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F a = y mie ’ ih ' a : 40h Ties if als e Toke i hay Rd ' } P * : ; ty, at N Vai, ; nN , ro _ . ef } ey 1 : i fod Mae | a) i : Ape f » 7) - S - Y . | a )2 APRIL 1992 ISSN 0952-7583 Vol. 5, Part 1 British Journal of ENTOMOLOGY and Natural History Published by the British Entomological and Natural History Society and incorporating its Proceedings and Transactions Price: £3.00 Officers and Council for 1992 President: J. Muggleton, M.Sc., Ph.D., M.I.Biol., F.R.E.S. Vice-Presidents: A. J. Halstead, M.Sc. D. Lonsdale B.SC., Ph.D. Treasurer: Secretary: A. J. Pickles, F.C.A., F.R.E.S. R. F. McCormick, F.R.E.S. Curator: Librarian: Lanternist: PB Je Chandler, B:Sc:, B-R-E-s: S. R. Miles M. J. Simmons, M.Sc. Ordinary Members of Council: P. J. Baker Mrs F. M. Murphy M. R. Brown R. Norledge G. N. Burton C. W. Plant G. A. Collins M. J. Sterling R. Dyke Editor: R.A. Jones; BSc, F-R-E S:. Fabs: 13 Bellwood Road Nunhead London SE15 3DE (Tel: 071 732 2440) (Fax: 071 277 8725) Editorial Committee: Rev. D. J. L. Agassiz, M.A. T. G. Howarth, B. E. M., F.R.E.S. E. S. Bradford I. F. G. McLean, Ph.D., F.R.E.S. P. J. Chandler, B.Sc., F.R.E.S. Mrs F. M. Murphy B.Sc. B. Goater, B.Sc., M.I.Biol. T. R. E. Southwood, K.B., D.Sc., F.R.E.S. A. J. Halstead, M.Sc. R. W. J. Uffen, M.Sc., F.R.E.S. P. J. Hodge B. K. West, B.Ed. British Journal of Entomology and Natural History is published by the British Entomological and Natural History Society at the Editor’s address: BENHS, c/o The Editor, Richard A. Jones, 13 Bellwood Road, Nunhead, London SE15 3DE, UK. The Journal is distributed free to BENHS members. ©1992 British Entomological and Natural History Society. Typeset by Dobbie Typesetting Limited, Tavistock, Devon. Printed in England by Henry Ling Ltd, Dorchester, Dorset. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 1 ADDITIONS TO THE BRITISH MICROLEPIDOPTERA DAVID AGASSIZ The Glebe House, Brewer’s End, Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford CM22 6QH. Ford (1949) reviewed the microlepidoptera added to the British list since Meyrick (1928). In turn Ellerton (1970) in his 1969 Presidential Address reviewed those added since Ford. I have found these articles very useful and since an equivalent interval has passed it seemed worthwhile to compile a further such list. The form follows its predecessors, but my task has been made easier by the amount of detail given in recent reference books, such as Heath (1976), Heath & Emmet (1985), Goater (1986) and Emmet (1989a). Ellerton remarked that Ford had to consider 69 species from the 20 years covered whilst he had 109 to treat from the next 22 years, however these figures are not very meaningful. In some cases the status of a species is changed, or is uncertain, and there are also many species synonymized or for some other reason deleted from our list. According to my reckoning, the additions can be classified as follows: 1928-47 1948-69 1970-91 (a) Newly recognized residents 40 52 55, (C2 Cl) (b) Newly established residents 8 8 12 (c) Casuals and new migrants 12 24 35 Category a includes both newly discovered species and those separated from close relatives and newly recognized; in either case they are thought to have been residents of long standing. Changes of status are omitted from these figures. The totals are approximate since one can not always be sure whether or not a species is established as resident or not, nor whether it was before it came to our attention. Whilst there are bound to be more resident species undetected or hidden within close relatives, one cannot expect the numbers in category a to be sustained, now that most groups have been examined critically. Those in category b are likely to continue or even increase, and the ever increasing volume of trade and travel is likely to cause category c to continue to grow. It is of interest, though, to note that in 1991 no additions have been announced in any category—the first time for many years, if ever. That could become less rare, and the two or three additions per year we have come to expect may decline. Species are considered in systematic order according to Bradley & Fletcher (1986). Bohemannia auriciliella (de Joannis) = bradfordi (Emmet) This species was discovered at East Blean, Kent 7.vii.1973 (Emmet, 1974a). Only one other specimen is known, from Southamptom bred 11.vii.1937, plus two from the Continent. The fullest description is given by Johansson et al. (1990). Ectoedemia spinosella (de Joannis) Discovered by Emmet in 1969 (Emmet, 1970a) this species is resident and found locally in south-eastern coastal counties. E. erythrogenella (de Joannis) Found by A. M. Emmet and S. C. S. Brown in 1973 (Emmet, 1974b) this species is found along the coast of south-east England. E. heringi (Toll) = quercifoliae (Toll) Distinguished from E. subbimaculella (Haw) in 1971 Proc. Trans. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 5: 132, this species is widely distributed in Britain and common in the south-east. 2 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Trifurcula squamatella (Staint.) Reinstated to the British list when separated from 7. immundella (Zell.) by van Nieukerken (1987). Old records from London, Southampton and possibly Bristol. Stigmella ulmariae (Wocke) Reinstated to the British list by Emmet (1970b) this is a local species in southern England and Scotland. [S. auritella (Skala) ] This species was separated from S. salicis (Staint.) as described by Emmet (1976) but has since been relegated once again to synonymy with that species—see Johansson et al. (1990). S. zelleriella Snell.) =repentiella (Wolff) A specimen bred from the east coast of Kent by S. Wakely was identified as this species by Emmet (1977a) who confirmed that it is still resident but very local. S. carpinella (Hein.) Discovered in Sussex and Kent by Emmet (1977b) and possibly earlier by W. H. B. Fletcher. S. roborella (Staint.) Separated from S. ruficapitella (Haw.) by Johansson (1971) and recognized as British in Emmet (1974c). S. svenssoni (Johansson) Separated from S. ruficapitella (Haw.) by Johansson (1971) and recognized as British in Emmet (1974c). S. mespilicola (Frey) Included in Emmet (1989a) and referred to in Johansson ef al. (1990) Tischeria heinemanni Wocke Discovered at two localities in Kent by N. F. Heal in August 1984 where it appears to be resident, see Proc. Trans. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 19: 67. Lampronia flavimitrella (Hibn.) First found in Hampshire by Ffennell (1977) this species has since been seen in Kent. Nematopogon magna (Zell.) = variella (Brandt) Distinguished from WN. pilella (D. & S.) by Bland (1984), this species is known from the Highlands of Scotland, Ireland and Yorkshire. Adela violella (D. & S.) Known to Luff in the last century as a resident of Guernsey this species has been taken there in 1989 by T. N. D. Peet, so it is presumably still locally resident. Homosetia sp. A specimen taken in his church in Grays, Essex by Agassiz belongs to this American genus. D. R. Davies cannot place it definitely in a named species although identical specimens are known from the USA where members of the group are seldom seen. [ Cephitinea colongella (Zag.) | The holotype of this species is labelled ‘Anglia’ but this is thought to be probably an error. Nemapogon inconditella (Lucas) = heydeni Petersen The only specimen was taken by E. C. Pelham-Clinton (1982) on a field meeting of the British Entomological and Natural History Society at Torquay, Devon on 7.vii.1979. Despite this it is likely to be resident. BR: J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 3 Trichophaga mormopis Meyr. Robinson (1978) added this tropical importation to the British list, but a series was later found in the L. T. Ford collection from the Isle of Wight, 1930. Tinea fictrix Meyr. An imported species added to the British list by Robinson (1978). T. murariella Staint. Another species imported with animal products described by Robinson (1979). Ceratophaga orientalis (Staint.) An imported species added to the British list by Robinson (1978). C. haidarabadi Zag. An imported species added to the British list by Robinson (1978) ) Caloptilia rufipennella (Hibn.) First noted by Emmet in 1970 in Cambridgeshire (Emmet, 1971) this species has spread rapidly northwards and more recently southwards along the east coast. It has penetrated inland, even as far as north Wales and western Scotland. C. robustella Jackh Separated from C. alchimiella (Scop.) in 1971 this species was immediately found in British collections, (Emmet, 1973). It is widespread in Britain and common in much of England. Parornix carpinella (Frey) Recently distinguished from P. fagivora (Frey) and found to be scarce and local in south-east England. See Emmet (1986). Callisto coffeella (Zett.) Found in Aberdeenshire by R. M. Palmer on 18.vi.1983, it may well be resident (Palmer, Pelham-Clinton & Young, 1984). Phyllonorycter platani (Staud.) A mine was found by Emmet in Imperial College, South Kensington on 27.x.1990 (Emmet, 1991). The species has since been found as far as Harrow, Middx.; Esher and Weybridge, Surrey; Beckenham, Kent and Ascot, Berks. P. leucographella (Zell.) First noticed by a gardener at Wickford, Essex (Emmet, 1989b) this species which was probably imported by the garden centre trade has spread quickly in the home counties and has been recorded from Derby and Nottingham. P. staintoniella (Nic.) Heckford (1984) found this species in Cornwall in July 1983 where the species is resident in a restricted area. P. sagitella (Bjerk.) First bred in 1955 this species was not recognized until rather later (Price, 1977). It is presumably resident at low density, but very rare and local in the west of England and Wales. There are specimens from the 1850s in the Worcester Museum. Phyllocnistis xenia Hering Pelham-Clinton (1976) discovered this species near Dover in 1974 whence it has spread northwards in east Kent. Tebenna micalis (Mann) Heckford (1990) has shown that most, if not all, specimens of 7. bjerkandrella (Thunb.) refer to this migratory species. 4 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Tinagma balteolella (Fisch. v. R6sl.) This species was found in east Kent by Agassiz and Watkinson in June 1975 (Agassiz, 1976) where it was found to be resident. It has since spread to the Dungeness area. Argyresthia trifasciata Staud. A single specimen of this moth was taken at Hampstead by R. A. Softly on 3.vi.1982 (Emmet, 1982). It has now become very common in parts of Holland, probably imported by the garden centre trade, and it will be surprising if it does not recur in Britain. Swammerdamia passerella Zett. Reinstated to the British list by Agassiz (1981a) when the species was found to be breeding in its original haunts in the Highlands of Scotland. Plutella haasi Staud. A single specimen taken by Canon Hervey in the western Highlands of Scotland on 5.vii.1957, only identified later by Kyrki & Jalava (1983). Despite searches no more have been found, but residence still seems more likely than migration. Coleophora prunifoliae Doets Distinguished from C. spinella Schr. (cerasivorella Packard) and C. coracipennella (Hiibn.) by Heckford (1980) this species is found to be widespread in the south of England. C. adjectella Herr.-Schaff. Larvae collected in 1967 yielded moths later separated from C. badiipennella (Dup.)—Emmet (1980). A local species in the south-east. C. hydrolapathella Hering Taken in 1975 at Hickling Broad, Norfolk by Peet (1978) where the species is well established. It has recently been recorded from County Durham. C. frischella (L.) After some confusion in the nomenclature the genuine C. frischella was detected by Ffennell (1976). The species seems to be quite widespread in the south. C. fuscicornis Zell. Found in Essex in May 1973 by Emmet & Uffen (1975) where it is locally established. Apart from one other site not far away this remains the only place the species has been found. C. linosyridella Fuchs Bred in 1979 by Norman Heal who found larvae at Leysdown-on-Sea, Kent. It has been found in other places along the Thames estuary (Heal & Uffen, 1981). C. gardesanella Toll= machinella Bradley Reinstated as a British species by Bradley (1971) when it was distinguished from C. trochilella (Dup.). It is now found in a variety of localities in the south of England. C. aestuariella Bradley First bred by Norman Heal from the Thames estuary in 1982 this was eventually found to be an undescribed species. It is found on the salt marshes of Kent and Essex (Bradley, 1984). Elachista eskoi Kyrki & Karnomen Pelham-Clinton (1988a) describes how he took this species in Scotland in 1956 and had recognized it as probably new to science. It was eventually described by Finnish entomologists who found it in Finland. It is very local in Scotland. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 5 E. orstadii Palm Taken in Scotland in 1955, 1967 and 1978 in Berwickshire and Perthshire by Pelham-Clinton (1986). E. pomerana Frey Although recent records from Scotland (E. C. Pelham-Clinton pers. comm.) were quoted in Traugott-Olsen & Nielsen (1977), records from Pelham-Clinton’s diaries are only from East Anglia. E. collitella (Dup.) Restored to the British list by Heckford (1986c), the species seems to be very local, mainly in the south-west. E. triseriatella Staint. Separated from E. dispunctella (Dup.) by Svensson (1966) the differences are described by Traugott-Olsen & Nielsen (1977). In England E. dispunctella tends to have a more westerly distribution. E. littoricola Le Marchand Discovered in 1982 by Wild (1983) this species has been found to be locally common in a few coastal localities in Hampshire. E. cingillella (Herr.-Schaff.) A little-known species reinstated to the British list by Bradley (1963), strangely not referred to by Ellerton (1969) who mentions other species from the same paper. Confirmed records from Lancashire and Herefordshire. Denisia albimaculea (Haw.) Reinstated to the British list when distinguished from D. augustella (Hiibn.). Most British specimens are referrable to albimaculea. Both species are correctly illustrated by Wood (1854) Plate 40. Bisigna procerella (D. & S.) Found in Kent by both Chalmers-Hunt & Agassiz (1976) where the species is now locally established. Batia internella Jackh First found in August 1985 by Harper (1990a) and again in 1988 this species has only been found in one place in Herefordshire where it seems to be resident. On the continent it was separated from B. lambdella (Don.) & B. lunaris (Haw.) in 1972. Pleurota aristella (L.) Of the doubtful old records one or two may be genuine, but this species has been found to be resident in Jersey (Harper, 1990b). Agonopterix kuznetzovi Lvovsky The first specimen of this species was taken by Pelham-Clinton in 1949, another with Langmaid in 1981. Then in 1982 they bred a series of the species new to science. Unfortunately they were persuaded to wait until it was described from the Soviet Union. It is local in Cornwall (Langmaid & Pelham-Clinton, 1984). A. bipunctosa (Cutrt.) Reinstated to the British list from the synonymy of A. kaekeritziana (L.) in Kloet & Hincks (1972), now that its life history is known (see Emmet, 1989a) the species is found widely in the south. A. scopariella (Hein.) Reinstated to the British list from the synonymy of A. atomella (D. & S.) in Kloet & Hincks (1972). It is a widespread and often common species, see Langmaid (1979). 6 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Metzneria aprilella (Herr.-Schaff.) Specimens of this species were at first misidentified as M. neuropterella (Zell.) until distinguished by Sattler (1981a). It is widespread in the south. Eulamprotes phaeella Heckford & Langmaid Described as new to science by Heckford & Langmaid (1988) the species had formerly been confused with E. atrella (D. & S.) and A. anthyllidella (Hiibn.). It has been found in widely scattered localities in the British Isles. Monochroa niphognatha (Gozmany) Known only from one Kentish locality where it was found by Chalmers-Hunt (1985), its status cannot yet be assessed for sure. M. moyses Uffen Described new to science by Uffen (1991) this species is found to be well established on coastal marshes in south-east England. Athrips rancidella (Herr.-Schaff.) Found by Chalmers-Hunt (1985) in his garden in Kent where it had been resident for some years, this species has not been found elsewhere. It may yet fail to sustain this population. Teleiodes wagae (Nowicki) The first specimens of this species were bred from the Burren, County Clare by J. D. Bradley from larvae collected in 1975 but it was published by Sattler (1980). In England it has been recorded from Kent, Hampshire and Yorkshire. Neofriseria peliella (Treits.) This species and N. singula (Staud.) [ =suppeliella (Wals.) |] had been synony- mized by Meyrick (1928) despite their separation by Walsingham (1896). The differences in wing marking are illustrated by Sattler (1959). N. peliella seems to be confined to the coast whereas singula is local in a few places not far from London. Gelechia sabinella Zell. A species possibly imported with juniper bushes first taken in north London 1971 by Agassiz (1978a), subsequently found in Worcestershire. G. senticetella Staud. A south European species also possibly imported with juniper bushes, just one specimen found by Agassiz (1989). Scrobipalpa stangei (Hering) Although taken in the Isle of Wight in 1882, attempts to rediscover this species in Britain have so far failed. S. pauperella (Hein.) = klimeschi Povolny Only known from Chippenham Fen were it was taken in 1972-73 by Agassiz (1986). The species has been reviewed by Sattler (1989). Scrobipalpula tussilaginis (Frey) Discovered by Pelham-Clinton (1989) this species is found locally on the coast of Hampshire, Dorset and south Devon. Syncopacma suecicella (Wolff) Found in 1984 in Cornwall by Heckford (1986a) this species is of very restricted distribution on account of the scarcity of Genista pilosa. Coloured illustration in Proc. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 1987; 20: Plate IV. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 7 Oegoconia caradjai Popescu-Gorg & Cdpuse Distinguished from its sister species O. quadripuncta (Haw.) and O. deauratella (Herr.-Schaff) by Agassiz (1982) this species is found from Kent to Cornwall in separated areas. Scythris potentillea (Zell.) Roche (1978) first found this species in the Breckland area of Suffolk on 30.vi.1975, it has since been found on the Suffolk coast, but attempts to find the larvae in Britain so far have failed. S. inspersella (Hiibn.) Discovered in Norfolk both by Sattler (1981b) and John Fenn, this species is locally established, but as yet there is no evidence of its expected spread. S. sinensis (Feld. & Rogenh.) Two specimens taken indoors in Kent in 1980 by Foster (1984) are not enough evidence of establishment, however the species could recur. Archips argyrospila (Walker) An American species of which one specimen was found in a Derbyshire shop by Sterling & Sterling (1985). A. semiferanus (Walker) Larvae and pupae imported from America, this species was found by Lowe (1985). Adoxophyes privatana (Walker) group A specimen of this group was bred by Heckford (1986b) from orchids imported from south-east Asia. Celypha rurestrana (Dup.) Distinguished from Olethreutes lacunana (D. & S.) by Heckford (1988) several specimens have been detected in collections, mostly from the south-west and south Wales. A coloured illustration of the adult is shown in Proc. Trans. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 1987; 20: Plate IV. Lobesia botrana (D. & S.) This mediterranean pest of grapes was first taken by Agassiz (1977) in north London. There have been subsequent records in the wild from Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire, but there is not yet any evidence of its breeding in Britain. Eucosma metzneriana (Treits.) First taken in Cambridge by Revell (1977) further specimens have been taken in Hampshire and Sussex. This rather suggests migrant origin. Pammene luedersiana (Sorhagen) Youden (1974) added this to the British list after finding a specimen taken by D. G. Marsh in 1964. It has since been found to be locally established in the Scottish Highlands. P. ignorata Kuznetsov Pelham-Clinton (1988b) took a single specimen in Devon, its status is uncertain. P. suspectana L. & Z. First taken by Alford (1976) this species has now been recorded from several counties in the south of England. Cydia medicaginis (Zell.) Formerly confused with Collicularia microgrammana (Guen.) this species was recognized by Karsholt. It is resident in south Essex and there is a record from Southampton, probably awaiting discovery elsewhere, see Agassiz & Karsholt (1989). 8 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 C. saltitans (Westw.) Regularly imported from Mexico in ‘jumping beans’ a specimen of this species was taken in the wild by Langmaid (1991). C. amplana (Hubn.) Taken in Devon in 1990 by Heckford (1991). There was previously only one unconfirmed record for 1831. The species is illustrated in Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1991; 4: Plate II. C. illutana (Herr.-Schaff.) First taken by Brian Baker in 1984 this species has since been established as resident in Hampshire and Berkshire, see Bradley (1985). Elophila difflualis (Snellen) = enixalis (Swinhoe) First noted by Agassiz (1978b) this is the most frequently imported far eastern species which gets established in heated glasshouses where aquatic plants are grown. E. melangynalis (Agassiz) A less common asiatic species described by Agassiz (1978b) which could be imported with aquatic plants, but is much less likely to be encountered. E. manilensis (Hamps.) Another far eastern aquatic species separated from the above two by Agassiz (1981b) which is likely to recur and occasionally become established in heated glasshouses. Parapoynx diminutalis Snellen A common cosmopolitan species of south-east Asian origin, also found in heated glasshouses for aquatic plants by Agassiz (1978b). It is likely to be imported frequently and may sometimes become established. P. fluctuosalis (Zell.) A common cosmopolitan aquatic species, this has only once been found in glasshouses in Britain by Agassiz (1981b). P. crisonalis (Walker) Only two specimens of this Indo-Malayan aquatic species have been found in glass- houses in Britain, the first at Enfield by Agassiz (1981b) and another near Cirencester. Agassiziella angulipennis (Hampson) For a short time this species was established in heated glasshouses near Enfield (Agassiz, 1978b). Further importation is possible but this species is less likely to become established. Oligostigma bilinealis Snellen Two specimens of this far eastern aquatic species have been taken in Britain, but there is no evidence of its becoming established in glasshouses (Agassiz, 1978b). O. polydectalis (Walker) This aquatic species originates from Australia and Indonesia and has twice been found in Britain. There is no evidence of its breeding here in glasshouses (Agassiz, 1981b). Evergestis limbata (L.) One specimen taken in Guernsey by Peet (1990). Presumably a migrant. A coloured illustration is included in Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1991; 4: Plate II. Sclerocoma acutellus (Eversm.) One specimen taken in Hampshire by Sterling (1989), the status of this species in Britain is uncertain. For coloured illustration see Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1990; 3: Plate IV. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 9 Nomophila nearctica Munroe Pelham-Clinton (1984) detected a specimen of this North-American species in a collection which had been taken in 1991. Sceliodes laisalis (Walker) A species of African origin taken in Middlesex 1973, Surrey and Bedfordshire 1983. Possibly a migrant, see Goater (1986). Endotricha consobrinalis Zell. A specimen probably reared from imported celery was taken by Goodey (1989). Sciota adelphella (Fisch. v. R6sl.) Meyrick (1928) stated that this species had been regarded as British, but only through confusion with S. hostilis (Steph.). The first genuine adelphella to be recognized was taken by Brotheridge in Wiltshire in 1988, one taken by Dewick in Essex was identified very soon afterwards. Since then several specimens have been noted in collections, chiefly from Kent, but some confusion still remains. See Brotheridge, Corley & Dewick (1988). Dioryctria schuetzeella Fuchs First taken in 1980 by Chalmers-Hunt (Chalmers-Hunt & Tweedie, 1982) this species has spread from Kent and Sussex as far as Northants., Cambridge and Berkshire. Etiella zinckenella (Treits.) This cosmopolitan pest species is at the northern edge of its range and only occasional migrants can be expected. The first was taken by Dewick at Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex in 1989, a second near Southampton in 1990. Zophodia grossulariella (Hubn.) This potential pest was taken by Roche (1984) near Whitstable, Kent in 1982. There is no evidence of its having become established. Stenoptilia bipunctidactyla group Pierce & Metcalfe (1938) said ‘We think it possible that there may be two species . . .’. Gibeaux (1985, 1987) has assigned those feeding on various foodplants to distinct species, but one cannot believe that nomenclatorial stability has been reached in this complex as yet. Canon Hervey took a series of a Stenoptilia species on Ben Lawers, Perthshire, in July 1957 which may be referable to S. islandicus (Staud.). The following species have been added to the British list on the strength of old records from the nineteenth or early twentieth centuries, many of which are unconfirmed: Clepsis trileucana (Doubl.), C. melaleucanus (Walker), Lozotaenia subocellana (Steph.), Foveifera torridana (Led.) = hastana (Hiibn.), C. inquinitana (Hiibn.), Metaxmeste phrygialis (Hiibn.), Herpetogramma centrostrigalis (Steph.), Leucinodes vagans (Tutt), Arenipses sabella Hampson, Selagia argyrella (D. & S.). The following taxa have at times been cited as species on the British list, but are now regarded as synonyms of closely related species, or in some cases as forms. Eriocrania fimbriata Wals., Stigmella turicella (Herr .-Schaff.), S. basalella (Herr.-Schaff.), S. fulgens (Staint.), S. castanella (Staint.), S. fletcheri (Tutt), S. hodgkinsoni (Staint.), Heliozela stanneella (Ford), Infurcitinea confusella auctt., Argyresthia spiniella Zell., Cataplectica auromaculata (Frey), Depressaria brunneella (Rag.), Agonopterix prostratella (Const.), Paltodora clinosema Meyr., Monochroa morosa (Muhl.), M. quaestionella (Herr.-Schaff.), M. servella sensu Meyr., M. micrometra (Meyr.), Bryotropha portlandicella (Rich.), Syncopacma coronillella auctt., S. cincticulella auctt., Scythris vagabundella (Herr.-Schaff.), Cnephasia octomaculana (Curt.), Rhopobota geminana 10 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 (Steph.), Eudonia vafra (Meyr.), Acrobasis sodalella auctt., Ectomyelois phoenicis (Durr.). The following species were placed on the British list through misidentification and have been or should be deleted: Micrurapteryx kollariella (Zell.), Argyresthia illuminatella Zell., Coleophora granulatella Zell., Exapate duratella Heyd. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My thanks are due to Maitland Emmet and John Langmaid for providing information and constructive criticisms. REFERENCES Agassiz, D. J. L. 1976. Tinagma balteolellum (Fischer von Roslerstamm) (Lep., Douglasiidae), a species new to the British Isles. Ent. Gaz. 26: 291-293. Agassiz, D. J. L. 1977. Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermiller) (Lep., Tortricidae), a species new to Britain. Ent. Gaz. 28: 21-22. Agassiz, D. J. L. 1978a. Gelechia sabinella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a species new to Britain. Ent. Gaz. 29: 136-138. Agassiz, D. J. L. 1978b. Five introduced species, including one new to science, of china mark moths (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) new to Britain. Ent. Gaz. 29: 117-127. Agassiz, D. J. L. 1981a. Swammerdamia passerella (Zetterstedt) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae), a valid species resident in Britain. Ent. Gaz. 32: 217-224. Agassiz, D. J. L. 1981b. Further introduced china mark moths (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) new to Britain. Ent. Gaz. 32: 21-26. Agassiz, D. J. L. 1982. Oegoconia caradjai Popescu-Gorj & Capuse (Lep: Gelechiidae) recognized as British. Proc. Trans. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 15: 1-5. Agassiz, D. J. L. 1986. Scrobipalpa klimeschi Povolny (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) new to Britain. Ent. Gaz. 37: 33-35. Agassiz, D. J. L. 1989. Gelechia senticetella (Staudinger) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) new to the British Isles. Ent. Gaz. 40: 189-192. Agassiz, D. J. L. & Karsholt, O. 1989. Cydia medicaginis (Kuznetzov, 1962) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in the British Isles. Ent. Gaz. 40: 193-196. Alford, D. V. 1976. Pammene suspectana (Zeller) (Lep., Tortricidae), a moth new to Britain. 27: 148. Bland, K. P. 1984. Nematopogon variella (Brandt, 1937) (Lepidoptera: Incurvariidae), a species newly recognized in Britain. Ent. Gaz. 35: 33-37. Bradley, J. D. 1963. A review of the nomenclature of certain species in the genus Elachista Treitschke (Lep., Elachistidae). Ent. Gaz. 14: 150-161. Bradley, J. D. 1971. Some changes in the nomenclature of the British Lepidoptera. Ent. Gaz. 22: 24-25. Bradley, J. D. 1984. Coleophora aestuariella sp. n. (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) from south-east England. Ent. Gaz. 35: 137-140. Bradley, J. D. 1985. Cydia illutana (Herrich-Schaffer) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) new to Britain. Ent. Gaz. 36: 97-101. Bradley, J. D. & Fletcher D. S. 1986. An indexed list of British Butterflies and Moths. Kedleston Press, Kent. Brotheridge, D. J., Corley, M. F. V. & Dewick, A. J. 1988. Sciota adelphella (Fischer von Roslerstamm, 1836) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in England. Ent. Gaz. 39: 271-274. Chalmers-Hunt, J. M. 1985. Monochroa niphognatha Gozmany, 1953 and Athrips rancidella Herrich-Schaeffer, 1854 (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), new to the British fauna. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 97: 20-24. Chalmers-Hunt, J. M. & Agassiz, D. J. L. 1976. Schiffermuelleria procerella (Denis & Schiffer- muller, 1775) (Lep.: Oecophoridae): a species new to Britain. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 88: 211-212. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 11 Chalmers-Hunt, J. M. & Tweedie, M. W. F. 1982. Dioryctria schuetzeella Fuchs, 1899: a pyralid moth new to Britain. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 94: 1-3. Ellerton, J. 1970. Presidential address 1969. Proc. Trans. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 3: 33-41. Emmet, A. M. 1970a. Stigmella spinosella Joannis (Lep. Nepticulidae); a species new to Britain. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 82: 121-123. Emmet, A. M. 1970b. Stigmella (Nepticula) ulmariae Wocke (Lep. Nepticulidae) reestablished as a British Species. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 82: 161-165 Emmet, A. M. 1971. Caloptilia rufipennella Hiibner (Lep. Gracillariidae), a species new to Britain. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 83: 291-295. Emmet, A. M. 1973. Caloptilia robustella Jackh (Lep., Gracillariidae) a species newly recognized in Britain. Ent. Gaz. 24: 305-306. Emmet, A. M. 1974a. Ectoedemia bradfordi sp. nov. (Lep., Nepticulidae), a hitherto undescribed species occurring in Kent. Ent. Gaz. 25: 269-273. Emmet, A. M. 1974b. Ectoedemia (Dechtiria) erythrogenella (de Joannis, 1907) (Lep.: Nepticulidae). A species new to Britain. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 86: 129-130. Emmet, A. M. 1974c. Notes on some of the British Nepticulidae II. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 86: 103-107. Emmet, A. M. 1976. Stigmella auritella (Skala) (Lep.: Nepticulidae): a species new to Britain. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 88: 105-109. Emmet, A. M. 1977a. Stigmella repentiella (Wolff, 1955) (Lep.: Nepticulidae): a species new to Britain. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 89: 178-182. Emmet, A. M. 1977b. Stigmella carpinella (Heinemann, 1862) (Lep.: Nepticulidae): a species new to Britain. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 89: 64-66. Emmet, A. M. 1980. Coleophora adjectella Herrich-Schaffer, 1861 (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae)—a species newly recognised as British. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 92: 129-138. Emmet, A. M. 1982. Argyresthia trifasciata Staudinger, 1871 (Lep.: Yponomeutidae) in Britain. 94: 180-182. Emmet, A. M. 1986. Parornix carpinella (Frey, 1863) a distinct species from P. fagivora (Frey, 1861) (Lep., Gracillariidae). Ent. Rec. J. Var. 98: 144-146. Emmet, A. M. ed. 1989a. A field guide to the smaller British Lepidoptera. Second edition. London, BENHS. Emmet, A. M. 1989b Phyllonorycter leucographella (Zeller, 1850) (Lep., Gracillariidae) in Essex: a species new to Britain. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 101: 189-194. Emmet, A. M. 1991. PAyllonorycter platani (Staudinger, 1870) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) new to Britain. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 103: 1, 279-282. Emmet, A. M. & Uffen, R. W. J. 1975. Coleophora fuscicornis Zeller, 1847 (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae), a species new to Britain, with an account of its life cycle. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 87: 259-266. Ffennell, D. W. H. 1976. Confirmation of Coleophora frischella (Linnaeus) (Lep., Coleophoridae) as a resident British species. Ent. Gaz. 27: 145-147. Ffennell, D. W. H. 1977. Lampronia flavimitrella (Hiibn.) (Lep., Incurvariidae), a species new to Britain. Ent. Gaz. 28: 180-182. Ford, L. T. 1949. Presidential Address. Proc. S. Lond. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 1947-48: 48-58. Foster, A. P. 1984. Scythris sinensis (Felder & Rogenhofer) (Lepidoptera: Scythrididae), a species newly recorded in Britain. Ent. Gaz. 35: 141-143. Gibeaux, C. 1985. Révision des Stenoptilia de France avec la description de deux espéces nouvelles (1° note) (Lep. Pterophoridae). Ent. Gall. 1: 237-265. Gibeaux, C. 1987. Etude des Pterophoridae paléarctiques (6° note). Stenoptilia arida (Zeller, 1847), stat. rev., bona species, et sa synonymie; Stenoptilia scabiodactyla (Gregson, 1869), stat. rev., bona species, en France. Alexanor 15(1), Suppl.: [38]-[44]. Goater, B. 1986. British pyralid moths. Colchester, Harley Books, 1986. Goodey, B. 1989. Endotricha consobrinalis Zeller (Lep.: Pyralidae)—a species new to Britain. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 101: 107-108. Harper, M. W. 1990a. Batia internella Jackh (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) new to Britain. Ent. Gaz. 41: 99-101. Harper, M. W. 1990b. Exhibit at 1989 Annual Exhibition. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 3: 71. Heal, N. F. & Uffen, R. W. J. 1981. Coleophora linosyridella Fuchs new to Britain. Proc. Trans. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 14: 98-100. 12 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Heath, J. ed. 1976. The moths and butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland 1. Colchester, Harley Books. Heath, J. & Emmet, A. M. 1985. The moths and butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland 2. Colchester, Harley Books. Heckford, R. J. 1980. Coleophora prunifoliae Doets (Lep.: Coleophoridae) a species new to Britain and a consideration of C. cerasivorella Packard and C. coracipennella (Heubner). Ent. Rec. J. Var. 92: 201-204. Heckford, R. J. 1984. Phyllonorycter staintoniella (Nicelli) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) new to the British Isles. Ent. Gaz. 35: 73-75. Heckford, R. J. 1986a. Syncopacma suecicella (Wolff) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) new to the British Isles. Ent. Gaz. 37: 87-89. Heckford, R. J. 1986b. A specimen of the Adoxophyes privatana (Walker) species group (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) bred from imported orchids. Ent. Gaz. 37: 196. Heckford, R. J. 1986c. Reinstatement of Elachista collitella (Duponchel) (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae) as a British species. Ent. Gaz. 37: 79-81. Heckford, R. J. 1988. Celypha rurestrana (Duponchel) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) new to the British Isles. Ent. Gaz. 39: 193-196. Heckford, R. J. 1990. Tebenna micalis (Mann), a newly recognised British species and a reconsideration of British records of 7. bjerkandrella (Thunberg) (Lepidoptera: Choreutidae). Ent. Gaz. 41: 17-20. Heckford, R. J. 1991. Exhibit at Annual Exhibition 1990. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 4: 29. Heckford, R. J. & Langmaid, J. R. 1988. Eulamprotes phaeella sp. n. (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in the British Isles. Ent. Gaz. 39: 1-11. Johansson, R. 1971. Notes on the Nepticulidae (Lepidoptera) I. Ent. Scand. 2: 241-262. Johansson, R., et al. 1990. The Nepticulidae and Opostegidae (Lepidoptera) of North West Europe. Fauna Ent. Scand. 23: 1-731. Kloet, G. S. & Hincks, W. D. 1972. A checklist of British insects, 2nd edn., part 2, London. Kyrki, J. & Jalava, J. 1983. Plutella haasi Staudinger, 1883 (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), a species new to the British Isles, Ent. Gaz. 34: 61-64. Langmaid, J. R. 1979. Agonopterix scopariella Heinemann: some notes on the differences between it and allied species in Britain. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 91: 51-53. Langmaid, J. R. 1991. Cydia saltitans (Westwood) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) at m.v. light in Hampshire. Ent. Gaz. 42: 254. Langmaid, J. R. & Pelham-Clinton, E. C. 1984. Agonopterix kuznetzovi Lvovski (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae), a species new to the British Isles. Ent. Gaz. 35: 67-72. Lowe, R. T. 1985. Insects found in Covent Garden flower market during 1984. Ent. Gaz. 36: 134. Meyrick, E. 1928. A revised handbook of British Lepidoptera. London. Palmer, R. M., Pelham-Clinton, E. C. & Young, M. R. 1984. Callisto coffeella (Zetterstedt) (Lep., Gracillariidae): a species new to Britain. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 96: 41-42. Peet, T. N. D. 1978. Coleophora hydrolapathella Hering (Lep.: Coleophoridae) A species new to the British Isles. 90: 15-17. Peet, T. N. D. 1990. Evergestis limbata L. (Lep.: Pyralidae) new to the British Isles. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 102: 302. Pelham-Clinton, E. C. 1976. Phyllocnistis xenia Hering, 1936, a recent addition to the British list of Lepidoptera. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 88: 161-164, 306. Pelham-Clinton, E. C. 1982. Nemapogon heydeni Petersen, 1957 (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) new to the British Isles. Ent. Gaz. 33: 79-81. Pelham-Clinton, E. C. 1984. A British specimen of Nomophila nearctica Munroe (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). 35: 155-156. Pelham-Clinton, E. C. 1986. Notes on British Elachistidae (Lepidoptera) I: Elachista orstadii Palm, 1943. Ent. Gaz. 37: 83-84. Pelham-Clinton, E. C. 1988a. Notes on British Elachistidae (Lepidoptera) II. Ent. Gaz. 39: 265-268. Pelham-Clinton, E. C. 1988b. Pammene ignorata Kuznetsov (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): a first British record. Ent. Gaz. 39: 40. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 13 Pelham-Clinton, E. C. 1989. Scrobipalpula tussilaginis (Frey) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) new to the British Isles. 40: 103-108. Pierce, F. N. & Metcalfe, J. M. 1938. The genitalia of the British pyrales with the deltoids and plumes. Oundle. Price, L. 1977. Phyllonorycter sagitella (Bjerkander, 1790)=tremulae Zeller, 1846 (Lep., Gracillariidae): a species new to Britain. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 89: 106-107. Revell, R. J. 1977. Eucosma metzneriana Treitschke (Lep.: Tortricidae) new to the British list. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 89: 329-340. Robinson, G. S. 1978. Four species of Tineinae (Lep., Tineidae) new to the British list. Ent. Gaz. 29: 139-144. Robinson, G. S. 1979. Clothes moths of the Tinea pellionella complex: a revision of the world’s species (Lepidoptera: Tineidae). Bull. Br. Mus. Nat. Hist. (Ent.) 38: 57-128. Roche, J. 1978. Exhibit at Annual Exhibition 1977. Proc. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 11: 14. Roche, J. 1984. Zophodia convolutella (Huebner) (Lep.: Pyralidae) new to Britain. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 96: 177. Sattler, K. 1959. Kommt Gelechia suppeliella W\sghm., 1896, in der Nordmark vor? Mitt. Faun. ArbGemein. Schleswig-Hosltein, Hamburg. u. Liibeck 12: 54-5S. Sattler, K. 1980. Teleiodes wagae (Nowicki, 1860) new to the British list (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Ent. Gaz. 31: 235-245. Sattler, K. 198la. Metzneria aprilella (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1854) new to the British fauna (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Ent. Gaz. 32: 83-90. Sattler, K. 1981b. Scythris inspersella (Huebner, [1817] ) new to the British fauna (Lepidoptera: Scythrididae). Ent. Gaz. 32: 13-17. Sattler, K. 1989. The taxonomic status of Scrobipalpa klimeschi Povolny, 1967, and Lita pauperella Heinemann, 1870 (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Ent. Gaz. 40: 7-12. Sterling, D. H. 1989. Sclerocona acutellus (Eversmann) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) new to Britain. Ent. Gaz. 40: 1-3. Sterling, M. J. & Sterling, P. H. 1985. Archips argyrospila Walker (Lep.: Tortricidae): a species new to Britain. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 97: 51-52. Svensson, I. 1966. New and confused species of microlepidoptera. Opusc. Ent. 31: 183-200. Traugott-Olsen, E. & Nielsen, E. S. 1977. The Elachistidae (Lepidoptera) of Fennoscandia and Denmark. Fauna Ent. Scand. 6. Uffen, R. W. J. 1991. Monochroa moyses sp. n., a new Gelechiid moth mining the leaves of Scirpus maritimus L. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 4: 1-7. van Nieukerken, E. J. 1987. Taxonomy and distribution of Trifurcula squamatella Stainton sp. rev., a senior synonym of T. maxima Klimesch (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae). Ent. Gaz. 38: 179-187. Walsingham, Lord 1896. Gelechia suppeliella sp. n. distinguished from peliella Tr. Ent. Mon. Mag. 32: 250. Wild, E. H. 1983. Elachista littoricola Le Marchand, 1938 (Lep. Elachistidae), new to the British Isles. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 95: 65. Wood, W. 1854. Index entomologicus. London. Youden, G. H. 1974. A tortrix new to Britain: Pammene luedersiana Sorhagen (1885). Ent. Rec. J. Var. 86: 197. BOOK REVIEW British sawflies—a key to the adults of genera occurring in Britain, by Adam Wright. An AIDGAP key published by the Field Studies Council 1990, 64 pp. £4.25.—Sawflies have few devotees, even amongst hymenopterists, but this key should enable a wider range of entomologists to take an interest in them. The key covers all of the 12 families and 109 genera of the sawflies, woodwasps and stem borers that comprise the British Symphyta. These contain about 510 species, all with plant-feeding larvae and including some pests of economic importance to fruit growers, foresters and gardeners. 14 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 The Field Studies Council’s AIDGAP series is designed to produce simple identification keys that can be used by naturalists who may not be familiar with the technical language in which many of the older-style keys have been written. An important feature of AIDGAP keys is the positioning of simple diagrams in the text alongside the couplets, so that the structures referred to can be readily identified. The shape and form of the antennae, wing venation, labrum, claws and the female saw sheath are often used in sawfly taxonomy. These are well illustrated in Wright’s key and enable most genera to be identified without much trouble. Some of the nematine genera can be difficult to resolve, whatever key is used, as they contain some small species which need careful examination under high magnification and good lighting if details such as claw structure are to be seen. Sawflies with aberrant wing venation do occur and, as stated by the author, these may not key out correctly in a simplified key such as this. The author has offered to examine, by arrangement, any problem material. In addition to the key to genera, the booklet indicates how to recognize a sawfly, with some introductory information on their habits, biology, structure, collection and preservation. Further details of the genera and some of their species are given at the end of the key. The author also lists the 16 species of sawflies that have been added to the British list since R. B. Benson’s keys were published by the Royal Entomological Society in 1951, 1952 and 1958. The first part has been revised by J. Quinlan and I. D. Gauld in 1981. Section B, published in 1952, has been out of print for many years and its non-availability, except in libraries, is a serious handicap for anyone wishing to identify sawflies to species level. Wouldn’t it be nice if Adam Wright and the RES could come together to revise sections B and C of Benson’s keys, preferably in AIDGAP style?! A. J. HALSTEAD SHORT COMMUNICATION Some further records of Astiosoma rufifrons Duda (Diptera: Asteiidae).—In 1978 (Proc. Trans. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 11: 23-34) I added this species to the British list on the basis of flies attracted to wood ash at Windsor, Berks. The habits of the insect were also discussed in an account of flies attracted to bonfire smoke, wood ash and freshly cut logs at Windsor, published in the same year, when a further record by Ivan Perry from Lode, Cambs. was added (Ent. Gaz. 29: 253-257). This distinctive insect remains elusive, but I can report two further finds from the same habitat association as previously experienced. During the 1985 Mendips-based Diptera Recording Schemes field meeting, I swept four males of A. rufifrons from cold wood ash at a bonfire site in a woodland clearing at Leigh Woods, Bristol on 4.vii.1985. Then on a British Entomological Society field meeting on 30.ix.1989 at Cirencester Park, Glos., we came upon a recently cleared area where several brushwood fires had taken place. Sweeping over the ash again produced a male of A. rufifrons (not mentioned in the Field Meeting report, Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 3: 96). We are no nearer establishing the reason for this interest in wood ash on the part of Astiosoma. It is seemingly widespread in old established woodland and the failure to find it by general collecting in common with Microsania and Hormopeza (also discussed in the second paper cited above) remains a mystery.—Peter Chandler, Weston Research Laboratories, Vanwall Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 4UF. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 15 A NOTE ON THE SATYRID BUTTERFLIES, EREBIA MEDUSA (D. & S.) AND EREBIA EPIPSODEA BUTLER G. PRINGLE Aldon Farmhouse, Aldon Lane, Offham, West Malling, Kent ME19 5PJ. The late B. C. S. Warren, in his Monograph of the genus Erebia (1936), notes that Elwes (1898) considered the North American satyrid, Erebia epipsodea Butler, to be closely akin to the Palaearctic species, Erebia medusa (D. & S.). In his monograph Warren dismisses a close relationship between the two species on the grounds that epipsodea displays a feature in the male genitalia that sets the species apart from all others of the genus: namely, an armature of coarse spines on the aedeagus. Additionally, in male epipsodea the clasp has a spine-bearing shoulder process, a feature not seen in medusa. Unexpectedly, a male E. medusa psodea (Hibn.) collected recently by the author in the Pindos mountains of northern Greece, was found to have the precise genital ornamentation claimed by Warren as unique to epipsodea. This, a deeply pigmented, spinous armature on the aedeagus, is illustrated in a camera lucida sketch drawn from the Greek specimen of medusa (Figure 1). Subsequent examination of the male genitalia of other races of E. medusa in the author’s collection has confirmed the presence of an aedeagal armature in E. m. hippomedusa Ol. from the Hohe Tauern, and in E. m. medusa from the Inn valley. In both these subspecies, however, the armature is very weakly pigmented and would escape detection were the preparation not examined under a high magnification. Aedeagal armature i eon cOimna Fig. 1. Male genitalia: Erebia medusa psodea, Pindos Mountains, Northern Greece, showing armature on aedeagus and on the lateral process of the penis sheath. 16 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Despite the shortcomings of photography in revealing such minute detail in the specimens illustrated by Warren (1936), scrutiny of the figures in the monograph confirms the presence of an aedeagal armature in at least two of his preparations. Thus, in fig. 335, of E. m. hippomedusa, and in fig. 338, of E. m. polaris Staud., spines can just be discerned projecting from the dorsal surface of the aedeagus where this is in sharp focus. Warren seems to have overlooked this detail. Butler (1868) begins his formal description of Erebia epipsodea thus: ‘‘Alae supra et coloribus fere psodea . . .’’ The phenetic similarity that Butler found so striking is further supported by the above findings. REFERENCES Butler, A. 1868. Cat. Diurn. Lep. Satyridae Brit. Mus. 80, 9. Elwes, H. J. 1898. A revision of the genus Erebia. Trans. Ent. Soc. London 1898: 169-207. Warren, B. C. S. 1936. Monograph of the genus Erebia. pp. 7 + 407, 104 pls, BM (NH), London. BOOK REVIEW Habitat conservation for insects—a neglected green issue, compiled by R. Fry, edited by R. Fry and D. Lonsdale. Middlesex, Amateur Entomologists’ Society, 1991, 262 pages, £12, hardback.—Entomologists, almost by definition, are aware of just how important insects are to the environment, they fully realize the tremendous impact that these tiny animals have, and they understand why it is important and interesting to study insects. Unfortunately much of the ‘public at large’ and even many ‘naturalists’ are painfully unaware and would dismiss insects as all very well, but not very important when it comes to environmental issues. This book seeks to redress the balance and put forward an entomological perspective into the environmental debate. All too often, well-intended conservation scores an own goal by destroying, for countless invertebrates, a habitat which is ‘improved’ for some other group of animals or simply for aesthetic appeal. Landowners frequently wish to alter land use, by development or ‘improved’ agriculture and the relevant planning bodies are unlikely to be swayed by protests over insects, unless they can be persuaded by thoughtful and considered discussion. Armed with this book, local entomologists will be better able to inform local and national conservation bodies, landowners, planning authorities and even Government itself, and hence better control what is done to the environment in the name of progress or farming or conservation. After an introduction explaining (for the initiated and unitiated alike) why insects are important, specific important habitat types are examined in detail, offering practical advice on habitat requirements and management options. The final chapter covers current legislation, the need for recording schemes and advice on how to deal with planning applications. Not only is it important for entomologists to read this book, it is important that they explain to others why they should read it too. R. A. JONES BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 17 EXPERIENCE WITH AN EMERGENCE TRAP FOR INSECTS BREEDING IN DEAD WOOD J. A. OWEN 8 Kingsdown Road, Epsom, Surrey KT17 3PU. In an earlier article (Owen, 1989), I described a prototype device for trapping insects breeding in dead wood. This consisted of a plastic floor to which was fitted a detachable tent with a collecting head. The purpose of this follow-up note is to describe modifications to the design found necessary in four years of continuous operation and to present the results obtained from one sample of dead wood as an illustration of the trap’s potential. MODIFICATIONS Three main problems were encountered in operating the device. The first concerned the material used for the floor of the trap. The prototype was set up in the author’s garden with the floor resting on short turf and loaded with dead wood. After 12 months’ operation, the woven plastic material forming the floor was found to have sustained perforations, caused by weight of the dead wood and by plants forcing their way through it. Because of this, the woven plastic material floor was replaced with the much tougher porous material ‘Teram’ (Imperial Chemical Industries). The latter proved entirely serviceable for the remainder of the study. The second problem also concerned the floor. After two years of operation, the unevenness of the ground on which the trap was set, together with the weight of the dead wood within the device was causing the ‘Velcro’ junction between the tent and the floor to give way in places. This problem was solved by putting the whole trap on a firm wooden base which allowed the under strip of Velcro to be tacked down, providing a stable junction with the Velcro around the base of the tent. The third problem encountered was deterioration of the terylene netting forming the tent so that it started going into holes on minimal trauma. This required a new tent to be constructed. The same type of material was used. This too was found to deteriorate during the second two-year period but not to the same extent as during the first two years. The deterioration of the netting was probably due to the siting of the whole trap in direct sunlight for similar material used for other purposes in shaded areas for up to five years showed little deterioration. The slower deterioration of the second tent may have been due to the lower amount of sunshine in the fourth year. A related unexpected hazard arose when the author’s family acquired two kittens who took a fancy to playing on the trap, subjecting the netting to minor tears. This required the whole device to be enclosed in a simple wire-netting frame. RESULTS The trap was loaded in March 1988 with 10 oak logs from Windsor Great Park. These comprised portions of thick, dead branches which had been torn off during a storm in October 1987. The timber had lain on the ground where it fell until March 1988 when it was collected and placed in the trap, forming a triangular heap. Individual pieces were about 1200 mm long and about 150 mm in diameter. None had obvious rot holes but some had fungoid growth affecting the bark. Though the trap was in direct sunshine, the logs at the bottom of the heap were effectively shaded. The logs remained in the trap until August 1991. 18 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 An analysis of the catch is provided in Table 1. Over the four-year period, 353 beetles emerged from the dead wood involving 37 species. During the first year, the number of species emerging was very much greater than in subsequent years. While many of these beetles had almost certainly been breeding in the timber before it had broken away from the tree, some such Chaetocnema spp. and Rhynchaenus spp. were no doubt hibernating in the timber when it was picked up. Table 1. Beetles from oak logs stored in emergence trap. The logs were portions of thick branches torn off by a storm in October 1987 (see text). They were picked up in March 1988 and placed in the trap where they remained until August 1991. Species No. of examples 1988 1989 1990 199] total Dromius quadrinotatus (Zenker) Ptomaphagus subvillosus (Goeze) Dropephylla ioptera (Steph.) Quedius tristis (Grav.) Tachyporus hypnorum (F.) Gyrophaena affinis Mannerh. Leptusa fumida Kraatz Amischa analis (Grav.) Phloeopora angustiformis Baudi P. testacea (Mannerh.) Agrilus laticornis (1l.) Stenagostus villosus (Fourc.) Melasis buprestoides (L.) AWI3* Xestobium rufovillosum (Deg.) AWI3 Ptinus palliatus Perris P. sexpunctatus Panz. Opilo mollis (L.) AWI3 Dasytes aeratus Steph. Axinotarsus marginalis (Lap. de. C.) Cerylon histeroides (F.) Corticarina similata (Gyll.) Cis pygmaeus (Marsh.) Orchesia undulata Kraatz AWI3 Abdera biflexuosa (Cutt.) AWI3 Phloiotrya vaudoueri Muls. AWI3 Conopalpus testaceus (Ol.) Anaspis humeralis (F.) A. lurida St. A. maculata Fourc. Leiopus nebulosus (L.) Chaetocnema concinna (Marsh.) C. hortensis (Fourc.) Apion aeneum (F.) Anthonomus pedicularius (L.) Curculio glandium Marsh. Rhynchaenus pilosus (F.) R. quercus (L.) 11 ~ - Total beetles 125 119 100 Total species 31 6 3} 3 | | | Ne _ i | = NO EK BNI N ON BOD RS BS NO RR RK RK WY BBN SNR RR Re Re SE No — t(nNnlre I Noo — 1 Re WH | BNR NR RR Ree i i | \o nN Ww Nn nm © PIN AIM O35 | —_ —_ — aS OO On ail | | ! | | | _ _ —_ N | | | — Ww in w *AWI3 indicates ancient woodland indicator grade 3 (Harding & Rose, 1986). BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 19 Six species which did not appear in the first year, emerged in subsequent years. In the case of some of these species, e.g. Stenagostus villosus, this was presumably because their larvae take more than one year to develop. Two species with one-year life cycles—Cis pygmaeus and Abdera biflexuosa—did not appear during the first year but appeared in relatively large numbers in the second and third years. It must be assumed that at least a pair of each emerged undetected in the first year and subsequently bred in the timber while it was in the trap. The presence of Ptinus palliatus among the beetles which emerged from the timber is worthy of special notice. Pope (1988), in recording a single specimen from West Sussex in 1986, was able to cite only four other published records for the beetle this century. It is of interest that one of these referred to three examples found by my friend Mr Allen in an old but living oak tree in Windsor Great Park in 1950 (Allen, 1957). Reference has already been made (Hammond et al., 1989) to the emergence of examples of Axinotarsus marginalis from the oak logs as the first indication of a definite breeding habitat for this beetle in Britain. COMMENT The emergence of dead-wood beetles from the timber during this experiment was only to be expected considering its source and underlines the value of preserving such timber as a conservation measure for a period at least. What many managers of wild- life sites want to know, however, is for how long should such fallen timber be preserved. There is often conflict between maintenance of amenity (e.g. tidiness) at a site and conserving habitat and a compromise is often required. On the surface, the findings of this study appear to indicate that such fallen timber comes to have relatively little value as a habitat for beetles after three or four years. It must be remembered, however, that the dead timber in this experiment was no longer accessible to free-flying insects which might otherwise have colonized it and that those beetles which emerged from it were excluded from breeding within the trap the moment they were caught in the collecting head. It must be remembered too, that the present studies relate only to beetles. The answer to this important question clearly requires further study, for example with timber which has been allowed to remain exposed in the field for a year or more and then placed in a trap. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I thank Mr A. R. Wiseman (Deputy Ranger, Crown Estates) for permission to study insects at Windsor, the English Nature Newbury Office for arranging this, Mr Ted Green for help in obtaining the oak logs used in this experiment and lastly, my wife for her usual skill and patience in carrying out the modifications to the floor and making a new tent. Emergence traps based on the prototype design can be obtained from Marris House Nets, 54 Richmond Park Avenue, Bournemouth BH8 9DR. REFERENCES Allen, A. A. 1957. Three beetles new to the Windsor Forest list. Ent. Mon. Mag. 93: 18. Hammond, P. M., Smith, K. G. V., Else, G. R. & Allen, G. W. 1989. Some recent additions to the British insect fauna. Ent. Mon. Mag. 125: 95-102. 20 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Harding, P. T. & Rose, F. 1986. Pasture-woodlands in lowland Britain. Natural Environment Research Council, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Huntingdon. Owen, J. A. 1989. An emergence trap for insects breeding in dead wood. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 2: 65-67. Pope, R. D. 1988. A rare spider beetle (Col., Ptinidae) new to West Sussex. Ent. Mon. Mag. 124: 76. BOOK REVIEWS Keys to the insects of the European part of the USSR, Vol. IV, Part II, edited by G. S. Medvedev. Leiden, E. J. Brill, 1990, x + 1092 pp.—As the number of pages indicates this book is a substantial tome. The scope of it is enormous in that it attempts to enable any biologist to key out any lepidopteron from the region if described, right down to the species level. In many ways it is comparable with Meyrick’s handbook in its task, but there are a number of significant differences. The list of families covered needs examining. It does not include the more primitive families: Hepialidae to Psychidae in the British list, since these were dealt with (together with the Tortricidae) in Part I. That leaves all the microlepidoptera from Tineidae to Scythrididae, except Coleophoridae. In contrast with Meyrick it is liberally illustrated with line drawings of adults, genitalia, wing-venation, leaf mines etc. These certainly make the book more usable and less intimidating than a purely descriptive key. The other major difference is that it is a collection of chapters by different authors on the various families, with extensive borrowing from earlier publications. There is bound to be a mixture of quality and ease with which the keys can be used with confidence; some will be found excellent, others less than satisfactory. The book, printed in India, is a translation of the Russian version first published in 1981. Much is out of date already, but that is inevitable in a project on this scale. For many British microlepidopterists this could be a useful book, it will not solve all problems, but some groups are treated more fully here than in publications that are readily available. In addition it alerts us to eastern species which might not yet have been recognized. D. J. L. AGASSIZ Classification and biology of braconid wasps, by M. R. Shaw and T. Huddleston. Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects volume 7, part 11, London, Royal Entomological Society, 1991, 126 pages, £18, paperback.—If the parasitic hymenoptera are a group overly neglected by entomologists, then the braconid wasps must be amongst the most ignored and under-rated of insects. This handbook comes as a welcome light in the obscurity. As the title of the handbook suggests, this book is slightly away from the main theme of the handbooks in that it does not attempt to offer keys beyond subfamily level and rather focusses on the insects’ biology. Each of the 25 subfamilies is treated at length, usually accompanied by a whole-insect figure. The general habits of the subfamily are discussed, with reference to some particularly striking or unusual individual species. For specific identification, the reader is referred to the various other published keys, and the list of references at the back of the book stretches for over 27 pages. Nevertheless, the lack of interest in these fascinating creatures is sadly reflected in the identification note for the first subfamily, the Adeliinae, which reads ‘There is at present no basis for reliable identification’ and this for a group with only four British species! R. A. JONES BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 21 ROCETELION HUMERALE (ZETT.) (DIPTERA: KEROPLATIDAE) CONFIRMED AS A BRITISH SPECIES AND NEW TO SCOTLAND PETER CHANDLER Weston Research Laboratories, Vanwall Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 4UF This is a relatively large distinctively marked gnat; the thorax is mainly reddish brown with a pair of darker sublateral stripes dorsally and dark pleural markings, the abdomen is dark brown with yellow basal bands on tergites 1-6 and there is a brown preapical wing marking (male body length 10 mm, wing length 6mm). The Handbook by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980), in which the name Cerotelion humeralis is used for the species, referred to a single Somerset record in A. E. J. Carter’s collection which could not be traced and the authors had not seen a British specimen. Edwards (1925), adding the species to the British List, gave Olverston, Glos. (collected by H. J. Charbonnier) as the only locality known to him. However, the Bristol list (Audcent, 1949) does also cite a record by A. E. Hudd from Leigh Woods, Somerset. The specimens from these English records are not at the Bristol City Museum where the Audcent and Charbonnier material is housed, and I have not succeeded in tracing A. E. J. Carter’s collection. Any information as to their whereabouts would be much appreciated. The genus Rocetelion was proposed by Matile (1988) for humerale and three North American species, differing from allied genera in the several rows of short apical bristles on the scutellum, an elongate fore protarsus and the simple apical margin of their claspers (contrasted with the apically forked claspers of Cerotelion). Matile cited no new records but summarized the distribution as north European (extending from Britain to the European USSR), amplified in the Palaearctic Catalogue (Krivosheina & Mamaev, 1988) which specified Norway, Sweden, Finland, Britain, East and West Germany, Czechoslovakia and Latvia. In the Czech checklist, LaStovka (1987) recorded it from Moravia and as new to Bohemia. Recent German records are provided by Plassmann & Plachter (1988) and Grundmann (1990). I have a German male collected by Alan Stubbs at Hammerau in Bavaria. This species can now be confirmed as British. During the Diptera Recording Schemes Field Meeting based at Muir of Ord, Ross in July 1991, I was delighted when Andrew Godfrey presented me with a male R. humerale found by him at Loch Loy, Nairn on 17 July. It was swept from the mixed woodland (alder, sallow, birch and pine) fringing the shore of the Loch. A visit two days later by Ivan Perry and myself failed to reveal any further evidence of the species. The biology of R. humerale is unknown, but it may be presumed to have similar habits to those of Cerotelion and Keroplatus which have slender spore feeding larvae living in slimy webs which they spin on the surface of dead wood and fungi. There is a good quantity of dead wood in the denser parts of the Loch Loy woodland near the south shore of the Loch, and it is hoped that future visits to the site may result in more being learned of this gnat. I am grateful to Andrew Godfrey for enabling me to report his interesting find. REFERENCES Audcent, H. L. F. 1949. Bristol insect fauna. Diptera. Proc. Bristol Nat. Soc. 27(5): 409-470. Edwards, F. W. 1925. British fungus gnats (Diptera, Mycetophilidae). With a revised generic classification of the family. Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 57: 505-670. 22 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Grundmann, B. 1990. Die Pilzmiicken des Hochsauerlandes (Diptera, Nematocera). Decheniana (Bonn) 143: 373-389. Hutson, A. M., Ackland, D. M. & Kidd, L. N. 1980. Mycetophilidae (Bolitophilinae, Ditomyiinae, Diadocidiinae, Keroplatinae, Sciophilinae and Manotinae). Handbk Ident. Br. Insects 9(3): 1-111. Krivosheina, N. P. & Mamaev, D. M. 1988. Family Keroplatidae. In Catalogue of Palaearctic Diptera. Volume 3. Ceratopogonidae-Mycetophilidae. pp. 199-210. Akadémiai Kiado, Budapest. Lastovka, P. 1987. Mycetophilidae. pp. 56-63 in Enumeratio Insectorum Bohemoslovakiae Check List of Czechoslovak Insects II (Diptera). Acta Faun. Ent. Mus. Nat. Pragae 18: 1-341. Matile, L. 1988. Rocetelion, a new Holarctic genus of the Keroplatidae (Diptera, Mycetophiloidea): description, phylogenetic and biogeographic notes. Ann. Ent. Fennici 54: 107-113. Plassmann, E. & Plachter, H. 1988. Eine erste Bestandsaufnahme der Pilzmiicken Bayerns. Nachr. Bayer. Ent. 35(3): 73-90. BOOK REVIEW Clothes moths (Tineidae) Part Five, subfamily Myrmecozelinae. Fauna of the USSR. Lepidoptera Vol. IV, No. 5, by A. K. Zagulajev. English Edition, Leiden, E. J. Brill, 1989, xix + 547 pp, 8 plates. —This book was originally published in 1975 in Russian. The English translation makes it usable by a much wider group of entomologists. In the strange ways of the contemporary world it has been translated and printed in India! It is a monograph of this family in the Palaearctic region covering 95 species in 13 genera. There is an extensive introduction covering the morphology of adults, their evolution, biology, distribution and classification with an equally extensive bibliography. The taxonomic section is thorough and well illustrated with line drawings. In addition there are five monochrome plates depicting typical localities and three good quality double-sided colour plates showing a total of 18 adult specimens. In the introduction to the English edition D. R. Davis points out that the book has the advantage that many references to Russian literature are cited which are often overlooked by Western entomologists. At the same time it has the disadvantage that the author was not able to visit many museums in the West which would have given a greather breadth of understanding. Only four of the species treated are on the British list and of them only Myrmecozela ochraceella (Tengst.) is still known to be resident. Its interest to British readers will be confined to specialists; after 16 years it is bound to be already somewhat out of date, but it is likely to remain an important book of reference. Despite extensive taxonomic treatment and some knowledge of the life history it is a pity we still appear to have no understanding of the peculiar relationship between M. ochraceella and the ants in whose nests it lives. One must welcome this translation, sponsored in the USA of another important work from the USSR. D. J. L. AGASSIZ BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 23 A SECOND RECORD OF XIPHYDRIA LONGICOLLIS (GEOFFROY) (HYMENOPTERA: XIPHYDRIIDAE) IN BRITAIN A. J. HALSTEAD 17 Highclere Gardens, Knaphill, Woking, Surrey GU21 2LP. On 3.ix.91 a single female of the woodwasp Xiphydria longicollis (Geoff.) was seen on the trunk of an oak tree (Quercus robur L.) at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden, Wisley, Surrey (TQ 063 580). The tree was alive but in a moribund condition, possibly as a result of damage to the roots in the 1987 and 1990 storms. The tree, which has a diameter of 45 cm at a height of 1 m, had sparse foliage and branches which were dying back. There were a number of places on the trunk where sap was oozing from the bark and the woodwasp was found on one of these areas at the base of the tree on the sunny side of the trunk. Other notable insects seen on this tree were the buprestid beetle, Agrilus pannonicus (Pill. & Mitt.) on 8.viii.91, and the platypodid beetle, Platypus cylindrus (F.) on 21.viii.91, both of which were breeding in the trunk. The Natural History Museum has in its collections a specimen of X. longicollis that was part of a donation received from the Entomological Club in 1844. There is, however, no label to indicate when or where it was taken. Apart from this unattributable specimen, X. longicollis was unknown in Britain until Professor J. A. Owen bred two females from a log of field maple (Acer campestre L.) collected in January 1984 in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire (Shaw & Liston, 1985). He kept the log in an unheated outbuilding and the woodwasps emerged during July 1984. These specimens may have emerged earlier than usual through having been kept in sheltered conditions but mid- summer is the normal flight period for the two other British Xiphydria species; early September when the Wisley specimen was taken could well be an unusually late date. Shaw & Liston (1985) speculated that the existence of the specimen in the Natural History Museum and the location that Owen’s specimens came from could indicate that X. longicollis is part of Britain’s relic insect fauna rather than a recent introduction. Wisley Garden has yielded a number of beetles and flies associated with ancient woodland or old parkland trees, although the garden itself and the surrounding land does not come into either category. If X. /ongicollis is a recent arrival, it should start to be found more frequently. It is certainly big enough to be noticed, since the female taken at Wisley has a length of 20 mm, including the sawsheath, and a wing span of 30mm. It is mainly black with creamy white markings on the head and similarly coloured wedge-shaped markings on the sides of the abdominal segments. Its coloration and size resembles that of X. camelus (L.), which seems to be the most common of the three British Xiphydria species. The basal parts of the tibia and the basitarsus are white on the hind legs of female /ongicollis whereas these parts are reddish brown in female camelus. Other differences are given by Shaw & Liston (1985). Xiphydria longicollis occurs widely in Europe, where it has been recorded as breeding in oak (Smith, 1978).—A. J. Halstead, 17 Highclere Gardens, Knaphill, Woking, Surrey GU21 2LP. REFERENCES Shaw, M. R. & Liston, A. D. 1985. Xiphydria longicollis (Geoffroy) (Hymenoptera: Xiphydriidae) new to Britain. Ent. Gaz. 36: 233-235. Smith, D. R. 1978. Hymenopterorum Catalogus Pars 14, Symphyta 193 pp. The Hague. [This specimen of Xiphydria longicollis was photographed at the Society’s Annual Exhibition, 26 October 1991, and will appear in one of the colour plates to be published in a forthcoming issue of the Journal. | 24 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 THE JOINT COMMITTEE FOR THE CONSERVATION OF BRITISH INSECTS STEPHEN MILES AND FRANCES MURPHY BENHS representatives to JCCBI The JCCBI consists of six societies, the British Entomological and Natural History Society, the Royal Entomological Society, the Amateur Entomologists’ Society, the Balfour-Browne Club, the British Dragonfly Society and the British Butterfly Conservation Society. There are also a number of regional representatives and observers from organizations such as the successors to the Nature Conservancy Council, the National Trust, the Biological Records Centre and the Forestry Commission. The JCCBI shares a conservation officer (Helen Smith) with the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) in Cambridge. The WCMC is partly controlled by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). The JCCBI is a long-standing member of Wildlife Link which is the liaison body for the wildlife and conservation organizations in Britain. Hitherto the societies belonging to JCCBI shared the subscription to Wildlife Link between them. The recent changes to NCC have meant that there is now a need for separate Wildlife Link organizations representing England, Scotland and Wales. JCCBI is negotiating to join all three. JCCBI sends a representative to most Wildlife Link meetings to put forward the needs of invertebrate conservation. BENHS — JCCBI — Wildlife Link — Link meetings with government ministers At the last full JCCBI meeting it was agreed to widen the field of action of the JCCBI to include all the non-marine invertebrates. This involves inviting the British Arachnological Society, the Conchological Society, the Malacological Society and maybe the Isopod Group and the Myriapod group to join the JCCBInvertebrates. This matter is now being progressed further by the executive subcommittee. Now, what does JCCBI actually do? Possible threats to our insect populations and/or their habitats are discussed and if they are thought serious such action as seems possible—usually writing to some authority—is taken. Surveys of endangered insects (so far usually Lepidotera) have been undertaken (often financed by the WWF) and advice on conservation given to landowners. Recently the status of the heath fritillary (Mellicta athalia (Rott.) ), the marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia (Rott.) ) and the high brown fritillary (Argynnis adippe (D. & S.)) have been investigated. A survey of the netted carpet moth (Eustroma reticulatum (D. & S.) ) has also been undertaken. Paul Waring, the surveys officer, hopes to be able to organize one or two more surveys of endangered moths this year. The problems raised by the need to keep dead wood, including standing dead wood and its hazardous nature in public places have been extensively discussed but a satisfactory compromise cannot really be said to have been found as yet. The JCCBI was responsible for formulating ‘The code for insect collecting’ and also ‘Insect re-establishment—a code of conservation practice’, and it contributed to the British red data book (insects). The Committee takes part in the five-yearly review of species on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), i.e. the species which are considered so endangered that they must not be collected. One of the benefits of belonging to the JCCBI is, of course, the interchange of information and the making of contacts with other naturalists’ organizations. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 25 BENHS INDOOR MEETINGS 9 July 1991 The President, Mr A. J. HALSTEAD showed a live female specimen of the giant woodwasp, Urocerus gigas (L.) (Hymenoptera: Siricidae), found at RHS Garden, Wisley, Surrey. The larvae feed in the dead wood of pines. He also showed adults and larvae of Dermestes lardarius L. (Coleoptera: Dermestidae). Commonly known as the larder or bacon beetle, this was in the past a frequent pest in kitchens and grocers’ shops where the adults and larvae feed on preserved meats such as ham or bacon and other stored products. With the advent of refrigerators and modern food packaging this insect has virtually disappeared. On 14.v.91 two adult beetles were brought to the exhibitor from a house at Hinchley Wood near Esher, Surrey. The source of the infestation was found to be a sack of 6X fertilizer. This brand of compost is produced from deep litter poultry houses and doubtless contains carcass material. Mr R. A. JONES showed three different colour forms of Bitoma crenata (F.) (Coleoptera: Colydiidae). The ‘normal’ form has the elytra dark with four pale spots; an entirely dark form was taken in Houghton Forest, West Sussex, 6.ii.77, and a peculiar variant with normal right elytron and entirely pale left elytron was taken in Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent, 19.vi.91. Mr R. A. JONES reported that whilst he was in Washington DC, USA, recently his brightly coloured tapestry holdall bag had been relentlessly pursued by a huge Anthrax-like bee-fly. Mr S. M. MILES wondered what might become of the successful breeding colony of the wart-biter, Decticus verrucivorus (L.), (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), should the London Zoo close down as threatened in September 1992. Mr A. J. HALSTEAD reported seeing a large cloud of mayflies, fluttering about 6m in the air over Painshill Park, Cobham. Although unable to identify it, it was a large species, and even at that height he could follow the characteristic movement of individuals in the swarm. There then followed a slide evening. Mr R. A. JONES showed slides of various flies, beetles and bugs, illustrating that insects have to cling quite precariously onto plant stems and leaves. A hunting spider perched at the end of a grass stem seemed quite out of place. It was suggested that it might have been infected with a fungus. In insects, some fungi are known to attack the nervous system, causing the host to uncharacteristically climb up the herbage. When the fungus kills the insect and spores are released by fruiting bodies, they are more likely to be caught by the wind and dispersed. An unidentified larva with white waxy secretions was suggested to be that of Scymnus species (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Mrs F. M. MurPHY showed slides from a recent trip to the Pyrenees. Many of the areas were rather disappointing for spiders, and most species could easily be identified from British books. However, she took the opportunity to visit the site of a species possibly new to science, living in holes in a wall. The technique for capturing it involved throwing ants into its web, and ‘pootering-up’ spiders which rushed out from their tunnels to investigate. Some lizards, presumably Lacerta muralis, were very tame, allowing her to approach closely with the camera. Butterflies photographed included the green hairstreak and small copper. The scenery was quite spectacular, and wild boar were visible on the countryside surrounding one of the gites in which she stayed. 26 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Fig. 1. The fourteen-spot ladybird, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (L.) on a stinging nettle leaf. The spines make the leaf difficult terrain for the struggling beetle. Photograph: R. A. Jones, shown at the slide evening of 9 July 1991. uf Fig. 2. Harpactocrates ravastellus Simon 1914, (Dysderidae), showing the peculiar bulbs on the animal’s palps. This spider was taken on 4.vi.91 at the end of the road in the Riberot valley, Ariége on the French side of the eastern Pyrenees. It was found among stones. There are a number of records, all from the Pyrenees. Dick Jones (the arachnologist) who was with us on this trip and took an immature specimen reports that he has found it difficult to feed. Photograph: F. M. Murphy, shown at the slide evening of 9 July 1991. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 27 Mr M. J. SIMMONS showed some studio photographs of butterflies, produced for the tourist industry in what was East Germany, and provided by a Polish colleague who obtained them when studying there. These were mainly large and striking species like the swallowtail butterfly, large tortoiseshell, Queen of Spain fritillary, lesser purple emperor, pale clouded yellow, death’s head hawk-moth and poplar hawk-moth. He also showed the curious pupa of a bagworm moth, which he had taken in Poland, and the Colorado beetle, which although common in Poland was controllable by virtue of the small potato fields. Farmers would pick off the beetles and larvae from their small plots in half an hour. Joint Meeting with the London Natural History Society held at the rooms of the Linnean Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly 11 September 1991 The chairman, Mr K. H. HYATT, Vice-president of the LNHS welcomed the BENHS to this the eighth joint meeting of the two societies. Mr A. J. HALSTEAD showed a specimen of Agrilus pannonicus (P. & M.) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) from a moribund oak at the RHS Garden, Wisley, Surrey on 8.viii.91. There were many of the characteristic semi-circular emergence holes in the bark and other specimens of this rare beetle were seen up to 15.viii.91, late dates for a species usually regarded as being active in June and early July. Mr Halstead also showed a live and active specimen of a rather pretty unidentified praying mantis, found on 7.vii.91 as a final instar nymph on orchids imported from Thailand. It reached the adult state on 23.viii.91. Some live flies introduced into the container were rapidly dispatched. Mr E. W. GROVE showed several examples of the knopper gall on oak caused by the cynipid wasp Andricus quercuscalicis Burgsd. These galls had been found on the ground, broken open and with the grubs removed from inside. Mr Grove initially believed that these had been attacked by squirrels, but he now thought that the grubs had been eaten by birds. Mr R. A. JONES showed specimens of Malachius marginellus (Ol.) (Coleoptera: Melyridae) from Winchelsea, East Sussex, 11.vii.91 where the species was common under plants on the shingle beach. In the male of this usually rare species, the apex of each elytron is bent and twisted under a small tubercle and with a peculiar dangling appendage. This is the only British species of the genus in which this convolution occurs, although related genera have similar appendages. Several members commented on the sudden abundance of the silver Y moth Autographa gamma (L.); Mr M. J. SIMMONS reported 158 in his moth trap on the night of 2.ix.91. A report had been received from Mr B. GOATER of thousands of specimens arriving on the Dorset coast, flying about 8 inches above the sea. Mr HYATT commented on the large numbers of the hummingbird hawkmoth Macroglossum stellatarum L., which he saw feeding at fucshia flowers recently in the Isles of Scilly. Dr D. BEVAN reported large numbers of the small tortoiseshell Aglais urticae L. and Messrs M. J. SIMMONS and C. W. PLANT wondered if the apparent absence of large numbers of larvae earlier in the year indicated a sudden migration of this species. Mr A. J. HALSTEAD noted that the large numbers of hoverflies, mainly Episyrphus balteatus (Deg.) and Scaeva pyrastri (L.), had been widely observed, and reported in several newspapers. Mr A. J. HALSTEAD reported the death of two BENHS members, Mr E. N. Archer and Mr S. R. Bowden. 28 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Mr K. H. HYATT reported the deaths of Ms Cynthia Longfield, the first woman president of the LNHS and Mr E. Hoskins. The name of Mr K. J. Daley was read for the second time and he was duly elected a member of the BENHS. Mr. E. M. THAIN spoke on ‘The natural history of moth pheromones’. It was John Ray, in 1693, who seems first to have noticed that male peppered moths came to a caged female. He suggested in his journal for that year that they showed all the behaviour of having been attracted by a scent. Nearly 200 years later, J. H. Fabre wrote of moths assembling as if it were common knowledge. He studied the emperor moth and oak eggar putting wax on their antennae to deduce that they used these elaborate organs to detect a volatile vapour given off as a liquid. The first modern work was done in Germany in the 1950s on the silkworm moth. It was here that the first pheromone was isolated, identified, and chemically synthesized. A quarter of a million moths produced 10 mg of the pure chemical, a straight-chain saturated alcohol. Subsequent analysis of moth pheromones revealed many of them to be similar molecules, long carbon chains with eOH or eOOH end- groups. Mammalian pheromones were much more complicated, consisting of complex multicyclic compounds. Much work has been carried out on insect pheromones, in an attempt to find new means for controlling insect pests. The boll worm moth, a pest of cotton in Africa was an early target. Moths searching for a scent drift down-wind until they detect the chemical, then they fly up-wind in search of the source. Mass production and release of the chemical as granules on the ground causes confusion of the moths as they seek out millions of conflicting stimuli. When using pheromones in traps, it is important to look at each species individually. Different flight patterns mean that some traps must be designed for low-flying moths, while others require water traps if they fly in and out of conventional traps. Using pheromone traps to catch and kill moths is expensive and their main use is in monitoring an insect population to target conventional pest control measures more effectively. Pheromones can be identified and chemically analysed using sensitive gas- chromatographic techniques. The flow of gas carrying the chemical is split, and where one stream goes into the machine another stream passes over a live insect. As the pheromone passes, the insect reacts and the corresponding peaks of the chromatogram trace can be identified. The exact nature of the chemical can then be calculated. However, some insects are so sensitive to the pheromone that when using this technique the insect reacts when there is no visible peak on the trace, for example the coco-pod borer moth of South-East Asia. In this case, guesses had to be made about the molecular structure of chemicals which would have peaked when the insect reacted; chemicals were then tested almost by trial and error. For this moth a cocktail of five compounds was identified. These were subsequently synthesized for pheromone traps to achieve control in the coco plantations. To date this species is the most sensitive known to any pheromone, each female moth containing less than 0.1 ng. 8 October 1991 Mr I. D. FERGUSON exhibited some live specimens of the weevil Sitophilus granarius (L.) which he had found in some wheat given to him as bird food. Mr A. J. HALSTEAD showed specimens of the mussel scale Lepidosaphes ulmi (L.) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on an apple fruit from Winchester, Hampshire. This BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 29 sap-feeding insect is common on apple trees and also some ornamentals such as cotoneaster, box, heather and ceanothus. It normally encrusts the bark, but in heavy infestations can spread on to the fruits as in this specimen. It is said to have one generation a year and to overwinter as eggs, but both mature and immature scales were present together on the exhibited fruit. The names of M. G. Davies and H. A. Sandford were read for the second time and they were duly elected as members of the society. Mr. S. R. MILES announced that he would shortly be attending the Annual Meeting of English Nature, the English arm of the reorganized former Nature Conservancy Council, where he would be happy to raise any items suggested by members. Mrs F. M. Murpuy remarked that large numbers of the common garden spider Araneus diadematus Clerck, had been present in her garden in Hampton, Middx. this year. This was in contrast to the previous year when there had been very few. The reasons for these great fluctuations in numbers from year to year were not known. Dr R. S. KEy said that large numbers were also present in his part of Lincolnshire. Mr S. L. MEREDITH asked about the identification of a very large fly he had seen on a buddleia flower in Southwark Street, London SE1. From his description it was thought that it was probably Volucella zonaria (Poda) (Syrphidae). Dr R. S. KEY spoke on ‘Wildlife in Norway—an account of a student expedition’. Dr Key started his talk by giving details of the preparations required for the expedition which had taken place in 1979. Eight students from Hull University had participated and the main aim of the expedition was to study the effects of altitude on the flora and fauna. The members of the expedition arrived in late June and stayed for 10 weeks. The site chosen was the Jostedalen Valley which is situated at the western end of the Sogne Fiord. From the glacier at the head of the valley to the sea was a distance of 40 miles over which the altitude decreased from 9000 feet to sea level. Ten projects were undertaken by the expedition members of which five had an entomological content. The project on parasitic wasps added 30 species to the Scandinavian list, whilst that on the large hymenoptera was interesting in that it was found that the colour morphs of the bumblebees were quite different from those found in the same species in Britain. A happy outcome of the expedition was that through it the lecturer met and subsequently married another of the expedition members. Dr R. S. KEY reported that a party of three, including himself and his wife, had attended the meeting at Tattershall Carrs, Lincolnshire on 14 September. This entomologically unexplored piece of woodland proved to be very uninteresting! 22 October 1991 The President, Mr A. J. HALSTEAD, announced the death of Mr R. G. Chatelain, who had been a member of the Society since 1956. Mr R. A. JONES showed two specimens of Cicones undatus Guer.-Men. (Coleoptera: Colydiidae) from Nunhead Cemetery, London SE15, 20.x.91, under the bark of a dead sycamore tree. This beetle was described new to Britain from specimens found under sycamore bark in Windsor Great Park in 1984 (Mendel, H. & Owen, J. A. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 99: 93-95). Nunhead is the second British locality. It shows a remarkable parallel with another colydiid beetle Synchita separanda (Reitter), described from specimens found in Windsor Great Park and Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent, and also associated with sycamore. The exhibitor found the Synchita in his garden (also London SE15) in 1987, and in Nunhead Cemetery earlier this year. 30 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Mr M. J. SIMMONS showed some examples of melanism in Lymantria monacha (L.) the black arches, taken at light in Fontaneda, Andorra in July 1991. In Britain, the foodplant is predominantly oak, although it is known to feed on other trees and shrubs. In some European countries it can be a serious forest pest and may cause extensive defoliation of coniferous trees. Mr R. SOFTLY showed an example of the local harvestman Dicranopalpus caudatus Dresco found on a curtain in a holiday chalet, St Mary’s, Scilly in September 1991. This species is characterized by the well-developed apophysis on each pedipalp. Sankey and Savory (British Harvestmen, Synopsis of the British Fauna, No. 4, Linnean Society, 1974) comment on the species’ predilection for soft furnishings ‘. . . the records from Bournemouth and from Cornwall are, in both cases, from a curtain indoors!’. Mr Softly also reported seeing Dicranopalpus on a building at the Rogate Field Centre, Sussex on 12.x.91. Mr A. J HALSTEAD showed one of a series of new stamps produced by the Royal Mail, in commemoration of the Ordnance Survey. The series of four stamps show the changes in cartography of the same area of England—by chance the well-known entomological site of Hamstreet in Kent. Mr M. J. SIMMONS reported the capture of three migrant moths in his light trap at Crowborough, Sussex. These were Agrius convolvuli L. and Mythimna albipuncta D. & S. in September and Lymantria dispar L. in August. Dr P. E. HATCHER of Oxford spoke on ‘The accumulation of moths on British conifers’. Conifers are traditionally regarded as being of only little entomological interest, especially for lepidopterists, so Dr Hatcher was intrigued by the numbers of unusual moths on Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. the western hemlock and other conifers. This led to a survey of the moths breeding on ten species of conifer in Bernwood Foest, an area with a 100-year history of conifer planting. Rather than looking for moth pupae along transects, Dr Hatcher adopted a standardized beating routine for larvae, to obtain a measure of abundance in larvae per 100 beats. Apart from typical conifer feeders like Thera britannica Turn., and T. obeliscata Hiibn., which were all fairly common across the five most common conifers, broadleaf feeders including Alcis repandata L. and Odontopera bidentata Cl. also occurred on these same five conifers. Despite the evergreen nature of most conifers, broadleaf feeders tended to overwinter as early instar larvae, waiting to feed on new growth in the spring. Dr Hatcher then sought some way of comparing the moth faunas of the different conifer species. Using the number of moth species on a particular conifer, the relative abundance of the larvae per 100 beats, the ability of the larvae to feed and mature successfully, and the diversity of early and late instars on a particular conifer, Dr Hatcher was able to create an ‘index of suitability’ for each moth species on each conifer species. Further sampling of different localities showed that this index varied between locations, implying that whereas a particular moth might do well on a particular conifer in one part of the country, it might do badly on the same conifer in another area. Examination of the British moth fauna shows that there are several conifer feeders which have ‘recently’ appeared. These include, for example, Hyloicus pinastri L., in 1828, Eupithecia abietaria Goeze in 1845 and E. Jaricata Frey. in 1862, several since the 1940s and new species appearing more recently such as Thera cupressata Geyer in 1984. At the same time, what were once thought of wholly as broadleaf feeders are now increasingly being found on conifers. Dr Hatcher sought to view these changes in the context of the history of conifer planting, first in Victorian arboreta and subsequently in the mainly coniferous planting of the Forestry BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 31 Commission. He suggested that moths continually change their foodplant preferences to follow changes in the conifer flora. BENHS FIELD MEETING Alice Holt Forest, Hampshire, 25 May 1991 Leader: D. Lonsdale. Two members joined the leader at Lodge Inclosure car park. The rideside vegetation on this plateau-edge site proved less productive than the adjacent moist slopes and stream gully of a 170-year-old oak stand. Here, an abundant beetle population consisted mainly of common woodland carabids including Pterostichus strenuus Panz., and Bembidion varium Ol., together with staphylinids such as Stenus impressus Germ. Peter Chandler, who recorded about 53 fungus gnat species here, reported that most were common and characteristic of a spring flush. They included Macrocera fasciata Meig. (Keroplatidae), Diadoacidia ferruginosa (Meig.), (Diadocidiidae), and Bolitophila cinerea Meig. (Bolitophilidae). Among many mycetophilids was a ‘notable’ species; Coe/osia silvatica Land. which, until recent records in forests of central and southern England, seems to have been confined mainly to coastal localities in Wales and East Anglia. A nearby clear-fell site yielded several common ladybirds, weevils, the cardinal beetle Pyrochroa coccinea L. and leaf beetles in bright sunshine, as well as the cerambycids Rhagium mordax (Deg.), R. bifasciatum F., Clytus arietis (L.) and Judolia cerambyciformis (Schr.). The afternoon’s session began around two plateau-top ponds, where several more weevils, including Curculio glandium Marsh. and Phyllobius pyri (L.), were found on ground vegetation, together with common leaf beetles and click beetles. A large population of the wetland carabid, Elaphrus cupreus Duft., was found on wet mud, while some pond-dipping yielded the screech beetle, Hygrobia hermanni (F.). Flies added to the day’s list here included the dolichopodid Hercostomus cupreus (Fall.), the pallopterid Palloptera scutellata Macq. and additional fungus gnats. In cool and overcast conditions, the party moved about two miles southwards to Abbotts Wood and Willows Green, an area of mixed woodland bisected by a strip of meadow. The few additions to the day’s list included the large weevil Barynotus moerens (F.), the cardinal beetle Pyrochroa serraticornis (Scop.) and the hoverfly Sphegina clunipes (Fall.). The cranefly Tanyptera atrata (L.), another notable species, occurred here together with some of the above cerambycid species on wind-blown timber, dumped in two large piles in the meadow areas. These piles, which appeared to be destined for burning, or at least desiccation, made for an interesting, as well as disturbing end to the day. The issue of a Forestry Commission permit is gratefully acknowledged. BOOK REVIEW The scientific names of the British Lepidoptera, their history and meaning, by A. M. Emmet, Colchester, Harley Books, 1991, 188 pp. £25 paperback, £50 hardback.— This is a remarkable book. Harley Books are to be congratulated not only for the quality of production which we have come to expect, but also for their initiative in suggesting this title. Here is a book by someone with a knowledge of the classics, combined with entomological expertise and scholarly application. In these respects the author is unique in this generation and there is unlikely to be another like him. 32 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 The book begins with a foreword by Sir Richard Southwood and a dedication to the late Duke of Newcastle. The introduction which follows is largely a definition of terms. There is then a section of some twenty pages entitled ‘A history of the scientific nomenclature of Lepidoptera’ with also some black and white plates of distinguished entomologists of the past and two facsimile pages from Linnaeus’s Systema Natura. This essay is not the kind of material to be skipped over in order to reach the meat of the book. It is a work of very considerable erudition. Beginning with Linnaeus and continuing up to the present day of International Commission for Zoological Nomenclature rules Emmet describes not simply the process of naming species, but also the way in which our system of classification has evolved. He has managed to get inside the thinking of all the great pioneers in this field, explaining their systems and the contribution of each, whether taxonomist, artist or collector. There are lists of the sources and categories of names, whether these be for species or genera. In addition to the historical information there is a full description of the present rules for making scientific names, and with that an explanation of why changes come about. All this makes this historical chapter essential reading for any taxonomist, for plenty of taxa remain to be described—nor need this be confined to lepidopterists. Only the occasional worker nowadays has a knowledge of Latin or Greek, so the book should surely be in the library of every taxonomic institution in the world, then perhaps not all new species described will bear the name of a professor or a place. The main body of the book is the systematic section. This takes the names of all the British Lepidoptera in the order of the latest checklist by Bradley & Fletcher, each with the number taken from that book. In most places later additions and changes are incorporated, and only the synonyms included in that list are dealt with. The origin and etymology of every name is explained, wherever a reasonable explanation has been teased out. To do this Emmet has done a very considerable amount of research, looking up the original descriptions and again entering into the mind of those who described many species, even to the extent of understanding their puns on other names. In a schoolmasterly way he corrects the mistaken interpretations of Macleod whose earlier book on this subject was the chief in existence hitherto. There are four appendices, these list people commemorated in names in the text, places similarly referred to, unresolved names—just 35 of them out of a total of well over 3000—and apparent errors in Macleod’s book. These are followed by a comprehensive bibliography and index. The explanation of the names is not always easy reading, sometimes the words chosen to give the precise meaning will not be within the normal vocabulary of every reader—but in a book about words that is no criticism. In any case it is a book to be dipped into whenever one is puzzled by a name, and will be found a mine of information and entertainment. In many cases the explanations are clearly derived, in others imagination has been necessary to explain their origin, and in this respect the author is not lacking. At times it can be almost fanciful, for example the suggestion about gaudy ladies’ underwear in the eighteenth century (no. 2452) may be less likely than that of blood to account for reddish colouring. However it is always made clear when there is a guess rather than an informed interpretation. The task of typesetting, with much Latin and Greek must have been daunting, and similarly that of proof-reading. There are always some minor errors which slip through but considering the complexity involved these are very few. One less fortunate one is the printing of the Greek letter gamma instead of ypsilon (upsilon) at no. 2314. The overall standard of production is as high as we have come to expect from Harley Books. The book is commended with enthusiasm, its value will hardly diminish as the years pass. D. J. L. AGASSIZ INSTRUCTIONS TO AUTHORS Contributions must be typed double-spaced on one side only on A4 paper with 3-cm margins either side to facilitate marking up. Layout should follow that of the Journal, but apart from underlining scientific names, no marks should be made to define typeface. It is helpful, but not essential to send two copies of typescripts and figures. Line figures and half-tones are accepted. Writing on figures should be neatly added, or listed separately for typesetting, its placing indicated on a duplicate figure. Seek advice before drawing. Reduction may otherwise necessitate redrawing. Colour illustrations may be available, please write to the Editor. Authors of main articles qualify for 25 free offprints taken directly from the Journal. These may contain extraneous matter such as short communications or book reviews used as ‘fillers’. Extra copies must be ordered when proofs are returned; these will be charged to the author at the printers’ cost price. MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY are held regularly and the well-known ANNUAL EXHIBITION and ANNUAL DINNER are planned for Saturday 31 October 1992 at Imperial College, London SW7. Frequent Field Meetings are held at weekends in the summer. Visitors are welcome at all meetings. The current Programme Card can be had on application to the Secretary, BENHS, c/o The Institute of Biology, 20 Queensbury Place, London SW7 2DZ. Butterflies of Hampshire.—I am presently assisting with the compilation of a book on the butterflies of Hampshire, which aims both to provide accurate accounts of the insects themselves and to capture the spirit of entomology in the county past and present. The author and myself would be grateful for any biographical information concerning Hampshire entomologists, in particular the late S. G. C. Castle Russell. We are especially interested in diaries, journals and accounts that convey their personal impressions of the species in nature, and in photographs that capture their experiences in the field. We would also be interested in any reference collections, or even single specimens, whose data might throw light on species’ past distributions and abundance, and to know of any present day sites which might warrant closer investigation. We wish to assure you that all information provided will be treated with the utmost discretion and confidence. If you can help please contact: Dr Leonard Winokur, 121 Avenue Road, Portswood, Southampton, Hampshire SO2 1BD or Mr David Jones, 4 Hillside Villas, Charlton Road, Charlton, Andover, Hampshire SP10 4AQ. Initiative for Scottish insects.—Scottish-based entomologists, aware that the insects of Scotland are rich in significance yet poorly understood and in uncertain need of conservation, have recently formed the Initiative for Scottish Insects. The ISI exists to promote the appreciation, knowledge and conservation of the Scottish insect fauna. ISI consists of a number of working-parties each devoted to a particular insect order including one for arachnids. Working parties are currently assessing the species within the group to which they refer. We would like to contact anyone who has or would like to record or study Scottish insects. For entomological visitors to Scotland information about sites, species and collaborative projects as well as further details of the ISI are available from Graham E. Rotheray, Royal Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF. BRITISH JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY VOLUME 5, PART 1, APRIL 1992 21 23 24 25 31 14 13 16 20 20 22 31 ARTICLES Additions to the British Microlepidoptera. D. AGASSIZ A note on the satyrid butterflies, Erebia medusa (D. & S.) and Erebia epipsodea Butler. G. PRINGLE Experience with an emergence trap for insects breeding in dead wood. J. A. OWEN Rocetelion humerale (Zett.) (Diptera: Keroplatidae) confirmed as a British species and new to Scotland. P. CHANDLER A second record of Xiphydria longicollis (Geoffroy) (Hymenoptera: Xiphydriidae) in Britain. A. J. HALSTEAD PROCEEDINGS AND TRANSACTIONS The Joint Committee for the Conservation of British Insects. S. MILES AND F. MurPHY, BENHS representatives to JCCBI BENHS Indoor Meetings 9 July 1991 to 22 October 1991 BENHS Field Meeting SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Some further records of Astiosoma rufifrons Duda (Diptera: Asteiidae). P. CHANDLER BOOK REVIEWS British sawflies—a key to the adults of genera occurring in Britain Habitat conservation for insects—a neglected green issue Keys to the insects of the European part of the USSR, Vol. IV, Part II Classification and biology of braconid wasps Clothes moths (Tineidae) Part Five, subfamily Myrmecozelinae. Fauna of the USSR. Lepidoptera Vol. IV, No. 5 The scientific name of the British Lepidoptera, their history and meaning SUBSCRIPTION RATES London members £15. Ordinary members £10. Junior members (under 21) £4. Corporate members £15. Life membership £500. Membership joining fee (payable by all new members) £1. Send to: Assistant Treasurer, May-y-mar, Minster Drive, Minster-in-Sheppey, Kent ME12 2NG. ) pa.8 AUGUST 1992 ISSN 0952-7583 Volt 5; “Pant 2 British Journal of, ‘ ENTOMOLOGY po SIMSON ¥ SEP 95 1999 ~ l / |e) . 4 “SIORARIES _~ ns te eee and Natural History Published by the British Entomological and Natural History Society and incorporating its Proceedings and Transactions Price: £6.00 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT At the end of 1989 the Society vacated its rooms in the Alpine Club. Until the Society moves into new premises, the library and collections will be put into storage. Indoor meetings will be held at the Royal Entomological Society, 41 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 each month. The Journal will continue to be published as normal. Without a permanent address, it is important that members have clear and easy communication with the various officers to ensure the continued smooth running of the Society. The following is a list of useful addresses. Subscriptions and changes of address to the Assistant Treasurer: G. N. Burton, Mar-y-Mar, Minster Drive, Minster-on-Sea, Sheerness, Kent ME12 2NG. Applications for membership to the Membership Secretary: A. Godfrey, 10 Moorlea Drive, Baildon, Shipley, W. Yorks BD17 6QL. Non-arrival of the Journal, faulty copies or other problems arising from distribution of the Journal or notices to the Distribution Secretary: D. Young, 32 Valley Road, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berks RG7 3NF. Orders for books and back numbers of the Journal and Proceedings to the Sales Secretary: R. D. Hawkins, 30d Meadowcroft Close, Horley, Surrey RH6 9EL. General Enquiries to the Secretary: R. F. McCormick, 125 Brocks Drive, North Cheam, Sutton, Surrey SM3 9UP. Editor: Rev A] Jones. B.sGs Re Ee Ses Bele.Se 13 Bellwood Road Nunhead London SEI15 3DE (Tel: 071 732 2440) (Fax: 071 277 8725) Editorial Committee: Rev. D. J. L. Agassiz, M.A. T. G. Howarth, B. E. M., F.R.E.S. E. S. Bradford I. F. G. McLean, Ph.D., F.R.E.S. P. J. Chandler, B.Sc., F.R.E.S. Mrs F. M. Murphy B.Sc. B. Goater, B.Sc., M.I.Biol. T. R. E. Southwood, K.B., D.Sc., F.R.E.S. A. J. Halstead, M.Sc. R. W. J. Uffen, M.Sc., F.R.E.S. P. J. Hodge B. K. West, B.Ed. British Journal of Entomology and Natural History is published by the British Entomological and Natural History Society at the Editor’s address: BENHS, c/o The Editor, Richard A. Jones, 13 Bellwood Road, Nunhead, London SE15 3DE, UK. The Journal is distributed free to BENHS members. ©1992 British Entomological and Natural History Society. Typeset by Dobbie Typesetting Limited, Tavistock, Devon. Printed in England by Henry Ling Ltd, Dorchester, Dorset. N Plate | t+ BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 33 ARE ADULT LONCHAEIDAE (DIPTERA) SPECIALIZED KLEPTOPARASITES OF SPIDERS’ PREY? JOHN R. DOBSON H+R Environmental Investigations Ltd, Netley House, Gomshall, Surrey GUS 9QA. While collecting and photographing Diptera at Botany Bay Forestry Commission Reserve, Surrey on 14.vii.1991 I observed a female lonchaeid, Lonchaea chorea (F.) feeding on the partially decayed corpse of the common earwig Forficula auricularia L. The earwig corpse was in a web, spun between two oak leaves, of the theridiid spider Enoplognatha ovata (Clerck) (Plate I, Figure 3). On inspecting the same web approximately half an hour later, a further lonchaeid, a male of Lonchaea laticornis Meig. was observed feeding on the corpse of the earwig. The spider was in close attendance on both occasions, and L. /aticornis was seen to walk to a position beneath the lower leaf and out of line of sight of the spider in order to clean itself. On 8.viii.1991, in a domestic garden at Witley, Surrey I observed a female of the lonchaeid Setisquamalonchaea fumosa (Egger) inspecting an orb web spun on hogweed Heracleum sphondylium L. There was a corpse of a spider in the web, and the fly was seen to examine the web in flight, zig-zagging horizontally through an arc of 2-3 cm; and ‘on foot’ repeatedly landing on the hogweed plant and facing in the direction of the web. Eventually the fly commenced a cautious approach to the dead spider, walking slowly across the web. Ultimately it started to feed on the spider. Approximately one hour later a further lonchaeid was seen feeding on the same spider. This latter, however, evaded capture. Among the Diptera, members of the family Milichiidae are known to ride on crab- spiders (Thomosidae) from where they are able to feed on the spiders’ prey. Examples of Empididae, Anthomyiidae and Scatophagidae have also been recorded as feeding on prey in spiders’ webs (Irwin, 1978). It is unclear, however, whether the members of these latter three families were exhibiting opportunistic or specialized behaviour. The above observations might suggest a consistent specialized behaviour pattern; four individuals comprising at least three species were seen on two separate occasions. I would also draw attention to the investment in time and energy displayed by Plate I. 1-2. Some horticultural pests new to Britain in recent years. A. J. Halstead. 1992. Br. J. Ent. Nat Hist. 5: 41-47. 1. Egg masses of the hydrangea scale insect, Pu/vinaria hydrangeae. 2. Damage to Primula obconica flowers caused by the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis. Photos A. J. Halstead. 3. Are adult Lonchaeidae (Diptera) specialized cleptoparasites of spiders’ prey? J. R. Dobson. 1992. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 5: 33-34. Lonchaea chorea feeding on a dead earwig in a web between two oak leaves spun by the theridiid spider Enoplognatha ovata. Photo J. R. Dobson. 4. Behaviour of larval and adult Leucopis (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae). |. F. G. McLean. 1992. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 5: 35-36. A female adult Leucopis ‘milking’ aphids for honeydew on a sallow shoot. The fore tarsi are stroked over the dorsal surface of the aphids to stimulate production of honeydew. Photo |. F. G. McLean, Pentax MX with 100 mm f4 macro lens and bellows, total 300 mm extension, taken at f22 using an Olympus T28 twin-head macro flash, Brampton, Cambridgeshire, 5.viii.1991. 34 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 S. fumosa in its highly cautious approach to the dead spider. Future observations may extend the list of species of Lonchaeidae exhibiting this behaviour, and throw some light on its consistency of occurrence. I would like to thank Peter Chandler for kindly identifying the Lonchaeidae, and Frances Murphy for identifying the spider. REFERENCE Irwin, A. G. 1978. Spiders (Araneae). In: A Dipterists handbook. Eds A. Stubbs & P. Chandler. Amateur Entomologists’ Society. SHORT COMMUNICATION Icterica westermanni (Meig.) (Diptera: Tephritidae) new to Gloucestershire, and other records.—A single specimen of this nationally rare fly was found by Roger Gaunt at Whelford Pools Nature Reserve (SU 174996) during an invertebrate field meeting of the Gloucestershire Naturalist’s Society, 7.ix.1991. Following this find, one of us (R.G.) searched the stands of ragwort for further specimens and found many more individuals. There is clearly a thriving population of the species on the reserve—an area of flooded gravel workings in the Fairford section of the Cotswold Water Park. The distribution of this fly has recently been reviewed by Falk (1991): south-east England from Kent to Hampshire and as far north as Cambridgeshire and Norfolk. Specimens have also, however, been taken in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire by one of us (R.G.) earlier in the same year. The Gloucestershire record therefore is the furthest of these 1991 records from the published distribution. Details of the other records are as follows: Shrivenham, Oxon (SU 246877), nine swept from ragwort growing on waste ground near an operational railway line, 19.viii.1991, and Swindon, N. Wilts. (SU 142833), a disused sand-pit produced 2 on 4.viii. and 5 on 22.viii.1991. Records of this fly were formerly sufficiently sparse for it to be listed in the British Red Data Book (Shirt, 1987), but Falk has revised its status to ‘nationally notable’. Whether the recent increase in records is due to an expansion in the range of this species or just to increased interest in the family following the publication of the RESL Handbook (White, 1988) and the initiation of a national recording scheme is not clear. The new records reported here are from a part of central southern England notoriously under-recorded in the past. We would like to record our thanks to the Gloucestershire Trust for Nature Conservation for permission to record at Whelford Pools.—R. Gabriel, 11 Tudor Walk, Walcot, Swindon, Wiltshire SN3 3DP, and K. N. A. Alexander, 22 Cecily Hill, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 2EF. REFERENCES Falk, S. 1991. A review of the scarce and threatened flies of Great Britain (Part 1). Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 39. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough. Shirt, D. B. (ed.) 1987. British red data books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough. White, I. M. 1988. Tephritid Flies. Diptera: Tephritidae. Handbk Ident. Br. Insects 10(5a). Royal Entomological Society of London. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 35 BEHAVIOUR OF LARVAL AND ADULT LEUCOPIS (DIPTERA: CHAMAEMYIIDAE) I. F. G. MCLEAN 109 Miller Way, Brampton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE18 8TZ. INTRODUCTION TO THE FAMILY CHAMAEMYIIDAE The Chamaemyiidae comprise over 200 described species worldwide, with about half of these known from the Palaearctic Region (Tanasijtshuk, 1984). There are estimated to be around 40 species in Britain, including some recently discovered awaiting description and naming by the author of this paper. There are likely to be many undescribed species in other faunal regions because the family has received relatively little taxonomic or ecological investigation outside the Palaearctic. Members of this family have been called ‘silver-flies’ (e.g. McAlpine, 1977 citing the originator of the name, Tanasijtshuk, 1970) because many species have a densely dusted silver-grey body coloration, though black or even yellowish colours are also found in some foreign Chamaemyiidae. BIOLOGY OF LARVAE Chamaemyiidae larvae are specialized predators of Homoptera such as aphids, scale insects and woolly aphids, while an undescribed British species consumes nymphs of a gall-forming psyllid (McLean, in prep.). In the tropics more species are likely to be associated with scale insects because these Homoptera are more abundant there, whereas aphids are more frequent and rich in species in temperate zones (Dixon, 1985). Some Chamaemyiidae have been accidentally or deliberately introduced outside their natural range in association with their prey. Those species preying on woolly aphids have received the greatest attention as potential biocontrol agents, with some species having been purposely introduced to North America (e.g. McAlpine, 1971). The larvae have a body form similar to aphid-feeding hoverflies (Syrphidae) but differ due to the presence of two widely separated posterior spiracles (hoverflies have the posterior spiracles fused into a single tube). Typically Chamaemyiidae larvae are coloured white or yellow, sometimes with the internal organs partly visible through the integument. The body surface may be covered with spinules, papillae and tubercles and can be coated with a waxy material (notably in Leucopis argentata Heeger (=conciliata McAlpine & Tanasijtshuk) among British species). Those Leucopis which feed on free-living aphids specialize in attacking colonies | of ant-attended aphids. These form densely aggregated colonies, with the individual aphids being sluggish rather than agile in their movements, and they are therefore more readily captured by the small (less than 4 mm long) Leucopis larvae which are unable to move with the speed or over the distances achieved by larger hoverfly larvae. Larvae can hoist aphids clear of the plant surface, thereby reducing the likelihood of the prey escaping and at the same time giving the appearance of a seal balancing a ball on its nose! Similar behaviour has evolved independently in larvae of aphid- feeding hoverflies. Furthermore, the small, slow-moving Leucopis larvae are ignored by ants which, however, will attack and remove larger aphid predators such as hoverfly larvae or ladybirds. BIOLOGY OF ADULTS Adult Chamaemyiidae are seldom seen away from colonies of their prey and have not been observed feeding at flowers. They have a distinctive ‘trundling’ gait when walking and have an amazing facility for avoiding the aggressive attentions of ants 36 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 guarding aphid colonies. An adult Leucopis will neatly move forwards, backwards or sideways as an ant approaches, leaving the aggressor with the appearance of being perplexed and confused as the fly rapidly disappears! Adult Leucopis fly towards aphid colonies with an oscillating line of flight characteristic of insects flying down the concentration gradient of an airborne chemical, suggesting that they may be attracted by the colony odour. The response may be to pheromones produced by the aphids; for example, highly aggregated aphids are known to produce low levels of trans-G-farnesene as a means of keeping the colony together; this substance is also emitted in greater amounts as an alarm pheromone when these aphids are attacked by predators (Dixon, 1985). Adults will feed on the sugary excretions (honeydew) of their prey which coat leaf surfaces, but additionally an interesting behavioural adaptation, first observed by the distinguished Russian specialist on Chamaemyiidae Dr V. N. Tanasijtshuk (see Tanasijtshuk (1986) figs 675 and 678), enables more efficient feeding on honeydew. The behaviour consists of the adults ‘milking’ aphids for honeydew, using their fore tarsi to stroke the dorsal surface of the aphids. The female Leucopis illustrated (Plate I, Figure 4) is poised over an aphid while exhibiting this behaviour. The aphid species is Aphis farinosa Gmelin on the tip of a sallow shoot (Salix species). The aphids typically will produce honeydew when stimulated by attendant ants stroking them, and the Leucopis adults mimic this stimulus very effectively using their fore tarsi. Many of those aphids ‘massaged’ by adult Leucopis produce a drop of honeydew, which is then rapidly consumed when detected by chemoreceptors on the fly’s tarsi. Because Diptera have the capacity to detect sugars via sensors on the tarsi a relatively small series of evolutionary steps can be postulated for adult Leucopis first to detect and feed on honeydew on leaves, secondly to come into contact with more honeydew when walking over aphid colonies, and thirdly to discover it is then possible to increase the amount of honeydew released by stroking the aphids using the fore tarsi. REFERENCES Dixon, A. F. G. 1985. Aphid ecology. Blackie, Glasgow and London. McAlpine, J. F. 1971. A revision of the subgenus Neoleucopis (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae). Can. Ent. 103: 1851-1874. McAlpine, J. F. 1977. A remarkable new species of Leucopis from western Canada (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae). Proc. Ent. Soc. Washington 79(1): 15-18. Tanasijtshuk, V. N. 1970. Material contributing to the knowledge of silverflies (Chamaemyiidae, Dipt.) of Poland. Fragmenta Faunistica 16(11): 123-143. [In Russian. ] Tanasijtshuk, V. N. 1984. Family Chamaemyiidae. In: Catalogue of Palaearctic Diptera 9: pp. 220-232. Ed. A. Sods & L. Papp. Akadémiai Kiad6, Budapest. Tanasijtshuk, V. N. 1986. Family Chamaemyiidae Fauna USSR 14 part 7, pp. 1-335. Academia Nauk, Leningrad. BOOK NOTICE Bees of the world, by C. O’Toole and A. Raw. London, Blandford (Cassell), 1991, 192 pp, £18.95, hardback.—The latest in the ‘. . . of the world’ series, this book is lavishly illustrated with bright crisp photographs and expertly narrated in very readable prose. With an emphasis on behaviour and ecology rather than systematics, it makes easy and informative reading for the expert or novice alike. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 37 THE 1991 PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS—PART 1 REPORT ANDREW J. HALSTEAD The Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden, Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB. My year as President seems to have gone by very quickly and without too many traumas, due in no small amount to the excellent support I have enjoyed from the other members of Council. Six of these people have read reports tonight outlining the Society’s activities over the last 12 months but I would remind you that there are 14 other persons listed on the current programme card who also form the team that makes this Society work. All of them deserve our thanks. In particular, I would like to thank John Muggleton, who is retiring as Secretary after 7 years and will shortly be taking on the much less arduous post of President. During the last year eight of our members have passed away. EDWARD ARCHER died aged 83 on 22 June. He joined the Society in 1960. He had a life-long interest in entomology and was particularly renowned for his knowledge of bird wing butterflies. In 1974, when he retired, he spent a year collecting in Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. In the following years he published a number of articles based on the results of his studies. SYDNEY BOWDEN died on 27 July, aged 87, and had been a member since 1944. His main interest was in the genetics of pierid butterflies, especially the green-veined white, which he had studied for over 40 years. He had many articles on the subject published in the Entomologist’s Record, the Entomologist’s Gazette and our own journal. He collected widely in Europe, including Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and Corsica. Mr G. H. YOUDEN, who died on 19 September aged 87, had been a member since 1945. He lived at Dover and had a detailed knowledge of the Lepidoptera of the area. In 1949 he was co-author of a list of Lepidoptera found around Dover and Deal. During many years of collecting he had some notable finds. He recorded the varied coronet, Hadena compta D. & S. at Dover in 1948 when it started to become established in Britain. On 13 August 1960 he took the first example of the dusky hooktip, Drepana curvatula Borkh. to be found in this country, also at Dover. He found two micro-moths new to Britain, a plume moth, Crombrugghia laetus (Zell.), and a tortricid, Pammene luedersiana (Sorh.). His moth collection has gone to the Natural History Museum and his butterfly collection to his grandson. Mr R. G. CHATELAIN died in October 1991 and had been a member since 1956. He began collecting British macrolepidoptera during the 1950s and maintained his interest right until the end; he was on a collecting trip on the Lizard when he died. He built up a comprehensive collection and published numerous accounts of his trips in the entomological journals. He was a regular attender of the Society’s indoor meetings in the 1960s up to 1981 when he retired from his job in London. He had a reputation of being liberal with information to all those who sought his advice. Mr C. F. AsTBury had been a member since 1946 but I am afraid that I have been unable to find out much about him. He was interested in the macrolepidoptera and had built up a collection. Sadly this had become neglected during Mr Asbury’s later years and many of the specimens were destroyed by mould. IAIN C. CHRISTIE, who died in November 1991, joined the Society in 1981 and was interested in Lepidoptera. TONY OWSTON died while on a visit to Malaya. His principal interest was butterflies and he had been a member since 1961. 38 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Roy STOCKLEY was not a member at the time of his death but he had joined the Society in the 1950s. He was a highly observant field entomologist who managed to collect most of the major varieties of British butterflies. He also bred most of the British species. In 1955 he collected one of the finest extreme forms of a female chalkhill blue ever found. He was one of the authors of the book Notes and views of the purple emperor which was published in 1964. In recent years Mr Stockley was Resident Entomologist at Berkeley Castle Butterfly House. His collection has gone to the Natural History Museum. We have already stood in memory of these people at previous meetings so I will not ask you to do so now. During the reports read earlier you will have heard of the progress that has been made towards establishing a new headquarters for the Society at Dinton Pastures. This is now very close to becoming a bricks and mortar reality so this is an appropriate moment to look back over the events of the last few years. It was just before Christmas 1988 that the Secretary received a letter from the Alpine Club saying that they were giving up their lease on 74 South Audley Street and that we would have to move out by the end of 1989. Despite extensive searches during the next 12 months, Council was unable to find anywhere in central London that was suitable, available and affordable. Consequently the collections and library went into store in December and, after 25 years, the Society held its final indoor meeting at the Alpine Club on 12 December 1989. During 1990 it looked for a while as though it might be possible to find accommodation with the Institute of Biology who were hoping to expand their premises. However, this came to nothing when it became apparent that the Institute required a commercial rent that would have exhausted the Society’s funds within about 15 years. As this door closed another opened, when a member, Bill Parker, raised the possibility of constructing a building at Dinton Pastures Country Park. The park is owned by Wokingham District Council and they were prepared to lease us land at a peppercorn rent in return for making space available within our building as a display area for the Country Park. Negotiations with the Wokingham District Council and the country park began and in July 1990 a letter was sent to all members giving details of this proposal. The letter, headed ‘The Future of the BENHS’, outlined the Dinton Pastures scheme and three other options. Members were urged to submit their views on these options by the end of August. Forty per cent of the membership responded and the breakdown of the figures was 251 members for Dinton Pastures, 7 against and 12 uncertain. On the basis of this support, Council embarked on lengthy but always amicable negotiations with Wokingham District Council over the terms of the lease. Peter Chandler, the Curator, has spent a great deal of time in progressing the negotiations and sorting out the minutiae of the lease. On behalf of the Society I would like to thank him for the many hours of work that this has involved. The Secretary has told you of progress made during the last year and to bring you right up to date I can tell you that site clearance work at Dinton Pastures began this week. If all goes well the building should be completed in July. It will not be immediately available to members as it will take a while to get the library books sorted out. We are hoping to have an official opening in the autumn. It is no exaggeration to say that the Society is now at a crossroads in its fortunes and it is up to the membership to ensure that we go down the right road. For the first time in its 120 years the Society is going to have a permanent home for its collections and library, or as near permanent as you can get with a 70 year renewable lease. We will be able to hold study meetings there for special interest groups who will benefit from the facilities available. We will have to be a good neighbour to the BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 39 Country Park, and towards this end it is likely that we will conduct a biological survey of the park and assist the park rangers in promoting the wildlife aspects of the park to the general public. To make Dinton Pastures a success is going to require the active participation of the membership. Council would like to hear from members who have ideas for meetings at Dinton Pastures, especially from those who are prepared to lead meetings. Indoor meetings in London will continue but it has to be said that, despite having the continued support of high quality speakers on a wide range of subjects, these lectures are not getting the audiences they deserve. I would urge all members who are able to attend indoor meetings to do so; non-members are also most welcome. In the years ahead there will be increasing pressure on wildlife habitats and it is essential that societies such as ours are able to speak in an authoritative manner in support of invertebrate conservation. If we are to be perceived as an organization worth listening to, we must be a strong society. We need to recruit more members, but above all we need members who will participate in the Society’s activities. OBITUARY R. E. Stockley (1921-1991) I first met Roy by chance in 1937. We were both schoolboys collecting ag/aia on the downs near Purley, a locality that a few years later was completely built over. We next met on Riddlesdown in 1950, again by chance. He told me that he had spent the war years abroad with the armed services. We struck up a firm friendship and went on many field trips, often taking our wives and children with us. At that time the North Downs were alive with insects of all kinds and vast populations of coridon could be examined by inspection. He taught me how to deftly remove a butterfly from a grass stalk, examine and replace it unharmed. We examined thousands, thus learning which populations contained certain varieties. Sadly the introduction of gang mowers and the unhalted growth of hawthorns spoilt the North Downs. Roy was without doubt the finest collector I have ever met. He did his ‘homework’ before starting a search for his quarry. He would read as many reports as possible from the past by such men as Tutt. He would study the life history of the insect minutely, guessing at any unusual influences that might cause a variety. He was a highly observant fieldworker, detecting and sensing insect preferences. He never failed. He collected nearly all the major varieties of British butterflies. On 16 August 1955 he collected one of the finest extrema of coridon ever seen and it was thought to be the first female extrema. Most of the insects were in perfect condition and his setting was immaculate. He also bred practically all of the butterflies on the British list. The end result was a superb and unique collection of British butterflies, most of which he later donated to the British Museum. He will also be remembered as a co-author with Ian Heslop and George Hyde of the book Notes and views of the purple emperor, published in 1964, which still remains the most illuminating book on this magnificent butterfly. He joined the Society in 1955, although for many years earlier he had exhibited insects at the annual exhibitions as a visitor. During recent years he has been the resident entomologist for the butterfly house at Berkeley Castle. His knowledge and pleasant personality will be sadly missed. Our sympathy goes to his wife, son and three daughters. D. H. WALKER 40 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 BENHS FIELD MEETING Staffhurst Wood, Surrey, 19 May 1991 Leader: Mrs F. M. Murphy. This meeting was held jointly with the British Arachno- logical Society. Five members of the BENHS joined the leader on what turned out to be a rather showery day. Both BAS members who attended were also BENHS members. Staffhurst Wood is a local nature reserve owned by the Surrey County Council. It is mainly oak woodland on Wealden Clay (with several ponds) and is thought to be ancient woodland. We met in the car park at TQ 416484 and collected in that area in the wood and around the marshy edges of a good sized pond in the morning. We moved to the north of the wood after lunch but remained in or near TQ 4148. In spite of the poor weather a good number of insects and arachnids were identified. There were 50 spiders and one pseudoscorpion. Insects comprised two Odonata, two Orthoptera, three Hemiptera, three ‘Neuroptera’, four Lepidoptera, seven Coleoptera including the local species Pyrochroa coccinea L. and Rhynchites cavifrons Gyll. There were 12 sawflies, (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) which included the local Arge clavicornis F. Diptera was the best collected order with 12 Syrphidae, 18 species belonging to various other families, five of them being feeders on dead wood and 58 fungus gnats from several families including the local species A//lodiopris domestica (Meig) and Mycetophila dentata Lundst. The most interesting find was, undoubtedly, Trichonta fragilis Gagné, a red data book 3 species and the first record for south-east England. It is also known from Devon, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Peter Chandler has included this species in a paper on British Phronia and Trichonta which has been offered to the Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine. All lists sent in (for which the leader is duly grateful) will be sent to the Surrey Wildlife Trust and the warden of Staffhurst Wood. et Ee Roa Sk 4 Seeie Tusdes mabe bs thse mo RES Fig. 1. Staffhurst Wood, BENHS field meeting, 19 May 1991 with (left to r Andrew Halstead, Peter Chandler, Alan Morris and Martin Askins. s - BS ight): Graham Collins, BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 41 THE 1991 PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS—PART 2 SOME HORTICULTURAL PESTS NEW TO BRITAIN IN RECENT YEARS ANDREW J. HALSTEAD The Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden, Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB. Glasshouse whitefly, woolly aphid, large narcissus bulb fly, carnation tortrix moth, red lily beetle and Solomon’s seal sawfly. These are all examples of insects that have been inadvertently introduced into Britain over the years and have become established as pests. Britain’s island status has prevented many pests commonly found on the mainland of Europe and elsewhere from reaching these shores but whenever goods are imported, especially growing plants, or fruits and vegetables, there is a danger that unwelcome insects will come with them. Britain has a long history as a nation of gardeners and certainly since Roman times exotic plants have been brought here to enhance our gardens. During the latter half of the 18th century, and in subsequent years, there was an upsurge in the desire by the landed gentry to have new ornamental plants growing in their gardens and conservatories. Expeditions were sent out to the New World, Australasia and remote places in the Far East with the primary aim of finding exciting new plants. This greatly increased the potential for introducing alien insects, although the distances involved and the slow means of transport available meant that most plants were collected as seeds or dry bulbs. Such material is much less likely to carry pests than growing plants and soil. The situation today is rather different. There is now a world-wide trade in fruits, vegetables, growing plants and cut flowers. Produce being grown in places such as Colombia or Thailand can be on sale in Britain within 48 hours of dispatch. The volume of imported material and the speed with which it arrives and is distributed makes the exclusion of alien pests much more difficult. This task is the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, through the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI), who are probably best known to the man in the street for the posters of Colorado beetle that adorn police station notice boards. The Colorado beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), is one of the great success stories for the PHSI, since although this north American potato pest has spread throughout the mainland of Europe it has been prevented from getting established in the British Isles. Every year some adult beetles are intercepted at the docks or in greengrocer’s shops, and just occasionally outbreaks occur on growing crops. Prompt action has eradicated these outbreaks and kept us free of this pest. As a would-be invader, Colorado beetle has a couple of serious handicaps—it is big enough to be seen and has a very distinctive appearance. My talk this evening is going to cover some of the pests which have become successfully established in Britain over the last 15 years or so. Most of these are small, fairly nondescript insects, although their impact on their host plants can be severe once they have built up into damaging infestations. Successful establishment implies that the pest is able to find suitable host plants, to breed and maintain itself in successive seasons. Some, however, may only survive for a few years or a successful establishment may be limited by the pest’s inability to spread beyond the initial point of arrival. The first two insects I am going to talk about are examples of pests which have had only partial success since arriving in Britain. Both are sap-feeding insects associated with conifers. Fiorinia externa Ferris (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is a scale insect which, as far as I know, is confined to a single plant of the Korean fir, Abies koreana, growing in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden at Wisley, Surrey (Williams, 1988). Its 42 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 presence was not discovered by myself but by a student gardener who presented it as part of his pest collection in 1987. The tree, which was growing in a pot in the alpine house, had come to Wisley from a nursery in New Jersey, USA, in 1980. The mature scales are brown or yellowish-white in colour and have a flattened elongate shape up to 2mm long. Heavy infestations are made more visible by the secretion of a white powdery wax produced by the scales. They feed on the undersides of the leaves and can cause a yellow mottling of the upper leaf surface and premature leaf fall. This species was first described in America in the 1940s, although it had been known there under another name since at least 1908. It almost certainly originates from the Japan/Korea region. In the US it has been recorded from a very wide range of conifers, including Abies spp., Cedrus spp., Picea spp., Pinus spp., Taxus spp., Tsuga spp. and Pseudotsuga menziesii in an arboretum in Connecticut (McClure & Fergione, 1977). Tsuga spp. or hemlocks seem to be particularly susceptible. Research in America has shown that this scale has at least two generations a year but due to an extended egg laying period there is considerable overlapping of the generations and all stages in the life cycle can be found together at most times of the year (Garrett & Langford, 1969; Stimmel, 1980). This makes control more difficult and that is my excuse for the fact that, despite spraying, this scale insect is still present on the same small tree at Wisley in 1992. In September 1982 I was sent some shoots of Monterey cypress, Cupressus macrocarpa, by a tree surgeon who had been working in a private garden near Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey. The upper surfaces of the shoots were blackened with sooty mould, which is a non-parasitic fungus that develops on the sugary excretions (honeydew) produced by various sap-feeding insects. On this tree the culprits were a type of mealybug, Planococcus vovae (Nassanov) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) which originates from the mainland of Europe, where it also attacks Juniperus and Thuya spp. (Williams, 1984). A visit to Kingston revealed that there were 12 Cupressus trees planted by the roadside edge of the front garden and these were showing varying degrees of infestation. Some shoots on three of the trees had dense aggregations of the 2 to 3-mm-long pinkish-white mealybugs, which were clustered on the undersides of the shoots. The owner was unable to say when the trees were planted as they were already in place when he bought the property 3 years previously. Some trees were about 7.5 m (25 ft) tall and were probably at least 10-15 years old. Since 1982 only one other example of this pest has been sent to Wisley. This came from a garden close to the original site in the following year. No effective control measures have been taken against this pest due to the size of the trees and their proximity to the road and pavement. Annual visits to the original site have shown that the mealybug has persisted up until 1991 when no signs of active infestation could be detected on branches accessible from ground level. It may have died out or it may have dropped to a low level at which it might tick over for a number of years until suitable conditions permit it to increase again. The high level of infestation seen in 1982 was not repeated in any of the subsequent years. Another mealybug which has been more successful in Britain is the phormium mealybug, Balanococcus (Trionymus) diminutus (Leonardi) (Hemiptera: Pseudo- coccidae). This comes from New Zealand and it attacks New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax and Cordyline spp. It was first detected by a member of the PHSI on imported Phormium plants on a nursery in Norfolk in 1977, with another find at a nursery in Cornwall the following year (Bartlett, 1981). Introduced mealybugs are usually regarded as glasshouse pests in Britain but B. diminutus is capable of surviving very low temperatures. The mealybugs at St Erme, Cornwall, survived a 2-week period in the winter of 1978/79 when the bases of the plants were under snow. There was BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 43 a 3-day period in January 1979 when the maximum daily temperature did not exceed 0 °C and 2 days when the minimum air temperature was — 8.2 °C, with minimum temperatures at ground level of — 16.9 and — 17.2 °C. Attempts were made to prevent the mealybug from becoming established by destroying infested nursery stock and requiring New Zealand suppliers to dip their plants in insecticide before sending them for export. B. diminutus is a greyish-white insect up to 5 mm long and it mainly infests the base of the plant between the ensheathing leaves. This habit, together with the waxy secretions that mealybugs produce from their bodies, makes it difficult to contact the pest with insecticides. Infested plants continue to be imported into Britain and it is not difficult to find this insect on phormiums in garden centres. The phormium mealybug can develop infestations that are sufficiently heavy to cause the host plant to deteriorate and die. Its survival in Britain is probably dependent on fresh importations, since mealybugs do not have winged females and therefore cannot fly away from a dying plant to find another. In Britain phormiums are likely to be widely scattered, except in nurseries, and this would also limit the pest’s ability to spread. A pest that has had no difficulty in dispersing is the lupin aphid, Macrosiphum albifrons Essig (Hemiptera: Aphididae). This is widespread in the United States and Canada, where it attacks various types of lupin, Lupinus spp. It was first recorded in Britain at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey, in September 1981 on many of the lupins in the systematic plant beds (Stroyan, 1981). By the following year it was turning up throughout southern England and by 1984 had reached Scotland. It has since crossed the Channel and can be found in Germany, Holland, Czechoslovakia and probably elsewhere. It is an exceptionally large aphid, being 4-5 mm long, and is greyish-white in colour. Many aphids overwinter as eggs on a woody plant on which they feed in the spring before migrating to a herbaceous plant for the summer period. The lupin aphid, however, spends the whole year on lupins and overwinters in small numbers on the plant’s basal buds. When the plants come into growth in the spring the aphids start to increase, with peak populations usually occurring in early summer as lupins are coming into flower. Dense colonies of the aphids occur on the flower spikes and on the undersides of the leaves, which become sticky with honeydew. Sap sucking by the aphids can be so severe that lupins will wilt and die. The indigenous insects that normally eat or parasitize aphids seem to have little interest in M. albifrons although in West Germany predation has been observed by the ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata L. and the lacewing Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.). A fungus Erynia neoaphidis can cause high mortality during periods of damp weather (Gruppe & Roemer, 1988). Another much travelled pest is the hydrangea scale, Pulvinaria hydrangeae (Steinweden) (Hemiptera: Coccidae). This species was first described in California but it probably originates from Japan, which is also the source of hydrangeas. It arrived in the south of France sometime before 1965, where it is said to attack hydrangea, maple, lime and other trees (Canard, 1965). By 1974 it was reported at Padua in Italy on hydrangea, lime (Tilia platyphyllus), maples (Acer negundo and A. platanoides), persimmon, Crataegus and Deutzia (Scaltriti, 1976). Some additional host plants given in the literature are Actinidia in New Zealand (Archibald ef al., 1979) and Prunus, Cornus and Viburnum in Belgium (Merlin ef a/., 1988). This scale insect is also found in Germany and Holland. The first specimens received at Wisley Garden came from a heavily infested hydrangea growing in a private garden at Wimbledon, London SW19, in 1988. Other specimens have subsequently been received from the Wimbledon district and the following places in the London area: Charlton SE7, the SE24 district, and from Stanmore and Edgware in Middlesex. All of these 44 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 infestations were on hydrangea with no indication of other plants being affected. Some of the infestations were of several years’ standing, indicating that this pest arrived in Britain during or before 1987. It is tempting to suspect that a garden centre situated somewhere on the west side of London received a batch of infested plants from perhaps Belgium or Holland at that time. Scale insects are not very mobile pests, although the recently hatched crawler nymphs may get blown about by the wind. For much of their life cycle scale insects remain immobile on their host plants, and so the movement of plants through the horticultural trade is of great importance for their dissemination. Hydrangea scale is most easily recognized during the early summer when the females mature and lay eggs. The mature scales are wrinkled oval brown objects up to 4mm long. The eggs are deposited amongst a mass of white waxy fibres that are secreted from the insect’s body (Plate I, Figure 1). Eggs hatch in midsummer and the young nymphs feed mainly on the undersides of the leaves next to the leaf veins from which they suck sap. Old egg masses persist on the stems and leaves for a long time after hatching has taken place. By the autumn the nymphs have reached the third nymphal stage and have moved onto the stems, where they overwinter. This species of scale insect is parthenogenetic and appears to have one generation a year in Britain. Heavy infestations are likely to cause host plants to suffer a loss of vigour. Control with chemicals is complicated by the fact that hydrangeas are sensitive to spray damage by many of the pesticides approved for scale insect control. So far all of the pests I have described have been sap-feeding members of the Hemiptera. The next two pests are flies of the family Cecidomyiidae. The honey locust tree, Gleditsia triacanthos is a north American plant that has been grown in Britain for many years and was regarded as being pest free. Its popularity as a garden plant has increased considerably since the introduction of the variety ‘Sunburst’. This has young foliage that is an attractive golden yellow colour which is continually produced at the shoot tips throughout the summer. Unfortunately a north American gall midge, Dasineura gleditchiae (Osten-Sacken) has found its way to Europe, arriving first at Boskoop in Holland in 1977 (Nijveldt, 1980). It came to Britain in the early 1980s and was first recorded in the RHS Garden at Wisley, Surrey, in July 1983. The females lay kidney-shaped eggs amongst the developing leaves at the shoot tips. The orange- coloured larvae are up to 2mm long and their feeding prevents the foliage from expanding to its usual pinnate form. Instead the leaflets become thickened and folded in half to form pod-like galls which can contain up to seven larvae. At Wisley adults have been observed emerging and laying eggs in early June, early July and August. However, in 1991, when June was unusually cold, there was virtually no activity until July. Pupation takes place inside the galls during the summer but the final generation overwinters in the soil. The effect on the tree is a progressive crippling of the new foliage as successive generations develop, often causing new growth to cease by the end of July. At Wisley Garden there is a tree of Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Elegantissima’ growing less than 100 m from a ‘Sunburst’. While the latter is heavily infested, ‘Elegantissima’ shows no sign of galling. These trees have a different growth habit, with ‘Elegantissima’ having a denser branch structure and darker green foliage, but they have always been assumed to be selected forms of G. triacanthos. It is possible that the apparent resistance of ‘Elegantissima’ may be an indication that it is in fact a hybrid between triacanthos and some other Gleditsia species. Gleditsia gall midge is now widely established in south east England, with records being received at Wisley from Surrey, Kent, Hants, Sussex, Berks., Essex and central London. The other new gall midge is Contarinia quinquenotata (Low, F.) which attacks the flower buds of day lily, Hemerocallis fulva. Like the honey locust, this was, BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 45 until the arrival of the gall midge, regarded as a pest-free plant in British gardens. The midge is of widespread occurrence in central Europe and was first found in Britain at Weybridge and the RHS Garden at Wisley, both in Surrey, in June 1989 (Halstead & Harris, 1990). Since then other records have been received from Buxted, Herstmonceux and Ditchling, all in Sussex, and from Bounstone, near Farnham, Surrey. Adult midges emerge from overwintering pupae in the soil and begin laying eggs in the flower buds in May-June. Large numbers of white larvae, up to 2mm long, can develop inside each bud which becomes enlarged and distorted but does not open. Some buds are so heavily infested that they shrivel and die. If an infested bud is broken open, it will be noted that there is a considerable amount of fluid between the petals and that the larvae live in a very wet environment compared to the interior of a normal bud. There is one generation a year, with galling of the flower buds occurring during May to late July; varieties of Hemerocallis that flower late in the summer miss infestation. Control of this pest is proving difficult because of the concealed nature of the larvae and the limited opportunities to kill the adults before egg laying has occurred. My next insect is the pyracantha leaf mining moth, Phyllonorycter leucographella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae). I do not intend to say a great deal about this because at the meeting of 14 April you will hear a detailed account of this moth and the survey that is being carried out to monitor its spread from David Agassiz. I claim the right to include it in my lecture because I found it first! A few leaves from the shrub firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea) were sent to me in early March 1989 from a private garden in Wickford, Essex. They had a very distinctive silvery white mine on the upper leaf surface, evenly spread either side of the midrib and occupying most of the leaf surface. There was a dead larva in one of the mines, which showed it to be the work of a leaf mining caterpillar, but there was no description of such mines in the Society’s publication A field guide to the smaller British Lepidoptera. The specimens were therefore passed on to Maitland Emmet, who immediately recognized the mines as those of P. /eucographella, a species new to Britain. In the following weeks Emmet and some friends spent their spare time peering over garden fences looking for infested pyracanthas in order to find out how widespread it was. By May 1989 it was known to be present in most of the south-eastern half of Essex (Emmet, 1989), and it has since spread further within this county and into east London and south Hertfordshire. During his survey Emmet noted that some plants had a very high proportion of the foliage affected by the leaf miner. It is surprising therefore that since receipt of the original samples no others have been referred to Wisley Garden, despite the leaf miner’s obvious effects on pyracantha leaves and its widespread occurrence in Essex. P. /eucographella originates from southern Europe but has spread into other countries, such as France, Germany, Austria, Holland and Switzerland. I believe that during their term of office all Presidents of this Society should endeavour to add at least one insect to the British list. My contribution is the acacia sucker, Acizzia (Pysila) uncatoides (Ferris & Klyver) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), which I have been saving up since September 1990. Further details of this sap-feeding insect are given in a separate paper published elsewhere in this edition of the Journal (Halstead, 1992). My final pest is western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). This sap-feeding insect originates from north America and it has all the attributes necessary to make it a successful invader of new countries. Like most thrips it is a small narrow-bodied insect and it has yellowish-brown adults little more than 2mm long. The adults and nymphs often conceal themselves in partially opened flower and vegetative buds where they can feed undetected until 46 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 later when the damage becomes apparent (Plate I, Figure 2). It has a very wide range of host plants which includes tomato, cucumber, saintpaulia, gloxinia, achimenes, Primula spp., pelargonium, fuchsia, impatiens, streptocarpus, verbena and chrysanthemums. In Britain it is mainly a pest of plants in glasshouses and of house plants but it does attack outdoor plants and can survive mild winters in the open. Western flower thrips breeds very rapidly under suitable conditions. At a constant temperature of 15 °C the life cycle from egg to egg laying takes 44 days; at 20 °C this is reduced to 22.4 days and at 30°C it is just 15 days. The highest reproductive rate was recorded at 20 °C with 95.5 hatched eggs / female (Lublinkhof & Foster, 1977). On many of its host plants western flower thrips is mainly associated with the flowers, where its feeding causes a loss of pigmentation from the petals and early decline of the blooms or complete failure of the buds to open. On other plants, such as cucumber and tomato, it also attacks the leaves, causing a silvery discoloration of the upper leaf surface. Western flower thrips is an efficient vector of tomato spotted wilt virus which has severe effects on the growth of many plants. F. occidentalis arrived in Holland in 1984 (Cevat, 1987) and has since become widespread in Europe. It was first detected in Britain in June 1986 in commercial chrysanthemum nurseries, where it was suspected of having been introduced with imported cuttings. It was initially declared a ‘notifiable pest’ and a vigorous eradication programme was carried out at all premises where it was found. It soon became apparent that the thrips had become too widespread and it was taken off the notifiable list the following year. It is now present in the glasshouses of many commercial nurseries and is on sale in a garden centre near you! Western flower thrips is far from easy to control. It has come to Europe with resistance or tolerance to some insecticides. Those chemicals which are effective may not be approved for use in glasshouses or may cause damage to tender parts of plants, such as flowers and shoot tips. Many commercial growers have in recent years gone over to using biological control for pests such as glasshouse whitefly and red spider mite because of the occurrence of pesticide resistance amongst these pests. Insecticides used against thrips are not selective and will be harmful to predators and parasitoids being used against other pests. Predatory mites, Amb/yseius spp., are being used with some success against western flower thrips and the use of predatory bugs, Orius spp., is being investigated. Until recently plant health inspectors have been able to examine imported plant material at the docks and airports. If the goods were found to have problems with pests or diseases the PHSI could order their destruction or require them to be returned to the country of origin. With the advent of 1992 and the establishment of a single market within the European Community countries it is no longer acceptable to have what might be construed as trade barriers at national borders. A new system of ‘plant passports’ has been devised whereby the health of plants intended for export will be checked in the producer’s nursery. Once they have been given a clean bill of health, they can be transported anywhere within the EC without any further checks. Whether this new system will be an improvement remains to be seen—most people in the horticultural business have their fingers crossed that it will not be any worse. Before I end my address I would like to acknowledge the help I have received over the years from fellow entomologists in establishments such as the Natural History Museum, the International Institute of Entomology and the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate. Their knowledge of taxonomy and the world’s invertebrate fauna is of vital importance in preventing the successful establishment of new pests. If a new pest can be recognized quickly and correctly identified, there is a chance that it can be eradicated before it has become too widespread. Delays in obtaining an accurate BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 47 identification of a pest may result in its biology being misunderstood and inadequate or unsuitable control measures being applied. In recent years there have been cuts in funding for taxonomic work. This has led to a reduction in the support services for people involved in applied entomology which does not bode well for the future. REFERENCES Archibald, R. D., Cox, J. M. & Dietz, L. L. 1979. New records of plant pests in New Zealand III. Six species of Homoptera. N.Z. J. Agric. Res. 22: 201-207. Bartlett, P. W. 1981. Trionymus diminutus (Leonardi) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) infesting New Zealand flax in England. Plant Pathol. 30: 56-58. Canard, M. 1965. Observations sur une pulvinaire peu connue du midi de la France: Eupulvinaria hydrangeae (Steinw.). Ann. Soc. Ent. Fr. (NS) 1: 411-419. Cevat, H. N. 1987. Floriculture, California thrips. Verslagen en Mededelingen, Plantenziekten- kundige Dienst, Wageningen 165: 93. Emmet, A. M. 1989. Phyllonorycter leucographella (Zeller) (Lep: Gracillariidae) in Essex: a species new to Britain. Ent. Record J. Var. 101: 189-194. Garrett, W. T. & Langford, G. S. 1969. Seasonal life cycle of Fiorinia externa in Maryland. J. Econ. Ent. 62: 1221-1222. Gruppe, A. & Roemer, P. 1988. The lupin aphid (Macrosiphum albifrons Essig) in West Germany: its occurrence, host plants and natural enemies. J. Appl. Ent. 106: 135-143. Halstead, A. J. 1992. A psyllid pest of acacia new to Britain. Br. J. Ent. Nat Hist. 5: 95-96. Halstead, A. J. & Harris, K. M. 1990. First British record of a gall midge pest of day lily (Hemerocallis fulva). Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 3: 1-2. Lublinkhof, J. & Foster, D. E. 1977. Development and reproductive capacity of Frankliniella occidentalis reared at three temperatures. J. Kansas Ent. Soc. 50: 313-316. McLure, M.S. & Fergione, M. B. 1977. Fiorinia externa and Tsugaspidiotus tsugae (Homoptera: Diaspididae): distribution, abundance and new hosts of two destructive scale insects of eastern hemlock in Connecticut. Environmental Entomology 6: 807-811. Merlin, J., Gregoire, J. C., Dolmans, M., Speight, M. R., Pasteels, J. M. & Verstraeten, C. 1988. Preliminary comparisons of two scale insect species on broad leaved trees in western Europe. Mededelingen van de Faculteit Landbouwwetenschappen, Rijksuniversiteit Gent 53: 1153-1158. Nijveldt, W. 1980. Gall midges new to the fauna of the Netherlands VII. Entomologische Berichten 40: 53-56. Scaltriti, G. P. 1976. Sulla presenza in Italia dell’ Eupu/vinaria hydrangeae (Steinw.). Redia 59: 59-67. Stimmel, J. F. 1980. Seasonal history and occurrence of Fiorinia externa in Pennsylvania. Proc. Ent. Soc. Washington 82: 700-706. Stroyan, H. L. G. 1981. A north American lupin aphid found in Britain. Plant Pathol. 30: 253. Williams, D. J. 1984. Two injurious mealybugs new to Britain. Ent. Mon. Mag. 120: 227-228. Williams, D. J. 1988. Fiorinia externa (Ferris) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) found in Surrey infesting Abies koreana. Ent. Gaz. 39: 151-152. LETTER TO THE EDITOR Holotypes in private collections.—I was disturbed to note that in Peter Chandler’s article on mycetophilids (Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1991; 4: 143-155), there is no statement as to the whereabouts of the holotypes of some of the new species described. This leaves the impression that the holotypes are in the private collections of the individuals who collected the specimens. The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature proposes that holotypes should be deposited in national institutions, for very good 48 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 reason. I trust that failure to state the whereabouts of the holotypes of Mr Chandler’s new species was simply an oversight, and that they are in reality deposited in the collections of some institution. I would be glad to see the position of Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. clarified in respect of this issue. Other journals now decline to publish descriptions of new species based on holotypes retained in private collections.— M. C. D. Speight, Research Branch, National Parks and Wildlife Services, Sidmonton Place, Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland. Reply from Mr P. J. Chandler. I agree broadly with the views expressed in Martin Speight’s letter but would point out that the proposal of The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature that holotypes should be deposited in public institutions is presently only a recommendation (Recommendation 72D of the third edition of the code, 1985) and is not yet mandatory. There is, however, a proposal that this should become mandatory in a future edition of the code (Lyal, C. H. & LaSalle, J. 1991. Proposed changes in the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Syst. Ent. 16: 121-123) which I fully support. I do, nevertheless, accept Martin’s criticism that I did not cite a repository for the type specimens concerned, the reason being as he deduced that they were then in my private collection. This applies to the holotypes of some of the species described in the paper mentioned and of other species of fungus gnats described by me in papers published in the Society’s Journal in 1987 and 1977, although wherever practicable I have designated specimens already in museum collections as holotypes. It was my intention that these types should be deposited in the collection of the Natural History Museum (formerly the British Museum (Natural History) ) and I am grateful to Martin for reminding me to expedite this intention, which has now been implemented. My only excuse for the delay has been the uncertainty and considerable controversy (see recent correspondence in Antenna) over the future of the national collections. The attention has been drawn by others to this being a deterrent to some taxonomists to deposit type material in the museum collection. In the Diptera Section after many staff changes, there is now no member of the museum staff responsible for the Nematocera, a major group of Diptera (although some families do receive attention from the Medical Entomology Section) and the same can be said of major taxa in other orders. It seems now that more dependence will be placed on amateur taxonomists, who need to have collections available for reference and study, and if they are to be encouraged to deposit type material in public institutions, it is essential that confidence in our leading national institution is soon restored. P. J. CHANDLER Reply from the Editor.—Recommendation 72D ‘Deposition in museums’ of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (3rd edn, 1985) suggests that ‘An author who designates a holotype or lectotype should deposit it in a museum or similar institution where it will be safely preserved and will be accessible for purposes of research. .. .’ I fully support the aim that specimens should be safe and accessible and unless there is some overbearing reason to the contrary, I agree that journals should not publish articles bringing forward new species if holotypes are to remain in private collections. This journal will seek to support ICZN recommendation 72D and refuse such papers. My thanks to Martin Speight for airing this issue. R. A. JONES Plate Il. ANNUAL EXHIBITION 1991 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 49 1991 ANNUAL EXHIBITION Imperial College, London SW7—26 October 1991 The following account of exhibits has been compiled by R. D. G. Barrington (British butterflies), B. K. West (British Macrolepidoptera), J. M. Chalmers-Hunt (British Microlepidoptera), B. Goater (Foreign Lepidoptera), P. J. Chandler (Diptera), R. A. Jones (Coleoptera and Hemiptera), A. J. Halstead (Hymenoptera and other orders) and E. S. Bradford (Illustrations). The photographs for the two colour plates were taken by D. E. Wilson. Members and exhibits at the 1991 Annual Exhibition. Photos R. A. Jones. Plate Il. ANNUAL EXHIBITION 1991 1: Lysandra coridon ab. obsoleta+glomerata, 1991, R. C. Dennis. 1 2 3 2: Polyommatus icarus ab. alba-radiata, 1991, A. M. Jones. 3: Poly- a4 5 ommatus icarus ab. radiata, bred, 1991,L.D. Young. 4: Anthocharis 6a i cardamines, bred, 4.v.91, M. Callow. 5: Thecla betulae, bred, Surrey, 1991,L.D. Young. 6: Colias alfacariensis ab. nov., Honiton, Devon, 8 9 viii.91,D. Wedd. 7: Melitaea cinxia, bred, Isle of Wight, 1991, P. A. NOM Teter s1h2 Standing. 8: Maniola jurtina ab. crassipuncta + addenda, Dorset, 1991, R. D. G. Barrington. 9: Maniola jurtina ab. anommata, 1991, R. C. Dennis. 10: Xiphydria longicollis, female, Wisley, Surrey, 3.ix.91, A.J. Halstead. 11: Physocephala nigra, male, Borrowdale, Cumbria, 26.vi.91, K. N. A. Alexander. 12: Physocephala nigra, female, Allt a Mhadaidh, E. Ross, 17.vii.91, |. Perry. Photo: D. E. Wilson 50 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 BRITISH BUTTERFLIES The great surprise of the year was the discovery by A. S. Harmer of a home-bred generation of Colias alfacariensis Berger on Portland, Dorset in September 1991. This species is now a very rare migrant to this country and has only doubtfully been recorded as breeding here, but enterprising work produced both full and empty pupae and therefore conclusive proof of the local origins of this brood. BAILEY, K. E. J.—(a) Continued results from the exhibitor’s valuable work on temperature experiments on newly formed pupae which he is now combining with photoperiodic stress to the late larvae. Amongst the results was a morphocline of Argynnis paphia L. f. valezina Esp. from minor aberrations up to ab. ocellata Frings =ab. nigrizina Frohawk (larval stress plus pupal cold shock). A series of intermediates of Vanessa atalanta L. ab. klemensiewiczi Schille (larval stress plus pupal heat shock) and extreme forms of the same aberration from the same treatment. This regime also produced an unrecorded aberration having the costal white patch replaced by metallic blue. Nymphalis polychloros L. showing a morphocline of ab. testudo Esp. from the same treatment. Larval stress plus pupal cold shock produced intermediates of Cynthia cardui L. ab. elymi Ramb. and an example of Eurodryas aurinia Rott. ab. melanoleuca Cab. (b) An example of Mellicta athalia Rott. with reduced forewing black which arose spontaneously from captive-bred, untreated stock. Possibly the application of a chemical to sterilize the ova (to reduce the chances of viral infection) was responsible. (c) A bred series of Lasiommata megera ssp. paramegaera Hiibn. (considerably less black patterning than the English form) bred in Devon from Corsican parents. These were crossed with Devon megera. When the female parent was ssp. paramegaera the larvae did not diapause but emerged in the autumn, the adults appearing intermediate between the two races. When the male parent was paramegaera the larvae entered diapause. BARRINGTON, R. D. G.—(a) Insects bred in 1991. Two male examples of Eurodryas aurinia Rott ab. virgata Tutt bred in an F, brood of approx. 150 adults from a male aberration taken in Dorset in 1990 and paired with a wild-captured, type female; 5 or 6 males in the brood approached this form, the rest were typical. Two female Aphantopus hyperantus L. ab. cuneata Gillmer bred F, from a cuneata male taken in Dorset in 1989 and paired with a wild, type female. The F, produced 49 adults (15 deformed) showing a graded series from type to these strong examples with most spots extended. The F, of 42 specimens contained 8 females (2 deformed) showing less well developed aberrational markings than the F, and 34 males (5 deformed), a few showing very weak cuneata. This appears to be a multifactorial form with a considerable weakening effect, especially in the female. (b) Captured specimens. A male Boloria selene L. taken in Somerset, 1991 with the hindwing marginal spots confluent with the marginal silver lunules on the underside. A range of aberrations of Maniola jurtina L. taken in two localities in North Dorset, one a hay meadow, the other a chalk down. Male examples included ab. excessa Leeds with a strong extra, orange-ringed spot on each wing of the upperside, and two extra spots on the underside of each forewing and five on each hindwing. Two albino aberrations, one of the grey form, ab. grisea-argentacea Oberthiir and one of the white, ab. cinerea Cosmovici. A bilateral gyandromorph having two extra forewing spots, ab. addenda Mousley, on the female side only—a unique aberration in this species. Female forms included ab. rufa Leeds underside and an unnamed upperside form with the forewing fulvous replaced with chestnut. Two examples of homoeosis affecting the underside of the right hindwing, one with a strong streak BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 51 of forewing fulvous, the other with a large splash of upperside brown. An example of ab. irregularia Leeds had streaks of black and pale fawn in the median band of the underside of the left hindwing. A fresh ab. pallens Thierry-Mieg had the forewing fulvous reduced to creamy yellow and ab. postfulvosa Leeds had a strong orange band on the upperside of the hindwings. An extreme ab. crassipuncta Leeds also showed ab. addenda on the underside (Plate II, Figure 8). BUTTON, S.—A selection of aberrations of Lysandra coridon Poda from S. Wilts. in vili-ix.1991, including abs obsoleta/caeca B. & L., i-nigrum Tutt, basijuncta B. & L. and striata B. & L. A minor gynandromorph of Anthocharis cardamines L. with orange streaks on the left forewing of an otherwise female insect. A fine female Maniola jurtina ab. fulvescens Leeds with pale yellow-ochre ground colour, Wilts., ix.1991. CALLOW, M.—A pair of Anthocharis cardamines (L.) bred from wild ova in 1991. The female (Plate II, Figure 4) had a huge discal spot and blackened costa, with fine streaks connecting the discal and apical black markings. The underside showed a similar tendency with extra black scaling below the discal spot. The male was a minor example of the same aberration. A fine melanic male aberration of Boloria euphrosyne L. with very heavily black hindwings and confluent spotting on the forewings. A female Aricia agestis L. with heavy spotting. 72 ova were laid to produce a type F;. DENNIS, R. C.—Two female M. jurtina ab. antiaurolancea Leeds with the upperside fulvous broken up into segments and a female ab. antiobscura Leeds with the fulvous suffused over with ground colour, from hay meadows in East Sussex where the cut was delayed by poor weather until August. The exhibitor recorded the best year for jurtina in this area since 1985. [R. Barrington confirms this for the Dorset area also. | A downland locality with a strong population of jurtina produced an example of the very rare female ab. anommata Verity (Plate II, Figure 9). A very unusual male Lysandra coridon Poda ab. obsoleta-glomerata B. & L. from Dorset, vili.1991 with the few remaining spots crowded in on the discoidals on all wings (Plate II, Figure 1). DYKE, R.—A female Lycaena phlaeas L. ab. cuprinus Peyer from Dungeness, Kent, 1991. ELsTON, MAJ. H. J.—Lysandra coridon Poda ab. inaequalis Cockayne, a female butterfly with blue streaks on the right hindwing, Hants., 1991. FENSOME, B.—A strong female ab. radiata B. & L. of Polyommatus icarus Rott. with elongated spots on all wings. A male radiata with the black markings very faint and an attractive male from Guernsey with the forewings radiata and the hindwings limbojuncta Courv., with pale ground colour. All taken 1991. Lycaena phlaeas L., a male with the copper replaced by cream, a male with heavy spotting and darkened veins and a female with the upperside hindwing copper band beginning to ray inwards. Pyronia tithonus L. with a reduced and doubled apical spot. HALL, D.—F, and F, generations from Pieris napi L. ab. fasciata Kautz, both broods showing the aberration in the female and some males showing a tendency towards it. This is a multifactorial form from which extreme examples can be obtained by sustained inbreeding. HALSTEAD, A. J.—A male M. jurtina L. ab. partimtransformis Leeds with bleaching affecting both right wings, West Horsley, Surrey, 1991. HARMER, A. S.—The exhibitor discovered a home-bred brood of Colias alfacariensis Berger on Portland, Dorset in ix.1991. Ten males and five females were found between 10 and 25.ix and two full and two empty pupae were found (believed to be the first authenticated instance of breeding in this country). With a further 16 examples captured 52 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 by B. F. Skinner and A. J. & C. T. Pickles a total of 22 males and 9 females were found in this brood. Considering the extreme rarity of the species in this country now, this is a very notable finding. The location was ideal with an abundance of the food- plant Hippocrepis comosa L. As all specimens were found in one cutting it suggests that the brood was the progeny of one immigrant female. Two further examples shown by D. Wedd from Devon confirm that some sort of immigration took place in August. Any further records that come to light will reveal the extent of the influx. Two second brood Hamearis lucina L. bred from the Isle of Wight. The remaining 13 pupae are overwintering. An interesting series of Eurodryas aurinia ssp. scotica Robson bred from Mid-Argyllshire. These were considerably darker than their southern counterparts, lacking much of the pale coloration from the centre of the forewings. A male Pyronia tithonus L. with the sex brand of the right forewing continued into the discal cell. A fresh female Maniola jurtina ab. addenda Mousley with two extra spots on the upperside of each forewing. A male Hipparchia semele L. ab. holonops Brouwer from Dorset, 1991. JONES, A. M.—(a) A selection of aberrations captured during 1991 included two attractive fritillaries—a female Boloria selene L. with confluent markings on the margins of all wings on the upperside and blackened hindwing bases, approaching ab. nigricans-parvipuncta Ober. and a B. euphrosyne L. ab. tatrica Aign. A pair of very heavily marked L. coridon ab. parallela B. & L. taken on consecutive days from the same locality. A female transitional to ab. striata B. & L. from this location has produced an F, with a tendency to dribbled spots (the equivalent aberration in L. bellargus Rott. was bred to Fg by L. D. Young and proved to be inherited in a rather unpredictable manner). A startling Polyommatus icarus Rott. ab. radiata B. & L. The streaking on the forewings was very heavy and the hindwing spots were beginning to streak also. The hindwing costal spots were joined in a long heavy stripe (=ab. costaextrema B. & L.) and the ground colour was powdered with white (Plate II, Figure 2). This is probably one of the most extreme underside varieties of the species on record. Captured ix.1991. (b) The results of breeding from a wild captured male Boloria selene with the central markings of the upperside reduced, taken 28.vi.1991. It was paired with a type, bred female. The F, (vii/viii.1991) contained 34 type specimens and the F, (ix/x.1991) consisted of 40 males with 5 aberrations (12.5%) and 39 females with 8 aberrations (16.4%). The F; generation is overwintering. Although the ratio of aberrations in the F, (16.45%) is below the 25% expected for a simple recessive it is likely that this aberration is a simple recessive. The bred aberrations had the ground colour a little paler than type and most of the upperside markings reduced and fading out. The basal area of the underside hindwings is washed out and the forewing markings are ghostly. Three broods from a captured Parage aegeria L. ab. parviocellata Lempke. These confirmed results from previous breeding of this aberration by the exhibitor that this is a dominant form with 50% aberrations in the F,. Some extreme examples occurred in the F; with no hindwing spots and little of the pale surrounds remaining. One female specimen lacked the apical spot of the right forewing. Two broods from a captured female aberration of L. coridon similar to ab. cinnameus B. & L. The breeding results suggest that it is a new aberration. The F, contained only type specimens and the F, of 78 specimens contained 20 aberrations (25.64%) showing it to be clearly a recessive form. The expression of this aberration is variable some females being far darker than cinnameus and the males varying from little paler than type to examples approaching ab. /ivida Gillmer. KNILL-JONES, S. A.—Lycaena phlaeas L. with the left forewing silvery grey and the rest of the insect typical. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 53 MACNULTY, B. J.—Butterflies from the Gower Peninsula shown as part of an ongoing series of exhibits to cover most of the Lepidoptera of the area. Twenty-six species were shown including Eurodryas aurinia Rott., common in places; Boloria selene L. and B. euphrosyne L., neither common, as with Argynnis paphia L. and Mesoacidalia aglaja L.; Hipparchia semele L., widespread and common; and a range of common satyrids; migrants such as Pontia daplidice L., last seen 1945, Colias croceus Geoffroy, a few seen most years, and Colias hyale L., very occasional. NASH, S.—Maniola jurtina L. ab. grisea-argentacea Ober., Bucks., 1991 and Colias croceus Geoffroy, Berks., 1991. PARKES, J.—Aphantopus hyperantus L. with one forewing bleached and a similar example of Pyronia tithonus L. A. hyperantus ab. arete Muller and a Boloria euphrosyne L. male approaching ab. obsoleta. A series of Erebia epiphron L. from Ben Lawers, Tayside, vi.1990 showing a wide range of variation in size and intensity of the markings characteristic of this highly variable species. PATEMAN, J. E.—A very interesting exhibit of three generations bred from two female aberrations of Lysandra coridon of the same form as that bred by A. M. Jones. The F, was type. The F, of 196 insects contained 30 male and 8 female aberrations (19.4%) and 17 females with aberrant underside markings including abs arcuata Courv., bi-i-nigrum B. & L., caeca B. &. L. and a good female with extended forewing spots. Pairings were taken from 8 male upperside aberrations and 6 females with type uppersides and slightly aberrant undersides. At the time of the exhibition F, emergences comprised 8 male and 12 female upperside aberrations and 13 male and 5 females with type uppersides, some specimens having some underside aberration. A remarkable female Anthocharis cardamines L. showing very heavy black scaling joining the discal spot to the apical patch on the upperside of the left forewing. Bred 1991 from wild ova. Two male examples of the very rare Maniola jurtina L. ab. postaurolancea Leeds and a female upperside ab. post-excessa Leeds with a single extra spot on each hindwing. Three strong male examples of Pyronia tithonus L. ab. excessa Leeds, a male with a small apical spot and an underside ab. lanceolata Leeds. PICKLES, A. J. AND C. T.—One female and 6 male Colias alfacariensis Berger from Portland, 14 and 15.ix.1991 with examples of Colias croceus Geoffroy and Colias hyale L. for comparison. REVELS, R. C.—A showing of the exhibitor’s highly successful breeding work with Lysandra coridon Poda aberrations from 1969 to 1982. This included the first breeding of ab. fowleri South (a simple recessive) which was subsequently paired in with abs semisyngrapha Tutt and tithonus Meig. (both sex-linked recessives) to produce beautiful examples of the double aberrations. Another experiment with ab. marginata B. & L. showed this to be a multifactorial form and produced a particularly extreme male example with the borders extending to the discoidal. Unexpected aberrations cropped up during the breeding including a male approaching ab. radiata B. & L. and a male ab. striata B. & L. A case of extreme melanic forms of Ag/ais urticae L. from cold-shocked pupae. ROBERTSON, T. S.—The results of breeding from Lycaena phlaeas L. ab. auronitens Leeds-—partimauroradiata Leeds taken Berks., vi.1991. The 36 F, examples showed an almost exact 9 : 3 : 3:1 ratio for wild type: pallidula : radiata : pallidula-radiata as would be expected for a double recessive. However as some of the type examples showed partimauroradiata this may be a hetorozygote for radiata which is therefore not a pure recessive form. The original parent must have been heterozygous for radiata and pallidula or it may have paired with a male heterozygous for this latter character. A series of ab. obsoleta Leeds bred in 1989 were shown for comparison. 54 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 SKINNER, B. F.—Five male and 3 female Colias alfacariensis Berger from Portland, 13-20.ix.1991 with photos of newly emerged adults and of the habitat. STANDING, P. A.—The results of a fourth inbred generation of Melitaea cinxia Rott. from a brood of approx. 3000 insects. One fine underside aberration was shown (Plate II, Figure 7) with much of the hindwing markings obsolete on the underside and the remainder concentrated around the base of the wings, the forewings showing heavy discal markings. The extreme melanic upperside was much like an example bred from this strain in 1990 and photographed for the exhibition plate. Some examples, like the parents of this brood were minor forms of ab. wittei Geest and some were transitional to the above aberration. TREMEWAN, W. G.—Aglais urticae L. ab. impuncta lacking the twin discal spots, Oxford, ix.1991 and an example with smokey brown ground colour, bred Perranporth, Cornwall, ix.1991. TusBss, R. S.—Two male Fabriciana adippe L. f. cleudoxa Ochs. bred in the F; generation from an original aberration taken at Arnside, Cumbria by R. W. Perkins in 1989. The F, contained 50% aberrations showing this to be a dominant form. A very rare aberration in Great Britain but common in Hungary, Romania and the Balkans and apparently the only form of adippe to be found in parts of Greece. Two drawers showing the results of breeding aberrations of Aphantopus hyperantus L. This included ab. /anceolata Shipp bred to the F, with the most extreme specimens occurring in the last generation. This is a recessive form with some modifying genes and so is very variable in expression. The similar ab. cuneata Gillmer (without the extended pupils) was bred in the F, from a New Forest parent. An F, from ab. arete Muller contained 29% arete, 21% with reduced spotting and 50% type. Arete appears to be a recessive in which the heterozygote may show some degree of variability. WEDD, D.—(a) A selection of Irish butterflies including some named subspecies. Erynnis tages L. ssp. baynesi Huggins, Leptidea sinapis L. ssp. juvernica Will. (this lovely form, unlike its duller English relative, is common throughout its range, being found on roadsides, waste ground and woodland), Pieris napi L. ssp. britannica Verity, Polyommatus icarus Rott. ssp. mariscolore Kane and the very dark Hipparchia semele L. ssp. hibernica Howarth. A series of Maniola jurtina L. ssp. iernes Graves illustrated the variable nature of this subspecies and the exhibitor questioned its validity as a subspecies. Parage megera L. from S.E. and W. Ireland. (b) A probably unique female aberration of Colias alfacariensis Berger (Plate II, Figure 6) showing much the same loss of yellow pigment and its replacement by a blue shade that occurs in the very rare Pieris brassicae L. ab. coerulea Gardiner and a type male, both from Honiton, Devon viii.1991. (c) A remarkable series of Celastrina argiolus L. showing unexpected emergence times from Bisham Abbey Sports Centre, Marlow, Bucks. Wild-caught specimens were taken in iv, vii, x, xi.1990 and ii.1991 and adults were bred from wild larvae in vii and ix.1990 and iii.1991. The sports field floodlights are directly above an ivy- covered wall with a bush nearby and are on from 10 p.m. during the autumn and winter. The enclosed area is also several degrees warmer than outside. This suggests that circumstances are forcing pupae, that would otherwise overwinter, to emerge as a third or even fourth brood in October/November, and that overwintering pupae are forced out exceptionally early in the year. WINTER, P. Q.—A male Thymelicus sylvestris Poda approaching ab. pallida Tutt with almost white ground colour from Muston, S.E. Yorks., vii.1991. Celastrina argiolus L. from the same locality on 1.viii.1991—a first record for the area. It had been absent from the Scarborough area from May 1951 to April 1990. It is interesting that after a 3-year period of abundance in the south there are now BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 55 records of high levels of parasitism in wild-collected larvae and the species may be on the decline again. YOUNG, D. A.—Series of the two dwarf races from Great Orme’s Head, Caernarvonshire—Plebejus argus L. ssp. caernensis Thompson and Hipparchia semele L. ssp. thyone Thompson. Aphantopus hyperantus L. ab. lanceolata Shipp (not strong examples) bred from 12 larvae collected in a small area of Salcey Forest during work. Six of the brood showed this tendency. Coenonympha tullia L. of the heavily marked ssp. davus F. from Cumbria and the lightly marked ssp. scotica Staud. from Mull. YOUNG, L. D. AND POTTER, DR N. B.—(a) A strongly aberrant bred Thecla betulae L. male (Plate II, Figure 5) with the white bands of the underside reduced and almost obsolete on the forewings and closed together on the hindwings joining half way down the wings with a circle of white below. (b) The continued saga of breeding from Polyommatus icarus Rott. abs discoelongata B. & L. and basielongata B. & L. now into its seventh year. The resulting insects from this intensive and highly selective programme continue to become more extreme with a good number now showing fine ab. antiradiata B. & L. some with extreme basielongata. After so much inbreeding in which, apart from the odd specimen, the hindwing submarginal spots have remained type, a tendency is now seen for these spots to become radiate also (Plate II, Figure 3), and the best specimens are now being selected as parents for further generations. Other interesting specimens included one with the forewing spots extended inwards in the manner of ab. striata B. & L., some ab. decrescens B. & L. where missing veins cause the black markings to join down the wings and a female upperside with white submarginal spotting. BRITISH MACROLEPIDOPTERA CLANCY, S.—Aplasta ononaria Fuess. and Bembecia chrysidiformis Esp. from Folkestone, and Sesia apiformis Clerck from Grain, Kent. From Dungeness four specimens of Cryphia raptricula D. & S., 1991, Drepana curvatula Borkh. and Lymantria dispar L., 21.viii.91, Macdonnoughia confusa Steph., 9.x.91, and the first British record for Peribatodes manuelaria H.-S. from Lydd (Plate III, Figure 6). Also from Dungeness specimens of Orthosia gothica L. ab. circumsignata Hasebroek (Plate III, Figure 9) (two), Photodes fluxa Hiibn. and an aberrant Hecatera bicolorata Hufn. (Plate III, Figure 3). CLARKE, DR J.—Specimens included Spodoptera cilium Guen., Coverack, Corn., 30.ix.90 (Plate III, Figure 1), the first British record; Achlya flavicornis galbanus Tutt ab. confluens Klem. from Lingfield, Surrey; an asymmetrical aberration of Xestia triangulum Hufn.; Synanthedon vespiformis L. from larvae and pupae found in sweet chestnut, Dormansland, Surrey; S. myopaeformis Borkh., bred from cherry; Sesia apiformis Clerk from Whiteleaf, Surrey; S. bembeciformis Htibn. from larvae and pupae in sallow from Brindley Heath, Surrey; Heliothis viriplaca Hufn. from Tilshead, Wilts. COLENUTT, S.—From Chale Green, I.o.W. Heliothis peltigera D. & S., 26.vii.91 and Jdaea vulpinaria H.-S. 28 and 31.vii.91. COLLINS, G.—Uncommon species recorded in 1991. Anarta melanopa Thunb., Easterness, 1 June, many seen, eggs obtained but all larvae died when full grown; Herminia tarsicrinalis Knoch from E. Suffolk, 20 July. Cook, R.—Insects taken in 1991. Polia bombycina Hufn. (bred) from Tilshead, Wilts.; Agrotis cinerea D. & S., 27 May at Kings Somborne, Hants.; Luperina nickerlii guenée Doubl. from Prestatyn, N. Wales, 25 August, and L. n. nickerlii Freyer from 56 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Canewdon, Essex 18 August; Catocala promissa D. & S., Brockenhurst, Hants., 4 August, and bred specimens of Agrotis ripae Hiibn. from Rosslare, Wex. CRAMP, P.—Lymantria dispar L., Godshill, I.o.W., 28.viii.91, the first record for the island. Dosson, A.—Hypena obsitalis Hiibn. obtained flying where a colony existed the previous year. Two specimens of Diachrysia chryson Esp. taken at light, Kingsworthy, Hants.; an apparently unnamed variety of Diachrysia chrysitis L. from Goodworth Clatford, Hants., 2.vii.91 and a dark Furcula bifida Brahm from Hants. DYKE, R.—Zygaena filipendulae stephensi Dupont ab. flava Robson from Berwick on Tweed, 16.vii.91. EMMET, A.—From Saffron Walden, Essex, a gynandrous Agrotis exclamationis L. (genitalia male) and a very dark Autographa gamma L., 25.viii.91. Foster, A.—I/daea biselata Hufn. ab. fimbriolata Steph. from Brundall, Norf., 4.viii.91, and from the same locality Melanchra persicariae L. with both reniform and orbicular stigmata white, and a silvery sheen to the forewings, 25.vii.91, and two Eurois occulta L., 8 and 12.viii.91. Three of five Chrysodeixis chalcites Esp. taken at Littlehampton, Sussex, 13.x.91. HALL, N.—Spodoptera cilium Gn. taken at Portland by M. Rogers and M. Cade, 1.x.90, and European examples of the species from Spain. Also from Portland Chrysodeixis chalcites Esp., 13.ix.91 and a pale form of Luperina testacea D. & S.., September 1991. From Reading a dark Thera obeliscata Hubn., 8.x.91 and a very dark Cryphia domestica Hufn., 22.viii.91. HALSEY, J. AND M.—Schrankia taenialis Hiibn. obtained at the late date of 2.5091. HARMAN, T.—From Kent, 1991: Euxoa cursoria Hufn., Reculver, 3 July; Eurois occulta L., Port Regis, 10 August; Photedes fluxa Hiibn., Kingsgate, 11 July; Mythimna vitellina Hiibn., Westbere, 2 October. Other interesting exhibits included an Arctia caja L. with brown forewings and blue-black hindwings from Medmenham, Bucks., 15.vii.64 (Plate III, Figure 14); bred Conistra rubiginea D. & S. from Woking, Surrey, 1973; Xanthia ocellaris Borkh. bred from larvae from Medmenham, 1962; a gynandrous Agrotis exclamationis L. from Canterbury, 6.vi.80; Syngrapha interrogationis L. from Salthouse Heath, Norf., 28.viii.72; an unusual aberration of Semiothesa clathrata L. from Holkham, Norf., 12.vii.72 (Plate III, Figure 4), Cryphia raptricula D. & S. (two) from Worth and Sandwich, Kent, 9.viii.69, and Abraxia grossularia L. from Chesterfield, 21.vi.74 (Plate III, Figure 10). Hart, C.—From Reigate, Surrey, Dicallomera fascelina L. 9.viii.91, not previously recorded from N. and E. Surrey; Thumatha senex Hiibn., on the same data, a rarity in the county; Schrankia costaestrigalis Steph. and Epione repandaria Hufn., both very scarce in N.E. Surrey. HAYWARD, R.—Fifteen unnamed aberrations of Mimas tiliae L., showing a great variety of hindwing variation. Eupithecia millefoliata Rossler from Slough, first seen there in 1990; also from Slough Conistra rubiginea D. & S., 1.vi.91, not previously seen there, Archanara geminipuncta Haw., and Polymixis flavicincta D. & S. which first appeared there in 1985. Also shown were several Cryphia domestica Hufn. ab. distincta Tutt, 6.viii.60 from Portsmouth, ab. suffusa Tutt, 17.6.59 from Portsmouth and ab. flavescens Tutt, 14.viii.78 from Plymouth. HECKFORD, R.—A smoky variety of Xanthorhoe fluctuata L., Plympton, Devon, 3.ix.91; melanic Apamea ophiogramma Esp. bred from larvae on Phragmites, Newton Abbot, Devon, 14.v.91 and Hypena obsitalis Hiibn. from Torbay, 6.ix.91. HENWOOD, B.—A piece of Salix cinerea L. branch showing evidence of feeding by Cossus cossus L. larvae, and one of them at present being fed on carrot. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 S7 HiGGs, G.—Aberrations of a number of moths including Lomaspilis marginata L., Cyclophora punctaria L. (Plate III, Figure 11) and Opisthograptis luteolata L. JENKINS, A.—Included were Cossus cossus L. from Chardstock, Devon, the yellowish form of Hadena confusa Hufn. from the Lizard, Corn. and Sedina buettneri Her. from S. Kent. KIRBY, P. AND LAMBERT, S.—Various insects bred from a log of willow between April and June 1991, including Synanthedon formicaeformis Esp. KNILL-JONES, S.—A large exhibit of insects from Freshwater, I.o.W., including bred series of Lithophane ornitopus Hufn., Rheumaptera undulata L. and Conistra rubiginea D. & S. Also, specimens of Acronycta aceris L. ab. infuscata Haw.; Eumichtis lichenea Hubn., a bluish grey form, 5.x.91; Calliteara pudibunda L. ab. concolor Staud., 30.v.91; Apocheima hispidaria D. & S., 6 and 14.iii.91; a dark form of Ennomos quercinaria Hufn., 3.viii.91; Lobophora halterata Hufn., 14.v.91 and from Tennyson Down, Euplagia quadripunctaria Poda. (a dead specimen, no date given). From Freshwater three specimens of [daea vulpinaria H.-S., 30.vii and 8.viii.91, a species new to the island. LANGMAID, DR J.—From Southsea, Hants., two Idaea vulpinaria H.-S., July 1991; Cryphia algae Fab., 21.viii.91 and Mythimna albipuncta D. & S., 22.viii.91. McCormick, R.—Athetis palustris Hibn. larvae obtained from a pairing and being forced. A pupa was obtained 28.ix.91 and a female emerged 10.x.91; a second pupa was formed 5.x.91 and a further female emerged 19.x.91. MIDDLETON, H. G.—Moths from the Gower Peninsula, S. Wales included: Rheumaptera undulata L., Mythimna putrescens Hibn., Diachrysia chryson Hiibn., Deileptenia ribeata Clerck and Abraxas sylvata Scop. NASH, S.—From Fernham, Berks., Autographa iota L., showing variation in the Y mark, 10-18.vii.91; A. gamma L. ab. nigrescens Spuler, 15.ix.91; Callimorpha dominula L., 30.vii.91 and a melanic Charanyca trigrammica Hufn., 3.vii.91. From a new colony in N.W. Hants. Meganola albula Den. & Schiff., 22.vii.91. PARKES, J.—Zygaena trifolii palustrella Verity from Dorking, Surrey, illustrating confluence of spotting. PARSONS, M.—Acronycta menyanthidis Esp. from Roydon Common, Norf., 27.vi.91; Hemistola chrysoprasaria Esp. from larvae obtained at Dungeness, 25.v.91; Trogonophora flammea Esp., Littlehampton, Sussex, 16.x.90 and Cleora cinctaria D. & S. from Caernarvonshire, 28.iv.91. PEET, T.—Two Cryphia algae F. from Forest, Guernsey, 24.ix.90, the first record for the Channel Islands; also a series C. muralis Forst. from Guernsey showing variation. PHILLIPS, J.—From the Isle of Mull, 1991: Perizoma blandiata D. & S., Zygaena loti scotica Rowland Brown, and Hepialus fusconebulosa De Geer. Also, Hemaris fuciformis L. bred from larvae, Chiddingfold, Surrey. PICKLES, A. J. AND C. T., AND WILD, E.—I/daea vulpinaria atrosignaria Lempke from Highcliffe, Dorset, 29.vii.91. PLATTS, J.—A bred series of Mythimna putrescens Hiibn. from feral larvae, Croyde Bay, Devon, November to December 1990, and a bred series of Lacanobia w-latinum Hufn. from eggs found at Royston, Herts., 15.v.90. PRATT, C.—Biston betularia L. having the forewings of f. insularia Th.-Mieg, and hindwings normal, white head, black thoracic crest, mainly white thorax and black body with white anal tuft. ROUSE, T.—Catocala fraxini L., a female from Densole, Kent, 17.x.90 and Agrius convolvulvi L. larvae found at Greatstone, Kent, 27.ix.91. SIMMONS, M.—Fifteen species of notodontids obtained at light at Crowborough, Sussex in 1990 and 1991, which included Furcula bifida Brahm, F. bicuspis Borkh., 58 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Stauropus fagi L. and Clostera curtula L. and the following migrants: three Lymantria dispar L., 21.viii.91, Mythimna albipuncta D. & S., 24.x.91 and Agrius convolvuli bs, Die: SIMPSON, BRIG. E.—Aberrations of Hyloicus pinastri L., Laothoe populi L. and Mimas tiliae L. Aberrations occurred only in the female sex of L. populi over three generations. SKINNER, B.—A bred series of Hypena obsitalis Hibn. from a female taken at Torbay, 11.viii.91; an extreme aberration of Arctia caja L. with white forewings and orange-red hindwings, Southwold, Suff., 2.viii.91 (Plate III, Figure 13); Autographa gamma L. nigrescens Spuler, Swanage, Dorset, 10.ix.91; Euproctis similis Fuess. ab. nigrostriata Cockayne, Dungeness, 12.vili.91; Aspitates ochrearia Rossi. ab. conjuncta Lempke, Dungeness, 26.viii.91; Semiothisa clathrata L. ab. with bands 1 and 2, and 3 and 4 united; and a series of Hadena caesia D. & S. bred from larvae obtained at Castletown, I.o.M. in July 1990. SMITH, C.—A series of Agrochola haematidea Dup., a species new to Britain (Plate III, Figure 5). SOFTLY, R.—Map and extracts illustrating the status of Xanthia ocellaris Borkh. in N.E. Surrey and Essex in 1983, and bred examples of the moth from Hampstead, London. SPENCE, B.—From Spurn Head, Yorks., a melanic Euproctis similis Fuess.; the first Yorkshire specimen of Eilema pygmaeola Doubl.; Hadena compta D. & S., the second specimen for the county; Mythimna unipuncta Haw., 14.x.89 and Apamea lateritia Hufn., 17.vii.91. Also Eilema griseola Hiibn. and Scopula immutata L. which are rare in the county. STERLING, COL. D., DR P. AND M.—Xanthorhoe biriviata Borkh. from Winchester, Hants. (a new record for vice county 11). A melanic Peribatodes rhomboidaria D. & S. from Didcot, Oxon. TREMEWAN, W.—Aberrations of Zygaena trifolii decreta Verity from Cornwall, comprising examples with confluent spotting, reduced spotting, including specimens with spots 3 and 4 vestigial, and a rare dominant form with spot 6 present and attached to spot 5. WARING, P.—Anaitis efformata Guen. lacking central fascia from Wittering Copse, Northants., 22.vi.91; Mimas tiliae L. ab. brunnea Bartel from Peterborough, 22.vi.91. Also exhibited was a display illustrating the results of the 1991 survey of the distribution and status of Cucullia lychnitis Ramb.—larvae were found in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and W. Sussex, but not in Wiltshire where two decades previously it was common. WARREN, P.—A very pale aberration of Aplocera efformata (Guen.), Collyweston, Northants., 14.viii.91 (Plate III, Figure 7). WEDD, D.—From Essex in 1991 a bred series of Euphithecia extensaria Freyer paler than typical Norfolk specimens, and Pelosia muscerda Hufn. from Bradwell-on-Sea, perhaps a migrant. From the Marlow area of Bucks. uncommon species, including some not previously recorded including Apamea oblonga Haw., Celaena leucostigma Hiibn., Dicycla oo L., Apoda limacodes Hufn., Elaphria venustula Hibn., Eupithecia phoeniceata Ramb., Plusia putnami Grote, Cybosia mesomella L. and f. flava de Graaf and Herminia humidalis Doubl. In addition were shown a series of Parascotia fuliginaria L. bred from larvae from near Marlow and the one survivor of a natural pairing between Hoplodrina blanda D. & S. and H. ambigua D. & S. WINTER, P.—Local and scarce species from Yorkshire; from Muston, Euproctis chrysorrhoea L. (Plate II, Figure 12), Eupithecia insigniata Hiibn., Aporophila nigra BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 59 Haw. and Amphipoea lucens Freyer; from Flamborough Head, E. simpliciata Haw. and from Malton, Drymonia dodonaea D. & S. YOUNG, D.—Scotopteryx peribolata Hiibn. taken at Studland, Dorset, 12.ix.90 (Plate III, Figure 8); Euplagia quadripunctaria Poda ab. lutescens Staud. from Portland, probably an immigrant; Diacrisia sannio L. ab. maerens Strand, Cumbria, 1.vii.91; a dark form of [daea aversata L.; and Zygaena loti scotica Rowland Brown from the Isle of Mull with an ochreous ground colour to the forewings, a common form among the local population. BRITISH MICROLEPIDOPTERA AGASSIZ, CANON D.—A series of Phyllonorycter platani Staud., bred from South Kensington, Notting Hill and Kew Gardens. A series of Myrmecozela ochraceella Tengst. from Morrone NNR, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, 4.vii.91. A series of Rhigognostis incarnatella Steud. bred from Hesperis, Grantown-on-Spey, Morayshire, vii.91. A series of Catoptria furcatellus Zett. from Beinn Eigh NNR, West Ross, 5.vii.91 AGASSIZ, CANON D. AND NASH, DR D.—The firethorn leaf miner project. Maps and diagrams describing the spread of this species (Phyllonorycter leucographella Zell.). BAKER, B. R.—(1) Micros taken or bred from Berkshire (VC22), 1991. Antispila hammoniella Sorh., Bucklebury Common, 11.v.91, adults beaten from Betula. Narycia monilifera Geoff., Mortimer West End, cases 9.vi.91, adults bred. Diplodoma herminata Geoff., Sulham Woods, cases 1.vi.91, one imago and one parasite bred. Glyphipterix forsterella F., Redhill Wood, 8.vi.91; Moor Copse NR, 20.vi.91. Coleophora hemerobiella Scop., Churn, Berks. Downs, bred 10.vii.91. C. pyrrhulipennella Zell., Wellington College, cases 6.vi.91, adults bred. Caryocolum tricolorella Haw., Mortimer West End, larvae 8.iv.91, adults bred. Blastobasis decolorella Woll., Old Copse, Early, Reading, 12.vii.91, one at m.v. Pancalia leuwenhoekella L., North Unhill Bank, 25.v.91. Epagoge grotiana F., Moor Copse NR, 20.vi.91. Cydia internana Guen., Wokefield Common, 27.v.91. (2) From Hampshire (VC12). Phlyctaenia perlucidalis Hiibn., Burghclere, 11.vii.91, one at m.v. per G. G. Eastwick-Field. BLAND, DR K. P.—Scrobipalpa acuminatella Sirc., reared from mine in Tussilago farfara from Craigburn (grid ref. NT2354), Peebleshire (VC78), coll. 2.ix.90, em. 23.v.91, unusual pabulum. Pselnophorus heterodactyla Miiller, Falls of Fender (grid ref. NN8766), Perthshire (VC89), reared from larvae in Mycelis muralis coll. 31.viii.90, em. 13.vi.91, and Crepis paludosa coll. 23.vi.91, em. 12.vii.91; and from Keltneyburn (grid ref. NN7650) Perthshire (VC88), in C. paludosa, coll. 8.ix.90, em. 22.vi.91, rediscovered in Scotland after 70 years. CLANCY, S.—Psammotis pulveralis (Htibn.), Dungeness, 3.viii.90 (Plate III, Figure 15). CHALMERS-HUNT, J. M.—Two cabinet drawers containing very nearly all the 108 Coleophoridae on the British list, together with their cases and numerous examples of hymenopterous parasites. CRAMP, P. J.—Epiphyas postvittana Walk., Osborne, Isle of Wight, at m.v. 13.ix.91, new to the Isle of Wight list. EMMET, LT. CoL. A. M.—Pahyllonorycter platani (Staud.), South Kensington, reared 1991 from mines collected at last year’s Exhibition, the species then being new to Britain. Acrocercops brongniardella (F.), vacated mines collected in Essex in ix.1991. This species has undergone a sudden and dramatic increase in range and abundance. For example, the last dated record from Essex was made in 1846 but this year the 60 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 exhibitor found it in 37 of the 39 10x 10 km squares in which he looked. He also made new vice-county records for VCs 25, 26 and 31. Parornix spp., Saffron Walden, at m.v. light, 20.viii.91. An exceptionally pale specimen. Parornix spp. have white forewings with a pattern formed by dark-tipped scales which may be reduced in number. An extreme example occurred in P. alpicola (Wocke) which produced almost white specimens. These were at first thought to be a distinct species—P. /eucostola Pelham-Clinton. The specimen exhibited was probably P. scoticella (Staint.) feeding on Malus. Coleophora aestuariella Bradley, Pelham, Essex, reared vii-viii.91 from cases on Sueda maritima (L.) collected the previous October. Coleophora salicorniae Wocke, Fingringhoe Wick NR, Essex, reared 14.viii.91 from cases on Salicornia collected the previous October. Amphisbatis incongruella (Staint.), Barton Mills, West Suffolk, netted 13.iii.91, new to the county. Monochroa lutulentella (Zell.), Saffron Walden, Essex, at m.v. light, 14.vii.91, the fourth Essex specimen. Gelechia nigra (Haw.), Saffron Walden, Essex, at m.v. light, 5.vili.91. A specimen with the base of the abdomen yellowish. In his key, Meyrick (1929) uses the absence of this character to separate this species from its congeners. Eucosma pauperana (Dup.), Saffron Walden, Essex 21, 25.v.91, possibly the first specimens from this classic locality since the 19th century. Crambus hamella (Thunb.), Saffron Walden, at m.v. light, 5.ix.91, new to VC19. The nearest known colony is at Barton Mills, Suffolk, about 30 miles away. Hypochalcia ahenella (D. & S.), Saffron Walden, at m.v. light, 3.vii.91, the second record for VC19, the first having also been taken in north-west Essex. HARLEY, B. H.—A selection of 25 of the species of pyralid moths that have been collected at Great Horkesley, Essex or the adjacent village of Boxted. These include Catoptria falsella D. & S.; Evergestis pallidata Hufn.; Pyrausta purpuralis L. (first record for VC19 for over 30 years—collected 1.vili.91); Aglossa caprealis Hiibn. (Plate III, Figure 16) (first record for VC19 for over 30 years—collected 22.vii.91); A pinguinalis L.; and Ephestia kuehniella Zell. HARPER, DR M. W. AND SIMPSON, DR A. N. B.—Microlepidoptera collected in Hereford and Ireland. Agonopterix astrantiae Hein., Burren, Co. Clare, bred from Sanicula europaea, v.91; new to Ireland. Mompha divisella H.-S., Little Marsh, Herefordshire, bred from galls in flowering stems of Epilobium hirsutum, coll. viii.91, bred early ix.91, not previously recorded on this foodplant. HECKFORD, R. J.—Jnfurcitinea albicomella H.-S. Torquay, Devon bred 27.vi- 22.vii.91 from larvae collected 26.iv and 7.vi.91 on dead Cotoneaster leaves and detritus, with three cocoons; larva previously unknown; adults taken 25.vii.91, same locality. Coleophora adjectella H.-S. Torquay, Devon bred 6-14.vi.91 from cases collected 26.iv.91, Prunus spinosa; new to Devon. C. lassella Staud., Church Ope Cove, Portland, Dorset 27.v.91. Mompha subdivisella Bradley, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, bred 21.ix.91 from pupae collected 13.1x.91, on Epilobium hirsutum. Cydia prunivorana Rag., Plympton, Plymouth (exhibitor’s garden), 1 and 11.vii.91 at light; new to Devon, previously known only from five specimens, all from Kent. Pterophorus fuscolimbatus phillipsi Huggins, Kennack Sands, Cornwall, 7.viii.91; The Gaider near Downas Cove, Cornwall 15.viii.91; Near Cadgwith, Cornwall, 18.viii.91. HENWOOD, DR B.—Ethmia bipunctella F. Colyton, East Devon, 27.v.91. Hoare, R. J. B.—Diplodoma herminata Geoff., Constantine Bay near Padstow, Cornwall (VC1), larva crawling in pile of logs 29.vi.90, emerged 2.vi.91; new to Cornwall; one, fluttering against window, same locality, 4.vii.91. Morophaga choragella D. & S. Winchester, Hants., larvae 2 and 9.iv.90 in fungus on dead beech, near Crab Wood (VC11), emerged 4.v.90; Beaulieu Road, New Forest (VC11), larvae 1.xii.90 in fungus on dead birch, emerged 30.v-1.vi.91; the Winchester moths are noticeably smaller, paler and contrastingly marked. Caloptilia azaleella Brants, Exeter BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 61 (VC3), university campus, larvae in folds of azalea, outdoors, 26.ii.91, moths emerged 31.iii-3.iv.91. Parocystola acroxantha Meyr., Exeter (VC3), 10, 13.x.91 (2 at light). Bryotropha basaltinella Zell. crawling on an old wall near Blisland, Cornwall (VC2), 4.vii.91 (2), 18.vii.91; new to VC2. Syncopacma taeniolella Zell. ab. sircomella Staint., the variety with no white fascia on forewing; larva 21.vi, on Lotus corniculatus L., Teg Down, Winchester, Hants. (VC11), moth emerged 28.7.91. Nothris congressariella Bruand, Crantock near Newquay, Cornwall (VC1), larva 12.vii, on Scrophularia scorodonia, moth emerged 3.viii.91. Epichoristodes acerbella Walk., larva 16.iv.90, crawling on outside of bag of South African apples bought at Sainsbury’s, Badger Farm, Winchester, Hants. (VC11), moth emerged 6.v.90; new to Hants. Pammene herrichiana Hein., near Crab Wood, Winchester, Hants. (VC11), bred by accident from dead stem of Clematis vitalba L. collected during winter amongst beech trees; moth emerged 8.iii.91. Elophila nymphaeata L., bred specimens with pupal cases; pupae 4.vii.91, under floating leaves of Potamogeton sp., Delford Bridge, Delank River, near St Breward, Cornwall (VC2); moths emerged 12-19.vii.91. KNILL-JONES, S. A.—Dolicharthria punctalis D. & S., Freshwater, Isle of Wight, at m.v. 3.vili.91. Evergestis extimalis Scop., Freshwater, Isle of Wight, at m.v. 3.ix.91. Mecyna flavalis D. & S., Compton Down, Isle of Wight, 23.viii.91. Palpita unionalis Hiibn., Freshwater, Isle of Wight, at m.v. 13.x.91. LANGMAID, DR J. R.—Stigmella assimilella Zell., Hayling Island, four bred from Populus canescens from larvae found 16.vii. 91. Myrmecozela ochraceella Tengst., Tulloch Moor, Morayshire, 2.vii.91. Phyllonorycter platani Staud., six bred from mines on Platanus found in grounds of BMNH South Kensington, 27.x.90. Yponomeuta rorrella Hiibn., one taken at m.v., Southsea, Hants., 29.vii.91. Rhigognostis incarnatella Steud., six bred from Hesperis matrionalis L., Grantown-on-Spey, Morayshire, larvae found 3.vii.91. Epermenia insecurella Staint., one bred from Thesium humifusum D.C., Tilshead, Wilts., larva found 28.vii.91. Coleophora therinella Tengst., a specimen shown with the larval case, bred from Bilderdykia convolvulus (L.) Winchester, Hants., from larva found 27.viii.90; the first time this species has been bred in Britain. Pseudatemelia flavifrontella D. & S., Emer Bog, Hants., 1.vi.91. Depressaria olerella Zell., Coylumbridge, Inverness-shire, larva on Achillea millefolium L. 2.vii.91, moth bred. Agonopterix pallorella Zell., Tilshead, Wilts., larva found 28.vii.91, on Serratula tinctoria L., moth bred. Monochroa moyses Uffen, Portsmouth, Hants., larvae found Scirpus maritimus L. 8.ix.90, six moths bred. Aethes rutilana Hiibn., Beinn Eighe, West Ross, three 5.vii.91. Acroclita subsequana H.-S., Portland, Dorset, larvae found Euphorbia portlandica L., 24.vi.91, six bred. Homoeosoma nebulella D. & S., Southsea, Hants., one 22.vili.91. Lowe, DR N. R.—Microlepidoptera from Breconshire (VC42). Eriocrania haworthi Bradley, Park Wood, Talgarth, 12.iv.87, 10.iv.88. E. sangii Wood, Park Wood, 12.iv.87, 10.iv.88. E. semipurpurella Steph., Dan yr Ogof, Abercraf, 7.iv.89, 7.iv.89 and Park Wood, 10.iv.88. Stigmella floslactella Haw., five reared 11-14.iv.89 from six mines found on a single hazel leaf at Llangorse. Lampronia luzella Hiibn., Llangorse, 5.vi.88. L. morosa Zell., Trefecca, 7.vi.87. Nematopogon pilellaD. &S., Ogof Flynnon Ddu, 20.vi.91. Antispila metallella D. & S., Llangorse, 30.v.86, 2.vi.86. Narycia monilifera Geoff., Llangenny, 17.xi.89. Diplodoma herminata Geoff., Llangorse, 29.vi.85. Nemapogon wolffiella Karsh. & Niels., Llangorse 19.vi.86 and Park Wood, 24.vii.87. Niditinea fuscella L., Llangorse, 30.vii.85, 20.vii.89. Tinea columbariella Wocke, Llangorse, 18.v.88, one reared from nest of house martin. T. pallescentella Staint., Llangorse, 1.viii.85. Ochsenheimeria urella F.v.R., Ffawyddog, 9.vili.86. Bucculatrix albedinella Zell., Maes y Bwlch, Mynydd Eppynt, 25.v.87. Prochoreutis sehestediana F., Ffawyddog, 9.viii.86. Zelleria hepariella Staint., 62 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Craig y Cilau, 29.vii.89. Eidophasia messingiella F.v.R., Llangorse 26.vi.90. Coleophora flavipennella Dup., Llangenny, larva on oak, moth reared 25.vi.90. C. albicosta Haw., Groesffordd, 2.v.90. C. paripennella Zell., Waun y Mynach, 17.v.90. C. murinipennella Dup., 12.vi.89. E. subalbidella Schlag, Waun y Mynach, 17.v.90. Biselachista cinereopunctella Haw., Craig Y Cilau, 20.vi.88. B. albidella Nyl., Deudraeth Illtyd, 4.vii.89. Telechrysis tripuncta Haw., Llangorse, 22.vi.86. Semioscopis steinkellneriana D. & S., Llangorse, 13.v.91. Monochroa tenebrella Hiibn., Nant Irfon. Teleiodes proximella Hiibn., Waun y Mynach, 17.v.90. B. domestica Haw., Llangorse, 5.viii.87. Scythris empetrella Karsh. & Niels., Llangorse, 27.vi.86. Cochylis nana Haw., Llangammarch Wells, 9.v.90. Philedone gerningana D. & S., Mynydd Llangorse, 21.vii.85. Olindia schumacherana F., Llangenny, 16.vi.90, common and widespread in Breconshire. Acleris caledoniana Steph., Ogof Ffynnon Ddu, 4.ix.88. Endothenia nigricostana Haw., Trefecca, 3.vii.86. Epinotia signatana Dougl., Llangorse, 28.vii.85. Cydia molesta Busck, one adult at large, Llangorse, 13.vii.87 and another reared 19.ix.91 from a larva found in a peach. Myelois cribrella Hiibn., Groesffordd, 12.vi.89. Euzophora pinguis Haw., Llangorse, 20.vii.89. NASH, S.—Ethmia bipunctella F., Uffington, Berks., 13.ix.91, taken by E. W. Classey. Phyllonorycter platani Staud., BMNH, S. Kensington, 27.x.91, bred Platanus. Telephila schmidtiellus Heydm., Tintern, Monmouth, 10.vi.91, Origanum, bred. Nemophora cupriacella Hiibn., Minety, N. Wilts., S.vii.91, taken at flowers of Leucanthemum. O’KEEFFE, D.—From Petts Wood, Kent: Coleophora alnifoliae Barasch, new to Kent; Caloptilia falconipennella Hibn., new to Kent; Stenolechia gemmella L.; Aregyresthia glaucinella Zell.; Caloptilia populetorum Zell.; Acrocerops brongniardella F.; Mompha raschkiella Zell.; M. ochraceella Curt. From Folkestone, Kent: Lobesia occidentis Falk.; Caloptilia cuculipennella Hiibn.; Psychoides verhuella Bruand. From Dartford, Kent: Pammene agnotana Reb., third British specimen taken 20.iv.90 and a further four specimens taken 26.iv.91, new to Kent; Coleophora hemerobiella Scop. From Bexley and Petts Wood, Kent: Dystebenna stephensi Staint. From Nagden, Kent: Coleophora linosyridella Fuchs; Aristotelia brizella Treits. From Bexley, Kent: Isophrictis striatella D. & S. From Blean, Kent: Coleophora ramosella Zell. From Hothfield, Kent: Coleophora juncicolella Staint. PALMER, S. M.—A selection of Microlepidoptera recorded in Wiltshire in 1991. Elachista bisulcella Don., Harnham Meadows, Salisbury (VC8), at m.v. light. Biselachista trapeziella Staint., Dinton (VC8), reared from larvae on Luzula sylvatica (Hudson), new to VC8. Depressaria douglasella Staint., Salisbury Plain Army Training Area (VC8), reared from larvae on Daucus carota L. Monochroa lucidella Steph., RAF Chilmark (VC8), at m.v. light, new to VC8. Aristotelia ericinella Zell., Landford Bog reserve (VC8), at m.v. light. Aroga velocella Zell., Landford Bog reserve (VC8), at m.v. light, new to VC8. Platyedra subcinerea Haw., Dinton (VC8), at m.v. light, new to Wiltshire. Blastobasis sp. Landford Bog reserve (VC8), at m.v. light on 28.vi.91 and 24.vii.91. Mompha langiella Hiibn., Dinton (VC8), at m.v. light, new to Wiltshire. Aethes francillana F., Salisbury Plain Army Training Area (VC8). Clavigesta purdeyi Durr., RAF Chilmark (VC8), at m.v. light, new to VC8. Synaphe punctalis F., RAF Chilmark (VC8), at m.v. light, new to Wiltshire. Microthrix similella Zinck., RAF Chilmark (VC8), at m.v. light. Pempelia palumbella D. & S., Landford Bog reserve (VC8), at m.v. light. Homoeosoma nebulella D. & S., Salisbury Plain Army Training Area (VC8), at m.v. light. SIMPSON, DR A. N. B.—Teleiodes decorella Haw., Wyre Forest NNR, Worcs., viii.91. Dahlica inconspicuella Staint., Wyre Forest NNR, Worcs., bred from cases on old posts, iv.91 Bacotia sepium Spey., Wyre Forest NNR, Worcs., bred from cases BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 63 on old post and dead larch twigs, v.91. Nemaxera betulinella F., Wyre Forest NNR, Worcs., bred dead oak branches, vii.91. Caloptilia populetorum Zell., Tiddesley Wood, Worcs., bred Betula cones, viii.91. Acrocercops brongniardella F., Old Hills, Worcs., bred vi.91. SKINNER, B.—A drawer showing all the resident species of Crambidae (Pyralidae), mostly taken in 1990 & 1991. A short but variable series of Ostrinia nubilalis Hibn. bred from hibernating larvae in stems of mugwort, from Greatstone, Kent, v.90. Acrobasis tumidana D. & S., Dungeness, Kent, 1.viii.91 (1); Greatstone, Kent, 27.viii.91 (1); Studland, Dorset, 3.ix.91 (1). STERLING, COL. D. H., MR M. J. AND DR P. H.—Caloptilia rufipennella Hibn., first specimens from inland Hampshire, both larval cones and adults being present around Winchester for the first time in 1991. Phyllonorycter platani Staud. from mines collected in Kensington at 1990 Exhibition, following their discovery by Lt Col. A. M. Emmet. Coleophora therinella Tengst. and case; early stages previously unknown in the UK. The case was collected from Bilderdykia convolvulus L. in 1990 near Winchester VC11. Elachista eskoi K. & K., a specimen taken in the Cairngorm NNR in 1977, but initially mis-identified as E. poae Staint. (see Ent. Rec. 102:192). Biselachista trapeziella Staint., a specimen bred from mines in Luzula sylvatica (Hudson) growing on the western side of the New Forest, new for Hampshire. Chinodes fumatella Dougl., first specimen from inland Hampshire (Winchester VC11), previously only known from the coast. A spread inland from its normal sandy coast habitat has been observed elsewhere. Lita sexpunctella F., a specimen taken over heather in North Wales. Platytes alpinella Hiibn., a specimen taken at m.v. at Didcot, Oxfordshire. This is normally a species of sandy coasts and there appear to be no other records of its appearance in any of the inland counties. Platyptilia isodactylus Zell., bred specimens from the first and second generations of this species, from Senecio aquaticus Hill, in South Hants., VC11. Pterophorus fuscolimbatis phillipsi Huggins, a specimen bred from a larva feeding on Thymus from Predannack, Cornwall. Palpita unionalis Hiibn., a specimen taken at m.v. in Winchester, VC11 on night 11/12.x.1991. Sorhagenia rhamniella Zell., a new county record for Hampshire, taken in VC11 Winchester garden, m.v. All three British Sorhagenia (above, S. lophyrella Dougl. and S. janiszewskae Riedl, all gen. det.) have now been recorded from this garden and although Rhamnus catharticus L. abounds, the nearest known Frangula alnus Miller, is about 7 miles distant, possibly indicating that Rhamnus is acceptable to all three species. Teleiodes scriptella Hubn., a specimen bred from Acer campestre L. from Cawston, Norfolk, collected 27.viii. 1990. WARREN, R. G.—Morophaga choragella H.-S., Holme Fen, Hunts., 20.vii.91. Nemapogon granella L., Trentham, Staffs., 9.viii.91. Aphodia bifractella Dup., Whitford Burrows, Gower, Glamorgan, 18.viii.72, on a flower of Pulicaria. Argolamprotes micella D. & S., Nicholaston Wood, Gower, Glamorgan, 9.vii.90. Griselda myrtillana H. & W., Wetley Moor, Staffs. 21.v.90, abundant in early evening, flying over low growth of bilberry. Pammene germmana Hibn., Nicholaston Wood, Gower, Glamorgan, 21.vi.91. Dichrorampha alpinana Treits. Press Heath, Shropshire, 28.vi.91. Buckleria paludum Zell. Balterley Heath, Staffs., 31.v.64, flying over Drosera on a small floating bog; this is no doubt the ‘small bog near Crewe’ referred to by Tutt (1897) where W. Thompson found the species between 1850 and 1860. Platyptilia isodactyla Zell., Aqualate, Staffs., 16.viii.80. Stenoptilia saxifragae Fletch., Wall Grange, Staffs., 23.vi.78; established on saxifrage in a garden, where it still persists. WILD, E. H.—Udea fulvalis (Htibn.), Christchurch, Dorset, 1991. 64 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 FOREIGN LEPIDOPTERA CorLEY, M. F. V.—Lepidoptera from the Algarve, Portugal, October 1990. (i) Macrolepidoptera. Drepana uncinula Borkh., Utetheisa pulchella L., Eilema caniola Hiibn., Microloxia herbaria Hiibn., Pseudoterpna coronillaria Hiibn., Idaea alyssumata Milliére, I. minuscularia Ribbe, I. longaria H.-S., I. predotaria Hartig, I. eugeniata Milliére, Scopula decorata D. & S., S. minorata Boisd., S. ornata Scop., Scotopteryx peribolata Hiibn., Xanthorhoe fluctuata L., Epirrhoe sandosaria H.-S., Nebula ibericata Staud., Catarhoe basochesiata Dup., Eupithecia centaureata D. & S.., Enconista miniosaria Dup., Rhoptria asperaria Hiibn., Petrophora convergata Vill., P. narbonea L., Crocallis dardoinaria Donzel, Peribatodes manuelaria H.-S., Campaea honoraria D. & S., Gnophos mucidarius Hiibn., Aspitates ochrearia Rossi, Dyscia penulataria Hiibn., Compsoptera opacaria Hiibn., Euxoa temera Hubn., Agrotis biconica Koll., A. trux Hiibn., A. puta Hiibn., Cladocerotis optabilis Boisd., Ochropleura leucogaster Frey., Paradiarsia glareosa Esp., Xestia xanthographa D. &S., X. kermesina Mab., X. agathina Dup., Episema grueneri Boisd., Aporophyla nigra Haw., Dryobatodes cerris Boisd., D. monochroma Esp., Blepharita spinosa Chrét., Polymixis argillaceago Hiibn., P. dubia Dup., Agrochola lychnidis D. & S., Omphaloscelis lunosa Haw., Cryphia algae F., Thalpophila vitalba Frey., Pseudenargia ulicis Staud., Calopistria latreillei Dup., Hoplodrina ambigua D. & S., Eublemma parva Hiibn., Zebeeba falsalis H.-S., Trichoplusia orichalcea F., Ctenoplusia accentifera Lefebvre bred from Mentha suaveolones Ehr., Chrysodeixis chalcites Esp., Catocala dilecta Hiibn., Ophiusa tirhaca Cramer., Nodaria nodosalis H.-S. (ii) Microlepidoptera. Ateliotum insulare Rebel, Monopis imella Hiibn., Lyonetia daphneella Staud. bred from Daphne gnidium, Bedellia somnulentella Zell., Phyllonorcyter cerasicolella H.-S. bred from Prunus dulcis (Miller), Ethmia bipunctella F., Carcina quercana F., Depressaria badiella Hibn., D. erinaceella Staud., D. adustatella Turati, Agonopterix ulicetella Staint., A. rotundella Dougl., Oegoconia mediopallidella Wals., Symmocoides oxybiellus Milliére, Blastobasis phycidella Zell., Eulamprotes phaeella Heckford & Langmaid, Telphusa cistiflorella Const., Mirificarma ulicinella Staud., Platyedra subcinerea Haw., Phthorimaea operculella Zell., Scrobipalpa phagnalella Const., S. ocellatella Boyd, Palumbina guerinii Staint., Caryocolum provinciellum Staint., Syncopacma sangiella Staint., Aproaeremia anthyllidella Hiibn., Dichomeris acuminatus Staint., D. limbipunctellus Staint., Onebala lamprostoma Zell., Brachyacma oxycedrella Milliére bred from berries of Juniperus phoenicea, Lecithocera anatolica Gozmany, Glyphipterix umbelici Hering, Zelleria oleastrella Millitre, Hysterophora maculosana Haw., Aethes languidana Mann, Clepsis siciliana Rag., C. consimilana Hibn., Acleris variegana D. & S., Bactra sp., Lobesia botrana D. & S., Acroclita subsequana H.-S., Selania malcolmiae Wals., Cydia fagiglandana Zell., Agriphila geniculea Haw., A latistria Haw., Ancylolomia palpella D. & S., A. disparella Hiibn., Metasia suppandalis Hiibn., Arnia nervosalis Guen., Palpita unionalis Hiibn., Hydiris ornatalis Dup., Duponchelia fovealis Zell., Diasemiopsis ramburialis Dup., Antigastra catalaunalis Dup., Hellula undalis F., Uresiphita polygonalis D. & S. bred from Lygos monosperma, Endotricha flammealis D. & S., Acrobasis spp., Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zell., Cryptoblabes gnidiella Milliére, Agdistis frankeniae Zell., Stenoptilodes taprobanes Feld. & Rog., Stangeia siceliota Staud., Calyciphora adamas Const., Gypsochares olbiadactylus Milliére, Emmelina monodactyla L. CriBB, P. W.—(i) Butterflies taken in the Jura and the Massif des Ecrins, France, in July 1991. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 65 (ii) Examples of butterflies taken in June 1991 in Alberta, Canada: several species which occur in Britain were observed, including Cynthia cardui L. in hundreds, Vanessa atalanta L., V. antiopa L., Pieris rapae L., P. napi L. and in marshy areas Carterocephalus palaemon Pall. GOATER, B.—(i) A small selection of Noctuidae from the Iberian Peninsula, including two specimens of Pseudohadena commoda Staud., recently discovered new to Europe in northern Spain (Plate III, Figure 2), and other local species of which the most interesting were Agrotis chretieni Dumont (Prov. Segovia), A. turatii Standf. (Prov. Teruel), Rhyacia cervantes Reisser (Prov. Avila), Conisania renati Oberth. (Prov. Huesca), Saragossa seeboldi Staud. (Prov. Madrid), Mythimna umbrigera Saalmiller (Prov. Valencia), M. prominens Walk. (Prov. Alicante), M. joannisi Boursin & Rungs (Prov. Valencia), Cleonymia pectinicornis Staud. (Prov. Teruel), Harpagophana hilaris Staud. (Prov. Murcia) and Metopoceras albarracina Hamps. and M. khalildja Oberth. (both Prov. Huesca). (ii) Iberian Geometridae including the little-known Perizoma flavosparsata Wagner (Prov. Madrid and Teruel), Eupithecia limbata Staud. (S. Spain and Portugal), E. extremata F. (Prov. Alicante), FE. gratiosata H.-S. (Prov. Teruel), Aplocera bohatschi Piingeler (Prov. Valencia) and Lithostege castiliaria Staud. (Prov. Teruel). (iii) Two specimens, male and female, of the obscure and little-known arctiid, Pelosia plumosa Milliére, from the valley of Rio Vinalopo, Prov. Alicante (Plate III, Figures 18 and 19). (iv) Pyralidae, including four species of Ancylolomia to illustrate differences, especially in the structure of the male antennae; some Evergestiinae, including Evergestis lupalis Zerny (Sierra de Gredos, Prov. Avila) and E. dusmeti Agenjo (Prov. Alicante); several species of Pyrausta and Loxostege, including four specimens of Loxostege scutalis Hiibn. (Prov. Madrid); and some Pyralinae including Macroctenia leucographalis Hamps. (Prov. Alicante), Hercynodes miegi Rag. (Prov. Huesca) and Synaphe moldavica aberralis Guen. (Prov. Madrid), S. moldavica diffidalis Guen. (Prov. Gerona) and S. chellalis predotalis Zerny (Prov. Madrid and Huesca). HALL, D.—Four males of Colias crocea Geoff. captured on Faial Island, Azores, in August 1991, all of a lemon yellow colour with greenish yellow hindwings; several others were seen but not caught. HALL, N.—Moths caught in France and Spain in April and July 1991. (i) Phalera bucephala L. and P. bucephaloides Ochs. from Biel, Prov. Zaragoza, and P. bucephala bucephalina Staud. from Pto dela Mora, Prov. Grenada, illustrating differences. (ii) A selection of other species, the most interesting of which were Euxoa powelli Oberth. (Prov. Grenada), Hadena luteocincta altamira Boursin (Prov. Grenada), Metopoceras khalildja Oberth. (Prov. Huesca), Harpagophana hilaris Staud. (Prov. Alicante), Acronicta aceris cazoriensis Calle (Prov. Grenada), Pseudohadena halimi Milliére (Prov. Zaragoza), Hadjina wichti Hirschke (Prov. Alicante), Earias vernana Hiibn. (Prov. Huesca), Lygephila glycyrrhizae Ramb. (Prov. Castellon), Parascotia nisseni Turati (Prov. Grenada), Phytometra luna Zerny (Prov. Valencia), Neoharpyia verbasci F. (Prov. Zaragoza), Phaselia algiricaria Oberth. (Prov. Alicante), Almeria kalischata Staud. and the Pyralidae Evergestis dusmeti Agenjo (Prov. Alicante), Mpyelois fuscocostella Mann (Prov. Alicante), Ancylosis rhodochrella H.-S. (Prov. Alicante) and Eurhodope cirrigerella Zinck. (Prov. Zaragoza). (iii) Mythimna joannisi Boursin & Rungs subsp. arbia Boursin & Rungs bred from a female taken at light in April at Cullera, Prov. Valencia. M. joannisi is an Ethiopian species, but subsp. arbia occurs in a few marshes in eastern Spain. Calle (Noctuidos EspanOles) says that it is known from only two sites, is single brooded, and occurs 66 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 from the end of August to October. However, Barry Goater found that it has a spring generation, and took the exhibitor in April 1991 to Cullera, a third site where he had found it. Four females were kept and given cut reed stems for egg-laying. They produced only one egg-batch between them, tucked into a sheath. The larvae fed happily on cocksfoot grass (Dactylis glomerata L.), but grew extremely slowly until they were put into an airing cupboard. There were practically no casualties, and moths started to emerge at the end of July. Moths were also taken at light and sugar at Cullera during a second visit in mid-July. Barry Goater saw the species again in October, so it seems likely that there are three broods each year. (iv) Other species bred during 1991: Raphia hybris Hibn. ab ovis female taken at light. Biel, Prov. Zaragoza, reared on poplar; a dark form of Gonodontis bidentata Clerck ex gravid female, Col du Galibier, Savoie, France; Cyclophora puppillaria Hiibn. ex gravid female, St Augustin, Char. Marit., France; Cucullia scrophulariae D. & S., bred from larvae on Scrophularia sp., Col de Vence, Alp. Marit., France, and Drymonia velitaris Hufn., bred from a gravid female taken at light Bazarnes, Yonne, France, larvae reared on oak. LEES, E.—Butterflies seen during a visit to Les Eyzies, Dordogne, France, between 26.vii and 10.viii.1991. About 40 species were encountered during the two weeks, during which the weather was mostly fine and warm. In particular, [phiclides podalirius Scop. was about in great numbers, and it was disturbing to see so many caught in the radiator grills of cars. Another common species was Maculinea arion L. LUCKENS, Dr C.—A selection of butterflies taken in Greece, 9-22.vii.1991. MANNERING, D.—Five new species and three new subspecies of Delias (Pieridae) from Irian Jaya, all named within the last two years by H. J. G. van Mastrigt: Delias sinak, D. bobaga, D. sigit, D. awongkor and D. flavistriga ilagaensis which are found in the west of the central mountains; Delias oktanglap, D. luctuosa kuning and D. nieuwenhuisi poponga which occur in the Star Mountains in the east, close to the border with Papua New Guinea. D. nieuwenhuisi is the replacement name for D. leucias roepkei which is now given specific rank. MIDDLETON, A. P.—A selection of butterflies captured in 1990 and 1991 in various parts of France, including the Pyrenees, Hautes Alpes, Vaucluse and Herault. PLANT, C. W.—Seven boxes showing foreign Macroheterocera which are similar to British species, including three species of Discestra, three species of Trigonophora, Theria rupicapraria D. & S. (Denmark) and T. primaria Haw. (England), and Allophyes alfaroi Agenjo which appears to replace A. oxyacanthae L. in Spain. WALKER, D. H.—A< selection of butterflies and moths from Saudi Arabia. Hesperiidae: Spialia doris Walk. (Aden skipper). Papilionidae: Papilio demoleus L. (citrus swallowtail). Pieridae: Colotis fausta Ol. Lycaenidae: Tarucus balkanicus Frey. (little tiger blue), Freyeria trochylus Frey. (grass jewel). Nymphalidae: Junonia orithyahere Lang. Sphingidae: Agrius convolvuli L. (convolvulus hawkmoth), Macroglossum stellatarum L. (hummingbird hawkmoth), Hyles livornica L. (striped hawkmoth), Hippotion celerio L. (silver-striped hawkmoth). Arctiidae: Utetheisa pulchella L. (crimson-speckled footman). TREMEWAN, W. G.—The following Zygaena species taken in June 1991 in central and eastern Turkey (Kurdistan): Z. /aeta (Hiibn.), Z. brizae (Esp.), Z. punctum Ochs., Z. minos (D. & S.), Z. formosa H.-S., Z. olivieri Boisd., Z. sedi F., Z. carniolica (Scop.), Z. loti(D. & S.), Z. ephialtes (L.), Z. viciae (D. & S.), Z. filipendulae (L.). Tuck, K. R.—Part of a collection of Microlepidoptera taken, with the help of Operation Raleigh venturers, in lower montane primary rainforest in the recently designated Crocker Range National Park, Sabah, East Malaysia. The specimens are BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 67 characteristic of a dry-period fauna: leafrollers and flower-feeders are poorly represented. WARING, P.—Over 90 species of African butterflies and moths collected in the Bangangai Game Reserve on the Sudan/Zaire border 4-13.iv.1982, together with photographs of the rain forest and savannah woodland habitats in which they were recorded. Of particular interest were a suite of unrelated mimetic species all of which have similar orange, black and white markings; included were Euphaedra eleus Drury, E. ruspina Hewitson, Aletis erici Kirby and Phaegorista similis Walk. At least some of these are known to be distasteful to predators. The extreme sexual dimorphism of many species such as Bebearia tentyris Hewitson, B. mandinga Felder and Cymothoe caenis Drury was also illustrated. WEDD, D.—Papilio protenor demetrius Cramer, bred from larvae found on a lemon tree at the Booker Garden Centre, High Wycombe on 28-29.viii.1990. They were placed on a small orange bush kindly loaned by the manager of the centre. In early September, the weather turned cold, and the four larvae had hunched themselves up on the main stem of the foodplant and appeared to be about half their original size; even so, they appeared healthy and were surprisingly difficult to see. They seemed to be undergoing a form of diapause, and it was decided not to try to rush them back into activity by putting them in warm conditions. On 1 October, they were moved into a warmer room, first at 65 °F, then 72-74 °F, and illuminated for 12 h each day with an anglepoise desk lamp. Next day, three larvae commenced feeding very tentatively, seeming unhappy with their foodplant. The leaves were carefully washed (the water in the basin turned black!), and thereafter the three surviving larvae fed up quickly; the fourth was dead. Preparations for pupation were made on 20-21 October. The butterflies, two females and a male, emerged between 6 and 10 November, and were extremely active, even in subdued light: in sunlight, they went almost berserk. The Booker Garden Centre obtains its citrus trees either direct from Israel or indirectly, via Holland, from various Far East sources, mainly Japan. P. protenor demetrius occurs in Japan, China and other places in the Orient. The exhibitor expressed his gratitude for the encouragement and practical assistance from the staff at the Garden Centre, and also to Dr George McGavin and others at the Hope Department of Entomology for help in identifying the species. YounG, D. A.—Three drawers of insects collected during a non entomological trip to Brazil in December 1990. Insects principally from Paulinia and Cipo, Sao Paulo state. Of interest were specimens of Utetheisa ornatrix, very similar to U. pulchella (L.), a rare migrant to Britain which had an exceptionally good year in 1990. By contrast the Pyralid Semna auritalis was completely unlike any pyralid on the British list. The large moth Ascalapha odorata (L.), probably closely related to the Catocalinae, was caught by an obliging (if surprised) waiter in a pavement cafe and transported back in a paper bag. Butterfly species represented included Danaus erippus, D. gilippus, and some interesting Acraeidae, Ithomiidae and Heliconidae. DIPTERA Seventeen exhibitors included some examples of this order in their exhibits and the wide range of fly families included was welcome. Two Lauxaniidae, two Pipunculidae and a syrphid (the last not yet identified specifically) were new to the British fauna and the second record and first male of the only British member of the Pseudopomyzidae was another notable find. Notable extensions to known distributions were reported, with several species including the latter new to Scotland. 68 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Ian McLean’s excellent photographs added to the diversity of exhibits. The fortuitous inclusion of both sexes of Physocephala nigra in the exhibits by Keith Alexander and Ivan Perry permitted the illustration of this species in the accompanying Plate II, Figures 11 and 12. ALEXANDER, K. N. A.—A selection of flies found during National Trust surveys in 1991, mainly in the Lake District and a few flies from Glos. and Hants. Lake District: Ctenophora pectinicornis (L.) (Tipulidae), Side Wood, Ennerdale, 12.vi and Holme Wood, Loweswater, 13.vi; Symphoromyia crassicornis (Panz.) (Rhagionidae), Brotherswater, 10.vii and Threepwood Moss, Rox., 14.vii; Machimus atricapillus (Fall.) (Asilidae), Aira Beck, Dockray, 9.vii, a rare northern record; Dolichopus nitidus Fall. (Dolichopodidae), Little Langdale Tarn, 22.vii and Brotherswater, 11.vii; Xylota abiens Meig. (Syrphidae), Brandelhow Park, 3.vii.; Microdon mutabilis (L.) (Syrphidae), at two wet heathy areas on Wrigley Estate, Nether Wasdale, vi; Physocephala nigra (Deg.), male, Borrowdale, 26.vi (Plate II, Figure 11); Thecophora fulvipes R.-D. (Conopidae), Common Farm, Windermere, 12.viii; Phasia hemiptera (F.) (Tachinidae), Brandelhow Park, 3.vii, also frequent along wooded banks of Tweed, near Leaderfoot, Ber., 12-13.vii. Glos.: Oxycera pardalina Meig. (Stratiomyidae), Bubbs Hill, Churn Valley, 20.vii, calcareous flushes in pasture; Brachyopa insensilis Collin (Syrphidae), Oakley Wood, Cirencester Park, 27.v, at sap run on beech; Icterica westermanni (Meig.) (Tephritidae), Whelford Pools, Fairford, 7.ix, coll. R. Gaunt. Hants: Brachyopa bicolor (Fall.), Bramshaw Commons, 27.v, at sap run on birch. CHANDLER, P. J.—(a) Lauxaniidae from the Brent Reservoir, Middx: 14 species of this family collected on the Society’s field meeting on 22.vi.91, mostly in carr woodland. Notable species found included Aulogastromyia anisodactyla (Loew), Sapromyza apicalis Loew and two species of Homoneura. (b) Uncommon Diptera found in 1990 and 1991: Geomyza venusta (Meig.) (Opomyzidae), The Sheepleas, West Horsley, Surrey, 16.vi.91 and Aston Rowant, Bucks., 16.vi.90; Palloptera usta (Meig.) (Pallopteridae), several localities in Scotland, 1990-91; P. ambusta (Meig.), The Sheepleas, Surrey, 29.vi.91; Amiota basdeni Fonseca (Drosophilidae), The Sheepleas, Surrey, 16.vi.91, on fallen beech trunks; Stenomicra delicata (Collin) (Stenomicridae) (formerly Diade/ops in Anthomyzidae), The Moors, Bishop’s Waltham, Hants., 13.vii.90, both sexes in Carex paniculata L. tussocks with several species of Anthomyzidae and a male from same habitat at Greywell Fen, Hants., 14.vii.90; Scathophaga pictipennis Oldenberg (Scathophagidae), Glen Gairn, Aber., 17.vii.91 and Loch an Eilein, Inv., 19.x.91. (c) Some uncommon fungus gnats (Mycetophilidae) collected recently: Mycetophila schnabli Dziedzicki, third British record, near Carrbridge, Inv., 17.vii.91; M. caudata Staeger, Loch Loy, Nairn, 17.x.91 and Migdale, Suth., 18.x.91; Exechiopsis dryaspagenesis Chandler, new to Scotland and England—Dulsie Bridge, Nairn, 20.ix.89, coll. P. J. Chandler; Danby Park, N. Yorks, 12.x.90, coll. J. Mousley; Chatsworth Deer Park, Derby., 11.x.91, coll. A. E. Stubbs; Brachypeza armata Winnertz, Windsor Forest, Berks., 27.vii.91 and Mark Ash Wood, New Forest, Hants., 28.vii.91; Megophtalmidia crassicornis (Curt.), carr woodland at Brent Reservoir, Middx, 22.vi.91; Trichonta fragilis Gagné, Staffhurst Wood, Surrey, 19.v.91, first record for south-east England; Sciophila rufa Meig., a series reared from cocoons found under bracket of Fomes fomentarius on birch at Camghouran, Rannoch, Perth., 20.x.91, adults began to emerge 22.x.91. (d) Keroplatidae new to Scotland: Keroplatus testaceus Dalman, a large female reared from a larva found in a web spun under a bracket of Fomes fomentarius on a fallen birch branch, Amat Forest, Ross, 18.vii.91, pupated in cocoon on 22.vii.91, BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 69 adult emerged 30.vii.91; Rocetelion humerale (Zett.), Loch Loy, Nairn, 17.vii.91, coll. A. Godfrey (see note on this species). (e) Agathomyia wankowiczii (Schnabl) (Platypezidae): galls formed by the larvae of this species on the underside of a bracket of Ganoderma applanatum collected on a beech stump at Nassogne, Belgium in September 1990; also exhibited were two males and two females of this entirely orange-yellow-bodied species, reared in Denmark from galls on the same fungus by Stig Andersen. This species has not yet been recorded from Britain (although a bracket of the fungus bearing galls attributed to this species has recently been recorded from Surrey by B. M. Spooner, 1991, Cecidology, 6 (2): 80-81) but is widespread in Europe; it had recently been seen by Paul Beuk from Hautes Fagnes in Belgium but Denmark is a new country record. DOBSON, J. AND STUBBS, A. E.—Pipunculus oldenbergi Collin (Pipunculidae), new to Britain: St Catherine’s Hill, Winchester, Hants., 10.vii.1990, a female noted to be distinctive because the ovipositor base is waisted as viewed from below. GODFREY, A. G.—(a) Two species of Lauxaniidae newly recorded from Britain, but previously confused with Lyciella pallidiventris (Fall.) in collections: L. stylata Papp, acommon species, Silverwood, Rotherham, S. Yorks., 5.vii.77 and Ashford, E. Kent, 18.vii.87 (both coll. W. Ely); L. subpallidiventris Papp, much less common than other two species, New Forest, Hants., 16.ix.1900, coll. F. C. Adams. (b) Six species of uncommon Diptera collected in 1991: Lamprochromus elegans (Meig.) (Dolichopididae), Braelangwell Woods SSSI, Ross, 18.vii., first northern record; Asteia elegantula Zett. (Asteiidae), South Fearns, Isle of Raasay, 8.vii, female at streamside; Pseudopomyza atrimana (Meig.) (Pseudopomyzidae) Loch na Dal, Isle of Skye, 11.vii, male, second British specimen; Stenomicra delicata (Collin) (Stenomicridae), Holwell Mouth, Leics., 31.vili, in tussock of Carex paniculata L.; Anthomyza bifasciata Wood (Anthomyzidae), Thompson Common, Norfolk, 11.viii, Carex paniculata tussocks amongst the food plant Typha; Odinia boletina (Zett.) (Odiniidae), Pot Ridings Wood, S. Yorks., 27.vii. GROVE, S.—Thirty-seven species of assorted Diptera, from southern England, collected in 1991 on National Trust surveys. The following were the more notable records: Ctenophora flaveolata (F.) (Tipulidae), Cadnam Common, Hants., 20.v; Limonia goritiensis (Mik) (Tipulidae), Branscombe East Cliff, S. Devon, 10.viii; Oxycera analis Meig. (Stratiomyidae), Cockleford, E. Glos., 20.vii; O. morristi Curt., as latter and Linch Hill, Oxon, 14.vii; O. pardalina Meig., Cockleford, 20.vii; O. pygmaea (Fall.), Branscombe East Cliff, S. Devon, 10.viii; Asilus crabroniformis L. (Asilidae), Badbury Rings, Dorset, 28.viii and the Holies, Streatley, Berks., 30. viii; Thereva plebeia (L.) (Therevidae), The Camp, E. Glos., 30.vi; 7. strigata F., Branscombe East Cliff, 10.viii; Cheilosia nebulosa Verrall (Syrphidae), Winford Bridge, Arlington, S. Devon, 22.iv; Thecophora fulvipes R.-D. (Conopidae), Daneway Banks, E. Glos., 5.viii; Acanthiophilus helianthi (Rossi) (Tephritidae), north of Flisteridge Wood, N. Wilts., 1.vi; Oxyna nebulosa Wiedemann (Tephritidae), Shellingford, Beds., 6.vii; Pherbellia dorsata (Zett.) (Sciomyzidae), Shellingford, Beds., 6.vii; Phasia hemiptera (F.) (Tachinidae), Branscombe East Cliff, 10.viii; Cylindromyia interrupta (Meig.) (Tachinidae), Devil’s Punchbowl, Surrey, 5.viii. HALSTEAD, A. J.—Thirteen uncommon Diptera collected in 1991, some of them previously exhibited at ordinary meetings. Also included were: Orellia falcata (Scop.) (Tephritidae), chalk grassland at Therfield Heath, near Royston, Herts., 1.vii; Symphoromyia immaculata (Meig.) (Rhagionidae), The Sheepleas, Surrey, 16.vi; Thereva valida Loew (Therevidae), Culbin Sands, Nairn, 16.vii, sand dunes; Neocnemodon pubescens Delucchi & Pschorn-Walcher, Barrs Lane, Knaphill, Surrey, 22.iv; Terellia winthemi (Meig.) (Tephritidae), The Sheepleas, 7 and 28.vii. 70 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 HopcgE, P. J.—The local, mainly coastal Tabanidae, Haematopota grandis Meig., Atylotus latistriatus (Brauer) and Hybomitra expollicata (Pand.), near Great Deep, Southbourne, W. Sussex, 4.vili.91; Antichaeta analis (Meig.) (Sciomyzidae), Burton Mill Pond, W. Sussex, 10.vi.91; Subclytia rotundiventris (Fall.) (Tachinidae), West Wood, Netley, S. Hants., 16.vi.91. HOLLIER, J. A., BELSHAW, R. D. AND WHITEHOUSE, D.—Local dead wood feeding flies, including five species of Syrphidae, So/va marginata Meig. (Xylomyiidae) and the very scarce Ctenophora ornata Meig. (Tipulidae), collected by malaise traps in woodland at Silwood Park, Berks., in vi-viii.1991. KNILL-JONES, S. A.—Two local Tachinidae: Tachina grossa (L.) and Linnaemya vulpina (Fall.) and dwarf examples of two common Syrphidae, all from Freshwater, I.o.W., viii-ix.1991. MCLEAN, I. F. G.—The following photographs: (a) a larva of Leucopis (Chamae- mylidae) feeding on a young aphid, showing the two characteristic posterior spiracles of the larva; the larva had hoisted the aphid clear of the substrate to reduce the likelihood of escape. (b) an adult female Leucopis poised over an aphid while stroking its dorsal surface with its fore tarsi, to ‘milk’ it of honeydew, mimicking the behaviour of ants; a droplet of honeydew is quickly produced and then rapidly consumed when detected by sensors on the fly’s tarsi. It was suggested that this behaviour evolved from honeydew feeding on leaf surfaces. (c) a female Chrysops relictus Meig. (Tabanidae) feeding on honeydew when placed on sallow leaves bearing aphid honeydew indoors; apparently the first record of the female of this genus feeding other than on blood. PARSONS, M. S.—Laphria marginata (L.) (Asilidae), Epsom Common, Surrey, 28.viii.91. PERRY, I.—Twelve species of uncommon Diptera found during 1991: Zabrachia tenella (Jaennicke) (Stratiomyidae), The King’s Forest, Suffolk, reared from larvae found under the bark of fallen pines; Xy/ophagus cinctus Deg. (Xylophagidae), Loch Garten, Inv., 24.v, adults on fallen pines; Rhamphomyia murina Collin (Empididae), Bridge of Brown, Banff, 26.v, swept from Salix flowers; Empis laetabilis Collin (Empididae), Tomintoul, Banff., 26.v, swept from dog’s mercury; Leucozona glaucia (L.) (Syrphidae), Chippenham Fen, Cambs., 18.viii, female at Angelica flowers, new to county; Melangyna barbifrons (Fall.) (Syrphidae), Dulsie Bridge, Nairn, 1.vi, at rowan flowers; Neocnemodon verrucula (Collin) (Syrphidae), Emily’s Wood, Norfolk, 19.v, male swept in ride in mixed woodland; Triglyphus primus Loew (Syrphidae), Chippenham Fen, Cambs., 18.viii, female on tree foliage; Roswell Pits, Ely, Cambs., 19.viii, a male at Heracleum flowers; Physocephala nigra (Deg.) (Conopidae), Allt a Mhadaidh, E. Ross, 17.vii, female (Plate II, Figure 12) resting on a rock in heather moorland; Eccoptomera ornata Loew (Heleomyzidae), Dam Wood, E. Ross, 14.vii, three females in Deschampsia tussocks; Asteia elegantula Zett. (Asteiidae), Struy Ox Bows, Strath Glass, Inv., 18.vii, female swept from alders. STUBBS, A. E.—(a) Two flies new to Britain: Microcephalops vestitus (Becker) (Pipunculidae), a genus new to the British List, Bentley Woods, Wilts., 8.vii.1990, a female of a very small species with a strongly hooked ovipositor; Sphaerophoria sp. B. (Syrphidae), Blean Woods, Kent, 6.v.1976, male, till recently confused with fatarum Goeldlin (the abbreviata Zett. of the British list) but the genitalia have a short hairy lobe with very short hairs and the habitat is very different. (b) Flies collected in Scotland in 1991: Dicranomyia consimilis (Zett.) (Tipulidae), beside river at Amat Forest, Ross, 18.vii; Atherix ibis (F.) (Athericidae), River Tay, Caputh, Perth., 28.vi; Thereva lunulata Zett. (Therevidae), by R. Spey at Newtonmore BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 71 and at R. Feshie/Spey confluence, Inv., 27.vi; Oxycera pardalina Meig. (Stratiomyidae), coastal cliff seepage, Rosemarkie, Ross, 14.vii; Rhadiurgus variabilis (Zett.) (Asilidae), River Feshie, Inv., on shingle, 20.vii, two males and a female; Leptogaster guttiventris Zett. (Asilidae), Kinrara, near Aviemore, Inv., 21.vii, both sexes in grassland in woodland glade on south facing slope; Platycheirus nielseni Vockeroth (Syrphidae), River Feshie, 20.vii, a curious dwarf male with spots absent on second tergite; P. sticticus (Meig.), Alness Valley, 14.vii, male, new to Scotland; Chalcosyrphus nemorum (F.) (Syrphidae), Dundonnel Wood, near Ullapool, Ross, the northernmost record on the west coast, 17.vii, a male and female with very reduced abdominal markings; Xylota tarda (Meig.) (Syrphidae), Lauder, Midloth., 27.vi; X. coeruleiventris Zett., Ceannacroc, Inv., 5.vii, male and Jedburgh, Rox., 21.vii, female; Dorylomorpha albitarsis (Zett.) (Pipunculidae), Glen Garry, Inv., 5.vii; Tetanops myopinus Fall. (Otitidae), fore dunes at Coul Links, Suth., 16.vii; Cordilura rufimana (Meig.) (Scathophagidae), Kinrara, Inv., 21.vii; C. similis Siebke, Insh Marshes, Inv., 2.vii; Dexiosoma caninum (F.) (Tachinidae), Ardvasar, Isle of Skye, 12.vii. UFFEN, R. W. J.—(a) A live Tephritis formosa (Loew) (Tephritidae), at rest on a garden plant at Welwyn, Herts., mid-ix.1991. (b) Symphoromyia immaculata (Meig.) (Rhagionidae), Nomansland Common, Wheathampstead, Herts., 30.vi.91, abundant among long meadow grass on gravel; Sundon Hills, Beds., 4.vii, frequent on similar uncut grass on chalk. WALKER, D. H.—Two Arabian Diptera: a giant robber fly (Asilidae), not yet determined, with wing span 52 mm, body length 45 mm, Al Hasa Oasis; Eristalinus megacephalus (Rossi) (Syrphidae). COLEOPTERA ALEXANDER, K. N. A.—A< selection of beetles found during National Trust biological survey fieldwork in the Lake District National Park in 1991, plus a few found in Devon, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Somerset, and Staffordshire. Lake District. Quedius plagiatus Mannerh., Side Wood, Ennerdale, 10.vi. and widespread in woods. Trixagus dermestoides (L.), Crag Coppice, Eskdale, vi. Thymalus limbatus (F.), in dead oak, Glencoyne Wood, Ullswater, 9.vii. Rhizophagus nitidulus (F.), Fishgarths Wood, Clappersgate, 13.viii. Cyanostolus aeneus (Richt.), in alder along River Caldew, Rose Castle, 27.vii. Cerylon fagi Bris., Claife Woods, 19.viii. Abdera flexuosa (Payk.), Borrowdale, 26.vi. Chrysolina fastuosa (Scop.), Holme Wood, Loweswater, 13.vi; Brandelhow Park, 3.vii. Chrysomela aenea L., Borrowdale, 27.vi, and elsewhere. Phytodecta pallida (L.), Low Wood, Hartsop, 10.vii. Phyllobrotica quadrimaculata (L.), in wet woodland, Wray Castle, 13.viii. Mantusa obtusata (Gyll.) and Rhynchites cupreus (L.), Nether Wasdale, 5.vi. Devon. Lomechusa emarginata (Payk.), in nests of Formica fusca L. ants, on open heath, Oxen Tor, Lynmouth, 16.v. Gloucestershire. Ampedus cinnabarinus (Esch.), Forest of Dean, 1.vi. Tetratoma desmaresti Lat., three from Stereum on oak bough, Crickley Hill, 6.x. Phytoecia cylindrica (L.), Swift’s Hill, 2.vi; also seen at Somerford Keynes, 27.v. Platypus cylindrus (F.), abundant in fallen oak bough, Forest of Dean, 14.ix. Hampshire. Cryptolestes spartii (Curt.), under sappy bark of hawthorn infested with Scolytus mali (Bechst.); Chaetocnema subcoerulea (Kuts.), on wet heath; Xy/eborus dispar (F.), beaten from birch foliage; X. dryographus (Ratz.), in dead beech; X. saxeseni (Ratz.), in dead beech; all from Bramshaw Commons, 20-23.v. Somerset. Plegaderus dissectus Er. and Enicmus brevicornis (Mannerh.), Ashton Court Park, 19.v, new county records. Staffordshire. Xyloterus signatus (F.), frequent in fallen oak bough, together with Hylecoetus dermestoides (L.) Larvae, Star Wood, Churnet Valley, 10.x. 72 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 COPESTAKE, D.—Coleoptera (mainly weevils and dead-wood species) collected in 1991. Windsor, March and July: Ampedus rufipennis (Steph.), Pseudocistela ceramboides (L.), Trinodes hirtus (F.), Curculio betulae (Steph.), Hylesinus crenatus (F.), H. oleiperda (F.), Dorcatoma flavicornis (F.), Enicmus brevicornis (Mannerh.), Enicmus rugosus (Herbst), Tillus elongatus (L.), Tomoxia bucephala Costa, Lymexylon navale (L.), Scraptia fuscula Miller, P. W. J., Sphindua dubius (Gyll.), Gastrallus immarginatus (Miller, P. W. J.), Abdera quadrifasciata (Curt.). The Lizard, Corn., June 1991: Anchonidium unguiculare (Aube), Cathormiocerus maritimus Rye, Sibinia primitus (Herbst). Stanton Harcourt, Oxon., June 1991: Agapanthia villosoviridescens (Deg.). Hod Hill, Eyre, Dorset, June 1991: Miarus graminis (Gyll.), Larinus planus (F.), Rhinocyllus conicus (Frol.), Apion urticarium (Herbst). Dorset, June 1991: Baris analis (Ol.), Trachyphloeus alternans Gyll., Sitona gemellatus Gyll., Tychius pusillus Germ. Candleston, Merthy Mawr, Mid-Glam., April 1991: Sibinia arenariae Steph., Trichosirocalus (formerly Ceuthorhynchidius) thalhammeri (Schultz), Gronops lunatus (F.), Apion atomarium, Kirby, W., Glocianus (formerly Ceutorhynchus) punctiger (Gyll.). New Forest, May 1991: Pogonochaerus hispidus (L.). W. Cumbria, July 1991: Otiorhynchus porcatus (Herbst), Sitona lineellus (Bons.), Caenopsis waltoni (Boh.), Trachyphloeus laticollis Boh. Abernethy Forest, May 1991: Acanthocinus aedilis (L.), Rhagium inquisitor (L.), Dictyopterus aurora (Herbst), Ampedus nigrinus (Herbst), Pityogenes quadridens (Hartig), Tropiphorus obtusus (Bons.), Brachonyx pineti (Payk.), Dendrophagus crenatus (Payk.), Magdalis phlegmatica (Herbst), Anthonomus varians (Payk.), Furcipus rectirostris (L.), Agonum ericeti (Panz.), Pogonochaerus fasciculatus (Deg.), Coeliodes nigritarsis Hart., Eremotes ater (L.), Aphodius nemoralis Er., Ips acuminatus (Gyll.), Otiorhynchus scaber (L.), Rhinomacer attelaboides F., Abdera flexuosa (Payk.). COLLIER, M. J.—Bembidion schueppeli Dej., Tima Water, Selkirk, 13.vii.91, on shingle bank. Badister dilatatus Chaud., Thompson Common, W. Norf., 17.iii.91, from pond tussock. Nossidium pilosellum (Marsh.), Stanford, W. Norf., 17.11.91, in rotting fungus. Agathidium convexum Sharp, Thetford, W. Norf., 17.iii.91, pitfall trap in rabbit burrow. Stenus incanus Er., Tima Water, Selkirk, 13.vii.91, shingle bank. Scirtes orbicularis (Panz.), Amberley, W. Sussex, 9.vili.91, on dykeside vegetation. Troglops cephalotes Ol., Stoke Ash, W. Suff., 6.vii.91, in flight. Ptinus dubius Sturm, Grimes Graves, W. Norf., 27.iv.91, on pine in flower. Mesosa nebulosa (F.), Whitley Wood, S. Hants., 23.v.91, on fallen oak branch. Longitarsus quadriguttatus Pont., Thetford, W. Norf., 3.viii.91, on Cynoglossum officinale L. Acalles ptinoides (Marsh.), Grimes Graves, W. Norf., 1.iv.91, abundant in pitfall traps amongst heather. Gymnetron collinum (Gyll.), Thetford, W. Suff., 27.vi.91, on Linaria vulgaris L. The following specimens were found at Eype’s Mouth, Dorset, 23-24.v.91: Tachys micros (F.W.), Drypta dentata (Rossi), Sphaerius acaroides Waltl, Scopaeus minutus Er., Sitona gemellatus Gyll., Rhinocyllus conicus Fr6l., Baris analis (Ol.) and Cryphalus abietus Ratz. CRABNEL, R.—Agapanthia villosoviridescens (Deg.), Woodwalton Fen, Cambs., 10.vi.91. Strangalia quadrifasciata (L.), Savernake Forest, Wilts., 12.vii.91. Phytoecia cylindrica (L.), old brick works, Swindon, Wilts., 4.vii.91. Leptura sexguttata F., Savernake Forest, Wilts., 12.vii.91. Judolia cerambyciformis (Schrank), Forest of Dean, Gwent, 7.vii.91. CRONIN, A. R.—A large black scarab from San Pablo, Philippines, 7-19.x.91. Durr, A. G.—Rare and interesting beetles from southwest England. Harpalus tenebrosus Dej., Lizard Point, W. Corn., 20.vi.91. Stenolophus skrimshiranus Steph.., Street Heath, N. Som., 20.iv.90. Agabus uliginosus (L.), Catcott Heath, N. Som., 28.viii.91. Sphaerius acaroides (Waltl), Eype’s Mouth, new to Dorset, 14.vii.90. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 73 Abraeus granulum Er., Catcott Heath, new to Som., 8.v.91. Aphodius consputus Creutz., Green Down, new to Som., 30.iii.91. Cardiophorus erichsoni du Buysson, Lizard Point, W. Corn., 20.vi.91. Dirhagus pygmaeus (F.), Great Breach Wood, N. Som., 11.viii.91. Dermestes maculatus Deg., reared from larva infesting Masai shield imported from Kenya. Stegobium paniceum (L.), imported in dried pasta from Italy. Epuraea distincta (Grimmer), Street Heath, new to Som., 20.iv.90. Cis coluber Ab., Berkley Wood, new to Som., 13.iii.91. Osphya bipunctata (F.), Cleaves Wood, N. Som., 24.v.91. Oulema erichsoni (Suff.), Catcott Heath, N. Som., 8.v.91. Kissophagus hederae (Schmitt), bred from dead branch of Hedera helix L., Tedbury Camp, N. Som., v.91. FOSTER, A. P.—Two noteworthy species from East Wretham Heath, 13.x.91: Quedius nigrocaeruleus Fauv., from a rabbit burrow and Aphodius distinctus (Miller, O. F.), swarming over the rabbit dung. Three specimens of Quedius balticus Korge taken in pitfall traps from three localities in Norfolk: Hickling NNR, 23.vi-7.vii.88; Sutton High Fen, 9-23.vi.88; Catfield Fens, 16-30.viii.89. GROVE, S.—Dendroxena quadrimaculata (Scop.), Parc Lodge, Abergavenny, Mon., 28.v.91. Agrilus sinuatus (Ol.), Ogbourne N. Wilts., 27.viii.91; Belas Knap, E. Glos., 2.vii.91; Cockleford, E. Glos., 20.vii.91; Rodborough Common, W. Glos., 7.vii.91. Ampedus sanguinolentus (L.), Cadnam Common, S. Hants., 20.v.91; Half Moon Common, S. Hants., 20.v.91. A. balteatus (L.), Half Moon Common, S. Hants., 20.v.91. Thymalus limbatus (F.), Countisbury Cliffs, N. Devon., 16.v.91. Strangalia quadrifasciata (L.), Savernake Forest, N. Wilts., 6.vi.91. Phytoecia cylindrica (L.), Shellingford, Berks., 6.vii.91. Cryptocephalus aureolus Suff., Cherhill Down, N. Wilts., 6.vii.91; Ballard Down, Dorset, 25.v.91; Durlston Head, Dorset, 17.v.91; Barnsley Warren, E. Glos., 2.vii.91; The Camp, E. Glos., 30.vi.91; Burleigh, W. Glos., 22.vi.91; Rodborough Common, W. Glos., 7.vii.91. C. bipunctatus (L.), Cadnam Common S. Hants., 20.v.91. C. bilineatus (L.), Rodborough Common, W. Glos., 7.vii.91. C. hypochaeridis (L.), Rodborough Common, W. Glos., 7.vii.91. C. moraei (L.), The Holies, Streatley, Berks., 30.viii.91; Burleigh, E. Glos., 22.vi.91. Chrysolina hyperici (Forst.), Quenington, E. Glos., 7.vii.91. C. menthastri (Suff.), Worswell, Swindon, N. Wilts., 24.viii.91; Pain’s Farm, Oxon, 16.vi.91. C. varians (Schall.), Bull Banks, E. Glos., 29.vi.91. Clytra quadripunctata (L.), Oakley Wood, E. Glos., 29.vi.91 Mesites tardii (Curt.), Watersmeet, Devon., 16.v.91. Platystomos albinus (L.), Flisteridge Wood, Wilts., 1.vi.91. Larinus planus (F.), Rodborourgh Common, W. Glos., 7.vii.91. HALSTEAD, A. J.—Some scarce and local Coleoptera taken in 1990-1991. Dischirius politus (Dej.), Culbin Sands, near Nairn, E. Inv. 16.vii.91, under drift wood. Steganostus villosus (Fourc.), Knaphill, Surrey, 1.viii.90, at light trap. Ochina ptinoides (Marsh.), Rosemarkie Cliffs, E. Ross, 15.vii.91, on ivy. Antherophagus nigricornis (F.), R. Beauly, near Muir of Ord, E. Ross, 15.vii.91, on hogweed flowers. Bolitophagus reticulatus (L.), Amat Wood, E. Ross, 19.vii.91, on Fomes fomentarius (col. P. J. Chandler). Agrilus pannonicus (Pill. & Mitt.), RHS Garden, Wisley, Surrey, 8.viii.91, on moribund oak. Silis ruficollis (F.), Hoe Stream, Mayford, Surrey, 16.vi.90, swept from reeds. Dorcatoma flavicornis (F.), RHS Garden, Wisley, Surrey, 1.viii.91, at oak sap run. Biphyllus lunatus (F.), Barn Hill Wood, Fryent Country Park, Kenton, Middx, 2.vi.91, in Daldinia fungus. Tanymecus palliatus F., Therfield Heath near Royston, Herts., 1.vii.91, swept. Also exhibited was a map showing the distribution of records for Lilioceris lilii (Scop.). The beetle became well established in Chobham, Surrey in 1940 and has since spread throughout Surrey and into adjoining counties. The distribution suggests that the beetle is making slow progress and there is no evidence of spread with the assistance of gardeners or the horticultural trade. 74 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 HENDERSON, M.—Some beetles from Hants. Agrilus sinuatus (Ol.), Farley Mount Country Park, Winchester, 22.viii.91, from mature hawthorn. A. J/aticornis (Ill.), also from Farley Mount, on hazel, and also New Forest, 23-24. viii.91. Platycis minutus (F.), Chandler’s Ford, Winchester, 26.viii.91, on nettle leaf in roadside verge. Hoare, D. I. B. AND R. J. B.—Some beetles collected in Hampshire including the following. Deleaster dichrous (Grav.), Winchester, 1.viii.90, at m.v. light. Omaloplia ruricola (F.), Stockbridge, 26.vii.91, on chalk downland. Amphimallon solstitialis (L.), Stockbridge, 31.vii.91, in copse on chalk downland. Dirhagus pygmaeus (F.), New Forest, 27.vii.90, on dead beech. Drilus flavescens (Fourc.), Winchester, 31.v.90, on grass. Platycis minutus (F.), New Forest, 21.ix.91, on beech log. Ochina ptinoides (Marsh.), Stockbridge, 23.v.90, in building. Thymalus limbatus (F.), New Forest, 22.ix.90, under fallen bough. Diplocoelus fagi Guer.-Menev., Winchester, 18.iv.90, under dead beech bark. Lycoperdina bovistae (F.), Winchester, 10.xii.89, in puffball. A/phitobius diaperinus (Panz.), Winchester, 3/4.viii.90, in light trap. Helops caeruleus (L.), Winchester, 20.vii.83, crawling on pavement. Tomoxia bucephala Costa, New Forest, 18.viii.91. Variimorda villosa (Schr.), Stockbridge, 31.vii.91, on flowers of Pimpinella saxifraga L. Mordellochroa abdominalis (F.), Winchester, 19.v.91, on fir logs. Metoecus paradoxus (L.), Winchester, 21.viii.90, on Norway maple trunk. Arhopalus rusticus (L.), New Forest, 3.viii.91, 10 p.m. on beech trunk. Leptura scutellata, F., New Forest, 27.vii.91, on beech stump. Strangalia quudrifasciata (L.), Winchester, 28.vii.91 on flowers of Pastinaca. Lilioceris lilii (Scop.), Winchester, 25.v.91, on Polygonatum multiflorum (L.), in mixed woodland. Cryptocephalus sexpunctatus (L.), Stockbridge, 12.v.90, on Corylus avellana L. Chrysolina brunsvicensis (Grav.), New Forest, 12.ix.90, drowning in pool. C. sanguinolenta (L.) and C. violacea (Miiller, O. F.), both Martin Down, 28.iv.91 crawling on ground. Epitrix atropae Foud., Broughton Down, 24.viii.90, on Atropa belladonna L. Platystomos albinus (L.), Winchester, 19.v.91, on Senecio vulgaris L. Polydrusus mollis (Strém), Winchester, 6.v.90, on Corylus avellana L. Rhynchaenus salicis (L.), Stockbridge, 20.ix.90, on Salix cinerea L. Mecinus collaris Germ., Portsea Island, 27.viii.91, in gall on (?) Plantago maritima L. Hopce, P. J.—A selection of species taken during 1991, including six new to Sussex. Agabus affinis (Payk.), Burton Mill Pond, W. Sussex, 20.vi.91. Gyrophaena joyoides Wiist., Ashburnham Park, E. Sussex, 11.ix.91, in Polyporus on beech. Triplax aenea (Schall.), Ashburnham Park, E. Sussex, 19.vii.91, in Polyporus on beech. Cis setiger Mellie, Ashburnham Park, E. Sussex, 11.ix.91, in fungus on beech stump. Epuraea distincta (Grimm.), Burton Mill Pond, W. Sussex, 14.vi.91, in small bracket fungus on alder branch. Abdera flexuosa (Payk.), Burton Mill Pond, W. Sussex, 20.vi.91, in fungus on alder. Also exhibited were the following. Achenium humile (Nic.), Atheta debilis (Er.) and Ilyobates subopacus Palm, from flood refuse, Combe Haven Valley, Bexhill-on-Sea, E. Sussex. Aplocnemus nigricornis (F.) and Meligethes umbrosus Sturm, Longrope wood, Hamstreet, East Kent, 11.v.91. Donacia aquatica (L.) and D. crassipes F., Burton Mill Pond, W. Sussex, 14.vi.91 and 10.vii.91 respectively. Longitarsus fowleri Allen, Arundel Park, W. Sussex, 5.v.91, on Dipsacus fullonum L. Apion difficile Herbst, Thornham Point, Southbourne, W. Sussex, 25.vii.91, on Genista tinctoria L. Hadroplontus (formerly Ceutorhynchus) trimaculatus (F.), Arundel Park, W. Sussex, 28.iv.91, at roots of thistles. HO.uikr, J. A., BELSHAW, R. D. AND WHITEHOUSE, D.—Some beetles collected in Malaise traps in Silwood Park, Berks.: Platystomos albinus (L.), 15-22.v.91; Ischnomera sanguinicollis (F.), 8.vi-8.vii.91; Opilo mollis (L.), 8.v—-8.vii.91; Thanasimus formicarius (L.), 8.v-8.vii.91; Leiopus nebulosus (L.), 8.v-8.vii.91; Phymatodes alni (L.), 8.v-8.vi.91; Ampedus balteatus (L.), 8.vi-8.vii.91. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 75 JONES, R. A.—Orectochilus villosus (Miller, O. F.), Eridge, East Sussex, 30.vii.89, swimming in profusion in bright sunlight across a fast-flowing stream. Oligota apicata (Er.), Nunhead Cemetery, London SE15, 13.vii.91, sweeping. Ampedus nigrinus (Herbst), Burwash, East Sussex, 19.vi.91, common by sweeping in pine plantations. Synchita separanda (Reiter), three specimens from Nunhead Cemetery, London SE15, 13.vii.91, where it occurred in some numbers under bark of dead sycamore tree together with a single specimen from Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent, 19.vi.91, under bark (oak?/ sweet chestnut?). Cicones undatus Guer.-Men., Nunhead Cemetery, London SE15, 20.x.91, under sycamore bark. Lissodema quadripustulata (Marsh.), Steyning, West Sussex, 16.vi.90; Ashtead Common, Surrey, 27.vi.90; Nunhead Cemetery, London SE15, 13.vii.91. Dryophilus pusillus (Gyll.), Burwash, 19.vi.91, beating pine tree. Abdera quadrifasciata (Curt.), Ashtead Common, Surrey, 27.vi.90, running on rotten log. Abdera biflexuosa (Curt.), Nunhead Cemetery, London SE15, sweeping 13, 17 and 22.vii.91. Ptinus sexpunctatus Panz., Nunhead, London SE15, 28.v.91, flying inside house. Malachius marginellus (Ol.), Winchelsea, East Sussex, 11.vii.91, abundant under low herbage on the shingle. Cryptolestes spartii (Curt.), Chobham Common, 9.vii.91, under the burnt bark of a birch log. Antherophagus pallens (L.), Chobham Common, Surrey, 9.vii.91, sweeping. A. nigricornis (F.), Tunbridge Wells, 21.vii.91, sweeping. Strangalia quadrifasciata (L.), Tunbridge Wells, 21.vii.91, on flower of ox-eye daisy. Cryptocephalus bipunctatus (L.), var. sanguinolentus Scop., White Down, Surrey, 16.v.89, sweeping. Apion semivittatum Gyll., very common on annual mercury in London: Camberwell (SE5), Nunhead (SE15), Brockley (SE22), Chelsea (SW10) and South Norwood (SE25), and also in a garden in Newhaven, East Sussex. Coeliodes erythroleucus (Gmel.), Eridge, East Sussex, 17.vii.90, beating oak. Platypus cylindrus (F.), Eridge, East Sussex, 11.vii.90, running on oak log. Also shown were a large number of beetles from Costa Rica, Central America, including several large scarabs, chafers and longhorns and a wide variety of brightly patterned chrysomelids. KIRBY, P. AND LAMBERT, S. J. J.—Some beetles collected during a survey of pollard willows along the River Cam, Cambridge. Aderus populneus (Creutz.), 11.xi.90, in powdery rotten wood. Aromia moschata (L.), two specimens from 23 which emerged from a log collected 11.xi.90, emerged 28.iv and 18.v.91. Cossonus parallelepipedus (Herbst), 10.x.90, in rotten wood. Dorcatoma flavicornis (F.), emerged 2.vii.91 from log collected 11.xi.90. Eledona agricola (Herbst), 10.x.90, from Polyporus sulphureus. Kissophagus hederae (Schmitt), 15.viii.87, beaten from ivy. Ochina ptinoides (Marsh.), emerged iii.91 from dead ivy stems collected 11.xi.90. Paromalus flavicornis (Herbst), emerged 18.v.91 from log collected 11.xi.90. Pseudotriphyllus suturalis (F.), 10.x.90, from Polyporus sulphureus. Scaphisoma boleti (Panz.), 11.xi.90, in rotten wood. Scymnus limbatus Steph., 11.xi.90, on willow trunk. MENZIES, DR I. S.—British Donacia and Plateumaris species. D. aquatica (L.) has become very scarce in our southern counties. Fifteen examples swept from a restricted area of sedge at the margin of Burton Mill-Pond, W. Sussex 14.vi.91. D. bicolora Zschach, found resting, in company with D. simplex, on leaves of Sparganium erectum L., by the margin of Bourne Bottom pond, Bournemouth, Dorset on 25.v, 30.v & 20.vi.91. D. cinerea Herbst, Virginia Water, Berks. 15 & 19.v. & 15.vi.90; Burton Mill-Pond, W. Sussex 25.v., 14.vi. & 10.vii.91; Bolder Mere, Wisley, Surrey 20.vii.91. D. clavipes F., Black Pond, Esher Common, Surrey 12.v.90; Burton Mill-Pond, W. Sussex 25.v & 10.vii.91. D. crassipes F., Oberwater, near Puttles Bridge, Hants. 27.vii.90 & 26.vii.91: on leaves of yellow water lily, Nuphar lutea (L.). D. dentata Hoppé, Amberley Wild Brooks, W. Sussex 2 & 11.viii.90, 20.vii & 9.viii.91 (first found in this vicinity by Mr Peter Hodge in July 1990), also Manxey Level, Pevensey, E. 76 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Sussex on 24.viii.90. A scarce species, usually seen resting in sunlight between 10.30a.m. and 3.30p.m. on the leaves of water plants, especially Arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia L.) growing in the dykes. D. impressa Payk., Burton Mill-Pond, W. Sussex 25.v. & 14.vi.91 in large numbers on flowering heads of Carex panniculata L., also obtained by sweeping sedges at lake margin, Ditchling Common Pond, 20.6.91, a single example by sweeping. D. marginata Hoppé, a common species usually found resting on leaves and the flowering heads of Sparganium erectum L. at the margins of lakes and canals. D. obscura Gyli., late afternoon, walking up sedges at the side of a stream adjacent to Loch Garten, Inverness 10.vii.87. D. semicuprea Panz., usually plentiful where found, on leaves of reed grass, Glyceria maxima (Hartm.) at margin of ponds and dykes. D. simplex F., a common species. D. sparganii Ahrens, Barcombe Mills, E. Sussex 25 & 28.viii.90, 28.vii & 9.viii.91 (first noticed here by C. J. Saunders in the 1930s and re-discovered by Mr Peter Hodge, 28.ix.86), at rest on the floating leaves of Sparganium emersum Rehmann in the river and connecting streams. D. thalassina Germ., Bolder Mere, Wisley, Surrey 14.vi.89, 27.v & 18.vi.91, by sweeping. D. versicolorea (Brahm), Amberley Wild Brooks, W. Sussex 2, 8 & 11.viii.90, and Puttle’s Bridge, Brockenhurst, Hants. 26.vii.91, mainly resting on floating leaves of water plants. D. vulgaris Zschach, a widely distributed and common species generally found on leaves of Sparganium erectum or emersum in ponds and water courses. P. affinis (Kunze), Thursley Common Bog 2.vi.68; Burton Mill-Pond W. Sussex: on 25.v. a few, and on 14.vi.90 in large numbers, by sweeping sedges at lake margin. P. braccata (Scop.). Burton Mill-Pond, W. Sussex 28 & 29.vi.91 by beating Phragmites australis (Cav.) at lake margin. P. discolor (Panz.), Thursley Common Bog, Surrey 2.vi.68, by sweeping; Loch Garten, Inverness 12.vii.87, on sedges; Bolder Mere, Wisley, Surrey 3.v & 14.vi.89, by sweeping at lake margin; Virginia Water, Berks, by sweeping 15.vi.90. P. sericea (L.). Insh Marsh Reserve, Kingussie, Inverness, 11.vii.89, by sweeping at dyke margins, Ditchling Common Pond, E. Sussex 20.vi.91: two, by sweeping. OweEN, Pror. J. A. AND MENDEL, H.—Some little known British beetles, most of which have only recently been discovered new to Britain. Cercyon alpinus Vogt, Braemar, South Aberdeen, viii.90, in deer dung. Pseudomicrodota jelineki (Krasa), Box Hill, Surrey, vii.91, in old bonfire ashes. Schistoglossa benicki Lohse, Loch Garten, Easterness, v.85, in moss. Atheta (Mocyta) fussi (Bernh.), Headley, Surrey, vii.90, in flight interception trap. Aleochara pauxilla (Muls. & Rey), Richmond Park, Surrey, viii.80, in deer dung. Aleochara verna (Say), Tarbet, Outer Hebrides, vii.75, under rotting seaweed. Dorcatoma ambjoerni Baranowski, Windsor Forest, Berks., bred from fungus on beech, collected ii.88, adults emerged vi.90. Ostoma ferrugineum (L.), Braemar, South Aberdeen, viii.90, under bark of Scots pine. Chrysanthia nigricornis (Westhoff), Glen Tannar, South Aberdeen, reared from pine branch containing larvae collected viii.90, adult emerged vii.91. Ceutorhynchus cakilis Hansen, North Uist, Outer Hebrides, vii.79, swept. Parsons, M. S.—A selection of beetles recorded since 1988. Clivina collaris (Herbst), Bembidion maritimum Steph. and Perileptus aureolus (Creutz.), Afon Mawddach, Mer., 28.iv.91 and B. laterale (Sam.) 27.iv.91. Ophonus azureus (F.), Great Ormes Head, Caer., 26.iv.91. Staphylinus ophthalmicus Scop., Wangford Warren, W. Suff., 5.ix.90. Cetonia aurata (L.), Wimbledon Common, Surrey, 18.vii.91. Lymexylon navale (L.), Richmond Park, Surrey, 10.viii.91. Oncomera femorata (F.), Atherington, W. Sussex, 16.x.90, on ivy blossom. Cryptocephalus aureolus Suff., C. moraei (L.) and C. bipunctatus (L.), Wakerley, railway cutting, Northants., 6.vii.91. Dibolia cynoglossi (Koch, J. D. W.), Dungeness, Kent, 20.v.91 and Rye Harbour, E. Sussex, 26.iv.90. Cryptorhynchus lapathi (L.), Woodwalton BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 77 Fen, Hunts., 16.11.91, adult and gall. Ethelcus (formerly Ceutorhynchus) verrucatus Gyll., Dungeness, Kent, 4.vii.89. PORTER, D.—Various local and interesting Coleoptera. Cardiophorus erichsoni du Buy., Salcombe, Devon, 29.v.91, beating gorse, previously recorded in this area by K. G. Payne in June 1976 suggests a well established colony. Trixagus elateroides (Heer), Eastbourne, E. Sussex, 11.v.91, quite common at roots of Glaucium flavum Crantz growing on shingle. Anisoxya fuscula (Ill.), Hailsham, new to Sussex, 6.viii.91, quite common beating dying apple tree. Au/onium trisulcum (Fourc.), Hailsham, E. Sussex, 15.vii and 4.viii.90, at light trap. It was suggested that it might be feeding on the larvae of Scolytus mali (Bech.) or S. rugulosus (Miller, P. W. J.) in a nearby apple tree. Silvanus bidentatus (F.), Battle, new to E. Sussex, 8.iv and 25.iv.91, beating sawn oOffcuts of oak. Cryptocephalus coryli(L.), Streatley, Berks., 9.vi.91. A female was taken on hawthorn blossom and a male from hazel—giving rise to 55 faecal- cased eggs. The living larvae, being reared on hazel, were also exhibited. Po/ydrusus confluens Steph., Salcombe, Devon, 29.v.91, beating gorse. Ethelcus (formerly Ceutorhynchus) verrucatus Gyll., Eastbourne, E. Sussex, 11.v.91, in numbers at roots of Glaucium flavum Crantz growing on shingle. Scolytus mali (Bech.), Hailsham, apparently new to Susex, 29 and 31.vii and 5.viii.91, on apple tree being killed by honey fungus. WALKER, D. H.—Some beetles from Saudi Arabia: Anthia duodecimguttata Bon., Scarites guineensis Dej., Brachinus nobilis Dej., (Carabidae); Eretes sticticus L., Prodaticus pictus Sharp, (Dytiscidae); Adesmia cancellata Klug, (Tenebrionidae); Steraspis speciosa Klug, Judolis euphratica Cast. & Gory, (Buprestidae); together with several tenebrionids and a meloid. YOUNG, D.—Three species of large chafer and a large longhorn collected casually in Paulinia and Cipo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. HEMIPTERA ALEXANDER, K. N. A.—Some Heteroptera from the 1991 work of the National Trust biological survey in the Lake District National Park. Three species apparently at the northern edge of their British range in Cumbria: Agramma laeta (Fall.), saltmarsh, Plumpton Marsh, Ulverston, 19.vi; Xylocoris cursitans (Fall.), widely in ancient woodland and pasture-woodland, this specimen from Fisgarths Wood, Clappersgate, 13.viii; Polymerus palustris (Reuter), widespread in rush fields, these from Grasmere, 27.vi. Two northern specialities: Salda morio Zett., wet heath/mire, Ennerdale, 19.vi; S. muelleri (Gmel.), wet heath at Nether Wasdale, 4.vi. CRABNEL, R.—A large cicada found in a bunch of grapes, imported from Greece, purchased in a Sainsbury’s supermarket, 24.viii.91. CRONIN, A. R.—A large grey and red coreid (?) bug from San Pablo, Philippines, 7-19.x.91. HopcE, P. J.—Peritrechus gracilicornis Puton, Great Deep Southbourne, W. Sussex, 25.vii.91, swept. Plesiodema pinetellum (Zett.), Midhurst Common, W. Sussex, 1.vii.91, on Pinus sylvestris L. Chartoscirta elegantula (Fall.), Loch Garten RSPB reserve, Easterness, 23.v.91, beside peat pool. JONES, R. A.—Some bugs from Costa Rica, Central America, collected during August and September 1991. These were mainly large and brightly coloured species of Pentatomidae, Coreidae, Lygaeidae and Homoptera. KIRBY, P. AND LAMBERT, S. J. J.—Two species collected as part of a survey of pollarded willows along the River Cam, Cambridge: Agnocoris reclairei (Wagner) and Jdiocerus herrichi Kirschbaum, 15.viii.87. The following species collected during 78 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 the Heteroptera Study Group Meeting in Perthshire, vii-viii.90. Bothynotus pilosus (Boh.), Tombuie Cottage, 1.viii.90. Chlamydatus pulicarius (Fall.), Lochan an Daim, 30.vii.90. C. wilkinsoni (Dougl. & Scott), Lochan an Daim, 30.vii.90, Croch na Keys Wood, 1.viii.90. Globiceps dispar (Boh.), Straloch Moraines, 31.vii.90. Hallodapus rufescens (Burmeister), Straloch Moraines, 31.vii.90. Lamproplax picea (Flor), Stormont Loch, 31.vii.90. Orthotylus fuscescens (Kirschbaum), Black Wood of Rannoch, 30.vii.90. Pachytomella parallela (Meyer-Dur), Lochan an Daim, 30.vii.90. Pilophorus clavatus (L.), Ballinluig Shingle Island, 28.vii.90. Polymerus unifasciatus (F.), var. lateralis Hahn, Kinnoull Hill, 28.vii.90. Salda muelleri (Gmel.), Lochan an Daim, 29.vii.90. S. furcicola (Sahl.), Loch Leven, 3.vili.90. Teratocoris caricis Kirkaldy, Dunalastair Water, 30.vii.90; Lochan an Daim, 29.vii.90. 7. viridis Doug}. & Scott, Ben Lawers, 1.viii.90; Lochan an Daim, 30.vii.90. Cicadula intermedia (Boh.), unnamed loch (NN802432), 3.viii.90. C. saturata (Edw.), Methaven Moss, 2.viii.90. Dicranotropis divergens Kirschbaum, Straloch Moraines, 31.vii.90. Diplocolenus bensoni (China), Ben Lawers, 1.viii.90. Idiodonus cruentatus (Panz.), Ballinluig Shingle Island, 28.vii.90. Macrosteles alpinus (Zett.), Ben Lawers, 1.viii.90. M. fieberi (Edw.), Croch na Keys Wood, 1.viii.90; Lochan an Daim, 29.vii.90. Psammotettix frigidus (Boh.), Ben Lawers, 1.viii.90. Sorhoanus xanthoneurus (Fieb.), Croch na Keys Wood, 1.viii.90. WALKER, D. H.—Some bugs from Saudi Arabia: Nezara viridula L., (Pentato- nidae), Lygaeus equestris L. (Lygaeidae), Laccotrephes fabricii Stal. (Nepidae), Psalmocharis flavicollis L., Melampsalta musiva Germ. (Cicadidae). HYMENOPTERA ARCHER, M. E.—A map showing the distribution of the social wasp Dolichovespula saxonica (F.) in Britain. Specimens of this wasp, which is a recent arrival in Britain, taken in Norfolk and Sussex were exhibited, together with others from Germany, France, Japan and Ussuriland, USSR, for comparison. The exhibitor reported that D. saxonica had been recorded as nesting in Britain in 1991 and that the nests seemed very prone to attacks by larvae of the pyralid moth, Aphomia sociella (L.). Also exhibited were some notable species of aculeate Hymenoptera taken in the Channel Islands of Jersey and Sark in 1989. These were the chrysid wasp Hedychrum rutilans Dahlbom, the pompilids Evagetes pectinipes (L.) and Aporus unicolor Spin., the sphecids Dinetus pictus (F.), Oxybelus argentatus Curt. and Philanthus triangulum (F.), the andrenid bee Andrena argentata Smith F., and the halictid bees Lasioglossum brevicorne (Schenck) and L. prasinum (Smith F.). GROVE, S.—Some notable or Red Data Book specimens of aculeate Hymenoptera taken in England and Wales in 1991. These were: Tiphiidae—Myrmosa atra Panz., 25.viii, Dry Sandford Pit, Berks., and 14.viii, Haw Bridge, R. Severn, Glos.; Methoca ichneumonides Lat., 26.viii, Cadnam Common, S. Hants.; Tiphia femorata F., 30.viii, The Holies, Streatley, Berks.; 7. minuta van der Linden, 29.vi, Bull Banks and Oakley Wood, 3.vii, Overley Wood, all E. Glos.; Pompilidae—Aporus unicolor Spin., 10.viii, Branscombe East Cliff, S. Devon; Arachnospila minutula (Dahlbom), 25.viii, Dry Sandford Pit, Berks.; Sphecidae—Gorytes bicinctus (Rossius), 10.viii, Branscombe East Cliff, S. Devon; Psen bicolor Jurine, 6.vii, Shellingford, Berks.; Hylaeidae— Hylaeus signatus (Panz.), 28.viii, Badbury Rings, Dorset, 28.viii, Tidpit, Martin, Hants, 6.vii, Shellingford, Berks and 25.viii, Dry Sandford Pit, Berks.; Melittidae— Melitta tricincta (Kirby), 26.viii, Idmiston, S. Wilts.; Andrenidae—Andrena carbonaria 26.iv, Croyde to Baggy, N. Devon and 17.v, Durlston Head, Dorset; A. hattorfiana (F.) and A. simillima Smith F., 10.viii, Branscombe East Cliff, S. Devon; A. varians BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 79 (Rossius) and A. /abiata (F.), Parc Lodge, Abergavenny, Mon.; A. falsifica Perkins R. C. L., 28.iv, Hembury, S. Devon; Anthophoridae—Nomada fulvicornis F. and N. fucata Panz., 27.iv, Winford Bridge, Arlington, N. Devon, the latter species also 20.v, Cadnam Common, S. Hants.; Megachilidae—Osmia bicolor (Schr.), 7.vii, Rodborough Common, W. Glos.; Megachile ligneseca (Kirby), 25.viii, Clouts Wood, Swindon, N. Wilts.; Chelostoma florisomne (L.), 20.v, Cadnam Common S. Hants.; Coelioxys inermis (Kirby), Landford Bog, S. Wilts.; Halictidae—Sphecodes crassus Thom. and S. reticulatus Thom., 20.v, Cadnam Common, S. Hants., the former species also 24.viii, Worswell, Swindon, N. Wilts., 28.viii, Badbury Rings, Dorset, 7.vii, Rodborough Common, Glos.; Lasioglossum xanthopum (Kirby), 17.v, Durlston Head, Dorset. HALSTEAD, A. J.—Some scarce or local hymenoptera, mostly Symphyta, taken in 1991. These were: Xiphydriidae—a female Xiphydria longicollis (Geoff.) (Plate II, Figure 10) taken 3.ix, on an oak sap run, RHS Garden, Wisley, Surrey. This is believed to be only the second record for this species in Britain this century. Siricidae—Uroceras gigas (L.), asmall example of a male found 29.vii in an office at RHS Garden, Wisley. Males are much less frequently encountered than females of this conifer feeding woodwasp. Argidae—Arge clavicornis F., swept 19.v in deciduous woodland at Staffhurst Wood, near Oxted, Surrey. Cimbicidae—Zaraea fasciata (L.), on snowberry (Symphoricarpus) in a garden, 21.vii, Royston, Herts.; Cimbex femoratus (L.) swept by M. Acklam from moorland, 14.vii, near Balnagrantach, E. Inv. Tenthredinidae— Protoemphytus pallipes (Spin.) swept from violets in a lightly wooded meadow, 27.iv, The Sheepleas, near W. Horsley, Surrey. Larvae of this species are an occasional pest of Viola spp. in gardens but it is infrequently seen. A/lantus ruficinctus (Retz.), swept 16.vi, at The Sheepleas, Surrey; Periclista albida (Klug), swept from oak, 9.v, Barrs Lane, Knaphill, Surrey; Tenthredo zona Klug, swept 12.v, Barrs Lane, Knaphill and at The Sheepleas, Surrey; 7. schaefferi Klug, on hogweed flower, 18.viii, Barrs Lane, Knaphill, Surrey; 7. mioceras (Enslin) and T. olivacea Klug, swept from birch in moorland, 14.vii, near Balnagrantach, E. Inv.; Pristiphora moesta (Zaddach) swept 10.v by bank of R. Wey, RHS Garden, Wisley, Surrey. Chrysididae—Omalus puncticollis (Mocsary), swept 28.vii in woodland clearing, The Sheepleas, Surrey. Vespidae—Dolichovespula media (Retz.), a worker taken from an aerial nest, 22.vii, at RHS Garden, Wisley, Surrey. OUGHTON, W.—Some aculeate hymenoptera of the families Andrenidae and Anthophoridae taken in the Swindon, Wilts., area during 1988-91. These were Andrena bucephala Steph. and A. hattorfiana (F.) taken 13.v.91 and 20.viii.88 respectively at Clouts Wood, Swindon; Nomada xanthosticta (Kirby), 31.iii.90, Centenary Copse, Swindon, and 7.v.89, Coate Water Country Park, Swindon; N. lathburiana (Kirby), 7.v.89, Coate Water Country Park, Swindon, and N. hirtipes Pérez, 12.v.90, Clouts Wood, Swindon. UFFEN, R. W. J.—Six species of fossorial bees and wasps found at a former gravel pit at Mardley Heath, Welwyn, Herts., 4-8.ix.91. These were the sphecid wasp Crossocerus pusillus Lepeletier & Brullé, the pompilid wasp Arachnospila anceps (Wesm.), the halictid bees Halictus minutissimum (Kirby) and H. morio (F.), all of which were nesting in a south-facing gravel cliff. Sphecodes gibbus (L.) was taken as it investigated the Halictus nest tunnels. Females of the pompilid wasp Priocnemis parvula Dahlbom were catching Lycosa spiders and nesting in a nearby horizontal area. WALKER, D. H.—Some aculeate Hymenoptera collected in the Central and Eastern Arabia regions of Saudi Arabia during 1980-90. These were the potter wasps (Eumenidae) Delta dimidiatipenne Saussure and D. campaniforme F.; a spider wasp (Pompilidae) Cyphononyx bretonii Guér.; a cuckoo wasp (Chrysididae) with emerald 80 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 green metallic colouring, Stilbum cyanurum; a winged soldier ant (Formicidae) Camponotus xerxes Forel; a large digger wasp (Sphecidae) with a body length of 30 mm and 50mm wing span, Stizus vespoides Walk. ODONATA CoLLins, G. A.—A demonstration of methods of colour preservation in four pinned specimens of the scarce aeshna, Aeshna mixta Lat. Specimen | had been allowed to dry naturally, resulting in almost complete loss of colour and markings. Specimen 2 had been hand painted. Specimen 3 had been immersed in acetone for 24h immediately after killing and setting. This preserved the colours and markings reasonably well but the eyes developed a pale opacity. This problem was overcome in specimen 4 by removing the head prior to treating the rest of the body as for specimen 3. Also exhibited were some uncommon species recorded in 1991. These were the white- faced dragonfly, Leucorrhinia dubia (van der Linden), 1.vi, frequent on damp moorland and sphagnum bog at Easterness, Scotland; the southern coenagrion, Coenagrion mecuriale (Charp.), 2.viii, fairly common at a site in the New Forest, S. Hants., it favours sites on heathland where water of a relatively high pH flows through more acidic areas; the scarce ischnura, Jshnura pumilio (Charp.), 2.viii, at the same site as the previous species but very scarce, only three or four specimens seen on one visit out of three. DICTYOPTERA GROVE, S.—A native cockroach Ectobius lapponicus (L.) taken 20.vi.91 at Cadnam Common, S. Hants. HALSTEAD, A. J.—An unidentified praying mantis found on orchids imported from Thailand. Plate Ill. ANNUAL EXHIBITION 1991 1 293 1: Spodoptera cilium, Coverack, Cornwall, 30.ix.90, J. Clarke. Ay 5eG 2: Pseudohadena commoda, Northern Spain, 14.v.90, B. Goater. TAS &9 3: Hecatera bicolorata, Dungeness, Kent, 6.vi.91, S. Clancy. on A ae 4: Semiothisa clathrata, Holkham, Norfolk, 12.vii.72, T. Harman. 15 5: Agrochola haematidea, 12.x.91, C. Smith. 6: Peribatodes 16 manuelaria, Lydd, Kent, 27.vii.90, S. Clancy. 7 Aplocera efformata, eh N77 Collyweston, Northants., 14.viii.91, P. Warren. 8: Scotopteryx 18 peribolata, Studland, Dorset, 12.ix.90,D. Young. 9: Orthosia gothica, 14 19 ab. circumsignata, Dungeness, iii.90, S. Clancy. 10: Abraxas grossulariata, Chesterfield, 21.vi.74, T. Harman. 11: Cyclophora punctaria, Northants., 7.v.91, G. Higgs. 12: Euproctis chrysorrhoea, Spurn Head, Yorkshire, 29.vii.91, P. Winter. 13: Arctia caja, Southwold, Suffolk, 2.viii.91, B. Skinner. 14: Arctia caja, Medmenham, Bucks., 15.vii.64, T. Harman. 15: Psammotis pulveralis, Dungeness, 3.viii.90, S. P. Clancy. 16: Ag/lossa caprealis, Colchester, Essex, 22.vii.91, B. H. Harley. 17: Udea fulvalis, Christchurch, Dorset, 1991, E. H. Wild. 18: (female) and 19 (male), Pelisia plumosa, Rio Vinalopo, Alicante, 5.x.91, B. Goater. Photo: D. E. Wilson Plate Ill. ANNUAL EXHIBITION 1991 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 81 WALKER, D. H.—Some praying mantises taken in the Central and Eastern regions of Saudi Arabia during 1980-90. These were a brown desert dwelling Mantis sp., an Empusa sp. found at oases, the fairy mantis Oxyothespis nilotica Giglio-Tos, and the common ground mantis Eremiaphila braueri Kraus, a species that resembles a stone. ORTHOPTERA CRONIN, A. R.—A live unidentified grasshopper collected in mid October at San Pablo, Philippines. WALKER, D. H.—Some grasshoppers (Acrididae) collected in the Central and Eastern regions of Saudi Arabia during 1980-90. These were the Egyptian tree locust Anacridium aegyptium L., a grass pest species Aiolopus thalassinus F., and the milkweed toadi Poekilocerus bufonius Klug. This last species has red wings which is an indication it is distasteful to birds. ARACHNIDA CRONIN A. R.—A live unidentified spider collected in a coconut plantation in mid October at San Pablo, Philippines. UFFEN, R. W. J.—A specimen of the araneid spider Lariniodes cornutus (Clerck) which was found cryptically concealed in the expanded down of an old Typha reedmace seed head that had formerly been infested by caterpillars of the momphid moth Limnoecia phragmitella Staint. The specimen was collected on 1.ix.91 at Tewinbury, Welwyn, Herts. ILLUSTRATIONS AGASSIZ, D. J. L.—Several display panels containing coloured photographs, maps and graphs to show the progress being made in mapping the distribution of the Firethorn leaf-miner moth Phyllonorycter leucographella (Zell.) since its discovery in Britain in 1989. The accompanying maps showed the geographical distribution and density of the moth and its continuing spread, as well as that of pyracantha, the foodplant of P. leucographella. CHURCH, S. H., PORTER, J., AND SKINNER, B. F.—Eight albums of colour photographs of the larvae and adults of the British Macrolepidoptera. Over the years the number of albums and species illustrated has gradually increased. This year all but 24 species were represented. ENGLISH NATURE AND THE JOINT NATURE CONSERVATION COMMITTEE ON INVERTEBRATE CONSERVATION—A large eight-panel display consisting of photographs, maps, graphs and text illustrating the threats to many sites. Ways to avert the deterioration of the habitats and of their fauna and flora were referred to. HARMER, A. AND SKINNER, B. F.—Nine colour photographs of Colias alfacariensis Berger, Berger’s clouded yellow, all taken on Portland Island in 1991, when the butterfly was found breeding there. The photographs showed the habitats and some of the pupae of the species in situ. HENDERSON, M. K.—Photographic prints of beetles and other insects, in three sections. (1) The stag beetle Lucanus cervus (L.), lesser stag beetle Dorcus parallelipipedus (L.), and ‘summer chafer’ Amphimallon solstitialis (L.), photographed in Ravensbury Park (S.W. London), Summer 1991. (2) Feeding behaviour in the larva of Cicindela campestris L. A series of photographs (taken many years ago) showing 82 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 the appearance of the second instar larva of C. campestris, and the sequence of feeding in situ in the burrow by the larva, as it can be observed from above the burrow entrance. (3) A series of colour photographs of species of Coleoptera, Orthoptera and Dictyoptera taken during a recent holiday near Fethiye, Turkey, on the Mediterranean coast, 1-14.x.91 LAMBERT, S. J. J.—Photographic slides taken at Dungeness in June 1990 including: Silene nutans L., Cytisus scoparius (L.) ssp. maritimus (Rouy), Lathyrus japonicus Wildd., Thalera fimbrialis Scop. (Sussex emerald), larva, Coleophora otitae Zell. larvae on Silene nutans, Ethmia bipunctella F., Hadena albimacula Borkh. (white spot). KIRBY, P. AND LAMBERT, S. J. J.—Photographs of Aromia moschata L. (musk beetle), Synanthedon formicaeformis Esp. (red-tipped clearwing) and S. culiciformis L. (large red-belted clearwing). The specimens emerged in 1991 from a willow log found in a ditch near the river Cam in Cambridgeshire in 1990. Also, a series of colour photographs of various habitats and the species of Heteroptera taken during the Heteroptera Study Group field meeting to Perthshire, July/August 1990. Lewis, K. C.—An exhibit consisting of an old black and white photograph taken earlier this century of C. T. Youens of Dartford, Kent. Mr Youens, born in 1852, was a painter and water colourist, with an interest in entomology. The photograph showed Mr Youens at his easel. MCLEAN, DR I. F. G.—Two photographs showing the behaviour of the larva and adult of Leucopis (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae). Larva feeding on an aphid, and an adult milking an aphid for honeydew by stroking it over the dorsal surface. Another photograph depicted a specimen of Chrysops relictus Meig. feeding from aphid honeydew on a sallow leaf. MENZIES, I. S.—Ten small panels containing numerous colour photographs of the british Donacia and Plateumaris species of beetles. The photographs were taken in various localities throughout the British Isles. PORTER, D. A.—Two photographs in colour of Cryptocephalus coryli L. The pictures shown were of 55 larvae of this species. The foodplant consisted wholly of hazel leaves, with, to date, 100% success. REVELS, R.—Two colour photographs of a larva and chrysalis of a species of butterfly, attacked by a fungal disease. The species of butterfly was not stated. SMITH, C.—Two display boards containing a number of colour photographs of several species of British spiders. Distribution maps relevant to the Spider Recording Scheme for Surrey were also exhibited. SOFTLY, R. A.—A series of 23 drawings in black and white of species of micro moths drawn by a colleague Mr Nick Evans. STuBBs, J.—An interesting and amusing exhibit consisting of a panel on which were pinned photographs, cartoons and illustrations, all of an entomological nature. They were gleaned from various sources and showed many people’s comical observations regarding the entomological fraternity. UFFEN, R. W. J.—Three panels of photographs taken as part of a display to show the activities of members of the Welwyn Natural History Society, including the following on Jnula hirta: leaf-miner Phytomyza inulae, the micro moth Apodia bifractella Dup. visiting to drink nectar and to oviposit, male leaf-cutter bee Megachile centuncularis L., honey bee, drone fly, butterflies and plant bugs all after nectar, not pollen; hunters (spider, ladybird) and honeydew or debris feeders on leaves (black ant, plant bug). WAFORD, C.—Seven colour photographs of a colony of the wasp Vespula vulgaris L. from Wood Green, North London during 1990-91. The pictures illustrated a glass BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 83 observation box of the colony which had been dramatically increased by feeding. The food supply consisted of sugar syrup and partially cooked frozen fish. WALKER, D. H.—Colour photographs taken in Saudi Arabia of habitats—sand, rock, stony desert and oasis. Also exhibited were two store boxes containing various insects that inhabit, sometimes in some numbers, the somewhat harsh landscapes of that area. WARING, P.—A series of colour photographs taken on a butterfly and moth safari to the Bangangai Game Reserve on the Sudan-Zaire border. Scenes of the countryside, various habitats and the camp site accommodation were illustrated. A number of specimens taken during the safari accompanied the display. WARING, P. (JOINT NATURE CONSERVATION COMMITTEE)—A display of photo- graphs and text of practical conservation work on Britain’s rarer moths. The fire in August 1991 which scorched 75% of the barberry at the main British colony of the Barberry Carpet, Pareulype berberata D. & S. was reported. The effects of exclusion of sheep from the site of the only British colony of the New Forest Burnet moth, Zygaena viciae D. & S., were illustrated with a photograph showing how the site has recovered since May 1991 when the area was fenced off from grazing. Work on the other rare species such as the small eggar, Eriogaster lanestris L. was also illustrated. Two other panels of photographs, maps and information on a survey of the striped lychnis moth, Cucullia lychnitis Ramb. in 1991 were exhibited. BENHS INDOOR MEETINGS 12 November 1991 The President, Mr A. J. HALSTEAD, showed the bird’s nest fungus Cyathus striatus Huds. ex Pers., found in large numbers growing on straw-based compost used as a mulch under young apple trees at RHS Garden, Wisley, Surrey. The exhibit showed the immature fruiting bodies which appear as solid cylindrical structures, as well as mature open ‘nests’, with their ‘eggs’ of spore sacs. These sacs are dispersed by falling rain drops, and the spores, entangled in sticky threads are eaten by grazing animals and germinate in the ensuing dung. Mr R. A. JONES showed a specimen of Platymischus dilatatus Westwood (Hymenoptera; Proctotrupoidea: Diapriidae), from the foreshore under Beachy Head, Eastbourne, East Sussex, 18.x.75. The specimen was a male, showing the peculiarly enlarged antennal scape and bulbous leg joints. It is parasitic on Orygma luctuosum Meigen (Diptera: Sepsidae), the larvae of which feed on wrack. The names of Clive Patrick Raffell, Geoffrey Martin, Robin Howard, Raymond Gabriel, Nicholas Folkcard and Clive Robert Betts were read for the second time and they were duly elected as members. There then followed a discussion of the 1991 Annual Exhibition. It was generally felt that, as usual, the exhibition had been a success and enjoyed by all. Mr M. J. Simmons delighted in the fact that everything had gone so smoothly, as this had been the first time he had coordinated the event. Approximately 315 members and visitors attended the meeting, about 10 per cent more than in the last few years. There were also more exhibits; 175 numbers had been given out, but this was difficult to compare with the numbers on previous occasions, as slightly different criteria had been used to decide what exactly constituted one exhibit when a mixed drawer of, for example, flies and beetles, had been presented. Even so, most agreed that there seemed more exhibits in all categories. Whereas last 84 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 year photogenic material could be found to fill only one and a half colour plates in the Society’s journal, this year a full complement for two whole plates was forthcoming. Various individual exhibits were commented upon, including the first record of a breeding colony of Berger’s clouded yellow, Colias alfacariensis Berger in Britain, the second 20th century record for the wood wasp Xiphydria longicollis and Pseudomicrodota jelineki (Krasa) a beetle new to Britain. There were two live exhibits, the lily beetle Lilioceris lilii (Scop.) and larvae of another beetle Cryptocephalus coryli (L.) There was one live fly exhibit, by accident: a single fungus gnat Sciophila rufa Meig., emerged from one of a series of cocoons being exhibited. The Annual Dinner was attended by 44 members and guests. Mr R. A. JONES showed various pictures from Costa Rica in Central America, including giant tortoise beetles, ants, termites, an amblypygid (tail-less whip scorpion), (Figure 1) spiders, crickets and a giant grasshopper over 5 inches long. Mr A. J. HALSTEAD showed slides of wasps chewing a characteristic pattern in wood, an apple leaf highly mined by Lyonetia clerkella (L.), and a pair of hibernating common lizards. Mrs F. M. MurPHY showed several pictures from a recent trip to the Pyrenees, including spiders, orchids, fritillaries, the Apollo and the black-veined white butterfly. Mr N. A. CALLOW showed slides from his recent visit to south-west Spain. These were mainly of insects and included oil beetles (Figure 2), moths, ants, a bee fly, and the scorpion Buthus occidentalis. Fig. 1. An amblypygid, tail-less whip scorpion from the Lomas Barbudal National Park, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The creature was found under bark and is thought to emerge and feed at night. Although with a body of only 20mm long, the antenniform first pair of legs reach 150 mm long. Photograph: R. A. Jones, shown at the slide evening of 12 November 1991. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 85 Fig. 2. A large granulose oil beetle from south-west Spain. Photograph: N. A. Callow, shown at the slide evening of 12 November 1991. Fig. 3. Cricket nymph from Andorra. Photograph: M. J. Simmons, shown at the slide evening of 12 November 1991. 86 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Finally Mr M. J. SIMMONS showed slides from a recent visit to Andorra and included butterflies—some drinking at the edge of a stream, cricket nymphs (Figure 3), orchids and views of some of the striking terrain. 26 November 1991 The President, Mr A J. HALSTEAD, showed maggots found in a bedroom of a bungalow at Compton, near Guildford, Surrey on November 1991. These appeared to be larvae of Volucella inanis (L.) (Diptera: Syrphidae). The larvae were said to be dropping down from the roof space where there was presumably a wasp nest. The larvae of this and some other Volucella species develop in the nests of social wasps and, when fully mature in the autumn, wander away to seek pupation sites. The names of Peter Tebbutt, Barry Fox, Tony Rouse and Patricia Walker were read for the second time and they were duly elected as members. Mr S. R. MILES (JCCBI representative) reported that at last the Society had succeeded in obtaining its own copy of the Wildlife Link Annual Report. For those who do not know of this organization, Wildlife Link is the liaison body for all the major voluntary organizations in the UK concerned with the protection of wildlife. As a lobbying organization it maintains a dialogue between its members and the Government. Our Society’s connection with it is through the subscription we contribute with the other major entomological societies to allow the Joint Committee for the Conservation of British Insects (JCCBI) to be a member. Dr J. MUGGLETON announced that from 29 November to 1 December 1991 the fourth International Exhibition of the Most Beautiful Insects in the World would take place at the Parc Floral in Paris (the flier stating ‘Paris—capital of entomology’!). This event is organized by the Groupe d’étude des Phasmes. The lecture was given by Dr M. LADLE of the Institute of Freshwater Ecology, Wareham, Dorset on ‘The rise and fall of the Blandford fly’. He introduced the presentation with an account of the history of the increasing number of people affected by bites from Simulium posticatum Meig. (formerly S. austeni Edwards) in the vicinity of the River Stour in Dorset. The female of this blackfly bites humans, particularly on the lower regions of the legs. Women may be more frequently bitten than men because they expose more of their legs when wearing skirts than men who wear trousers. Some individuals react badly to the bites, with severe inflammation, and sometimes local ulcerations and secondary infection, being characteristic consequences. Dr Ladle showed some slides depicting the effects which single or multiple bites can produce. The area where the ‘Blandford fly’ has caused problems is around the River Stour from Blandford Forum to Wimborne Minster, though because the females can fly for several kilometres away from the river where they originate, some people have been bitten further away, including near Bournemouth. The number of people affected, and the unpleasant symptoms they have experienced after being bitten, have resulted in many headline articles in the local press and even some attention in the national newspapers. When the Institute of Freshwater Ecology was asked to advise on the problem the starting point was investigations of the life history. The Blandford fly has one generation each year, unlike some other blackflies which can have several generations annually. It was eventually discovered that female S. posticatum lay their eggs in desiccation cracks on the steeper banks of the river above the summer water level. This differs from other Simulium spp. which lay their eggs on vegetation at the BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 87 interface between flowing water and the land. The larvae hatch after winter diapause, following inundation by spring flooding, and develop amongst water weeds where they subsequently pupate. After the local authority had instigated various unsuccessful attempts to reduce numbers of S. posticatum by clearing water weeds it was decided to undertake a trial application of the bacterial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BT1). Laboratory experiments showed that treatment by BTI killed S. posticatum at low concentrations. In 1989 a trial was carried out in a side stream which resulted in 85% mortality with no mortality detected among non-target organisms. The main trial in 1991 involved treatment of the River Stour at four points. Again good kills of S. posticatum resulted, with no effects found for non-target species. In response to questions Dr Ladle outlined the future of the scheme to reduce numbers of the Blandford fly, explained there is no evidence of potential problems for wildlife arising from the measures adopted, and discussed the small likelihood of resistance to the insecticide appearing in the target population. 10 December 1991 The President, Mr A. J. HALSTEAD, announced the deaths of Mr C. F. Astbury, who joined the society in 1946, and Mr G. H. Youden, who joined the society in 1945. Mr A. J. HALSTEAD showed a live specimen of the harvestman spider Nemastoma bimaculatum (F.), found under an oak log at RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey. This widespread arachnid is readily identifiable due to the distinctive yellow rectangular markings at the front of the body. Mrs F. M. Murpuy showed the latest entomological Christmas card from Mr Barry Flahey, entitled ‘The Rolling Drones’ and featuring a rock band made up of drone bees, drone-flies and other insects. Mr R. S. George signed the obligations book. Mr S. R. MILES reported on a recent presentation by English Nature, one of the bodies which had recently replaced the nature Conservancy Council, and showed various leaflets connected with the meeting. The President announced that the Society’s lawyers were close to finalizing the lease on the Society’s planned new headquarters at Dinton Pastures. The architect had drawn up final drawings and specifications which would be offered to tender with a selection of building companies. Mr R. A. JONES commented on Dicranopalpus caudatus Dresco, the harvestman exhibited on 22 October by Mr R. A. Softly. The day after that meeting, Mr Jones had found a specimen of this characteristic creature on the wall of his Nunhead garden in London SE15. Mr E. BRADFORD reported that he had also found this local harvestman at Pean Hill, Whitstable, Kent. Mr R. S. GEORGE of Bournemouth shared some ‘Miscellaneous thoughts about British fleas’. He enthused that studying fleas was a moderately quick means by which one might become a local, or even a national expert. These fascinating insects were easy to find, easy to record new county records and economical to store. In the world there are about 2500 described species of flea, and the expectation is that eventually 4000-5000 will be discovered. To date there are 66 on the British list, including subspecies and introductions. 88 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5; 1992 Mr George then reflected on the nationwide distributions of various British fleas. Despite the almost ubiquitous occurrence of hedgehogs and cats, their associated fleas showed obvious collector-bias. The best distribution map so far produced was probably that for the rabbit flea, Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale). The records for this species reflect the specific interest of the agricultural scientific community through the flea’s role as vector of myxomatosis. Many fleas showed particular geographical distributions. One vole flea Ctenoph- thalmus congener Rothschild was restricted to south-east England whereas another, Rhadinopsylla integella Jordan & Rothschild was solely Scottish. Until recently there were no voles in Ireland, but a modern release has established (accidentally or otherwise) one or two colonies. These are now host to another of the vole fleas, Amaltlaraeus penicilliger mustelae (Dale). The red squirrel flea Tarsopsylla octodecimdentata octodecimdentata (Kolenati) is really a Scandinavian species, introduced with Scandinavian red squirrels into Scotland, and replaced by other fleas in England and Wales. Mr George reported, from personal experience, that the worst bite (on a human) of any flea, must be that of Orchopeas howardi (Baker) the normal host of which is the grey squirrel. From part of a drey examined in detail, Mr George calculated that one particular nest contained more than 13 000 fleas of this species. Although the human flea still occurs, it is now very scarce, having been almost eradicated by the vacuum cleaner. This scarcity has led to the decline of that once popular entertainment—the flea circus. 14 January 1992 The President, Mr A. J. HALSTEAD, showed a branch from a dying plum tree at Walton on the Hill, near Tadworth, Surrey, showing extensive damage by bark beetles. Several species of bark beetle have been recorded from plum, but the pattern created under the bark by the larval galleries suggested that the species involved was Scolytus rugulosus (Muller, P. W. J.). This species has two generations a year and overwinters as larvae of the second generation. Much of the bark on the branch had been pecked away by birds seeking the larvae. Mr R. A. SOFTLY showed a noctuid larva, mummified by a hymenopterous parasite (Rogas sp.), and still clinging to a grass stem. The names of S. Colenutt, L. A. Cram, P. R. Cobb, D. T. Biggs and A. Ballantine were read for the second time and they were elected members of the society. Mr M. J. SIMMONS reported finding a red admiral hibernating in his greenhouse in Crowborough, East Sussex 28-31.xii.91. The butterfly was gone by 1.1.92. Dr J. MUGGLETON of what was once the MAFF Pest Infestation Control Laboratory, subsequently called the Slough Laboratory and now the Central Science Laboratory spoke on ‘The beetles associated with stored food products’. Beetles can infest stored foods in warehouses, barns, stores, shops and homes, and much of Dr Muggleton’s work has been in attempting to survey the 25 million tonnes of harvested grain stored in Britain’s farms and in Government central stores. The three commonest beetle species to be found were the silvanid Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) found in 20% of central stores, the weevil Sitophilus granarius (L.) found in 17% of stores and the cucujid Cryptolestes ferrugineus also found in 17% of stores. These three species are the country’s principal grain pests. Two further species, the silvanid Ahasverus advena (Waltl) and the mycetophagid Typhaea stercorea (L.) were also very common. There is some debate as to whether these last two actually damage the grain as they are mould feeders. When it comes to exporting grain, however, this point becomes irrelevant, as the criterion for grain shipment acceptability is the complete absence of all insects. The detection of a single beetle would render BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 89 the shipment unacceptable, regardless of whether the beetle were eating the grain or the mould, and even if it were a completely accidental occurrence by a beetle nothing to do with stored grain. Despite being widespread, these beetles are only rarely met with ‘in the field’ by the coleopterist. They seem to have no natural habitat (at least in Britain), but they must move around from barn to barn in order to have become so prevalent. Many species have been associated with man-made stores of food for so long that their original habitat in the wild is completely masked by their ubiquitous occurrence. The earliest known grain planting was 9000 BC in Syria, and the Egyptian tombs of 2500 Bc contained the tenebrionid 7ribolium castaneum (Herbst). When Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered, six species of stored product beetles were discovered in it. This has led people to suggest that many stored products species originated in the Middle East, and in fact some have been recorded there feeding on acorns. The physical structure of some species offers clues as to their natural origins. Cryptolestes is a flattened beetle, and others of the genus occur under bark. The biscuit beetle Stegobium paniceum (L.) is closely related to the anobiid woodworm beetles. Others are also related to wood-borers, for example the tobacco beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (F.), is also an anobiid and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) is a bostrichid. Several techniques are available to trap and monitor the occurrence of beetles in grain stores, and Dr Muggleton showed various pieces of apparatus ranging in complexity from plastic beer ‘mug’ pit-fall traps and bait bags full of nuts to cylindrical probe traps and the conical ‘PC’ traps which utilize the beetles’ propensity to crawl through small holes. Most stored product beetles can be easily reared in the home laboratory and Dr Muggleton suggested that it is still possible for amateur entomologists to make valuable contributions to the study of these insects. SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Trinodes hirtus (F.) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) and Tetratoma desmaresti Lat. (Tetratomidae) new to Gloucestershire.—The discovery of two nationally rare deadwood beetles in one year is a significant event for the reasonably well-recorded county of Gloucestershire. Neither Trinodes hirtus nor Tetratoma desmaresti are listed in Atty (1983), nor have they been reported subsequently. Three 7. desmaresti were tapped from the lower dead branches of a mature oak tree in the Short Wood section of the Crickley Hill Country Park (SO 934164), 6.x.1991, and one further specimen was found beneath dry loose bark on a similar dead lower bough on another oak, 10.xi.1991. Other beetles found at this locality include Scolytus intricatus (Ratz.), Stenagostus rhombeus (Ol.), Bitoma crenata (F.), Pseudotriphyllus suturalis (F.), Phymatodes testaceus (L.), Orchesia micans (Panz.), Dacne rufifrons (F.), and Tetratoma fungorum F. Short Wood consists of an area of rough pasture with scattered open-grown oaks, with a few ash, beech and hawthorn, and appears to have been formed by the opening up for grazing of an ancient semi- natural woodland. Carter (1986) reported further interesting deadwood beetles from this site in 1985, and the discoveries reported here add further weight to the importance of deadwood conservation measures in this country park. Larvae of 7. hirtus were found in plenty beneath dry loose bark on the trunks of a group of massive old oaks near Forthampton Court, Tewkesbury (SO 875324), 90 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 20.x.1991. The spider-infested cavities beneath the bark also contained larvae of Ctesias serra (F.) and Attagenus pellio (L.), as well as an adult Ptinus sp. The history of this site is unclear, but the appearance of the old oaks suggests an old deer park. My thanks to John Gorrod, Warden at Crickley Hill, for his encouragement to investigate the deadwood fauna of Short Wood.—K. N. A. Alexander, 22 Cecily Hill, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 2EF. REFERENCES Atty, D. B. 1983. Coleoptera of Gloucestershire. Published privately, Cheltenham. Carter, I. S. 1986. Exhibit. 1985 BENHS Annual Exhibition. Proc. Trans. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 19: 50. Oviposition and hatching in the mantid Tenodora sinensis.—While rearing large numbers of the mantid Tenodora sinensis for a research project, the opportunity was taken of photographing some of its activites. Figure 1 shows a female about half-way through the process of ovipos- ition and the making of the ootheca. This she does by producing the froth, which later hardens, and swirling it around with her abdomen. From time to time she stops this activity and carefully inserts her Ovipositor into the centre and is obviously then depositing a layer of eggs. In all cases observed the entire process, which lasts about an hour, took place ‘upside-down’ with the ootheca hanging from the twig to which it is attached and the mantid facing downwards. When the nymphs hatch it appears that the last to be laid hatch fractionally before the first, which are of course at the ‘bottom’ of the ootheca and as they hatch they appear to be in a tangled pile clinging to each other, the last to hatch clambering over those just emerged. This is shown in Plate IV, Figure 2. They gradually disentangle themselves and one can be seen to the left in the figure, clear of its companions and making its way upwards; others fall off onto the foliage below, or onto the ground.— Brian O. C. Gardiner, 2, Highfield Avenue, Cambridge CB4 2AL. Figure 1. The mantid Tenodora sinensis in the process of egg-laying. Courtship display of a Central American tree cricket.— While visiting Costa Rica, Central America, in September 1991, I frequently came across a large brown tree cricket (Oecanthus/Paroecanthus sp.?, family Grillidae) under the bark of trees and palings and indoors in wardrobes and cupboards. At night it was common crawling on tree trunks (Figure 1) and on one occasion I was able to watch what I assume was part of its courtship behaviour. A pair of crickets circled each other 10 cm apart (about the length of the antennae). First one, then the other would make a sidling movement. What I took to be the BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 91 ee RASS: y Se . ee Bs oi é PE: id ¥ peat ein Fig. 1. Female tree cricket crawling on tree trunk at night. male (lacking the ovipositor visible in Figure 1) had inflated a glistening bulbous structure at the apex of its abdomen (Plate IV, Figure 3). Unfortunately, in photographing this structure, my foot brushed against one of the buttress roots of the tree. The vibration was immediately sensed by both crickets which hurried out of sight up into the branches. Courtship in some North American tree crickets involves the female nibbling a secretion from a gland in the male’s back and this peculiar part of the cricket’s anatomy might be an analogous organ.—Richard A. Jones, 13 Bellwood Road, Nunhead, London SE15 3DE. The rearing of Clusiodes verticalis (Collin) (Diptera: Clusiidae).—At Sudbury Hill, Middx, in mid April 1982, a small oak branch lying on leaf litter in a copse was found to contain clusiid puparia. The branch measured 32 cm long and varied in diameter between 2.5 and 3.4 cm. It was extremely rotten but retained an intact cover of bark. The branch was placed in a seed propagator and kept indoors in a cool room. Five Clusiodes verticalis emerged between early May and 30 May, comprising two males and three females (first and last specimens were females). This is of interest since large logs and stumps tend to yield C. albimana (Meig.) or C. gentilis (Collin). Thus C. verticalis may well be a specialist on small branches of the type described. The same branch yielded two males of the mycetophilid Symmerus annulatus (Meig.) (15 and 21 May), eight of the tipulid Austrolimnophila ochracea (Meig.) (22 May-early June) and one specimen of the elaterid beetle Denticollis linearis (L.) (early June).— Alan E. Stubbs, 181 Broadway, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 4DS. BOOK REVIEW Stick insects of Britain, Europe and the Mediterranean, by Paul Brock. Fitzgerald Publishing, PO Box 804, London SE13 S5JF. ISBN 0951093983. 50pp. Price £15 [or £10 post free from publisher].—This is a comprehensive work covering all the 17 known species of Phasmatodea from Europe and North Africa, including those New Zealand species which have become naturalized in the British Isles. 92 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Many of these species are very alike and a lot of them are parthenogenetic so they are not easy to identify. All the species are illustrated including in some cases geographical variations. Maps of the known distributions are given and nearly all records are listed. The eggs are described and illustrated. It should be possible to name any given adult specimen with the aid of this book. The food plants, life history and behaviour are given for the better known species. There are line drawings or black and white photographs of the food plants. Advice on keeping and breeding stick insects in captivity is given. At this point I might mention a fact that is tacitly assumed in the book. The 1988 edition of the guide for importers issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food lists stick insects among the invertebrates which may be imported, kept, sold, exchanged or given away but MUST NOT BE RELEASED. There is advice on finding stick insects and illustrations of likely types of habitat. Several of these are printed twice in different places which seems a bit wasteful. It is not—to me—an easy book to find one’s way about in but I am not able to suggest how it could be improved. The book has a spiral binding and hard covers. The paper is good and the print clear though a little on the small side. It appears that everything which is currently known about these animals is to be found somewhere in the book. They are a rather neglected group. Anyone who has any interest in European stick insects will want to buy this work, even persons who, like me, only photograph stick insects and would like to name them. F. M. MURPHY CORRIGENDA & ADDENDA Agassiz, D. 1992. Additions to the British Microlepidoptera. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 5: 1—13. page 2 for S. roborella (Staint.) substitute S. roborella (Johansson) page 3 for 7. murariella Staint. substitute 7. murariella Staud. page 4 for Elachista eskoi Kyrki & Karnomen substitute Elachista eskoi Kyrki & Karvonen page 7 for Scythris potentillea (Zell.) substitute Scythris potentillella (Zell.) page 7 for Cydia medicaginis (Zell.) substitute Cydia medicaginis (Kuznetzov) page 8 for Sclerocoma substitute Sclerocona page 9 before Sceliodes laisalis (Walker) insert: Leucinodes orbonalis (Guen.) R. Crawshaw reared one specimen from two larvae found in an aubergine of unknown origin purchased in Halifax in March 1981. The moth emerged 26.iv.1981. See Beaumont (1983). page 10 line 5, Coleophora granulatella should be in italics. page 10 before Bland, K. P. insert: Beaumont, H. E. 1983. Exhibit at 1982 Annual Exhibition. Proc. Trans. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 16: 100. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I am grateful to John Robbins of Porlock for pointing out these errors. —David Agassiz, Glebe House, Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford CM22 6QH. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 93 ASSYMETRICAL ANTENNAE IN THE HAWTHORN SHIELDBUG ACANTHOSOMA HAEMORRHOIDALE (L.) E. G. HANCOCK Department of Natural History, Glasgow Museums and Galleries, Kelvingrove, Glasgow, Strathclyde G3 8AG. A male specimen of the hawthorn shieldbug, Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale (L.), was sent from Ardrossan, Ayrshire, to Glasgow Museums as an enquiry in early January, 1992. There is a problem with this species in Scotland because the only readily available source of information (Southwood & Leston, 1959) is considerably out of date in details of distribution. This tends to be off-putting to those who get as far as identifying the animal correctly but tend not to believe the evidence of their own eyes in the light of the apparent fact that it does not occur north of Yorkshire. Furthermore, this particular example is peculiar in that the left antenna has four joints while the right has five (Figure 1). The key to families uses the number of antennal joints as one of the couplets. It distinguishes the shieldbugs (five joints) from other families (four joints). Obviously following the wrong choice could result in an erroneous identification or plain bewilderment. The advisability of checking both halves of insects for bilateral variation in details of structure is thus reinforced. Fig. 1. Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale (L.), the hawthorn shieldbug showing assymetrical antennae. 94 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Table 1. Relative antennal joint lengths. Joint Left Right 1 22 22 (20.6) 2 23 2 (20.2) 3 19 16 (15) 4 32 24 (22.8) 5 — 23 (21.2) Total 96 106 (99.8) The figures in parentheses are the average of both antennae of three normal male specimens from other Scottish localities. The figures are the readings from a micrometer eyepiece, not exactly equivalent to a whole millimetre. The actual antennal lengths of the 16.01-mm-long bug are: left 8.16 mm, right 9.01 mm. Microscopic examination reveals the unequal antennae are not the result of immediate damage in the adult state because the joints are all perfectly formed, and with differing proportions as detailed in Table 1. These measurements show that the left antenna has undergone allometric growth (that is when organs or parts of a body develop at a different rate from the rest). This may be to compensate for the loss of the joint. Nymphs of most heteropterans have four joints. According to Miller (1956), in shieldbugs it is the second joint which divides to provide the five segments found in the adult antennae. Presumably the controlling mechanism in this individual’s development was interfered with. However, this has been partly compensated for by some regeneration in terms of length. In light of the general lack of published data on Scottish occurrences of this insect, the following are the details from other specimens preserved in Glasgow Museums which add to the records given by Hill (1973). These are Drymen, Stirlingshire, 19.viii.1984; Dumfries, 10.v.1988; Bearsden, Glasgow, 14.x.1991. I have recently learnt that one has been reported from Crieff, Perthshire on 17.i.1992 (personal communcation, Anne Abernethy, Perth Museum) another adult overwintering record to add to this Ayrshire one. REFERENCES Hill, A. R. 1973. Invertebrate short notes: hawthorn shieldbug. Glasgow Naturalist 19: 59. Miller, N. C. E. 1956. The biology of the Heteroptera. London: Leonard Hill, pp. 162. Southwood, T. R. E. & Leston, D. 1959. Land and water bugs of the British Isles. London: Warne, pp. 436. BOOK NOTICE Guia de mariposes diurnas de la Peninsula Iberica, Baleares, Canaries, Azores y Madeira, by F. Fernandez-Rubio, Madrid, Ediciones Pyraminde, 1991, 2 vols, 148 and 406 pp, paperback, ISBNs: 84-368-0601-8 and 84-368-0602-6.— Written entirely in Spanish, these books are lavishly illustrated with colour photographs of live and set specimens, genitalia preparations and distribution maps. The two volumes are not numbered, but the first contains Papilionidae, Pieridae, Danaidae, Satyridae and Hesperidae; the second contains Libytheidae, Nymphalidae, Riodinidae and Lycaenidae. Any lepidopterist, or in fact an entomologist, visiting these popular holiday destinations would be well armed with these two attractive books. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 95 A PSYLLID PEST OF ACACIA NEW TO BRITAIN A. J. HALSTEAD The Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden, Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB. In September 1990 a recently acquired single plant of Acacia rivalis Black, J. in a glasshouse at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden at Wisley, Surrey, was found to be infested with eggs, nymphs and adults of a psyllid. Samples were sent to the Natural History Museum, London, and were identified as Acizzia uncatoides (Ferris & Klyver) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). This originates from New Zealand and Australia but has spread to the USA (especially California), the Hawaiian Islands, France, Spain, Italy and Israel. In California it has been recorded on a wide range of wattles and mimosas, Acacia spp. and silk trees, A/bizia spp. (Munro, 1965), some of which are grown in Britain. The plant at Wisley had come from a nursery at Loddon, Norfolk, where it had been raised from seed. The grower suspected that the psyllid may have been introduced with some plants of Acacia retinoides and Albizia julibrissin he had imported from the south of France. Infested plants at the nursery were destroyed and the plant at Wisley was treated with insecticide to eradicate the pest. There is a potential for further importations as acacias and albizias are becoming popular as conservatory plants. The acacia sucker is a sap-feeding insect that forms dense colonies on the leaves and stems at the shoot tips. All stages in the life cycle can be found together. The elongate eggs are about 0.25 mm long and are whitish-yellow with one end more pointed than the other. As with all psyllids, the nymphal stages are distinctly dorso- ventrally flattened and have obvious wing pads. Young nymphs are creamy yellow with pink eyes. The older nymphs are extensively marked with black, especially on the wing pads, the tip of the abdomen and around the eyes (Plate IV, Figure 1). The ground colour of the head and thorax is greenish-yellow with the front part of the abdomen being yellowish-orange. The dorsal surface of the pale part of the abdomen has four pairs of horizontal bars which do not meet in the middle. The third pair of bars from the front is much narrower than the others; the fourth pair is the broadest. The dorsal surface of the thorax is marked by black spots and two pairs of vertical black bars. The body hairs are black and the antennae are yellowish green at the base and black at the tips. The adult insect is 2-3 mm long with an orange-brown head and thorax. The abdomen is greenish-orange with a greyish-black band right across the tergites at the hind edge of the segments. The wings are hyaline and are held like a pitched roof over the insect’s body. The legs have black tarsi but are otherwise coloured like the thorax. Both the adults and nymphs excrete a sugary liquid called honeydew which becomes coated with waxy secretions and forms sausage-shaped droplets of liquid on the plant. Black sooty moulds may develop in the honeydew and disfigure the foliage. In Italy six to eight generations of the psyllid have been recorded on Acacia longifolia and A. dealbata during the growing season (Arzone and Vidano, 1985). Halperin (1986) recorded this pest in Israel on Acacia ligulata and noted that it produced several generations between spring and autumn and overwintered as adult insects. Some success in controlling the acacia sucker has been achieved in the Hawaiian Islands by introducing an Australian ladybird, Harmonia conformis (Boisd.) (Leeper & Beardsley, 1974). Research in California suggests that Acizzia uncatoides may not be able to tolerate high temperatures. Madubunyi & Koehler (1974) kept the insect at various constant temperatures between 15-45 °C. The optimal temperature range for development and reproduction was in the range 20-25 °C. At 30 °C, although 96 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 76.9% of the eggs hatched, none of the nymphs completed its development. In Britain Acacia and Albizia spp. are not fully hardy and they are generally grown as conservatory plants or in warm sheltered places, such as against a south-facing wall. Plants growing in protected situations could easily be exposed to temperatures in excess of 30°C on sunny days and this may affect the sucker’s survival. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My thanks are due to David Hollis of the Natural History Museum for identifying the psyllid and to the owner of the nursery for providing information about the infestation on his premises. REFERENCES Arzone, A. & Vidano, C. 1985. II fitomizo Psylla uncatoides su mimosa in Liguria. Informatore Fitopatologico 35: 31-34. Halperin, J. 1986. An introduced psyllid injurious to acacia trees. Phytoparasitica 14: 235. Leeper, J. R. & Beardsley, J. W. Jr. 1974. The biological control of Psylla uncatoides on Hawaii. Proc. Hawaiian Ent. Soc. 22: 307-321. Madubunyi, L. C. & Koehler, C. S. 1974. Development, survival and capacity for increase of the albizia psyllid at various constant temperatures. Environmental Entomology 3: 1013-1016. Munro, J. A. 1965. Occurrence of Psylla uncatoides on acacia and albizia, with notes on control. J. Econ. Ent. 58: 1171-1172. BOOK NOTICE The Hemiptera. By W. R. Dolling, Oxford University Press/Natural History Museum Publications, 1991, 274 pages, £40, hardback.—After a general introduction to their ecology, behaviour and structure, the Heteroptera, Auchenorrhyncha and Sternorhyncha are discussed family by family. The book is liberally dotted with delicate line figures by J. H. Martin and there are 8 colour plates. Keys enable determination of both adults and nymphs to family level. For more specific identification, the reader is referred to the books and articles listed in 17 pages of references. 1700 species of Hemiptera are recorded from Britain, their mainly herbivorous lifestyles making them a group of major importance, but still they are relegated to the less enthusiastically greeted end of the ‘other orders’. Anyone reading this excellently produced book will find their interest and enthusiasm justifiably stimulated. Plate IV. 1. A psyllid pest of acacia new to Britain. A. J. Halstead. 1992. Br J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 5: 95-96. Nymph of Acizzia uncatoides. 2. Oviposition and hatching in the mantid Tenodora sinensis. B. O. C. Gardiner. 1992. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 5: 90. Nymphs hatching from the ootheca. Photo B. O. C. Gardiner. 3. Courtship display of a Central American tree cricket. R. A. Jones. 1992. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 5: 90-91. Tip of male abdomen showing the glistening inflated scent (?) organ. Photo R. A. Jones. Olympus OM1 with 50 mm f3.5 macro lens, 108 mm extension tubes and 10 dioptre supplementary lens. Taken at f22 using twin flashes, Kodachrome 64, La Pacifica, Costa Rica, 2.ix.1991. Plate IV : WEE NEN Cae | ge aiainsaiiennmanemneniall \ AN 71 ’ j / Sues amen, \ i) eae : | iS Pay rs + awe! “dee od ADE wp Mie ee hate eliseg apt te) wr aed, 7 , Lorp @nertly eyyarte =! imal on Oe 4; s ane a= Tony Cae ©: yen) Tomy 1 " ve Lame - a 9 |S 2 rie eo INSTRUCTIONS TO AUTHORS Contributions must be typed double-spaced on one side only on A4 paper with 3-cm margins either side to facilitate marking up. Layout should follow that of the Journal, but apart from underlining scientific names, no marks should be made to define typeface. It is helpful, but not essential to send two copies of typescripts and figures. Line figures and half-tones are accepted. Writing on figures should be neatly added, or listed separately for typesetting, its placing indicated on a duplicate figure. Seek advice before drawing. Reduction may otherwise necessitate redrawing. Colour illustrations may be available, please write to the Editor. Authors of main articles qualify for 25 free offprints taken directly from the Journal. These may contain extraneous matter such as short communications or book reviews used as ‘fillers’. Extra copies must be ordered when proofs are returned; these will be charged to the author at the printers’ cost price. MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY are held regularly and the well-known ANNUAL EXHIBITION and ANNUAL DINNER are planned for Saturday 31 October 1992 at Imperial College, London SW7. Frequent Field Meetings are held at weekends in the summer. Visitors are welcome at all meetings. The current Programme Card can be had on application to the Secretary, R. F. McCormick, at 125 Brocks Drive, North Cheam, Sutton, Surrey SM3 9UP. SUBSCRIPTION RATES London members £15. Ordinary members £10. Junior members (under 21) £4. Corporate members £15. Life membership £500. Membership joining fee (payable by all new members) £1. Send to: Assistant Treasurer, May-y-mar, Minster Drive, Minster-in-Sheppey, Kent ME12 2NG. continued from back cover SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 34 Icterica westermanni (Meig.), (Diptera: Tephritidae) new to Gloucestershire, and other records. R. GABRIEL AND K. N. A. ALEXANDER 89 ~—s- Trinodes hirtus (F.) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) and Tetratoma desmarestii Lat. (Tetratomidae) new to Gloucestershire. K. N. A. ALEXANDER 90 Oviposition and hatching in the mantid Tenodora sinensis. B. O. C. GARDINER 90 Courtship display of a Central American tree cricket. R. A. JONES 91 The rearing of Clusiodes verticalis (Collin) (Diptera: Clusiidae). A. E. STUBBS 92 Corrigenda & addenda BOOK REVIEWS AND NOTICES 36 ~—C Bees off the world 91 Stick insects of Britain, Europe and the Mediterranean 94 Guia de mariposes diurnas de la Peninsula Iberica, Baleares, Canaries, Azores y Madeira 96 The Hemiptera LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 47 _Holotypes in private collections. M. C. D. SPEIGHT 48 Reply from Mr P. J. Chandler 48 Reply from the Editor BRITISH JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY 33 35 93 95 ei) 39 40 41 49 50 =p 59 64 67 gh 77 78 80 80 81 81 81 83 VOLUME 5, PART 2, AUGUST 1992 ARTICLES Are adult Lonchaeidae (Diptera) specialized kleptoparasites of spiders’ prey? J. J. DOBSON Behaviour of larval and adult Leucopis (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae). I. F. G.. McLEAN Assymetrical antennae in the hawthorn shieldbug Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale (L.). E. G. HANCOCK A psyllid pest of acacia new to Britain. A. J. HALSTEAD PROCEEDINGS AND TRANSACTIONS The 1991 Presidential Address—Part 1. Report. A. J. HALSTEAD Obituary of Mr R. E. Stockley BENHS Field Meeting The 1991 Presidential Address—Part 2. Some horticultural pests new to Britain in recent years. A. J. HALSTEAD 1991 Annual Exhibition, Imperial College, London SW7—26 October 1991 British Butterflies British Macrolepidoptera British Microlepidoptera Foreign Lepidoptera Diptera Coleoptera Hemiptera Hymenoptera Odonata Dictyoptera Orthoptera Arachnida Illustrations BENHS Indoor Meetings, 12 November 1991 to 14 January 1992 continued inside back cover 22 oo is AUGUST 1992 ISSN 0952-7583 Vol. 5, Part 3 British Journal of ENTOMOLOGY and Natural History Published by the British Entomological and Natural History Society and incorporating its Proceedings and Transactions Price: £3.00 1872-4 1875-6 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886-7 1888-9 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906-7 1908-9 1910-1 1912-3 1914-5 1916-7 1918-9 1920-1 1922 1923-4 1925-6 1927-8 1929 1930 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 Past Presidents J. R. WELLMAN (dec.) A. B. Farn, F.E.S. (dec.) J. P. Barrett, F.E.S. (dec.) J. T. Wittiams (dec) R. STANDEN F.E.S. (dec.) A. Fick.in (dec.) V. R. Perkins, F.E.S. (dec.) T. R. Bittups, F.e.s. (dec.) J. R. WELLMAN (dec.) W. West, L.p.s. (dec.) R. Soutn, F.E.s. (dec.) R. Apkin, F.E.S. (dec.) T. R. Bituups, F.£.s. (dec.) J. T. CarriNncTON, F.L.s. (dec.) W. H. Tucwe t, pu.c. (dec.) C. G. Barrett, F.E.S. (dec.) J. J. Weir, F.L.s., etc. (dec.) E. Step, F.L.s. (dec.) T. W. HALt, F-.E:s. (dec.) R. Soutu, F.£.s. (dec.) R. Apkin, F.E.S. (dec.) J. W. Tutt, F-E.s. (dec.) A. Harrison, F.L.S. (dec.) W. J. Lucas, B.A., F.E.S. (dec.) H. S. FREMLIN, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., F.E.S. (dec.) F. Noap Crark (dec.) E. Step, F.L.s. (dec.) A. Sicu, F.E.s. (dec.) H. Main, B.SC., F.E.S. (dec.) R. Apkin, F.E.s. (dec.) A. Sicu, F.E.s. (dec.) W. J. Kaye, Fes. (dec.) A. E. Tonce, F-E.s. (dec.) B. H. Smith, B.A., F.E.S. (dec.) Hy. J. Turner, F.E.s. (dec.) STANLEY Epwarbs, F.L.S., ETC. (dec.) K. G. Bair, B.sc., F.E.s. (dec.) E. J. Bunnett, M.A. (dec.) N. D. RILey, F.Z.S., F.E.S. (dec.) T. H. L. Grosvenor, F.E.s. (dec.) E. 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Air-Marshal Sir Ropert SAuNpBy, K.B.E., C.B., M.C., D.F.C., A.F.C., F.R.E.S. (dec.) T. G. Howarth, M.B.E., F.R.E.S., F.Z.S. E. W. CLaAssEY, F.R.E.S. F. STANLEY-SMITH, F.R.E.S. (dec.) Stancey N. A. JAcoss, S.B.ST.J., F-R.E.S. (dec.) F. D. Buck, A.M.LPTG.M., F.R.E.S. (dec.) Lt-Col. W. B. L. MAn_ey, F.R.E.S. (dec.) B. P. Moore, B.SC., D.PHIL., F.R.E.S. N. E. Hickin, PH.D., B.SC., F.R.E.S F. T. VALLINS, A.C.L.I., F.R.E.S (dec.) R. M. Meng, F.R.E.S. (dec.) A. M. MasseE, 0.B.E., D.SC., F-R.E.S. (dec.) E. GarbneR, F.R.E.S. (dec.) L. MESSENGER, B.A., F.R.E.S. (dec.) G. ROcHE, F.C.A., F.R.E.S. W. J. UFFEN, F.R-E.S. A. C. GREENWOOD, 0O.B.E., F.R.E.S F. BRETHERTON, C.B., M.A., F.R.E.S. (dec.) B. GoaTER, B.SC., F.R.E.S Capt. J. ELLERTON, D.S.C., R.N. (dec.) B. J. MACNULTY, B.SC., PH.D., F.R.LCS., F.R.ES. Col. A. M. Emmet, M.B.E., T.D., M.A. Prof. H. E. Hinton, PH.D., B.SC., F.RS., F.R.E.S. (dec.) J. M. CHatmers-Hunt, F.R.E.S. C. MACKECHNIE JARVIS, F.L.S., F.R.E.S. M. G. Morris, M.A., PH.D., F.R.E.S. W. G. TREMEWAN, M.LBIOL. R. Tusps, 0.B.E., F.R.I.B.A., F.R-E.S. G. Prior, F.LS., F.R.E.S Rev. D. J. L. Acassiz, M.a. R. FAIRCLOUGH, F.R.E.S. A. E. Stupps, B.SC., F.R.E.S. J. Heatu, F.R.E.S. (dec.) B. R. BAKER, B.SC., A.M.A., F.R-E.S. P. A. SOKOLOFF, M.SC., M.I.BIOL., F.R.E.S P. J. BAKER, C.ENG., F.R.H.S. J. M. CHacmers-Hunt, F.R-E.S. Prof. J. A. OWEN, M.D., PH.D., F.R.E.S. I. F. G. MCLEAN, PH.D., F.R-E.S. Mrs F. M. Murpny, B.SC. C. W. PLANT, B.SC., F.R.E.S. A. J. HALsTEAD, M.SC. A. a (SF R. J. R. British Journal of Entomology and Natural History is published by the British Entomological and Natural History Society at the editor’s address: BENHS, c/o The Editor, Richard A. Jones, 13 Bellwood Road, Nunhead, London SE15 3DE, UK. The Journal is distributed free to BENHS members. ©1992 British Entomological and Natural History Society. Typeset by Dobbie Typesetting Limited, Tavistock, Devon Printed in England by Henry Ling Ltd, Dorchester BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 97 MOTHS OF REDLAKE COTTAGE MEADOWS, CORNWALL 1986-1991 ADRIAN SPALDING Tregarne, Cusgarne, Truro, Kernow, Cornwall. INTRODUCTION Redlake Cottage Meadows cover 12.5 hectares of mixed habitat near Lostwithiel in south-east Cornwall. It has been designated as a nature reserve by The Cornwall Trust for Nature Conservation because of the rare plants that occur there. The site presents an interesting mix of plants and trees. I conducted a moth survey as part of my work as voluntary warden of the reserve. There are three main habitats in Redlake Reserve: wet meadow, wet heath and (wet) woodland (Figure 1). The main (northern) part of the site is wet heathland, dominated by Molinia caerulea (L.) with some Calluna vulgaris (L.), Erica tetralix L. and Myrica gale L. This area is being invaded by Salix cinerea L. and Betula pubescens Ehrh. There is a small reed-bed dominated by Phragmites australis (Cav.) in the north-western corner of the reserve. Across the middle (east-west) of the Sz WET WOODLAND KEY WET HEATHLAND \\ WET GRASSLAND Fig. 1. Map of Redlake Cottage Meadows, with the numbered Heath trap sites 1-10. 98 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 reserve there is a band of woodland which continues along the western flank by the edge of the stream. Much of this woodland is Salix carr, but there are small amounts of Alnus carr and Betula pubescens scrub. Quercus petraea (Mattuschka), Fraxinus excelsior L. and Crataegus monogyna Jacq. are present. The southern most section of the reserve is neglected wet grassland, dominated by Molinia caerulea and Juncus acutiflorus Ehr., with drier areas covered by Holcus lanatus L. and Dactylis glomerata L. Invasive willow and birch is kept down by grazing and cutting. To the east, this wet meadow rises onto a dry grassy bank with Ulex europaeus L. and Rubus spp. AIMS The aim of the survey was to record the moths of the reserve, to relate them as far as possible to each habitat type and to provide management recommendations for moth conservation. Most of the recording was done in 1991, using Heath traps placed in nine different sites (Figure 1). Twenty-four visits were made between 24 February and 1 October 1991. On several occasions two Heath traps were put out, making a total of 38 recording nights. The moths in each Heath trap were counted. A few records made during previous visits in 1986, 1988 and 1989 are included in this report. Some diurnal species were also recorded. RESULTS 166 species were recorded in 1991. The most productive sites for moths per night were sites 7, 8, and 9, but the most productive in total were sites 4, 5, and 6, all on wet heathland (Table 1). The addition of previous records for 1986, 1988 and 1989 brings the total to 213 (Appendix 1). Site 10 was only sampled during 1989. The commonest moth was probably Glyphipterix thrasonella, a day-flying moth that was present in huge numbers in the wet grassland areas. The commonest moth at the light traps was Agrotis exclamationis, with 556 caught over 15 nights. Of these 259 were caught in one night on wet grassland (site 8) and 113 were caught at the edge of the reserve near sheep pasture (site 9). The next commonest species were Diarsia mendica (86), Lycophotia porphyrea (79), and Orthosia gothica (60). Most of these common moths were generally distributed throughout the reserve, except Lycophotia porphyrea of which all but one were found at the wet heathland sites 4 and 6. I also saw several male Hepialus humuli ‘leking’ at dusk on the dry grassy slope near site 9 before settling on grass flower heads to mate with the larger females. Four nationally notable species (taken from Ball, 1986) were found in 1991 and one in 1988 (Table 2). Only singles were found of each species except Lacanobia Table 1. Moth numbers for each site in 1991. Site Type No. of species No. of nights Average per night 1 Wet grassland 33 6 555 2 Willow/alder carr 5 1 5.0 3 Wet grassland 33 4 8.3 4 Wet heath 68 8 8.5 5 Wet heath 67 6 11.2 6 Wet heath 73 8 9.1 q) Birch scrub 15 1 15.0 8 Wet grassland 48 3 16.0 9 Dry grassland 24 1 24.0 10 Birch/oak scrub 7 3 2 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 99 Table 2. Nationally notable species at Redlake Reserve in 1991. Name Status Probable foodplants Site Nos Callimorpha dominula Nb Urtica, Rubus spp. near 7 1 Lacanobia contigua Nb Polyphagous 4, 6 3 Lithophane hepatica Nb Polyphagous 3 1 Paradarisa extersaria Nb Betula, Quercus 3} 1 Schrankia taenialis Nb Unknown 5 1 Nb=species recorded in between 31 and 100 10-km squares in Britain. contigua. Callimorpha dominula was seen flying by day over the wet grassland area. Two migrant species (Spodoptera exigua and Autographa gamma) were recorded. The probable foodplants of each species (Table 3) have been calculated from a number of sources, including Emmet & Heath (1991), Gregory (1989) and Skinner (1984), as well as from my own personal experience. I have also examined the list of plants recorded on the reserve. For example, a large number of species which generally feed on willow and poplars choose willow in Cornwall since poplars are uncommon here. The larvae of some species were observed feeding on plants, e.g. Pavonia pavonia feeding on Calluna vulgaris, large numbers of Coleophora alticolella cases on Juncus species and several Philudoria potatoria feeding on Molinia caerulea. Thera obeliscata was the only conifer-feeding species found. DISCUSSION Habitat differences There was a noticeable difference between the catches of the wet heathland sites and the other areas. Only common species were present at sites 1, 2, 7 and 9, where most of the species were polyphagous. 174 moths were caught at site 9, of which 113 (65%) were Agrotis exclamationis. Site 3 was at the edge of Quercus/Betula scrub and wet grassland and 58% (19) of the species were polyphagous. The diurnal Phytometra viridaria was recorded here on the wet pasture, where its larvae feed on Polygala serpyllifolia. Mesapamea didyma was found here in 1988 (confirmed by dissection). Of the 48 species at site 8 29 (60%) were polyphagous feeders, and all the species are generally common. Sites 4 and 6 were on the edge of wet heathland next to dry woodland with Quercus, Salix and Betula pubescens. There were several species common to both sites, e.g. moths of damp habitats such as Photedes pygmina, Schrankia costaestrigalis and Xestia baja, which is an uncommon heathland species in south-east Cornwall and Table 3. Probable foodplants of species at Redlake Reserve. Foodplant No./species Foodplant No./species Conifers 1 Lichen spp. 4 Galeopsis tetrahit L. 1 Betula/ Alnus 5 Lotus uliginosus Schkuhr 1 Betula s) Polygala serpyllifolia Hose 1 Galium spp. 6 Potamogeton polygonifolius Pourret 1 Quercus 6 Phragmites australis (Cav.) 1 Salix 15 Vaccinium myrtillus L. 1 Gramineae 24 Calluna/Erica 2 Sundry plants 31 Juncus spp. 3 Polyphagous 103 Lonicera periclymenum L. 3 Total 23 100 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 probably feeds here on the abundant Myrica gale. Most of the heather-feeding Lycophotia porphyrea were found here. Site 6 was the only site for Mythimna straminea (which feeds in the reed-bed at the edge of this area) and Eulithis populata (which feeds on Vaccinium myrtillus in open areas). Mythimna pudorina was common at both sites, where it probably feeds on Molinia caerulea. Site 5 was on the edge of wet heathland dominated by Molinia caerulea and invaded by Betula pubescens and Salix cinerea. Most moth species were polyphagous, but there were 10 Salix-feeding species including the lovely Xanthia togata. The heathland species Cybosia mesomella was common to sites 5 and 6. Common to all three heathland sites were Philudoria potatoria and Protodeltote pygarga, both of which feed on Molinia caerulea. The following species are generally wetland species, as indicated by their foodplants: Bactra lancealana (Juncus spp.), Ebulea crocealis (Pulicaria dysenterica (L.)), Mythimna straminea (Phragmites australis) and Zygaena trifolii decreta (Lotus uliginosus). None of these species is rare in Cornwall. Rare species I have calculated that there are 69 notable species which occur regularly in Cornwall, of which 52 occur regularly or occasionally in south-east Cornwall. Only 7% of the notable species found in Cornwall have been recorded from this reserve. Lithophane hepatica is widespread in Cornwall, although never abundant. Callimorpha dominula is common in wet places in Cornwall. Both Paradarisa extersaria and Schrankia taenialis are uncommon in Cornwall but regularly found in suitable places (Smith, 1984). Only Lacanobia contigua is rare, recorded from only three sites in Cornwall. Although polyphagous, this species appears to have specific habitat requirements and has been found in Cornwall only on heathland sites. The Redlake records are the first for south-east Cornwall. The following species are uncommon in south-east Cornwall although not nationally rare: Epiblema scutulana, Orthonama vittata, Eupithecia tripunctaria, Pterapherapteryx sexalata, Drymonia dodonaea and Xestia baja. Epirrita autumnata and Conistra ligula appear to be uncommon in south-east Cornwall, but identifications are so often unconfirmed. Management The low numbers of rare species may be partly explained by the history of the site. In the past, when it was still privately owned, much of the reserve was divided into small meadows surrounded by hedges. These meadows were neglected and became scrubbed over. Some of the plant communities were saved just in time by the Cornwall Trust for Nature Conservation, which began a clearance programme. The encroaching Salix and Betula scrub has been cut back. This conservation programme has, as a by-product, aided moths such as Perizoma alchemillata (which feeds on Galeopsis tetrahit), Eupithecia tripunctaria (which feeds on Sambucus nigra L. and Angelica sylvestris L.) and Callimorpha dominula (which feeds on Urtica dioica L. and Rubus spp.). It is however necessary to be cautious about larval foodplants on the reserve unless larvae are actually seen feeding (Dobson, 1989). It is important to keep these wet grasslands clear of scrub so that these and other wetland species remain in the reserve. A large area of Salix and Betula scrub remains. Part of the conservation programme included the digging of a dragonfly pond, which provided as a by-product habitat for Elophila nymphaeata (found site 5) feeding on Potamogeton polygonifolius. Heathland is rare in south-east Cornwall, although common elsewhere. The small areas of wet heathland in the reserve are probably remnants of larger heathland tracts BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 101 that have long since gone under the plough. These areas are the most important for moths. The wet heathland is under threat first by domination by Molinia caerulea and then by scrubbing-over with trees and Ulex europaeus. Grazing by cattle and clearance by hand are necessary to keep plant diversity high so that a wide variety of larval foodplants are retained. In this way, heathland species such as Lycophotia porphyrea, Lacanobia contigua and Cybosia mesomella will continue to live here. REFERENCES Ball, S. G. 1986. Invertebrate Site Register. NCC Report no. 66. NCC, Peterborough. Dobson, A. H. 1989. Lepidoptera foodplant recording for nature conservation. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 2: 131-138. Emmet, A. M. & Heath, J. 1991. The moths and butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland. Harley Books, Colchester. Gregory, J. L. 1989. Moths and butterflies in Cornwall. Cornwall. Skinner, B. 1984. Colour identification guide to Moths of the British Isles. Viking, Harmondsworth. Smith, F. H. N. 1984. A list of butterflies and moths recorded in Cornwall 1950-1983. Cornwall Trust for Nature Conservation. APPENDIX 1 Moth list for Redlake 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991. Name Sites Numbers Hepialus humuli L. near Nematopogon metaxella Hibn. Zygaena trifolii decreta Ver. Glyphipterix thrasonella Scop. Argyresthia brockeella Hiibn. Argyresthia pygmaeella D. & S. Argyresthia conjugella Zell. Pseudoswammerdamia combinella Hibn Ypsolopha parenthesella L. Coleophora alticolella Zell. near Diurnea fagella D. &. S. Agapeta hamana L. Agapeta zoegana L. Aethes cnicana Westw. Eupoecilia angustana Hibn. 6 many 3 3 3 5 6 3 6 4 3 1 8 6 3 3 Pandemis cerasana Hiibn. 3,4 6 9 1 3 5 4 3 3 5 8 9 5 3 4 1 1 many many Pandemis heparana D. & S. Archips podana Scop. Cnephasia stephensiana Doubl. Acleris laterana F. Acleris emargana F. Olethreutes lacunana D. & S. Hedya pruniana Hibn. Apotomis turbidana Hiibn. Bactra lancealana Hiibn. Epinotia immundana F. R. Epiblema uddmanniana L. Epiblema scutulana D. & S. Eucosma cana Haw. Chrysoteuchia culmella L. 1 1 1 1 1 n | 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 5,8 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2} 1 ] 2 Agriphila tristella D. & S. 2 102 Appendix 1 (cont.) Name Scoparia subfusca Haw. Scoparia ambigualis Treits. Eudonia mercurella L. Elophila nymphaeata L. Eurrhypara hortulata L. Ebulea crocealis Hiibn. Udea olivalis D. & S. Pleuroptya ruralis Scop. Malacosoma neustria L. Macrothylacia rubi L. Philudoria potatoria L. Pavonia pavonia L. Falcaria lacertinaria L. Drepana falcataria L. Thyatira batis L. Habrosyne pyritoides Hufn. Ochropacha duplaris L. Hemithea aestivaria Hiibn. Timandra griseata Peters. Scopula floslactata Haw. Idaea biselata Hufn. Idaea dimidiata Hufn. Idaea aversata L. Orthonama vittata Borkh. Xanthorhoe designata Hufn. Xanthorhoe spadicearia D. & S. Xanthorhoe montanata D. & S. Xanthorhoe fluctuata L. Scotopteryx mucronata Scop. Epirrhoe alternata Mull. Anticlea badiata D. & S. Lampropteryx suffumata D. & S. Cosmorhoe ocellata L. Eulithis testata L. Eulithis populata L. Eulithis pyraliata D. & S. Ecliptopera silaceata D. & S. Chloroclysta truncata Hufn. Thera obeliscata Hiibn. Colostygia pectinataria Knoch Hydriomena furcata Thunb. Epirrita dilutata D. & S. Epirrita autumnata Borkh. Perizoma alchemillata L. Eupithecia pulchellata Steph. Eupithecia tripunctaria H.-S. Eupithecia subfuscata Haw. Eupithecia abbreviata Steph. Chloroclystis v-ata Haw. Gymnoscelis rufifasciata Haw. Euchoeca nebulata Scop. Trichopteryx carpinata Borkh. Pterapherapteryx sexalata Retz. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Sites Numbers 1 16 3 2 5,9 5 5 1 8 1 3 many 3 W 5 1 5,6 2 6,7 2; 4,5,6,8 7 5 1 4,5,7,8 6 5 1 3 1 4 1 3 1 6 1 3,8 2 3,4,5,6 4 eS 4 1,6 6 5,6,8,9 23 3 1 8 1 8 2 4 1 7 1 3 1 5,6 3 4,6 2 6,8 2 4,5,8 3 4,5 6 6 1 4,9 2, W557 6 4,5,6,8 10 2 3,4,5,6,7,8 18 1,4,5,6,9 32, 10 1 10 1 3 4 3 1 3 1 3,6,8 5 1,4,7 3 1,8 3 4,6 5 3 2 1,3,10 7 3 1 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Appendix 1 (cont.) Name Abraxas grossulariata L. Lomaspilis marginata L. Ligdia adustata D. & S. Semiothisa alternaria Hibn. Petrophora chlorosata Scop. Plagodis pulveraria L. Plagodis dolabraria L. Opisthograptis luteolata L. Epione repandaria Hufn. Apeira syringaria L. Ennomos quercinaria Hufn. Ennomos alniaria L. Ennomos fuscantaria Haw. Selenia dentaria F. Selenia tetralunaria Hufn. Crocallis elinguaria L. Colotois pennaria L. Lycia hirtaria Cl. Biston strataria Hufn. Biston betularia L. Agriopis marginaria F. Erannis defoliaria Cl. Peribatodes rhomboidaria D. & S. Alcis repandata L. Cleorodes lichenaria Hufn. Ectropis bistortata Goeze Ectropis crepuscularia D. & S. Paradarisa extersaria Hibn. Cabera pusaria L. Cabera exanthemata Scop. Lomographa bimaculata F. Lomographa temerata D. & S. Campaea margaritata L. Sphinx ligustri L. Smerinthus ocellata L. Laothoe populi L. Deilephila elpenor L. Phalera bucephala L. Cerura vinula L. Stauropus fagi L. Eligmodonta ziczac L. Peridea anceps Goeze Pheosia gnoma F. Pheosia tremula Cl. Ptilodon capucina L. Pterostoma palpina Cl. Drymonia dodonaea D. & S. Drymonia ruficornis Hufn. Dasychira pudibunda L. Lymantria monacha L. Cybosia mesomella L. Eilema deplana Esp. Eilema lurideola Zinck. ‘oo NI on ~ vo WRUNWWOWW hE NWRN RH WWWD fo») = oO ron 103 Numbers — ORK NUKE OAK K eK PRK NWO ADA — — —e DOR RE KBB OR ANABANK BRN ODP REP NNAIWHKE NHK NUON WOO TOK >] —_ 104 Appendix 1 (cont.) Name Spilosoma lubricipeda L. Spilosoma luteum Hufn. Diaphora mendica Cl. Callimorpha dominula L. Agrotis exclamationis L. Axylia putris L. Agrotis puta Hiibn. Ochropleura plecta L. Noctua pronuba L. Noctua comes Hiibn. Noctua janthina D. & S. Paradiarsia glareosa Esp. Lycophotia porphyrea D. & S. Diarsia mendica F. Diarsia brunnea D. & S. Diarsia rubi View. Xestia triangulum Hufn. Xestia baja D. & S. Xestia xanthographa D. & S. Anaplectoides prasina D. &. S. Cerastis rubricosa D. & S. Discestra trifolii Hufn. Polia nebulosa Hufn. Lacanobia contigua D. & S. Lacanobia thalassina Hufn. Ceramica pisi L. Hadena bicruris Hufn. Tholera decimalis Poda Orthosia gracilis D. & S. Orthosia cerasi F. Orthosia incerta Hufn. Orthosia munda D. & S. Orthosia gothica L. Mythimna ferrago F. Mythimna pudorina D. & S. Mythimna straminea Treits. Mythimna impura Hiibn. Mythimna comma L. Lithophane hepatica Cl. Xylocampa areola Esp. Eumichtis lichenea Hibn. Conistra vaccinii L. Conistra ligula Esp. Xanthia togata Esp. Acronicta rumicis L. Craniophora ligustri D. & S. Amphipyra pyramidea L. Rusina ferruginea Esp. Euplexia lucipara L. Cosmia trapezina L. Apamea monoglypha Hufn. Apamea crenata Hufn. Apamea remissa Hiibn. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Sites Numbers 3,4,5,6,8,9 12 3,5,6,8,9 15 3,4,5,6,7,8 10 3 1 1,3,4,5,6,8,9 556 4,6,8 6 1 1 1,4,5,6,8 32 1,3,4,5,6,8,9 39 IES) 4 ES) 5 3 1 4,6,9 79 3,4,6,8,9 86 3 1 1,3,4,6,8 9 8,9 9 4,5,6 5 3 3 3 5 1,2,6,10 8 9 1 8 1 4,6 3 3,4,6,8 6 4 1 5 1 3 1 4 1 1,3,4,5,8,10 23 1535435:6;7) 10 1 1 1,3,4,5,6,7,8,10 60 4,6,9 5 4,6,8 14 6 5 1,4,5,6 24 4 1 3 1 1,2,6 3 4 1 Is) 5) 10 1 4,5,6 4 4,7 4 8 1 1 1 3,6,8,9 7 3 3 135 2, 1,4,5,6,8,9 30 3 cL 3 2 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 105 Appendix 1 (cont.) Name Sites Numbers Oligis strigilis L. 6 1 Oligia latruncula D. & S. 4 1 Oligia fasciuncula Haw. 3 1 Mesapamea secalis L. 3 5 Mesapamea didyma Esp. 3 1 Photedes pygmina Haw. 4,5 4 Luperina testacea D. & S. 3 2 Gortyna flavago D. & S. 5 3 Charanyca trigrammica Hufn. 5,8 3 Hoplodrina alsines Brahm 4,6,8,9 41 Hoplodrina blanda D. & S. 3,6 4 Spodoptera exigua Hiibn. 3 1 Protodeltote pygarga Hufn. 4,5,6,8 24 Pseudoips fagana F. 3 1 Colocasia coryli L. ES 3 Autographa gamma L. 3,6 many Autographa pulchrina Haw. 3 1 Scoliopteryx libatrix L. 3,9 pi Phytometra viridaria Cl. near 3 many Rivula sericealis Scop. near 3 many Hypena proboscidalis L. 3 1 Schrankia taenialis Hiibn. 5) 1 Schrankia costaestrigalis Steph. 4,6 5 Total 213 species Site 3 totals include 1986 and 1988 records. BOOK NOTICES Reproductive behaviour of insects: individuals and populations. Edited by W. J. Bailey and J. Ridsdill-Smith, London, Chapman and Hall, 340 pages, £45, hardback.—This book is the result of a symposium on insect behaviour at the annual meeting of the Australian Entomological Society, but its content, contributed by an international group of authors will make it of more than just antipodean interest. During their reproduction, insects exhibit a bewildering range of behavioural strategies, some are well documented, but others are still mystifying. The book covers the entire range of behaviour: mate finding and selection, host location and oviposition, competition for resources, feeding behaviour, covering all groups of insects. The Aphidoidea (Hemiptera) of Fennoscandia and Denmark. IV, by O. E. Heie. Fauna Entomologica Scandinavica volume 25. Leiden, E. J. Brill, 1992, 190 pp, Gld 90, $51.43.—This is the fourth volume on the Aphidoidea, (the others by Heie being published in 1980, 1982 and 1986 respectively) and contains part of the tribe Macrosiphini (subfamily Aphidinae). The book continues the usual high quality of 106 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 the Fauna Ent. Scand. series, being comprehensively illustrated with line figures and two colour plates. A break with ‘tradition’ has come with the slight increase in page size, and the switch to double-column, but the text remains clearly laid out and easy to read. With aphids being such important insects, from both economic and ecological points of view, it is a shame that they do not attract more attention from amateur entomologists. The study of aphids ought to have been greatly facilitated by the advent of the Royal Entomological Society’s handbooks, and these volumes in the Fauna Entomologica Scandinavica series. New flora of the British Isles, by Clive Stace, Cambridge University Press, 1226 pages, £24.95, paperback.—At first sight, this appears a very peculiar book for CUP to publish; it has a rather unattractive soft plastic cover, it is reproduced directly from the author’s own word-processed typescript, and directly competes with the recently (1987) published third edition of Clapham’s Flora of the British Isles, also published by CUP. However, each of these apparent drawbacks has a counter-claim to our attention. At £24.95 it is clear that the soft cover and daisy-wheel typesetting have kept production costs to a minimum. The text is still clear and readable, and is further enhanced by the inclusion of comprehensive yet concise keys and numerous line figures. It is still debatable whether or not the book competes with Clapham’s, the paperback of which was put out in 1990 at £27.95 following the success (?) of the hardback at £75! For any study of entomology, or for that matter any study of natural history, a good grasp of the fundamentals of botany cannot but be an assistance. Stace’s book now stands as the most up-to-date and comprehensive British flora and should be considered as an important acquisition for any naturalist. LETTER TO THE EDITOR Sir, In what I trust is an entirely amicable spirit I write to point out your distressing habit of using split infinitives. In your editorial report on p. 190 of vol. 4, part 4, lines 1 and 11 contain examples. You may neither know nor care anything about split infinitives, but it is generally agreed that the separation of ‘to’ from its infinitive is not in itself desirable (see Fowler’s A dictionary of modern English usage). Our journal, surely, should use English as impeccable as its views on entomology.— Brig. E. C. L. Simson, Crosbythwaite, Plowden Park, Aston Rowant, Oxford OX9 5SX. The Editor replies.—No editor should be above publishing criticism of his own words, and receiving Brigadier Simson’s amicable comments in the intended spirit, I humbly publish them here for all to read. However, let it be known that I do know, and do indeed care. He was not the first to spot my transgressions, the compositors at Dobbie Typesetting, who set the journal, had annotated the margins of the page-proofs drawing the ‘errors’ to my attention. But, with the sweep of my editorial red pen I chose to over-rule and ignore them . . . to my peril? Nevertheless, in the pursuit of my vain attempts at a readable style, I will probably continue to boldly split where no-one has split before, and hope that letters in less amicable spirit than that of Brigadier Simson do not start dropping through my letterbox. R. A. JONES BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 107 NEW RECORDS AND NINE ADDITIONS TO THE BRITISH LIST OF FUNGUS GNATS OF THE SMALLER FAMILIES AND SUB-FAMILIES (DIPTERA: MYCETOPHILOIDEA) PETER CHANDLER Weston Research Laboratories, Vanwall Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 4UF. Since the account (Chandler, 1987a) of additions to the groups dealt with by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980) was compiled, 10 further species in these groups have been discovered in Britain, one of which (Macrocera nigropicea Lundstré6m) has been published already (Chandler, 1990). The male of Mycomya insignis and female of M. britteni have been recognized in British material and a new name is necessary for Boletina brevicornis sensu Edwards. New records are provided for other uncommon species. BOLITOPHILIDAE Bolitophila nigrolineata Landrock, 1912 New to Britain. This runs to the hybrida Meig. and rossica Landrock couplet in the key by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980). The venational character given to separate these two species is subject to variation in hybrida and the genital characters are best checked. The three species can, however, be roughly separated on thoracic coloration: grey dusted with darker grey stripes in rossica, grey to brown stripes on a lighter yellowish to brown ground in hybrida, but more sharply marked dark chocolate brown stripes on a thinly grey dusted yellowish ground in nigrolineata. The British material has wing length 4.0-—4.3 mm in the male, 4.9-5.4 mm in the female. Male and female genitalia are shown in Figures 1-3. B. nigrolineata is recorded from Germany, eastern Europe and Japan. Material examined. Perthshire: Pass of Killiecrankie, 1.ix.1987, female; 17.ix.1989, female; Rannoch, near Allt nan Bogair, 22.vii.1990, 2 males; Durham: Nesbitt Dene, 23.vii.1990, male (P. J. Chandler). Figs 1-2. Male genitalia of Bolitophila nigrolineata Landrock. 1, dorsal view with tergite 9 and cerci removed; 2, tergite 9 and cerci. 108 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Fig. 3. Ovipositor of Bolitophila nigrolineata Landrock. KEROPLATIDAE It should be noted that the taxa accorded subgeneric status in Orfelia Costa by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980) are now recognized as genera following the recent works of Matile. Macrorrhyncha rostrata (Zetterstedt, 1851) New to Britain. The presence of a second British species of the genus was realized when females were found in the New Forest in 1988 but their identity was uncertain until males were found in 1990. The male genitalia differ in some details from the figures of rostrata by Matile (1975), e.g. the narrower ventral bridge of the gonocoxite but the dense tuft of strong bristles on each dorsal apical process of the gonocoxite is characteristic; among known species only brevirostre (Lundstrom) approaches this with a looser arrangement of strong bristles on these processes. M. rostrata (Figure 4) differs from flava Winnertz in having a shorter proboscis, only subequal to eye height, with palpi distinctly shorter than head height (both subequal to head height in flava, Figure 5) and the bare mediotergite (postnotum), which bears bristles in flava. The British material of rostrata is mainly yellow in both sexes, with the thorax bearing only very indistinct brownish stripes dorsally and the mediotergite brownish dorsally, abdomen in male with tergites 1-5 mainly yellow (2-4 narrowly black basally, 5 dark dorsally), 6-8 and genitalia black, in female tergites 1-3(-—5) yellow, (4-)6 dark basally, 7 black, ovipositor brownish. The head is brownish with proboscis brown, palpi yellowish to brown, antennae with basal segments and base of flagellum yellowish, the rest brown. The wings are yellowish with a vague brownish patch below the tip of RS; the costa extends 0.4 distance to M1. Wing length 4.6-4.9 mm in male, 4.2-6.3 mm in female. Male and female genitalia are shown in Figures 6-9. Some European material of rostrata, including Zetterstedt’s type (Edwards, 192Sa) has more distinct dark thoracic stripes. M. rostrata is recorded from Sweden, Finland, Byelorussia, Germany and France. Material examined. Hants: New Forest, Brinken Wood, 5.vi.1988, the small female; New Forest, Mark Ash Wood, around standing dead beech trunk, 19.vi.1988, female; New Forest, woods by Beaulieu River, 13.vii.1990, male (P. J. Chandler); Whitmoor Vale, wet wooded slope with many springs, 12.vii.1990, female (P. J. Chandler), male (A. E. Stubbs). BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 109 Figs 4-5. Heads of female Macrorrhyncha species. 4, M. rostrata (Zetterstedt); 5, M. flava Winnertz. Monocentrota favonii Chandler, 1987 It should be noted that the wing illustrated for M. Jundstroemi Edw. by Chandler (1987a) was of a female. The male wing of that species is narrower and differs less from the form shown for the male favonii, but is uniformly yellowish, lacking the darker marking. The clouding of the wing tip and hind margin in favonii are not clearly reproduced in the figure. While the description of this species was in press, Loic Matile informed me that it was conspecific with French specimens of Monocentrota and I have seen a male from Portugal, Sintra Mountains, 1.viii.1972 (A. M. Hutson, Natural History Museum, London, where the holotype has now been deposited). New record. Dorset: Brenscombe, coastal cliff, vi.1989, male (A. E. Stubbs). 110 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Figs 6-8. Male genitalia of Macrorrhyncha rostrata (Zetterstedt). 6, ventral view of gonocoxite and gonostylus (aedeagus, tergite 9 and cerci removed); 7, lateral view of gonocoxite and gonostylus; 8, tergite 9 and cerci. Rutylapa ruficornis (Zetterstedt, 1851) This has remained little known in Britain and has not been recorded since the citation by Edwards (1913) from the New Forest and Edwards (1925b) from Hogley Bog, Oxon, collected by A. H. Hamm in 1915. In 1987-9 it was collected by Malaise trapping in Oxfordshire and in water traps in Norfolk and Wales, during wetland surveys by the Nature Conservancy Council. In 1989 it was swept from low vegetation in open fen at Wicken Fen, Cambs. It is otherwise known from Sweden, Germany and European Russia. New records. Norfolk: Banham Great Fen, 14—28.vi.88, female (A. Foster & D. Proctor); Cambs: Wicken Fen, 8.vii.89, female (P. J. Chandler); Oxon: Spartum Fen, wooded fen, 23.vi-14.vii.88, male, 2 females; 14.vii-12.viii.88, female (K. Porter); Dyfed (Pembroke): Portheiddy Moor, 21.vii.87, male; Anglesey: Cors Bodeilio, thin Phrag- mites, 26.vii.88, male; Gwent: Langstone Meadows, wet meadow, 21.vii.88, male; Powys (Montgomery): Llyn Coethlyn, 1.viii.88, female (P. Holmes, D. Boyce & D. Reed). Urytalpa macrocera (Edwards, 1913) U. macrocera was only known as British on the type material from Aviemore and Nethy Bridge, Inverness (Edwards, 1913) and has since been recorded only from BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Fig. 9. Ovipositor of Macrorrhyncha rostrata (Zetterstedt). 111 Holland by Barendrecht (1938). The precise habitat is unclear, but Castle Loch is a lowland site, surrounded by wet woodland while Bridge of Brown is a steep wooded slope by a highland stream. New records. Galloway (Dumfries): near Lochmaben, Castle Loch, vii.1979, male; Inverness: Bridge of Brown, 28.viii.1990, male (A. E. Stubbs). Orfelia bicolor (Macquart, 1826) New to Britain. A single female from the Welsh wetland survey is considered to be O. bicolor. I have visited the site several times without finding the species; it is a small isolated area of open fen with only a narrow recently developed wooded fringe. O. bicolor runs readily to Orfelia sensu stricto in the key by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980), where it better fits the second alternative of couplet 1 in having the pleura entirely yellow and the abdomen largely yellow although with broad dark bands on the anterior margins of tergites 1-6. It differs from the four included species in having the dorsal surface of the thorax (mesocutum) mainly dark brown, only narrowly yellowish on the side margin behind the suture, also the scutellum and mediotergite (postnotum) are dark dorsally. The head, antennae and knobs of the halteres are brown, but the palpi and legs, excepting the darker tarsi, are yellow. Wing length 4.1 mm. The ovipositor is shown in Figure 10. Fig. 10. Ovipositor of Orfelia bicolor (Macquart). 112 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Macquart (1826) described this as Platyura bicolor from material collected in northern France, stating ‘rare’. Meigen (1838) repeated Macquart’s description and stated ‘Nordfrankreich selten’. Winnertz (1863) expanded the description and stated ‘im Sommer im Walde und in Gebiischen’, having evidently obtained specimens, which were subsequently examined by Dziedzicki (1915) who figured the genitalia of both sexes from Winnertz’s collection. Landrock (1927) stated only ‘Europa’; later (1940) he repeated Winnertz’s statement, adding that it was not uncommon. Lackschewitz (1937) recorded it from Lithuania. Séguy (1940), summarizing what other authors had said, stated ‘Eté. Bois et f6rets dans toute l’Europe’, but cited no French localities and Matile (1977) included it as an unplaced species of the Orfelia group, citing only Macquart’s record. However, there are recent records by Plassmann (1972, 1974a, 1975, 1978) and Kobel-Voss & Plassmann (1979) from Germany (Kassel; dry grassland between Freiburg and Basel) and Sweden (Messaure, coniferous and deciduous woodland). Material examined. Gwent: Magor Marsh, Carex riparia fen, 21.vii.1988, female (P. Holmes, D. Boyce & D. Reed). MYCETOPHILIDAE Mycomya Rondani, 1856 The subgenera of Mycomya introduced by Vaisadnen (1984) are recognized here. An error in the labelling of figures in the Handbook by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980) has been noted. The ventral views of the genitalia in figures 154 and 156 have been transposed, the first depicting cinerascens (Macquart) and the second nitida (Zetterstedt) (= exigua (Winnertz) of the Handbook) while the dorsal views of both species are correctly designated. The record of M. punctata (Meigen) from ‘? Glasgow’ given in the Handbook can also be corrected. The specimen collected by J. J. F. X. King (Natural History Museum, London) is labelled ‘3 mile west’, 30.viii.1921 and had been assumed to be from near Glasgow, where he was based. In King’s collection (Glasgow University Museum) other specimens similarly labelled are present but two species collected on the same day are labelled Fort William (Inverness) suggesting that this was the central point concerned. Mycomya (M.) griseovittata (Zetterstedt, 1852) New records. Isle of Arran, no further details, 6.v.1952, male (C. H. Andrewes, Natural History Museum, London); Moray: Dorback Burn, 30.v.1991, female (I. Perry). Mycomya (M.) britteni Kidd, 1955 Only the holotype from Skirwith, Cumbria and a Finnish male were previously known (Vaisadnen, 1984). Material collected in water traps on Welsh wetlands in 1987 included the female, which resembles the male in most external characters. It has a broader central dark stripe on the yellow abdomen but also has oblong dark patches near the side margins of tergites 3-7. In 1988 M. britteni was found at other sites in Wales and by water and Malaise trapping on fenland in Norfolk and Oxfordshire. It was frequent in samples from several sites and was found in all months from June to October. The ovipositor is shown in Figure 11. New records. Anglesey: Cors Erddreiniog; Dyfed: (Ceredigion) Rhos Llawr Cwrt; (Pembroke) Dowrog Common, Carex valley fen; Goodwick, Oenanthe/Potentilla fen; Western Cleddau; The Ritec; Cwm Dewi; Portheiddy Moor; Cors Penally; BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 113 Fig. 11. Ovipositor of Mycomya britteni Kidd. Castlemartin Corse; St. David’s Airfield Fen; Clwyd (Denbigh): Sontley Marsh; Gwent: Magor Marsh; Salop: Wem Moss (P. Holmes, D. Boyce & D. Reed); Oxon: Spartum Fen (K. Porter); Norfolk: Middle Harling; Thompson Common; Strumpshaw; Catfield; Mills Marsh; Sutton (A. Foster & D. Proctor). Mycomya (M.) occultans (Winnertz, 1863) New to Britain. This species may run to marginata in the key by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980), as it usually agrees with it in the presence of a brown patch over the small radial cell and other external characters; in the absence of this darkening it would run to the couplet including winnertzi (Dziedzicki) and wankowiczii (Dziedzicki). It is best distinguished from these species by the male genital structure (Figures 12-13) Fig. 12-13. Male genitalia of Mycomya occultans (Winnertz). 12, ventral view; 13, tergite 9 and cerci. 114 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 so it is advisable to check this in marginata rather than relying on the wing marking. Wing length 3.9mm (Black Cliff), 4.5 mm (Oxwich). According to Vaisdénen (1984) occultans is widespread in the Palaearctic region; he cited several rearing records from polypore fungi. Material examined. Glamorgan: Oxwich, 29.vi.1956, male (J. E. Collin, Oxford University Museum); Gwent: Black Cliff, 12.viii.1989, male, limestone woodland (P. J. Chandler). Mycomya (M.) insignis (Winnertz, 1863) This was found by Vdisdénen (1984) to be an earlier name for wrzesniowskii (Dziedzicki, 1885), used by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980), who did not figure the male genitalia because the three previous British records were only of females. Eight British males have now been examined, although no further females; the male genitalia are shown in Figures 14-15. New records. Essex: TQ5794 (near South Weald), 14.vi.1981, male (D. A. Smith); Worcs: Wyre Forest, Malaise trap, 25.vii.1987, male (C. Plant); Norfolk: Reedham, water trap in fen, 27.vi-11.vii.1988, male (A. Foster & D. Proctor); Hants: Pamber Forest, Malaise trap, ix-x.1989, male (M. Oates); Durham: Lockhaugh Bank Wood, Malaise trap, 24.vii-13.viii.1990, 3 males (L. Jessop); Nairn: Loch Loy, swept in mixed woods, 19.vii.1991, male (P. J. Chandler). Mycomya (M.) denmax Vaisanen, 1979 New to Britain. This species belongs to the ornata (Meigen) group, characterized in the male by the absence of a mid-coxal spur and presence of a dense patch of setae on the fore coxae. Vaisaénen (1984) recognized 13 European species of this group, of which this is the sixth to be found in Britain. In the key by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980) it runs to couplet 20, comprising ornata and prominens Lundstrom, as it bears setae on vein Sc and has three separate dark stripes on a yellow ground on the mesoscutum. As the thorax is not strongly shining, it falls closer to prominens Figs 14-15. Male genitalia of Mycomya insignis (Winnertz). 14, ventral view; 15, tergite 9 and cerci. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 115 Figs 16-17. Male genitalia of Mycomya denmax Vaisanen. 16a, ventral view; 16b, lateral view of sternal submedian process; 16c, posterior view of gonostylus; 17, tergite 9 and cerci. but is of a brighter appearance than is typical for that species. The short widely spaced sternal submedian appendages of the male genitalia (Figures 16-17), bearing a rounded ventral protuberance, are diagnostic of the species. M. denmax is a Holarctic species, frequent in Finland but with single records from Sweden, European Russia, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Corsica and North America. The British male has wing length of 5.8 mm. Material examined. Isle of Skye: Coille Thogabhaig (= Tokavaig Wood) NNR, 7.vii.1991, male (A. E. Stubbs). Mycomya (Coheromyia) branderi Vaisanen, 1984 New to Britain. Another remarkable find, only seen from two Norfolk wetland sites but the dominant species at Old Buckenham, which is an isolated site consisting chiefly of reed beds adjoining a small wood. This is the only Palaearctic species of the subgenus Coheromyia Vaisanen, which is allied to the subgenus Cymomya Vaisanen, represented in Britain by M. circumdata (Staeger). M. branderi was misidentified by Lundstrom (1909) as circumdata and it runs to this species in the key by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980). These two species are similarly marked but branderi (Figure 18) is more brightly coloured with more extensive yellow markings; the thorax is largely yellow with three fused black mesoscutal stripes; the abdomen has a dark median stripe and tergites 6-7 entirely dark in both species but branderi has the dark apical bands on the other tergites narrower. The male genitalia are large and mainly yellow with distinctive structure (Figures 19-21). Both sexes have wing length in the range 3.4-3.8 mm. Material examined. Norfolk: Old Buckenham, 14-28.vi.1988, 83 males, 21 females; 28.vi.-12.vii.1988, many males and females; Strumpshaw, 13.vi-11.vii.88, 2 males (water traps, A. Foster & D. Proctor). 116 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 \ \ / \ \ } Se N 18 Fig. 18. Mycomya branderi Vaisanen. Lateral view of entire male. Mycomya (Mycomyopsis) frequens Johannsen, 1910. New to Britain and to the Palaearctic region. This is very close to other species of the subgenus Mycomyopsis Vaisénen such as maura (Walker) and permixta Vaisanen, which were discussed by Chandler (1987a) and is distinguished by small differences in the genitalia. It was first detected here at the same time as Leia longiseta Barendrecht (see below) but a large amount of material from Norfolk wetlands, some more Anglesey material and two Scottish males have now been examined; samples were obtained in all months from June to December. Wing length of both sexes 3.4-4.0 mm. According to Vaisaénen (1984) M. frequens is frequent in the western Nearctic (Canada and USA) while the allied species penicillata (Dziedzicki) is widespread in northern Europe; the latter is recorded from boreal forest but frequens has BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 117 Figs 19-21. Male genitalia of Mycomya branderi Vaisanen. 19, ventral view; 20, tergite 9 and cerci; 21, lateral view. been collected in various fen and bog habitats, so may be concluded to have a Holarctic distribution in this type of habitat. The male genitalia are figured here (Figures 22-23). Material examined (over 200 males, over 100 females). Anglesey: Llyn Hafodol, Salix carr on floating fen, 11.vii.87, male and female (A. E. Stubbs); vi-vii and x.88, over 50 males, 15 females; Cors Clegyrog, acidic basin mire; Salbri, acidic basin mire; Rhés-y-Gad, calcareous flush fen (P. Holmes, D. Boyce & D. Reed); Norfolk: Catfield; Reedham; Hickling; Sutton; Mills Marsh; Strumpshaw; Cranberry Rough; Old Buckenham Fen; Thompson Common; Woodbastwick (A. Foster & D. Proctor); Dumfries: Lochmaben, edge of Upper Loch, 14.vii.1979, male (A. G. Irwin); Inverness: Insh Marshes, 28.viii.1990, male (A. E. Stubbs). 118 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Figs 22-23. Male genitalia of Mycomya frequens Johannsen. 22, ventral view; 23a, tergite 9 and cerci; 23b, posterior view of tergal lateral appendage. Mycomya (Mycomyopsis) permixta Vaisanen, 1984 A new record for this Scottish species: Inverness, Grantown, birch and aspen woods on south bank of Spey, 20.ix.1989, 2 males (P. J. Chandler). Mycomya (Lycomya) pectinifera Edwards, 1924 The south western distribution (Cornwall and Somerset) (Chandler, 1987a) has been filled out by new records from 15 wooded sites in north Devon in viii. 1987 and vi.1989 (several collectors), where it was often frequent by streams, and Dorset, Woolcombe, vii.1987 (C. M. Drake). It remains unknown in Britain outside the four south western counties. Polylepta borealis Lundstr6m, 1912 New to Britain. This is very similar to P. guttiventris, differing most obviously in the entirely dark grey dusted abdomen (small basal yellow markings on tergites 2-5 in guttiventris). Both species have the thorax mainly grey dusted, with humeri, anterior spiracles, pedicel and basal part of first flagellar segment (more broadly in guttiventris), palpi, halteres and legs yellow (only hind coxae darkened externally); fore metatarsus slightly longer than fore tibia and a swollen (? sensory or glandular) area near the base of the male middle tibia. The similar tibial swelling in guttiventris was figured by Chandler (1977). This swelling is proportionately longer in borealis, occupying almost the basal third of the tibia (Figure 25) while it includes only about the basal quarter in guttiventris. There are also differences in the male genitalia (Figure 24). The specimen examined has a wing length of 4.3 mm. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 119 Figs 24-25. Male of Polylepta borealis Lundstr6m. 24, dorsal view of genitalia; 25, middle tibia. P. borealis is a Holarctic boreo-alpine species, described by Lundstr6m (1912) from Finnish and Russian Lapland. It has been recorded from the German Alps (Plassmann, 1974b; Plassmann & Plachter, 1986), Swiss Alps (Plassmann, 1984) and Sweden (Plassman, 1979). Bechev (1990) extended its distribution to Siberia, Alaska and Canada. Material examined. Inverness: Aviemore, 23.vi.1947, male (C. H. W. Pugh, Manchester University Museum). Syntemna stylata Hutson, 1979 This was described from an old Scottish specimen and was not found again until Ivan Perry turned it up. He is also to be congratulated for obtaining the first Scottish record of S. nitidula Edwards, also in Inverness, near Grantown, 13.vi.1990, male. New record. Inverness: Loch Garten, 17.vii.1988, male (I. Perry). New records of uncommon Sciophila species Most Sciophila species remain little known, but new records can be provided of eight uncommon species; there have been no further finds of /imbatella Zetterstedt, fridolini Stackelberg, cliftoni Edwards or antiqua Chandler. 120 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Sciophila adamsi Edwards, 1925. Greater Manchester: Levenshulme, 25.vii.1923, male (H. Britten, Manchester University Museum); Dunbarton: Bonhill, 16.x.1909, male (J. R. Malloch, Glasgow University Museum); Wilts.: Savernake Forest, Malaise trap, 2-22.v.1990, male; 4-5.vii.1990, male (K. Porter). Sciophila buxtoni Freeman, 1956. Surrey: Bookham Common, emerged 7.iv.1957 from undetermined fungus, male (L. Parmenter, Liverpool Museum). Sciophila geniculata Zetterstedt, 1838. Tayside (Perthshire): Rannoch, 25.vi.1917, male (J. J. F. X. King, Glasgow University Museum); Gwynedd: Caer Felin, 10. vii. 1987, male (W. Ely, Rotherham Museum); Dyfed: Figyn Blaen Brefi, peat hags, 24.vii.1987, male; Cwm Ystwyth, mire, 28.vii.1987, male (P. Holmes, D. Boyce & D. Reed). Sciophila interrupta (Winnertz, 1863). Dorset: Frome St Quintin, 9.vii.1987, male (C. M. Drake); Oxon.: Spartum Fen, 26.iv-5.v.1988, male; Wychwood, 15.vi-11.vii.1988, male and female, 18.iv-18.vii and 3-25.x.1989, several males and females (Malaise traps, K. Porter) (three other British localities, the latest record being 1946). Sciophila ochracea Walker, 1856. Berks.: Cookham, 20.v.1988, 4 females reared ex larvae in webs on the surface of the hard bracket fungus Phellinus pomaceus (Pers.) Maire growing on the trunk of an old and partly decayed plum tree (Prunus sp.) in a garden; a mature larva and two pupae in web over fungus on same tree, 6.v.1989 (E. P. Wiltshire). Two of the three previous British records are rearings from a fungus on a plum tree at Wood Walton Fen in 1919 and from ‘cocoons’ on a cherry tree at Oxford in 1956 (Edwards, 1925b; Smith, 1957) so this seems a regular association. The only other British records are from Cambridge in 1909 and 1915, taken by F. Jenkinson, probably in a garden situation. Sciophila plurisetosa Edwards, 1921. Strathclyde (Argyll): Kilmun, 10.vi.1911, male (J. J. F. X. King, Glasgow University Museum); Oxon.: Wychwood, 14. viii-8.ix.1989, male (K. Porter). Sciophila quadriterga Hutson, 1979. Worcs: Wyre Forest, Malaise trap in meadow, vii. 1987, 2 males (C. Plant); Suffolk: Barton Mills, 28.vii.1989, male (P. J. Chandler); Wilts.: Savernake Forest, 23.v—13.vi.1990, male (Malaise trap, K. Porter); Middlesex: Fryent Country Park, 12.x.1990, male (J. Dobson). Sciophila varia (Winnertz, 1863). Tayside (Perthshire): near Loch Tay, Auchmore Woods, Cuildochart, 10.vii.1988, male (P. J. Chandler). Acnemia amoena Winnertz, 1863 New records indicate that this species survives in ancient woodlands: Devon: Kenton, by stream at wood edge, x.1978 (P. Cranston); Hants.: New Forest, Great Huntley Bank swept around standing 2 metre beech stump in undergrowth, 5.vi.1986, male (P. J. Chandler); Oxon.: Wychwood, Malaise trap, 26.v-12.vi.1989, female; 14.viii-8.ix.1989, 3 females; 3-25.x.1989, female (K. Porter). Dziedzickia marginata (Dziedzicki, 1885) This remains known mainly from Scotland (several recent records), but an old record from Sussex has been confirmed by a recent find at a Hampshire site adjoining the Sussex border. Chandler (1987b) added it to the Irish list. New records. Hants.: Whitmoor Vale, damp woodland, 13.x.1989, male (P. J. Chandler); Waterford: Nier Valley, S2413, swept from Luzu/a in oak, birch and rowan woodland, 9.viii.1990, male (K. Alexander). BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 121 Palaeodocosia flava (Edwards, 1913) New records. Surrey: Headley, 11.vi.1965, male (L. Parmenter, Liverpool Museum); Dorset: Sutton Common, Malaise trap, 24-31.v.1990, female (R. George). Boletina edwardsi nom. n. Boletina brevicornis Edwards, 1913: 363, Fig. 64, nec Zetterstedt, 1852: 4163. Male. Head black, antennae dark brown, with base of first flagellar segment and palpi lighter brown. Body entirely black, grey dusted; thoracic dorsum (mesoscutum) with three faintly shining blackish stripes. All hairs and bristles yellow; laterotergite bare. Legs yellow except darker trochanters. Coxae and femora with yellow hairs, tibiae and tarsi with black bristles and setulae. Middle tibia with 1-4 a, 3-4 d, 3-4 p, 1-4 v. Hind tibia with 5 a, 5-8 d, 4-7 p, 2-3 v. Halteres yellow. Wings clear. Costa extends 0.4 distance from RS to M1. Veins setulose except stem of median fork and bases of M1, M2 and M3. Wing length 3.1-4 mm. The male genitalia are shown in Figures 26-27. Holotype male, Hants, New Forest, vii.190S (D. Sharp, Cambridge University Museum). Other material. Many males from other parts of Britain. Also: 2 males, Finland, Ab, near Kotaloto, 2.x.1979; male, Ab, near Helisnummi, 2.x.1979; male, Sweden, Sdm, north of Katrineholm, 30.ix.1979; 2 males, Sdm, north of Stangnas, 1.x.1979 (P. J. Chandler). Discussion This name is proposed as it appears that Edwards (1913) was incorrect in his determination of the species; the holotype was the only specimen then seen by him. Figs 26-27. Male genitalia of Boletina edwardsi sp. n. 26, ventral view; 27, tergite 9 and cerci. 122 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 He noted that the genital structure did not entirely agree with the figures by Lundstr6m (1912) of brevicornis, who based them on two males collected by R. Frey in Finland, but the name has continued to be used for the British species. Zetterstedt (1852) described this species from the female only, which cannot be determined in this group of the genus; he recorded it from Sweden and Norway. Edwards (1925a) found only two females under the name in Zetterstedt’s collection so, in the absence of contrary evidence, Lundstr6m’s identification must be accepted. I have now examined a specimen agreeing with Lundstr6m’s figures, which confirms that his brevicornis, although closely allied, differs from edwardsi in several respects, notably the pointed rather than blunt sternal submedian processes of the gonocoxite and details of the gonostylus (Figures 28-29). External characters are similar except the basal flagellar segment and palpi yellow, the thoracic stripes more distinctly shining black and costa 0.3 distance from R5 to M1. Wing length of this example 3.4mm. Material examined of brevicornis (Zetterstedt). Austria: Tirol, Otztal, above Obergurgl, 5.vii.1969, male (B. H. & M. C. Cogan, R. I. & R. Vane-Wright, Natural History Museum, London). Boletina nasuta (Haliday, 1839) Some recent records confirm that this species is still well established in northern England. New records. Staffs.: Churnet Woods, 19.x.1990, 1.xii.1990, 2 males (M. Waterhouse, Hanley Museum); N. Yorks.: Forge Valley, 13.x.1990, 2 males (P. J. Chandler & A. E. Stubbs); Chafer Wood, 13.x.1990, male; Mulgrave Wood, 14.x.1990, male (P. J. Chandler). Figs 28-29. Male genitalia of Boletina brevicornis Zetterstedt (sensu Lundstr6m). 28, ventral view; 29, tergite 9 and cerci. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 123 Boletina silvatica Dziedzicki, 1885 New record. Perthshire: Rannoch Forest, Kilvrecht, 31.viii.1987, male (P. J. Chandler). Boletina villosa Landrock, 1912 This species is widespread in the central Scottish Highlands (Edwards, 1913, 1925b) and recent records confirm this. However, it has now been found at four Welsh sites (three of them blanket bogs). It was on open bog vegetation on Rannoch Moor, but the 1991 Scottish records were from pine woodland while that from Cumbria was deciduous woodland. New records. Inverness: Glen Einich, 5.ix.1966; Rothiemurchus, 2.ix.1966 (D. M. Ackland, Oxford University Museum); Glen Affric, 23.viii.1979 (P. Skidmore); Loch Garten, 17.x.1991; Nairn: Loch Loy, 17.x.1991; Perthshire: Rannoch Moor, 31.viii.1987 (P. J. Chandler); Cumbria: Nibthwait Wood, 8.x.1991 (D. Gibbs); Gwynedd (Caernarvon): Migneint, 22.vi.88; Powys (Montgomery): Llanbrinmair, 11.x.88; Drum ddu, 6.x.89; Llyn-tyn-y-mynydd, wet heath, 13.x.88 (P. Holmes, D. Boyce & D. Reed). Ectrepesthoneura colyeri Chandler, 1979 Several further records have shown this species to be widespread in old wood- land sites. New records. Devon: Cottwood, 19.vi.1989; Hants: New Forest, Mark Ash Wood, 7.vi.1987, 19.vi.1988, 24.vi.1989; Bucks.: Burnham Beeches, 13.v.1990 (P. J. Chandler); Dorset: Sutton Common, Malaise trap, 24.v—24.vi.1990 (R. George); Oxon.: Wychwood, frequent in Malaise trap, v-x.1989; Wilts.: Savernake Forest, frequent in Malaise trap, v-x.1990 (K. Porter); Staffs.: Madeley, 12.vi.1938 (H. Britten, Manchester University Museum). Leia bilineata (Winnertz, 1863) Leia bifasciata Gimmerthal, 1846: 56, a junior primary homonym of Leia bifasciata von Roser, 1840: 50 (? = Leia subfasciata (Meig.) ). Glaphyroptera bilineata Winnertz, 1863: 789. Neoglaphyroptera trimaculata Strobl, 1910: 247. Leia strobli Landrock, 1925: 182, new name for trimaculata Strobl, a junior secondary homonym of Mycetophila trimaculata Macquart: 132 (? = Leia picta Meig., 1830). The above synonymy was established by Kidd & Ackland (1969, 1970) but they applied the prior name bifasciata Gimmerthal, used by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980) for the species. Because of the homonymy with bifasciata von Roser, bilineata Winnertz must be used for the species. Leia longiseta Barendrecht, 1938 New to Britain. This species has been recorded only from the German North Sea islands by Plassmann (1988) since it was described by Barendrecht from three Dutch males collected at Ommen and Amsterdam by De Meijere; precise details of habitat were not given. After its discovery on Anglesey in 1987 it was found to have been 124 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 collected in numbers from several wetland sites in Dyfed in the same year and in 1988 it was found at similar sites in Norfolk. Samples were obtained in all months from June to December. L. longiseta runs to couplet 8 in the key provided by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980). It has wing markings faint, comprising a preapical band and a mark behind the posterior fork. Typically, the thorax is yellow with two broad black patches on the disc, approximated in front, separated by a triangular yellow area behind. Abdominal tergite 1 is rounded apically, tergites 2-5 black on hind margin, extended to fore margin on middle line, tergite 6 broadly black in the middle only, tergite 7 and genitalia (Figures 30-31) yellow. The head is black, palpi yellow, basal antennal segments yellow and flagellum black. Some of the Norfolk examples collected in x-xii have a mainly dark body colour, so there appears to be similar colour variation to that found in bimaculata (Meig.). It thus agrees with bimaculata in having black thoracic markings and abdominal bands broader in the middle, but differs in the form of tergite 1 and the presence of the cloud behind the posterior fork. Wing length of male 3.4-3.9mm, of female 3.7-4.5 mm. Material examined (more than 1500 seen, but two-thirds from a single Strumpshaw sample). Anglesey: Llyn Hafodol, Salix carr on floating fen, 11.vii.87, 2 males, 1 female (P. J. Chandler & A. E. Stubbs); vi/vii/x.88, 2 males, 3 females; Gwynedd (Caernarfon); Llyn Ystumllyn, on Salix in floodplain fen; Dyfed (Pembroke): Goodwick, Juncus/Potentilla fen; Marloes Mere, Juncus/Iris meadow; Dowrog Common, Carex valley fen; The Ritec, Oenanthe/Typha/Carex fen; Castlemartin Figs 30-31. Genitalia of Leia longiseta Barendrecht. 30, lateral view of male genitalia; 31, lateral view of ovipositor. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 125 Corse, recently burnt Phragmites fen; Treffeiddan Moor, basin mire with Menyanthes; West Glamorgan: Pant-y-Sais, Phragmites; Oxwich (all P. Holmes, D. Boyce & D. Reed); Suffolk: Walberswick; Norfolk: Strumpshaw, vi-vii.88, 632 males, 432 females; Woodbastwick; Thompson Common; Cranberry Rough; Catfield; Reedham; Hickling; Stallode Wash; Sutton; Mills Marsh; Old Buckenham (A. Foster & D. Proctor). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am grateful to all the collectors cited above and to the authorities of the Museums who have permitted examination of valuable material from their collections. I am also indebted to the Nature Conservancy Council, whose surveys of wetlands in Wales, Norfolk (water traps) and Oxfordshire (Malaise traps) have provided so much material of interest and have demonstrated how little was known of the fungus gnat fauna of these habitats. Mr E. P. Wiltshire is also to be thanked for bringing to my attention his rearing of Sciophila ochracea in 1988 and for alerting me to the 1989 occurrence of the same species, which I was able to examine in situ. Loic Matile provided useful discussion and assistance on the Keroplatidae. REFERENCES Barendrecht, A. 1938. The Dutch Fungivoridae in the collection of the Zoological Museum at Amsterdam. Tijdschr. Ent. 81: 35-54. Bechev, D. 1990. Review of the Holarctic species of genus Pol/ylepta Winnertz (Insecta, Diptera: Mycetophilidae). Entomol. Abh. Mus. Tierkd. Dresden 53(20): 97-184. Chandler, P. J. 1977. Studies of some fungus gnats (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) including nine additions to the British list. Syst. Ent. 2: 67-93. Chandler, P. J. 1987a. Notes on British fungus gnats of the smaller families and sub-families (Diptera: Mycetophiloidea). Proc. Trans. Br. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. 20: 105-118. Chandler, P. J. 1987b. New data on Irish fungus gnats (Diptera: Mycetophiloidea) including 51 species new to the Irish List. Bull. Ir. Biogeog. Soc. 10: 1-27. Chandler, P. J. 1990. Notes on Macrocera Meigen (Mycetophiloidea, Keroplatidae) including M. nigropicea Lundstr6m new to Britain. Dipterists Digest 3: 27-31. Dziedzicki, H. 1885. Przyczynek do fauny owadow dwuskrzydlych. Rodzaje nowe: Hertwigia nov. gen., Eurycera nov. gen. i gatunki rodzajéw: Boletina, Sciophila. Pam. Fizyogr. (Warsaw) 5(3): 164-194. Dziedzicki, H. 1915. Atlas des organes génitaux des types de Winnertz et des genres de la collection de Mycétophiles. Publ. Soc. Scient. Varsovie 3: 1-16. Edwards, F. W. 1913. Notes on British Mycetophilidae. Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1913: 334-382. Edwards, F. W. 1925a. Notes on the types of Mycetophilidae (Diptera) described by Staeger and Zetterstedt. Ent. Tidskr. 45: 160-168. Edwards, F. W. 1925b. British fungus gnats (Diptera, Mycetophilidae), with a revised generic classification of the family. Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1924: 505-662. Gimmerthal, B. A. 1846. Zweiter Beitrag zu einer kiinftig zu bearbeitenden Dipterologie Russlands. Bull. Soc. Nat. Moscou 19(2): 3-82. Hutson, A. M., Ackland, D. M. & Kidd, L. N. 1980. Mycetophilidae (Bolitophilinae, Ditomyiinae, Diadocidiinae, Keroplatinae, Sciophilinae and Manotinae). Handbk Ident. Br. Insects 9(3), 111 pp. Royal Ent. Soc. London. Kidd, L. N. & Ackland, D. M. 1969. Some corrections to the British List and other notes on British fungus gnats (Diptera, Mycetophilidae). Entomologist 102: 22-24. Kidd, L. N. & Ackland, D. M. 1970. Some new synonymy in the genera Leia Meigen and Boletina Staeger (Dipt., Mycetophilidae). Entomologist 103: 265-267. Kobel-Voss, A. & Plassmann, E. 1979. Pilzmiticken aus der Streuschicht des steiner Klotzes bei Basel. Mitt. Naturwiss. Arbeitschr. Kempten 23: 7-18. 126 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Landrock, K. 1927. 8. Fungivoridae. In Die Fliegen der palaearktischen Region Ed. E. Lindner. 2(1): 1-196. Landrock, K. 1940. Pilzmticken oder Fungivoridae. In Die Tierwelt Deutschlands Ed. F. Dahl. 38: 1-166. Jena. Lackschewitz, P. 1937. Die Fungivoriden des Ostbaltischen Gebietes. Arb. Naturforsch. Ver. Riga 21: 1-47. Landrock, K. 1925. Dipterologische Miszellen. Wiener Entomol. Zeitung 42: 179-182. Lundstr6m, C. 1909. Beitrage zur Kenntnis der Dipteren Finlands. IV. Supplement. Mycetophilidae. Acta Soc. Fauna Flora Fennica 32(2): 1-S0. Lundstr6m, C. 1912. Beitrage zur Kenntnis der Dipteren Finlands. VIII. Supplement 2. Acta Soc. Fauna Flora Fennica 36(1): 1-70, 7 pls. Macquart, J. 1826. Insectes Dipteres du nord de la France. Tipulaires. Mém. Soc. Sci. Agric. Lille 1823-1824: 59-224. Matile, L. 1975 Révision des Asindulum et des Macrorrhyncha de la région paléarctique (Dipt., Mycetophilidae). Ann. Soc. Ent. Fr. (N S) 11(3) (1976): 491-515. Matile, L. 1977. Catalogue provisoire des Diptéres Mycetophilidae de la faune de France. Bull. Mus. Natn. Hist. Nat. (3)456: 621-655. Meigen, J. W. 1838. Systematische Beschreibung der bekannten europdischen zweifliigeligen Insekten. Suppl. 7: xiii+ 1-434. Hamm. Plassmann, E. 1972. Zweiter Nachtrag in der Fungivoriden-Sammlung des Senckenberg-Museums Frankfurt am Main. Senckenbergiana Biol. 53: 93-94. Plassmann, E. 1974a. Svampmyggor (Mycetophilidae) i Messaureomradet. Norrbottens Natur 30: 51-52. Plassmann, E. 1974b. Dritter Nachtrag zu der Mycetophiliden Sammlung des Senckenberg- Museums Frankfurt-am-Main (Diptera: Mycetophilidae). Senckenbergiana Biol. 55: 351-352. Plassman, E. 1975. Zum Vorkommen imaginaler Pilzmiicken (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) in Bodenfallen wahrend der Wintermonate im Messauregebiet. Ent. Tidskr. 96: 1-2. Plassmann, E. 1978. Pilzmiicken aus Messaure in Schweden. I. Barberfallen fange (Diptera: Mycetophilidae). Senckenbergiana Biol. 58: 147-156. Plassmann, E. 1979. Pilzmiicken aus Messaure in Schweden. III. Lichtfallenfange (Insecta: Diptera: Mycetophilidae). Senckenbergiana Biol. 60: 175-189. Plassmann, E. 1984. Neue Mitteilungen von Pilzmticken aus dem Alpenraum (Diptera, Nematocera, Mycetophilidae). Zeitschr. Ent. 51: 221-233. Plassmann, E. 1988. Pilzmticken der Nordseeinseln Mellum und Memmert (Insecta, Diptera, Nematocera, Mycetophilidae). Drosera '88(1-2): 253-256. Plassmann, E. & Plachter, H. 1986. Eine erste Bestandsaufnahme der Pilzmticken Bayerns (Diptera, Nematocera, Mycetophilidae). NachrBl. Bayer. Ent. 35: 73-90. Roser, C. F. L. von 1840. Erster Nachtrag zu dem im Jahre 1834 bekannt gemachten verzeichnisse vorkommender zweifliigeliger Insekten. CorrespBl. Wiirtt. Landw. Ver. Stuttg. (N S) 17(1): 49-64. Séguy, E. 1940. Diptéres Nematoceéres. Faune de France 36: 1-368. Smith, K. G. V. 1957. Some miscellaneous records of bred Diptera Ent. Rec. J. Var. 69: 214-216. Strobl, B. G. 1910. Die Dipteren von Steiermark. 5 (Nachtr. II). Mitt. Naturw. Ver. Steierm. 46 (1909): 45-293. Vaisanen, R. 1979. New species of the genus Mycomya (Diptera, Mycetophilidae) from Finland. Ann. Ent. Fenn. 45: 109-115. Vaisanen, R. 1984. A monograph of the genus Mycomya Rondani in the Holarctic Region (Diptera, Mycetophilidae). Acta Zool. Fennica 177: 1-346. Winnertz, J. 1863. Beitrag zu einer Monographie der Pilzmiicken (Mycetophilidae). Verh. Zool.- Bot. Ges. Wien 13: 637-694. Zetterstedt, J. W. 1851. Diptera Scandinaviae disposita et descripta. 10: 3711-4090. Lundae [=Lund]. Zetterstedt, J. W. 1852. Diptera Scandinaviae disposita et descripta. 11: i-xii + 4091-4545. Lundae {=Lund]. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 127 NEW FOODPLANTS FOR TWO SPECIES OF LEAF-MINING PEGOMYA (DIPTERA: ANTHOMYIIDAE) IN BRITAIN K. P. BLAND 35 Charterhall Road, Edinburgh EH9 3HS AND H. C. J. GODFRAY Department of Biology, Imperial College at Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY. Pegomya is a large genus of flies in the family Anthomyiidae. Although some of them are quite distinctive the majority have a typically muscoid appearance. The larvae of many Pegomya develop in fungi, but many others are leaf-miners. In 1990 the larvae of two species of Pegomya were found in upland habitats in Angus (VC 90) mining previously unrecorded foodplants. Pegomya steini Hendel, 1925 Two individuals of P. steini were reared from blotch mines in alpine saw-wort, Saussurea alpina (L.) DC., collected on 18.vii.1990 to the west of the Shank of Drumfollow (OS grid ref. NO2574) in Glen Doll. The imagines emerged on 17 and 20.iv.1991. This species normally mines the leaves of Cirsium and Carduus species and does not appear to have been previously noted in S. alpina. Pegomya steini is widely distributed in England but in Scotland was previously only known from Perthshire (Parmenter, 1956) and Midlothian (G. E. Rotheray, pers. comm.) but is probably more widespread than these few records suggest. Pegomya haemorrhoa (Zetterstedt, 1838) For a number of years we have noticed anthomyiid blotch mines in mountain sorrel, Oxyria digyna (L.) Hill, in various parts of the Scottish Highlands but they have usually been vacated or else the larvae have died without pupating. However in July 1990 occupied mines were frequent in Corrie Fee in Glen Doll (OS grid ref. NO2474 and NO2574) and two collections of mines were made. The first collection was made on 18.vii.1990 and subsequently the larvae left their mines and pupated externally. Two imagines were reared on 24 and 28.v.1991. Some of the larvae of the second collection (made on 22.vii.1990) left their mines to pupate but others pupated within the mine. Interestingly, those that remained within their mines to pupate emerged slightly later (i.e. 21.v.1991 and 9.vi.1991) than those that pupated externally. The latter emerged on 9, 13 and 20.v.1991. P. haemorrhoa is one of the less common species of Pegomya mining Rumex spp.—this is the first record of it being reared from Oxyria digyna. The larva may mine as many as six different leaves of Oxyria before it pupates, thus a continual supply of fresh food is required in order to rear it successfully. Puparia similar to those of P. haemorrhoa were obtained from larvae mining Oxyria at Glen Coe (OS grid ref. NN1658), Argyllshire (VC 98) on 26.vii.1989, at Meall nan Tarmachan (OS grid ref. NN7643), Perthshire (VC 88) on 27.vii.1990 and at Grey Mare’s Tail (OS grid ref. NT0021), Dumfries-shire (VC 72) on 9.ix.1990, but imagines failed to emerge. If these are all referable to P. haemorrhoa, the late feeding of the larvae in the southern hills suggests that it is double-brooded in Southern Scotland but only univoltine in the Highlands. However it should be noted that in Europe both P. bicolor (Hoffman., 1817) and P. nigritarsis (Zett., 1838) which are also Rumex miners, have been recorded leaf-mining Oxyria digyna (Hering, 1957; Hennig, 1966). 128 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Both P. bicolor and nigritarsis occur in Scotland and are probably widespread although currently under-recorded. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are grateful for liberal access to the Scottish Insects Records Index housed at the Royal Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh. REFERENCES Hennig, W. 1966. Die Fliegen der Palaearktischen Region. Ed. E. Lindner, 63a, p. 534. E. Schweizerbart ’sche Verlagsbuch. Nagele u. Obermiller. Hering, E. M. 1957. Bestimmungstabellen der Blattminen von Europa. p. 735. W. Junk, ’*S-Gravenhage. Parmenter, L. 1956. Phytomyza rydeniana Hering (Dipt., Agromyzidae) in Scotland. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 68, 75. SHORT COMMUNICATION Hydrometra gracilenta Horvath (Hemiptera: Hydrometridae) in East Sussex.—I took a single specimen of H. gracilenta from the margin of a drainage ditch in the Pevensey Levels, East Sussex (TQ6606), 30.vii.1988. H. gracilenta is a very rare species in Britain, with previous records only from the Norfolk Broads and the New Forest (Shirt, 1987). There appear to be no recent records from the latter locality. The bug’s habitat in Norfolk, as described by Brown (1948) and Leston (1952) was under the shade of dense clumps of Carex and Juncus at the margin of shallow water over a peaty substrate. It was found in quite different conditions in Sussex. The ditch from which it was taken was several feet across and up to two feet deep. It was well vegetated, with emergent Phragmites across much of its width in places. The marginal vegetation was well-developed and varied, including some Carex clumps, but was not especially dense and did not give heavy shade. The substratum was silty and contained no peat. It is worth noting that in mainland Europe H. gracilenta is a relatively frequent species and is found at the margins of a wide range of types of water body. H. gracilenta was the last specimen collected before leaving the area from which it was taken, and its identity was not recognized at the time. I therefore have no impression of the frequency of the species at the site. The Pevensey Levels are large, and could support a considerable population of the insect. Several other parts of the levels were visited, but no H. gracilenta were seen. However, this does not mean that they were not there: Hydrometra can be difficult to find amongst marginal vegetation, and on this occasion the common H. stagnorum was not recorded at all. Thanks go to M. S. Parsons and C. F. Durell for arranging the visit to the Pevensey Levels, and to Major R. E. Grubb for giving permission to record insects on his land.—P. Kirby, 49 Barnstock, Bretton, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE3 8EH. REFERENCES Brown, E. S. 1948. A contribution towards an ecological survey of the aquatic and semi-aquatic Hemiptera—Hetroptera (water-bugs) of the British Isles; dealing chiefly with the Scottish Highlands, and east and south England. Trans. Soc. Br. Ent. 9: 152-195. Leston, D. 1952. A further locality for Hydrometra gracilenta Horvath (Hem., Hydrometridae). Ent. Mon. Mag. 88: 206. Shirt, D. B. ed. 1987. British red data books: 2. Insects. Peterborough: Nature Conservancy Council. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT At the end of 1989 the Society vacated its rooms in the Alpine Club. Until the Society moves into new premises, the library and collections will be put into storage. Indoor meetings will be held at the Royal Entomological Society, 41 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 each month. The Journal will continue to be published as normal. Without a permanent address, it is important that members have clear and easy communication with the various officers to ensure the continued smooth running of the Society. The following is a list of useful addresses. Subscriptions and changes of address to the Assistant Treasurer: G. N. Burton, Mar-y-Mar, Minster Drive, Minster-on-Sea, Sheerness, Kent ME12 2NG. Applications for membership to the Membership Secretary: A. Godfrey, 10 Moorlea Drive, Baildon, Shipley, W. Yorks BD17 6QL. Non-arrival of the Journal, faulty copies or other problems arising from distribution of the Journal or notices to the Distribution Secretary: D. Young, 32 Valley Road, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berks RG7 3NF. Orders for books and back numbers of the Journal and Proceedings to the Sales Secretary: R. D. Hawkins, 30d Meadowcroft Close, Horley, Surrey RH6 9EL. General Enquiries to the Secretary: R. F. McCormick, 125 Brocks Drive, North Cheam, Sutton, Surrey SM3 9UP. INSTRUCTIONS TO AUTHORS Contributions must be typed double-spaced on one side only on A4 paper with 3-cm margins either side to facilitate marking up. Layout should follow that of the Journal, but apart from underlining scientific names, no marks should be made to define typeface. It is helpful, but not essential to send two copies of typescripts and figures. Line figures and half-tones are accepted. Writing on figures should be neatly added, or listed separately for typesetting, its placing indicated on a duplicate figure. Seek advice before drawing. Reduction may otherwise necessitate redrawing. Colour illustrations may be available, please write to the Editor. Authors of main articles qualify for 25 free offprints taken directly from the Journal. These may contain extraneous matter such as short communications or book reviews used as ‘fillers’. Extra copies must be ordered when proofs are returned; these will be charged to the author at the printers’ cost price. ANNOUNCEMENT National review of the recording and conservation of the rarer British macro- moths.—In order to continue this project (details of which can be found in Ent. Rec. J. Var. 104: 193-196), it became necessary, at the end of February 1992, for me to operate in a self-employed basis. The project ceased for the month of March 1992 and during April 1992 a new system of operations was set up. The project now has funding from JNCC during 1992 to cover those aspects to which county recorders and other contributors have become accustomed, and activities have been resumed. It is hoped that some aspects of the practical work on the Schedule 5 ‘protected’ moths and others will be continued with backing from other sources including the English Nature Species Recovery Programme. We regret any inconvenience these delays have caused. Provisional distribution maps and News Bulletin 4 are now in production and these items will be circulated to the recording network as soon as they are ready. The new address of the project, to which all correspondence should be addressed, is: National Review of the Rarer British Macro-Moths, c/o Dr Paul Waring, Windmill View, 1366 Lincoln Road, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6LS. BRITISH JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY VOLUME 5, PART 3, AUGUST 1992 ARTICLES °7 Moths of Redlake Cottage Meadows, Cornwall 1986-1991. A. SPALDING 107 New records and nine additions to the British list of fungus gnats of the smaller families and sub-families (Diptera: Mycetophiloidea). P. CHANDLER 127. New foodplants for two species of leaf-mining Pegomya (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in Britain. K. P. BLAND AND H. C. J. GODFRAY SHORT COMMUNICATION 128 Aydrometra gracilenta Horvath (Hemiptera: Hydrometridae) in East Sussex. P. KIRBY BOOK NOTICES 105 Reproductive behaviour of insecis: individuals and populations 105 The Aphidoidea (Hemiptera) of Fennoscandia and Denmark 106 New flora of the British Isles LETTER TO THE EDITOR 106 Letter from Brig. E. C. L. Simson MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY are held regularly and the well-known ANNUAL EXHIBITION and ANNUAL DINNER are planned for Saturday 31 October 1992 at Imperial College, London SW7. Frequent Field Meetings are held at weekends in the summer. Visitors are welcome at all meetings. The current Programme Card can be had on application to the Secretary, R. F. McCormick, at 125 Brocks Drive, North Cheam, Sutton, Surrey SM3 9UP. SUBSCRIPTION RATES London members £15. Ordinary members £10. Junior members (under 21) £4. Corporate members £15. Life membership £500. Membership joining fee (payable by all new members) £1. Send to: Assistant Treasurer, May-y-mar, Minster Drive, Minster-in-Sheppey, Kent ME12 2NG. }\ | CTOBER 1992 ISSN 0952-7583 Vol. 5, Part 4 a British Journal of. ENTOMOLOGY and Natural History Published by the British Entomological and Natural History Society and incorporating its Proceedings and Transactions Price: £6.00 BRITISH JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY Editor: Richard A. Jones, B.Sc., F.R.E.S., F.L.S. 13 Bellwood Road Nunhead London SE15 3DE (Tel: 071 732 2440) (Fax: 071 277 8725) Editorial Committee: Rev. D. J. L. Agassiz, M.A. T. G. Howarth, B. E. M., F.R.E.S. E. S. Bradford I. F. G. McLean, Ph.D., F.R.E.S. P. J. Chandler, B.Sc., F.R.E.S. Mrs F. M. Murphy B.Sc. B. Goater, B.Sc., M.I.Biol. T. R. E. Southwood, K.B., D.Sc., F.R.E.S. A. J. Halstead, M.Sc. R. W. J. Uffen, M:Sc:, F-R-E:S: P. J. Hodge B. K. West, B.Ed. British Journal of Entomology and Natural History is published by the British Entomological and Natural History Society, c/o Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street, Hurst, Reading, Berkshire RG10 OTH, UK. The Journal is distributed free to BENHS members. ©1992 British Entomological and Natural History Society. Typeset by Dobbie Typesetting Limited, Tavistock, Devon. Printed in England by Henry Ling Ltd, Dorchester, Dorset. BRITISH ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY Meetings of the Society are held regularly in London, at the rooms of the Royal Entomological Society, 41 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 and the well-known ANNUAL EXHIBITION and ANNUAL DINNER are planned for Saturday 31 October 1992 at Imperial College, London SW7. Frequent Field Meetings are held at weekends in the summer. Visitors are welcome at all meetings. The current Programme Card can be held on application to the Secretary, R. F. McCormick, at the address given below. The Society maintains a library, and collections at its headquarters in Dinton Pastures. Regular meetings are envisaged at Dinton Pastures from 1993, when members will be able to borrow books and examine the collections. Applications for membership to the Membership Secretary: A. Godfrey, 10 Moorlea Drive, Baildon, Shipley, West Yorkshire BD17 6QL. Subscriptions and changes of address to the Assistant Treasurer: G. N. Burton, Mar-y-Mar, Minster Drive, Minster-on-Sea, Sheerness, Kent ME12 2NG. Non-arrival of the Journal, faulty copies or other problems arising from distribution of the Journal or notices to the Distribution Secretary: D. Young, 32 Valley Road, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire RG7 3NF. Orders for books and back numbers of the Journal and Proceedings to the Sales Secretary: R. D. Hawkins, 30d Meadowcroft Close, Horley, Surrey RH6 9EL. General Enquiries to the Secretary: R. F. McCormick, 125 Brocks Drive, North Cheam, Sutton, Surrey SM3 9UP. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 129 THE SOCIETY’S MOVE FROM LONDON TO DINTON PASTURES By the time readers receive this issue of the Journal, the Society will have taken possession of its finished building at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Wokingham, Surrey. The collections and library will have to be installed, and if all goes according to plan regular meetings should be taking place there in 1993. When the Society learned, at the end of 1988, that it would have to vacate its rooms at the Alpine Club, home to the collections and library for 24 years, everyone assumed that similar premises could be found and that the Society would continue more or less as if nothing had happened. This, however, was not to happen. ‘Office’ space in London was prohibitively expensive, and even ‘friendly’ landlords such as museums, clubs and other scientific organizations were asking high commercial rents. Despite the end of the 1980s property boom and the failure of the housing property market, any idea of buying premises in London was out of the question and current rents would have exhausted the Society’s funds in less than 10 years. The Dinton Pastures option was suggested and debated at Council meetings in 1989 and became more than just a possibility when it seemed the obvious way for the Society to proceed. During the last 4 years or so the Society’s council has spent many hours at council meetings and during council members’ own time trying to sort out the Society’s accommodation, and indeed the Society’s very future. On the eve of the Society’s historical departure from London, Council members involved with the move have been invited to publish their own accounts of what has passed, for today’s members and for posterity. The first two of these accounts are from Frances Murphy, President of the Society in 1989-1990, and Col. D. H. Sterling, then Treasurer. MOVE FROM THE ALPINE CLUB The Secretary, John Muggleton rang me very soon after Christmas 1988 to tell me that the Alpine Club was leaving its rooms in South Audley Street and our lease would come to an end in December 1989. There had been rumours that this might happen a few years before but they seemed to have come to nothing. We should have been warned though I do not know what we would have done about it. John got this news on Christmas Eve and Teddy Pelham-Clinton—the Duke of Newcastle—died on Christmas Day. The President Ian McLean, John Muggleton and I heard in confidence that he had left the Society a very substantial bequest (£100,000) though this needed confirmation (which came in due course). This generosity on the Duke’s part improved the situation radically, though we did not at the time realize the extent of our problem. A small committee consisting of the President Ian McLean, the Secretary John Muggleton and me as the President elect was set up. Other members of the Council all had full-time jobs but I was retired and obviously the person with most time to give to the matter. We had a number of possibilities to try. We knew by this time that some of the obvious possibilities—the London Zoo, the Royal Entomological Society (RES) and the London Ecology Centre had no room for our collections and library. The renting of a room for meetings did not appear to be a substantial problem and in the event the RES kindly rented us their meeting room. However, finding a room for the library and collections was quite another matter. There was a possibility at 56 Queen’s Gate where the Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux had room to spare. However, the holding of evening meetings proved too difficult to arrange and at this stage we hoped 130 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 to find a home as comfortable as, if a good deal more expensive than, the Alpine Club where we could both meet and keep our collections and library. The BM (NH) was another suggestion which came to nothing. The Royal Aeronautical Society had a lovely room to rent which, of course, was far too expensive for us. The Royal Society of Arts had room to spare. This seemed hopeful but unfortunately the rooms were not on the ground floor and our heavy cabinets need strong floors. Also the rent was about double what we could possibly afford. The Librarian, Stephen Miles, went up to London and copied the list of clubs and societies from the Central London yellow pages. Between us we contacted all these organizations to see if they had any spare room. We also asked all our friends and relations for suggestions. A suggestion came that we could build a collections room alongside the new rooms of the Alpine Club under the lawns of the Royal Geographical Society, paying for this to be done. This also fell by the way and ultimately the Alpine Club’s arrangement also came to nothing. John Muggleton heard of an organization in South Kensington which would probably have spare room for our library and collections. However, their idea of a reasonable rent was well beyond our purse. By this time we had, at least, discovered that the rent (£1500) which we had paid at the Alpine Club was ridiculously out of date. We were paying less than a quarter of what we should have paid for the accommodation we had there. Also we had found the 600 or so square feet of space very cramped and decided that we should aim to have 1000 square feet. London rates—even if we could find what we wanted—would be at least £20,000 per year and that would be a concessionary rate. The Treasurer, Dougie Sterling, gave the opinion that we could just afford £10,000 per annum. And when you come to consider how few members were able to come to London meetings even that seemed out of proportion. I am conscious of the fact that a female arachnologist is far from being a typical member of a society mainly composed of male entomologists. I always feel something of an outsider. However, I had time to give a good deal of thought to the Society’s problems. While I was secretary I developed an affection for the Society and I reread the New aurelians and pondered on the reasons for the society’s longevity. One reason was probably the two long periods of continuous occupation of rooms: 1889-1939 in Hibernia Chambers and 1964-1989 at the Alpine Club. It seemed to me that there was no likelihood of achieving something similar in the London of today. Probably security of tenure could best be obtained by buying a building or at least a long lease with our £100,000 rather than putting the money in stocks and shares and renting somewhere. Security from vandals—one of our worries—could best be achieved by associating with some other suitable organization. Perhaps we could arrange to attach ourselves to a provincial museum not too far from London. Reading would have been a good compromise but there was nothing doing there or in other museums that I tried. Of course, we could have disposed of our library and collections and simply held meetings, probably in London. Colin Plant, my successor in the presidency suggested that his museum, the Passmore Edwards Museum might take them over but keep them separate and available for the Society. However, that fell through. I feel that the collections are very important to the Society. In fact, I believe that we have not made nearly enough of them. Attendance at ordinary meetings with lectures, however good, has been falling off—possibly partly because members are more scattered than before and people are reluctant to travel to London these days. It became clear to me that the Society for better or worse had come to a discontinuity and things would never be the same again but I agreed with Ian McLean that this might not be a disaster but rather an opportunity. We hope that weekend workshops 131 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 shortly inal adjustment to g fi dle , pine Club the Society’s rooms in the basement of the Al ’ Figs 1 & 2. December 1989 makin ’ Mr S. M. Miles before packing into storage. Top: the librarian, Mr P. J. Chandler (left) in front of the library. Bottom: Mr Miles (right) with the Curator the Joy and Ashdown collections of Coleoptera. 132 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 to help with identification, particularly for people working for recording schemes will prove valuable. We could see that we would have to put our library and collections in store for the time being. Stephen Miles made arrangements with Pickfords and Peter Chandler made sure that he would be able to visit the collections and see that all was well with them. We packed up and on the third day I came back on my own to see the final clear out. I looked round the place where I had spent many happy hours and thought to myself that it was rather a scruffy hole and the prospect of a new place, light and airy and all painted white cheered me up! That Christmas Bill Parker and Peter Chandler visited Dinton Pastures and set the new scheme going. I noticed that Dinton Pastures was almost exactly where I would have put my finger if I had been asked to select a good place to build our new rooms! After that, except for supporting the idea of building a library and collections room at Dinton Pastures my part was finished. Of course, the important thing is to get one but I would dearly have loved to have been the person who found the Society a new home! FRANCES MURPHY NOTES ON MOVE TO DINTON PASTURES Although the Society’s accommodation crisis came to a head in December 1988 with the notification from the Alpine Club that they would be unable to renew our licence to occupy rooms at South Audley Street beyond the end of 1989 at the latest, the potential problem had been on the agenda of many Council meetings at least since we had to leave our old pre-war rooms at Hibernia Chambers. Over 25 years ago, a housing fund was set up, to be built up until a permanent home could be purchased or leased long term, but this was before property inflation took place and it had reached only a total of some £2300. By 1989 the General Fund of the Society was in the region of £30,000, but the income from this was mainly used in the general activities and its use towards accommodation would either entail a very large increase in subscriptions or a considerable curtailment of activities. The solution had to be found from the very generous legacies which had been received during the last decade. A council decision had been taken that although income from these could be spent on special projects, the capital and all unused income would be retained intact at least until a long-term accommodation plan had been made. The Hammond and Crow bequest funds and accrued interest reached around £85,000 by the end of 1989, and, during that year, the £100,000 Pelham-Clinton bequest was received. Initial reaction was that our problems were over, but when possible properties for purchase or rent were found, all proved too expensive or too uncertain for a long-term solution. The Dinton Pastures scheme was then brought forward. Although the initially assessed costs were high in relation to available assets, it appeared that it would be possible to trim the project and to bring the cost of the building to a level where sufficient capital would be left for investment to be made to cover the anticipated annual outgoings on the property. Accordingly, the Council passed a motion setting up a working party to progress this option as far as ascertaining firm conditions of the lease and costs of construction. At this point, I handed the financial problems over to my successor. D. H. STERLING BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 133 Figs 3 & 4. Work at Dinton Pastures earlier this year (1992). Above, the base and steel frame are in place. Below, reinforcement rods are laid in the floor and the walls have started to go up. 134 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 The following item appeared in the Wokingham News on Thursday 29 August 1991: TOP NATURE SOCIETY TO PASTURES NEW A renowned nature society looks set to give Wokingham’s environmental programme a massive boost by moving into Dinton Pastures. The British Entomological and Natural History Society are planning to house their mammoth collection of insects at the park. Members of Wokingham District Council’s development control sub-committee gave the society conditional go-ahead to build a single-storey headquarters at the site. And the go-ahead will get the society out of a sticky situation, after they have had to keep their collection in storage for two years because they had nowhere to go. The internationally famous collection was originally housed in London, but the group was forced to move out because of a change in landlords. Now, the news that they have chosen to move out to Wokingham has been greeted with excitement from all sides. Rod Calder the council’s principal recreation and amenities officer, claims the move will do the town no end of good. He said: ‘As an organisation of international repute, we see this as a great benefit to Wokingham. ‘It will be of mutual benefit to have the society at Dinton Pastures as they will be allowing us to use part of the building as a display area,’ he added. But the actual insect display, that is composed of around 70 cabinets, will only be on show to members of the society. Peter Chandler, speaking on behalf of the society, said they would want to start the project as quickly as possible. He said: ‘We have been searching for a suitable site since we moved out of London two years ago.’ He added: ‘Obviously certain things have to be worked out, but we hope that once all the details are ironed out we can start work straight away.’ A legal agreement now has to be drawn up between the two sides, along with conditions over landscaping, drainage and materials that will be used. ANNOUNCEMENT Cambridgeshire butterflies: historical records.—Val Perrin is compiling a historical account of Cambridgeshire butterflies to accompany a seven-year species distribution survey, which is now nearing completion. He would be very grateful for any reliable information on butterfly records for vice county 29 (old Cambridgeshire) prior to about 1970, or any further sources of information (e.g. published articles, labelled specimens) that could be consulted on this topic. He can be contacted at 12 The Crescent, Impington, Cambridge CB4 4NY. Tel: 0223 233690. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 135 HELIUS HISPANICUS LACKSCHEWITZ, 1928 (DIPTERA: TIPULIDAE) NEW TO BRITAIN ALAN E. STUBBS 181 Broadway, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PEI 4DS. On 19.vi.1989 a visit was made to the western end of Axmouth-Lyme Regis National Nature Reserve, Devon. Here there are extensive coastal cliffs, in the lower part with springs, seepages and landslips in Triassic marls. Specimens of a Helius were found with an exceptionally long proboscis and darkened wing tips, readily recognizable as a species that I had seen in Spain. Reference to the type description, which includes illustrations of the male genitalia, confirms that the species is Helius hispanicus, a surprising addition to the British fauna. The genus is very distinctive in having an elongate blunt-ended rostrum (slender pointed in Geranomyia). There are three Helius previously known in Britain, these being widespread in Britain and also in Europe. In these species the rostrum is about twice as long as the head and the wings are clear except for the presence of a darkish stigma in H. /ongirostris (Meig.) and H. pallirostris Edw.; H. flavus (Walker) lacks a coloured stigma. They occur in marshes and at pond margins, usually with tall herbage, and in the case of H. /ongirostris and H. flavus they can also occur at seepages in open or shaded habitat. H. hispanicus has a rostrum about three times as long as the head (Figure 1). Apart from the presence of gently darkened wing tips, the stigma is distinctly darkened and there is a faint dark stripe along the hind edge of the second basal cell. The male Fig. 1. Helius hispanicus, lateral view of male. 136 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 A B Fig. 2. Helius hispanicus, male genitalia: (A) dorsal; (B) ventral. genitalia (Figure 2) have an elongate smooth inner dististyle, lacking the comb of spines found in H. /ongirostris and H. flavus and much longer than in H. pallirostris. Apart from these definitive characters, the general appearance is as follows. The rostrum, antennae, abdomen and male genitalia are predominantly blackish. The head is dark grey. The thorax is a drab orange brown with a vaguely darker pleural stripe and the postnotum is blackish. The female ovipositor has the cerci and much of the sternal valves orange brown. The coxae are yellowish, as are all but the apices of the femora and tibiae. The tarsi are blackish. The wing length is about 8 mm. In Devon the habitat was unusual for He/ius in that it comprises small streamlets on quite steep slopes. A total of two males and a female were swept from two separate streams about 300 m apart. The first location was a small spring-fed stream out of the Triassic marl with Juncus inflexus and Juncus articulatus predominant in a shallow ditch-like gully. Much of the slope was sparsely vegetated but in the mid-morning sun the exact position was partly shaded by some Salix bushes. The second location was on open heavily landslipped cliffs in the Triassic marl. Here a spring-fed stream on a mud flow was lined with Epilobium hirsutum and Equisetum telmateia, with some grasses adjacent to bare mud flow margins. The type material was from Algeciras, collected on 12-20 May by Czerny. This location is at the southern tip of Spain, near Gibraltar. I have collected in south-west Spain and in the Algarve of Portugal without meeting H. hispanicus. However, I did find some males swarming at sunset at Jaca on the south side of the Pyrenees (only an uninteresting ditch provided potential breeding habitat in the immediate vicinity) and also found it by small streams in the Sierra Nevada area of southern Spain. As a whole the Iberian Peninsula is still poorly recorded for Tipulidae, as is western France. For the latter country, Pierre (1924) did not appear to be aware of this rather distinctive species (described 4 years later). Lackschewitz & Pagast (1942) in their Palaearctic review only give Andalusia as the known distribution. I am not BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 137 aware of H. hispanicus being taken elsewhere in Europe though it has been recorded in the Eastern Palaearctic (Oosterbroek, pers. com.). The British cranefly fauna is mainly that of the temperate climatic belt of Europe, plus some northern and a few alpine species. An Iberian, and hence Lusitanian element, seems to be unprecedented in this group of insects. The discovery of H. hispanicus stems from a review of the entomological value of soft rock coasts in Britain. The available information indicates marked geographical assemblages characterizing particular coasts, with the geology determining site characteristics. The climatic advantage of south-facing cliffs, with extensive uneven bare ground, enables a number of warmth-loving insects to persist on the edge of their European range. Several rare craneflies, as well as various other insects, are markedly restricted in distribution on soft rock cliffs. Whilst it would be unwise at this stage to conclude that a single section of cliff in Devon is the only plausible site for this particular cranefly, the equivalent site options would seem few in view of its apparent absence from the other sections of coast that have been surveyed for craneflies over the years. For the visitor unfamiliar with the habitat described, the terrain has potential hazards including mud flows, fissures and rock falls. My thanks are passed to Dr Pjotr Oosterbroek for information on the Palaearctic distribution. REFERENCES Lackschewitz, P. 1928. Die palaearktischen Limnobiinen (Diptera) des Wiener Naturhistorischen Museums. Ann. Nat. Hist. Mus. Wien 42:13-243. Lackschewitz, P. & Pagast, F. 1942. 16. Limoniidae. In: Die Fliegen der palaearktischen Region. Ed. E. Lindner. 3(5)2, Leif. 145: 33-64, pl. 9-12. Pierre, C. 1924. Faune de France 8: (Diptéres: Tipulidae). Paris. pp. 159. BOOK REVIEWS Insect pest management by D. Dent, Wallingford, Oxon, CAB International, 1991, xvili, 604 pages, paperback, £24.50, hardback £50.—Although most members of this society and most readers of this journal might consider themselves ‘naturalist’ entomologists rather than ‘applied’ entomologists, we should not forget that application of insect study to the control of insect pests is one of the most important uses to which our knowledge can be put. Each year huge sums of money are spent in trying to prevent the massive and sometimes crippling depredations of insects in developing countries. Even greater sums are spent by the developed nations of the world in trying to increase the yield and profitability of their crops. Relatively huge sums of money are also spent each year by the British public in search of greater aesthetic appeal in their gardens. For those entomologists studying pest species, the book has an obvious appeal, but in fact many other entomologists would find the book an interesting and informative text. Some of the chapters are of only limited general appeal, such as those on ‘quarantine, legislation and politics’ and ‘integrated insect pest management’, but others like ‘sampling, monitoring and forecasting’, ‘host plant resistance’ and ‘natural enemies’ are relevant to any study of entomology. What might seem such a daunting chapter as ‘yield loss assessment’ will, in fact, find wider application in 138 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 other studies of insect herbivory. So widespread is the use of pesticides nowadays that the chapter on ‘insecticides’ ought to be preferred reading for us all. The book is aimed at advanced undergraduates and graduates studying applied entomology or crop protection, but it could equally find an audience amongst other, less specialized, readers wishing to gain some insights into pest species, insect—plant interactions or farming practice. R. A. JONES Cornwall’s butterfly and moth heritage by Adrian Spalding. Twelveheads Press (Chy Mengleth, Twelveheads, Truro, Cornwall) 1992, 48 pages, paperback, £2.50 including postage.—A most unusual book! Not a definitive local list, but more an extended essay on Cornish Lepidoptera, attractively produced and copiously illustrated in colour and monochrome. After a brief introduction the author deals with the geology, habitats and history of Cornwall, tracking back to the ice ages, later bringing in climate and other factors influencing the distribution of Lepidoptera in Cornwall. Changes in distribution are discussed with the ‘gains and losses’. Major habitats, with their associated sub-habitats are dealt with under headings of coastal species and woodland species, and those of ruderal, heathland, moorland, wetland and arable habitats, concluding with notes on rare and extinct species. Butterflies are enumerated, together with some 60 notable macrolepidoptera. There is a brief bibliography and names and addresses relevant to Cornish Lepidoptera. The author covers a lot of ground in so small a volume. The text is divided into small chunks interspersed with photographs and tables listing typical species found in particular habitats or localities. Unusually, only the English names for the butterflies and larger moths are used. This is undoubtedly a bonus for the general naturalist reader, but did cause problems for the reviewer whose recall of English names is a little rusty. The text itself is well written and interesting. A contents page would have been helpful, and the further reading should really have included Rennie Bere’s delightful The nature of Cornwall, a perfect complement to the current volume. By any standards, a real bargain at this price. PAUL SOKOLOFF British red data books. 3: Invertebrates other than insects edited by J. H. Bratton, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 1991, ISBN 1 873701 00 4, £8.00, hardback, 253 pp.—Most of the book consists of data sheets for each species with RDB status, consisting of the name and identification followed by sections on the distribution, habitat and ecology, status, threats and conservation of the species. Twenty-one black and white photographs are included to illustrate features about the habitat and ecology or threats to species mentioned in the text. Lack of information means that marine invertebrates and groups such as mites and the Protozoa are not included in the review, which therefore consists mainly of spiders (86 species) and molluscs (33 species). However the book makes very interesting and informative reading for those interested in these groups and will be a valuable guide to those involved in the management and conservation of wildlife habitats. P. R. HARVEY BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 139 HYDROBAENUS CRANSTONIN. SP. (DIPTERA: CHIRONOMIDAE) FROM NORTH-WEST SPAIN PETER H. LANGTON AND FERNANDO COBO* 3 St Felix Road, Ramsey Forty Foot, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PEI7 1YH, UK and *Departamento de Biologia Animal, Facultad de Biologia, Universidad de Santiago, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain. On 29.i.1986 amongst some chironomid pupal exuviae and pharate adults collected from the River Sar (Galicia, north-west Spain) by F. Cobo was a pharate adult male that defied identification at the time. Through discussion with P. S. Cranston at the British Museum (Natural History) it was concluded that the specimen was of a hitherto undescribed Hydrobaenus. Since that time efforts by both authors to coliect further specimens of any life-history stage at the original collection site and elsewhere in Galicia have been unsuccessful. Slide-mounted pharate adult chironomids obscure some adult and pupal characters, but as the species is easily recognized in both pupal and adult stages on the structures visible in the specimen, it seems best to describe it and supplement the description when more material is obtained. DESCRIPTION Hydrobaenus cranstoni n. sp. Holotype deposited in Zoologische Staatssammlung, Munich. Adult male Head. Antenna: pedicellus 100 nm long, 145 wm wide; flagellomere 1 75 um long, 45 um wide; 2 30 um long, 45 wm wide; 3 33 um long, 45 wm wide; 4 33 um long, 45 wm wide; 13 (last) 630 um long; total length of flagellomeres 1-12 470 pm; AR 1.34. Palp: length of segment 1 30m; 2 374m; 3 100um; 4 93m; 5 135 um. (Setae of head obscured.) Thorax (Figure 1). Three dorsocentrals set on white spots, 70-80 um long, two prealars, 75 um long, six (?) scutellars, five acrostichals, starting at anterior third of scutum. Squama fringed with about 14 setae. Comb of tibia III of 13 spines; longest 40 um, shortest 20 nm long. Hypopygium (Figure 2). Tergite [IX with 28 setae. Latero-sternite IX with 11 setae. Phallapodeme 115 um long. Transverse sternapodeme 87 nm long. Gonocoxite 210 um long; basal lobe posteriorly directed, smooth apically. Gonostyle 117 um long; crista Fig. 1. Hydrobaenus cranstoni sp. n. dorsal part of thorax lateral. 140 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Fig. 2. Hydrobaenus cranstoni sp. n. hypopygium dorsal. dorsalis absent. Anal point 53 um long, parallel-sided, smooth. Virga apparently with two spines. Pupa (Figure 3). Hydrobaenus Pel in Langton 1991. Frontal warts strongly projecting. Cephalic tubercles flat-conical; frontal setae 70 um long. Thoracic horn (Figure 3A) 350 um long, 60 um wide; ThR 5.8. Precorneal setae 40, 40, 110 um long. PSB well-developed on segment II; PSA present on segments IV-VII. Dorsal anterior transverse apodeme of segment II incomplete medially (Figure 3B). Hook row II with about 50 hooks. Segment VIII with five lateral filamentous setae, VII with four, and VI apparently with one. Fringe of anal lobes (Figure 3C) with 22/24 filaments; longest about 70 um long, 3.5 wm wide; extending the whole length of the anal lobes. Anal macrosetae broken off; 4 um wide at base. Anal lobes 310 um long, 175 wm wide; ALR 1.8. HABITAT The river Sar at Bertamirans (UTM 29NH3045) where this specimen was collected is organically polluted to a visually unpleasant degree: ammonium 196.6 mg/I, nitrate 7.0 mg/l, nitrite 388.0 ng/l, orthophosphate 660.6 ng/l (Cobo & Gonzalez, 1991). Nevertheless, collections here provide a selection of chironomids normally associated with much cleaner water: e.g. Brillia modesta (Meig.), Cricotopus (s. str.) annulator Goetghebuer, Eukiefferiella claripennis (Lundbeck), Orthocladius (s. str.) rubicundus (Meig.), Paratrichocladius rufiventris (Meig.), Rheocricotopus chalybeatus (Edw.), Prodiamesa olivacea (Meig.), and Phaenopsectra Pel in Langton (1991); however, the species normally associated with organically polluted water, Chironomus riparius Meig. is also present. According to Saether (1976) Hydrobaenus spp. occur in a wide range of aquatic habitats, but usually oligo- trophic. Investigations upstream of the site have not yet revealed the origin of these BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 141 Fig. 3. Hydrobaenus cranstoni sp. n. pupa: A, thoracic horn; B, anal segment ventral left, dorsal right; C, segment II dorsal. clean-water species. (For a detailed discussion of the habitats of the River Sar see Cobo & Gonzalez 1991.) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We are very grateful to P. S. Cranston for his opinions on this specimen and have pleasure in naming the species in his honour. REFERENCES Cobo, F. & Gonzalez, M. A. 1991. Etude de la dérive des exuvies nymphales de Chironomides dans la riviere Sar (NO. Espagne) (Insecta, Diptera). Spixiana 14(2): 193-203. Langton, P. H. 1991. A key to pupal exuviae of West Palaearctic Chironomidae. 386 pp. Privately published. Saether, O. A. 1976. Revision of Hydrobaenus, Trissocladius, Zalutschia, Paratrissocladius and some related genera (Diptera: Chironomidae). Bull. Fish. Res. Board Can. 195: 1-287. BOOK REVIEW A review of scarce and threatened Coleoptera of Great Britain Part 1, UK Nature Conservation No. 3 by P. S. Hyman, revised and updated by M. S. Parsons. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, 1992, 484 pages, £18, paperback.— This, part one of a two-volume work, lists and aims to provide information relevant to aiding the conservation of some 1043 scarce and threatened beetle species occurring 142 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 in Great Britain. In considering a wider range of species status categories it extends the coverage given to Coleoptera in Shirt (1987), which only included those species of insect in Great Britain whose survival was considered to be under threat. It is the result of a project spanning a number of years, and as well as including data from literature searches and databases such as the Invertebrate Site Register, incorporates a wealth of formerly unpublished information provided by over 60 entomologists. All terrestrial families of Coleoptera were considered within the scope of this and the forthcoming part 2 of the review. Though some families represented in Great Britain only by one or a small number of species, e.g. Dascillidae, do not appear since the few species concerned are not considered sufficiently scarce. Truly aquatic groups, e.g. Dytiscidae are excluded, though a list of species status categories is given for water beetles repeating those in Ball (1986) together with an update compiled by Dr G. N. Foster. This first volume covers the more popular terrestrial beetle families and includes most groups with existing recording schemes. Those groups not included in part 1, but will appear in part 2 are; Sphaeriidae, terrestrial Hydrophilidae, most of the Staphylinoidea (Silphidae and Scaphidiidae are already included here in part 1), Nitidulidae and Cryptophagidae. The introductory chapter covers topics such as how and what information was collated for the species data sheets, species category definitions and criteria, the study of beetles in Britain, suggestions for further reading including a list of key works for particular families and a bibliography. The 1043 species included are listed both by status category and in taxonomic order, the taxonomic list, in addition to the current status also shows the status of each species, when listed, in earlier drafts and Shirt (1987). A data sheet is provided for each species and these form the bulk of the report, arranged in alphabetic order by family name and then, within a family, by scientific name. As well as listing synonyms, the data sheets include information under the headings; distribution, habitat and ecology, status, indicator status (where relevant), threats, management and conservation and published sources. Not all of these headings are covered for every species, reflecting the current state of knowledge, though most are complete. A list of references quoted in the data sheets is provided as are full indexes to the invertebrate and plant names, all of which seem thorough. For the student of Coleoptera or anyone working in nature conservation, this is a valuable reference work. It provides a concise and informative presentation on the current state of knowledge of our scarce beetle fauna. The alphabetic arrangement of the data sheets will assist those not familiar with beetle taxonomy. The species accounts are highly informative though the level of detail varies, reflecting how much or little is known about a species. So often, in addition to habitat loss, the threats listed to species include lack of or inappropriate management, and attention is also drawn to problems arising from tidy management regimes, e.g. removal of fallen timber. I have no major criticisms of the content, though its production must have taken a lot longer than many contributors would have wished and the data sheets for two species of Geotrupes listed are omitted. A. P. FOSTER REFERENCES Ball, S. G. 1986. Terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates with red data book, notable or habitat indicator status. Invertebrate Site Register Report No. 66. Nature Conservancy Council, unpublished. (CSD report No. 637). Shirt, D. B. (ed.) 1987. British red data books: 2. Insects. Peterborough, Nature Conservancy Council. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 143 TWO NEW SPECIES OF GEOMYZA WITH NOTES ON THE COMBINATA GROUP (DIPTERA: OPOMYZIDAE) C. M. DRAKE 22 Park Road, Deeping St James, Peterborough PE6 8ND Linnaeus’s name combinata has caused considerable confusion in the genus Geomyza. Simple recourse to examining the type specimen does not resolve the problem because, as pointed out by Cogan & Dear (1975), the type specimen is another species. It is, in fact, what is now known as Opomyza germinationis L. There is no ambiguity about Linnaeus’s description of his Musca germinationis.as this, in translation, reads *. .. resembles Musca [ = Seioptera] vibrans but the margins of the wings are blackish on the outer edge and tip: the disc is white with several indistinct blackish spots’ (Linnaeus, 1761). This fits the currently accepted interpretation of this species and could hardly be applied to G. combinata (auct.). There is nothing else in the Linnaean collection that resembles G. combinata and there is little doubt that the type was lost and later replaced with the wrong specimen, a view that is supported by the fact that the type for O. germinationis is actually a species of Palloptera (Brian Cogan, pers. comm.). This raises further problems as O. germinationis is the type species of the genus Opomyza Fallén. Linnaeus (1767) described his Musca combinata as follows: combinata. 114. M[usca]. antennis setariis pilosa cinerea, abdomine nigro, alis margine tenuiore puncto nigro. Habitat in Suecia. Magnituda dupla pediculi. Thorax cinereus. Abdominum nigrum. Alae complicatae fasciis duabus: priore obsoletiore; posteriore magis atra, quae oritur a puncto majusculo nigro, ad marginem tenuiorem utriusque alae, versus posteriora This may be translated as: combinata. 114. A fly, antennae with a pilose grey arista, with a black abdomen, and a black spot at the tip of its wings. It lives in Sweden. Twice the size of a louse. Thorax grey. Abdomen black. The wings when folded together have two bands, the front one is fainter; the rear one is blacker and arises from a somewhat larger black spot at the tip of each wing toward the rear. Loew (1864) pointed out that Linnaeus’s description, especially that of the wing, did not fit the species then known as G. combinata and which Meigen illustrated in the early part of the nineteenth century (reproduced in Morge, 1975). Furthermore, Geomyza has a distinctly subplumose arista. The translation rendered here makes sense only if the specimen was described with its wings folded across the abdomen (complicatae), and the ‘narrower margin’ (marginem tenuiorem) translated as ‘tip’. An alternative interpretation is that Linnaeus was describing G. tripuntata Fall. since the wing description is confusing and the thorax is said to be grey, which it is not in any of species in the G. combinata group. However, it is more sensible to accept that Linnaeus was referring to a species with a small mark on the dm-cu crossvein and a fainter one on the r-m crossvein. There are figures and descriptions in the literature for several species in this group. The least ambiguous species are G. annae Martinek (1978a), G. balachowskyi Mesnil (1934), and G. hackmani Narchuk (1984), the genitalia of which are all well illustrated. The last of these species was drawn originally by Hackman (1958) and again by 144 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Vockeroth (1961) who pointed out that it differed from balachowskyi, but its formal description was left to Narchuk (1984). Trojan (1962) illustrated a possibly different type of genitalia though it may be a poor figure of hackmani. Another genitalia type under the name combinata has broadly rounded surstylar lobes armed with 13-16 closely set teeth arranged around its tip (Mesnil, 1934; Martinek, 1978a; Sods, 1981, and possibly Czerny, 1928). It is not clear whether this is just one species. Mesnil, in his original description of balachowskyi in 1934, stated that these two species can be distinguished by differences in the coloration of the abdomen, by a long anepimeral seta in combinata, and by the presence of a separate small spot at the tip of the vein M in balachowskyi, which he illustrated. He mentioned no marked differences between these species in their wing patterns. However, Balachowsky & Mesnil (1935) illustrated a whole specimen of combinata which looks virtually identical to tripunctata. Both Collin (1945) and Vockeroth (1961) concluded that Mesnil’s combinata looked like tripunctata and not like balachowskyi. Thus it is far from clear what Mesnil’s combinata looked like but, in my opinion, his careful description should be believed rather than the uncharacteristically inaccurate portrayal of the fly in Balachowsky & Mesnil (1935). Interestingly, Séguy (1934) illustrated the then usually accepted wing type of combinata L. before Balachowsky & Mesnil published their unconventional version. Two species described by Czerny (1928) may also belong to the combinata group: acutipennis and virgata. The latter is not illustrated and was described from a male. Unlike the other species in the complex, it has only two dc setae so ought to be easily identified. In its description, acutipennis differs very little from combinata of Czerny but the genitalia of a male from Czechoslovakia (in the Martinek collection) are distinct from others in the complex. Thus, there are a number of species that fit the Linnaean description of combinata. There are two courses of action that may be taken to stabilize the use of this name. The first is to guess what type Linnaeus had and to select a neotype from representative material of the species complex from southern Sweden. The most likely candidates are balachowskyi, which is possibly widespread in Europe, and hackmani which Vockeroth established, by correspondence with Hackman, is widespread in central and southern Finland, including the islands of Aland adjacent to the Swedish province of Uppland where Linnaeus presumably obtained his specimens. There is a recently collected male of hackmani from Kirkkonummi, south Finland, in the Natural History Museum, London. Both are found in England and Russia so it is likely that they occur together in Sweden. The alternative is to reject the name combinata, as suggested by Vockeroth (1961), and redescribe the various forms as new species, as has already been done for balachowskyi and hackmani. However, as combinata is the type species of the genus Geomyza Fall., it would be expedient to follow the first course of action and select a neotype. The well-illustrated type of Martinek (1978a) still needs to be described with a new name to remove another of the ambiguities in the use of the name combinata. The known distribution of this type, as given below, coupled with the information on the known Swedish species given in Vockeroth (1961) make it unlikely to be the species that Linnaeus described so it is permissible to describe it here before selecting a neotype of combinata. During the preparation of a review of the British Opomyzidae (Drake, in prep.), Dr Vladimir Martinek kindly lent me many species of Geomyza from Czechoslovakia and Bulgaria. These included a series of combinata sensu Martinek (1978a) and I here describe it in his honour. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 145 Geomyza martineki sp. n. A small fly with an orange thorax, dark abdomen and yellow legs; wings with a distinct apical spot and both crossveins with small spots; four dc setae and one long subvibrissal seta. Male Head. Orange-yellow, face white pollinose and parafacia glistening white, ocellar triangle and vertical plates shining and light brown; occiput, vertex, frons and area between vertical plates sub-pollinose and yellow. Genae at the level of the subvibrissa narrower than the width of the first flagellomere. Antennae pale yellow, first flagellomere with dense short white pubescence; arista sub-plumose. Palps and proboscis yellow. Chaetotaxy normal for the genus; the single strong subvibrissa is almost as long as the anterior orbital seta, and a second genal seta behind it may sometimes be longer than half the subvibrissa’s length. Thorax. Orange except for the brown postnotum; thinly pollinose and slightly shining, sometimes with weak metallic reflections on the upper pleurae. The four dc setae are more or less equally long or the first post-sutural may be weaker; ac setae in four rows with occasional extra setae posteriorly; anepimeron with a 3-4 weak setulae similar to those on other pleura; remaining thoracic setae normal for the genus. Legs. Yellow with slight darkening on the last few tarsal segments; front femora with a postero-ventral row of 3-5 long setae and a postero-dorsal row of about 4 long setae, interspersed with shorter setae; legs otherwise normal for the genus. Wings. Clear with a black apical spot spreading posteriorly one-third of the way into cell r4+5; the posterior two thirds of this cell is always entirely clear and the end of vein M is never clouded. dm-cu crossvein with a small distinct spot and r-m crossvein with a smaller though still obvious spot, neither extending beyond the long veins. Veins pale brown, darker under the spots, distal half of the stem vein black. Ratio of maximum width, near the dm-cu crossvein, to the length measured from the root is 0.296. Halteres and their stems white (Figure 1m). Abdomen. Tergites shining, black-brown except the first tergite and basal third of the second tergite which are the same colour as the thorax. Marginal setae on the second tergite about one third of its length, those on the fifth tergite about two thirds of its length, the remaining setae short and scattered. Sternites paler with slightly finer setae. Hypopygium dull black; in lateral view, the surstylar lobes narrow gradually to the almost parallel, inwardly curved tips which are broadly rounded, sometimes slightly expanded, and curved slightly backwards; the distal margin has an array of about 15 equally small, closely spaced teeth with none widely separated from this terminal group (Figure 1m). Cerci white. Wing length: 3.15 mm (range 2.90-3.30 mm); maximum breadth near the posterior crossvein 0.93 mm; thorax length 1.41 mm (range 1.28-1.48 mm); total body length 3.44 mm (range 3.25-3.75 mm). Twenty-two specimens were measured. Holotype. A male, Bulgaria: Albena, Varna, 18.ix.1978, deposited at the Natural History Museum, London. Paratypes. Four males from the same locality as the holotype, one deposited at each of the Zoologisk Museum, Copenhagen, the Musée National d’ Histoire Naturelle and the Institut Royale de Science Naturelle de Belgique, and two males in the collection of V. Martinek; Luxembourg: one male Welscheid, 18.viii.1971, B. H. Cogan, in the Natural History Museum, London, (caught together with G. balachowskyi); Czechoslovakia: three males, Bohemia, Branzez-rybn, 5.viii.90, one of which is 146 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Fig. 1. Geomyza martineki sp. n.(m), G. subnigra sp. n. (s) and G. breviseta Czerny (b); wing and male genitalia in lateral and posterior view, the inner face of the tip of the surstylar lobe and ovipositor in lateral and ventral view. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 147 deposited at the Canadian National Museum, Ottawa; one male, Bohemia, Chabory, Dobruska, 11.viii.66; six males, Bohemia, Otovice, Brovmov, 5.viii.77; one male, Rybn. Rozmberk, 18.vi.77, three males, Bohemia, Banska Stiavnica, 30.viii.77; one male, Bohemia, Noviny p. Balskam, 2.vii.62; five males, Bohemia, Pulice, Dobruska, 11.viii.77 and 16.ix.91; one male, Moravia, Straznice-privoz, 10.vii.74. Except where stated otherwise, all specimens were collected by V. Martinek and are in his collection. This species is closely related to others in the combinata group and for the most part the description above fits annae, balachowskyi and hackmani. Males of martineki may be distinguished from these species by the genitalia and from the last two species by the wings. In both martineki and annae the apical spot has a clearly defined posterior border and there is no shading at the tip of vein M. In balachowskyi and hackmani the apical spot fades but is still detectable across cell r4+5 and becomes darker again over vein M. Although the lengths of the wings are almost the same in the four species, the ratio of width to length clearly separates balachowskyi and hackmani as narrow-winged species from the other two which are broad-winged species (Table 1). The genitalia of martineki closely resemble those of the allotype of consobrina Zetterstedt which Hackman (1958) illustrated. However, this species is clearly different from martineki because Hackman describes its wing pattern as being very similar to that of tripunctata. Sods (1984) gives consobrina as a synonym of apicalis which has a distinctly different wing to either tripunctata or any of the combinata groups of species and genitalia that cannot be confused with any of these species. Martinek (1978b) gives the distribution of martineki (as combinata) within Czechoslovakia. The material lent to me included specimens from Bulgaria and there is the specimen from Luxembourg in the Natural History Museum, London. As this species is probably the same as that illustrated by Sods (1981), it is presumably also present in Hungary. It is not known from France since Mesnil’s combinata would appear to be a different species. Its known distribution is therefore central European. Martinek (1978b) describes martineki (as combinata) as ‘a common species of grass stands of meadows, rivers and brook sides, etc’. However, the details of larval biology he gives were obtained from Nye (1958) who worked on English combinata. These were most probably balachowskyi since hackmani appears to be scarce in Britain and martineki has not been recognized here (Drake, in prep.). The food plants of martineki are therefore still unknown. Another new species has been recognized among English material under the name breviseta Czerny. It is appropriate to give a full description of the true breviseta to compare with that of the new species. Table 1. Dimensions of some characters of four species in the Geomyza combinata group (mean, M, and range, R). Wing Wing Wing Thorax Number length (mm) width (mm) width/length length (mm) measured G. martineki M 3.15 0.93 0.296 1.41 22 R 2.90-3.30 0.85-1.00 0.272-0.325 G. annae M S17 0.89 0.285 1.39 3 R 3.05-3.28 0.85-0.93 G. balachowskyi M 2.96 0.78 0.265 1.33 18 R 2.63-3.13 0.68-0.88 0.248-0.282 G. hackmani M 2.96 0.74 0.248 1.39 4 R 2.80-3.15 0.68-0.80 0.253-0.259 148 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Geomyza subnigra sp. n. A small dark brown fly with yellow legs, dark hind tibiae and a subapical dark mark on the hind femora; wings narrow and short with an apical black spot, a small spot only on the dm-cu crossvein and a conspicuously darkened costal cell. Male and female Head. Ocellar triangle and vertical plates shining black-brown, the vertical plates pointed anteriorly; between each vertical plate and the ocellar triangle is a dull orange- brown stripe and these merge anteriorly and extend to the front of the frons; either side of this stripe in front of the vertical plates the frons is dull yellow. Occiput black- brown, pollinose. Face and genae yellow, pollinose, with narrow glistening white parafacia. Antennae yellow in the male, brown in the female, the first flagellomere with white pubescence whose length is about one-quarter that of the segment’s width; arista subplumose, the length of the longest hair being about half the width of the flagellomere. Chaetotaxy of the dorsal setae normal for the genus; 2-4 subvibrissal setae are distinct from other genal setae, and are of approximately equal or varying lengths; often the second one is stronger than the others. Palps and proboscis yellow, darker in the female. Thorax. Ground colour black-brown to completely black (hence the specific name) except postpronotal lobe and adjacent pleura which are often obscurely reddish or yellow; dorsum and parts of the pleurae grey pollinose and moderately shining, the dorsum appearing greyer than the abdomen when viewed from the front; anepisternum and anatergite less pollinose and more shining. Chaetotaxy: three equal dc setae, one anterior and two posterior to the suture, postpronotal seta weaker than the anterior notopleural seta; ac setae in four rows; basal scutellar bristles reduced to setulae similar in size to the ac setae. Legs. Mostly yellow, including the coxae and all tarsal segments; hind tibiae almost black except for the distal quarter; hind femora with a subapical dark ring or posterior mark which may also be present on the middle femora; anterior femora with 4-7 bristles in both antero- and postero-ventral rows; the longest is slightly longer than the greatest depth of the femora; front basitarsi without ventral combs of short black spines; front coxa with 1-2 setae in addition to the strong apical seta. The legs are otherwise normal for the genus. Wings. Greyish or brownish with a black apical spot extending posteriorly halfway across cell r4+5 and faintly posterior in vein M; dm-cu crossvein with a weak spot not reaching beyond the long veins; no spot on the r-m crossvein which itself is pale; wing base black anterior of a line from the reduced alula to the end of vein R1, cell sc paler but obviously darker at its distal end than the membrane just beyond RI. Veins pale brown proximally and dark brown to black in the distal half, stem vein and costa from its base to vein sc black. Ratio of the greatest width to the length measured from the root is 0.255 (range 0.225-0.280, n= 30). Halteres white with black bases to the stems. Abdomen. Tergites and sternites 1-6 entirely black, grey pollinose but moderately shining and blacker than the thoracic dorsum; the extreme base of first tergite is occasionally pale; length of marginal setae on the second tergite are one third its length and those on the fifth tergite are almost half its length in the male, and almost equal to its length in the female. Hypopygium black, the pair of dorsal setae small, barely twice the length of adjacent setulae; surstylar lobes taper to inwardly curved and narrowly rounded tips which have an array of 6-7 closely spaced blunt black teeth and 1-7 widely spaced teeth along the internal posterior edge; the internal faces have BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 149 numerous hairs; cerci pale to dark, the length of the articulated section that protrudes being about one-third the depth of the lobes, extending about two-thirds down them and clearly visible between them in posterior view (Figure 1s). Female seventh tergite pale, the sternite often black; ovipositor dark or at least not as pale as the femora, with one strong dorso-apical, one apical and two ventral pairs of setae which are longer than the others; the ventral sclerite tapers evenly to a pointed tip (Figure 1s). Wing length: female 2.5 mm (range 2.33-2.70 mm, n= 15), male 2.45 mm (range 2.20-2.70 mm, n=17); thorax length: female 1.26mm (range 1.15-1.35 mm), male 1.22mm (range 0.95-1.25 mm); total body length: female 3.10 mm (range 2.75-3.75 mm), male 2.90 mm (range 2.5-3.25 mm). Holotype. A male, England: Bamburgh, Northumberland, 12.vi.90, C. M. Drake, deposited in the Natural History Museum, London. Paratypes. England: two females from the same site as the holotype; two females and two males from Winterton Dunes National Nature Reserve, 9.viii.91, C. M. Drake; two females and three males, The Crumbles, Kent, 22.ix.88, A. Godfrey; three females and two males, Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, Lincolnshire, 26.viii.91, C. M. Drake. Paratypes have been deposited in the collections of the museums listed under martineki, and some are in the author’s collection. Other material seen. England: one male, Faversham, Kent, 19.vi.49, S. Wakely (Natural History Museum, London); a pair in cop., Kew, Surrey, 19.ii.77, V. F. Eastop (Natural History Museum, London); two males and four females, Egham, Surrey, 13.xi.70, J. Ismay (Natural History Museum, London); one male, Caister St Edmunds, Norfolk, 5.ix.73, J. W. Ismay (Norwich Castle Museum); one male, Hevingham Church, Norfolk, 24.x.71, J. W. Ismay (Norwich Castle Museum); four males and two females, Castor Hanglands National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire, 10.vi.87, C. M. Drake; one male, Bredon Hill, Worcestershire, 17.vii.87, D. A. Sheppard; eight (males and females), Cheswick Links, six (males and females), Newton Links, 16 (males and females), Bamburgh, five (males and females), Almouth, Northumberland, all between 12.vi and 17.vii.90, C. M. Drake. Scotland: two males and four females, Kinrara, Inverness, 17.vii.91, J. W. Ismay (Ismay collection). Czechoslovakia: nine males, Kopec, Bohemia, 22.vi-28.viii.83, V. Martinek; one male, Praha, Bohemia, 27.ix.81, V. Martinek. Geomyza subnigra is an uncommon species in Britain and Czechoslovakia though less so than the true breviseta with which most of the above records were confused. The European distribution summarized for breviseta in Sods (1984) may therefore refer to subnigra. The habitats include birch woodland, several coastal dune systems in eastern England and ungrazed grassland dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) Beauv. ex J. & C. Presl. The fly has been seen running about deep within the tussocks of this grass on several occasions. If this was the species that Ismay (1974) found, he recorded it at the roots of tussocks of A. elatius throughout the year, though it was most abundant in autumn and winter. A pair of specimens in the Natural History Museum, London, were caught in cop. in mid-February. The species therefore has an unusual life history for this genus, whose commoner species overwinter as larvae. Geomyza breviseta Czerny, 1928 A small dark reddish-brown fly with yellow legs, dark hind tibiae and a posterior dark mark on the hind femora; wings narrow and short with an apical black spot, a small spot on only the dm-cu crossvein, and a dark base. 150 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Male and female Head. Ocellar triangle and vertical plates shining black-brown, the vertical plates pointed anteriorly; between each vertical plate and the ocellar triangle is a dull orange- brown stripe and these merge anteriorly and extend to the front of the frons; either side of this stripe in front of the vertical plates the frons is dull yellow. Occiput pollinose, black-brown, paler at the margins. Face and genae yellow, pollinose, with narrow glistening white parafacia. Antennae yellow, the first flagellomere with silvery pubescence the length of which is about one-third the segment’s width; arista subplumose, the length of the longest hair being about half the width of the flagellomere. Chaetotaxy of the dorsal setae normal for the genus; 3-5 subvibrissal setae are distinct from other genal setae, and are of varying lengths; often the second one is stronger than the others, though sometimes all are approximately equal in length or only one of a pair, not always the second pair, is stronger. Palps and proboscis yellow. Thorax. Ground colour black-brown to chestnut brown except postpronotal lobe, notum in front of these lobes, pleurae between lobes and front coxae and much of the scutellum which are orange-yellow or reddish; dorsum and parts of the pleurae grey pollinose and moderately shining but not markedly greyer than the tergites; anepisternum and anatergite less pollinose and more shining; the pleurae frequently show metallic reflections. Chaetotaxy: three equal dc setae, postpronotal seta weaker than the anterior notopleural seta; ac setae in four rows; basal scutellar bristles reduced to setulae similar in size to the ac setae. Legs. Mostly yellow, including the coxae and all tarsal segments; hind tibiae almost black basally, becoming yellow in the distal half or less; hind femora with a black mark in the middle half of the posterior surface, occasionally spreading to form a black band beyond the middle; anterior femora with 4-7 bristles in both ventro- and dorso-posterior rows; none longer than the greatest depth of the femora; front basitarsi without ventral combs of short black spines; front coxa with one or rarely two setae in addition to the strong apical seta. The legs are otherwise normal for the genus. Wings. Greyish or brownish with a black apical spot extending posteriorly halfway across cell r4+5 and faintly posteriorly of vein M in English specimens but not in Swiss specimens; dm-cu crossvein with a weak spot not reaching beyond the long veins; no spot on the r-m crossvein which itself is pale; wing base black anterior of a line from the reduced alula to about half-way along the costal cell though intensity fades distally so that the distal end of the costal cell is almost as clear as the membrane beyond R1. Veins pale brown, dark brown to black within and near to the spots, stem vein and costa from its base to vein sc black. Ratio of the greatest width to the length measured from the root is 0.241 in English specimens (range 0.217-0.268, n= 18) and 0.272 in Swiss specimens (range 0.250-0.287, n= 8). Halteres white with black bases to the stems. Abdomen. Tergites and sternites 2-6 entirely black, the first tergite sometimes pale basally, grey pollinose and moderately shining; the length of marginal setae on the second tergite are one-third its length and those on the fifth tergite are almost half its length in the male and approximately equal to its length in the female. Hypopygium black, more bulbous than in most other Geomyza species; the pair of dorsal setae small, barely twice the length of adjacent setulae; surstylar lobes evenly convex in the lower half so that in both lateral and posterior views they curve smoothly to the slightly mucronate and conspicuously shiny tip; the tips of the lobes have an array of 6-8 closely spaced blunt black teeth, the internal posterior edge has about ten teeth spaced from near the tip to the level of the cerci, together with numerous short hairs; cerci white, very short and narrow, the length of the articulated section that protrudes BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 151 being barely one-quarter of the lobes’ depth, extending little further than halfway down them and often barely protruding from the narrow gap between them (Figure 1b). Female sixth tergite more shining than the anterior ones; the seventh tergite and sternite are whitish except at the base; ovipositor yellow-orange with one dorso-apical, one apical and two ventral pairs of setae which are longer than the others; ventral sclerite excised apically with a transparent semi-circular extension (Figure 1b). Dimensions. Eighteen English and ten Swiss and German specimens were measured. The English flies were slightly smaller and their wings were narrower relative to their length. Wing length. English females 2.40 mm (range 1.95-2.63 mm, n=9), males 2.33 mm (range 2.08-2.68 mm, n= 9), Swiss and German females 2.83 mm (range 2.70-2.93 mm, n=5), males 2.58mm (n=3). Thorax length: English females 1.17 mm (range 0.92-1.43 mm), males 1.11 mm (0.95-1.25 mm), Swiss and German females 1.33 mm (range 1.25-1.40 mm), males 1.21 mm (range 1.12-1.28). Total length: English females 3.29mm (range 2.75-4.0mm), males 2.92 mm (range 2.85-3.65 mm), Swiss and German females 3.28 mm (range 3.00-3.60 mm), males 3.10 mm (range 2.75-3.30 mm). Material seen. Type specimens (1 male and 1 female mounted together) and 1 female syntype, Berlin, Germany, in the Oldenberg collection at the Deutsches Entomolgisches Institut, Berlin; England: 5 males and 8 females, Folkestone, Kent, England, June 1986, C. M. Drake; 3 males and 1 female, Barnack Hills and Holes National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire, 18.vii.91, C. M. Drake; 1 male, Coombe Bisset, Wiltshire, England, C. H. Andrewes (in the Natural History Museum, London); 1 male, Pieces Bank, Rotherham, S. Yorkshire, 4.ix.82, W. A. Ely; Switzerland: 3 males and 4 females, Vezia, 9.vii-28.x.1979, C. Dufour & W. Geiger, sent to the author by J. Haenni of the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle, Neuchatel. The specimens from Kent were collected in pitfall traps set in ungrazed chalk grassland and those from Barnack Hills and Holes NNR were from tussocks of Bromus erectus Huds. mixed with some A. elatius in moderately tall, calcareous grassland which was lightly grazed by sheep. The Swiss specimens were caught in a continuously operated illuminated Malaise trap at an altitude of 410 m. On the limited information available, it is possible that this species is restricted to calcareous grassland. Judging from the few records in Britain, it is a scarce species. Geomyza subnigra closely resembles G. breviseta. Geomyza breviseta is usually a redder fly with a more extensively pale anterior dorsum, pleurae and scutellum, has less contrast between the thoracic and abdominal dusting, and has more marked metallic reflections on the paler parts of the thorax. The dark shading in the costal cell beyond vein h continues more or less to the end of the cell in swbnigra but fades distally in breviseta. These external characters are somewhat comparative and should not be relied on entirely. Males are easily distinguished by the genitalia even if these are not withdrawn because the cerci are very small in breviseta but of normal size in subnigra, that is, similar to those of tripunctata, and the gap between the lobes is a narrow slit in breviseta but an obvious lozenge shape in subnigra. The females may be distinguished if the last sternite is mounted or viewed in alcohol; the ventral sclerite is apically emarginate in breviseta but produced to a narrow and faint point in subnigra. The seventh sternite and ovipositor are often dark in subnigra but pale in breviseta but this may not be a reliable character. The range of dimensions of the thorax and the wings are virtually the same in both species, and the differences in the size of the wings in Figures 1b and 1s are not species-specific: that of subnigra is of a female whereas that of breviseta is of a male and both are within the range of variation for the species. The angle of the crossveins is variable and of no diagnostic value. 152 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Geomyza subnigra runs to either breviseta or hendeli Czerny in the keys of Collin (1945) and Czerny (1928), depending on how well differentiated the longest subvibrissal bristle is, but it clearly does not fit the description of hendeli. Three other European species have dark thoraxes so superficially resemble subnigra and breviseta. Geomyza paganettii Strobl and G. denigrata Czerny have broad wings whose widths are about 34% of their lengths, measured from Czerny’s (1928) figures, and paganettii has four de setae. Sods (1981) illustrated the genitalia of paganettii which resemble those of subnigra. | have not seen specimens of paganettii but Martinek (1978) recorded both this species and subnigra (as breviseta, seen by me) so they are presumably distinct. Oldenberg (1910) described G. fusca which Czerny (1928) synomonized with paganettii. The type of fusca was unfortunately not available for loan at the time of writing so has not been inspected but the type specimens of breviseta were originally identified by Oldenberg as fusca according to his determination label on these specimens. There is a possibility that, if the type of fusca has only three dorsocentral setae, subnigra is this species since they are obviously very similar in other respects. Geomyza adusta Loew and G. denigrata have only vaguely darkened wing tips and neither crossvein is darkened. There is a male and female collected from Macedonia in the Natural History Museum, London, of a species that resembles breviseta and subnigra and has genitalia similar to those of subnigra but differs markedly in its much broader wings which are 30% of their length. They do not agree with any of the descriptions in Czerny (1928) and may represent a new species. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am most grateful to Dr Vladislav Martinek for making his specimens available to me, to Professor H. J. Miller of the Deutches Entomologisches Institut, Berlin, for the loan of the type specimens of Geomyza breviseta and to the Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London, for the loan of several specimens. Phillip Oswald and Dr Ian Beavis kindly translated Linnaeus’s Latin, and Adrian Pont made valuable comments to an earlier draft. REFERENCES Balachoswky, A. & Mesnil, L. 1935. Les insectes nuisibles aux plantes cultivées. Vol. 1, 1137 pp. Paris. Cogan, B. H. & Dear, J. P. 1975. Additions and corrections to the list of British acalypterate Diptera. Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 110: 173-181. Collin, J. E. 1945. The British species of Opomyzidae (Diptera). Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 57: 13-16. Czerny, L. 1928. 54c Opomyzidae. In: Lindner E. (ed.), Die Fleigen der palaearktischen Region. Stuttgart. Drake, C. M. (in prep.) A review of the British species of Opomyzidae (Diptera). Hackman, W. 1958. The Opomyzidae (Dipt.) of eastern Fennoscandia. Notul. Ent. 38: 114-126. Ismay, J. W. 1974. Some recent records of Geomyza breviseta Cz. (Dipt., Opomyzidae). Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 110: 103. Linnaeus, C. 1761. Fauna Svecica, Editio altera, auctior. Stockholm. Linnaeus, C. 1767. Systema Naturae. Vol. II. Part 2. tenth edition, Vindobonnae. Loew, H. 1864. Die arten der Gattung Balioptera. Ent. Z. (Berlin) 8: 347-356. Martinek, V. 1978a. The female of Opomyza thalhammeri and a new species of the genus Geomyza (Diptera, Opomyzidae). Acta Ent. bohemoslovaca 75: 336-343. Martinek, V. 1978b. Species of the family Opomyzidae (Diptera) in Czechoslovakia. Dipterologica Bohemoslovaca (Bratislava) 1: 155-173. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 153 Mesnil, L. 1934. A propos de deux Diptéres nouveaux de la famille des Opomyzidae. Revue Fr. Ent. 1: 191-207. Morge, G. 1975. Dipteren-Farbtafeln nach den bisher nicht ver6ffentlichten Original- Handzeichnungen Meigen: ‘Johann Wilhelm Meigen: Abbildung der europaeischen zweifliigeligen Insecten, nach der Natur’. Beit. Ent. 25: 383-500. Narchuk, E. P. 1984. Flies of the island Bolshey Berezovy associated with grasses with description of a new species of the family Opomyzidae (Diptera). Trudy Zool. Inst. (Leningrad) 123: 51-59 [in Russian]. Nye, I. W. B. 1958. The external morphology of some of the dipterous larvae living in the Gramineae of Britain. Trans. R. Ent. Soc. London 110: 411-487. Oldenberg, L. 1910. Vier neue paladarktische Akalypteren. (Dipt.). Dt. Ent. Z. 1910, 284-287. Séguy, E. 1934. Dipteres (Brachyceéres) (Muscidae Acalypterae et Scathophagidae), Faune Fr. 28: pp. 832. Lechevalier, Paris. Sods, A. 1981. 59. csalad: Opomyzidae-Foldilegyek. In: Papp, L. & Sods, A., Tuskesszarnya legyek—szikilegyek, Heleomyzidae—Tethinidae. Fauna Hung. 15, 149 (5). 117-128. Soos, A. 1984. Opomyzidae. In: Catalogue of Palaearctic Diptera. 10. Clusiidae—Chloropidae. Ed. A. Sods & L. Papp. Akademiai Kiado, Budapest. pp. 402. Stackelberg, A. A. 1970. Sem. Opomyzidae—opomizidy. In: Opredelitel nasekomych Evropejskoj Casti SSSR, Dvukrylyje, Blochi 5: 1-943. Leningrad. Trojan, P. 1962. Opomyzidae. In: Klucze Oznacz. Owad. Pol. 28 (Diptera), (57), 43-60, Warszawa. Vockeroth, J. R. 1961. The North American species of the family Opomyzidae (Diptera: Acalypterae). Can. Ent. 93: 503-522. BOOK REVIEWS A review of the scarce and threatened Hemiptera of Great Britain, UK Nature Conservation No. 2 by Peter Kirby. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, 1992, 268 pages, £9 paperback.—This amounts to a Red Data Book of bugs, although it professes not to be one. It covers 242 of our rarer insects, being 143 true bugs of the sub-order Heteroptera and 99 leaf-hoppers of the series Auchenorrhyncha. The aphids, psyllids, white-flies and scale insects of the series Sternorrhyncha are excluded, since not enough is known about their distribution and status. In decreasing order of rarity, species are classified as endangered, vulnerable, rare or notable, with selection for the latter category based on estimated occurrence in fewer than a hundred 10-km squares in Great Britain. Species already extinct are included, in the hope that they may be rediscovered. By comparison, the Red Data Book for insects (Shirt, D. B. (ed.) 1987. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough) had only sufficient space to cover the 20 Heteroptera in the two highest categories, while just listing the names of 53 species classed as rare together with the few extinct species. The present work makes a few recommendations for changes to the status of species given by Shirt. The main part of the book consists of a data sheet for each species in a standard format, with the headings identification, distribution, habitat and ecology, status, threats, conservation and references. These are written as independent documents so that they may be photocopied and stored separately, for instance in the file on a conservation site where the insect occurs. However the data sheets do run across page boundaries. Each identification entry, apparently very simple, has in fact been carefully thought out, being a reference to just those works necessary for the identification of the species concerned. The sections on distribution and habitat give up-to-date information for each species. Sites are named where appropriate, but the distribution is generally given as a list of pre-1974 counties, since most distributional work on bugs was done in that way. This gives a satisfactory overall picture, and is perhaps preferable to alternative methods. The sections on conservation inevitably 154 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 contain some speculation, since only the most notable insect covered, the New Forest Cicada, has been studied in detail. However it is welcome to see an entomologist giving advice on the conservation of our rarer insects, even if some guesswork is involved. Of great interest is an introductory chapter on the distribution and habitats of the Hemiptera, and management for them. It is novel and refreshing to read about these habitats with regard to a still unfashionable group of insects. There is a copious bibliography and separate indexes are provided for the host plants and the insects, including commoner species mentioned in the introduction and in passing. Three appendices list the rare and notable bugs in all conceivable ways. The book is written in a non-technical way, to be of use both to entomologists studying the order, who will find it a mine of information, and to conservation site managers wishing to know something about the rare insects their sites support, and how they may be conserved. Similar reviews of other orders are forthcoming from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Perhaps in future entomologists who submit lists of insects might include copies of or references to the relevant pages from these reviews. R. D. HAWKINS Plant kairomones in insect ecology and control by R. L. Metcalf and E. R. Metcalf. New York and London, Chapman and Hall, 1992, 168 pages, hardback, £27.50.— Through evolutionary time, plants have waged a constant war against the insects which have tried to eat them. They have produced chemicals to repell and poison their most deadly herbivorous enemies. But the insects continue to exploit the most important food source on the planet—living plants. Insects locate their host-plants by various means, the most important of which is smell/taste, and the chemicals to which they are attracted in the plants are termed ‘kairomones’. Study of these attractants is particularly important in pest insect species, for which the chemical bate of traps or lures may be commercially synthesized. After considering the chemical ecology of plant kairomones in general, and their potential use as lures, the authors consider three groups of insects in particular. Each year, billions of specimens of the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica (Newman) (Scarabaeidae) are now trapped and killed in kairomone-baited traps across the 26 eastern United States to the Mississippi River. The Luperini tribe of chrysomelid beetles show a remarkable coevolutionary interaction with the Cucurbitaceae, the cucumber family and have developed means of coping with the bitter cucurbitacins which deter other herbivores. What to many animal species are poisons are now attractants for these beetles which have become able to exploit niches not available to competing organisms and which take advantage of the poisons by accumulating them in their own bodies as a defence against predators. The tephritid fruit flies are important pests world-wide and huge sums of money are spent in trying to control their depredations. In some species, particular chemicals attract males to poisoned traps and potential pest populations can be annihilated. Insects may also be deliberately attracted by the plants to perform their most useful function—pollination and range from the general attractors in most flowers to highly species-specific attractors in certain orchids. Although some may find the book too technical, its highly focused content is of great importance across the board of entomological study. R. A. JONES BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 155 A BREEDING EXPERIMENT WITH MANIOLA JURTINA L. (MEADOW BROWN BUTTERFLY) AB. POSTMULTIFIDUS LIPSCOMB R. D. G. BARRINGTON Old College Arms, Stour Row, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 OOF. M. jurtina ab. postmultifidus is a rare and striking aberration which tends to occur in the same colonies year after year. On the underside it is characterized by having the veins crossing the lower half of the central pale band darkened with scaling which therefore connects the darker basal and marginal areas of the wing, and splits up the central band into segments. The upperside of the aberration answers to ab. antiaurolancea Leeds in which the forewing fulvous is broken up cleanly into segments by brown ground colour along the veins, and so is exactly analogous to the underside. Both characters have been found to be extremely variable such that the underside may have dark scaling encroaching along one or two veins, or it may clothe the veins so heavily that the pale areas between are almost obliterated. On the upperside it varies from being almost undetectable to having all fulvous of a female example absent except a ring around the eyespot and the fulvous in the ‘cell’ which remains unaffected as the aberration only seems to affect the median band area. It occurs in both sexes but is much more obvious in the female. Three previous attempts to breed postmultifidus from wild caught examples have met with little success. I obtained an F, of seven insects on one occasion, and Ralph Tubbs, from ova supplied to him, one of 10 insects. In neither case were the broods large enough to draw any conclusions regarding the inheritance of this aberration. In July 1988 a female jurtina was taken from a north Dorset hay meadow (where 21 examples of postmuitifidus have been noted since 1981) showing good development of antiaurolancea (similar to Figure 1) and the first signs of postmultifidus (similar to Figure 2). About 120 ova were laid over 2 weeks, resulting in an F, generation of 32 insects the following June. This brood was made up of 18 aberrations and 14 types (approximately 1 : 1). The aberrant insects were so variable that at first the whole brood appeared to be a graded series from type to good aberrations; however close examination could separate them. The aberrations were mostly of lesser forms such as Figure 2, although there were several females showing virtually no upperside fulvous. Three females were fully developed postmutifidus (Figure 3), but it is difficult to assess how many males were as well advanced as the form is less obvious in this sex. A number of pairings occurred between aberrations, and about 1000 ova were laid. Survival up to December was very poor and about 120 larvae remained by the spring, many quite large due to their being able to feed often in the mild winter. Fifty healthy pupae resulted, the adults consisting of 32 aberrations and 18 type (approximately 2:1). Again the aberrations were variable but many were well developed. Most of the females showed extreme antiaurolancea (Figure 4) and many of both sexes had the postmultifidus characteristic fully developed (Figures 5-8). Lack of time prevented a further brood being attempted which is regrettable as extreme forms would probably have occurred. The results suggest that postmultifidus/antiaurolancea is a dominant but weakening form. The 1:1 type to aberration ratio in the F, is as expected when a dominant heterozygote (the wild-caught aberration) pairs with a type example. Pairing between aberrations (all heterozygotes) in the F, should give a 3: 1 aberration to type ratio in the F,. As some of the F, adults showed some degree of deformity it is likely that the gene has a weakening effect leading to a reduced (in this case 2: 1) F, ratio. It may be that the aberrant homozygote is completely lethal so that the F, generation 156 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Figs 1-8. Maniola jurtina. 1: female, ab. antiaurolancea, F). 2: female, transitional to ab. postmultifidus, F,. 3: female, ab. postmultifidus, F,. 4: female ab. antiaurolancea, F,. 5: male, ab. postmultifidus, F,. 6: female, ab. postmultifidus, F,. 7: female, ab. postmultifidus, F,. 8: female, ab. postmultifidus, F,. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 157 contained only type and heterozygotes. Alternatively the gene may manifest a generally weakening influence in both heterozygotes and homozygotes. Only further breeding could determine which is the case. NOTES ON BREEDING JURTINA A number of entomologists, past and present, have remarked on the difficulty of breeding this species in good numbers. The present success rate of 50 adults from 1000 ova is hardly auspicious, and a previous attempt to breed this aberration resulted in no F, at all from over 1000 ova. The adults pair easily in warm, sunny conditions and the females lay eggs well in sunlight or under electric light. They live for several weeks if supplied with suitable nectar flowers (creeping thistle, knapweed and catmint seem to be very good) laying 100-200 ova. Like many satyrids they show little interest in grasses in the breeding- cage, preferring to lay on the netting from where the ova are easily scraped off. The larvae suffer very badly from over-crowding, contracting highly virulent and contagious bacterial or viral infections which will rapidly sweep through a cage of larvae. The most common forms turn the first four or last few segments dark a few days before the entire larva turns black and dies. It would seem that the most successful method of breeding will result from rearing as few larvae per pot as possible. It is probably also helpful to keep the potted grass well trimmed to allow a good air-flow through the cage. In the above experiment larvae were separated when they had reached a manageable size into pots containing 25 larvae each. Spraying ova (or even larvae) with a weak formaldehyde solution has recently been suggested as a weapon against disease and may yet prove effective. BOOK NOTICES Fruit flies of economic significance: their identification and bionomics by I. M. White and M. Elson-Harris, 1992, Wallingford, CAB International, xii, 602 pages, paperback, £30.—Approximately 250 species of tephritids have been found in association with commercially produced fruits and vegetables. With the increasing world-wide markets for fresh horticultural produce such as tropical fruits, there is a parallel growing interest in the problems that fruit fly pests can cause. Produced in association with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, this book presents biosystematic information on 250 species of economic importance as well as illustrated keys to the adults of over 100 of them. Mealybugs of Central and South America by D. J. Williams and M. Cristina Granara de Willink, 1992, Wallingford, CAB International, vi, 636 pages, hardback, £77.50.—Although mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are normally kept to a tolerable level by natural enemies in their countries of origin, severe outbreaks can occur when species are accidentally introduced into other countries. In 1973 an undescribed South American species was accidentally introduced into Africa and severely threatened the cassava crop. It was controlled successfully by the introduction of natural enemies from South America. The book discusses 49 genera and 282 species from Central and South Americas, the West Indies and Bermuda. Comprehensive keys to the genera and species are accompanied by 281 illustrations of 269 species. 158 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Biological control of locusts and grasshoppers edited by C. J. Lomer and C. Prior, 1992, Wallingford, CAB International, xii, 394 pages, paperback, £34.—In the period 1985-1988, after a period of prolonged drought, rains over much of Africa triggered the development of plague populations of grasshoppers and locusts. The use of costly and sometimes environmentally hazardous insecticides did contribute to the subsequent control of the problem, but highlighted the need for a reassessment of locust control methods. This volume contains the proceedings of a workshop held at Cotonou, Republic of Benin in 1991, organized as part of an international collaborative programme to study the feasibility of killing locusts and grasshoppers using an oil- based formulation of a fungal pathogen. Die Larven der Kafer Mitteleuropas by B. Klausnitzer, Volume 1, Adephaga, 1991, Krefeld Goeke and Evers, 274 pages, hardback, DM166.—The first volume in the series of larvae books to accompany ‘Die Kafer Mitteleuropas’, and following in the same general style. It covers the Rhysodidae, Carabidae, Hygrobiidae, Noteridae, Gyrinidae and part of the Dytiscidae (Hydroporus and Agabus). It is copiously illustrated with line figures and continues in the same high standard set by the rest of the series. Die Kafer Mitteleuropas: Okologie by K. Koch, Volume 2, 1991, Krefeld, Goeke and Evers, 282 pages, hardback, DM166.—Volume ‘E2’ gives brief habitat, niche, foodplant, and distribution details for 71 families of beetles from Pselaphidae to Lucanidae. Entries vary in length from a single word—for example in the melyrid Divales bipustulatus (F.) ‘Bohmen’ (Bohemia)—to about ten lines. A complete guide to British moths by M. Brooks, with identification plates by D. Wilson, 1991, London, Jonathan Cape, viii, 248 pages, hardback, £19.99.—Eighty species of ‘macros’ are selected as representative examples of the different groups of British moths and each is given a double-page spread with full-colour pictures of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults, all photographed in nature. There are also 26 colour plates at the back of the book figuring set specimens of about 800 species. The conservation of insects and their habitats edited by N. M. Collins and J. A. Thomas, 1991, London, Academic Press, xviii, 450 pages, hardback, £35.—These are the proceedings of the 15th Symposium of the Royal Entomological Society of London, held in London in September 1989. An international cast of authors consider various approaches to insect conservation and the problems encountered. Geographical considerations are put forward for North America, Australia, Northern and Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean. Insects are examined as indicators in woodland, European grasslands, aquatic and wetland habitats and arable land and on islands. Habitat fragmentation is considered in the context of isolation and mobility of insect populations. The illustrated book of insects by J. Zahradnik, illustrated by F. Severa, 1991, London, Treasure Press (Reed International), 312 pages, hardback.—This is not to be confused with ‘The illustrated book of insects’ published by Peerage books and previously appearing under the title ‘The Oxford book of insects’. This new ‘illustrated book’ is an English translation from the Czech. Although very general in its approach and mainly intended as a ‘coffee table’ book it is well-written and excellently illustrated throughout with colour drawings. The beetles are particularly well figured, on 105 of the 255 colour pages. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 159 BENHS INDOOR MEETINGS 28 January 1992 The President, Mr A. J. HALSTEAD showed two pests of pyracantha. The woolly aphid Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausman) (Hemiptera: Pemphigidae) is usually thought of as a pest of apple trees, but it also infests ornamental plants in the Rosaceae, including pyracantha and cotoneaster. Chemicals secreted by the aphids as they feed induce knobbly swellings to develop in the stems, easily seen in the winter months. Also present on the bark were the overwintering nymphs and the remains of last summer’s adults of the brown scale, Parthenolecanium corni (Bouche) (Hemiptera: Coccidae). The upper surfaces of the leaves were covered with non-parasitic moulds which develop on the sugary honeydew excreted by the brown scale and other sap- feeding insects. The Secretary, Dr J. MUGGLETON, drew members’ attention to the recent annual meeting notice on which the position of Secretary of the Society was advertised as being vacant. He appealed for any member who thought they might be able to fill this important position to come forward. Despite a power failure to the Royal Entomological Society’s building, the lecturer, Dr J. W. DOVER of Liverpool bravely resolved to deliver his lecture on ‘Butterfly ecology on arable farmland’ through the unearthly din and belching exhaust fumes of the petrol-driven generator which was providing power for the lighting. Unable to use the slide projector, he urged his audience to imagine the spectacular slides he had brought with him. Dr Dover had carried out his studies of butterflies on arable land as part of the research of the Game Conservancy Trust. In not spraying the outer 6m of arable fields (headlands) with the usual cocktail of insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers, farmers participating in the project encouraged the growth of a wide variety of arable ‘weeds’ in the band surrounding the fields. By comparing these field edges with others which had been extensively sprayed, he was able to compare the butterfly faunas and examine which important aspects of field structure determine butterfly abundance and activity. Compared to sprayed areas, the conservation headlands had three times as many butterflies; there were more species and more specimens. Looking at butterfly activities, the flowery conservation headlands attracted far more butterflies to feed, bask, mate and egg-lay, where butterflies simply tended to fly past the rather barren sprayed field edges. The flower-visiting activities of the butterflies varied with the season. In spring they visited the charlock, an adventitious species of disturbed ground which grew in yellow swathes along the unsprayed headlands. Later on in the year they tended to visit the brambles, thistles and clematis flowers in the bordering hedgerows, an indication that the hedgerows were escaping much of the drift of the sprays which would ordinarily be applied near to the field margins. Using mark and recapture techniques, Mr Dover was able to study colony structures in the gatekeeper and meadow brown. Confirming expectations, the meadow brown showed some movement of individuals. Of 368 marked specimens, 16% had moved to a neighbouring area, but only 9% had moved further. Males tended to move further (average 500 m) than females (average 350 m) and a few males flew more than 2 km. The gatekeeper showed much less movement. Of 325 marked, only 5% had moved to a neighbouring area. A very few males moved more than 1 km, but the furthest female was found only 300m away. 160 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Clematis was found to discourage nearby colonies. Despite the obviously attractive flowers, it tended to smother food plants and other nectar sources. Along with the availability of nectar and food-plants, available shelter played an important role in determining the position of colonies and the tendencies of the butterflies to move. {Readers are referred to Dover, J. W., Clarke, S. A. & Raw, L. 1992. Habitats and movement patterns of satyrid butterflies (Lepidoptera: Satyridae) on arable farmland. Entomologist’s Gazette 43: 29-44, for further information on this topic. ] 11 February 1992 The President announced the deaths of two members: Mr I. C. Christie, who joined the Society in 1981, and Mr R. E. Stockley, who although not a member in recent years, joined the Society in 1955. The President showed a male of the horse bot fly, Gasterophilus intestinalis (Deg.), taken 4.viii.87 on Dunkery Hill, Exmoor, Somerset. The fly was found resting on a cairn built on the hill top. Females lay eggs on the skin and hairs of horses and donkeys, especially on the fore legs and belly. The eggs are stimulated to hatch by friction when licked by the horse. The larvae eventually reach the stomach where they attach themselves to the stomach lining. After 9-10 months, the maggots release their hold and are passed with the faeces to pupate in the ground. Although the maggots are reported to cause little direct harm, horses can become very agitated when they hear the high-pitched whining tone made by the hovering females as they oviposit. Mr R. A. JONES showed three true ants and a velvet ant from Costa Rica, Central America. There is a common misconception that all tropical insects are huge. Certainly there are plenty of large species, but there is also an inordinate number of minute ones too. A giant leaf-cutter ant at 15.5 mm was 12% times as long as tiny ‘pharoah’ ants at 1.25 mm, and approaching 2000 times as massive. A golden ant was covered with delicate pruinose pubescence. The velvet ant, from Carera on the Pacific coast was also patterned with spots of golden pubescence. Mr R. A. SOFTLY showed three specimens of the chestnut, Conistra vaccinii (L.) taken at his light trap near Hampstead Heath on the night of 4.11.92, indicating that the recent mild weather had dislodged the first of the hibernators from their overwintering sites. The name of Paul Barrett was read for the second time, and he was duly elected a member of the Society. Mr P. J. CHANDLER announced that it was hoped building would start on the Society’s new headquarters at Dinton Pastures in about two weeks’ time. The Secretary, Dr J. MUGGLETON announced that Mr R. F. McCormick had accepted the position of Secretary of the Society, the post having been announced as ‘vacant’ on the recent Annual Meeting notice. Dr M. HALL of the Natural History Museum delivered his lecture entitled ‘Invasion of the man-eating maggots’. The maggot in question was the New World screw-worm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) an obligate parasite of vertebrates, the larva of which feeds on living flesh, including that of Man. It was originally described in the mid-nineteenth century from maggots attacking convicts in Cayenne, French Guyana, and by the 1950s was widespread across much of the USA, Mexico, Central and South America. Recent eradication programmes have now rid the USA and Mexico of this horrible fly. The females are attracted by the odours of a wound and the eggs are laid in a single mass at the edge. The maggots burrow into the flesh, using specially adapted rings BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 161 of spines to prevent being rubbed or shaken off. After three larval stages, the maggots drop to the ground to pupate. The fly will utilize natural wounds, like the bloody umbilicus of a new-born calf or severe tick bites on a cow’s ear and also man-made wounds such as saddle sores on horses, cuts and bites the result of dog-fights and even cuts and nicks received by animals from barbed wire. Humans are susceptible, and graphic examples given were alcoholics, the mentally handicapped and escaped convicts. In March 1988, the fly became established in Libya in North Africa, and very quickly became a serious pest in the fertile farming country around Tripoli. Dr Hall was one of the team involved with attempting to control the insect in Africa where it threatened to become a major health problem for animals and humans alike. Initial measures involved a major publicity campaign to enable local doctors and vets to identify the new fly distinguished by the dark longitudinal stripes on its thorax. Insecticides were applied by spraying animals, or direct to the infected wound in liquid or powder form. The fly had been successfully eradicated from the USA (in 1957) and in 1990 Mexico was declared New World screw-worm free. The eradication in the USA and Mexico had been achieved using the sterile insect technique, in which the local population of normal flies is swamped by the mass release of reared flies which have been rendered sterile by irradiation. This technique was now put to use in North Africa. Flies were imported from a Mexican factory and released over 40 000 square miles of Libya and neighbouring Tunisia. At the height of the campaign, 40 million flies were released each week, totalling 1300 million flies overall. The last screw-worm case was reported on 7 April 1991, but release of sterile flies continued for nine more life-cycle times, to be sure of complete eradication. In concluding his lecture, Dr Hall reflected that when he had first been approached to give a lecture to the Society, not one sterile fly had been sent across the Atlantic and the future of farming in Africa had been in the balance. He was pleased to be in the position of knowing that the scales had tipped in mankind’s favour. 25 February 1992 The President, Mr A. J. HALSTEAD showed three insects associated with water lilies. Galerucella nvmphaea (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a locally common pest of water lilies, Nymphaea spp., especially at RHS Garden, Wisley, where these specimens were taken on 7.vii.86. The larvae live on the upper surface of the leaves and eat irregularly linear slots in the leaf surface. The adults are present from late May to September, and also feed on the leaves and flowers. Donacia crassipes F. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a relatively uncommon beetle was found on 13.vii.90, on leaves of the yellow water lily, Nuphar lutea L., near Puttle Bridge in the New Forest. The larvae feed on the underwater parts of the host plant. Hydromyza livens (F.) (Diptera: Scathophagidae) was found sitting on yellow water lily leaves in company with the Donacia. It has larvae that feed as leaf miners in the lily pads and stalks. The President announced that Mr M. J. Simmons had sent his apologies, but was unable to attend the meeting that evening, having just become a proud father. Mother and child were well. The Secretary, Dr J. MUGGLETON, announced on behalf of Mr C. B. Ashby, that the London Natural History Society had extended its offer to BENHS members wishing to use the LNHS library housed in Imperial College. Those wishing to have access to the library could obtain an LNHS library card from Dr Muggleton. The ordinary meeting was then followed by the Annual General Meeting. 162 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Society held at the rooms of the Royal Entomological Society of London at 6.30 p.m. Chairman: The President, Mr A. J. Halstead. Present: 34 members. Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting were read and signed. The Secretary read the Council’s report, followed by the Treasurer who read his report. The Editor, Librarian and Curator then read their reports and Dr M. Scoble read the report of the Hering Memorial Research Fund. The Treasurer invited questions on his report. Mr R. A. Softly noted the apparent increase in income from dividends which was large compared with the previous year. The Treasurer replied that this apparent increase was due to the change in the way the accounts were presented this year. Mr P. J. Baker said that the bank charges appeared to be very high and asked if a change to another bank might be appropriate. The Treasurer replied that he was investigating this. The President proposed the adoption of the reports, this was seconded by Mr D. Young and passed unopposed. (See pages 168-175.) The President then read the names of the Officers and Members of Council recommended by the Council for 1992-93 and, as no other names had been submitted, he declared the following duly elected. President: Dr J. Muggleton; Vice-Presidents: A. J. Halstead, Dr D. Lonsdale; Treasurer: A. J. Pickles; Secretary: R. F. McCormick; Editor: R. A. Jones; Curator: P. J. Chandler; Librarian: S. R. Miles; Lanternist: M. J. Simmons; Ordinary Members of the Council: P. J. Baker, M. R. Brown, G. N. Burton, G. A. Collins, R. Dyke, Mrs F. M. Murphy, R. Norledge, C. W. Plant and M. J. Sterling. The Secretary then read Bye-law 22(d) and invited motions or questions. There was none. The President then read his report and gave his address. The President then installed the new President, Dr J. Muggleton. The President proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring President, and this was seconded by Mr G. A. Collins. The President asked for permission to publish the Presidential Address, this was given. (See pages 37-47.) Mr A. Stubbs gave a vote of thanks to the retiring Officers and Council. Auditors: The President proposed the election of Mr R. A. Bell and Col. D. H. Sterling as Auditors for the coming year, this was seconded by Mr R. W. J. Uffen and Mr R. A. Jones, and passed unopposed. 10 March 1992 The President, Dr. J. MUGGLETON, announced the deaths of two members, Mr J. A. C. Greenwood, who joined the Society in 1958, and Mr L. A. Cram, who joined the Society in 1991. Mr R. A. JONES showed two specimens of Leucozona (Ischyosyrphus) laternaria Muller (Diptera: Syrphidae), a normal specimen showing the pale yellow spots on tergite 2, and an aberrant specimen without these yellow spots, but with only a dusting of grey hairs, taken on 4.vili.91 at Westerham, Kent. Mr R. A. SOFTLY showed a specimen of the 24-spot ladybird, Subcoccinella vigintiquattuorpunctata L., which he had found in his light trap. The beetle must have crawled in, because it is a flightless species. Mr Softly also showed the twin-spotted quaker, Orthosia munda (D. & S.) which had emerged that day from a larva collected from a spun sallow shoot. Mr R. K. A. Morris showed copies of two recent publications from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee: Classification and ranking of water beetle communities in Britain, and A review of the scarce and threatened Hemiptera of Great Britain. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 163 The names of J. D. Caldwell, D. J. Gibbs and K. S. Powell were read for the second time and they were duly elected members of the Society. Mr T. J. James signed the obligations book. Mr J. R. DOBSON asked whether any members had had any experience with CO, dispensers used to anaesthetize insects. Originally designed to remove corks from wine bottles, they were no longer manufactured. Entomologists have used them to squirt a dose of carbon dioxide into a tube containing live insects. The insects were immediately knocked down, and could be examined under a lens, before they recovered a short while later. Mr Dobson had approached the manufacturers, BOC, who had expressed an interest in making a limited number of the dispensers if there was enough interest. They would retail for about £15, and could be recharged with commercially available ‘sparklet’ CO, bulbs. Dr Muggleton reported finding a male Orthosia gothica (L.) in his light trap in Staines on 22.ii.92, and wondered if this were an early date. Mr Softly reported that he too had found this moth, in March, and Mr M. J. SIMMONS had received a report of this species occurring on 13.ii.92. Dr D. LONSDALE spoke on a major problem for invertebrates—‘The fatal gap: habitat isolation and its implications for insect conservation’. Most people are aware of the very great total area of habitat lost in this country, but the effect of this loss on the insect fauna has been compounded by the relative isolation of the remaining pockets of habitat. If an insect becomes extinct in a small remaining habitat, the chances of it becoming re-established by recolonization from a neighbouring colony become very slight, the more isolated the initial site is. By examining various examples, Dr Lonsdale illustrated how isolation of a habitat can come about, and the effect such isolation can have on insect populations. The heath fritillary occurs in woodland clearings, and must constantly colonize new clearings, as old clearings become shrubby and shaded. If the butterfly is to survive in a woodland, the wood must be large enough to supply a constant succession of these temporary and transient niches. Another example of a constantly shifting habitat is river shingle. Insects occurring here need to shift with the shifting sand and pebbles. If the system is disrupted, distances between the remaining suitable shingle banks may become too great to allow movement of a species from one site to another. A patch of flowery downland may be isolated from other similar downs by a surrounding ‘ocean’ of arable land. The corn fields act as an almost impervious barrier to the passage of would-be colonizers. Thus, if an insect species is to have the best chance of survival, it needs a continuity of habitat both temporally and spacially. Dr Lonsdale particularly blamed roads for fragmenting the countryside and he considered the whole country as a series of islands isolated by linear barriers. Although verges could act as corridors for the movement of insects along roads, passage across a road was more than just a short journey for an insect, buffeted as it would be by eddies above the desolate centre of the carriageways. Roads brought further problems in the form of exhaust pollution and changes in local drainage. Most insects in danger of extinction in this country are perhaps at the very edge of their range, a range defined by the climate. Appropriate sites in Britain are therefore microsites, and are much more strictly defined than the same insect’s habitat range on the Continent. It therefore becomes much more important that insects living in such sites are able to reach other similar sites. 164 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 It has been suggested that warm niches, such as sunny man-made clearings in woods became refuges for some insect species after the climatic cooling from higher temperatures 5000 years ago. By becoming adapted to these rather limited sites, insects lost the ability to move greater distances. Some, admittedly rather controversial, work had shown that over the last few hundred years butterflies like the large blue have shown a degeneration in thoracic size, and hence musculature, in relation to wing size, perhaps demonstrating a weakening of the ability to fly any distance. Sudden and great changes in land use threaten to break up the British countryside into a dwindling series of declining islands. Dr Lonsdale urged that if we are to succeed in maintaining a varied flora and fauna in this country there will have to be changes to national and local policy, to encourage forestry and agriculture to bridge the gaps between the islands, to create and maintain habitats not just in nature reserves, but also in the general countryside. After the lecture there was a long discussion on improving the countryside, by restoring features like hedges and ‘unimproved’ land. It was generally agreed that this was a good thing in its own right, not just as a means of creating habitats and corridors for the safe passage of insects and other animals, but because we cherish the landscape that results. 24 March 1992 The President, Dr J. MUGGLETON, showed a male of the Indian stick insect, Carausius morosus (Sinety), with a female for comparison. This commonly reared stick insect is parthenogenetic and males are very rare in culture (their frequency in the wild is not known). The male is smaller and much slimmer than the female and has a red coloration to the ventral surface of the thorax. The exhibitor’s present culture has produced one or two males per generation for the last three or four generations; no matings have been observed. Mr A. J. HALSTEAD showed a very pale form of the hebrew character moth, Orthosia gothica L., a male, together with a typical specimen for comparison. Only the blackish markings of the forewings had retained their usual colour. The specimen was taken at a Rothamsted light trap at RHS Garden, Wisley, Surrey on 4.iii.92. Mr R. A. JONES showed two superficially similar yet quite distinctive species of dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Aphodius equestris (Panz.) was previously (1890s) regarded as rather rare, but is now widespread and quite common. Conversely, Aphodius distinctus (Miller, O. F.) was regarded as common, but is now rare. Two specimens of the latter species were found at Butley, Suffolk, 20.iii.92, in dog dung. Dr J. S. BADMIN showed an unidentified slug found on a bunch of bananas. It was dorso-ventrally flattened, but with a very narrow foot underneath. The bananas on which it was found came from the Windward Islands. The names of R. Boyce, R. G. Cave, R. E. Hill, N. J. Riddiford and A. M. Riley were read for the second time and these persons were duly elected as members of the society. Mr D. Marshall signed the obligations book. Dr J. BADMIN spoke on ‘Leafhopper lifestyles’ and after an introduction to the various groups of the Homoptera considered the contribution to be made to their ecology by long-term population studies. Many species are polymorphic, the common ‘spittle bug’ Philaenus spumarius (L.), having 11 well-known colour forms. Aphrophora alni (Fall.) has a different colour form occurring on bog myrtle which is genetically determined, and varies between patches of its foodplant. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 165 The common froghopper Cercopis vulnerata Il., has a ‘yellow’ or white form, which Dr Badmin had studied in three colonies in the Isle of Sheppey. His observation that most specimens seemed to occur along footpaths, led him to study the populations of ‘yellow’ and red forms using the footpaths as transects. During periods of high numbers, the ‘yellow’ form made up about 4% of the population, but after the populations peaked in 1987/1988 there was a population crash and the ‘yellow’ form has not occurred since. Dr Badmin had also made a particular study of Graphocephala fennahi Young, an introduced species, originally from North America which has become quite widespread on rhododendrons. The eggs are laid inside the flower buds, and their presence is betrayed by the scars left after oviposition. Even though most flowers are high up on the plants, up to 4m, most eggs are laid in the lower flowers. The numbers of eggs laid in the buds increase as bud size increases. As the surrounding coppice grows, the lower rhododendron flowers are shaded out, thus Graphocephala seems to favour the early part of the coppice cycle. On the other hand, /ssus coleoptratus (F.) seems to favour later stages in the coppice cycle, although it is not known why. Dr Badmin concluded that these interesting insects are of great economic and ecological importance, and at the same time are easy to study. 14 April 1992 The President, Dr J. MUGGLETON, announced the death of Mr K. G. W. Evans, who joined the Society in 1969, and who had organized the Society’s Annual Exhibitions for many years. The President showed scanning electron micrographs (Figures 1 and 2) of the bee mite Varroa jacobsoni Oudemans. This mite parasitizes honeybees and originated from East and South-East Asia where it is common on Apis cerana F. It has subsequently spread from Asia into Europe largely as a result of the movement of bees by man. In Europe it is found on Apis mellifera L. Until the previous week the British Isles was believed to be free from Varroa, however the presence of this mite in an apiary in South Devon was confirmed on 6 April and other apiaries in the area were subsequently found to be infested. This mite is regarded as a serious threat to the bee industry as it can severely weaken bee colonies. Mr R. A. JONES showed three slides taken in Florida, USA in December 1991. They showed a cranefly (Diptera: Tipulidae) resting on the orb web of a small spider. Several groups of tipulid flies are known to exhibit this behaviour. Mr D. J. L. AGASSIZ showed two live adults of Phyllonorycter platani (Staud.). Mr E. BRADFORD showed a specimen of Eulamprotes phaeella Heckford & Langmaid taken at actinic light on 24.viii.89. The foodplant is unknown, but possibly Hypericum spp. He also showed a specimen of Monochroa hornigi (Staud.) taken at light on 2.vii.91. The larvae mine the stems of Polygonum spp. The name of Roger A. Jones was read for the second time and he was duly elected a member of the Society. Mr D. J. L. AGassiz spoke on ‘The invasion of Phyllonorycter leucographella and other Lepidoptera’. This leaf-mining moth was first discovered in Wickford, Essex, in 1989, mining the leaves of pyracantha bushes. Examination of pyracantha bushes in Essex showed that it occurred commonly, within a large but discrete area. Each year it has expanded its carefully monitored range. 166 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 $00HM 1 Fig. 1. Varroa jacobsoni. The scale bar represents 400 um (0.4 mm). Photo MAFF. 11MM 10KY 2 BRAULA MELLITIPHIS WARROA Fig. 2. Three honeybee parasites, from left to right: the bee louse, Braula coeca Nitzsch (Diptera: Braulidae); Mellitiphis another mite, and Varroa. Photo MAFF. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 167 The moth’s caterpillar creates a characteristic mine along the midrib of a pyracantha leaf. This eventually increases to become a large blister covering most of the leaf and eventually the leaf withers and curls forming a pod. The presence of the leaf mines is obvious, and examination of bushes often shows that 90% of leaves are affected. The most simple model of the expansion of a species is a diffusion model, with expansion outwards of an ever increasing circle. If the spread outwards along the radius is uniform, a plot of time against the square root of the expansion area is a straight line. The data for P. leucographella showed an almost exact straight line. By extrapolating backwards in time to the point of zero area, a guess can be made as to the arrival of the insect, in this case 1987. By examining the published records of other ‘invading’ moth species, it was possible to show parallels with, as well as differences from, the invasion of P. leucographella. Many newly arrived species feed on garden plants that are widely grown, and have been able to establish themselves in Britain quite easily. One example is Thera cupressata Gey. Its foodplant, cypress, is a native of the Mediterranean area. The tree has been planted up the Atlantic coast of Spain and France, and the moth has followed up the Bay of Biscay and across the Channel. P. leucographella and P. platani arrived into south-east England, but some, like Paracystola acroxantha Meyr. arrived into the south-west. Acleris abietana Hiibn. arrived into Scotland and has since spread southwards as far as Northumberland. This species may have been an accidental importation rather than arriving here on its own steam. Most species spread naturally once they arrive, but some, like P. /eucographella, are likely to be moved by man, especially through the garden trade. Cacoecimorpha pronubana is mainly a greenhouse insect, and is spread through the movement of plants. A simple diffusion model is inappropriate to study its spread. Study of several species showed that irrespective of body mass, expansion took place at a rate of about 5-10 km per year. By observing the spread of Phyllonorycter leucographella, a relatively harmless moth species, it is hoped to gain some insights into the way potential pest species might spread, if they accidentally became established in Britain. SHORT COMMUNICATION Ectobius lapponicus (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattidae) discovered in Gloucestershire.— The dusky cockroach (Ectobius lapponicus) was swept by myself and Dave Clements in good numbers from an area of tussocky Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) and rushes (Juncus sp.) at Foxes Bridge Marsh (SO 630125) in the Forest of Dean, W. Glos., on 17.vi.1990. The marsh is developed in a small depression in the Dean coal measures, where overlying alluvium and a stream create an acid mire—a rare habitat in the county. The site is surrounded by mature oak woodland which provides good shelter. The cockroach was present in every sweep of our nets in the drier parts of the marsh. Its discovery in the county was quite unexpected; the nearest modern sites are many kilometres away to the south, although there is an old record from Warwickshire to the north (Marshall & Haes, 1988).—K. N. A. Alexander, 22 Cecily Hill, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2EF. REFERENCE Marshall, J. A. & Haes, E. C. M. 1988. Grasshoppers and allied insects of Great Britain and Ireland. Colchester: Harley Books. 168 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 OFFICERS’ REPORTS FOR 1991 COUNCIL’S REPORT The Society’s membership stood at 731 at the end of the year, a small decrease on the numbers for the previous year. Twenty-two new members were elected during the year, 12 members were struck-off for non-payment and 13 members resigned. Eight deaths were reported to the Society during 1991. At the end of the year Messrs J. V. Banner, R. W. Parfitt and P. J. L. Roche completed 50 years’ continuous membership and were elected special life members. The death of Russell Bretherton, early in the year, left a vacancy among the Society’s honorary membership. At its March meeting the Council elected Alan Stubbs to honor- ary membership. Alan will be well-known to members for his work on conservation and for his contributions to our knowledge of the Diptera. He is author of the Society’s book British hoverflies, has been President of the Society and a member of Council. The Council met seven times during 1991 and, on average, 12 members attended each meeting. Once again the majority of the Council’s time was taken-up discussing the Society’s new accommodation. And, in particular, with discussing the terms of a lease and building agreement for the Society’s new headquarters building at Dinton Pastures Country Park near Reading. The Society employed an architect who, in consultation with the Society’s Council, drew up plans for the building. Planning permission was granted by Wokingham District Council in the autumn. Part of the building will be leased back to the District Council as a display area, the remaining 90 m? is self-contained and will be divided into two rooms, one for the library, the other for the collections. There will also be a toilet and a small kitchen area. Care has been taken to ensure the security of the building, which will be air-conditioned to provide the best storage conditions for the collections and library. At its December meeting the Council felt able to recommend the terms of the lease and building agreement to the Society’s trustees. The lease will be for 70 years at a rental of £1 per annum; it will be renewable. The Council has instructed the Society’s architect to obtain tenders for construction of the building. It is hoped that building work can start early in 1992 for completion by mid-summer. For a second year Mr Peter Chandler has given up a great deal of his spare time in order to negotiate the terms of the lease and to discuss the building plans with the architect and the District Council. The Society’s Council is again very grateful to him for his work on behalf of the Society. The Society continued to represent members’ interests in the field of conservation and Mrs F. M. Murphy and Mr S. R. Miles take an active part as the Society’s representatives on the Joint Committee for the Conservation of British Insects. The Society continues to subscribe to Wildlife Link, and was consulted by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee on the additional insect species to be added to Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act during the second quinquennial review of the Act. Fourteen indoor meetings were held during 1991, including joint meetings with the British Arachnological Society and the London Natural History Society. In general, attendance at indoor meetings was poor and the average attendance fell to 14. Mostly the audience at the meetings is made up from a small group of regular attendees. Only 45 members attended indoor meetings in 1991, 6% of the membership. Given the cost of hiring the room, £50 per evening, and the cost of speakers’ travel expenses, it is very expensive to maintain a lecture programme at the current frequency for such a small proportion of the membership. Methods of attracting a larger audience are being discussed and a full programme of indoor meetings is being arranged for BJE197.2 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 169 1992/93, but should attendances remain low it is likely that the number of meetings will have to be further reduced. A successful Annual Exhibition was organized by Michael Simmons and was attended by 206 members and 109 visitors, a welcome increase of 76 on the previous year’s attendance. Dr Basil MacNulty again organized the Annual Dinner with his customary skill, but a series of price increases by Imperial College had to be reflected in the price of the meal and, probably as a result, the number attending the dinner was reduced. Dr MacNulty has suggested to the Council that some other arrangement for the meal ought to be tried, and the Council will be considering this in 1992. After preparing the indoor meetings programme for three years, Mr Simmons resigned this post during the year and his place has been taken by Dr Ian McLean. Mr Roger Morris became Field Meetings Secretary during the year. Dr John Muggleton will resign from the post of Honorary Secretary, which he has held for seven years, on becoming President in 1992. The Society has received a bequest of £5000 from the late Russell Bretherton. Although no terms were attached to this bequest the Council felt it appropriate that, if possible, the bequest should be used to finance a project, or projects, in which Russell had an interest. Consequently the sum is being held as a separate fund until a suitable use is identified. A new Membership List was produced during the year and circulated to members, but no new publications appeared, a situation which the Council hopes will be remedied in 1992. TREASURER’S REPORT The annual accounts are presented in a somewhat different form from that we have been used to, and this is because I have taken the opportunity this year to bring the layout of the accounts into line with that recommended by a recent report into charities accounting. The accounts now comply with the recommendation contained in the Second Statement of Recommended Procedures for Charities (SORP2). The main difference in presentation necessary to comply was to pass all income of the Society through the income and expenditure account. In the past we took income of the funds directly to the balance sheet. The new layout should make it easier to see all the income the Society receives and how it has been spent or allocated to the various funds. The comparative figures at 31 December 1990 are unchanged but a note sets out what last year’s income figures would have been on this year’s basis. The anticipated expenditure on our new building has not taken place in this financial year with the exception of some £6000 of preliminary costs which are shown in the balance sheet and for this reason our reserves are very high. Our total assets stand at £320,000 without taking into account the potential gain on realizing stock market investments. It is felt that we will be able to fund the construction and fitting of the building at Dinton Pastures without having to sell the stock market investments at an inappropriate time and without disrupting the Society’s finances in other ways. During the year we have again benefited from the generosity of our members by way of donations and bequests, and have received some £8500. Costs of producing the magazine have risen sharply as have our rental and storage costs. Overall it cost £3000 more to run the Society than was raised from the members. In spite of this we have recorded a surplus on the general funds after our investment income. Rapidly falling interest rates have meant a drop in investment income but this is offset by the fact that we will obtain our building for a considerably lower cost than originally envisaged as a result of the low ebb at which the economy now stands. 170 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 I would like to record my thanks to Geoff Burton as assistant treasurer for the involved and time consuming work he does in respect of subscriptions and to Col. Sterling and Reg Bell our auditors. British Entomological and Natural History Society A. J. PICKLES Income and expenditure account year to 31 December 1991 General account Subscriptions Interest and dividends Donations and bequests Surplus on Christmas cards Surplus on dinners Rent and insurance Stationery and general expenses Bank charges Indoor meetings and exhibitions Library Curation costs Subscriptions and donations to other societies Moving expenses Publications account (free to members) Sales Bequest fund grant for plates Production of journal Distribution costs Net cost of publications Special publications (for sale) Sales Opening stock Larvae Distribution and general costs Closing stock Net surplus on special publications Surplus to Hering Fund Surplus to bequest fund Surplus to general fund Surplus to special fund 1991 £ £ 8135 32282 8499 56 15 3767 1580 71 799 280 23 168 6688 (42299) (1150) (598) 5872 888 5012 (2595) 6192 320 (5074) (1157) (38444) 653 32329 4305 1157 38444 1990 se E 5226 6975 377 23 2750 1338 945 173 128 88 5422 (7179) (1280) (1392) 5269 814 3411 (3514) 7262 205 SiaAl (6192) (1868) (5636) 3768 1868 5636 Comparative figures have not been adjusted in line with the accounting policies adopted this year. On this year’s basis interest and dividend income for 1990 would have been shown as £34408 and donations and bequests would have been shown as £8394. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Balance Employment of capital Cost of leasehold premises Quoted investments General fund Hering fund Current assets Special publications Christmas cards Sundry debtors and payments in advance National Savings investment account Sterling money market deposit Business reserve deposit Bank current account Current liabilities Sundry creditors and accrued expenses Net current assets Capital employed General fund Opening balance Transfer from income and expenditure account Gain on redemption Housing fund Special publications fund Opening balance Surplus from sales Bequest fund Opening balance Crow bequest Pelham-Clinton bequest Gain on redemption Bretherton bequest Income Grants & expenditure Hering memorial fund Opening balance Donation Gain on redemption Income Expenditure sheet as at 31 December 1991 1991 5074 186 Sia 57631 195000 17816 4738 284182 3379 (3379) 218025 460 5000 27330 (598) 4546 653 (200) 280803 322384 37976 2308 26884 250217 4999 322384 171 1990 297719 3768 125 2308 23859 1868 185586 6547 470 26814 (1392) 33747 3540 246991 284278 33672 2308 25727 218025 4546 284278 172 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Notes to the accounts year to 31 December 1991 Accounting policies (a) The accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention. (b) The preliminary costs of acquiring leasehold premises at Dinton Pastures Park have been capitalized. The total cost of these premises which are anticipated to be completed during the year to 31 December 1992 will be amortized over the term of the lease. (c) The value of the library, collections, ties, back numbers of proceedings and journals and the computer system is not included in these accounts. Current expenditure on such items is written off to the income and expenditure account. (d) Donations and legacies are brought into account when they are received by the Society. (e) Surpluses (or deficits) arising on the special publications fund which accounts for publications primarily for sale are transferred to that fund to finance future publications. Investments Book value at cost Market value General & Hering bequest memorial 1230 Shell T&T 25p Ord. 477.79 771.83 $320 750 Unilever Sp Ord. 248.45 4851 6272 M&G Charifund Units 19091.17 1147.24 29382 2450.90 Treas. 9 1/2% 1999 lea: 1621.21 2274 3863.71 Treas. 8 3/4% 1997 3687.94 3431 3882.90 Treas. 9% 1994 3759.57 3590 4098.06 Treas. 13 3/4% 1993 4041.44 4290 32077.58 3540.28 53138 Report of the auditors to the members. We have examined the financial statements attached which have been prepared in accordance with the recommendations of SORP2. We have audited the financial statements annexed in accordance with approved auditing standards. In our opinion the financial statements which have been prepared under the historical cost convention give a true and fair view of the state of the Society’s affairs at 31 December 1991 and of its income and expenditure for the year then ended. Col. D. H. Sterling R. A. Bell PROFESSOR HERING MEMORIAL RESEARCH FUND Two applications were made to the Fund by September 1991 for grants for 1992. Support was offered to both applicants but only one grant was actually taken up. This award, for the sum of £150, was made to Professor Dalibor Povolny from Czechoslovakia. The money will support fieldwork on sarcophagid Diptera for Professor Povolny’s studies on western Palaearctic members of the group. I am informed by the Treasurer that next year we are likely to have around £1000 of income available for granting or investment. The microscope bequeathed to the Fund by the late Edward Pelham-Clinton is currently lent to Dr Margaret Redfern. There have been no further applications for this instrument but Dr Redfern is pleased to continue the loan. MALCOLM SCOBLE BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 173 LIBRARIAN’S REPORT This year has been one of hope, that all the plans the Society is making come to a successful conclusion in the provision of a new building to house the library and collections. Obviously this involves a considerable amount of thought in planning the library layout and appropriate management systems, always bearing in mind the cost limitations appropriate to a small society’s library. My lack of experience in many aspects of the specialist requirements of organizing the commissioning of a new library are, I hope, not too evident. The small sub-committee set up during the period of the last report to look at the application of computers and appropriate software to the future organization of the Society’s library met in April. Significant progress was made and a database program recommended which has sufficient flexibility to enable us to adapt the databases so produced to suit our present defined needs or to change them once the new library is set up and different requirements become apparent. I have started to put all the information held on our library file cards into a simple database, this task will hopefully be complete by the time the new premises are finished. Not having the books to hand though, means that the database will be quite crude initially but will allow us to check-in our books when they come out from storage in an easier way than hitherto possible. I have visited the Society’s architect’s offices on four occasions in order to co-ordinate the construction of the library, particularly with regard to the internal layout and environment. I have also been concerned to ensure that the long-term storage conditions that the Society’s books will be subject to, is appropriate, to avoid situations of high humidity or strong daylight exposure. The Library Committee met in November, considerable discussion ensued on ten major items among which were: the implementation of a unique accession number system; the integration of membership files within the library management system; what library shelving system should the Society purchase; whether we should retain and restore the old glass-fronted lockable bookcases. None of these issues has been fully resolved at present, but the type of library shelving system to be chosen is probably the most close to a decision, the /owest quote coming in at £5000. The Committee examined a possible library layout which I had drawn up earlier and a number of valuable suggestions were made by them. The plan seeks to maximize the available shelf space as I feel it is best to purchase all the shelving we will need now. Space has been allowed near the library entrance for an administration table and several benches are allowed for along one wall forming a series of study areas. This plan has now been incorporated into the architect’s plans and other considerations, such as the electrical layout. During the year the opportunity was taken to purchase the journal Entomologica Scandinavica at a favourable price while complete runs were still available. Arrangements were also made through Keith Alexander of the National Trust’s Biological Survey Team for the library to receive copies of some of the survey reports produced by the team to publicize the results of the National Trust’s invertebrate surveys more widely in the entomological community, which is a principle I am much in favour of. Thanks are due to the following members, both in conversation on the phone and at meetings for their advice and help: Peter Harvey, Martin Askins, Colin Hart, Robert Dyke, David Wilson, John Muggleton, Peter Chandler, Andrew Halstead, Peter Baker, Sid Painter, Tony Pickles and Frances Murphy. S. R. MILES 174 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 CURATOR’S REPORT There have been few changes to the collections over the past year as their location remains as stated a year ago, the bulk being in Pickford’s Warehouse at Fulham, the Torstenius collection with Mr Ashby, the bees with Mr Edwards, the wasps and miscellaneous store boxes with the Curator. It can, however, be more confidently predicted this year that they will be in one place before this time next year. Occasional visits to Fulham to curate the collections have continued to be made and they remain in satisfactory condition. It has nevertheless been appreciated that better storage conditions, less subject to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, should be an integral part of the planning of the new building. Accordingly, it has been decided that the heating and ventilation system there will be precisely controlled to maintain a constant temperature of 22+2°C and a relative humidity of 45+5% throughout the year. This will be effected by an installation in the roof space operating by means of ceiling grilles so that wall space will not be required for any heaters or dehumidifiers, thus maximizing storage space. Because of the construction of the building it will be necessary to maintain these conditions also in the library. Further work on the collections has not been practicable in view of the Dinton Pastures negotiation having priority, but it was possible to make a loan of three drawers of plant bugs of the family Lygaeidae to Stephen Judd of the Liverpool Museum, who is gathering records of this family. He reports that the work is complete and the drawers will be collected from him when convenient. Mike Edwards tells me that he hopes to complete work on the bees this year and also informs me that some of the more notable records will be included in the forthcoming publication on bees by George Else, to be published in 1993. We agreed in 1990 to accept the collection of our late member, Colonel Cyril Winthrop Mackworth-Praed, on acquiring new premises. However, last summer it became necessary for the collection to be removed from his home where it had remained since his death in 1973. Accordingly, arrangements were made for the removal by Pickfords and this was accomplished satisfactorily in August despite the need for the removal vehicle to negotiate an unmade road in the New Forest and a few low branches. The collection is now in store alongside our other collections at Fulham. It comprises four cabinets, one 40-drawer and two 20-drawer cabinets of British ‘macro’ moths and a third 20-drawer cabinet of British butterflies. It is a comprehensive collection, amounting to a little over 23,000 specimens of 845 species, so comparing well with our existing collection of British ‘macro’ Lepidoptera. It also includes many specimens of historical importance. His ‘micro’ moths were donated to the Royal Scottish Museum some years ago. We also acquired one other small collection in 1991, two store boxes containing 385 specimens of some 270 species of Coleoptera, collected by Martin F. Heyworth, now of the University of San Francisco, whose father Dr H. Heyworth is a member. These were picked up from Dr Heyworth’s home in Cheltenham and will be retained by me along with other store boxes at present. These beetles are mostly British, with a few Irish and French specimens; they had recently been determined by Keith Alexander and include several useful additions to our collections. I would like to thank Humphrey Mackworth-Praed for his co-operation and hospitality during the removal of his father’s collection. I would also once again like to express my gratitude to all those who have given assistance and encouragement during the year. P. J. CHANDLER BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 175 EDITOR’S REPORT Once again, the editor’s tasks have proved not at all onerous. I have continued to receive the support of the readers and writers of the Society’s journal for which I am enthusiastically grateful. The journal has continued to receive a steady stream of articles and notes. An increasing number of short communications are arriving in the form of ‘Letters to the editor’—a sign, I hope, that the journal is an active and vibrant forum for entomological discussion. Although the journal does not accept advertising, announcements of meetings, events and books are included as a service to members and readers and are always useful in filling that half-page gap. Despite only being at least approximately a quarterly journal, authors do not have to wait very long for their articles to find the light of day in print, a feature which encourages a wide range of authors to submit material. The average time between receipt of a manuscript and final publication is only 4 months. For the time being, the ability of the Society to finance colour plates in the journal should also continue to be a powerful attractant for manuscripts. As usual, the report of the Annual Exhibition is a most time-consuming and trying exercise, and would be unthinkable without the generous assistance of the recorders. The members of the editorial panel have assisted me endlessly through the last year, and I would like to pay personal thanks to Michael Tweedie who resigned from the panel at the end of 1991 after 29 years. This has left quite a gap in the editorial board, and following a suggestion from Raymond Uffen, I have sought to increase and expand the board from five members to, at present, twelve and will continue to increase it as necessary. These additions to the editorial committee cannot but improve the content of the journal and increase its prestige. R. A. JONES SHORT COMMUNICATION The prevention of wobbly net syndrome.— Wobbly net is not a condition that you will find described in medical textbooks but it is something that many entomologists suffer from. It is particularly prevalent amongst those who have abandoned brass or wooden handled nets in favour of lightweight aluminium poles of the type available from Maris House Nets or from fishing tackle shops. These poles have an inherent design fault in that the two pins that secure the brass head are made of a harder metal than the hollow aluminium tube they pass through. The consequence of this is that after a period of use the pins begin to wear away the aluminium and work loose. This can happen in less than one collecting season if the net is used for sweeping vegetation. The net begins to wobble and eventually the net and brass head drop off the pole, just as you reach out for the specimen that would have made you famous. This disaster can be avoided by the simple expedient of placing a jubilee clip at the net end of the pole and tightening it until the two pins are held firmly in position. This needs to be done while the pin holes are still in good condition, i.e. before wobbly net has set in. A pole treated by myself in this way has survived three summers of rigorous use without any signs of deterioration. Jubilee clips are available from hardware shops, builders’ merchants, etc and are used mainly for clamping hose pipes to metal inserts.—Andrew Halstead, 17 Highclere Gardens, Knaphill, Woking, Surrey GU21 2LP. 176 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 BENHS FIELD MEETINGS The Sheepleas, near West Horsley, Surrey, 16 June 1991 Leader: A. J. Halstead. Six members and guests attended on a rather overcast and, at times wet day. This limited the insect activity at what is normally a rich site consisting of unimproved chalk meadows and deciduous woods. Perversely, the skies cleared as the sun set, resulting in a cold night for the two members who came for light trapping. Only 26 species of macros came to light, mostly in small numbers. These included Horisme vitalbata (D. & S.), Sphinx ligustri L., Deilephila elpenor (L.) and Stauropus fagi (L.). Among the more interesting insects recorded during the day were the beetles Sinodendron cylindricum (L.) (Lucanidae) and Mordellistena brevicauda (Boheman) (Mordellidae). Some local flies were noted, mostly by Peter Chandler. These included Ectrepesthoneura hirta (Winn.) and Sceptonia tenuis Edwards (both Mycetophilidae), Symphoromyia immaculata (Meig.) (Rhagionidae), Thereva plebeja (L.) (Therevidae), Thecophora atra (F.) (Conopidae), Chyliza vittata (Meig.) (Psilidae), Lyciella laeta (Zett.) (Lauxaniidae), Eccoptomera longiseta (Meig.) (Heleomyzidae), Geomyza venusta (Meig.) (Opomyzidae) and Anthomyza andersonni Rohacek (Anthomyzidae). The sawflies recorded during the meeting included Hartigia linearis (Schrank) (Cephidae) and Allantus rufocinctus (Retz.) (Tenthredinidae). Nunhead Cemetery, London SE15, 27 July 1991 Leader: R. A. Jones. Three members and four ‘guests’ appeared for the daytime session, on a sunny and warm summer’s day. An initial stroll up the avenue of limes to the ruined chapel produced A bdera biflexuosa (Curtis) (Coleoptera: Melandryidae), Axinotarsus marginalis (Laporte de Castelnau) (Coleoptera: Melyridae) and Jssus coleoptratus (F.) (Hemiptera: Issidae), all by sweeping. The dead sycamores, affected by sooty bark disease produced several specimens of Synchitya separanda (Reitter) (Coleoptera: Colydiidae) and Enicmus brevicornis (Mann.) (Coleoptera: Lathridiidae). The peculiar plant hopper Asiraca clavicornis (F.) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) was taken by general sweeping and a single specimen of Volucella zonaria (Poda) (Diptera: Syrphidae) was spotted on the wing. A large poplar, heavily overgrown with ivy produced several interesting flies including Neopachygaster meromelaena Austen (=N. orbitalis Wahlberg) (Stratiomyidae), So/va marginata (Meig.) (Xylomyidae), Gnophomyia viridipennis (Gimm.) (Tipulidae) and Lonchaea fugax Becker (Lonchaeidae). Only one small light trap was operated at night, proving to be rather a disappointment. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, 10 May 1992 Leaders: R. Gaunt & K. N. A. Alexander. The area of the Forest selected for this joint field meeting with the Gloucestershire Invertebrate Group was Orles Wood and Slade Bottom, to the north-east of St Briavels, and draining westwards into the Wye Valley. Orles Wood is largely young conifer plantation established on poorly drained common land, but with wide open marshy rides and vigorous growth of native broadleaved trees and shrubs. The geology is clay overlying limestone. Some interesting spiders have been found in recent years and the aim of the visit was to discover if other groups are also of interest here. Nothing of especial note was however found, the most interesting finds being the thornbug Centrotus cornutus (L.), and the beetles Aphthona melancholica Weise and Vincenzellus ruficollis (Panzer). BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 177 The nearby Slade Bottom proved to be a much richer area, with old ash, wych elm, hazel coppice developed along a deep stream valley, and the ground flora dominated by ramsoms, Allium ursinum L., with some herb-Paris, Paris quadrifolia L. This is the only site west of the Severn for the rare calcicole snail Ena montana (Draparnaud) and it was seen in plenty during the afternoon. Amongst the wide range of insects recorded were the beetles Endomychus coccineus (L.), Apoderus coryli (L.), and Barynotus moerens (F.), and the flies Otites guttata (Meig.) and Portevinia maculata (Fall.). In the head of the stream valley, above the old coppice, is an area of old pasture woodland with many large old beech and ash, and plentiful dead and decaying timber. Larvae of the beetles Pediacus dermestoides (F.) and Stenagostus rhombeus (Olivier) were discovered in the decaying beeches, and a very fresh Brachypalpoides lenta (Meig.) hoverfly was found on the ground. We would like to record our thanks to the Forestry Commission for permission to enter these woods. Bookham and Ashtead Commons, Surrey, 20 June 1992 Leaders: I. S. Menzies and J. A. Owen. Six members and two guests of the BENHS were able to join the leaders during this field day. Despite a rather cold wind there were long sunny spells and no rain. The morning, which was spent on Bookham Common (National Trust), was off to a good start when several white-letter hairstreaks Strymonidia w-album (Knoch) were seen flying actively around bushy growths of English elm, U/mus minor Miller, adjacent to the railway station. In the same vicinity the pentatomid bug, Eurydema oleraceum (L.), was found on garlick mustard, Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.) and the flea beetle Longitarsus lycopi (Foud.) on ground ivy, Glechoma hederacea L., both local species being present in some numbers. Other notable species seen were Zeugophora subspinosa (F.) and Agrilus angustulus (Ill.). A single female example of the beautiful jewel beetle Agrilus viridis (L.) was also found in the aboretum, beaten from a young sallow which had fallen in a recent gale. The party enjoyed lunch as guests of the London Natural History Society, represented by Brad Ashby who personally organized refreshing cups of tea and made the facilities of the LNHS hut available. Mr Ian Swiney, the warden, was unfortunately unable to be present. He has recently been organizing the clearance of scrub and ‘supernumerary’ trees to allow more sunlight to penetrate around the rides, ponds and (previously) open grassy areas, a policy especially appreciated by entomologists. The afternoon was spent on Ashtead Common which was approached from the ‘Star’ public house on the Chessington-Leatherhead road. The party was welcomed on behalf of the Corporation of London, which now owns the Common, by Mr Bob Warnock the Community Woodlands Officer. Emergence holes of Phymatodes testaceus (L.) and Agrilus pannonicus (P. & M.) were evident in several of the ancient damaged oaks, adults of both beetles being eventually discovered. The party was pleased to see several adult Agrilus viridis (L.) sunning themselves on leaves of fallen sallows in two different sites. They were very alert and difficult to capture. Axinotarsus marginalis (Lap. de Castel) was swept from the grassy footpath margins, and single examples of Mathinus balteatus Suff. and Lyctus brunneus (Steph.) were also seen. Only a few of the curious malacodermatid beetle Lymexylon navale (L.) were seen around the dead oaks in the late afternoon, their flight presumably discouraged by a cold and blustery northeast wind. They were seen flying in hundreds around these trees at the same time (4.30-5.30 p.m.) on the next afternoon which was warmer and less windy. 178 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 A satisfactory conclusion to the afternoon was achieved when a particularly resplendent Agrilus, which had attracted both admiration and photographic expertise as it sat on a sallow leaf, turned out to be a female Agrilus pannonicus and not A. viridis as was first thought! All the lists sent in will be appropriately communicated to the National Trust and Corporation of London. Clymping Gap, West Sussex, 27 June 1992 Leader: R. Morris. Five members and friends attended the daytime meeting which was most rewarding. An interesting assemblage of bees and wasps was found, including many of the typical coastal species such as Megachile maritima (Kirby) and its cleptoparasite Coelioxys vectis Curt. Amongst the more interesting discoveries were the wasp Astata pinguis (Dahlbom) and its cleptoparasite, the ruby tailed wasp Hedychridium cupreum (Dahlbom), both of which were found in good numbers. The fly fauna was disappointing but we were rewarded with excellent views of the white letter hairstreak Strymonida w-album (Knoch) at hogweed flowers. The evening meeting was attended by nine members and a strong contingent of the Clymping Gap Preservation and Field Recording Society. Eight lights were run and a good assembly of moths was attracted. The sand dune fauna was well represented, including good numbers of the shore wainscot Mythymna litoralis Curt. and a few rosy wave Scopula emutaria Hiibn. Amongst other species of interest, the Kent black arches Meganola albula D. & S. was one of the more noteworthy. This meeting was arranged courtesy of the Clymping Gap Preservation and Field Recording Society and the West Sussex Ranger Service. I would like to thank Sarah Patton and John Knight in particular for their enthusiastic help in arranging and running this meeting. Clymping Gap offers great potential and would be well worth future visits. Holme Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire, 25 July 1992 Leader: Paul Waring. The leader was joined by five members and the reserve warden for the afternoon session and a further eight members and friends for the night work. Holme Fen NNR (640 acres) consists mainly of birch woodland (both species) which has developed naturally on the peat of what was formerly Whittlesey Mere. After the mere was drained in the 1850s this site was used for agriculture and then abandoned. It has been described as the finest development of such birch woodland in lowland Britain (Ratcliffe, 1977). There are also remnants of raised mire species, including Sphagnum sp. and ling heather Calluna vulgaris (L.). Two meres were excavated in the late 1970s and these have developed a marginal vegetation of common reed Phagmites australis (Cav.) and other emergent and aquatic plants. As we gathered in the lay-by at the entrance to Jackson’s Covert a group of five migrant hawker dragonflies Aeshna mixta Lat. circled over our heads and a large greenish cerambycid beetle, which had landed on the bumper of one of the cars, provided interest for the photographers among us. Its identification awaits the results of the photographs. The beetle was left to continue on its travels. Another large cerambycid beetle Saperda carcharias (L.) was found nearby. The warden Alan Bowley then kindly showed us around the main features of the site. The dykes and roadside verges around the reserve were a riot of flowering thistles, brambles, burdock, willowherb and bindweed and the flowers of the first three in particular were alive with insects. There had been a large emergence of peacock butterflies Inachis io L. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 179 Fig. 1. Some of the day-time party watching a group of migrant hawker dragonflies, Aeshna mixta, by the entrance to Jackson’s Covert. Left to right: Gavin Boyd, Peter Tebbutt, Diana and Peter Sharpe, and the warden of the reserve, Alan Bowley. Photo P. Waring. during the week and one could probably have counted a hundred or more by walking along these dykes. The peacocks were joined by a few small tortoiseshells A g/ais urticae L., large and small whites Pieris brassicae L. and P. rapae L. and a couple of worn red admirals Vanessa atalanta L. On the previous Thursday 23 July large numbers of silver Y moths Autographa gamma L. had appeared in the area so perhaps there had been an influx of atalanta also. Equally, both species are breeding in the vicinity. Several brown hawker dragonflies Aeshna grandis (L.) were seen flying up and down the dykes. On the edge of a mere a single red-eyed damselfly Erythromma najas (Hanse.) was spotted along with the more abundant common blue damsels Enallagma cyathigerum (Charp.). As we walked through the fairly shaded rides among the birch trees in the centre of the reserve we were passed by acomma Polygonia c-album L. and a meadow brown Maniola jurtina L. and encountered a fine male ruddy darter Sympetrum sanguineum (Miiller) as we entered a bracken-filled clearing. The area of saw-sedge Cladium mariscus (L.) is shaded by birch trees and there was little in the way of nectar sources to attract insects there but a lesser cream wave Scopula immutata L. was flushed, to add to the growing list of commoner moths which was accumulating. It is also worth recording the numbers of dingy footman Eilema griseola Hiibn. seen basking on the foliage of bracken Pteridium aquilinum (L.), bramble Rubus spp. and other low plants by day and visiting the flowers of burdock Arctium minus Bernh., hemp agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum (L.) and others once it got dark. We must have seen two dozen. The leader has found the larvae commonly in leaf-litter on the ground on nearby Woodwalton Fen in September. Further into the wood the main ground cover suddenly changed from bracken to brambles with the flowers attracting yet more peacocks. We watched a southern hawker dragonfly Aeshna cyanea (Miiller) chasing a silver Y which escaped. A muntjac deer Muntiacus reevesi crossed the ride in front of us. There are also a few Chinese water deer Hydropotes inermis at Holme Fen but not as many as at Woodwalton Fen and we did not see any. 180 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., S: 1992 Fig. 2. Hanging up virgin female oak eggar, Lasiocampa quercus in one of the heathy mown clearings in the woodland, in the hope of assembling males. Photo P. Waring. We moved on to the area of heather which is kept open by mowing. Our objective was to hang up a virgin female oak eggar Lasiocampa quercus L. which Peter Sharpe had brought with us in the hope of assembling males. From eight cocoons the leader had obtained for this purpose, only one adult had so far emerged, a male! The leader has been investigating the status of this species in the area since the capture of an adult female in his garden Robinson trap in 1991 at Werrington, some 15 km away to the north (Waring, 1992). Of the few records for this area, Holme has produced most. During 1954 Blackie (1956) noted both adults and larvae but he gives the impression they were more abundant in some years than in others. Barry Dickerson the local county moth recorder for the vice-county of Huntingdonshire had not heard of a recent record in 17 years of recording until Nancy Mason reported a female in her light-trap at Ramsey Heights in 1991. Subsequently, the leader found two more females in his garden trap on the nights of 21 and 28 July 1992 respectively which suggests they are breeding locally and the late Bill Turner has reported his find, in 1952, of a larva on hawthorn near the school in Werrington. In addition Malcolm Hillier informs me that he has taken two females at actinic light (on 10.vii.1983 and 7.viii. 1984) at Helpston just 4 km north-west of Werrington. Malcolm began trapping the Helpston site in 1983 and has continued without any major interruptions to date. By the time we reached the heather area and set up the virgin oak eggar (16.30 hrs) it was a little too late in the afternoon to expect the best results and it was also somewhat overcast. When we returned to the female an hour later there was brief excitement when a foxy coloured moth flew up from the bracken below, but it was probably a large yellow underwing Noctua pronuba L. and no confirmed male oak eggar were recorded. However the same female was given to Kevin Warrington, one of the estate workers who joined us later, and he succeeded in attracting a wild male with her at Woodwalton Fen in compartment 77 towards the south end of the reserve at 14.45 hrs on 27.vii.1992. As dusk came on and people sorted out their light-trapping gear the leader found a fresh female emerald damselfly Lestes sponsa (Hanse.) at rest, the only one seen during the day. It was by the dyke along Holme Lode. The dyke edges showed BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 181 dramatically the effect of a regime of cutting alternate lengths at different frequency. Those cut in the last year or so were dominated by meadow-sweet Filipendula ulmaria (L.) with a little yellow meadow-rue Thalictrum flavum L., upon which the marsh carpet Perizoma sagittata F. occurs. The leader last saw it there in 1987 and 1988. This visit was a little too early for larvae and none were found. The lengths not so recently cut were dominated by common reed and were occupied by noisy reed warblers Acrocephalus scirpaceus. Dead calm conditions with a mackerel sky prevailed as we set up traps. Both tawny and long-eared owls Strix aluco and Asio otus were heard as two of us netted at dusk for any late dentated pug Anticollax sparsata Treits. around good stands of the larval food-plant yellow loose-strife Lysimachia vulgaris L. These plants were also searched for early larvae. The leader found a first-instar larva at Woodwalton Fen on 29.vii. 1987 but is not aware of any records so far for Holme Fen. None were found on this meeting even though an actinic trap was also operated all night by the Lysmachia but the habitat looked suitable and it would be worth searching again at a slightly better time for this species. In all, seven lights were operated, including three actinics, two Robinson traps, a home-made Skinner trap and a 125-W MV bulb on a pole over a sheet. The traps were operated in Jackson’s Covert, Middle Covert and Holme Lode Covert. In addition Tony Dobson ran an actinic trap and set up three ‘wine-ropes’ in the bushes by one of the rides in Denton Fen Covert and by about 23.00 hrs the wine-rope at the entrance was covered in moths, including one mere wainscot Photedes fluxa Hiibn. A total of over one hundred species of moths (including micros) were recorded by members, of which the more interesting species not so far mentioned were large twin-spot carpet Xanthorhoe quadrifasciata Clerk, dark spinach Pelurga comitata L., scalloped shell Rheumaptera undulata L., black arches Lymantria monacha L., scarce footman Eilema complana L., rosy footman Miltochrista miniata Forst., olive Ipimorpha subtusa D. & S., double-lobed Apamea ophiogramma Esp., brown-veined wainscot Archanara dissoluta Treits, fen wainscot Arenostola phragmitidis Hiibn., oak nycteoline Nycteola revayana Scop. and the pyralid Chilo phagmitella Hubn. A single specimen of the birch-feeding tortricid Epinotia ramella L. arrived on the sheet in Holme Lode Covert. This is of interest in that it is the first specimen Barry Dickerson has seen in twelve years of recording micros in the area. It is not the first county record however. It is said to be associated with large stands of birch so it should be at home at Holme! Discussion was lively throughout the day and over the lights at night and the leader would like to thank Alan Bowley, Keith Warrington, Lee Marshal, Peter and Di Sharpe, Peter Tebbutt, Gavin Boyd, Tony Dobson, Rob Partridge, Barry and Teresa Dickerson, Nancy Mason, John Ward and Steve Ward for joining him and making it such a pleasant day out. A full list of the species recorded has been supplied to English Nature and to the Invertebrate Site Register of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. REFERENCES Blackie, J. E. H. 1956. The Lepidoptera of Huntingdonshire. 3. Bombycoidea. Huntingdonshire Fauna and Flora Society Annual Report for 1955. Reproduced in: Dickerson, B. 1985. The Lepidoptera of Huntingdonshire. Vol. 1, 1949-1969. 56 pp. Huntingdonshire Fauna and Flora Society. Ratcliffe, D. A. (ed.) 1977. A nature conservation review. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge. Waring, P. 1992. The butterflies and moths of Werrington, Peterborough. Huntingdonshire Moth and Butterfly Group, 2nd Annual Report 1991: 49-68. 182 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Oliarus leporinus (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, with notes on its ecology.—O. /eporinus is a southern species in Britain, and largely confined to saltmarshes. In the west, detailed published records extend only to the vicinity of the Bristol Channel. I have previously (Kirby, 1992) reported the occurrence of the species in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, but without details of the captures. Since these represent a considerably northward extension of its known range, it seems worthwhile to give more information on the circumstances in which the records were made. I found O. leporinus in three localities in Pembrokeshire in 1990: Millin Cross (SM995 137), 25.vi.1990; Picton (SN010122), 30.vi.90; Angle (SM866028), 1.vii.1990, 3.vii.1990. At Millin Cross a single specimen was found on the mud beneath a very narrow strip of saltmarsh vegetation along the margin of a small tidal stream. At Picton several adults were found by sweeping and a single nymph beneath a stone, in a small patch of saltmarsh along the Eastern Cleddau. The insect was abundant at Angle and could be swept in hundreds from a small but very varied area of saltmarsh at the western corner of Angle Bay. In Carmarthenshire, I captured O. /eporinus at two localities in 1991: Pembrey Burrows (SS4399), 9.viii.1991; Machynys (SS517977), 10.vii.1991. I have previously identified a specimen of O. /eporinus from Pembrey Burrows (SN427003), collected by Dr P. S. Hyman, 6.vii.1985. Ossiannilsson (1978) gives the foodplants of O. /eporinus as ‘Phragmites and other swamp grasses’. Supporting evidence in favour of these as foodplants seems rather slight, however. Phragmites is certainly not essential: it was absent from all the sites listed above, or at least from those parts of the sites where O. /eporinus was captured. I have also seen O. /eporinus in abundance in an Essex saltmarsh (Bradwell, TM0307, 27.vii. 1986) where no Phragmites grew. Whitehead (1991) reported the insect breeding at the roots of scurvy-grass Cochlearia danica L. in Somerset. The saltmarsh at Angle was interesting in that several of its most abundant plant species tended to grow in single-species patches. I was therefore able to sample, within a twenty metre radius, separate stands of Aster tripolium L., Halimione portucaloides (L.) Alleyn, Juncus gerardii Loisel, Puccinellia sp., Scirpus maritimus L., Spartina sp. and Triglochin maritima L., as well as an area of low mixed vegetation which included Aster tripolium, Cochlearia sp., Halimione portucaloides, Juncus gerardii, Limonium vulgare Miller, Plantago maritima L., Puccinellia sp. and Triglochin maritima. O. leporinus occurred in abundance only on Halimione. It was quite common in the area of mixed marsh vegetation, but in much lower numbers than in areas of pure Halimione. Several individuals were found on Aster, and singletons on Scirpus and Puccinellia. No O. leporinus were found in areas of Juncus gerardii, Spartina or Triglochin maritima, either by sweeping or by searching. I would not wish to overstate the significance of these observations. They were made in the space of little more than an hour at a single site; they are not quantified; the relative numbers captured from the different plants will have been influenced by the structure of the plants as well as by the numbers of O. /eporinus they contained, and the results could reflect only the plants preferred by the adults for resting, not those used for food. However, the very strong association between adult O. /eporinus and Halimione was real enough, and Halimione seems as likely a foodplant as any present on the marsh. Unfortunately, despite the abundance of adult O. /eporinus, no nymphs could be found in the limited time available, despite a search around all the common plants of the marsh. The single nymph captured at Picton was found beneath a stone around which grew several species of saltmarsh plants, whose roots BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 183 penetrated beneath the stone. The commonest plant in the immediate vicinity was Cochlearia sp., echoing Whitehead’s finding. Cochlearia could not have been the food- plant at Angle, however, or at least not the only foodplant, since it was relatively scarce there and could not have supported the enormous population of the bug. Whatever the plant or plants used by the bug at Angle, it must have other foodplants on other sites, besides Cochlearia. There are a number of inland records from British sites which can have no plant species in common with a Pembrokeshire saltmarsh. Krogerus (1960) regarded O. /eporinus as characteristic of poor sedge fens in Scandinavia. As an incidental finding, it may be of some interest to note the other Auchenorrhyncha recorded in association with O. /eporinus on the Angle saltmarsh, and their apparent plant preferences. They were: Aphrodes aestuarinus (Edwards), common amongst Juncus gerardii, frequent amongst Puccinellia, occasional amongst Halimione portucaloides, Scirpus maritimus, Triglochin and mixed marsh vegetation; Aphrodes limicola (Edwards), common amongst Puccinellia, frequent amongst Juncus gerardii and occasional amongst Halimione portucaloides and mixed marsh vegetation; Macrosteles horvathi (Wagner), frequent by sweeping Puccinellia, occasional from Juncus gerardii; Paramesus obtusifrons (Stal), confined to, and abundant on, Scirpus maritimus; Psammotettix putoni (Then), frequent on Puccinellia, occasional on Juncus gerardii.—P. Kirby, 49 Barnstock, Bretton, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE3 8EH. REFERENCES Kirby, P. 1992. A review of the scarce and threatened Hemiptera of Great Britain. Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee. (UK Nature Conservation No. 2). Krogerus, R. 1960. Okologische Studien tiber nordische Moorarthropoden. 1. Commentationes Biologische 21: 1-238. Ossiannilsson, F. 1978. The Auchenorrhyncha (Homoptera) of Fennoscandia and Denmark Part 1.: Introduction, infraorder Fulgoromorpha. Fauna Ent. Scand. 7(1). Whitehead, P. F. 1991. Recent range-extensions of some Auchenorrhyncha. Ent. Rec. J. Var. 103: 98-99. Trigonocranus emmeae Fieber (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) in Northamptonshire.— I captured a single female of this species by sweeping tall but rather sparse grassland growing on the ballast of a disused mineral line at Brookfield Plantation, Northamptonshire (SP892923), 24.vii.1991. The six previous records of 7. emmeae in Britain are widely scattered, from Lancashire, Yorkshire, Surrey and Kent (Kirby, 1992). The Northamptonshire site has certain features seen in other of this insect’s known localities: bare ground; loose stones, and underlying limestone. Perhaps the most unusual feature of this record is the finding of this secretive and usually ground- dwelling or even subterranean insect sufficiently far above ground to be captured by use of a sweep net.—P. Kirby, 49 Barnstock, Bretton, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE3 8EH. REFERENCE Kirby, P. 1992. A review of the scarce and threatened Hemiptera of Great Britain. Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee. (UK Nature Conservation, No. 2). The extinction of a population of Aphis mammulata Gimingham & Hille Ris Lambers (Hemiptera: Aphididae).—I reported the discovery of a population of Aphis mammulata Gimingham & Hille Ris Lambers (McLean, 1988) as the second locality for this species in Britain. Following the publication of that note I kept the population at Cavenham NNR under surveillance and succeeded in photographing the aphids (which have dark grey females and orange males) being attended by Lasius fuliginosus 184 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 (Lat.) on the leaves and petioles of buckthorn, Rhamnus catharticus L. Unfortunately, before detailed observations to discover the biology during the spring and early summer could be carried out, the population became extinct. The last sighting of the species was on 19.viii. 1989 and when the locality was revisited on 2.vii. 1990 it was discovered that Lasius fuliginosus was no longer foraging over the bush, and the aphid has not been seen subsequently. It is possible that the loss of the ant nest led to the disappearance of the aphid because A. mammulata, in common with some other aphids, is assiduously attended by ants, in this case probably exclusively L. fuliginosus. These ants remove the aphid honeydew as a source of food and also defend the aphids by removing insect natural enemies. In the absence of the protection given by the ants, the aphids seem unable to survive, though the underlying causes of their extinction remain unknown. So far no further localities for the aphid have been discovered to enable further investigations to proceed.—I. F. G. McLean, 109 Miller Way, Brampton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE18 8TZ. REFERENCES McLean, I. F. G. 1988. A second British locality for Aphis mammulata Gimingham & Hille Ris Lambers (Homoptera: Aphididae). Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1: 188-189. Stroyan, H. L. G. 1984. Aphids—Pterocommatinae and Aphidinae (Aphidini). Handbk Ident. Br. Insects. 2(6): 88-89. Emergence and pairing of Rhyssa persuasoria L. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae).— On the very hot afternoon of 22.v.92 I went to some woodland, 10 miles south of Reading to search for microlepidopterous larvae on Frangula alnus Miller. The damp area where most of the bushes grow is reached by first walking through a large pine plantation and it was here that I became unexpectedly side-tracked. Several male Rhyssa persuasoria were flying actively over and along some felled pine trunks stacked at the ride-side, and closer examination then revealed a female Rhyssa busily engaged, its ovipositor fully inserted down what I took to be an emergence hole of the woodwasp Urocerus gigas (L.). After watching her for a while I then went on to my intended location, returning to the pine trunks at 7.40 p.m. Although the sun was still shining on some of the trunks I had not expected to see much ichneumon activity at this time of day. No males were flying in the manner noted earlier but I was surprised to see many congregated within approximately one square foot of trunk surface. I managed to count 20 but there were probably a few more. They were all in a state of some excitement, moving quickly back and forth and definitely dominated by the largest specimen who attempted to drive away other males by picking them up with its mandibles, shaking and tossing them aside. The reason for all this activity was not immediately apparent, especially as a large female was noted, a few inches away ovipositing down a Urocerus tunnel and hence apparently unattractive to males. Then, just below a sliver of bark, the shining vertex of an ichneumon head, flush with the bark surface but coloured at variance with its surroundings, was noted, and all seemed explained. It was by now 7.55 p.m. Within a few seconds the female Rhyssa began emergence but well before complete extrusion she was enveloped by a mass of frantic males. With the aid of a small twig I picked up this animated ball of wings and legs and with difficulty managed to remove most of the suitors. Finally, two males remained, seemingly both paired with the female, and these were eventually removed. The unencumbered female then flew on to a nearby standing pine trunk, remained there a few seconds, then disappeared up into the canopy. This interesting episode left me with some unanswered questions. (1) How is a newly BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 185 emerged, soft-tissued female ichneumon structurally capable of withstanding such an onslaught of males? (2) How can newly hatched wings allow such vigorous and lofty flight?, or is everything all hardened, ready and waiting down there within the pine trunk? My thanks to The Englefield Estate Trust for permission to study in their woodland.—B. R. Baker, 25 Matlock Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire RG4 7BP. Philanthus triangulum (F.) (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) new sites in Essex.—Two new colonies of Philanthus triangulum were found at Broom Hill, Chadwell and Shoebury Old Ranges both in South Essex. At Broom Hill there appears to be a good population of Philanthus at two parts of the site, an old shallow quarry cut into the top of a hill on old Thames terrace gravels. One colony, the largest, is in the vertical face of a small south-facing sand exposure. The Philanthus have tunnel entrances between about half a metre to nearly two and a half metres above the ground level (nearly to the height of the exposure). The other colony has tunnels dug into an area of sandy ground within the area of a small older pit. Both colonies are in sheltered parts of the site. The only prey that Philanthus has been seen to utilize is the major prey species, the worker honeybee (Apis mellifera L.), which is by no means common at the site. It seems quite possible that the Philanthus has remained undetected at this site for many years. The autumn squill Scilla autumnalis L. was found at the site only last year and in such a well botanized area as the south-east of England it seems remarkable that the plant should have previously escaped detection. The large and conspicuous robber fly Asilus crabroniformis L. was also found last year, the first record in Essex for many years. It seems to be present in some numbers, at least five individuals were seen on 6.vili.1992 resting on horse dung. The locality is evidently of some importance for aculeates, also having turned up Myrmica specioides Bond., M. schencki Emery (Formicidae), Hedychrum niemelai L. (Chrysididae), Smicromyrme rufipes (F.) (Mutillidae), Microdynerus exilis (Herr.-Schaeff.) (Eumenidae), Cerceris quinquefasciata Rossi, (Sphecidae), Andrena riparia (Scop.) = pilipes, A. trimmerana (Kirby), Lasioglossum malachurum (Kirby), L. pauperatum (Brullé), Dasypoda altercator (Harris) and Nomada fucata Panz. (Apidae). The Shoebury site is a nature reserve managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust. It was, until recently a neglected rifle range owned by the Ministry of Defence and appears to be a relict piece of old sand dune with a very open vegetation maintained by large numbers of rabbits. Along such a highly developed coastline it is a remarkable survival. The richness of its flora was only realized in the early 1980s and only now is the diversity of its invertebrate fauna being discovered. By their burrowing and grazing activities, rabbits play an important role in maintaining the open nature of the vegetation with short-growing plants and lichens. Many species of plant are very rare or absent elsewhere in the county. The Hymenoptera have hardly been examined as yet, but Myrmica specioides and M. schencki (Formicidae) occur, as do Gorytes bicinctus (Rossius) (Sphecidae), Andrena riparia (Apidae) and Hedychridium coriaceum (Dahl.) (Chrysididae). A female Philanthus triangulum was captured on 29.vii.1992 whilst excavating a burrow on a gentle south-facing slope in bare sand with very close-cropped vegetation. Several other entrance holes of similar size were noticed nearby. Records for the present century indicate that Philanthus, although remaining a rarity, seems to be locally common and well established in a few sites in the south- eastern counties of England (Else, 1989). Falk (1991) suggests that because of the 186 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5; 1992 lack of historic records the East Anglian sites in Suffolk and north Essex may have been acquired fairly recently and may not be of a fully permanent nature. However an old record (1837) for Snaresbrook, Epping Forest given by Else (1989) suggests the possibility of its long-term presence in south Essex. However Lomholdt (1975-1976) mentions an expansion in the range of Philanthus in the late 1930s probably caused by unusually favourable weather conditions in July and August. It seems possible that with our recent favourable summers an expansion of range could be occurring in Britain. Our thanks to John Felton for confirming the presence of Philanthus and for the determination of much of the other material, particularly in the Apidae.—P. R. Harvey, 9 Kent Road, Grays, Essex RM17 6DE and R. G. Payne, 11 Cliff Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SSO 7AJ. REFERENCES Else, G. R. 1989. Profiles of Crabro scutellatus, Ectemnius borealis and Philanthus triangulum. Bees, Wasps and Ants Recording Scheme Newsletter Autumn 1989: 2-6. Falk, S. 1991. A review of the scarce and threatened bees, wasps and ants of Great Britain. Research and Survey in Nature Conservation No. 35, Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough. Lomholdt, O. 1975-1976. The Sphecidae (Hymenoptera) of Fennoscandia and Denmark. Fauna Ent. Scand. 4: (2 vols). Hylaeus cornutus Curtis (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) in South London.—This is the easiest member of the genus Hylaeus to identify, being the only one without white or yellow markings on the face. The female is even easier to identify on account of the clypeal processes which are usually visible to the naked eye. A further character of use in the field is the very orange-brown wing base in the female, which I regard as quite characteristic. The species is listed as notable A by Falk (1991) who comments that the habitat preferences of the species are unclear. Having found A. cornutus on a number of occasions in South London in recent years, I believe that some further comments can be made about this bee. In my experience, females of Hylaeus cornutus attend the flowers of umbellifers, especially those of hogweed Heracleum sphondylium L. and wild carrot Daucus carota L., often in considerable numbers. I have rarely come across males at flowers and have only once witnessed any mating activity. On this occasion, the female was resting on a hogweed flower with the male hovering above her. The habitats frequented by Hy/aeus cornutus in South London range from scrubby chalk downland at Banstead (TQ2560, 24.vi.1989) and abandoned runways and blast bays at Kenley Airfield (TQ3258, 1.viii.1992) also on chalk, to acid grass heath and scrub at Mitcham Common (TQ2868, TQ2867, TQ2967, many records 1988-1992), ruderal communities at the edge of Crystal Palace Park (TQ3371, 9.viii.1992) and scrubby grassland/ruderal communities near Walton Bridge (TQ0966, 12.vii.1992). It seems to me that the species is not indicative of high quality habitats but rather of scrubby ruderal communities. Doubtless, it occurs in a wider range of habitats as Falk reports, but I wonder if it is really as scarce as past records suggest. In surveying Surrey for its Diptera fauna, I frequently visit less than ideal looking sites and am often surprised by the range of species to be found on sites which might otherwise be dismissed in terms of nature conservation interest. Perhaps more attention should be paid to ruderal sites than there has been hitherto. I also collect Hymenoptera as a by-product of recording flies and sample a set of niches that might be overlooked by more specialist Hymenopterists. I would therefore draw attention to the value of BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 187 umbellifers to certain elements of the Hymenoptera fauna which may prove to be more widespread than was once thought.—R. K. A. Morris, 241 Commonside East, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 1HB. REFERENCE Falk, S. J. 1991. A review of the scarce and threatened bees, wasps and ants of Great Britain. Research and Survey in Nature Conservation, 35. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough. Donacia obscura (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Wigtownshire.—During a brief visit to Galloway I stopped in the area of Loch Mochrum to carry out some insect recording on 29.vi.1991. Just to the north is an area of blanket mire with a series of small lochs and lochans. Sweep-netting the sparse stands of bottle sedge (Carex rostrata Stokes) near the shores of Loch Hempton (NX 306546) produced a number of Donacia beetles which later turned out to be D. clavipes F. and D. obscura. This appears to be a new county record for the latter. This area of peatland is one of the few in southern Wigtownshire not afforested by the Forestry Commission, and is a nature conservation review grade 2 site (Ratcliffe, 1977).—K. N. A. Alexander, 22 Cecily Hill, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 2EF. REFERENCE Ratcliffe, D. (ed.) 1977. A nature conservation review. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Arhopalus rusticus (L.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) on Wimbledon Common.—In early spring 1992, Mr Tony Drakeford mentioned to me that the dead Scots pines around Caesar’s Well in the south-west of Wimbledon Common, Surrey, showed signs of longhorn beetle activity. On 13.vi.1992 I collected a single Arhopalus adult there which Dr Roger Booth has identified as Arhopalus rusticus L. Dr Booth has found the species near Bournemouth, in Dorset (VC 11, South Hants) and Mr Andrew Halstead has found it at the edge of Wisley Common in Surrey (TQ 065 579), at a light trap. In both cases the beetles were found in or near a similar habitat to Wimbledon Common—heathland with scrub and pine. The species was originally taken in Britain at the turn of the century in Scotland, but has spread south in the last few decades, probably as a result of widespread conifer planting (Kaufmann, 1948, 1990). The indications are that a breeding colony of this species exists on the Common at present. My thanks to Mr Tony Drakeford, Dr Roger Booth, Mr A. J. Halstead, Dr Adrian Henderson and Miss Jean Barnes.—Martin Henderson, 13 Kimble Road, Collier’s Wood, London SW19 2AU. REFERENCES Kaufmann, R. R. Uhthoff-. 1948. Notes on the distribution of the British longicorn Coleoptera. Entomologist’s Mon. Mag. 84: 66-85. Kaufmann, R. R. Uhthoff-. 1990. The occurrence of the sub-family Aseminae (Col.: Cerambycidae) in the British Isles. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 102: 55-63. Further records of deadwood Coleoptera from Nettlecombe Park, Somerset, including Phloiotrya vaudoueri Mulsant new to the county.—An initial visit to assess the potential of Nettlecombe Park for the specialist fauna of dead and decaying timber was made on 6.vi.1988. This revealed a rich assemblage of species including three not previously recorded in Somerset (Alexander, 1988, 1990). A more detailed investigation was subsequently commissioned by the Nature Conservancy Council in 1990, when three full days were spent on the site: 3.vi, 29.vii and 5.x. This work has taken the total of saproxylic Coleoptera to 60 species of which the most interesting 188 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 from the 1990 visits were as follows (further new county records are marked with an asterisk): Quedius xanthopus Er., under loose bark on moist rotting oak logs, 5.x.1990; Dorcatoma flavicornis (F.)*, one beaten from oak foliage, 29.vii.1990; Cis fagi Waltl, numerous in the fungal mycelia of Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull. ex Fr.) Bond & Singer, within red-rotten oak heartwood, 3.vi.1990; C. hispidus (Payk.)*, one beneath bark on a rotting oak bough, 5.x.1990; Pseudotriphyllus suturalis (F.), knocked in numbers from bracket fungi growing on a long-dead fallen oak trunk and within a live hollow oak, 5.x.1990; Triphyllus bicolor (F.)*, knocked from a bracket fungus growing on the trunk of an ancient sweet chestnut, 5.x.1990; Orchesia undulata Kraatz, one beneath loose bark on large long-dead fallen oak trunk, 5.x.1990; Phloiotrya vaudoueri Mul.*, remains of beetle in rotting beech hulk, 5.x.1990; Phymatodes testaceus (L.), adults beneath loose bark on dead oak bough and a fallen dead oak trunk, also larvae, 3.vi.1990; and Platypus cylindrus (F.)*, single adult crawling up trunk of large live oak, 29.vii.1990. Nettlecombe Park has now been notified as a site of special scientific interest. My thanks to Pat Wolseley for encouraging continued work in the Park, to Mike Edgington of English Nature for arranging finance for the visits, and to Andrew Duff for information on the county status of species. —K. N. A. Alexander, 22 Cecily Hill, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 2EF. REFERENCES Alexander, K. N. A. 1988. A relict old forest beetle fauna from Nettlecombe Park in Somerset. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 1: 128. Alexander, K. N. A. 1990. Ptinus subpilosus Sturm (Coleoptera: Ptinidae) in Somerset. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 3: 128. Trachys troglodytes Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) and other scarce insects from an unusual wetland area in Cumbria.—The characteristic eggs and leaf mines of Trachys troglodytes were discovered on Succisa pratensis Moench growing in a humid heath community within an area of poorly drained pasture at Hollins Farm, Nether Wasdale (NY 105032), 5.vi.1991. This is the first record of this scarce buprestid beetle from the region (VCs 69 and 70), but nicely fills the gap between the known Anglesey localities and an old Dumfries-shire record. Attempts to rediscover the species in the latter area have been unsuccessful. The site is low-lying land on the flood-plain of the River Irt and comprises about 4 hectares of rushy pasture with a large patch of humid heath and smaller areas of poor marsh and mire, the latter with a system of bog-pools. Also new to the county is the chrys- omelid beetle Chaetocnema confusa (Boh.), and other beetles present included Mantura obtusata (Gyll.) and Actenicerus sjaelandicus (Muller, O. F.). Other insects included the hoverfly Microdon mutabilis (L.), the saldid bug Sa/da muelleri (Gmelin), small pearl- bordered fritillary (Boloria selene D. & S.) and the sawfly Abia sericea (L.). These are all characteristic inhabitants of good quality humid heath and mire communities. The site was investigated as part of the National Trust’s Biological Survey Programme and so it is possible to say that it is unique within the Trust’s very extensive Cumbrian holdings. Whether or not there are comparable sites under other ownership in the region remains to be seen. Although owned by the National Trust, it lies within an agricultural tenancy and there is no public access. The tenancy agreement includes protective restrictions to ensure that the area is conserved. My thanks to Michael Cox for confirming my identification of the Chaetocnema and to John Read for his comments on the local status of the chrysomelids.—K. N. A. Alexander, National Trust, 33 Sheep Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1QW. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 189 Mordellistena humeralis (L.) (Coleoptera: Mordellidae) in numbers, with records of other mordellid species including the third British specimen of M. acuticollis Schilsky.—On 30.vi.1992 I netted a single specimen of Mordellistena humeralis (L.) from a large hogweed umbel (Heracleum sphondylium L.) in Nunhead Cemetery, London SE15 (Watsonian vice-county 17, ‘Surrey’). A subsequent visit to the cemetery on 23.vii.1992 proved the beetle to be quite common on hogweed flowers. Five specimens were gathered up in the first sweep of the day, and others turned up quite regularly on other hogweed umbels throughout the cemetery. Hyman and Parsons (1992) regard this species as ‘insufficiently known’ (Red Data Book status RDBK), and because of the confusion of several species prior to the revision of the group by Batten (1986) and Allen (1986), it seems apposite to give a few other mordellid records here. Notes in parentheses on Red Data Book status follow Hyman & Parsons (1992). Records are of single examples unless otherwise stated. Mordella holomelaena Apfelbeck, (RDBK). Rewell Wood, Arundel, West Sussex, 26.vi.1979, on flower of wood spurge, Euphorbia platyphyllos L. Ambersham Common, West Sussex, 25.vi.1986, sweeping. Mordellistena acuticollis Schilsky, (RDBK). Eriswell Lode, Mildenhall, Suffolk, 14. viii. 1983, sweeping on canal bank. This is the third British record of this species, the two previous specimens being taken by Mr A. A. Allen in Oxleas Woods, vice- county 16, ‘West Kent’, in 1984 and 1985 (Allen, 1986). M. brevicauda (Boh.) (RDBK). Beachy Head, East Sussex, 29.vi.1974, in hawkbit flower, Leontodon sp. M. neuwaldeggiana (Panz.) (RDBK). Paiges Wood, Arundel, West Sussex, 2.vii.1976, sweeping along wet woodland path. Arundel Park, West Sussex, 12.viii.1979, evening sweeping umbels under beech trees. This Arundel Park record is a confirmation of the provisional record given by Hodge (1991). M. variegata (F.). Poverty Bottom, South Heighton, East Sussex, 23.vi.1976, sweeping in flowery grazing meadow. Mordellochroa abdominalis (F.). Capite Wood, Wiston, West Sussex, 27.vi.1979, flying round flowers of guelder rose, Viburnum opulus L. Bookham Common, Surrey, 9.vii. 1979, on umbel flower. Ashington, East Sussex, 25.v.1980, on hawthorn blossom, Crataegus monogyna Jacq. Isfield, East Sussex, 9.viii. 1980, on the wing. Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire, 16.v.1981, sweeping. Tomoxia bucephala Costa, (Notable A). Arundel Park, West Sussex, 18.vi.1976, two, crawling on large fallen beech log. Variimorda villosa (Schrank), (Notable B). Little Horsted, East Sussex, 17.vii.1976, on hogweed umbel. Park Bottom, Arundel Park, West Sussex, 23.vii.1978, on hogweed umbel L. Darwell Wood, near Brightling, West Sussex, 17.vii.1983, sweeping. Chiddingly, East Sussex, 29.vii.1984, two on hogweed umbels. Brede, East Sussex, 24.vii.1992, several on hogweed umbels. My grateful thanks to Mr A. A. Allen for examining and confirming my identification of M. acuticollis. Richard A. Jones, 13 Bellwood Road, Nunhead, London SE15 3DE. REFERENCES Allen, A. A. 1986. On the British species of Mordellistena Costa (Col.: Mordellidae) resembling parvula Gyll. Entomologist’s Rec. J. Var. 98: 47-50. Batten, R. 1986. A review of the British Mordellidae (Coleoptera). Entomologist’s Gaz. 37: 225-236 190 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 Hodge, P. J. 1991. The Coleoptera of Arundel Park. Wye, Ashford, Kent, Nature Conservancy Council, South Eastern Region, p. 27. Hyman, P. S. Revised Parsons, M. S. 1992. A review of the scarce and threatened Coleoptera of Great Britain. UK Nature Conservation No. 3. Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee. pp. 361-366. Metoecus paradoxus (L.) (Coleoptera: Rhipiphoridae) in Cambridgeshire.—During the morning of 11.viii.1992 at Godmanchester, Huntingdonshire (grid ref. TL 243705) while searching trunks of Lombardy poplars Populus nigra var. italica Moench for aphids and their natural enemies, I found a single female of this distinctive beetle climbing briskly up the bark at a height of about 1.5m. The swollen, bright yellow abdomen, combined with elytra which have the appearance of being designed for a smaller and slimmer beetle, create a bizarre effect reminiscent of a member of the related Meloidae (oil beetles). M. paradoxus is a scarce species (and the only member of the family found in Britain), whose larvae develop in the underground nests of wasps.—I. F. G. McLean, 109 Miller Way, Brampton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE18 8TZ. Solva marginata Meig. (Diptera: Xylomyiidae) adults observed at Brampton, Huntingdonshire.—So/va marginata is a handsome fly more frequently reared from larvae found under bark, than seen as adults. Poplars are frequently exploited by larvae, although other deciduous trees are also known to be used. Although there are published notes indicating that occasionally adults can be frequent around old trees or fallen trunks, I had never been fortunate enough to find them until this year. On the evening of 27.vii.1992 I saw a single adult S. marginata on the leaf of a Lombardy poplar Populus nigra var. italica Moench at Grove Lane, Brampton (grid ref. TL 208711). This was the first time that I have seen the species in Brampton. At lunchtime on 5.viii.1992 I again saw an adult S. marginata on the trunk and then flitting onto leaves of a tree in the same row. The behaviour of these flies, coupled with the wings being held flat over the abdomen, suggests this species is a mimic of adult Hymenoptera, though the group or species which could be the model is unclear to me.—I. F. G. McLean, 109 Miller Way, Brampton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE18 8TZ. Myopa testacea (L.) at an ultraviolet light and M. tessellatipennis Mots. (Diptera Conopidae) 3m up.—My two encounters with Myopa in 1992 owe everything to serendipity. I ran a near ultraviolet 40-W fluorescent lamp to catch moths on 25.v.1992 in my garden at Welwyn, Herts. A female Myopa testacea was found sitting on the top egg tray at midnight. The temperature was 14°C. On 24.iv.1992 I sampled male Andrena bees rushing around the tops of flowering blackthorn bushes on the edge of Harmer Green Wood, Welwyn. One of my net samples from 3 m above the ground included a male Myopa tessellatipennis. A further hour’s sampling and sweeping in the herbage produced no more conopids. The bees were Andrena haemorrhoa (F.), A. pubescens Ol. and A. jacobi Perkins R.C.L. Lasioglossum was represented by a single L. calceatum (Scop.). Bombus terrestris (L.), B. pascuorum (Scop.) and B. lapidarius (L.) queens were frequent in the grass.— R. W. J. Uffen, 4 Mardley Avenue, Welwyn, Hertfordshire AL6 OUD. BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 191 EDITORIAL HOUuSE STYLE 3. PARENTHESES PLEASE In Buck’s original ‘Style of the house’ (Proc. Trans. S. Lond. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc., 1958; 104-124) he made reference, albeit only briefly, to the use of parentheses () around an author’s name when a species name is given. Judging from many of the descriptions which accompany exhibits at the Society’s Annual Exhibitions, the use of such parentheses is widely misunderstood. So at the risk of preaching mere trifles to those who may know better than me, I am going to dwell for a moment on these misused and undervalued punctuation marks. Why give the author’s name? When a new species is first described, the author’s name is appended, thus: Tettigonia viridissima Linnaeus. This is not just a scientific and historical courtesy bestowing immortality on the describer, but often serves a practical purpose in distinguishing two species which at various times may have been given the same name. For example, when Tachys piceus Edmonds was described in 1934, it had nothing to do with the Tachys piceus described by Dalla Torre in 1877. Edmonds’ name was subsequently ‘sunk’ and his species given a new name, Tachys edmondsi, by Moore in 1956. With all the elaborate rules of nomenclature, name changes like this can go one way or the other, and switches from one name to another and back to the first are all too common in some groups of insects. What use parentheses? Parentheses were introduced to make a further distinction—to show whether or not a species was originally described with its current generic name, or with another. When Linnaeus first began describing insects he ‘lumped’ them together in a few large genera. The genus Carabus contained, at one time, almost all of the ground beetles (Carabidae), together with a whole host of other groups. Linnaeus’s large genera have subsequently been divided into many. Carabus sycophanta Linnaeus was removed from Carabus and placed into a new genus, Calosoma, to become Calosoma sycophanta (Linnaeus) and Linnaeus’s name now takes the obligatory parentheses. These changes are continuing even now, as what were once regarded only as subgenera are promoted to full generic status; thus Ceutorhynchus (Ethelcus) verrucatus Gyllenhal has become Ethelcus verrucatus (Gyllenhal). Article 51 of the International code of zoological nomenclature (third edition, 1985) formally outlines the need to cite authors’ names, and part c of the article concerns itself with the use of parentheses. Not for butterflies and moths But Buck gave lepidopterists a parenthesis get-out clause, ‘because compilers of check lists of Lepidoptera do not make use of this... [convention] . . . we do not use parentheses at all in this order’. It was not that the check lists were put together in a less scientific or less orderly way, but because there was so much confusion over exactly who did indeed describe what species, when, and in which genus. In the first edition of Kloet and Hincks’ A check list of British Insects (1945), the authors freely admitted the confusion, having discovered that ‘it was not unusual to find as many as seven or eight different authors quoted for a single trivial name 192 BR. J. ENT. NAT. HIST., 5: 1992 which could be placed in three or four different genera according to the whim of the writer’. Although they followed the convention of using parentheses where necessary, they were aware that in many cases they had attributed names to authors who did not, in fact, appear to have been the original describers and they fully expected all manner of changes in the nomenclature to emerge with further study and in subsequent editions. With the second edition, revised by Bradley, Fletcher and Whalley 27 years later (1972), some progress had been made, but although the parentheses were included ‘at the express wish of the Editorial Board’, an application had already been made to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) to make the need for parentheses only optional for Lepidoptera ‘until the classification is more stable’. The latest check list (Bradley & Fletcher, 1986, An indexed list of British butterflies and moths) omits the parentheses altogether, as do many (but not all) modern books. Plants Botanists have gone to the other extreme, quoting both the author of the trivial name (using parentheses similarly to zoologists) and of whoever removed it into its new genus. Names such as Epilobium brunnescens (Cockayne) Raven & Engelhorn are commonplace. Luckily Linnaeus and other early authors used a much greater number of generic names for plants than they did for insects, and most of the original genus-species combinations still stand, especially for the commoner plants. House style It is obviously not realistic to lay down the law on parentheses for the authors of butterfly and moth names, but for all other insects (indeed all other animals) and plants we should maintain the conventions set out by the respective zoological and botanical codes of nomenclature and use them as and when they are needed. RICHARD A. JONES ERRATUM Volume 5, Number 2, August 1992 Plate III Specimen 7. Correct details are: Aplocera (= Anaitis) efformata, Wittering Copse, Collyweston, Northants, 14.viii.91, P. Waring. Page 58 WARING, Dr P.—Anaitis efformata, correct date is 14.viii.91. Details of this specimen are also erroneously recorded under the name P. Warren. The Editor would like to apologize to Dr Waring for this unfortunate error. NEW PUBLICATIONS FROM THE AMATEUR ENTOMOLOGISTS’ SOCIETY HABITAT CONSERVATION FOR INSECTS—A NEGLECTED GREEN ISSUE (First Edition 1991) Foreword by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales The first two chapters explain the importance of insects to the environment and the serious reduction in abundance and geographic range of many species as a result of changes in land usage. Examples of a range of insects and their varied life cycles are used to demonstrate the need for a greater awareness of insect habitat requirements amongst all those concerned with conservation strategy and land management. Emphasis is placed on the importance of habitat mosaic and the dangers of habitat isolation. The following seven chapters give examples of specific habitat requirements and some of the management options for high forest, coppiced woodland, grassland, heathland, moorland, aquatic, garden and wasteland habitats. The final chapter deals with current legislation, the need for recording schemes and advice on dealing with planning applications likely to damage valuable habitats. Hardback xvi+ 262 pages with a further 32 pages of colour plates. Price £12 including postage and packing. A COLEOPTORIST’S HANDBOOK (3rd Edition—1991) A completely new publication to which leading British coleopterists have contributed chapters. Part I deals with the practical aspects of collecting, curating and studying beetles. Part II consists of chapters on each of the beetle families prepared by experts in each group. Part III considers beetle associations—with plants, ants and stored foodstuffs. Beetle larvae are dealt with in Part IV which describes and illustrates the morphology of family types, their habitats and methods of rearing. Part V gives advice on recording methods and on the conservation of Coleoptera. There is a detailed glossary and an index of genera referred to in the text. Each chapter has details of appropriate books and papers of reference. Hardback, 294 pp. Price £14 including postage and packing. To order please send cheque or postal order made payable to ‘‘AES Publications’’ at The Hawthorns, Frating Road, Great Bromley, COLCHESTER CO7 7JN. Tel 0206 251600. continued from back cover 190 Metoecus paradoxus (L.) (Coleoptera: Rhipiphoridae) in Cambridgeshire. I. F. G. MCLEAN 190 Solva marginata Meig. (Diptera: Xylomyiidae) adults observed at Brampton, Huntingdonshire. I. F. G. MCLEAN 190 Myopa testacea (L.) at an ultraviolet light and M. tessellatipennis Mots. (Diptera: Conopidae) 3m up. R. W. J. UFFEN 192 Erratum BOOK REVIEWS 137 Insect pest management 138 Cornwall’s butterfly and moth heritage 138 British red data books. 3: Invertebrates other than insects 141 A review of the scarce and threatened Coleoptera of Great Britain 153. A review of the scarce and threatened Hemiptera of Great Britain 154 Plant kairomones in insect ecology and control 157 Book notices EDITORIAL 191 House style 3. Parentheses please BRITISH JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY 129 159 168 176 135 139 143 155 167 ffs) 182 183 183 184 185 186 187 187 187 188 189 VOLUME 5, PART 4, OCTOBER 1992 PROCEEDINGS AND TRANSACTIONS The Society’s move from London to Dinton Pastures BENHS Indoor Meetings 28 January to 14 April 1992 Officers’ reports for 1991 BENHS Field Meetings ARTICLES Helius hispanicus Lackschewitz, 1928 (Diptera: Tipulidae) new to Britain. A. E. STUBBS Hydrobaenus cranstoni n. sp. (Diptera: Chironomidae) from north-west Spain. P. H. LANGTON AND F. COBO Two new species of Geomyza with notes on the combinata group (Diptera: Opomyzidae). C. M. DRAKE A breeding experiment with Maniola jurtina L. (meadow brown butterfly) ab. postmultifidus Lipscomb. R. D. G. BARRINGTON SHORT COMMUNICATIONS Ectobius lapponicus (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattidae) discovered in Gloucestershire. K. N. A. ALEXANDER The prevention of wobbly net syndrome. A. HALSTEAD Oliarus leporinus (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, with notes on its ecology. P. KIRBY Trigonocranus emmeae Fieber (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) in Northamptonshire. P. KIRBY The extinction of a population of Aphis mammulata Gimingham & Hille Ris Lambers (Hemiptera: Aphididae). I. F. G. MCLEAN Emergence and pairing of Rhyssa persuasoria L. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumo- nidae). B. R. BAKER Philanthus triangulum (F.) (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) new sites in Essex. P. R. HARVEY AND R. G. PAYNE Hylaeus cornutus Curtis (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) in South London. R. K. A.,.MorRIS Donacia obscura (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Wigtownshire. K. N. A. ALEXANDER Arhopalus rusticus (L.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) on Wimbledon Common. M. 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