The Reading Naturalist

No. 10

- .
1 0 OCTi96!
oS ted

4 we

Published by the Reading and District
Natural History Society
1958

Price to Non-members—

“Ewe-Ghillinge-and Sixpence | / —

THE READING NATURALIST
No. 10 for the Year 1956 - 57
The Journal of

The Reading & District Natural History Society

President:

Professor H.L. Hawkins, D.Sc., F.R.S., F.G.S.

Hon. Secretary: Editor:

Mrs. A. Fishlock, Enid.If. Nelmes,

Clarence Lodge, 27, Westbourne

93, London Road, Avenue ,
Reading. Actone We36

Editorial Sub-Committee

The Editor, B.R. Baker, Miss L.H. Cobb, <A. Price, Ifrs.A.M. Simmonds.

ON
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I

i

10 OCTI96

Honorary Recorders \z

‘oo S
Botany: Miss K.I. Butler, 18, Morgan Road, Reading <a>
Entomology: B.R. Baker, B.Sc., AM.A., F.R.E.S., 771A, Berkeley Avenue,
Reading.
Geology: Professor H.L. Hawkins, D.Sc., F.R.S., F.G.S., 63, Tilehurst

Road Reading.

Ornithology: E.V. Watson, Ph.D., Little Court, Cleeve, Goring-on-Thames.

a ad

CONT BONE

Page

lieetings and Excursions in 1956 - 57. 3
The S.E.U.S.S. Congress visits Reading S.Y. Townend 3
Meteorological Data for 1957 iM, Parry. 6
Extracts from the Annual Reports of the
Honorary Recorders:

Botany K.I. -Butler if

Entomology B.R. Baker 11

Ornithology E.V. Watson 16
An Interim Report on the Water Beetles
of Reading A. Price 20
Plant Communities of a Heathland Pond A.If. Simmonds 28
liicro-Fungi H. Owen 31

Editorial

The year 1958 will be remembered as the one in which the Congress of the
South-Eastern Union of Scientific Societies visited Reading, and the Society
may take pride in its contribution towards the outstanding success of that
occasion. How great the success and enjoyable the occasion those who were
present at any of the sessions will already know, and those who were not

can learn from the account that appears elsewhere in this Journal.

In 1956 - 57, also, the Society had a satisfactory year, and a brief review
of its activities is given among our other regular features and articles.
The number of contributors has been increased this year, and botanists

make a welcome reappearance among them. To all of these, and to lfr. Parry
for the meteorological data, we offer warm and appreciative thanks. We
also acknowledge with gratitude a generous grant “towards the cost of the
Journal from the Cultural and Entertainments Committee of the Reading

and County Borough Council. Finally, we are indebted to the Director of
the Ifuseum and Art Gallery for granting facilities for the production of the
Journal and to those members of the lItuseum Staff who, in making use of
these facilities have given so generously of their time and labour.

Correction: We regret that the previous number of the Reading Naturalist
was described on its title page as "No. 9 for the Year 1956-57" instead of
"No. 9 for the Year 1955-56",

SA ae

lieetings and Excursions in 1956-57

In addition to the Annual General Meeting, the Presidential Address, the
Honorary Recorder's Reports and liembers Exhibits, the eleven winter meetings
held during the 1956-57 season included two film shows, one, by If. W.A.
Smallcombe, of Nature Films and the other of the Shell Company's film, "The
Rival World". The remaining meetings were devoted to lectures, of which

the titles included "Rubber", by lir.G. Appleton, "From Cape to Cairo", by ldiss
L. Phillips, "The British Salmonidae", by Air Marshal Sir Robert Saundby,

and "A Farm in Portugal", by Dr. F.B. Hora. Dr. W.E. Swinton was unfortunately
unable to give his promised lecture on "The Birth of the Dinosaurs", but
Professor A.H. Bunting took his place at short notice with a talk on "Applied
Botany in the Sudan Rainlands".

Attendance at many of the summer meetings was again reduced by bad weather,
and the visit to Fawley arranged for July 2/th was cancelled owing to the
bus strike. The other excursions and, in brackets, the number taking part,
were: —-

April 13th, Heckfield Place, for spring bulbs, trees and shrubs, by kind
permission of lfrs. Colin Davey, (23); April 24th, Collins End (5); Ifay 4th,
Padworth Gully (12); May 15th, Pincent's Farm Gravel Pits, an evening walk
(8); May 25th, Nunhide Lane, Sulham, pond and river biology (24); June 5th,
The Co-Operative Society's Glasshouses, by kind permission (3); June 15th,
an evening riverside walk from Sonning (4); June 26th, an evening visit to
Reading University Agricultural Botanical Gardens (11); July 6th, the Blue
Pool (9); July 17th, Tilehurst Potteries, for fresh-water biology (9);
August 7th, Downs above Streatley, for chalk flora (6); August 17th Thames-
side walk and steamer trip (7); August 28th, Hazeley Heath, for bog flora;
September 7th, Englefield Park for trees and birds, by kind permission of
the Lord Lieutenant of the County; September 18th, Streatley Hill, for chalk
flora (2); September 28th, Kiffs Green (9); October 5th, Kingwood Common,
Fungus Foray (15-23).

The S.E.U.S.S. Congress Visits Reading
By 5.Y. Townend, B.Sc.

The Reading Natural History Society and the Department of Zoology
of the University of Reading were, from April 9th - 11th this year, joint
hosts to the South-Eastern Union of Scientific Societies at their 63rd
Annual Congress.

More than 100 delegates and members met to participate in a very full
and varied programme of talks and excursions arranged by a local committee.

S Vee

On the first afternoon there were two alternative excursions. lirs.
Arthur Clark led one party on a tour of Reading Abbey Ruins followed by
& visit to the Abbey Gateway to see the Abbey Paintings and an exhibition
of books and engravings illustrating the history of Reading. While in the
Ruins the party was met by the Reading Conservative Association Ladies'
Choir who gave a delightful rendering of 'Sumer is Icumen in', the 13th
Century Canon so closely associated with the Abbey.

The other party went on a conducted tour of Iiessrs. Sutton and Sons
Ltd., The Royal Seed Establishment, where they were shown the Grass
Advisory Station, the Vegetable Plant Breeding Station and the glasshouses
by li. Noel Sutton.

The Young Naturalists' Evening took the form of a Brains Trust with a
team comprised of Ifr. Maxwell Knight, Dr.W.E. Swinton, Dr. Laingmaid and
Ir. K.E.L. Simmons with Mr. F.E. Edwards presiding. No fewer than 217
questions were received from Reading school children but only about 12
selected ones could be dealt with in the time. If the audience was not as
large as it might have been, because the Congress took place during the
school holidays, it was certainly a keen one. Four prizes of books, auto-
graphed by the team, were awarded for questions. The best question was
from an under-11, G.A. Leech (Emmer Green Primary School). _ The other
winners were Andrew Tuggey (George Palmer Junior School), Lynn Parry
(Westwood School) and Lionel Haynes (Battle Junior School).

A Civic Reception was given to members of the Congress at the Tovm
Hall where they were received by the Mayor (Alderman 1.S.W. Smart), the
Mayoress (Miss Frances Smart) and lr. Maxwell Knight deputising for the
President, Dr.R.v.d. Re. Woolley, the Astronomer Royal. Guests were able
to inspect selections of Borough Charters and Corporation documents and
were entertained by a programme of music by the Reading Light Orchestra.

After the reception the Mayor invited the party to accompany him to
the Ifuseum where they were welcomed by the Chairman of the Cultural and
Entertainments Committee. The Director of the lfMuseum and Art Gallery
introduced the magnificent colour film made in Kenya, ‘Kinship of the
Creature', after which members were able to view the collections which
included a special entomological display.

On the second day the Botanical address was given by Dr. F.B. Hora
on ‘Toadstools' and was followed by the Archaeological one by Dr. lf. Aylwin
“Cotton, O.B.E., F.S.A. on 'Silchester Archaeology".

In the afternoon there were, again, two excursions. Silchester Common
and Pamber Forest were visited by one party under the leadership of Dr.
Hora while the other group went to the site of the Roman City, Calleva
Atrebatum, at Silchester and also to Pamber Priory. This archaeological
excursion was led by Wir. J. Wymer and Ifiss If, Swadling.

SES

The highlight of the Congress was surely the address entitled 'A11l
the World's a Stage' piven that evening by Professor H.L. Hawkins, D.&.,
F.R.S, F.G.5. after his installation as President.

On the morning of the third day there were talks by Professor Hawkins
on ‘Local Geology' and by Dr. C.C. Balch on 'The Birds of Reading’. Both
of these were introductions to the afternoon Geological and Ornithological
excursions which were to Kingsclere and Aldermaston Gravel Pits
respectively.

It seemed a little optimistic to take more than 60 people on’a bird
watching expedition but Dr. Balch made no promises about possible species
which might be seen. In spite of this and a bitter east wind the sroup
saw, among other birds, several early Swallows and Sand Martins before being
finally rewarded by an excellent view of a small flock of Golden Plover in
flight.

The Annual Business Meeting of the Union was held in the evening and
with this the Congress was concluded except for two informal excursions
next morning. Ifs. A.M. Simmonds took a small group on a walk along the
Thames to Mapledurham and Pangbourne while the less energetic visited the
Museum of English Rural Life and the new University site at Whiteknights
Parks

All meetings were held in the University of Reading and throughout
the Congress there was an exhibition staged in the Zoology Laboratory. This
exhibition included contributions by Reading Aquarists' Society, the
Astronomers' Colloquium, the Microscopical Society, Battle Junior School
and several individual members of the Natural History Society.

Accommodation for many of the visiting delegates was provided by the
University at Ifansfield Hall.

Fortunately the Meteorological Office was kind and no excursion was
upset by unfavourable weather conditions.

Altogether, arrangements for all meetings and excursions went
extremely smoothly and the Natural History Society and the Zoology Depart-
ment can be well pleased with their efforts especially as the General
Assembly of the Union accorded it the best Congress to date.

South-Eastern Union of Scientific Societies

The S.H.U.S.S. will hold a Joint Congress with the South-Western Union at
Bournemouth during the period May 15th-23rd, 1959, at which its programme
will be concentrated in the three days, May 16th-18th. Members of this
Society wishing to attend can obtain further information from our Secretary,
irs. A. Fishlock.

Dee os

STATION - READING UNIVERSITY HEIGHT ABOVE SEA LEVEL - 148 ft.

YEAR 1957
; AN, |FEB. |MAR. | APR. [MAY | JUN. | JUL. | AUG. |SEP. OCT. , NOV. |DEC, | YEAR
| MEAN DAILY | MAX. 41.7 | 48,2 |56.6 | 60.5 | 73.1 | 75-1 |] 71.2 | 69.5 |69.2 (59.4 | 48.7 (45,2 58.3 |
| TEMPERATURE MIN. 31.4 |37.6 | 42.8 | 41.5 |43.6|50.6 | 55.9 | 53.5 |49.7 [46.4 | 39.7 [34041 44.4 |
|| OF, MEAN, (| 7 [A249 | 4967 | 49-2 | 52-4 | 61-9 | 65.9 | 6164 56.1 [52.7 | 44.2 5948 8 | 5164 |

eh ee ST ST a1 ST Be Sara
EXTREME sue 4 4 ce 1 als 31 29 22 15, er Sars 59
TEMPERATURES |E, AU ag = g
Pee, 25 |i i | | 6] 2 | it | orzo 30] 20 | 24]
| ote cere es Pe eee
| DATE 29. | 16,21 12 11 2T ) 7
pee ee he ars
| " GROUND FROST 16 7 ee |

SUNSHINE HRS.| SUM, i St, 8 69.1 196.3 | 153. .0 99.7 P78. 2 158. 6 155.4 198.5 7957 64.6 45.5 | 40,4
(SEED TRIAL |% POSS. 25| 26 44 441 26 24

oRouns) ——|DATLY MEAN 2. = 3.1441 5. | sta | 6.44 9 30 5. ae 5.01] 3.28 2.15| 41. iy? 3°37
gr

Pela) e[ | w |
val a SE ees
se 926] 17 Seer ian aes we

LONGEST RUN OF

CONSECUTIVE RAIN DAY.

LONGEST RUN OF

CONSECLTIVE DRY DAYS ce
S10) Se raat

| ee Se |
sai Seance encores
| -EUNDERST ORM bib =]

craven

AVcRAGES ae
MEAN DAILY 46,3 {51.8 | 56.9 | 63.7 | 69.2 | 72.3 | 71.5 |66.8 i sake 45.7 | 58.2

ma ce
PRECIPITATION
| RAIN DAYS ciel 153

Weather Records for 1957
Data supplied by M. Parry.

The data refer to Reading University Meteorological Station except those for
sunshine, which were recorded at Sutton's Seed Trial grounds. A "rain day" is a day
on which rainfall exceeds only 0.01 ins. The temperature averages refer to the
period 1921-50 and the rainfall averages to the period 1881-1915.

-7-

Extracts from the Recorder's Report for Botany, 1956-57

By K.I. Butler

The nomenclature followed is that of Clapham, Tutin & Warburg in
"Flora of the British Isles" and Hubbard in "Grasses". The area covered
is mainly that within a ten-mile radius of Reading, but an exception is
made for the discovery by J. Hodgson at Frensham Great Pond of Poa bulbosa
var. vivipara Koel. (in which the upper part of the spikelet is replaced
by a miniature plant). This is a new county record for Surrey.

Several plants of interest were noted at the Society's Field Meetings.
Poa _chaixii Vill. (Broad~leaved Meadow Grass), Padworth Gully, May 4th.

Drosera rotundifolia L (Sundew) and D. intermedia Drev & Heyne, (Long-
leaved Sundew) plentiful, and Lycopodium inundatum L (Marsh Clubmoss) ,
scarce, Haseley Heath, August 28th. Rhynchospora alba (L) Vahl. (White
Beak-sedge) was also seen,

New records for the Kingwood area at the Fungus Foray on October 5th
were Cortinarius flexipes, C. hinnuleus, Crepidotus mollis, Galera
hypnorum , eee iia baa cantharellus, H. chrysaspida, Lactarius tabidus,
Lenzites bevulinus, Iiycena palericulata, Ik, epipterygia, Panoeolus
acuminatus, Pholiota squarrosa, Psilocybe semilanceata, Tricholoma virgatum,

Members' Records

Equisetum telmateia Ehrh. (Great Horse Tail), on the main road just east
of Woolhampton - = possibly the locality reported by Dr. Williams in 1953
(aig Hodgson) .

Ceterach officinarwa DC (Rusty Back Fern), plentiful on a wall between
Bradfield “College an and Upper Basildon, June 19th (The Recorder).

Thelypteris palustris Schott. (llarsh Shield Fern), one clump at Hazeley
Heath. (J. Hodgson).

Fumaria vaillantii Lois, one of the rare Fumaria of arable land, usually
on chalk. Near ‘Pepper Lane. (G. Hancock).

Coronopus didyms (L) Sa. (Lesser Swine Cress). Not nearly so frequent in
inland districts as C.saquamatus (Forsk) Aschers (Swine or Wart Cress).
In a gravel pit near Maidenhead. (lfrs. Simmonds).

Melandrium rubrum (Weig) Garcke (Red Campion), Near Wee Waif Cafe,
Twyford. 1 » Hodgson). This is quite uncommon locally.

os i =

Stellaria palustris Retz (lfarsh Stitchwort). Marshy ground near
Basildon (J. Hodgson). This more uncommon stitchwort still flourishes at
Great Lea Pond, near Grazeley.

Minuartia tenuifolia (L) Hiern. (Fine-leaved Sandwort) Iledmenham (lirs.
Paul) .

Chenopodium murale L (Nettle-leaved Goosefoot) Allotments by Coley
Recreation Ground (lirs. Hodgson).

Linum bienne Ifill (Pale Flax) Flackwell Heath. (Mrs. Paul).

Saxifraga granulata L. (lleadow Saxifrage) Top of Streatley Hill,
April 27th. (lies, Simmonds).

Datura _stremonium L (Thorn-apple)

Dea tebe ae on a small piece of newly made up ground at Peppard (ls.
Pail.) «

2. Among weeds at Wokingham Hospital,

3 On an allotment in Water Road, Reading, from which it could not be
eradicated,

Hottonia palustris L (Water Violet). Appears to be increasing at Great
Lea Common, Pingewcod, near Grazeley, despite the gradual silting up
of the pond.

Veronica arvensis L. (Wall Speedwell). Very conspicuous at Donnington
Castle (lirs. Simmonds).

Kickxia spuria (L) Dum. (I/ale Fluellen). Rather local on arable land,
Collin's End. (A. Duncombe).

Polemonium caeruleum L (Jacob's Ladder). A flourishing colony on
Snelsmore Common, July 20th. (%.li. Nelmes). This species is indigenous
on limestone hills in northern England, but has long been cultivated

in cottage gardens and seeds readily. Professor Hawkins has fossil
evidence of its former presence in the Newbury district.

Onopordum acanthium L (Scotch or Cotton Thistle), Tilehurst (J. Hodgson).

Centaurea salstitialis L (Star Thistle). On lucerne, Westwood Farm,
near Nettlebed. It did not appear this year in the field off the
Basingstoke Road.

Picris echioides L (Bristly Ox-tongue)

1. Aplant on a chalk slope near Brazier's Park, August 10th.

2. Aplant on the bank of the "New Cut" near Waltham St, Lawrence.
(lirs. Simmonds) »

Butomus umbellatus L. (Flowering Rush) A small patch by a narrow
stream near the Thames east of Pangbourne, (Miss J. Watson).

25S

Leucojum aestivum L. (Loddon Lily or Summer Snowflake). When the island
downstream from Sindlesham M411 was visited on April 21st, all the
flowers had been picked following the construction of a causeway from

the river bank. (lfrs. Simmonds).

Fritillaria meleagris L (Snake's Head). Most early species were 3 -
weeks earlier than usual, but this species was only in the early stages of
flowering on April 21st. Stems were short and flowers damaged by birds
and less abundant than usual. (lirs. Simmonds),

Orchis simia Lam. (hionkey Orchid). One specimen, May 25th.

Q. morio L (Green-veined Orchid). Recreation Ground, near Burghfield
Common, May 23rd. (The Recorder).

Carex pendula L (Pendulous Sedge) Gravel pit near the Cunning Man,
Burghfield. (J. Hodgson).

Ce. disticha Huds (Brown Sedge) Plentiful on one sandy spot near
Silchester Common,

Cyperus longus L (Sweet Galingale) Henley (Mrs. Paul). This handsome
sedge with umbels of bright chestnut glumes is very local or rare in

wet meadows or marshy places beside ponds and ditches. It was found on
a Society's excursion to Harpsden and Henley, probably in the same place,
ee 1950.

Setaria spp.. Rare grasses of cultivated and waste land
S. viridis (L) Beauv (Green Bristle Grass) . Christchurch Road.

S. glauca (L) Beauv. (Yellow Bristle Grass). One plant on waste ground
in Theale. (J. Hodgson).

S. italica (L) Beauv. (Fox Tail or Italian Millet). Plentiful on waste
ground in Theale. (lIfrs. Hodgson).

Introduced Plants

Lobularia maritima (L) Desv. (Sweet Alison). Gravel pit, Theale. (die
Hodgson) .

Bupleurum rotundifolium L. (Hare's Ear, Thorow Wax). A specimen brought
into the Museum occurred as a garden weed.

Galinsoga parviflora Cav. (Gallant Soldier) . In the garden of Station
House, IMortimer,.

G. ciliata (Raf) Blake. Closely resembles G. parviflora , but for the

ry

hairy stems, Gravel pit at Highland Farm, near Henley-on-Thames.

- 10 «-

Impatiens glandulifera Royle (Policeman's Helmet, Himalayan Balsam)
1, An island in the Thames above Tilehurst Station. (lfcs. Simmonds).
2, On the north bank of the Thames not far from Reading. (The Recorder).

This plant was recorded by lfr. Fishlock from Hambleden in 19.6 and appears
to be spreading.

Geranium endressi J. Gay. Naturalised from gardens at Bradfield, (lirs.
Hodgson

Carduus marianum (L) Gaertn. (Ifilk Thistle). One small plant among
grass in Christchurch Road.

The Recorder thanks all those who have made this report possible.

- 11

Extracts from the Recorder's Report for Entomology
1956-7

by B.R. Baker, Bee, AMA. , Walkiaddicse

These extracts have been prepared from material sent in by the following
workers to whom we extend our grateful thanks:- Ifrs,A.l. Simmonds, Air
Marshal Sir Robert Saundby and Messrs, H.L. Dolton, A. Price, T.J. Homer,
R. Taylor and the Director of the Reading Museum & Art Gallery, lr, W.A.
Smallcombe,.

Area Covered

In order to include such noted collecting grounds as Pamber Forest
in north Hampshire and the chalk downs of the Watlington area in
Oxfordshire it has been the custom in the past to include all available
insect records within a 20 mile radius of Reading.

Many of the records which follow have been made in the ernest
Valley between Reading and Newbury. A detailed list of lepidoptera is
given for a locality near Maidenhead in east Berkshire, whilst we have
extended our boundary westwards in order to include Highclere, Hampshire,
from whence lfr.R. Taylor has sent further lepidoptera records,

Individual Insect Orders

Order “phemeroptera (May-flies)

Ephemerella imita (Poda) (Blue-winged Olive), Woolhampton, July 28th.

Order Odonata (Dragon-flies)

Cordulia aenea (L) (The Dowmy Emerald), numerous at Oval Pénd, Padworth

on June 1st and 2nd.

Libellula quadrimaculata.L. (4-spot Libellula) and Pyrrhosoma nymphula. (Sulz)
were also noted on the same dates at Oval Pond.

Agrion virgo (L) (Demoiselle Agrion) abundant in the stream at Pamber Forest
near the White Bridge on the Bramley Road, June 16th. The two species of
Agrion_, splendens and virgo seldom occur in company, and among the many
virgo noted at Pamber only one splendens was seen.

Anax_imperator ,Leach. (Emperor dragon-fly) was to be seen in numbers over

the fishpond on Wokefield Common on June 30th.

Order Plecoptera (Stone-flies)

Two new records were made during the year:-
Leuctra fusca _L. Pamber Forest, October 1st,

Wemurella incons inconsptcua_ (Pict +) Wecthemoton, September 21st.

Order Hemiptera (Water Bugs, Plant Bugs, Aphids etc)

Ranatra linearis (L) Collier's Claypit, Tilehurst, March 17th.
Aphelocheirus aestivalis Westw. 4 taken at Burghfield Bridge on May 25th.

Order Neuroptera

The snake-fly Raphidia notata Fabr. was again observed at Padworth on
April 27th. A larva of this species was found in Pamber Forest among
lichens on an oak trunk on October 1st,

Osmylus fulvicephalus (Scop). (Giant Lace-wing) was numerous at Pamber on

May 28th and again on June 16th.

Sisyra fuscata (Fabr). This interesting little Neuropteron, whose larva
is parasitic on freshwater sponges, was observed in the adult stage on
the Kennet near Burghfield Bridge (June 11th) and in greater nutibers on
the Kennet at Theale (July 28th).

Order Trichoptera (Caddis-flies)

Work has steadily gone ahead during the year and the Berkshire list of
species is increasing. Of the known British caddis (191) 106 have so
far been recorded from Berkshire.

Additions to the local list during the year were:-

Lype reducta (Hagen) Padworth Mill, on the occasion of the Society's
visit there on May 4th.

Ironoguia_ dubia Steph. recorded by Dr. Crichton from Oakfield Pond early
in \Octoper.

Hydroptila occulta (Eaton) and H. femoralis (Eaton), river Pang near

Tidmarsh, July 28th.
Oxyethira falcata.lfort. from the Pang at Bradfield on July 6th.

Order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)

Migrant Species
Acherontia atropos (L) Death's Head Hawkmoth, A larva was brought to the
Museum by Ifr.M.O. Weeks of Nettlebed on August 12th. This produced an

adult on October 4th. Two Death's Heads, two Herse convolvuli (L
Convolvulus Hawkmoth and a single Heliothis armigera (Hubn) Scarce Bordered
Straw were recorded from Highclere in September, 1956, but the records were

received too late for inclusion in that year's report.

Heliothis peltigera (Schiff) Bordered Straw. 1 on March 28th, 1957, at

Highclere,.

Margaronia unionalis (Hubn). This rare wigrant micro. was taken at

Burghclere on October 3rd.

ee are

Lepidoptera Resident Species

An interesting list of macro-lepidoptera was sent in by lMfr.T.J. Homer and
as these were trap records from the Maidenhead area (Pinkney's Green) ,
which is not well known to local lepidopterists, we print the list as

received :=-

Mimas tiliae (L). Lime Hawkmoth, May 28th, 30th, June 26th,
Laothoe populi » Poplar Hawkmoth. May 30th, June 17th, 19th, 21st, 23rd.

Smerinthus ocellatus (L) May 30th, June 26th, 29th.
hinx Ligustri Privet Hawkmoth. June 17th.

Hyloicus pinastri (L) Pine Hawkmoth. June 27th.

Deilephila porcellus (L) Small Elephant Hawkmoth.

June 21st, Zot, 29th.

Cerura hermelina (Goeze) Poplar tien. May 28th.
Stauropus fagi Lobster Moth. June 18th, 27th, 28th (2), 29th.

June 18th, 19th (3),

Drymonia trimacula (Esper) Marbled Brown.May 27th.
Pheosia tremula Swallow Prominent. June 2th.
Pheosia pnoma (F) Lesser Swallow Prominent. June 19th.
Notodonta anceps (Goeze) Great Prominent. May 27th, 28th.
Coxcomb Prominent. June 20th.
Pale Prominent. May 28th.
Buff Tip. June 27the
Peach Blossom. June 18th.
Tethea ocularis Guenee. Figure of 80. June 23rd, 2/the
(l.) Pale Tussock. May 27the -
Malacosoma neustria sen ae Lackey Moth. June 25th, 27th, 28th, 29th.

Hadena lepida (Esper) Tawng Shears. June 27th.
Philudoria potatoria (L) Drinker. June 29th.
Gastropacha quercifolia (L) Lappet. June 18th, 19th.
Bena _ prasinana Green Silver Lines, June 19th.
oilosoma, lubricipeda (LL) White Ermine, May 28th.
ilosoma lutea (Hufn Buff Ermine. May 27th.

June 23rd, 28th, 29th (2)
May 30th (4)

Abundant whole period,
Setaceous Hebrew Character. May 29th oe 30th (2).

Arctia caja Garden Tiger.

Agrotis puta Hubn. Shuttle-shaped Dart.

otis exclamationis (L) Heart & Dart.
Amathes c-nigrum

Ochroplerura plecta (L) Flame Shoulder. Vay 27th $8)» 28th (4), 29th (5),
30th
pra fimbria (L) Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing. June 28th,
Polia advena (Schiff) Pale Shining Brown. June 28th,
Marbled Coronet . June 23rd, 2/thy, 29th.
de Vill) Bordered Gothic. June 29th.
Clouded Brindle. June 28th,
Ruplexia lucipara Small Angle Shades. May 30th.
NES spore (L) Agile Shades. Vay 27th 2. 28th 3.
29th (2), 30th (2).
Meristis trigammica (Hufn). Treble Lines. May 28th (4), 29th (3), 30th (3).
Rusina umbratica Brown Rustic. June 27th (3).
June 28th,

Cucullia lychnitis Ramb. Striped Lychnis.
Cucullia umbratica (I) Shark.

June 19th. 25th.

“Ue

Abrostola <mes (Hufn) Light Spectacle .
Plusia iota Plain Golden Y.

Gonodontis bidentata (Cle) Scalloped Hazel.
Biston betularia Peppered Moth.

Zeuzera ina Leopard Ifoth.

June 23rd (2).
June 20th, 26th.
May 27th,

May 29th.

June 28th (3).

(47 different species are recorded by the above list)

An equally interesting list was received from Highclere (R. Taylor)
and as this is again a relatively unknown area to local workers the list

is given in entirety:-

Clostera curtula (L

Chocolate Tip.
Poplar lutestring .
White Satin °

Marbled Coronet.
Dark Brocade.
Rosy lfinor.
Slender Brindle,

) Brighton Wainscot.
Lygephila pastinum (Treits) Blackneck.
Pyrrhia umbra Bordered Sallow.

Eremobia ochroleuca (Schiff) Dusky Sallow.
Xanthorhoe quadrifasciata (Cl) Large Twin-spot carpet.
Euphyia picata (Hubn) Cloated Carpet.

ay 3rd.
July 5th.
July 5th.
July 2nd.
June 1st.
June 18th.
May 29th.
July 28th.
August 6th.
August 7th.
July 7th.
July 5th.
August 2nd.
August 6th.
July 5th.

During the year 17 visits were made to Woolhampton Marshes and the

recorder noted the following lepidoptera at light:-

Leucoma salicis (L) White Satin.

Dasychira fascelina (L) Dark Tussock.

Oria musculosa Brighton Wainscot.

July 5th
August 3rd,
July 29th.
September 21st.
July 5the
August 2nd.
July 35rd.

(this was a very early date and an
unexpected locality for this moth)

Leucania obsoleta (Hubn) Obscure Wainscot.
Hydraecia petasites (Doubl Butterbur,.

Phalaena typica L Gothic

June 15th, July 5th.

August 3rd, 6th.

August 3rd.

Xanthorhoe quadrifasciata (C1) Large Twin-spot Carpet.July 5th.

ee ee

Micro-lepidoptera

The following species of Lithocolletis were bred by lr, Dolton from
leaf mines: -

Lithocolletis concomitella Bankes (apple)

L. tristrigella (elm)
L. schreberella (Fabr (elm)
L. corylifoliella (Haw (apple)

L. coryli von Nic (hazel)

L. spinicolella Zell peas
L. blancardella (Fabr) apple)

Order Coleoptera (Beetles)
Dytiscus marginalis L

)
D. circum@lexus Fabr ) all from the same ditch near Caversham
D. circumcinctus Ahr ) Bridge, May 10th,

D. semiculcatus Ifuel )

Burghfield Bridge, May 25th.
Sulhanm Stream, July 11th, (4).
Nunhide Farm Lane, June — (ig
1) :
Wokefield Common, June 16th. i
5)

Rantus notatus (Fabr ; : (4
ear ee aaa wend Tilehurst Potteries July 25rd.

Hydaticus seminiger (Deg) Burghfield Bridge, September 22nd.

(2007) 599)

exsoletus (Forst
paludosus (Fabr
didymus

exsoletu

at eT

ene |

The Recorder's Report for Ornithology
(November 1956-Novenber 1957)

by KeVe Watson, Ba oee 5 Flin De

Heavy pressure of other commitments coupled with a remarkable
scarcity of records submitted by members of this society prevent me from
making more than a brief statement of ornithological events in the past
year, Since these remarks are to be brief I will treat such events as
have come to my notice in a broadly chronological sequencée

The early winter period opened with the mumbers of the usual species
of duck on local waters mounting to substantial figures, Thus, over 300
Mallard were recorded at Sonning Eye gravel pit on December 2nd, some 60
Teal at Englefield on December 6th, whilst by December 27th the numbers of
Tufted Duck and Pochard at Burghfield gravel pit were both around the
60 mark, Small to medium sized flocks of both these species are of course
a regular feature of the winter bird life at this large pit, which now
amounts to a considerable stretch of water, No less than 15 Shoveler
were noted at Englefield on December 15th, where the ample cover no
doubt suits them. The most unusual species of duck met with during this
early winter period was a single Goosander, seen at Burghfield gravel pit
on November 2th,

The month of November saw several records of visiting Lesser Black-
backed Gulls in the Reading area, a species likely to turn up at almost
any time of the year but never in big numbers, By contrast, the Black-
headed Gull is with us in immense numbers at "peak periods" during the
winter, In the season under review numbers amounting to many hundreds of
birds were observed making their way in to settle on Sonning Eye gravel
pit for roosting purposes during late December, This incoming horde of
Black-headed Gulls was estimated at about 1,400 on the afternoon of
December 2/the

For the opening months of 1957 extremely few records are available,
Unlike several recent winters, January and February were not marked by
any exceptionally cold spells, Indeed, February 3rd was a quite remarkably
warm day and the birds met by our party at Streatley on this occasion
marked the mild weather, as one might have expected, by a good burst of
early songe Bird song at all times tends to fluctuate much with the
weather, and Mrs. Simmonds! record of Chaffinch in full song on March 1st
no doubt coincided with another day of relatively warm weather; although
it is true to say that by March almost the full chorus of resident songsters
may generally be heard and mornings without much song from Chaffinch,
Blackbird, Song Thoush, Greenfinch, Wren and all the rest would be
exceptional.

The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is not really rare, rather it is

al Fy =

elusive, especially if its characteristic call is not known, I came across
one in Caversham Warren on January 13th. Sometimes it appears in the
precincts of Reading University. I have seen it both on mature timber
fringing the Athletics Ground in Elmhurst Road and on the main site. A
few seasons ago I knew of a nest in Eastern Avenue, but no record has come
to my notice of it in this part of Reading during the year under review.
Of species that are uncommon in this district a record of Stonechat on
December 3rd and 5th at Burghfield is worth mention; also observations of
White-fronted Geese at Sonning Eye in February. Three were there when I
visited this water on February 28th, a date also marked by the presence

on the lake of about 12 Shoveler, 20 Wigeon and 7 Canada Geese. At least
50 Coot were all feeding in the water meadow adjoining the lake when I
arrived.

The month of March would seem to have been rather devoid of incident,
but doubtless many records have yet to come to light. lia,K.#.L. Simmons
informs me of a Water Rail on March 23rd at Burghfield gravel pit. This
is a bird we are seldom privileged to see, and ir.W.A. Smallcombe reports
a Great Grey Shrike which was unfortunately shot in mistake for a Jay when
seen at Wasing. It was submitted to the Reading Ifuseum by Sir William
Mounte Spring came early in 1957 and by mid-Ifarch the first Chiffchaffs
were with us. Ify own record of one on March 14th was the earliest I have
ever had, but Dr.C.C. Balch had already recorded it, some days before this,
in the Shinfield area. Woodlarks were in beautiful song at Eversley
Common on Ifarch 3rd. This was a superb Spring day, with afternoon
temperatures climbing well into the lower sixties. By the 31st larch the
first Blackcap had arrived in Caversham Warren.

April was notable for a long spell of anticyclonic weather, but such
records as are available do not suggest that the later migrants arrived in
any way in advance of their usual times. Night temperatures tended to be
low, with wind largely in the east, so that this is not surprising. When,
after an absence of three weeks from the Reading area, I visited Sonning
Eye on April 19th I saw no Sedge Warbler, no Whitethroat and no Swallows.
Of Summer visitors, only the recently arrived Cuckoo and the more fully
established Willow Warbler were in evidence. A similar scarcity of
incoming speties prevailed 2 days later. I did not see my first local
Swallows and Sedge Warblers until April 27th.

lier, Simmons has given me a note of two unusual species seen in the
Reading area in April. ‘They are: Dunlin, at l/anor Farm, and a drake
Garganey, at Theale "new" pit, both on April 19th. Observers at
Burghfield gravel pit were intrigued to see 2 Cape Teal (of course escaped
from a private collection) on that water during April. On 27th April
I was keeping a look-out for passage migrant birds, such as Redstart,
Whinchat and Wheatear, that one is sometimes fortunate enough to see in
places where they plainly do not nest. I was rewarded by a view, on arable
land along the Henley Road, of 2 fine male Wheatears. If. Nigel Charles,
who was photographing during late April at Aldermaston, heard the elusive
Grasshopper Warbler there.

— 18 =

May is in most years the month that brings our first Swifts. JI came upon
one at Sonning Eye on May 2nd., whilst lis. Hasker reports arrivals of 2
separate flights of these birds on the morning of llay 8th. Early IMfay

is often, too, a time for unusual bird visitors. May 1957 gave us at least
2 of these, an Osprey which I was fortunate enough to see very clearly,
although only for a few minutes, at Sonning on Ifay 2nd, and a Turnstone
which if, Simmons observed at Theale "new" gravel pit on May 22nd; both
decidedly must be classed as rarities, So, too, must the Hoopoe of which
Mir, WeA. Smallcombe kindly gave me a report later in the Bummer. The bird
concerned was one watched by lfrs.™.S. Simpson Nisieux of Copse Ifead,
Woodley, for half an hour in her garden on August 7th. She was able to
describe it in, minute detail,

So far as breeding birds on local gravel pits are concerned, it is
interesting to see how the emphasis and the interest shift from one to
another. True, Burghfield is less good that it used to be a few years ago.
Theale "new" pit is becoming increasingly favoured each year. In 1957
Shoveler and several pairs of Tufted Duck nested there, lf. Simmons tells me.
At the old Theale pit 3 pairs of Canada Geese bred for the first time. The
Little Ringed Plover can again be claimed as a local breeding species, even
if the site selected changes from one pit to another in different years
according to the availability of suitable stretches of gravelly terrain.

The Nightingale is a bird more often heard than seen by most of us and
its nest is elusive. lirs. Hasker reports having been snown a nest of this
species at Theale on June 13th. It contained } young. Ify own observation
of a fine male Red-backed Shrike on lfay 31st on the rough ground at the end
of Kidmore Road, was unfortunately not followed up, so that one does not
know whether it bred there or not, The area is very suitable in character
for this species which seems to be growing increasingly scarce. Probably
only 2 or 3 pairs nest nowadays in the Reading area, Unhappily, the
Wryneck has become scarcer still and it is doubtful if any pairs nested at
BL) In COT CLSstriei am Aor.

The late Summer period witnessed several interesting records. Ilr.
Simmons has kindly told me of a juvenile Redstart seen by the Bath Road
near Theale on August 4th and a juvenile Black Tern at Theale "old" pit
on August 23rd. Nearly a month later, on September 21st some 15 - 20 Black
Terns were seen at Burghfield gravel pit, an observation which links up
rather suggestively with a note that has come in of a similar sized flock
on the gravel pit. near Dorchester, Oxon. on the previous day.

In late September some very disturbed weather occurred. It appears
that this resulted in a Hoopoe turning up at Theale "new" pit and remaining
there from September 23rd - 26th, where it was minutely observed by several
of the workers but regrettably never came to the notice of any ornithologist.
At this same pit a Sheld-duck was seen on October 5th, whilst on October
13th I came upon an exceptionally late Common Sandpiper there, The Green

/

ee en

Sandpiper commonly stays on in the Reading area, almost until the end of
the year, although only in very small numbers. It was seen at Englefield
on December 16th, 1956. I flushed one from Aldermaston "north wharf" pit
on September 27th, 1957. No doubt one or two are still about and will
remain with us to celebrate Christmas !

So the ornithological year runs full cycle. The Pieldfare and the
Redwing are back with us again and the numbers of Black-headed Gulls are
beginning to build up on the Thames. Perhaps the numbers of observers
Will build up also, so that a year hence we may offer a report less
fragmentary than this one had to be. It is a pleasure to thank those
members who have sent in records, also to acknowledge the debt that one
owes to the Reading Ornithological Club Report for 1956 and to if. K.E.L.
Simmons, one of its Editors, in particular.

= 2O =

An Interim Report _on THE WATER BEETLES of READING
BY -A. Price

I offer this contribution with due humility beoetuse this is only the
second year during which my attention has been directed towards the
Hydradephage.

The best time of the year for catching water beetles is during Ifay/
June or August/September, but I have taken active beetles all the year round,
even under ice.

Beetles can be divided into three sub-orders:

ADEPHAGA, POLYPHAGA and ARCHOSTEIMATA

This report is concerned with the Hydradephaga section of the ADEPHAGA
No mention is made of Hydrophilidae, many of which live in water

Hydradephaga are divided into four families:-
HALIPLIDAE, HYGROBIIDAR, DYTISCIDAE, GYRINIDAE

The detailed classification of Hydradephage is given by the chart at the
end of this paper.

Little work has been done on some of the smaller beetles, studies having
been mainly concentrated on the Dytiscidae .

HALIPLIDAE

All the beetles in this family are less than 1/6" in length. They are
common and abundant locally but I have done little detailed work on them.
They may be readily placed in the correct family by noting the presence of
large post coxal ‘plates, which conceal the bases of the rear legs.

One easily recognised species is Brychius elevatus (Panzer) which has been
caught in the swiftly flowing tail race of Tidmarsh /411.

HYGROBITDAK

In this family we have only one species, Hygrobia hermanni (F) 5 Thesis
fairly common in silt ponds around Reading. It is a globular beetle whose
presence can be detected in the net, before it is seen. its common name is
the Screech Beetle and it is so called because it is capable of emitting a
squeaking noise when excited, It stridulates by rubbing the apex of its
abdomen against a file on the inner aspect of its elytra.

GYRINIDAE

This family consists of three genera:-

Aulonogyrus - one species -- found only on islands off the coast of Scotland.
Orectochilus - one species - fairly wide-spread, and

Gyrinus - ten species. I have only taken two species locally, which I can
readily recognise. They are G urinator Illiger., and G natator (L).

a

These beetles are popularly called Whirligig Beetles owing to their habit of
constantly darting in graceful curves around one another. They are mainly
gregarious and I have seen upwards of forty beetles on the surface of the
water on a sunny day in winter.

They are well adapted to their life on the water, the mid and hind legs
forming very efficient paddles. Their form is elliptical, whilst each
compound eye is divided into two separate eyes.

I have not yet done much detailed work on this family.

DYTISCIDAE

Ify main body of work over the last two years has been on this family.
Dytiscidae are sub-divided into two sub-families:-

Dytiscinae and Noterinae

Noterinae - This family consists of one genus containing two species:-
Noterus clavicornis (Degeer) which I have not yet taken locally,

and N. capricornis (Herbst) which is quite common and abundant in
the ponds and gravel pits around Reading.

Dytiscinae - This sub-family is divided into four tribes:-

Laccophilini, Hydroporini, Colymbetini, Dytiscini-

1. lLaccophilini This tribe consists of one genus, Laccophilus,
represented by three species, two of which I have taken around Reading.
L. minutus (L) is a small greenish beetle which is very active in a net.
It is common and abundant around Reading, particularly in Sulham ponds,
Le hyalinus (Degeer) , which can be recognised by the presence of a file
on the post coxa (male only) , has been taken in the oxbow lake on the
Kennet, near the gravel pits.

Laccophilus and Noterus are Similar in size but can be identified in the
net by noting how active Laccophilus specimens are when caught.

The remaining species, L. variegatus (Germar) I have not yet taken in
Reading.

2. Hydroporini. This tribe includes eight genera (see chart). Of these
I have taken species of the following genera:-
1. Hyphydrus. The only representative of this genus is H. ovatus (L),
a very common insect and easily identified by its red colour and
globular shape. It may be taken in ponds and ditches all around
Reading.

2. Hygrotus. This genus is divided into two sub-genera, Hygrotus
and Coelambus, with four species in each. Only two species have
so far been taken:- H. inaequalis (F), an extremely small globular
beetle ,has been found at Tilehurst Potteries; C.impresso punctatus
(Schaller) has been found at Tilehurst Potteries, Coleman's lfoor and
a drainage ditch near Burghfield.

\

De

he

Deronectes. Of the six species, only two have been found locally:-
D. elegans (Panzer) has been taken at Tidmarsh Mill in fast flowing water,
D._ 12-pustulatus (F) has been caught in the Kennet at Burghfield.

Hydroporus. I have not done a lot of detailed work on this genus. There
are 33 species, alljismall beetles. Two very common and abundant species
which may be seen in almost any piece of water are:- H. planus (F) and
H, palustris Cie

H. dorsalis (F). 5 specimens of this uncommon beetle were taken in some
pools at Silchester Common. This is a very distinctive species of
Hydroporus which can be identified by its pseudotetramerous anterior
tarsi.

No representative of that extremely minute beetle, Bidessus, has been
identified as yet by me.

Colymbetini. This tribe consists of six genera, all of a. size permitting

a would-be coleopterist to use his key in reasonable comfort. It isa

much better starting point than some of the smaller beetles, e.g., Haliplidae,
which require high magnification for accurate determination of species.
Representatives of all six genera have been taken around Reading.

1. Copelatus. C. agilis (F), the only species in this genus, has been
taken in a drainage ditch at Burghfield Bridge and at Coleman's Moor
in rain-filled pits and ditches. It has also been caught in the ponds
at Silchester Common. This beetle deserves its trivial name, agilis, for
it is very hard to catch when inside the net.
This year in Carmarthenshire I took C. agilis in a disused canal very
much overgrown with grass and Juncus . It was so abundant there that
upwards of 24 were taken at each sweep of the net.

2. Agabus. Of the 19 species in this tribe, I have taken eight locally:-

A. bipustulatus (L) is by far the commonest. This black beetle may be
taken in almost any stretch of water. It is about 11 mm. in length.

A. sturmii (Gyllenhal) is also quite common. It prefers slowly
running or stagnant water.

A. paludosus (F) is a ruming water species, preferring smaller streams.
It has beon caught locally in many streams, e.g., near Coley heronry. I
have taken it in one small stream off the Bath Road near Theale, in
company with -

A. didymus (Olivier), which is a small bronzed beetle with four
irregular white marks on the elytra; didyms is a running water species.
I have also taken it at Kidwelly in a slow flowing drainage ditch
containing iron bacteria.

A. nebulosus (Forster). This yellowish beetle with black spots is found
in quite a few ponds near Reading, e.g., Sulham and Tilehurst Potteries,

anes

A. chalconatus (Panzer) has been found in two places near Reading.
At Wokefield Common pond it was found in small numbers in company with
Ilybius fenestratus (F). However, at Silchester Common, chalconatus
was found to be very abundant in a peaty pool containing Juncus and

Sphagnum.

A, labiatus (Brahm). Balfour-Browne labels this beetle as extremely
local and it has been found to be quite abundant in a peaty pond on
Silchester Common. It may be recognised by its small size, 6 m.,
narrow metasternal wings, and the long fringe of hairs on the anterior
femora (male only)

A. affinis (Paykull). One beetle, a male, was taken in a very grassy
pool with Juncus anda little Sphagnum at Silchester Common on June
8th, 1958. It is a parallel-sided beetle, black in colour, about

6 - 7mm. in length. The toothed anterior claw in the male is quite
clearly seen.

3. Platambus. Only one species, P. maculatus (L). This is a very attractively
marked insect which is taken in rumning water. It is abundant in the
tail race at Tidmarsh 14111 and has been taken in many other streams as
widespread as the stream in Pamber Forest, and the Kennet at Burghfield.
The markingsvary a lot, some beetles being almost devoid of white marks.

4. Ilybius. Of the seven species of Ilybius found in this country, I have
found four locally: -

I. ater (Degeer) lives in stagnant water and is the largest species
of the genus. It is found locally, at Tilehurst Potteries, Caversham
Bridge, in a drainage ditch, Sulham and in many other localities.

I, obscurus (Ifarsham) is another stagnant-water species which resembles
ater but is quite a bit smaller. It can also be distinguished by the
shorter keel. on the seventh abdominal sternum. It has been taken in
all the localities mentioned under ater.

I. fuliginosus (F) may be taken in all types of habitat - stagnant
water, streams and even brackish water.

Locally I have observed this beetle; in the pond at Wokefield Common,
in a drainage ditch near Scour's Lane, and on 11th June, 1957 I found
it in very great numbers in the grassy verges of the Sul stream at
Sulham. It is very widespread around Reading. It can easily be
identified by the yellow margins of the elytra and elongate shape.

On June 9th, 1958, I took 3 specimens which were attracted to mercury
vapour light whilst we were looking for Leucania obsoleta the
Obscure Wainscot moth.

I, fenestratus (F) is a rather uncommon species found mainly in ponds,
It can be identified by its bronzed upper surface, red underparts and
very narrow metasternal wings.

I have found it locally only in one pond, that at Wokefield Common.
On 25th May, 1958 it was abundant in mixed vegetation, at the pond's
edge, of moss and Bog St. John's Wort (Hypericum elodes)

No trace has been found locally of; subaeneus, ttiger, or aenescens.

5. Colymbetes. There is only one species in this genus in our country,
C. fuscus (L), which lives in stagnant water. It is common all round
Reading. A typical habitat is the pond near Sulham Woods. It may be
identified by the transverse sculpturing on its elytra.

6. Rantus. This genus is represented in the British Isles by six species,
two of which I have found near Reading:-

Re pulverosus (Stephens). This is a pond and marsh drain species
found in many localities around Reading, e.g., Loddon Bridge,
Burghfield Bridge and Tilehurst Potteries.

R. exsoletus (Forster) I have only taken in the small clay-pit pond
at Tilehurst Potteries.

R. grapii (Gyllenhal), This uncommon species of Rantus has not been
found locally but on 12th April, 1958 I took five specimens in an
overgrown disused canal where it was mixed with a very thriving

colony of Copelatus agilis,

4. Dytiscini. This tribe consists of five genera, representatives of three
of which I have caught locally: -

° Dytfsous: This genus embraces six species, one of which,
D. lapponicus Gyllenhal is confined to islands off the coast of
Scotland. Another, D. dimidiatus nie a sig has not been found
locally.
The remaining four species have all been taken near Rédaing. Indeed,
on one occasion, I found ail four species in the one drainage ditch
near Caversham Bridge within a distance of one hundred yards of each
other.

D. semisulcatus Ifueller. This species is easily recognised by its
black belly and the rounded post-coxal process: I have caught this
beetle in many ponds. Some localities - Caversham Bridge, Sulham Ponds,
Scour's Lane.

D. marginalis L. This is the commonest species of the genus. It is

a stagnant water beetle although I have also taken it in quite swiftly
flowing streams. This beetle can be found in most ponds and ditches
around Reading. I have kept the species in an aquarium for up to 12
months where they feed by "winkling" out pond snails (Limaea).

= IB

De. circumcinctus Ahrens. I have taken this uncommon species in some
numbers in a drainage ditch which runs parallel with the Thames. I
have also caught it in three ponds, one beetle at a time, in a quite
widespread area round Reading. The beetle may be recognised by the
black markings on its yellow underparts and by the very narrow yellow
band on the posterior margin of the pronotum. On 3rd June, 1958 one
of my boys at school brought me a very good specimen found in a fourth
pond, which I shall visit as soon as possible.

The sex of water beetles can be determined in one of two ways:-
Anterior tarsi. The anterior tarsi of the males are enlarged and bear
sucker hairs to help in grasping the female;

Fluted elytra. Some females have fluted elytra whilst the elytra of
the males are plain.

Females of circumcinctus are dimorphic, i.e., both fluted and plain
females can be taken. In circumcinctus, the female having plain elytra
is the type form, whilst the female with fluted elytra is the variety
dubius. JI have taken both forms locally.

D. circumflexus Fabricius. This uncommon species lives mainly in
brackish water but I have found it in several places around Reading,
e.g., Caversham Bridge, Tilehurst Potteries, Scour's Lane and Sulham
Ponds. JI have only taken single beetles except in one of the above
localities, where I have taken it in small numbers.

2. Hydaticus. This genus contains two species, H. seminiger (Degeer) and
H. transversalis (Pontoppidan). They are fen dwellers. For transver-
alis I have no records.

H. seminiger. The last record for seminiger in Berkshire was one from
the Kennet and Avon Canal near Newbury in 1910 (three specimens).

In September 1957 I took it in some numbers in a drainage ditch near
Burghfield. This spring I checked upon the ditch and found, to my
dismay, a dry ditch, due to alteration to the drainage plan of the
meadow.

I have, however, since that, seen a seminiger female in another
locality some miles away, so they seem to have found a new locality.

3e Acilius. Of the two species, sulcatus and caniculatus, I have only records
for sulcatus.

A. sulcatus Linnaeus. This beetle is not common and is not found in
any great numbers. I have found it regularly at Sulham Ponds and also
at Wokefield Common.

Beetles and Bladderwort
In two places near Reading, an artificial oxbow lake near Burghfield,

and a drainage ditch near the Thames, I have found bladderwort - Utricularia
vulgaris, I think. In both localities water beetles are extremely scarce,

eG ee

In the case of the oxbow lake, the river cuts between the two parts of the
meander. In the northern section there is a fairly wide selection of
beetles inclusing Dytiscus marginalis L, whilst in the southern section, only
30 - 40 yards away, there are practically no beetles and some bladderwort.
In the drainage ditch which contains Frogbit, Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, in
addition to Bladderwort, only a few Haliplidae have been found.

Is there a connection between the presence of Bladderwort and the
absence of beetles 7.

Notes on cther orders of Water Insects
Order Hemiptera. Sub-Order Heteroptera (Water Bugs)

Notonecta . In the Tilehurst Potteries pond, four species of Notcnecta;
glauca Linnaeus, viridis Delcourt, obliqua Gallen and maculata Fabricius
have all been found in the one small pond.

Ranatra linearis (Linnaeus). Three localities have been found for this
insect, Tilehurst Potteries, Coleman's lMoor,Woodley and the Oxbow Lake at
Burghfield.

Aphelocheirus montandoni Horvath. This quite uncommon bug has been found in
the Holy Brook at Southcote and in a little stream near Burghfield in small
numbers. It is found in the gravel underneath "Water Crowfoot" Ranunculus
aquatilis L. I have also taken it on the Kennet at Woolhampton - 9th June, 1958

Bibliography

British Water Beetles - F. Balfour-Browne - Ray Society.

A General Textbook of Entomology - A.D. Imms - Ifethuen.

Fowler's Coleoptera.

Key Coleoptera-Hydradephaga - F.Balfour-Browne - Royal Entomological
Soc. of London.

N.B.

The following beetles have also been recorded locally,

Peltodytes caesus Duftschmid.

Bidessus geminus f.

Deronectes latus Stephens ., notice of these three very good captures
was received too late for insertion in sequence in the above paper.

HALIPLIDAE
3 genera

Brychius (1) 1
Peltodytes (1)

Haliplus (6)

LACCOPHILINI
Cne genus

Laccophilus (3) 2

HYGROBIIDAE

=

HY OR AD EP oo AGee

one species

H. hermanni

DYTISCINAE

our—_Tribes

HYDROPOR INI
Bight genera

Hydrovatus (1)
Bidessus (3)
Hyphydrus (1) 1
Hygrotus (8) 1
Deronectes (6) 2
Oreodytes (4) ©
Hydroporus (33) 3

Laccornis (1)

Number of Genera - 28

Number of Species per genus

Total species for all genera - 130

Number of Species taken to date indicated after parentheses.

DYTISCIDAE

NOTER INAE
one genus

GYRINIDAE
3 genera

eb tics (1)
Aulonogyrus (1)

Gyrinus (10) 2

ee ne

COLYMBETINI
Six genera

Copelatus (1) 1
Agabus (19) 8
Platambus (1) 1

Ilybius (7) 4

Colymbetes (1) 1

Rantus (6) 3

- indicated in parentheses

DYTISCINI
Five genera

fe ed (6) &
rosa (1)

Graphoderus (1)
Hydaticus (2) 1

Acilius (2) 1

a IPB

Plant Communities of a Heathland Pond

By A.li, Simmonds

Some six miles south-west of Reading is situated an area of wooded common-
land which has long been a favourite hunting-ground of botanists as well

as zoologists.

A glanceat the geological map of this district shows that Wokefield Common,
as it is officially mown, (although "Three Firs" and Burghfield Common are
more familiar names) lies mainly on plateau gravel. This fact explains the
characteristic flora of the locality under consideration, a pine, birch,

and heath community, with associated acid-loving plants. l/any years ago this
piece of country was natural pine woodland, but during the 1914 - 18 period
it was clear-felled. Since then it has been colonized by a secondary growth
of Betula verrucosa Ehrh (Silver Birch) and Pinus sylvestris L (Scotch Fir).

The centre of interest in this area is undoubtedly the Fish Pond, which in

its waters and on its margins supports a rather unique flora, many of the
plants being of rare occurrence in the Reading radius (approximately 10 miles).
This pond is of no great size, about 30 yards across, and about three times

as long. It is of artificial construction, and was made 150 years ago by
damming a small drainage stream, and was originally a sheep-dip. The southern
end is the deeper and rests on clay and here are growing two large oaks on

the dam. The northern end rests on gravel and is very shallow. The depth

of water varies arrording to the season, and in an exceptionally dry summer

the actual area covered by water may be halved. As far as is known the pond
was last drained and cleaned just over fifty years ago, and except for
reinforcement of the dam in 1930 has since remained undisturbed. Unfortunately,
there seems a tendency recently for branches of trees and other miscellany,
(e.g. motor-tyres) to be thrown into the pond.

The first thing one notices when botanising at this spot, is that the various
species grow in definite zones, using the word as denoting colonies rather
than belts, and this is true of the marginal flora as well as that of the
pond itself. Dr.P.S. Corbet in the "Life History of Anax imperator" (Journal
of Animal Ecology, May 1957) makes the observation that the aquatic plant-
zones bear a relationship to the segregation of larvae of different ages, and
that the marginal plants also influence the distribution of emergence sites.

By far the largest area of water (roughly about one-third) is occupied by
Potamogeton natans L (Broad-leaved Pondweed) and the surface of the deep water
is well covered with the oval brownish-green leaves, with here and there a
similarly hued flower-spike rising above them, - rather a dull and uninterest-
ing plant it may be thought, but at least easily identified. Far more
attractive is Hypericum elodes L (Iarsh St. John's Wort), which occurs in two
great mats towards the eastern and western shores. The stretch of water

3 BG,

between them is occupied mainly by Eleogiton (=Scirpus) fluitans (L)
(Floating Club-rush) and Juncus bulbosus L. H. elodes at first sight is very
unlike the other species of Hypericum. The leaves are almost round and of a
soft greyish-green, and both leaves and stems are clothed in soft, woolly
white hairs. The pale yellow flowers, few in number at the top of the stalk,
are seldom seen open. BE. fluitans is a slender grass-like aquatic plant,
which forms quite dense mats. It has a small club-shaped inflorescence borne
above the water at the apex of a rush-like stalk, 2 - 3 ins. long. It can
easily be confused with the aquatic form of J. bulbosus which grows in close
proximity to it, but in J. bulbosus the individual flower has a perianth of
six leaves, whilst the Club-rush has an inflorescence of imbricated glumes.
The terrestial form of J. bulbosus occurs on the shores of the pond. Both
forms root readily at the nodes and also often bear small shoots among the
flowers or may proliferate without flowers.

Growing amongst the Marsh St. John's Wort are Eleocharis (=Scirpus) palustris
(L) Roem.& Schult. (Common Spike Rush) and J. acutiflorus Hoffm. (Sharp-
flowered Rush). This species is very similar to J. articulatus L. (Jointed
Rush) and may be known by the leaves having "joints" or septa, which can be
best seen by holding a leaf up to the light. There are also a few plants of
Alisma plantago-aguatica L. (Water Plantain), with its long-stemmed ovate
leaves and graceful whorled flower-stems rising above the water.

At the southern end, adjacent to the dam, upon which one can walk, is a colony
of Sparganium simplex Huds. (Simple Bur-reed) with its decorative flower-

loose clusters of pale green flowers. It was in the deep water here that
Nitella translucens Ag.-a member of the Characeae (Stoneworts) was observed
by lf. B.R. Baker in 1956, and in 1957 by lfr. A. Price. No trace of it has
been seen this year. Claridge Druce in his "Flora of Berkshire" comments re
this species "In a pond on Burghfield Common...... two years after I could
not see a specimen", so this complete disappearance and probable reappearance
seems the usual thing with this curious plant.

The shallow northern end of the pond at the time of writing (July) was
comparatively clear of visible vegetation, but when the water level subsides
this area is usually seen to be covered with a thick growth of Littorella
uniflora. (L) Aschers. (Shoreweed). This species, closely allied to the Plant-
ains (Plantago) grows about three inches high and has linear, fleshy leaves,
sheathing at the base. It flowers only when exposed to terrestrial conditions.
The male flowers are borne on inch-long pedicels and have conspicuous stamens,
~hilst the female flowers are sessile and concealed amongst the leaves,

Hydrocotyle vulgaris L.(Pennywort or Sheeprot) occurs as a marginal plant.

this very lowly species with flat, peltate leaves and minute flowers, hidden
from sight is nearly related to the Umbelliferae, and was formerly included
in that family. Other marginal plants which here lead a semi-aquatic, semi-

amare

terrestrial life are Eleocharis (=Scirpus) multicaulis (Sn.)Sm. (lfany-stemmed
Club Rush), Sphagnum species, Ranunculus lingua L. (Lesser Spear-wort) and
Je bufonius L. (Toad Rush).

The northern shore is gravelly, and rather devoid of vegetation for a few
feet. Beyond this, however, may be found one of our less frequent species,
Radiola linoides Roch (=millegrana Sn. (All seed). This miniature plant,
scarcely ever more than an inch in height, with numerous forked branches
bearing tiny yellowish-green leaves and minute white flowers is barely
discernible among the stunted Ifoor Grass and other species on the gently
sloping bank. One has to literally crawl on hands and knees to find it.

The zones of vegetation are especially noticeable on the eastern shore; here
are, firstly, stunted Molinia caerulea (L) lIfoench. (Purple lioor Grass) with
its rather stiff bluish-green leaves and very dark purplish-green narrow
panicles. Then a belt of Sieglingia decumbens (L) Bernh. (Heath Grass),
followed by J. squarrosus L. GHoath Rush) with its dense tufts of rigid,
wiry leaves and stiff stalks topped by a slightly branched cluster of rush
flowers. The whole plant gives one an impression of stiffness. The shore
flora now merges into the characteristic heathland flora, bracken, heather,
birch and pine all come within a short distance of the pond. Three members
of the Order Ericaceae are present, Calluna vulgaris (L) Hull. (Ling) with
small pale purple flowers, Erica cinerea L. (Bell Heather) with larger rich
purple flowers, and E. tetralix L. (Cross-leaved Heath) which has dainty
waxy pink flowers. Ulex europaeus L. (Gorse) and U. minor Roth. (Dwarf
Furze) make their golden-hued contribution to the splendour in their season,
and among the humbler plants are Potentilla erecta (L) Rausch. (Tormentil)
and Salix repens L. (Creeping Willow). Viola palustris L. (llarsh Violet)
and Narthecium assifragum (L) Huds. (Bog Asphodel) may be sought amongst the
Sphagnum mosses near the stream which flows in a deep gully to the south.

Long may this pleasant spot retain its natural beauty and botanical treasures.

ee eo

Micro-Fungi
By H. Owen, Ph.D.

To many people, "fungi" is more or less synonymous with "mushrooms and
toadstools", and there is a good reason why this should be so: the toadstools
and their allies are a group of fungi which generally produce large and
often quite showy fruiting bodies, conspicuous to the naked eye. There are
many more species of fungi, however, which do not produce these large fruit-
ing bodies, but reproduce on a more microscopic scale, and this latter
category is often termed the "micro-fungi", while the toadstools etc. may be
called "macro-fungi".

When I found that the Society had records of macro-fungi collected on forays,
but none of micro-fungi, and that no list of micro-fungi found in Berkshire
existed, it was suggested that I should compile one. This I agreed to do,
almost with alacrity I might say, since I thought such a list would be of
considerable value, especially to those collecting fungi in this district.

I was thinking, for example, of many of our Honours students in Agricultural
‘Botany at the University who make collections of micro-fungi as part of
their course.

Having begun collecting material for the list, my enthusiasm reccived
something of a setback, when I found that the task was evidently to be a

long and tedious one. However, it is proceeding, many sources have already
been searched, and the list of records is steadily growing; I think it
possible that it may be completed within the next year, or perhaps two. i
By "completed" I mean that there will be a compilation of available records -
not, of course, that the list will be exhaustive as to the species of fungi

to be found in the county; such records as exist refer to only a small
fraction of the forms which are there to be found.

My chief purpose in writing this article is to advertize the preparation of
the list, and to seek collaboration. In the first place, there may perhaps

be some members who know of old collections or old records, or their where-
abouts, which would furnish valuable information. Secondly, I have emphasized
that no list compiled today, or for long to come, can be nearly complete;
there are many, many species which have yet to be found here.

I wonder if there mey be members who would like to extend their field of
interest and collecting, who may perhaps even be looking for a new line -
here is one which would yield very profitable results.

Before going further, there is one point which should be made clear;

to study micro-fungi and to identify them, the use of a microscope is almost
always essential. This is, to be sure, a drawback in that not everyone

owns or has access to a microscope. But for those who do (even a low-

he

powered instrument will suffice for much work), a wonderful field of
activity is opened, and the beauty of structures exhibited by micro-fungi
when seen under the microscope far exceeds that of the toadstools (at
least, I think so, but I must admit to being heavily prejudiced).

If the reader now asks 'Where are these micro-fungi to be found ?', the
answer 'Everywhere' is very nearly true. A small amount of organic matter
and sufficient moisture are all they ask. So we may find them on foodstuffs
which have been exposed for a few days to the air (there are many fungus
spores floating in the air at all times), on decaying animal and plant
remains, and in the soil. They may be found on timber and stone, especially
in rather damp places; much of the darkening of the stone of which the
Cambridge colleges are built is attributed to fungus activity. If our

shoes or clotting are left for a few days in a damp state, fungi will grow

on them. Not long ago the Hon. Treasurer of this Society sent me a specimen
of shoe-cream on which a micro-fungus was growing (it proved to be Cladospor-
ium herbarum, a common enough species, but the habitat was somewhat unusual;
I have seen fungi on shoe-cream before, but not this one).

Vast numbers of micro-fungi are parasites of plants. These offer advantages

to the collector, in that it is often easy to recognise their presence, and,

further, since parasitic fungi are commonly restricted to one or a few

plant species, it is often possible to identify a fungus with a high probab-

ility of accuracy, simply by reference to the host plant, though identificat-
ions made in this way need to be checked.

Not only are parasitic micro-fungi abundant everywhere, conspicuous, and
relatively easy to identify compared with saprophytic moulds where the fungus
itself must be identified from first principles, but many of them are of
considerable economic importance on account of the plant diseases which

they cause. This is particularly true of those attacking farm crops and
garden plants; many more attack wild plants, and these are just as interest-
ing to the collector, although their economic significance is small - it
might be thought that fungus diseases of weeds would be a useful means of
controlling weeds, but this has not been found practicable.

Every gardener will be well acquainted with the powdery mildews, which spoil
the appearance of plants with a whitish overgrowth, and sometimes cause
considerable damage to the leaves and other parts. Not many collectors seem
to be interested in the mildews; perhaps this is because the same two or
three species are always turning up, on different plants, but many more
species actually exist, some of them not at all common.

More attractive fungi are the rusts. These parasites get their common
name from the yellowish, reddish or brown spore pustules which are formed
on the diseased plants, often in great abundance. Several types of spore
are produced at different stages in the life cycle, and this is one of the
features which make the rust fungi so interesting. Many of these fungi

- 535 -

spend part of their life cycle on one species of host plant and the remainder
on another, quite unrelated, species; most commonly, one of the "alternate
hosts" is a dicotyledon, and the other a monocotyledon. Here again, a large
number of species are to be found; some, like the hollyhock, mint and
antirrhinum rusts, (Puccinia malvacearum, P. menthae and P. antirrhini), and
the yellow rust of wheat (P. elumarum) , are very common; others, especially
some rusts of wild plants, are decidedly rare.

Allied to the rust fungi are the smuts, which acquired their name because
they produce masses of black, sooty spores. These may be formed in the
leaves, as in the smut of winter aconite (Urocystis eranthidis), and the
stripe smut of Glyceria maxima, (Ustilago longissima) , which can easily be
found by anyone walking along the towpath of the Thames during the summer,
or the floral organs of the plant may be affected, as in the case of the
common smut diseases of cereals, where the grains are entirely destroyed
and replaced by masses of black fungus spores. One smut which makes its
presence in the plant especially manifest in the flowers is the anther smut
of carnations and other Caryophyllaceae, (ee violacea), which is perhaps
most commonly seen on red and white campions. The fungus prevents the
plant from forming pollen in the anthers, and produces its own spores there
instead; not only that, but in the dioecious red campion the fungus
suppresses the ovaries of female flowers - an unnecessary and malicious
Piece of damage, it would seen.

I have mentioned only some of the groups of micro-fungi which are there

to be collected. A particular attraction about the rusts and smuts is

that monographs of these fungi exist, which facilitate their identification.
Grove's 'British Rust Fungi' (1913) is long out of print, but may be
consulted in libraries; it is a little out of date here and there, but a
recent annotated list of British rusts was published in the Transactions

of the British Mycological Society by Wilson & Bisby in 195). For the
smuts we have Ainsworth & Sampson's 'British Smut Fungi', published in 1950.
There is not space here to deal with the many other works which are of use
in the identification of micro-fungi. I shall be happy to give assistance
to anyone who decides to venture into this fertile field, and shall always
be glad to receive specimens from Berkshire (preferably in fresh condition,
with an indication of plant or whatever the fungus is growing on, locality
and date). These should be sent to me at the Department of Agricultural
Botany of the University.

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