of Exeter, 1988. £40.00 ISBN 0-85989-284-0.
It is unusual to find two books on such a highly specialised theme being published within a couple of years of each other, but in many respects this is fortunate as the current work does much to extend and complement Greek Insects by M. Davies and J. Kathirithamby published in 1986.
Dr Beavis attempts to provide a comprehensive survey of those insects and terrestial invertebrates which are referred to by Greek and Roman authors from the earliest times to AD600. The work excludes the honey- bee, and insect types found in art, fable and poetry. The role of each invertebrate type in Classical life and thought is discussed, including popular beliefs, general attitudes towards particular animals, their significance as domestic or agricultural pests (and measures employed for controlling them) and practical uses to man such as sources of food, medicines and particular products (eg silk).
Although primarily a scholarly work, the text is packed with fascinating snippets — accepting that quoting out of context runs the risk of trivialising a work, we learn, for example, that Pliny recommends a cossus larva, either crushed or applied directly, or burnt and applied with anise, as an effective treatment for all types of ulcer. Ants, clearly a pest in ancient times, receive good coverage — from discussions on the nature of ants and their societies to practical remedies for dealing with infestations of garden ants: these range from the sensible sprinkling of nests with powdered origanon and sulphur (Aristotle) to the baffling placement of a bat’s heart at the entrance to a nest (Dionysius).
The general reader may find the text a little hard going — a working knowledge of classical literature and the ability to read phonetic Greek, although by no means essential, is a distinct help.
A CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS
Over the past few years the regular publication of the Record combined with an increase in the number of pages in each issue has considerably reduced the backlog of material, particularly papers, awaiting publication.
In order to maintain a varied selection of papers, notes and observations in the Journal we would like to receive material from readers for possible publication in the Record. Short notes, long notes and papers are equally welcome, on all aspects of entomology. Editor.
Just published
The Dragonflies of Europe written and illustrated by R. R. Askew
In this, the first book written originally in English to be devoted to the entire European fauna, the author's aim is to simplify the identification of dragonflies and to promote interest in them. In his Foreword, Professor P. S. Corbet, President of the British Dragonfly Society, writes that he is ‘confident this aim will be achieved’, adding that naturalists ‘will be indebted to Dr. Askew for the dedication, knowledge and artistic skill he has displayed when preparing this book’.
The text contains chapters on life history, the adult dragonfly, distribution of European dragonflies (with colour photographs of habitats), and morphology, followed by a check list, keys and descrip- tions, with maps showing national boundaries for the 114 species found in Europe. An additional 24 species found in bordering regions are also briefly described. There follow keys to the final-instar larvae, an extensive bibliographical reference section with over 500 entries, 29 superb colour plates of adults and a comprehensive index. The text is illustrated with over 500 line-drawings.
This will undoubtedly become the standard work of reference on European Odonata.
292pp. incl. 31 col. pls 29 x 21cm clothbound ISBN 0 946589 10 0 £49.95 net (detailed colour prospectus available)
In production
Grasshoppers and allied Insects of Great Britain and Ireland by Judith Marshall and Christopher Haes; illustrated by Denys Ovenden
This is the first work for very many years to cover all the orthopteroid orders comprising the bush-crickets, crickets, grasshoppers, earwigs and stick-insects. It gives full descriptions of the 52 species found in the British Isles, including the Channel Islands, and details of their life-history and behaviour, habitat and distribution, with vice-county and dot-distribution maps of records received to the end of 1987. Each species is illustrated in colour showing sexual dimorphism, colour forms and nymphs; text figures highlight diagnostic differences. This work also stresses the vital importance of habitat conservation for many of these insects which are already on the edge of their range.
The comprehensive introductory section, with contributions by specialist authors, includes chapters on nomenclature and classification; a history of the study of Orthoptera; distribution and history of British species (D. R. Ragge); life history; song and courtship; predators, parasites and diseases; locating and collecting; rearing and culturing; sound recording (J. F. Burton); and photography (R. & C. Foord).
The systematic section contains a check list of species mentioned in the text, a comprehensive key to and detailed descriptions of the British species and an account of the casual and migrant species.
In the section on habitats (including twelve colour photographs of habitat types) is detailed information of particular value to the ecologist and conservationist. Appendices include charts of offshore island and vice-county records; outstanding sites; and a list of about 800 localities mentioned in the text, with grid reference and vice-county location. Extensive references, ten superb colour plates and an index of scientific and English names complete the book.
In his Foreword, Dr. Ragge writes that ‘this new work will fill a long-standing need’ and ‘is sure to. . . be the standard reference work for many years to come’.
approx. 240pp. incl. 12 col. pis 25 x 20cm clothbound ISBN 0 946589 13 5 £25.00 net
Already available:
A Sound Guide to the Grasshoppers and allied Insects of Great Britain and Ireland ISBN 0 946589 224 = £5.75 incl. VAT
Cassette of songs (30 mins — 26 species) specially made for Harley Books by John Burton of the BBC Natural History Unit with commentary by David R. Ragge.
Order from your bookseller or direct from Harley Books, adding £2.00 Bc title and 50p for the cassette to cover p.&p. Complete catalogue on request.
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THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S RECORD AND JOURNAL OF VARIATION
(Founded by J.W. TUTT on 15th April 1890)
CONTENTS
The history and loss of the Lewes wave, Scopula immorata L. (Lep.:
Geometnidac)s ©. \Prant sna sh Ga wee) Be es, ee ee ek Re Ee ee a A real menace to butterflies: the gardening correspondent. B.O.C.
Gardiner . . Si xa Ma SURE) eee gran) Cornish names for aes. A. seaiaiee aed iL, Teen : 253 Trimium brevicorne Reich. (Col. he au pe discoveredii in Tasers.
K.N.A. Alexander . . 255 Mesapamea species (Lep. Ne camdeana in Shomer? in 1 1986. A. M. Riley
and J.E. Southwood . . 257. Elphinstonia charlonia (Lep. pierce) aad Paneer - icarus (ae ;
Lycaenidae) on Lanzarote. D.E. Owen. . . 259 An artificial diet for maintaining ladybirds. S.A. Henderson and
J.S.M. Albrecht . . 261 Precis frobeniusi (Strand 1909) Stat. Nov. (Lepidoptera Mornpheheacy:
EMeLeods” ). 265 Some recent records ae uncommon Dass in ont Bertone
Ae GOAT CVG Ao tah ee Ber, Went gE Mer rena! NY See Ree ee oan eee TTA
Notes and observations
A long way from home. W.J. Tennent. . Pena r) Dhen ea Mem Loe fy? 1) Nola confusalis H.-S. (Lep.) in Essex. C. W. ia. SD Seva eae Book talk 10. J.M. Chalmers-Hunt. . . be er e Tieng ce ieee ee Morocco revisited — a correction. W.J. Tern. Seer p itn ihh en oneg sh 260 Silver-washed fritillary in Surrey. D.S. Burrows. . . 260 Rhagonycha lutea (Col.) and other uncommon Cantharidae in es
Wales. K.N.A. Alexander. . . of et, Te Adestemia watsoni (Col.) third occurrence in West Kent. A. A. Allen oe aE: Cleorodes lichenaria, the Brussels Lace (Lep.) in Brittany. A. Spalding. . 275 Sphaerophoria virgata (Dipt.) in Hertfordshire. R. Crossley. . . DAS Perizoma sagittata and Lomographa bimaculata (Lep.) new to Tene
shires iN|Gill = ©. ee) Dioryctria schuetzeella To. lin eombadeesire J. M. Cainer int 276 Dioryctria schuetzeella (Lep.) in Northamptonshire. C.E. Higgs . . . 276 Two new Lepidoptera records, and a correction, from cere
PME Miles... Ue ai nee Ak, ogee baie eI) ¢) Two notable garden teeiles. A. A. Allen pyle Ne ae Pmcl st Swe Oe eee oe Patt Current; Htenatureyc | igs oe, a ee aoe as 278- 279
SPECIAL NOTICE. The Editor would be willing to consider the purchase of a limited number of back issues. .
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The Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation
SPECIAL INDEX
COMPILED BY S. N. A. JACOBS (LEPIDOPTERA) AND A. A. ALLEN (OTHER ORDERS)
Newly described taxa (species, genera etc.) are distinguished by bold type. Taxa new to Britain or newly recognised as British are denoted by an asterisk.
Vol. 100, 1988
hit Fy i)
LEPIDOPTERA
=~ Page
A ings
PHBE toi. se eta eee 3) AEC CIMAGWS es ales cs eee 35) PERCH ANCE ET ih es nee ee eee 186 CERSMC EM aa ss a eee tere 140 AGHOICCMPPTS. cos so eee eee Wl eee 89 PE ITD oc a = or ied 89 BEMCOHNCIISTI ss 4s. sek osleeyes ee cee eh ACHEOMONAMUS. » oss se en ek ee eee 29 Aeurancul lla ee ee 157 EiB TOTES 0. 5, 92S cepa ete en ew 241 PS PCISC Meee ar a otae ee 28: AGRIGUOMMIE ie kilos Gee ee oe 236 REP CHIR kas 1, 86, 142 TRAC PEP APMIIT oP eke oe 126 Acauniclemeenlar ss. (seis sin oe 123 ACRABAIIANEE. ©. 1.0700: Sick ah Pee 128 AC HMCRAMIEES 8452705 oot s Se 127 ACHUSl Ae ess ee eh kt a Se 230 ACS CUlanIa ee eG eet. eee 42 Feihiemeraloinicay sn. es che eee 32 BEING” SAAR Nee ee a a ea 59 ASeSHISIChAMENA . 2.5. .0.4556- 30; 782211 SRACAGAUE Shen re totenatetetatue ne Shee Ons 133 BN SET SG hg a 128 aibicapitella «tector Sees PE 122 2) CTC a . een nes, Renee mee: 124 A IMMACWIE A=... «.\2.6clsdorott vatenw Ae ee 124 ABIPUNCUs: .. +n hens ees os 23, 180, 230 aempnnondaneracleanUS:...102..5.. Ne. «- 372 MEV ONEICAT OM)... -.).0..0 sete ee 34 PUM CA ey eo: otecsns rad ion fare ane ee 30 2 NC) (ere 47 BITC (1c 2 eee ee Re ae 128, 175, 226 ROSA AE 6 orcs sete +5 ca hare cron meow oe 25) ainandarab@elaziz ....-.....s:-n<..5 eee 32 AMA AIS ae): sc... a Se 128 AHS AC 6 4. ocr ioe ne, oe 122
Page aneuliaseiella: -..25.4.44-%..2e5eeee 120 aneustelias. 6s. 2 tRs.2. skeen he eee 129 annulatellas. .sk.s.:.52> 552 eee 123 ANTEKOS!s O45 wise eee ons yee 93 ANMOPa= = 2 :.!2%2: 34 0G here eee ee 227 ANGMAR: cs .o05 Se Se SS ee 236 aprilellas@: t st 23) ss-s373 42/2 eee 125 aquilonaris scandinavica ........... 196 arcana’ < ov .6 ss sceae oe ee 86 AarCaniOidés:..~. 2 .%%s aeenk oe 29 archesiaw: vin. .n sce ore oe eee 265 arcuellaw cncsand4 ts, ene eee 127 anciades 5 «3a toc. nek xs 2b cs See 89 arciolusiparaleuca’...% 2.2... J32ee 133 arplOliS.ca.. == s54innen ss sae heen 29 ATOMS Pe ees oe Oe a ee 88 AES VROPEZA: c= ac soe ca ee 120 AGI AW PS coats os et ee oe eee 119 CUI OH eben bak on ene EGS ata ae 85 Ai SHACU See hy hs ee ee coe co 116 BNI OCA mae os ec od ort oka eS 178, 231 Artaxerxes amMONtenSisS .. ... SS: fe see 30 ASSC Chelle an. wie ese ty AeA ee eye ee ee 123 ASSHMIU ALA 6 con oY we a ke ee eee 36 ASSMIUEU AL rox emai < ee ee ee 120
atalanta......30; 86, 88, 116, 154142947: 176, 211, 235
athiahlac cap: kek, k ee ee 88 atlantica, ......<<<<<nt<s*< ¢.— eee 52 atlantis... «2 eo fishes Wee 29:33 atrellavs. ast on SN SOS Se; oo he eee 125 atricapitella, ....... 54 ents Steer 120 atriplicella. <x ~<<k<cale ox 6 See 125 athiphcis@wc. < .J2k dee ein eee 231 APO POS ~.4 i. i << eke ces Se 176, 230 Alrantiana oct. «cess «<< See 128 AUTICIelld . ox <5). ank<n eek oe 5 ee 120 aurinia beckeri. .. 2.¢ <<<: éceseeeere 30 ANITINIA, . 6... < s necamed eee. ae 85 @UStTAallS: . <:<.c.ccc ee eee ee eee eee 23
Page B bamkesieliaey. se 0/55 Beercen 5.5, hee ie eo 23 bankianas 252-2 AeA Ae eae 231 DAarnettitien.ccccw ack. kode ee D3 bawillnSakatinlay 22, ek es ed ot Manos 260 bedellellar geen sete tee Va teat: 124 Delianine lice yee cose eos ee 30 DUIS sean Ameer Mem ih a ce ats 154 bemaind Ctilep acters sich. she uses cx ee 123 Den AGH content ss wes ects oe Sil, S4e Ae) betula. passer. cus ORE oe weve: 39, 41 [DYSTUIL (GIN eee ee sete ane ee Oe S7/ biatomnvellage eet ee ease te 124 ICUS DISiersres Soc ron rat ee Ea 276 biasciam de py ae 8 ee ene re cers 127 piihonnmellan wah vt., mac el eee 160 DIMA CUIATA S34. et wo ote cae Dis bipunciidacty lala, secir oa eee 119 ESTO RPAH ie a ae enae ey Beye uae’ 198, 213 DIS tHI@ Absent haa Peres ta eye eeane 129 HiSWICCllAs eae ae et ag Me ap eae 124 DOCH CUS! seat Pada Wis 38); UGS 11333). 2 borreoneliiain. aie ipa pwr tse cree econ enh 46 |e Tez) | Ke emee e MeRN Aeeie ee tena Po 125 brand Calan aes feewrides. 00k: eters 127 brassicaecheinantiiine saa. soe 4 eee Vi brassicae wollastoni’ 4....255..540a8 116 DraSSiCAC ee ee eae eke 3051335235 LoyeCeXs | Ve a Paahahe eeae mr tenors Meee sierwe ee gen 7 RpOMeH ag. Ue ee ec cee en 155 PAU cA errs ee era ye geet tocersa 142 LOFUH INOUE HIVE Wes eiaes See ee eee ola aes 124 C
CaO DMM te ce opens 2 eee 30, 86 caccimacnlana .:....c penance Shear 27. Cann ates rte ote eae Mena ee Bae 86, 102 Camara CuWS).0. 5. curve caccee. o eee 158 GEUCIO) Ee ears ere i ene a NPUNMERO 2S 2 2B Capris ellar. Meh. toe pee toe ie oe ee 121 CARACCC UNIS or cid cake ea a eel 157 Cala CANE Sree ness apes excel oo ane ee 126 CATGAMMNN CS 5 cue ok i 5 eS 1
cardui. -30, 53, 78,86, 116, 131, 1325175 IOS 2125 2325238523»
Carauidactylal 2220: so .3 2 eee 56 Canpmogacivial = Once. eee 130 Carmine) lass eres test cues ae 18, 118,122 CASSCUMUIMMENUS, (65255 see oe eee 156 Edfalaunalisy foie oa: oo Gee bs SEE 129 Cathanticelaie mri t: Sine sa ee Peat 120 OCH Macs: Aes he a Bae 29 CENTAUREA Aerie eae aa, Meer eames 198 Cencalellai gas aoe be foe oe he ee ae 162
Page cerisellay fates Mewes ee sb oe As bee 158 Chaleites® see: He See os ees eke 175234 Charlomial bree sre sess oe cea: 33,259 CHEYSIPPUS Hare FA tes bs es dr 80, 163 chiysolepidellare rs - eeeee eee 120 chrysoneuchellancersc<n<teeteerty ee 128 chaysonmhocat:jsea) os deentrereer shee 230 cidatellae inde cree eee ne eee 174) CITES atepageh eee erreree nee enn ae 133 CINCtAMAt.04 5 a cee sae Coe eee 127 Cin Cell ance cues ce ier ae ere 126 cinereopuncteliay ner =) 47 eee eee 124 cingillella. -, AIea Eee a ee 124 Cingulatare cp ener ane hce eee 129 CinxdaratlamttS cect s wane ee 32 COTC-a Ee eee ee UMN! . Ker pnememnne (oem ts 72) | CINCER He Sef ARN es eae esc Oe 89 Clhathitatay it soa yceen vse it aeee ee 241 cleopatra maderensisy =.= soe 116 cleopatraipalmacre. ae ee eee eee 78 Cleopatiral’s Secs mae ore ee 30, 116 (o) VEST Se) | Ee ee CR te ame SS) 2 COCIESHM Ano. oncante ee ee 268 Collite las <.su2.. 1. es neil eee ee 124 COM Pl adres ees eek ete A eee 93, 189, 204 compunctellae) ..435 be ae 1 COMMUSAlIS 445.5 Jaron ne ee ee 252 contusellar. sass 2s nett ne 120 cononessanicllat eee 7a er ee eee 23 CONICOlANA ic hace ee eee 128, 162 consortellal sc36. 6 cae eee eee 124 CONSPErsanal so 4 ahs oe aoe nae 127), conspurncatellaes ese oe 23 contaminellay soos. 5402 on eee 156 CONVOIVU ee oe 1S SI 8229 CON WAG aN as yo shoes el 97 CONG OM cc. oe oko ee on: eines ae 49 COnollanay .s..cn suse oe eae 119 COSSUSIS Sh cos fyc-c ceo a. chene-a eee hore RARE PB} COStACStRICaliSas ae eee 141, 236 COStALIS oe scacue Seige cs scscse 6. ease ee 129 COSUCM Ae. e. cise as bess eos eae 125 CMASS A 2515s Sood one ay, sia fone tes oes 2A ChASSIUISCUIA: «bccn 02 seer 126 Chate oes Fe. osik<as 46 dae oo eee 29 Graterellus 0.2.59). sear eso ee 156 crepuscularia:...s.....5000..-3 ee Bee 213 crepusculellay eee ee 120 GHISHAM As .b.cs ystisne les eee eee 75 GhOCEUS 4. sed. 30; 78, 115, 133, 175,233 eroeSsellaie: cia: che ae eee 120 cry ptella ies eee ee 120 eucnlipennellayser 22 See 122 SCupressatay aie enna ee 21, 180
eyrenaicellas os) oe ee Oe 154
Page
D Galmatmeilla. ..'..4....')' ae 154 PIMIIGIER, so ek ce oe 305773 133; 201 RESAPEAEOMAR © sv sew xe eb 6 te we 123 PIERO HEM BAY Foe release lev. face 15 4s he cave fs =) RPE 126 ISG) Se ee RR bee Ba» 1 128 JEPIELL SS oA Se ie RRR Ona A 2 123 CSRS Sys RNR 5 ELE EE 125 PCSHOMEAUMID ols co eaterere re ie tece reeves we Sea 30 chaymaoccidentalis:.............0400% 30 CGH Sy a 147, 257 EHC CLC Ae Ri s.s0r5ch a. ote ees art 122 Cincom ictal 2-058. OIE EP 157 SISTED: 5 4.3 bes ls Mee AA ee en REE, Se En 89 SISO DCE EN WS ates eae erence RG ee 158 CIS PUIG El Cee rr nae ee 124 LIVES 9 6.56 38:65 aes een RAR SPD 2s 2 90 CHIEU Ae ere ilk oittdcscc ke Moe 122
E ShOneUanSern 0. ta ST Oe eee 23 esculimauretanica.... 0... 0.00 60505. 29 EST The dcidesey ele eee ne DAR 29 SWMCHOMMICIA® ahhh. we ek cae 154 eunonmia ossiana 2... 25.0.4 ace. 196 EITC ITC Re Tse oo. te 32 SAPO ACS He ae ee 30 CIMOITROSMINCE fate sts 32 Filo ok ace hae 196 evar One MOUNA ==... salaciuss crest. 33 CVEECIS sea ee ee DS Chee e Ze 29 EXOMYMRPCIUS: «SS 65 ovehaecnuadnn Goeee 122 XIU AM e hos Re es hee 23 176.231 CRMOMMANISE: cee ee Nee he eee 128, 226
F ‘TUG SIGS sea ee Pe URS 157 ASCEIIMEM Ale Ake ca toe eS ae ae 1 Si7/ CTEVTE psoas IE noe A VEZ henehamicella 26.52 202 2 8 6c. Pook 121 ECHO ANSON R ae <n oe ee oS oe 175, 233 HNN SRI on .clko MS ashi name dn ee 160 HATTA C AUS et. ee oS See oe ppp HAWAIIAN AY ee Ces oO ees 126 HAVIGOFSANAY. ce ok eee 128 Havitrontellan..3 oo scs le cel 125 HAVUSISVGIACUS 6640 eee 31 MORN AM eee Lk BAe es 77, 186 ANWCEMOSAL 3.65% S35 Re 24 TOMIMOS AA Mace RESEe EWE RR Re 129, 189 PRALCHIMAN AM): ce cnccnc dau ROE 127 PFALCTMEN A). vecekcker.. RRS 126 IRON A ss keasect Rates RR at 197
Page MICA ote uk ob eu bt ene 197 PESCHENA GA 02060 blo a's see 123 frOVeNUS! ......5.0%...5. ae 265 fUCHONMNIS: -.44..74+-552 OU eee eee 76 fmmatella.¢ . 22% oncot ane eo ee 125 PUNEKENAs. ch mans eok biome meee 125 FUSEOlMIbATUS® «0054 Pee 129 G palactodactyla:: 22+22%4.6202402-2 0 130 calathealicast ..Jind 6c ol eee 30 Palathede nn idalels an oes oe eee 86 Galhi@anal sie. it. tte wien eee ee ae 128 Callitesertiea cee ee 175, 178, 230 gallobritanmodactyia 97557... 50208 119 GANMIMAY occ oe ee Me ee 75 SEMMON ANA vase AMA Cee eee 127 PID AMUSE ss serene epee ine sae lee eee 128 slaucinalis.o/2..0.00.. 2. oe kk. eee 129 claucinella’.:< iene ae ee 122 gozmanyi..... jiga dead’ cnc 157 OHISCOM ALM Ae oe ee OAS Ate See 120, 185 Culanisses. 22202 64.0 222 eee 12931932 H Hacken=. . fxg Ao es eo a ee 159 hammonieila:-. 2.7 gees 52 eee 121 harpagula:s2...220 ks 2s oo eee 58 Nas tialae 523s. cso bee ale eee 75 hawonthies: os css ss os bi eee 120 haworthiatar (7s. oi oe er oe 35, 84 hebenstneitella =... 2 -- a eee 127 heclaswlitelma s-5=5.2 52 -n eeee 196 hemenobielavs. cess a5 Uo Seta oe ce ree 123 hepaniellate 2. 2 ok ese eee 122 hrenichuntica. 02-0 ee 4 oes brs Em 158 SFIOMOSEtIA SPs a oss ee 1c ee 118 IURUCHIE 2 moo eet ces sea 115 Hiya races Sieeess ern, ye ee Cee 115 hyn iell ar: es ere scree 6-0 oe 127 Hy Denantus aos 5.0 «eed oo so oe eee 107 I HCanuUS Zellenhscncuchedene ceptors eee 133 HEATING? Stee Sos ke SS ae ae ee 1, 29, 259 1das lappOnicus 2.:4...c\0..cc. 197 POU AL Baas aoc i ie knee ae 197 FONOFACA 56 sc SOR eee e 118, 128 iigercllak sc: 25.2 ch hoc sds n eh eee 98 Mlitana LOR oc. sn Ase oe cee 162
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Page AIM ORat al fees ob sos eas eee ena 241 WIMMCATINATCU AY 25.55 5 ete so eeu 123 INCOMSPIC Well Ay Ve 24 Niece ae) eae) RRO 121 iGicarcallinOe ~ 32.a0saaasosoceee 78, 211 TOG hKCe day 6 MERE ee MEIER. ia 116 WIRES HRA. Gs Me oes, Mic en Sa at a eR nei 31 nrauimatellay cn. 5.535 6 s.5. seer taaeys 156 iMISCCtCM AW raseiaaces Soa s foe 121 Raven Cle lla estes. 5 ola eet seeks 129 MGEHNOCALOMIS NS © )a1.cis as cers eed ae ee 2Be HAC ATA. AW ones As Ae ee cre aa a 92 HSU OMB coc esney vere eae IS 1762276 Ms STARE A ngs layed dS RE SO 88 Aslan Gicays eee a Penne caste allo 7G) | et a SN NA aN ae OI MRE Sore 3 122 J HAMINAWE P 5 oa a sos oo on ore Wen 86 TESIUIG Serene eM teee ine Se Meme Liste 133 HONMTISCO MD 2. housek halon: RORMSTIOE 137 HOSCPUINAC A Ace ce Ae ae eee 125 RCT SM Ay os cnsusnwanicncnc deen 156 FU MUED NIG Teed Ae ee ete cnc ele 93, 237 jontinaispulla s.2 26 26 cee 29, 78, 212 jurtina telemessiaeformis ........... 133 A) RINT AY WO ORIEN a ee dss sree 86, 105, 211 K Kaekentziama |: oiyfsrkiys osenes ehieeee 125 | ANGRY ad eat ai, aN Ce rere tate nes 160 Kettle Well fics Ae Se noes eich nae cee ecole 7 KTV SIN larat hie eee ss PS, es eee ese 78 L |) lo UU a Oe ete ree ere teeaen er omen Olle SURE RENT D3 TA CEUISM Ne aie cE Dated Ee 118, 129 PAD O TAI Sec det a Monto Sate ER 206 lapidellas seesaw ee ni ee eee 22 Hassel apie ey isice nnn cele uc nc annetereene peas 123 LACS a: Faia ee EEE 5223) lath omnia: (72558 sn kee, es aa oe tera 116 lathivaniOlellaly deren ade evel bere 185 LAtISHTA AI So. oi na cones econ GRY 155 NDE EUS Pape PAs csc EME Ge Nose cre MR 154 HCAS TARE ae ys, eee 21, 93, 189 WEHEIABI Ay: «2:42 ecse is ES 274 THEREIN CARY ON. hou youn wns boden ee eeu 73} LMT ODA foe ico ee neon 6 Se 268 IEAM ANS: dessa tea ee 127
Page lineata ttt ee eee coe nee anos 32 lineola semicolons: 2-2. > areas 30 linetelUs ter Gk: ooo oa as eee 156 lV OTINCA eno eee roe Sec 132, 176, 230 lWuneiana so feo eh et es ee 127, focupletellas 72 42202 22 foo) eee 126 IOUCVA Ce ee ere eee Eee Da lonquimianass {320 32552 02 ece SAR 127 LOEQUING oO 65e.ocet oe See 31 lucellat 2 245252) (eee eee ee 122 Ineidellat irs | eee a ee ee 125 lipinaimaunetanica* >. 22. o77 eeaeee 33 lupina rhammnusia® <2: -) 2... seer 133 IMtaneare nt Ae ee Oe 123 lutecla er Stk ee tah he eee 157 lnteclUsos ee ee See 158 imteolatal eee eee ere 235 Intipennellas Ah0..64.24cc cunt eee 123 lUZellavee ee ye ee eae Ce ee ere 120 M MACHAOM! 2.4.0 n eat 311335226 IMACWIOSANA tw. Oe ee 126 malacelliske tis ct ee 155 mancidella: ose. ce See 18123 imancanitata *.".".'. ne oe es ee eee 234 IMaLoccana maroccana +4. 440-20 ee 33 MCS Ch Agee de ones ees 30, 107, 133 melanopsalginica....- 4-45-54. = eee 31 metlonellay.. i auae cc ete ere 129 MENGICAOLKMEYENSIS.- 42.6.0 2-0 eee 45 Mendicaenuleiy. = os ee ee ee rete 45 MenYVaAntiiGis.."." sae oe eS oe 94 IMMCESIN Aga) oy Se ec ooraes es SRP 133 MeSSIM@ICIIAy- he ae ees eee 123 Taetaxcllay ee 5 hc4 cs oes ca. ere eee 120 TIC AN Stater tae Wats ee ee ee eee 226 MOMLVIPEMNMIS sero, ol eo eee 48 INNISCM Ae eres ean ore ee 126 TSI PU Stree eee oltre che ree eumees 116 IMOMPNEUS Se oe sere he Oe spose ees eee 87 moultetella’.o..09. tee so oe oe 125 MMUCHONEIUS pate ere eee 128 MAVMCKAN As: serge. Ce erence ae 12 MYtilell aber oven ntas rs ene ona 157 N MAPACA 2 whens Soe se eee ee 196 Nap adalwinda: 22\2\2.9..-0 444 eee ee 195 NApl SECEONZACI: 2 2/.ni.ca se eee 32 Mastes Werdandia...c0 524n ene ee 195 mebulellat Awa Ree Oe 227
Page AUOMTO MAIS a aa ace Sead we ox ow 9 2h 23 TUS MIEISH 2 (Sree osteo deruiw, ops Oe 154 MMPRONCEMTCN A: 505-35 cin diss ss Ube eels 185 THSRICOSEAMIAN. cae sc Sie waie so oad load 127 SWIG SS rr ee 2 178 TMRILAREO OR cacy 8 a news s Be awe o REN 197 MMOS A ee odo owe BR 226 ECE PIR AMES Sr 2 hohe oe dit ele aS 54, 232
O OUSClhAanassccdass os a So ORES. 128 obscurepunctella «25 ..s. 6550000. ee% 124 GOSICANIS vorjare ore Sale erer 22, 44, 175, 232 OUstipatdeansdaoscoeasee wks. 23, 180, 227 obumbratana ; .. ss. es. 2 sche Pha 128 OCCA sss 6 shh eh 555 05 5 RE 230 CC ATAINNS 2 Ale chs cis balac cao Meee 205 Ocellarellaten 2 85 ae oii ee 125 GiGi 212 ooh Dead ee ee 226 OBS ILS. 5 oe eRe eras Ee ee eee 154 (OCI TIE 1 acta ila he ee 2Bh5 US); 2P21/ Ochsenhemieniana .. 2. 5606005.502 50% 128 OCMAS IAM eee coer tates oe 265 GSI ro oe crn et hab ne eee 23 WNWidCede es = oh ass Vea ks Le See 7) Ohyinpicas 522.6) kS5635 5655.00 157, 159 Gpeilctes 4845 2485055 sess oe eee 196 GEotelaee* = 285 .i45525 25 ee 123 Onlelaiced: 3 5555555533555. 58 7/5), 2B P
paleano lapponica< 3... 2:25.25. 88 196 paleaccd! sess sasnccse ss Re 5.251 Daledlisi.2= eee ee 505k: CA 129, 226 paleatella-~ >». crise Bess 5 ks Bee 156 pallescentella: s s22 2454563444 Oe 121 palpellaveiye ..6.:. 118, 125, 158, 203, 207 Pani ela Ae 404 ce cs ss PRT SS 128 PaMiphwaUse ss de. WE sss debe aess 30, 88 PAaNndOraseltil =. 6.26 bis% sc cs oeere 30 PanG@has ahs ee bd cc ce bs ne Ui PANGHOSEShe = 6s atAwes tet es ees 194 BaD MI AR ae es FR AR x eee x ee 89, 260 DakAGORAa «cis cs Sea ex a ea cine Ae 120 Parasitellals keene sane nc ee 129 Pahldilaes# <s o8455.480.68 0454.4 See 122 anISAUISS Dn ain 5c et SA eA ee oc 3 205 PaLvidactylUS «oc. scn 25 en eh. sae 129 paupellavecerien teeeds une kin 125 Paupecraiiay cca tase sedinn ss sweats 128
Peetinatellatn.«innkerek..4cee. atid 154
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Page peltigera-a:i. Pe ee ee os 179, 231 penbolata ../5 2 'se see as 4s coe ee 21 sure s cl a 129, 134, 226 PELVIS ao toe Sie conc anid ee 121 philacas phlaeas 2.0% «oc 46 ne ot 78 phiaeas phiaeoides: ......366c0800-80ee 116 phlacasis Hest cnn. 2 Ree 29, 211 phoeneciatal: 2225 <4 s65 0 cea 21, 93 pliraeiiitellarrs 5.2 2) cess sides osteo 45, 126 DICKCEW An. Ree Seas hc ee 126 pincllae ee oes. a.+ nares teak ss ee 157 piNmivoranayes.. + +.....5-. . -Aeaseeee 128 DISIRSs Soe Boreas bene acne eee 10 plebejanae*: ee. se 4% oboe oe ee 23 PIEXIPPUS Nec a cscnve eas 77, 116,163,212 plumbanaeree: . shies aes ae eee 128 podalirius feisthamelii .............. 30 POGalnus? 2st soe Mae AS 133, 175 POGANA Report ret He See ae ee 127 podilarius 2... 435 6222 ee 227 polychloros erythromelas............ 30 POlychlOTOS 5.5 «54.42 De: 88; 1759227 pomonellav sy...) eos ae ee 24 porphyrana |.) oe... 2 5. eee 127 pomectellay cc sces 6 Hola eee 122 Pratellusy... 352 cae rt Sas ee 155 PRVitalla.oc -scks wees soa enone 127 PEOMMIESSA:. ..... ss gates se eee 44,47 pronubana, <3 ss aoe. ss 2 Zp? DEOQUO 22205. oss eens ne Nee ee 133 prunifoleae..... 4.20.50. pee 123 pullanat ys oc. es od ne oe 127 PuUlVerania:... os e055 s+ 2 a He eee 135 pulveroselllay ¢ 6 k2 ccc oe eee 120 PUNCANS | ono = ds coerce 0 oy ee 28 FUN CUMCT A 2-400 64 ae sere ak od 30, 260 PUpilaniay s.::- sheyocicusee: = ts ees 23 PURGEY os = + dc.ccuen «a oo ee 128 US ATA ooo oo 2 wepeurrocantene > 6 136 USC ee 36 PULRESCENS ss na..s soos ose dees 23 PN BARA areas. ko Sees: = Sk esis a 204
Q Quad av aeeeeaA AE os was tae 235.230 Guadnipunctania.. ose... «5 SE 23 QUERCUS): 60S. = <n). os SORE 50, 54 R
fadicivitta ees. sacred see 160 Famibunlalis 3 238.0 gg 53S 94, 129, 226
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Page NAD ACER Keune ce 77, 86, W613 210 PAV ATES es 5 ia ie a4 apa 3 Se 154 TE GULCEA Re WM ung pce keep surest, Se 7 i'8) REPMACCH AR sey as as 5s Shy a aa 124 REISSCMIe oi Ssh harccces caren A ee 155 RESIME MAY... MB esse chs SAO Ee 128 PiaAnMIMeMGIONAlIS=.. 414544 40.4 eee 34 ROWUIStC MG. S59 ese cite eRe 122 OSEAN es Sb GANA cuslin 8 ass Sid «i Fea 126 ROU Clllaee dss cn Cte ss Se 23 HOXCLAN AL sot iy a a Rae & SOE ar eee 133 HUbICIMNOSANA\ 2)h)5.56 525s os og V227/ WIGOSAM Ais vax ween eek s eae oe btn he 126 WUTC Eyes sce lons G's oes oa gave gs 94 Te COLS TAP oe cesar conshapeveniy ane, eee 121
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SUCRANAaes oh.escucnwe ROR 7S WIS Ts 72727 SASTECAL A gees ai 4 esas Ses. MS SAI CIS MER er ois teks eae cine 5 EI 230 SAMDUCATMA. occas ss. sok + «Bee 62 SEU SN See EMER cs 120 SAU CIA wae cee oniatsce oe 6 ole Se eleG SAXI COLA ce in Sis < : Bee eee 129 SAXIMRAD AC), 447.6 Syncs acs = ia 3 122 SANOMEUUS 4 jae ere sid oe, SOE: ESS7/ Sscabiodacylaianas. s. 66 Aenean soe 119 Schineberellay sks ee. 3. one SESE 122 Sehuetzecllayecn aaa wes soso 129, 276 Schumachenranay a5. .50.. 6 5 eee 127 S Clipe aA oes esos eo ee. a. 5 124 SCHMID tM Alc se 2 cara Week as oe, onde «airs a 125 Seal ell ames aces ae ore ay 2Sy7/ SEC AIS a ean as ecto int ce 147, 257 SECU AGL Apes oa ee tea is, 229 Sed atandy 0 sii de ee 128 SEO CIA yy see oa ae ee 122 SClAaSc lA A tae once eee a eee 156 SESS Se aS esa 7a 196, 243 SEMMALSUS MaAnOCCaNds., .c.40s.4cen oe. 30 SUMMA US re chee ae end ee eas 93 SEMMMASCIAMALs. poms 50) 5 a8 ae ee 7 SENECICl AW wee In: mee eens ae 125 SERRA fe ee ne OER DE Ot 22 SEMMEMP AA: <5 onde ats: 3 SERRE 728) SEnpyILECOnUIMias ae ely te ee 123 ISI Repeat Ne PD RPE SCR ns 1 72 SUTTILES Pewee ee a et oe ek ae 125 SUT) V0) 112 eae a Nn ee eee oto te 33 SIPMAK eh 2s ss Re Se. ba es 133 sodaliana: <6 nn. hk. Se 126
solutella: Ae we eee eee 125
Page SMANSAINA) Ss )5)5'5 9 oe a oe la eee 127, SC CIOSA ec esse cys eyssovan ae as 120 Spinella ire dso te .34 = 4 ee 123 Splendama os so:675 ery aise A ee 128 SONS Ayr. badcne shia se anes Le eee 44 Stach Gallise tics ch 2. Se. sas ee ee 129 BSEAMP ED e254 ale spas Geen ee 118, 125 SEACMUS 2 eho iiocacgun as oe cep eee ee 115 stellatanim’ 22-4. 30: 86; 175, 1765233 SGRAIMIMEA ey. menos rea ee Eee 126 SURUCU Aba ace faesceses ce eens ca ae ees eee 146 Subaquilea. pee ae 5, = cee ee 124 SU fa Sue Aye apn posso aye class icra ole 122 Ssubocellea)..«..c:s03. sic... Se 124 SUbOCHKE CHAR ao oc as ee 125 SUBDUIMDTAtA, fo '6 uy aap as se oe De 141 supenbellus.. 35 222s s<...4 o 4p: 154 SUSDCClAN Ass fcc ces. susie ae 128 SVlwaticella, 32.55 So pS e eh dears BOE 124 SVMMACH ots siete ack td ao ace 133
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taemupennellak: 340 32555. eee 124 taeniolella »: <5 os325535255 ee 126 tantillanian Pr Pee ee be Ls A ee 36 fansicrinaliss: ox seb e ohh eee eee 146 telamassiaes <2 fos 2h oss ose eee 133 teleiusterss: £4 2554253 625s hee eee 89 tentaculellawt. Pres 2s 40 54 Bee 158 terebrellarrr ns chek ot ee Seen 129 terminellany<22: 2355p teehee ee 126 tersatas (03. 8 a8 345 842s eee ee 84 fetrapunctellans<.4 55 8.604308 5 yee 125 theophnastus:<4-54334222532+2 aoe 33 therme}lla® o5.5: 2226820455555 34 123 thersamon 3.) t.636.5 66.655 epee 133 thoracellay? } ..953: 83455 5 ys eee 121 throre borealis: 253220222 22654 Aes 196 Hilldehs te Let eee bss Seek. ease 181 tinctellae ess Lee 8s os See iee eee 124 BIGITOTUIS 3 tee ots Le Oe er 86, 107 COUT re Se a es ee ee ee 155 inlatomeat ss s2 225i Aets hes Sa 124 tmcolorella: --5 oa cee eee 126 tnotellas): ols oc sck es eee ee Bee 121 tri@uetrellac es oo we we ae see 19, 121 (HISTOMAM A. 8 erro eae 141, 236 tT TSH Nec oa cs hid ones ok 5, 2 SR 155 trochilellay ek. Soc cee see 123 (cb) ee eee aE MEER MREMPNEIE OPS ct ro 9-9 1c c 23 til Nalpst sees Ses 1 os ee 107
Page U PUTER EIN EMENEE 0, fe RUS BRI rsa one sp orevortabals 7 BUTE SCNT So. os os vee wncrsonsyegeye’s obey 128 (UST USS lo 5 i ae 22 (SUN Ci! | 2) he en ne ere 125 MOLE GOSEMA ci o/ seo a teabeteka ay-opiio Gk Ms 125 NORBERT AC CHUC IL A A ee eee ch ence gt ver orenetyrets 120 (LO OTS A 23, 226 (LIT 0100 (Cle nn ae 180, 231 [LITT es on 127, 184 PERISH See... ety somber tes ab techs 124 Mnicae POLARIS. > | evantewreneayh soe s 196 Rrephcae Se: FEET. oo tarteetbhorenat 142 EL BGRETC HEIs te Sette re ce ssc caught 124 Vv Welle Nie ee 5 A a eee ete 1 ae 121 MAIS Pan SP Mee OSs SS was 2 3 5 129 ARCHIAIIACE ESD eee oe ee ors os 35 VAMICher ANMOCCUL | 2.25.0. . ee ee wee 31 WEG TST ub 2 Hie te 18 > I ne 2 29 BCRP ADC eee AIRES RS ee ep coses ene oie whe oe 86 MEMUSEIN APRs ec eb ec Ak es wv dake ees 189 MEHOASCANIS MA the eaters asi Bie Ohta 129 TET MUG) ER ao ae oR, Sane Cee 121 ATTICS aS Sei ae i eee ae oe EB et 23 MAR AURCAUA’s 10s <2 2s OPS Alea 36 WICIMPEHSIS «|S yeysivdatears de 115, 249 NAN AC AN ch Sct atl Ayla ee O32 Cre 231 WISCARICIIA.--- = — 5 ey eeeaerseey sete ca teteacte ty: 126 WATCHING... |. 5. . peed: 23, 176, 178, 230 WuleatascOlicd.... sa streee ft odode 104 Ww CROLL SIC oo aera sede seyiae reat Bee ram 160 WED UMIAMAUS saeanc ts a oes oe okces 78 WAY SSUIDACCHUS 5 etig/nc cos l. te ee ee 212 x Se] B) OE ciel each ese et ee rented 116 KIDMOIGES 2 eee ee 78, 211 xVIOStellanS hosteee ee. ise h76s 178 Y
BVP STN OI ais ee 3 a ees «att 276
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COLEOPTERA AGIStemia WatSOMI, ... oc 3+. ee aoe 274 APIELES ATOMIANIUS. «2.5.6. cece 187 ACTS PANNOMEUS . ..4. 06s sae i bes pies SUMIAOUS os crane ate oe a ae 26 VITIGIS, td 3 ca ane eA ee W25 | Aleochara ValOSaecc. Ac ae ae 117 AItiCaTONttell.: ..: 0 > same aee eae 100 Ampedus GinmabariMS. . o1. 2s ee 187 AMApsis MIGSOM ox as, eee ei ee 19] ATiasiS DONEMNCA 0.44 oe uceheaa ete 191] AMAtIS OCALA» s 20> asec hat © oe 264 APION SEMIVIttalunl —.~a0- ee ee PAG | INSClefd SLaCd «: <= kd oes Gee 199 Aten a COENIN ass 5 cee eee 190 aS NN ©, 0.30 ere eee eee 190 XANEHODIUS oo ae cen wee 190 HY PORWME Pe pense ie eee 130 SIlVicOla’... - c. ... tease ee 130 Sylvicola™. stmatvacseeen noe 130 AtHOuUs: DICOIOT.. . «+. ana ee 9H (4 campyloides’> sete: eee Dag haemormhoidalise255 2 eee 277 Biphylius lunatus. . «. fetes. ee eee 187 Bitoma crenata | sae see he eee 187 @atops fuliginosus. 2.260 Seen 48 Gerylonferrugineunt:- >. eee epee 187 Ghaetocnema sahlbengia-. 2. eee 100 Cholevaicisteloideswapras oe 188 Chrysolina brunsvicensis ............ 99 Chrysomelaaenea -).-- epee 100 Gimbenisattelaboides,.. 5.5622 eeeeee 36 Gis dentatus Yo Wass Aspect oe see 188 Glytra quadripunctata™= =. anaes =e ee 99 Copris lunaris: 22722) Sy.es seb eeeee 80 Cryptocephalus aureolus ............ 99 MOrACHiSs tie zeeeneese 99 panvuluses esieboteee 99 Cryptolaemus montrouzieri......... 264 €ypha laeviusculamiess cine See 237 €yphiaovulumy.: 3. .ceeerthes-:- 8 237 Dacne bipustulata.<....-heseree--.-22. 42 humenalis...... -e2eigsee = ee 42 FUTONS... - Renee «oa e 42 Donacia.thalassina. ....\ #s4a@-2a525- a2 Dorcatoma Setracisiese ciees -. soso 46 Dorcus parallelipipedus ............ 187 Dropephylla gracilicornis........... 210 Dytiscus lapponicus: ach enckaaee*s 228 45 Epix pubescens: -c-ontcn sets: 22 Se 84 Eudectis white: ; cacao see ae 184 Euplectus kisbyiss@ 2 ccc erences ats 255 Exochomus quadripustulatus ....... 264 Galerucatanacetiin. «2 . te cmenack «ite 100 Geostiba, Gi Cellanis) x6 ss << ccacedicome acer 20
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Gy MIMS OPACUS) sans Se cceess 5) ee 45 Fup punpimilamodeen s455 454-5. 4. 100 Envdiothassaclabra.+ sa. 45-6 st. aoe 99 Ischnomenracaerulea ye. ee 199 Cinerascenspere eee 199
ECVANCAIC Vee een ee 199
Ie NOUaVARCNSt oe eh er whe eee ne ae 63 [On gifansus eraciliSs soa we cee 100 plantagomaritimus...... 100
FEICHEISE REA Rees Seen 100 Malandrya’caraboides’ >. .-2:-...- 187 balteatusAt22ts7- cee en 274 ilaveoluS@mns cates ce ae 274 Malthodessutimiciaae sneer ae eres 274 MAR FINENUS 55 costelclso eee 274 Mantunatobtusatal:ossnans. (a5. see 100 Metoecus panadOxUS=2- 44-5550.) - 93 Mycetophagus atomarius........... 187 Omatliumvallandies es -29 see. 117 SHOMOMUMOMS 4000¢c'0e20555 1 Rhaedomconcinmuss.*.5..560e 6. ee 99 Phyllodectapolanis' s.-6 0+. e sesso s. 91 Phyllodrepa puberula es... ........ 117 SaliciSs a2 RR eee es 210 Phyllotretatetrastiema.s.-2s. eee. 100 Ehwtodectalolivaceas +a. n) eee 100 BrasOcunis JUNC 2 540 ee Re ees 99 Enonocyphonsermiconmis...-)...- 187 Psylliodes chrysocephala ........... 101 TNANCI Cae nny TN he ee 101
WEDD Ios 8 2-1 SEI Ere. 101 Pyrochroaseriraticonnis 2-45 28: 187 Rhagium bifasciatum vars. ....... DG stati MrOnd ax... Seek aa TE 187 Rhagonycha lutea <5. 5s <4. essen. 274 transiucidamsssee ts ae 274 Rhizophagus nitidulus .............. 2 Sphacrodermarubidume. ....5...; 100 Stenagostus villosus@wee. ni eae e: 187 Strangalia maculata aberrations ...... 66 attenuatar. 742.2 RAee ee 68
aurulentals) Season 64
Macwlatawy s SU es 3: 65
melanunrars+ 5 AAS. 2: 67
NORA: 214 44 EAR Bie: 64 quadritasciataRiias 2 see 65
FEVESICARM IA 21 63
Tachinus flavolimbatus ............ 234 Manone lus Bases eee 234 SUbtEeTraneuse.sse ee ne 234 Trachyphloeus aristatus ............ AY PrimiUMebTeEViCOnne (45545-4222 25)5) ihniplaxiaencay ee Nene ey Bh Ore 124 lacondaril (aco es Se 237
EN TASMAWOFEM ms ea eee ee Ae ANG,
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DIPTERA Mophorahemiptera=s....-5.2- see ZI2 Anasimyia contracta............. iL besa 3 lineata oiear2225 325 13 tnansfugasssces24 ee 13 Baccalobscuripennis': 94 =:2255e5-2052 12 Brachyopascutellaniss 4: 2244555755 13 Brachypalpoidesiientaes==75- 5-44 0e2 14 Chalcosyrphus nemorum............ 14 Cheilosia albitarsus\455422 5555528208 13 bergenstammila=.-e aa 13 CROSSAL ss Ss Sea Se 13 HONEeSta- .463 4055 Noe see 13 pUStrataricinaaotee eee 13 IMIPTESSA i See ee 13 HNCOMS As for schist Pee ee 13 PAaCanac a... 2 te.) es eee 13 DEOXIMA Moe. ee 13 scutellata 2. 0 ola cahtee bos. 13 VariabiliS: ¢..¢ 0 «accion ewer 13 VelUGIN ay se een =e en 13 VEnMalS: -c-csice hee tee ee 13 VATE DIMA. co sccteno. centr ce aeRO 18 Chrysogaster chalybeata............. 13 hintellay ace ere 13 SolStitialiS. 1.5 50a oe. 13 Ghnysotoxunmbicinctum so--2 0. 444 12 feEStiVilMe rete: 12 Chiyhzatscutellatal eee eee 271 Gonicerasiniliss 4. awe ee 208 Criorhinalberbennae....2222 75 eee 18 flOCCOSAL A 4 Res eo Eee 14 Dasysyrphus albostriatus ............ 12 lunuilatus: =< 4205.</.-Feee 12 thiCinctUs) «+ eae eee 12 VENUS HUIS torres ar ee ee 12 Dideaascratay oc. hea ne ensue eerie 18 Ditomyiaslasciata {2 4s. o-aaseee 27m Epistnopheclegans san. ae eee 12 Snossulantacy see eee 1 MGI CONS Hae a eee ae 12 Episynphusibalteatus. 4... eee 12, 43 Eristalinus sepulchralis.............. 13 Enstalis;abusivuSiases cee oo aan 13 Aan bDUStORUMN eo. 6 eo eee 13 horticolat st. Eke) ee eee re 13 TUCTIG ATES: Mee eerie eee i) NEMORUM tase eee 13 DELUINAX --..sotes tr ear 13 (OMAK: «ect Nee eee cee 13 EMIMenUsisthSatus siesta ere 13 fuberculatuseeecreeeaeee Deals Herdinandeaicuprease > eee ee 13 GUM COMISS eee one 11, 13 clopliiias iy brie stew eaeeeeeece ee 13 pendulusz.e epee reese 13
Page eMiyCaViltata” suis ho cytes eee ke es Pile emimeta Werinen el. ae he te oles 13 Hyalomyodes triangulifera .......... 55 Ischyrosyrphus glaucia.............. 12
latemmaniat. 7.15% 0... 12
Lapposyrphus lapponicus ........... 18 Beroeaster metallina 2.0.0)... oh wes 13 Eeucophengamaculata............. 272 Pencostoma Simplex... 2.020540. 56 Fevcozonaluconum 2.......... 05... 12 Eonchoptera scutellata: .............. agp MiallotaicimbicifoOrmis ..2s.,05......:. 13 Mesamenrtma Gol ..s<u-ycpucce == << = - Pals Mesaselia bDeRndSeNnl . . i... seis oso 208 CANDAlIS Hire a eke oped ce 170 COMMONMIS 334 or psec 3. 170
CHASSIPES: < cass owtitetieeeie crore 172
Gane oe ee. 169
HAW als eee See Cee © cas 208
fame atar..+ msec the ce ss 208 MiInGIVeEMtTIS 7; 54--0 .< 2: 208
HMUTTMONINS) eee met «fase. 169 Imyalipennis;.-.-.- 2... 169 MMVCKCOSt Aue ste dee oe 170 HUIESCCNSmarne cc a cs 209 Mmianmicatellavcy........62 ss Ly
MISTIP AIS =. ee cence 173
PIMMREMNUe fe cece ss ee 169 PROUANSANS <6 es ioc oss NG) ScutellaniS 25 fs. Sots os oe 209
ESD eISChiimmmet nc we rete: 170 *subcanpalis. <2 ..2.. 6.0.5 «6 < 72 Sunimanicata.. .<....-5. 0. 72
SWIM CAMs pepe ta: ss os 209
EE NET ee a 173, Melangynacompositarum ........... 12 lalbvatanum <2... 272% ssa 12 lasiophthalma :........-. 12 umbellatanuml (4... « 12 Melanostoma mellinum ............. 1 SCalane eit ans linens 12 Meherammascinctal 2. «2.5.56 «a6 12,74 PUM PCAAM a) cjserees a cetero necks 12
tmangulifenal <2 45455. -< 12 Mieliseaevarauricolllis:..... sic se254:...- 12 Cimctellatu, a2 Ree? me Be 1 IMIGKOGOMCQUESERIS™. uc. sti cana = © 13 Metasynpnus.corollae-. ... 62.35. 6..- 12 latifasciatus... <ssi5- 255 12 latalunwlatuists..2 3s. 4 he 2
IMIG Sess Sse 12
Miyathropa florea) .0....-20.4 0c dss 13 INGoOaSciageniculatiay 2.0... 2. sea es 18 Mmetviculosa. sew Se. ak. ese 13
ODIGUAN ee ARS 6 a 18
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Neoascia podarrica . ... x... Aen meee 13 PON eee hbak3o Ree 13 Neocnemodon vitripennis ........... 13 Nephrocerus flavicormis.. >... =. 2 4-- 274 Orthonevra brevicornis .........- IG Us Fe HODIIMNIS aA0> whe eee tee 13 splendens;..cco75 snp 13 Pachysphyria ambiguus ............. 12 Paraclusio tietitd ~>.0-. oe eee pHi fe Paragus haemorrhous............ 18, 74 Parasyrphus punctulatus. ccc. 5 +o i Parhelophilus frutetomim.c oe --uieoeee 13 versicoloysiie abies 13 Physiphoraialceae ...— 3. sane eee ae 271 Pipizaaustriaca.-...%.2 2 . eee i fenestrata= 43:2. 2 5eeeeeiee ee 13 noctiluca: : 2 +t! eee eee 13 Eipizellaivaripes”. 42 434445 eee 11/93 Platycheirus albimanus: -2 2222-54. - 2: 12 anhustatus': 7-2) eo ee 12
clypeats = "nee ee 12
fUlVIVENthS: a -ce ee 12
MANICALUS Ee oe ee 9
Ppelatus . 53-4 Aa eee 12
penpals 25 eer er 12
SCULATUS Rem & oes ce 12 tarsalisaethiys..2.. 18
Pyrophaena granditarsa............. 12 Rhingia‘campestns: .42-ee4s- 2-46 e eee 13 Scaeva pyrastri: : - 2. 2220 eee 12 Sericomyrasilentis Ase. ee oe ee 18, 43, 74 Servilliaursina.s Ste. ace es0 2 eee 273 Sphaerophoria batava ........... 18, 74 Inenthasitte +... 42-58 12 philanthus’.....-< <r 74
rueppellil, <7. -- ees oe 12
SChiptal fe .4 eee 12
Scripta. st eee 74
taeniata’ <...2. cs seeeee 74
ViGGdtascc-rd eee I3e2ID Sphesinaclunipes' o-oo 13 kimakowiczi-.2- <5 s-saceee 13 Steganamignithorax 6.3222 sccosse 272 Subclytia rotundiventris ............ 273 Syrittapiplensha.s 6 c/s: ee eee 14 SYGPNUS HIDESH see 552. S22 se see 12 TORVUS 2 4... Bee. aoe 12
Mit PENIS: - <.<.605 seas ee 12
Enigly pus pPRrRUS 62.54 soe os 13 ‘Rropidiascitact. <<. 525 ete ae 1] Volucella bomibylans: «1.522.242... 13 pelucens <2 .240 eee ae 13 Xanthandrus comtus.s2~ 22.525 18
Xanthogramma pedissequum ........ 11
Page Page Mylota seems... > 58> dee se 14, 25 PAE ae cas tre, hae er 182 PANGABES occ Roc 11, 14 fOSSATUTN Fn se 182 AVAL So ogo mec 76020 b 9849 mae 14 TATCrAliS Cee ee ee ee eee 182 Mi SLONNC ACA ewe re 182 SCOP eu hct ne ee i te ely 182 SEMMSUiIald pets yay Aca teats 182 HEMIPTERA eat Pere iige eehee Lie Wiad te Se oe te iS ENTGIC OMS CLUUENES 5B 569 9 Bina 2 00a 182 VGH ANCADIUC fe rte ise Bee ee eae 182 GEMMA eeren uy ue ies 182 ile 182 Benytinus moOntivagus...4-c re or 81 Sone ecistisaing <i" SMRIORE Satin SIGMORCU ene etre coe ee es 81 Calliconxapracustales = seas sae: 182 Calloconisa wollastonim= =e. .----- 2 4- 182 Gorixa dentipea >... wee Seer 182 HYMENOPTERA DANZeHe hy, ions. a eit eS 182 Camponotus SOCiIS =. -4- -- o e - 111 punctatayyer es oc anes « 182 Diagemalnyeno Dia peers ttt 46 Gymatiaibonsdorii...s0 4s aoe. 182 Ronmircalenvanitn.cse.cc1 esse mee 255 Gennsrcostalay ore ton Herter eee 182 Lasivsientanoinlans: .02 5 seer 38 eb bier eT e ae 9 ti cater. 182 Keptothoraxcacenonum =. ene ZS TEXOUISUAIS camry nes ese Oreo aaa 182 May Gini cab aeeer ee en ee Si, 1D Lateral eee ee ey eos tc<usneyoneae ac 182 PATOGNS cls PUNE Ss soe ee 255 odontogaster Ne oa res 182 SOMISNOGIES fo boo bee ee 113 HhHORAGCI CUS ons isccge esos acess 182 specioides.......... Be ee 37 Glaenocorisa propinqua............ 182 Occophyllaioneinodarse . 3-4 eo: 109 FAEOIRUSIRUNCeDSmae oe os oe eee ee 182 En Bech 111 : coOnomyinmexbagdiWiSn 7. a7 eee Hespenocomxaicastanea 2225.4. 045. - 182 Sol Ree Lema migiie. 182 olenopsis invicta. RR em ati oNiNG 112 sahlbergi..........-. 182 SACVISSIM AH ag: caceons aaacvaenens 110 Hydrometra stagnorum ............ 182 (etramonun caespittimse crises eee 377) Nietatropis nuteSscenS. hearin sei 81 IM PUGUIM cee nee ere 37 Micronectaspowenir... >) dee ae 182 WROCERISTIAUGUE one cere neo cee 142 Microveliameticulatal:. crass 2): 182 <“Spathius CunVICcaldiSise.ar ieee ne 715) ING DAYCINERGa ae oe, cbt -icf poeta aaeee: 182 INotomectarclaucay Je ous setansdo iene sce 182 Obliqualiyes 2. sansa: 182 LC asiiinutiSSimas ee reser 182 ORTHOPTERA SiParal COM CMMMA per pores ars se ee eee 182 SRerixcO MIVA CAN eee aoceea oe ee eee SS) GOS ANISM eres ee nh eA Bde tee 182 SUID UNG ACA ssc ce coece ct acmsecgenexors 35, 182 la
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